i: "a. ,0* »*^r1 5 ' y"^ o > o* * * • ^ .<■ •5- 'o. . ' .0^ O > 'A' ■^^. 'V V .^'"-^. •J- ' o > ,*^ ^> •" O M O -^ .-^^ ;- -^ ^^^ ■^,. ,0^ ^- C* ^/ -r^ qN *bv^ ^-s- V \ "-^^..^ < o r "V. ^•^-(^ ^^<,'' "^v*^^^ ■A 0* o > ^^0^ >^ «v^', %/ :>^:' Vo^' =:«£%', %/ V <^ c ° " "* * *( ^-^^ ^>m>:. Vo^' ^^'^'^ %/ :^-., ^ %-o^' ='». ^^ov^^ /i^^:-- •& /■\ o -o. .• 0^ 'b *'T.«- .^ / HISTORY OF STEELE AND WA^ECi^ COUpTIES, MINNESOTA. An Album of History and Biography, EMBRACiNe Sketches op the Villages, Citles and Townships ; Educational, Civil, Military and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Citizens, and Biographies OF Old Settlers and Repkesentative Men. HISTORY OF MINNESOTA, Embr.acing an Account op Early ExpjiOpAjTipfjs, Org.anjzation, a Review of its Political History, Together with an. Account of. the, Inv-an, fkr-y^hB^K of 1862. ILLUSTRATED. CHICAGO : UJSriON PUBLISHING COMPANY, ' 1887. '01 1jI()(".kaphy is thk Only True Histoky." — Kniersuii. UU.VOHUK & HENNEUEKKY, Printers and Binders, Chicago. «<] PREFACE. I> R^-, 5 , c?, (fi^ }- . 2.; iN the compilation of this vohime it has been tlie aim of the publishers to prepare a local history, com- prising in a single volume of convenient form, a varied fund of information, not only of Interest to the present, but for preservation for coming generations, from which future searchers for historic data may draw without the tedium incurred in the preparation of this. We have gathered together a vast mass of historic facts, and interwoven them with individual sketches of those who have been identi- fied with the development of the various localities. That our work is wholly errorless, or that nothing of interest has been omitted, is more than we dare to hope, and more than is reasonable to expect, but we have spared neither pains nor expense in our efforts to have the work as near perfect as it is possible for such a work to be made. The manuscript of the historical portions was care- fully submitted to committees of prominent old settlers who were requested to make all changes or additions necessary for a complete and correct work. The certificates of these gentlemen will be found on pages IV and V. As to the biographical department, equal care was bestowed. The biographical sketches were carefully submitted to those whom they concerned and the parties were asked to revise and correct the statements and data. In closing our labors, we have the gratifying consciousness of having useii our utmost endeavors in securing reliable data, and feel no hesitancy in submitting the result to an intelligent public. The impartial critic, to whom only we look for comment, will, in passing judgment upon its merits, be governed by a knowledge of the manifold duties attending the prosecution of the undertaking. There is always more or less difficulty, even in a historical work, in selecting those things which will interest the greatest number of readers. Individual tastes differ so widely, that that which may be of absorbing interest to one. has no attractions for another. Some are interested only in that which concerns themselves, and do not care to read of even the most thrilling adventures in which they were not participants. Such persons are apt to con- clude that what they are not interested in is of no value and its preservation in history a useless expense. In the settlement of a new county, or a new township, no one person is entitled to all the credit for what has been accom- ■ plished, but every individual is a part of the great whole, and all are directly or indirectly connected with each step of progress. For this reason it is always a very difficult— if not an impossible— task to measure and express the exact meed of praise or commendation due to the individual, and we have, therefore, stated the facts, with "naught set down in malice or in praise." In conclusion, we desire to express our sincere thanks to county, township and village officials for their uniform kindness to us in our tedious labors ; and we must also express our indebtedness to the Press, the Pioneers and the Citizens generally, who have extended more than ordinary courtesy and assistance to our employes. That our efforts may prove satisfactory, and this volume receive a welcome commensurate with the care and labor bestowed upon its preparation, is the earnest desire of the compilers. UNION PUBLISHING COMPANY. Certificates from Old Settlers in Steele County. Following will be found copies of the certificates from the various committees of old settlers, who revised, corrected and approved the manuscript of the History of Steele County, viz: Revision of General Csuntt Chapters. We, the undersigned, members of the general committee selected to revise and correct the general chapters of the History of Steele County, compiled by the Union Publishing Company, do hereby certify that the manuscript was duly submitted to us, and further that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and addi- tions we deemed necessary; and, as corrected, we hereby approve of the same as being correct and complete to the best of our judgment and recollection. [Signed. Nathaniel Winship, Amos Coggswei.i., W. R. KiNTON, E. M. Morehouse, M. D., D. Lindersmith, Orlando Johnson, Oeneral Cmiimittee. Revision op City and Township Chapters. We, the undersigned, members of the various committees selected to revise and correct the history of [our respective city or] township, for the Union Publishing Company's History of Steele County, do hereby certify that the manuscript of [our respective city, village or] township history was duly submitted to us, and further that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and additions we deemed necessary; and, as cor- rected, we hereby approve of the same as being correct and complete to the best of our judgment and recollection. [Signed.] A. Wilson, Paul Williams, Lewmon G. Reed, Merton TmDiuMp. A. W. Adams, W. W. Arnold, John Virtue, Clinton Falls Township. John O. Wcamett, John H. Wilker, MeritUn Tmenship. William Ellis, John Adair, Havanmi Township. S. M. Kinney, Lemond Township. Philo Sawyer, T. K. Brown, Berlin Township. J. W. Smith, Wm. Coolby, Summit Township. Charles Adsit, John Bixby, Aurora Township. W. W. WiLKINS, G. O. Hankerson, S. M. Freem.\n, Medford Tawnship. James F. Brady, Christian Reineke, Deerfleld Township. Alson Selleck, G. W. Morfokd, Owatonna Township. W. R. Kin YON, A. N. Stoughton, N. Winship, Mrs. E. p. Winship, Owatonnii City. Jesse Healey, Dexter Smith, Levi Bailey, So7nerset TownsJiip. Thomas Peeney, Charles E. Hancock, Blooming Prairie. CERTIFICATES FROM OLD SETTLERS IN WASECA COUNTY. In this connection we publish the certificates from the various committees of old settlers who revised, cor- rected and approved the manuscript of the History of Waseca County, viz: Kevision op General County Chapters. We, the undersigned, members of the general committee selected to revise and correct the general chapters of the History of Waseca County, compiled by the Union Publishing Company, do hereby certify that the manuscript was duly submitted to us, and further that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and addi- tions we deemed necessary; and, as corrected, we hereby approve of the same as being correct and complete to the best of our judgment and recollection. [Signed.] H. P. Norton, James E. Child, g. r. buckman, H. K. Stearns, Oenerai Committee. Revision of City and Township Chapters. We, the undersigned, members of the various committees selected to revise and correct the history of [our respective city or] township for the History of Waseca County compiled by the Union Publishing Company, do hereby certify that the manuscript of [our respective city or] township was duly submitted to us, and further that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and additions we deemed necessary ; and, as corrected, we hereby approve of the same as being complete and correct to the best of our recollection and Judgment. [Signed.] William H. H. Jackson, Christian Remund, Blooming Grove Township. H. P. Chamberlain, David Wood, Iosco Township. M. McGONAGLE, D. A. Erwin, St. Mary Township. M. H. Lamb, William Burke, Alton Tow7iship. F. D. Seaman, George Hopeld, Freedom Tow nsh ip . H. K. Stearns, A. J. Newgard, Christoph Wagner, C. A. Wagner, M. Murphy, H. H. Corson, JVew Richland Village. Ira C. Trowbridge, P. C. Bailey, Waseca, City. E. G. Wood, O. Powell, Woodmlle Township. William Brisbane, M. F. Connor, Wilton Township. Omer H. Sutlipf, Byron Township. Anthony Sampson, E. E. Verplank, Neto Richland Township. J. B. Hill, William H. H.\rmon, Vivian Township. J. W. HOSMER, W. G. Allyn, James Cummins, Jantsville. E. B. Stearns, J. S. Abell, Otisco Totcnship. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STEELE COUNTY. CHAPTER I. PA«E Introductory 17 CHAPTER 11. Location, TopoouApnY and GEoLcxiV 19 Location 19 Topography 19 Geology 19 CHAPTER in. Early Days 31 Early Settlement 21 First Events 22 Disadvantages 22 Stage and Mail Routes 23 CHAPTER IV. Organization, County Lines, County Name 25 CHAPTER V. County Government 29 Board of Commissioners 29 Board of Supervisors 31 Commissioners again 32 From 1855 to 1887 35 CHAPTER VI. Creation of Townships 36 CHAPTER VII. Various Ofkicial Matters 39 First Instruments Recorded 39 Increase of Population 39 Values in 1861 40 Values from 1861 to 1886 40 Present Values 40 Crop Statistics 41 Educat ional Matters 41 Early Marriage Licenses 41 CHAPTER VIII. National and State Representation 43 Congressional 43 Legislative 47 CHAPTER IX. County Officials 55 Register of Deeds 55 County Treasurer 57 County Auditor 58 Sheriff 59 Superintendent 61 Judge of Probate 61 Clerk of Court 62 County Attorney 63 Surveyor 63 Coroner 65 Court Commissioner 65 CHAPTER X. Politicai Abstract of Vote 1855-87. 66 66 CHAPTER XI. Courts .\nd Cases 80 Interesting Trials 80 District Judges 93 Bar of Steele County 93 CHAPTER XII. The Press 103 Watchman and Register 105 Medford Valley Argus 105 Oveatonna Journal 105 News Letter 106 Owatonna Representative 106 Owatonna Register 106 Owatonna Democrat 106 Vidette 106 Owatonna Plaindealer 106 Republican Journal 106 Owatonna Jovirnal 106 Journal and Herald 108 People's Press 109 Our Pastime HI Weekly Review 112 Morning Star 112 Daily Herald 112 Steele County Herald 112 Other Publications 112 CHAPTER XIII. Railroads 113 Railway Agitation 113 Railway Building 114 CHAPTER XIV. The War 116 Its Causes 116 Steele County in the War 120 List of Soldiers 124 CHAPTER XV. Reminiscences 127 By A. B. Cornell 127 By G. W. Green 130 Polities in 1857 135 County Matters in 1860 136 Crops 138 Whiskey in the Gutter 138 Vigilance Committee 138 From Article in 1874 138 Stage Business 142 The Abbotts 142 By Rev. Wm. Thomson i 143 By C. B. Pettie 399 CHAPTER XVI. Historical Events 148 Chronology 148 CHAPTER XVII. The City ok Owatonna 177 Location ^'^^ The Beginning 178 Business men in 1868 182 TABLK i)F CONTENTS OF STEELE COUNTY. Business Development 183 Banking 186 Manufacturing 189 Packing Company 195 Hotels 195 Present Business 201 City Government 302 Fire Department 208 Schools 210 Postofflce 210 Free and Accepted Masons 210 Independent Order of Odd Fellows 217 Grand Army of tlie Republic 323 Other Organizations 335 Religious Matters 337 First Events 340 Business Men and Retired Citizens 340 CHAPTER XVni. PiLLSBURY Academy 268 State Public School 274 CHAPTER XIX. Meuton Township 280 CHAPTER XX. Medford Township 293 Medford Village 303 CHAPTER XXI. Clinton Falls Township 310 Clinton Falls Village 311 CHAPTER XXII. Debrfield Township 321 CHAPTER XXIII. Meriden Township 337 CHAPTER XXIV. Owatonna Township 334 CHAPTER XXV. Havanna Township 343 CHAPTER XXVI. Aurora Township 349 CHAPTER XXVII. SOiMEKSET Township 358 CHAPTER XXVIII. Le.mond Township 369 CHAPTER XXIX. Berlin Township 379 CHAPTER XXX. Summit Township 385 CHAPTER XXXI. Blooming Prairie Township 390 Blooming Prairie Village 401 \ y BIOGRAPHICAL. PAGE Abbott, A. J 316 Abbott, Ezra 142 Abbott, J. H 143 Abernethy, 359 Adair, John 344 Adsit. Charles 350 Adair, Dr. .1. H 301 Adams, D. C 361 Adams, A. "W 313 Ahrens, Fred 347 Albertu.s, G. F 343 Albro, F. D 198 Alexander, M. S 253 Allen, William 393 Andrews, Thomas 338 Andrews, Robert 339 Anderson, Andrew 346 Annett, Thomas 375 Armstrone, A 48 Arnold, W. W 314 Austin, J. S 261 Baily, John 308 Bailey, Levi 360 Backus, J. D 339 Backus, J. C 359 Barncard, J. Z 253 Barney, John 307 Bauter, F. JI 353 Bartsch, John 198 Beaumont, R 340 Bennett, Dr. L. L 188 Belina, Anton 264 PAGE Belina, Joseph 341 Bixby, L 64 Bixby, John 350 Bixby, J. S 350 Bion, L 192 Bigelow, Dr. E. E 200 Birkett, Henry 343 Bissell, W. P 306 Bingham, H. D 381 Bliss, Philo 363 Blythe, John 390 Blythe, Eliza J 390 Boll, Fridolin 353 Bower, Charles 355 Boynton, D 300 Bosshard, G 331 Brooks, E. W 191 Brown, Rev. J. N 336 Brennan, P 261 Bry.son, Andrew 261 Brady, J. .F 333 Bragg, A. S 370 Bray, Thomas 393 Bray, Agnes 393 Bryant, E. C 376 Brown, C. V 380 Brown, Thom.as 380 Buffum, Hon. G. W 53 Burke. J. C 59 Burlingame, Hon. J. M 96 Burdick, 0. W 191 Buxton, J. E 250 Burdick. W. H 254 page Busho, Julius 324 Bucklin, J. K 325 Burch, Maj. J. W 363 Cansdell, J. A ,58 Caward, G. W 353 Carlton, Dexter 385 Carter, George 315 Carter, John T 315 Ca.ssidy, H. J 353 Chadwick, M. B 100 Chesley, G. W 346 Chapin, R. H Chapin, B. P 348 Cheeseraan, Richard 318 Cheeseman, Heurv 318 Christenson, H. N 347 Chambers. John 357 Chambers, G. L 345 Chambers, Theo 383 Cheeney, N 379 Clark, George 2.52 Clark. A. B 394 Colquhoun, Hon. A. . 394 Coolev. William .385 Cotter, J. A 63 Cotter, James 346 Cottier, John 251 Coggswell, Hon. Amos 96 Conner, J. W 243 Cook, Hon. B. S 245 Cory, J. S 300 Coggins, Ed 387 TABLE OF CONTENTS f)F STEELE COUNTY. PAGE Colling, W. K 294 Crocker, J. B 51 Crocker, E. B 51 Crawhuck Bros 356 Crandall, Hon. C. S 240 Curtis, G. H 353 Davis, Hon. P. B 51 Davidson, William 246 Dalley, M. A 94 Danforth, G. W 55 Darby, Benj. E Ill Darmody, Edward 386 Deutschmann, Frederick 251 Deininger, R 256 Degner, G. W 340 Degner, P. E 364 Deeg, John 195 Dies, A 396 Donaldson, Hon. N. M 93 Drebert, P. T 108 Drum. W. P 62 Dunnell, Hon. M. IT 44 Dunton, H. A 396 Dunton, John 396 Dutton, N. L 397 Dugan, James 397 Dugan, Michael 408 Dynes, W. A 253 Easton, Hon. E 51 Eastman, D. T 298 Eastman, 317 Edson, O. E 189 Eggleston, W. A 285 Eisert, Rudolph 323 Elton, Ole 198 Ellis, William 344 Ellis, W. J 344 Ellis, W. R 382 Ellickson, E. A 377 Engbard, Conrad 345 Engel, W. G 198 Erdmann, Andrew 346 Erdman, Mrs. Anna 346 Pallon, Patrick 396 PalloD, Michael 396 Pedder, Thee 267 Pehmer, William 324 Feeney, Thomas 404 Pinch, Dr. W.W 57 Pinch, J. M 315 Pinch, Hon. H. A 381 Finch, Cyrus 316L Finch, Pyler D 316 1 Forsythe, G. L 251 Fredenburg, Hon. M. A 259 Francis, W. P 305 Freeman, S. M 306 Freeman, C 308 Frazer, T. H 342 Gabriel, George 352 yfQanser, P. 192 ■^"Gausewitz, Wm 252 Gault, Alex 308 Gallea, William 317 Gardner, C. W 379 Gillman, H. C 399 Gillman, S 306 Gibson, William 299 Gillett, J. W 356 Glaeser, Jacob 264 Gordon, Joseph 379 PAGE Gould, L. B 372 Goolsby, William 386 Greely , Orrin 191 Green, Hon. G. W 93 Greene, S. S 254 Griffin, T. H 317 Grandprey, Joseph 329 Grunz, August 332 Gross, Gilbert 361 Gross, Cscar 361 Graif, John J 363 Gutterson, A. C 188 Guthrie, M 403 Hazen. Hon. L 62 Harwood, A. A 95 Hadley, C. W 100 Hastings, Hon. II. M 189 Harrington, Dr. J. L 201 Hatch, Dr. T. L 200 Hanson, N. W 251 Hansen, A. M 291 Hammel, J. N 254 Hankerson, G. 297 Hayes, William 298 Hamilton, John 300 Hartle, Henry 347 Harris, Jacob J 362 Halm, Elias 365 Hastings, G. W 372 Hayes, Scott 387 Hancock, C. E 395 Heath, Isaac 298 llealey, Jesse 360 Hemingway, A 387 Hickman, Hon. A. C 99 Hill, W. H 356 Howe, Hon. T.J 191 Holmes, H. A 192 Holden, J. D 255 Holden, G. D 255 Hosfield, G. B 303 Hodg.son, H 334 Hoffman, August 325 House, Lysander 327 House, David 328 Hobbins, W. P 330 Hunkins, D. C 351 Hunter, George 38'1 Ingerson, A 64 Ingersoll, A, D 101 lugraham. Prof. J. I- 373 Inman, L. L 348 lunker, William 342 Jensen, George 403 Johnson. Hon. H. H 100 .Johnson, R. H 100 Johnson, Orlando 305 .Tohnson , Smith 305 Johnson, Agrim 344 Johnson, Christian 354 Johnson, Nels 397 Johnson, Dr. J. P 407 .Tones,A. R 339 .Jones, O. M 345 .Jones, W. M 345 Jones. Isaac 346 Katz, A. J 3.-)0 Ivaplan, J. W 339 Kaplan, Joseph 339 Kabage. Julius 364 Kelley, J. N 63 PAGE Kenyon, Dr. Thomas 363 Kenyon, T. E 386 Keenan, M. J 408 Kinney, S. M 370 Kinyon, Hon. W. R 187 Kinyon. C. J 187 Kinyon, G. R 187 Kinyon. G. W 341 King, Corydon 351 Klein, Rev. P. W 339 Knobloch, Adolph 241 Knickerbocker, W. R 366 Knowlton, C. R 370 Knudson, Nels 375 Kruckerberg, Fred 351 Kubat, Joseph 267 Kubat Samuel 340 Ku jawa. Thomas 331 Kuckenbecker, Edward 367 Lane, John 385 Lane, Dexter 388 Lane. Capt. L. H 289 Laughlin, J. H 290 Lamson, H 323 Lamson, Henry H 333 Langerher, Henry 344 Larson, Villars. .'. 367 Larson. Lars 375 Lewis, H. J .56 Lee, Orrin 308 Lenuon, J. G 403 Lieb, W. C 353 Lilly, Mrs. Margretta 322 Lindersmith, David 314 Lindersmith, Orlando 315 Luce, H. F 255 Lynch, P 289 Mallinger, Peter 262 Martin, W. E 386 Maw. Henry 387 Maw, Henry, Jr 388 Markson, Hans 347 Mayo, Asaph 405 McLaughlin, Hon. C. N 190 McAndrews, M. A 198 McDonald, R. A 385 McDonald. Alex 299 McKinlay, D. A 300 McVicker, C. W 332 McCrady. Peter 353 McNitt, Sylvester - . 257 McDaniels, J. H 395 McDaniels, Frank 395 McLoud. Jonas G 353 Melvin, B. F 57 Meek, Bazil 61 Medd, Dr. T. R 254 Merrill, Prof. G. A 279 Merrill, G. L 291 Mitchell, A. M 64 Mitchell, George 263 Miner, W. H 299 Morehouse, Dr. E. JI 199 Morford, G. W 339 Morford. J. W 57 Morris, Walter 56 Moore, Z. B 58 Moore, H. R.,.Jr 242 Mork, William 251 Moon, G. C 307 Morley, J, R 342 Morton, Thomas 407 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STEELE COUNTY. PAGE Morton, Edwaril 404 Montgomery, W. H 263 Murray, Hon. Hugh 60 Mussman, Fred 344 Murphy, Oscar 371 / Muller Henry 376 •-• Murray, Rev. D. L 406 Naylor, Edward 381 Newsalt, Jacob 250 Nelson, Fred 398 Northup, B. M 392 Nordeen, P. J 95 Ogle. Rev. .J. C 231 Olson, Peter 376 Olson, Hans 376 Olson, Ole 383 Olson, Anton 404 Oppliger, J. A 241 Ost, Fred 365 Oulton, George 63 Park, J. W 55 Patterson, S. H 60 Parrott, George 341 Peterson, Soren 58 Peterson, Christian 353 Peterson, Lars 353 Peterson, Peter (Owatonna). . . . 364 Peterson, C. (Somerset) 365 Peterson, Peter 398 Pettie, C. B 344 Pettie, Hon. G. C 353 Peachey, G. W 198 Pettit, W. F ,59 Piper, E. W 345 Piper, D. S 307 Pichner, John 339 Pitcher, Hiram 379 Pollock, O. W 63 Pratt, Hon. M. B 308 Pratt, William A 363 Purfeest, Herman 386 Quiggle, M. S 350 Radke, Carl 331 Reed, Levrmon G 381 Reineke, Chri.sl ian 333 Reynolds. R. II 380 Reineke, Conrad 331 Reiter. Lewis 331 Richter, E. W 100 Ribstein, F 290 Ring, Samuel 398 Ring, Eugene 398 Ring, Joseph 398 Ribibe, Henry 376 Rossbach. Dr. G. .\ 300 Roberts, Dr. D. H 300 Rosebrock, Hon. H. H 351 Rosskopf , Fred 256 PAGE Rosenau, Herman 330 Ross, Amos 372 Rulliffson, H. W 51 Ryan M 364 Ryan, John 387 Sanborn, David 57 Sanborn, John 293 Sawyer, D. P 388 Sawyer, J. A 100 Sawyer, W. F 101 Sawyer, Philo 380 Sander, H. P. G 363 Sanders, E. B 341 Sannemann, William 367 Sahler, W. J 343 Schuman. F. G 191 Schoen, Charles 195 Schafer, Hon. N. J 195 Scholljegerdes, John 377 Searl, Dr. A. C 354 Seely, N. G 333 Selleck, Alson 336 Sette,Fred 365 Sheldon, C. E 190 Sheldon, T. R 383 Shaw, G. W 354 Shea, John 349 Shea, William 379 Simpson, Adam 190 Sloan, Hon. J. M 53 Sloan, George E 56 Smith, S. B'. 55 Smith, C, P 356 Smith, Edward 388 Smith. J. B 381 Smith, William 377 Smith, Dexter 361 Smith, J. W (Summit) 386 Smith, James W 397 Smith, A. P 398 Smith, T. C 398 Soper, J. A 108 Solnce, Rev. J. M 338 Soukup. J. H 343 Sperry, W. A 99 Sperry, D. W 246 Spinney. Rev. W. A 234 Stockwell. Thomas 383 Stendel, Hcnrv 333 Stange, Fred 366 Storer, Gardner 367 Stevens. lion. F. J 47 Stoughton, A. N 59 Strong, G. W 392 Synskov, P. J 348 Taylor, E. P 286 Tennis, A. C 387v, Thompson, Thos 58 Thomson, Rev. William 143 Thomp.son, Andrew 345 Thom, Francis 340 Thorn, R. C 340 Thomas, Rev. O. A 311 Thon, John 241 Thon, J. P 241 Thorn, James 95 Theimer, Emil 264 Thamert, F. L 348 Thim.sen, P. P 396 Titus, Anson 341 Town, A 263 Travis, J. N 360 Trowe, F. J 380 Tryon, (; 197 Trotman, William 408 Tuttle, P. J 291 Turk, John L 364 Twiford, Dr. W. H 48 Twiford, E. M 246 Tyler, Ezra 56 Virtue, John 316 Von Ruden, Joseph 346 Warner, C. F 343 ' Washburn, Rev. R 363 Wagner, William 346 Warren, Stewart 300 Wardwell, H. E 357 Wacker. Henry 347 Webb. Merritt 399 White, Hon. Milo 46 AVheaton, Willard 60 Wheelock, Hon. L. L 98 Whitman, M. D 366 Willsey, W. H 189 Winship, N 197 Win.ship, J. E 357 Wilson, A 383 Wilson, Charles 282 Wilson, W. H 288 Williams, Thomas 290 Wilkins, Hon. W. W 297 Wilker, John H 328 Williams, Hon. S. B 341 Wiggins, W. A 341 Widrick, John 346 Wiudoni, Hon. Wni 43 Wilkinson, Hon. M. S 43 Wilson, Hon. Thomas 46 Williamson, S. C 60 Woodman, L. C 258 Wright, A. L 304 Wuamett, John 328 Yarchow, H. C 362 Yearly, S. M 95 Young, Julius 343 Young, John 287 Yust, Christian 325 Zamboni, C 255 Zwiener, H. L 407 Zwiener, A. J 397 PORTRAITS, PAdE Birkett, Hon. Iknrv 175 Blythe. John .' 391 Bray. Thomas 409 Buffum, Hon. George W 67 Burlingame, Hon. J. .M 85 Busho, Julius 319 Chesley, G. W 193 Dunnell, Hon. M. II 49 Ganser, P 365 Harris, Jacob J 355 Kinyon, Hon. W. R 157 PMiB Morehouse, Hon. E. M 139 Ogle, Rev. J. C 329 Thom, Francis 337 Wheelock, Hon. L. L 131 Wilkins, Hon. W. W 301 Woodman, L. C 211 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF WASECA COUNTY CHAPTER I. PAGE Introduction 415 CHAPTER n. Geoguaphy, Topography and Geolooy 417 Location 417 Topography 417 Geology 418 Resources 419 CHAPTER III. Early Settlement 430 Claim Jumping 426 Hard Times 439 Historical Items 430 Origin of County's Name 431 CHAPTER IV. Reminiscenses and Incidents 433 By James E. Child 432 By William Brisbane 435 Thrashing bv Moonlight 437 Bloody Tragedy. 437 First Sad Misfortune 438 Great Snow Storm 439 CHAPTER V. County Government 441 Commissioners' Proceedings 441 CHAPTER VI. Political 450 Official Vote 453 CHAPTER VII. Other Opficial Matters 467 Population 467 Subdivisions of the County 467 Town Plats 467 Matrimonial 468 Registry of Deeds 470 Auditor's Report 470 Treasurer's Report 470 CHAPTER VIII. State and County Representation 471 Congressional 471 Legislative 471 County Auditor 483 Register of Deeds 484 County Treasurer 486 Clerk of Court 488 Sheriff 489 Judge of Probate 489 County Attorney 491 County Surveyor , 491 CHAPTER IX. County Seat Contests and County Buildings.. 493 CHAPTER X. JoURNALIS.M 496 Home Views 496 Waseca Home Views 496 Waseca Courier 496 Wilton Weekly News 496 Waseca News 497 Minnesota Radical 497 Waseca Radical 498 Wilton Courant 498 Lantern 501 Independent 501 page Record 501 Janesville Argus 501 Waseca Leader 503 Waseca Herald 503 Chronicle 504 Town Talk 504 New Richland Review 504 North Star 505 New Year 505 CHAPTER XI. Bench and Bar 506 Important Trials 506 District Courts 507 Attorneys 508 CHAPTER XII. Educ.\tional 512 County Superintendents 513 The Development 514 CHAPTER XIII. Agriculture and Agricultural Societies 515 Anti-Horsethief Association ' 520 CHAPTER XIV. Waseca County in the War .533 Roster 522 CHAPTER XV. The Indian Massacre .525 CHAPTER XVI. Wilton Township 543 Wilton Village 550 CHAPTER XVII. St. Mary Township ."tSS St. Mary Village 562 CHAPTER XVIII. Iosco Township 564 Empire Village 575 CHAPTER XIX. Blooming Grove Township 577 CHAPTER XX. Otisco Township 592 Villages 599 CHAPTER XXI. Janesville Township 605 Janesville Village 616 CHAPTER XXII. Woodville Township 634 CHAPTER XXIII. New Richland Township 634 New Richland Vill.\ge 046 CHAPTER XXIV. Vivian Township 658 CHAPTER XXV. Byron Township 666 CHAPTER XXVI. Alton Township 673 Alma City 6^3 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF WASEOA COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVII. Freedom Township PAGE 689 CHAPTER XXVIII. CiTv OF Waseca 701 The Beginning 701 Earl}' Business 702 Business Development 703 Physicians 709 Hotels 710 PAGE Banlss 713 Postofiice 713 Other Business Interests and Business Men .... 714 Flouring Mill 719 Municipal 725 Schools 72.") Religious 121}' Fire Department 729 Societies 730 Maplewood Parli 733 BIOGRAPHICAL. I'.VGE Abell, Hon. John S 477 Abbott, W. D .511 Allen, H. B .i48 Allyn, W. G 606 Anderson, Ole .595 Anderson, John .596 Anderson, Albert .597 Anderson, Nels J 638 Anderson, Olave 641 Andrews, J. D .597 Armstrong, W. D 718 Arentsen, George L 705 Atwood, E. M .549 Aughenbaugh, Jolin W 730 Ayers, Richard 667 Barrett, Luther 423 Bailey, Hon. Philo C 476 Bailv, John .555 Baker, W. S 486 Ballard, Daniel T 558 Ballard, Isaac 559 Ballard, Henry S 573 Bathke, Au£;ust 573 Bahr, John^L 588 Bauman, C 603 Baldwin, Herman 664 Baldwin, Milo 686 Bell, A 433 Behne. Henry 587 Beisner, Louis 591 Benson, John 636 Berg, Andrew N 637 Beyer, Charles 664 Beavins, William 667 Beavins, David 667 Bennett, Edward 733 Beierwaltcr, John 734 Bird, Abraham 433 Bird, Josepli 433 Blivens, J. M "434 Bommengen, Ole 640 Bokke, Ole S 6.51 Bowe, Patrick A 707 Bronson, O. H 505 Brisbane, Hon. William 473 Bradish, John 508 Britton, R. L. 11 618 Brossard, Francis 585 Breilein, Andrew 638 Bromaghin, Franklin 693 Brubaker, Jacob 733 Brubaker, George E 733 Breen, Nicholas J 707 PACE Buckman, George R 487 Burnett, William 614 Buker, Henry 633 Bumgerten, Peter 671 Burke, William 677 Bush, A. G 708 Burns, P 547 Canfield, J. A 489 Carmody, John 510 Cahill, Thomas 610 Carlton, E. K 637 Casey, M 674 Campion, CM 674 Chandler, Hon. J. 477 Child, Simeon P 423 Child, Hon. James E 503 Chamberlain, H. P 565 Chase, Luther 689 Chase, Henry 618 Christenson, Nels 635 Christiansen, J. E 637 Christianson. S. E 655 Christie, Rev. A 728 Clark, H. A 674 Claghorn, J. L 731 Collester, M. D. L 510 Collester, E. B 511 Conner, jM. F 546 Conner, E. R 578 Coddington, David 567 Cor.sou, H. H 653 Concanon, Lawrence W 671 Converse, Ilcurv 694 Comstock, Abncr E 699 Comee, George W 717 Connelly. Thomas 706 Collins. Maurice S 711 Craig. Dr. R. 479 Crawford, J. W 484 Crawford, W. H 610 Cronkhitc, Edgar 483 Cunningham, John 606 Cunningham. Charles 696 Curran, John 631 Curvan, James 631 Cummins, James 618 Cummings, Harvey 670 Dahle, Jens T 586 Davis, Jeremy 666 Davis, Daniel C 666 Davis, John 693 Davis, Mrs. Maria 693 Davidson, Joseph 619 PAGE Davidson, W 690 Day, W. W 618 Devereaux, M. L ... 674 De Graff, Col. Andrew 678 De Graff, Charles A 681 Dedrick, Charles 695 Dinneen, John 671 Dodge, Hon. D. J 478 Doran, John 548 Dunn, George T 549 Dunn, J. T 600 Dunn, James M 629 Dunn, Andrew L 631 Dun woody , E. E 653 Dunham, George W 676 Dwyer, Mrs. Honora 664 Dye, J. B 513 Enos, P. Brink 509 Enright, P. M 631 Ericksen, Knut 581 Erwin, D. A 560 Everett, William 719 Farrington, S. A 547 FarleyT Patrick 560 Farrell, Peter .567 Farrell, Patrick 638 Faught, G. W 614 Field, Frank 685 Field, John 691 Fiske, E. W 705 Flvnn, Thomas 703 Franklin S. W 636 Garland, Nathaniel 489 Gallagher, Michael 561 Gage, Lorin A 632 Gates, Emerson 676 Gates, Warren 684 Gatzman, .loseph 706 Gerlicher, H. J 714 Geraghty, Roger 561 Geary, John E 696 Gove, Dr. M. S 551 Gorman, Anthony .556 Gorman. Charles 560 Gosper, E.H 618 Gordon. J. M 620 Grant, W. L 711 Gray, William M 578 Gray, William H 630 Gregory, Bernard 423 Grams, Gottlieb 611 Green, William M 628 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF WASECA COUNTY. PAGE Graham, John L 691 Graham, Arthur 691 Graham, Clarence E 498 Grapp, A 703 Gustafson, Charles 604 Gutfleisch, Charles 617 Guyer Anthony 708 Hayden, James B 488 Hammel, Terence 676 Hanes, Aaron 565 Hand, James 580 Hackett, Mrs. Margaret 581 Hackett, John 581 Hanson, Knud 598 Hanson, Otto 601 Hanson, H. J 636 Hansen, C 724 Hagen, Ole 635 Hagen. Knudt 640 Hawkes, Samuel 707 Harmon, W. H 659 Hanks, Rodnev 663 Healey, Hugh' 568 Henry, John A 501 Henderson, Andrew J 660 Helms, M. H 718 Hill, J. B 658 Hills, Elijah 673 Howell, Jonathan 433 Hogan, J 435 Hogan, Andrew 683 Holstein, Alfred 605 Hodgkins. Samuel 699 Hosmer, J. W . . 609 Hover, C 613 Hover. William 632 Holt, P. A 651 Hope, Garret 668 Hopkins, M. S 678 Hopkins, H. M 678 Hofeld, George 684 Hunt, J. F 637 Hunt. Dr. M. V 709 Hutchinson, Dr. A. 31 710 Hydorn, Sanford 693 Ide, John C 483 Irwin, James 601 Jackson, Thomas B 583 Jackson. W. H. H .583 Jacobs, Nicholas 718 Jamison. A. P 713 Jahn, Rev. J. C ,587 Jenkins, John 433 Jenkins, David 433 Jewison, William 614 Jennison. A. W 619 Johnson, Michael 423 Johnson. Alexander ,509 Johnson, George 563 Johnson, Carl (Blooming Grove) 583 Johnson, Moses ,596 John-son, Gustaf 601 Johnson. Nels 648 Johnson, Charles B 650 Johnson, Ole 660 Johnson, Carl (Vivian) 060 Jolmson, Elling 705 Johnson, John W 706 Johnston. C. W 557 Johnston, Mrs. Jane C 557 Jordan, John 556 PAGE Jones, James E 573 Kanne, Fred. F 566 Kaiser, August 574 Keeley, M. B 489 Kenehan, Patrick .545 Kennedy, Thomas 633 Kittredge, Fred 704 Kittredge, W. T 509 Kinder. W. R 510 Knutsen. Gullick .581 Knutson, Ole 424 Knudson, Ole C 635 Knauss, C. W 588 Krassin, Gottlieb, Sr 423 Krassin, Martin 423 Krassin, John F 423 Krassin, Johan G 555 Krassin, August C 489 Kruger, August F 486 Kruger, Julius A. R 642 Koester. Christian .570 Koffstad, N. C 635 Kugath, William 601 Kyes, Lucius 637 Lamb, Hon. Morris H 475 Lamb, Morris 673 La Dow. George 509 Larson, Johnny 602 Larsen, M. A 649 Lajord, Thomas 639 Laudert, Martin 655 Lauder. William 655 Lewis, B. S ,510 Lee, William ,565 Leslie, Samuel 600 Leavitt, N. J 630 Lewer, Henry F 633 Lincoln, Noah ,545 Lincoln, Charles F 546 Long, Seth W 489 Loveland. H. S 557 Lockwood, Charles 675 Lundquist. Fred 603 Lund, Torkel 640 Lyng, Isaiic 667 Mackey, Jeremiah 699 Mantie, Joseph 556 Martin, Floyd 613 Mandigo, Daniel N 700 Markham, Patrick 677 McDougal, Hugh .593 McDougal, Robert .593 McKune, Capt. Lewis 472 McKune, Fred 579 McGovern, Hon. Peter 475 McKenna. Charles 488 Mo Gonagle, Jlichael. 556 McCarthy, Dennis 562 McWade, John 570 McGrath, Christie 667 McLoughlin, T. F 702 McLoughlin, Dennis 713 Mcintosh. Dr 710 :Mellby, Rev. O. A 640 Mertens, Christopher 687 Mittelsteadt, William 559 Min.ske, John 566 Minges, Hon. .Tosepli 475 Miller, Martin ■ 568 Minor, Samuel A 569 Miner, F. H 617 PAGE Mosher, H. A 486 Moen, Iver A 687 Mosher, Weston 585 Murphy, John Fiskc 503 Murphy, William .546 Murphy. James C 619 Murphy, Patrick J 619 Murphy, Alichael 648 Milller, Martin 568 Mueller, Rev. A 696 "Idycue, Aiken 663 Nelson, R 549 Nelson, Andrew 583 Nelson, John ,597 Nelson, N. M 641 Nettleton, E. F 683 Newgard, A. J 646 Newman. Mary . . 574 Nordmier. Ernest 591 Norton, H. P 485 Norton, C. 546 Obriue, Peter 673 O'Grady, A. J 511 Oien John 694 Oien, OleO 699 Oleson. Burgiff ,593 O'Neil. Rev. P. J 631 Osgood, Luke B 434 Orcutt, William 687 Paulson, Hans 559 Papke, Julius 561 Parvin, Benaiah 669 Partridge. Zalmon JI 670 Parker, Chancey 724 Peck, Henry. . ." 567 Peterson, John .596 Peterson, Mrs. Louisa 603 Peterson, John P 603 Peter.son, Lars 604 Peter.son. John 638 Phelps. S. 8 557 Philbrook, William 667 Philbrook, Mrs. Sarah 667 Pierce, M. R 717 Pierce, D 734 Pierce, Jacob W 667 Plath, JIartin 569 Plummer, Moses 598 Powell. Obediah 624 Prechel. Gottlieb 433 Prechel.Pred 433 Priebe, August 557 Preston, S. H 704 Purcell, Philip 569 Quirk, James .510 Qverne, Paul 638 Reibeling, George H., Sr 557 Reed. .lohn .566 Remund, Christian 577 Remund, Samuel 579 Remund, Albert .580 Reinhardt, William .583 Reinhardt, .Justus .583 Rekkc, O. K 639 Rotegard, Cari 642 Remington, C. W 685 Remington, Dr. C. 1 686 Reichei. Robert 710 Rice, E. A 484 Rice, J. S 486 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF WASECA COUNTT. PAGE Root, James A 548 Roddle, William 549 Robbins, H. 600 Robbins, Asa 601 Rollins, Samuel S 693 Ryan, Hon. Michael W 483 Sawin, Hon. O. U 703 San Galli, Charles 485 Sampson, Hon. Anthony 476 SaufEerer, Hon. John L 474 Savage, Thomas 613 Scoville, Harry 691 Scott, Christopher 423 Schwenke, Henrj' 641 Schlosser, B. H 654 Schuette, Julius 586 Seaman, Fletcher D 689 Seymour, Patrick 678 Sheldon, Myron S 56S Shephard, S. P 613 Singenstrue, Henry .... : 587 Slattery, James 574 Smith, Simeon 434 Smith, Alfred C 627 Smith, Hon. Warren 473 Smith, J. B 733 Spoonburg, John 603 Spoonburg, Mrs. Christine 602 Sparks, D. B 655 Stewart, J.I 486 Strong, N. E 488 Stearns, E. B 594 Stearns, H. K 647 . Steinhaus, Edward 654 \,' Sutter, Christian 588 PAGE Sutlief, Asa G 430 Sutlief , Byron G 543 Sutliff, Omer H 668 Sunde, Paul 650 Swift, H. S 702 Swift, Kyes ,580 Swift, P. H 509 Swann, J. R 649 Swensou, S 484 Sybilrud, E. C 641 Talmadge, W 612 Thompson, William 683 Tolin, John A 603 Toner, Richard 567 Trowbridge, Ira C 731 Turnacliff, Jackson 546 Turnacliff, Ferdinand .547 Vaughan, James A 683 Verplank. E. E 639 Vickere, Isaac 633 Ward, Hon. W. G ". .. 480 Walter, Ludwig 570 Warner, Joseph 613 Watkins, Henry 627 Watkins, George W 732 Wager, William 673 Wagner, Hon. Christoph 478 Welch, Buel .551 Wendland, August 574 Weed, Edwin S 597 Weed, C. S 667 Weed, Jesse R 669 Weed, Benjamin F 654 PAGE West, Ichabod 659 Wentworth, W. C 711 White, Hon. J. C 476 Wliite, George T 487 Whipple, D. L 489 Wheeler, Whitney 563 Wheeler, John A 660 Williams, Hon. S. B 477 Willis, S. J 488 Willis, Spencer J 567 Willis, A 613 Willis, Edward 612 Wightman, J. H 637 Wilson, Mrs. Calistii J 669 Wilkins, John J 691 Witts, Nelson 692 Wilkinson, John 693 Woodbury, A. J 551 Worden, John .556 Wood, David 564 Wood, Roger B 599 Wood, Eri G 637 Wood, Luman S 638 Wood, George H 631 Wolf, E. J 586 Wubschall, Fred 423 Wyman, S. P 723 Young, Hon. William C 490 Young, W. E 510 Young, Joseph D 639 Young, D. P 685 Young, Dr. H. J 709 Youngberg, John 603 Zell, Fred 604 PORTRAITS. PAGE Brisbane, Hon. William 463 Buckman, G. R 715 Child, Hon. James E 499 Cronkhite, Edgar 481 De Graff. C. A 517 PAGE Dunn, James M 625 Everett, William 535 Lamb, Hon. M. H 679 McKune, Capt. Lewis 445 PAGE Phelps, S. S 553 Plummer, Moses 589 Smith. Hon. Warren 427 Ward, Hon. W. G 697 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. CHAPTER I. PAGE Location, Topogkapfiy and General Remarks.. 737 Location 737 Resources 737 Topography 737 Railroads 738 Population Statistics 738 CHAPTER IL History from 1060 to 1887 739 Early Explorations 739 During Seventeenth Century 740 During Eighteenth Century - 743 During Nineteenth Century 743 ( )rganization as a Territory 745 ( )rganizatiou as a State 745 Chronological Events 745 CHAPTER HL The Indian Massacre 747 IIAGE Indian Tribes 747 Causes that Led to the Outbreak 748 Maj. Galbraith's Views 749 Blood Shed 751 Battles 753 Surrender of Indians 752 Release of Captives 752 Execution of Thirty-eight Indians 752 CHAPTER IV. Territorial and State Officers 753 Officers in Territorial Times 753 Various State Officers 754 Judiciary 755 CHAPTER V. Representation in Congress and Creation of Counties 755 Senators 75G Representatives .' . 756 Creation of Counties 757 «*- 1^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY, MINNESOTA. CHAPTER I. INTEODUCTORY. S tlie changes of half a century are contemplated, one can scarce- ly comprehend or realize that the wonderful results of Time's marvel-working hand are the achievements of a period so brief as to be within the re- membrance of the present gen- eration. Let us turn back, as it were, the leaves of Time's great book to but a little more than a quarter of a century ago, and the stranger would have gazed upon a landscape of wondrous beauty, selected by Indians as a camping-ground, with that singular appreciation of the beau- tiful which nature has made an instinct in the savage. These vast and rolling prairies and woodlands were as green then as now ; the prairie flowers bloomed as thickly and diffused their fragrance as boun- tifull}'. "We are in the haunt of the red man, with scarcely a trace of civilization, while the freedom of bird and beast reigns supreme. But, to-day, what a contrast ! Then, all was as nature had formed it, with its variegated hues of vegetation ; in winter a dreary, snow-mantled desert ; in summer a 2 perfect paradise of flowers. Now, all traces of the primitive are obliterated ; in place of the tall prairie grass and tangled under- brush, one beholds the I'ich waving fields of golden grain. In place of the dusky war- rior's rude cabins are the substantial and often elegant dwellings of the thrifty farm- ers ; and the " iron horse," swifter than the nimble deer, treads the pathwaj^ so recently the trail of the red man. Then a sickle of fire annually cut away the wild herbage, and drove to its death the stag ; now it is the home of the cereals, and nourishes on its broad bosom thousands of tons of the staple products of the great North Star State. Then the storm drove the wolf and stag to their hiding-place ; now the blast drives the herd of the husbandman to comfortable shelter. The transformation is complete. In this volume it will be the aim of the historian to record tlie progress of Steele County from its earliest settlement to the present time ; to show the changes that have from time to time been made and how tliey were brought about, and to record the life work of individuals who have been instru- mental in effecting the change. It will thus be seen to embrace events which some may 18 HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. think insignificant. "Great events find ready record," saj's a well-known writer, " but minor doings are often neglected, until they become so obscured by the dust of time as to be forever clouded." Yet from such humble origin may spring the mightiest results. The history of men's lives is often incomplete through the negligence of those whose duty it was to record the dates of births, or deaths, or happenings which have eventually proven epochs in the world's progress. History is sometimes narrowly regarded but the doings of rulers, who have the world for their theater of operations, and the fate of empires for their subjects. Such grave performances are, of necessity, remembered, but they are no more, in them- selves, worthy of preservation than are the simpler deeds of heroism which pioneers so modestly participated in. Yet when the careful student seeks for the moving forces which made thrones tremble, he is too often rewarded but meagerly. The people are seldom recorded in history'. In rare excep- tions may be found a clearer ray of light on humble undertakings, but they serve only to show the other failures stronger by con- trast. The Pilgrim Fathers who survived the shock of the first rude winter are recorded in the sparse annals of New England, and their descendants revei't with pride to those heroic ancestors. But the fifty pilgrims who died during that bleak season are never spoken of bj' name, though they are none the less worthy of undying rever- had some one more thought- ence. Again, ful than the rest among John Winthrop's band, which two and a half centuries ago set deep the seeds of civilization on the rough shores of Massachusetts, left a I'ecord of events then transpiring, how invaluable would that book now be to those who might prepare a great work on Boston's history. This same fact is true of every old settled countr3^ The early pioneers and those who took part in the development during the first quarter of a centur}' of the history of every county are generally lost to the knowledge of those who come later, and as time goes on it soon becomes impossible to obtain reliable information concei-ning them. Realizing this fact, this work has been compiled. Thousands of facts are herein recorded, and individual sketches of hun- dreds of citizens, living and dead, are here placed in an enduring form. These men and women are, or have been, actors in the drama of the settlement and development of Steele County. By inserting these sketches, in addition to other matter, is preserved not only the recital of historic fact, but a sub- current of individual deeds runs through all, giving a realism to the narrative which could be imparted in no other way. CHAPTER II. LOCATION, TOPOGEAPHY AND GEOLOGY. N no portion of the great State of Minnesota is Steele County sur- passed for its beautiful scenery: its rolling prairies interspersed and diversified with natural and domestic groves ; its meandering streams and its carpet of flowers and verdure. It lies in the southern or soutlieastern part of the State, having for its boundaries Rice County on the north. Dodge on the east, Freeborn on the south and Waseca on the west. As an agricultural and stock-raising region, Steele is also hard to excel. The soil is very productive — a rich, dark loam, well adapted to all cereals common to this latitude. It is also well suited to the production of tame and in- digenous grasses, and stock-raising, both native and blooded, attracts the general at- tention of the intelligent class of farmers that have settled here. The surface between the streams is a gently rolling prairie, inter- spersed by " oak openings " in various por- tions of the county. The county is well watered, not only by numerous streams, but also by springs, brooks and lakes. Straight is the largest and most important of the streams. It rises in Freeboi-n County and flows northward through Steele County, and on until it joins the Canon River. Numerous smaller streams flow into and swell the Straight River in Steele County, the most important of which are Maple, Turtle and Crane Creeks. At several points in this countj^ the Straight River furnishes valuable water-powers which have been successfully improved. These streams are all lined with a moderate growth of natural timber, whicli is heavy and dense in the northern part of the county, tliere being sufficient to supply the inhabitants of Steele County with fuel and fencing for half a century to come. GEOLOGICAL FOEIIATION. The geological formation here is about the same as characterizes the balance of this im- mediate portion of the State. The follow- ing extracts from Prof. N. H. Winchell's (State geologist) report of the geological and natural history survej' of Steele County, made in 1870, comprise all that has been published officially in relation to this subject : "The heaviness of the drift over this county effectually covers all the rock. The slight fall of the river enables it to uncover but little thus covered up. The only expos- ure of rock in this county is in Clinton Fall Township. The rock is Trenton limestone, and is first met on section 33. It is in the bed and on the low banks of the Straight River. The exposure, at the time visited, extended only about four feet above the sur- face of the water. The rock is in horizontal layers twenty-six inches thick. It is blue on fresh fracture, yellow when weathered, com- pact, sparry and contains many minute frag- ments of blue shale, like the corresponding rock at Minneapolis. On section 28 of the same township the rock is in thicker layers. The following section was seen in one place, beginning above : " ' 2 feet loam. " ' 2 feet blue clay and limestone in thin layers. '"4 feet — to water's surface — compact blue limestone, in tliin layers.' as) 20 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. " Near by was another section as follows : "-' 2i feet black and red loam. " ' 2 feet hard yellow clay. " ' 7 feet blue stone in layers 2 to 5 inches thick, extending to surface of water.' " Below this there is no more rock until the county line is passed. At "Wolcott Mills, about li miles in Eice County, blue Trenton limestone has been quarried in the bed of the river. " No fossils were found in the rock. This stone is used for flagging and other purposes at Owatonna, and is considered a good stone. " Some evidence of the existence of a cre- taceous area in the State was found. On the southeast quarter of section 26 of Deerfield, on the farm of Aug. Hoffman, coal has been found in sinking a well. Dr. G. A. Rossback tells the writer that they went through 25 feet of black-blue clay, in the under part of which were fragments of coal. After that they passed through gravel, in which also were coal fragments. At the depth of 63 or 64 feet rock was struck ; the drill showed it to be black slate with pieces of coal imbedded in it. Although no speci- mens of the coal were seen by the writer, the descrijition given would answer for cre- taceous lignite. When the matter is further explored all doulit as to the geological hori- zon of the rock will be cleared up. Mean time the evidence from the geology of ad- joining counties, as well as the nature of the rock itself, justifies us in calling the rock cretaceous. "The drift is here, as already mentioned, very heavy. Sections of it were seen at several places. A gravel knoll, cut through at Owatonna, showed one foot of black loam on the top, then four feet of yellow, sandy clay, then seven feet of assorted sand and gravel. Other sections along the railroads showed essentiall}'^ the same arrangement. Among the gravel-pebbles fragments of ar- gillite were common." The Owatonna mineral springs should be mentioned. They ai'e nine in number, and are located about one and one-half miles northeast of the cit3^ They lie along Maple Creek, at the base of a low, clave}' bluff. Of the five seen by the writer, four deposited iron. The water of the fifth had a decidedly bluish tint. Fountain Spring was put down twenty-two feet and now flows out freely, raising the water about five feet above the surface. The others are natural springs. They are all undoubtedly due to the clay floor underlying the loose materials of the drift. The taste of the water is mineral. The analysis of the water, published by the Owa- tonna Mineral Springs Company, is ap- pended : In one gallon, or 231 cubic inches, there are : Chloride of Sodium 1680 grains. Sulphate of Sodium 2856 " Bicarbonate of Sodium 1.8592 " Bicarbonate of Calcium 13.1992 " Bicarbonate of Magnesium 5.2920 " Bicarbonate of Protoxide of Iron .6160 " Alumina 2800 Silica 1.1200 " Organic Matter a trace. Total 22.8200 grains. CHAPTER III. EAELY DAYS. O the readers of local history, the chapter pertaining to the early settlement of a country is of gen- eral interest ; especially is this the case with pioneers themselves, those who have witnessed the changes that have been made, who have seen a trackless wilder- ness transformed into a beautiful country, and tilled with an enter- prising, happy people. He here roads, slowly and critically, every word, re- calling memories of the past, which for a gen- eration have been buried among a host of rec- ollections, which now arise before him like a dream. His old associations, the deeds, the trials and battles against hunger and cold, while the settlers were few and far between, and wolves howled about the little log cabin, sending a chill to his heart, and the wind driv- ing the sifting snow through the crevices — all now arise vividly before him. Often is it with pleasure he can recall these recollections, viewing with satisfaction the thought that he has lived to see a thrifty and wealthy land, dotted with schoolhouses and churches, vil- lages and cities. But again it will be with sadness that the past is recalled, as thoughts spring up of the dark and painful side of early days. How a wife, whose virtues, bravery and simplicity will always be remembered, or a child, prat- tling in innocence, being called from earth to the eternal home, was laid away under the cruel sod, in solemn quietude, by the rougli but tender hands of hardy pioneers. Time had partially allayed the sting, but the wound is now uncovered by the allusion to days gone by, and the cases are not a few, where a tear of bitter sadness wiU course down the cheek in honor of the memory of those who have departed. Notwithstanding the many disadvantages and even sorrows attendant upon the first steps of civilization, the adversities to be en- countered, the pioneers led a happy life. The absence of the aristocratic and domineerine: power of wealth and position must have been a source of comfort and satisfaction. Merit alone insured equality, and this could not be suppressed by traditions. The brother- hood of man was illustrated in a sincere and practical waj'^, and hospitality was not con- sidered so much a Christian trait as a duty to humanity. EAELY SETTLERS AND FIRST EVENTS. The first claims in Steele County were made in the summer of 1853 by A. L. Wright, Chauncey Lull, Smith and Orlando Johnson and L. M. Howard, who staked off claims, and some members of the party began im- provements that fall. All these selected land in what has since become Medford Township. Late that fall A. L. Wright and Chauncey Lull erected the first cabin in the county. These two were the only parties who spent the following winter of l«53-i here. This was the extent of the settlement made in 1853. In 1854 a number came, among them be- ing W. W. Wilkins, William Allen, John San- born, William K. Colling, Edwin Drake, Or- lando Bartholomew, David Sanborn, A. W. and F. F. Adams, W. W. Arnold, F. W. Fisk, James Huginan, A. B. Cornell, W. F. Pettit, G. W. Green, J. W. Park and 8. B. Smith. 31 22 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. In 1855-6 many others came and all parts of the county received settlers. The follow- ing is a partial list of the pioneers : David Lindersmitli, Nelson Morehouse, Dr. E. M. Morehouse, James and Sandford Hayes, Mr. Crehore, P. P. Carlton, John Odell, James Cole, N. Winship, J. H. and Ezra Abbott, C. and J. Ellison, J. W. Mor- ford, A. Phelps, James Connell, M. A. Dailej', L. B. Town, B. L. Arnold, Eev. A. Town, Obed Gains, P. Sanford, Basil Meek, J. Wil- son, John Wilcox, Edward McCartney, Mr. Hobaugh, Ezra Crandall, F. J. Stevens, A. M. Fitzsimmons, C. II. Walker, W. F. Drum, Thomas Thompson, E. W. Levi, and Albert Bailey, Mr. Savins, Dr. Thomas Kenyon, T. J. Clark, O. A. Barnes, Dexter Smith, E. Lagro, David Burns, O. Fisher, II. Catlin, John Catlin, Charles R. Knowlton, Warren Fisher, J. E. Hughes, Manna Case, Chas. McCarty, William Burns, WiUiam Close, Robert Adair, George Dennis, Newton Park- er, D. C. Tiffany, Samuel Thompson, Sand- ford Kinnej^, E. Teed, Samuel Hastings, William Manson, G. W. Knapp, John Ben- nett, R. Heath, Capt. John Ball, A. B. Clark, G. AV. Grimshaw, Charles Adsit, Amos Coggs- well, S. A. Sargent, Harvey Eastman, Oscar King, Mr. P. Erham, William Shea, C. V. Brown, Iliram Pitcher, Levi Chase, Thos. McCormick, Robt. Reynolds, H. S. Howen, Enfin Enfinson, J. Gordon, D. T. Gordon, M. Warren, Mr. Winchell, F. B. Davis, C. W. Curtis, L. E. Thompson, Mr. Magoon, David Bayley, Thomas Bray, John Blythe, Levi Annis, J. J. Brackett, Ira Foster. Mr. L. M. Howard, who had settled in the town of Medford, commenced breaking pi'airie in September, 1853, which was the first plowing done in the county. Mr. John Sanborn, who came in the spring of 1854, brought his familj' witli liim, and located in the southern part of the town. Mrs. Sanborn is said to be the first woman to locate in Steele County. In 1855 Messrs. Abbott Brothers built a steam sawmill, and in 1856 another saw- mill was erected by Messrs. Melvin, Rideout & Hall. The first school in the county was taught on the present site of Owatonna by Miss Helen Holbrook in 1855. In May, 185i, William T. Pettit and A. B. Cornell located on the present site of Owa- tonna. Mr. Cornell made a claim on the east and Mr. Pettit on the west side of the river. The first dwelling at this point was built of poles, with prairie grass for a roof, by Mr. Cornell. In the commencement of the early settlement, nearly all buildings were of logs, and of such Mr. N. Winship built a hotel in 1855. In the summer of the same year, Mr. Pettit built the first frame house, paying $107 per thousand for a part of the pine lumber, which he bought at Red Wing. In the spring of 1856, Ezra Abbott built a steam sawmill, and in the fall Mr. N. Morehouse built a saw-mill on the water-power on the west bank of the river. These mills added very materially to the growth and interests of the new settlement. In the various township and city liistories the early settlement is carried to a later day. The names of many other early settlers might be given here, but thej^ are omitted to avoid repetition. In those early days the struggle was a hand-to-hand conflict with stern necessity and the disadvantages that must be met before the means of subsistence and the necessaries of life could be supjilied from the cultivation of the soil. Many a time was the meal to furnish the family with bread man- ufactured in a coffee-mill, and oftener still was the wheat or corn boiled and eaten with- out grinding in any manner. Adventures were but few of a startling nature. Before any post routes were established in this section, it was only occasionally that the people received any mail matter, and when they did it was generally through the kindness of some of the settlers who would go to Faribault, which was the nearest post- office, and bring the bundle for all the set- tlers. A. B. Cornell was often the messen- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 23 ger, and at such times as the river was swollen so that teams could not ford it, he used to swim across and go on foot to pro- cure the mail, and on returning, when he reached the river he would tie the letters and papers in a bundle and attaching a stone thereto would throw the bundle across and then swim across and deliver the mail to those to whom it was directed. The news in those times was fully appreciated by all who were so fortunate as to have letters from friends. The first celebration of independence in Steele County was held at Owatonna, on the 4th of July, 1S56. The grounds used were near the present site of the Congregational Church. Some arrangement had been made with Mr. and Mrs. N. Winship to get up a dinner, and it was served at Morford's old building, a temporary one which had been erected. A rich feast was the result. After they got the crowd together it was found that there was no music, and not an instru- ment in town that anyone could play ; so David Lindersmith's fife was sent for, and he took the place of a brass band and led the crowd while they marched in procession through the few streets in the village. Judge Donaldson acted as marshal of the day. H. M. Sheetz, the orator of the day, read the declaration and delivered an address. An enjoyable time was had. The attendance numbered about 150 persons from the village and surrounding country. The second celebration was held in 1857. It was a genuine basket-picnic affair. F. J. Stevens, of Meriden Township, was the ora- tor of the day. In 1859 another enjoyable celebration was held at Owatonna on the 4th of July. It was a picnic gathering. The intention was to hold it out of dooi's, but the weather turned out so cold that it was adjourned to J. W. Morford's building, now occupied by Rosebrook's store, which was just being fin- ished. Overcoats and winter clothing were very comfortable, and Hakes of snow even fell. The orators were Hon. "W. R. Kinyon, Elder Cady and Mr. and Mi-s. H. M. Sheetz. Quite a discussion was had over the free-soil or abolition question. STAGE AND MAIL KOUTES. During the winter of 1854-5 Congress, for the purpose of aiding in the establishment of western mail routes, granted for that pur- pose one section of land for every twenty miles of route operated, under certain con- ditions. Of course the stage companies at once prepared to take advantage of this, and stations were established on these sections — • twenty miles apart. The first stage run through Owatonna was from St. Paul south. This was late in 1855. Owatonna was the terminus for a time. A postoifice had been established at Medford, but the mail sacks were not opened at Owatonna until later. In the winter of 1855-6, or late in the fall of 1855, as is claimed by some of the old set- tlers, stages commenced running west from Winona carrying mail on west to St. Peter. The first mail bag that went to the latter place contained one letter — of greeting from the postmaster at Winona to the one at St. Peter. Stages were not really put on for passenger travel until 1856, and after that they were run regularly. The manager was a man named Lord, who lived in Winona and who, as a rule, drove the stage himself. The route extended from Winona west, through Owatonna and other points to Travel's des Sioux or St. Peter. The first stage arrived here from the east, during the last week in September, 1855. A station was located on section 6, near the northwest corner of Owatonna Town- ship. Stageg were run weekly to St. Peter and return to Winona. In 1856 M. O. Walker, succeeding Lord, became proprietor of the stage line, and his name became a familiar one in almost eveiy settlement in the northwest. This stage line continued in operation until the railroad reached Owatonna in 1866, and then moved westward, followed closely by the lines of 24 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. railway. "Walker at one period, in 1857-8, became badly involved in debt. He owned many different lines ol' stages, and, as the financial crash, which came at about this time, checked travel, many of these lines did not pay expenses. Often the agents or drivers were unable to pay bills for repairs and keeping contracted along the route, and it seems several of this character were run up in Owatonna. Finally papers were got out and placed in the hands of the sheriff, who was instructed to attach Walker's horses as they drove through, and this pro- cedure was repeated many times, the sheriff often having from ten to fifteen of Walker's horses in his charge. Yet it was sometimes a difficult matter to attach the teams. The stages carried United States mail, and so long as a mail-sack remained in the wagon, the sheriff dare not attach the team for fear of vio- lating the United States statutes in detaining the mails or obstructing the route. Ordinaril}' the sheriff would stand behind the corner of the house, and as soon as the sack was car- ried into the postoffice he would walk out and claim the team. The carriers got so they would watch for this and would get a sack on just as soon as one was taken off. Walker wbuld invariably pay his bills after a short delay, and then matters would move on smoothly until the next creditor would swear out an attachment. In 1859 Nichols & Wheeler became proprietors of the stage line. Thej' continued it for about four years, when it was purchased by Burbank & Co. who operated it until the railroad came in 1866. A north and south stage line was also put in operation at an early day. With the beginning of 1856 stages arrived regularly on this line, which was then oper- ated by Brackett & Co. Williamson tfe Cot- ter succeeded them and operated the line until the railroad was built through. Philo Finch, of Clinton Falls, was one of the drivers on this route for Williamson & Cotter. They also had a station every twenty miles, located on the lands which they claimed un- der the grant. They located a town called Oak Glen in Steele County, on section 1, in what is now Blooming Prairie Township, and laid plans for the erection of a city. This line continued in active operation until the railway was put through in 1866-7. The proposed city never succeeded in getting a fair start, and when the railroad reached this locality the village of Blooming Prairie was laid out on section 25, in the same township, and Oak Glen became a thing of the past. In 1856 a mail route was established from Owatonna to Geneva, and E. C. Stacy was the first to operate it. Nathaniel Winsiiip next got the contract and continued to run it for four years. The mail was carried sometimes with a buggy, again on horseback and frequently on foot. Hugh Murray is I'emembered as having footed it across the country with the mail on his back. As early as 1857 a mail route was estab- lished from Red Wing to Blue Earth City, and Philo Hawes became the carrier. Part of the time he was in company with a part- ner under the firm name of Cotter c% Hawes. This was continued until about tlie time the railroads were completed to this point. CHAPTER IV. ORGANIZATION, COUNTY LINES, AND COLTNTY NAME. ORGANIZATION. TEELE COUNTY was created 1 February 20, 1856, at the sixth session of the territorial legisla- :Sy ture, which was held in St. Paul. ;// Ji Up to that time the territory now (-> ^ comprising- it, together with many other counties in southern and southeastern Minnesota, formed a part of Rice County. When Steele was set off as a county it was provided that it should remain f attached to Rice for civil and judi- cial purposes. The territory it then embraced included all of the pres- ent county of Waseca together with the two western tier of townships in Steele. The eastern tiers of townships of Steele, as now formed, was then a part of Dodge County. The new county was named " Steele " in honor of Franklin Steele, of St. Anthony, a government contractor and a man of prom- inence in early days, who took an active in- terest in State politics, and made a large for- tune early in the history of the State. • The settlement in the territory from which Steele was created was only fairly com- menced at that time, as wiU be seen by read- ing other chapters in this volume. A few settlers had gathered about Medford, a few at Owatonna, and a scattering settler here and there throughout the balance of the county comprised its population at that time. During the early part of the year 1855, a great many additions were made to the various settlements. In the meantime the Abbotts — Ezra and John H. — had be- come interested here and in connection with A. B. Cornell and Wm. F. Pettit were lay- ing the foundation for the future city of Owatonna. In the summer the plans for county organization were matured very quietly and in secret by the town proprie- tors of Owatonna, and parties went to St. Paul to see the territorial governor, Willis A. Gorman. A. B. Cornell was the prime mover in the matter. No petition was got up, nor were the settlers generally cognizant of the proposed attempt at organization, or they would undouljtedly have insisted upon having a hand in the matter, and having something to say as to who should be count}' officers. Cornell, together with a few others, got 'Squire Pierce to accompany them, and, when in the presence of the governor, Mr. Cornell asked that the county be organized, and presented a list of gentlemen for officers. The governor, a frank, whole-souled fellow, thought this was the desire of the citizens here and acceded. 'Squire Pierce until then had no knowledge of the scheme, but he said he could not go back upon Cornell at that time, so he kept quiet and the governor took him for one of the schemers. Afterward, some of the citizens here, meeting Gorman at Faribault, took him to task for his actions, and the governor was very wrathy, but it was too late — Steele was organized and he could not disorganize it. The result of this visit was the appointment of S. B. Smith, F. Intrram and F. W. Fisk as commissioners to 25 2ti HISTOKT OF STEELE COUNTY. organize Steele Countv. Several of the county offices were filled by appointment at the same time, although it has been impos- sible to find records which give a full list. The old settlers nearly all agree, however, that Charles Ellison was appointed register of deeds ; Simeon Case, prosecuting attor- ney; Smith Johnson, judge of probate ; J. H. Catlin, clerk of court, and Wm. F. Pettit, sheriff. This all took place in the summer of 1855. The same fall, on the 9th of October, a gen- eral election was held for State officers, only one county officer being elected — WiUiam F. Pettit, sheriff. At this election everyone voted — whether they had been here one month or six — and there were about 117 votes polled in the county. It is impossible at this time to learn why only one county offi- cer (sheriff) should have been elected, and some of the oldest and best-posted of the old settlers claim that it is a mistake ; others that it was merely a joke, yet as the records show it, this was the first election ever held in the county. The polling place at Owa- touna was in the old log schoolhouse, or rather, a temporary structure of logs and brush, which stood near where the second ward school-building is now located. Dr. E. M. Morehouse was one of the clerks of this election, and D. B. Selleck one of the judges. At that time there was a good deal of rivalry between Owatonna and Medford, as each wanted to make as good a showing. as possible. At this election Smith Johnson, Dr. Finch and Isaac Sanborn came to Owa- tonna to watch the polls and prevent fraud, and they soon began challenging votes. At this, Cornell and Pettit got them aside and while they were arguing, the word went out to the boys to file in and vote. One party who attended claims that there were fifty- three illegal votes polled inside of thirty minutes. The difficulty between the two lo- calities was not jiarticularly relating to the county-seat but more of a local jealousy or rivahy to get the start in a business sense. It cited that when the Owatonna peo- ple were endeavoring to get a postoffice it was blocked by the Medford postmaster, Smith Johnson, Sr., refusing to sign the petition. The law in those daj's required that a petition for a postoffice must be signed by the nearest postmaster. Medford had secured the establishment of a post- office first, and for a long time Mr. Johnson refused to sign the Owatonna petition. Whether all of the county officers a])point- ed by the governor in the summer of 1855 qualified or not, is impossible to say, yet it is known that many of them did. In July, 1856, the following is a list of the county officers who were serving, although how some of them came to hold the offices cannot be told. The list is taken from a copy of the Watchman and Register, dated July 29, 1856. County commissioners : Samuel B. Smith, "William Allen and Melmer P. Ide. Register of deeds, Charles EUison. Sherifl', William F. Pettit. Treasurer, David Sanborn. Surveyor, John W. Park. Clerk of court, F. Wilbur Fisk. District attorney, John M. Blivin. Judge of probate, Franklin B. Davis. Assessors : David Lindersmith, Charles Thompson and Luke Osgood. Supervisor of roads, David Lindersmith. Justices of the peace : Addison Phelps and Seymour Howe for Owatonna precinct ; Sylvester McNitt for Franklin ; Smith Johnson, Sr., for Medford ; Simeon Smith for Swavesey ; and Curtis Hatch and J. A. Bassett for Empire. Official matters moved along smoothly during this year, 1855-6. It appears that all deeds and official instruments were still being recorded in Rice County for some reason, and Steele County books were not opened for the reception of these instru- ments until in the autumn of 1856. Late in the summer of 1856 a convention was held at Owatonna for the nomination HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 27 of officers, and a heated campaign followed, in which all hands throughout what is now Steele and Waseca Counties took an active part. The county-seat question was not the leading issue, as has been stated in several previously published histories, but it was more particularly over the question as to who should be leaders ; as one old settler puts it, it was " Cornell " or "anti-Cornell." Cornell was certainly quite an apt hand to stir up animosities and strife. He was active and energetic, unsparing to a foe, and was for " Cornell, first, last and all the time." This convention was called a " Peo- ple's Convention," and was not particularly partisan, or in favor of any exclusive polit- ical party. In fact, creeds were hard to dis- tinguish in those days. Cornell was nomi- nated for the legislature, and was defeated at the polls by Kev. O. A. Thomas. James Connell was nominated for register of deeds, but Charles Ellison came out as an independ- ent candidate and got Connell to withdi'aw. Park defeated Ellison a,t the polls. David Lindersmith was nominated for sheriff ; David Sanborn for treasurer; J. Bradish, of the present Waseca County, for attorney ; H. W. Peck, one of the proprietors of the town of Empire in what is now in Waseca County, for surveyor ; J. M. Bhvin, of Swavesey Township for coroner ; and Ezra Abbott for superintendent of schools. No convention was held to put an anti-Cornell ticket in the field, but the leading " anties " got togethei", and opposing candidates were announced for all of the offices, and in some cases half a dozen for each. G. W. Green led the opposition in what is now Steele County, while Lewis McCune and James E. Child, in what is now Waseca County, took an active part in opposing Cornell in the west end. Child was an able man, and directed his work chiefly against Cornell for representative and Ellison for register of deeds. The latter was something of a chameleon as to his political faith and a little inclined to chang-e with whomever he was talking with. Mr. Child wrote a i)oem relating to this, in which was the foUow- Mr. Ellison, Esquire, You ought to look higher Than to think of registering deeds. The people up here Feel desperately queer To know your political creed." The vote was badly spht up as will be seen by the official vote published in another chapter. A. B. Cornell and J. H. Abbott, in the meantime — in July, 1856, — had estab- lished a paper at Owatonna, under the name of the Watchman and Register and this took an active part in the campaign. On the lith of October, 1856. the election came off. It was the first election of county officers. The offices were all fiUed as fol- lows : Register of deeds, John W. Park ; sheriff, David Lindersmith ; treasurer, David Sanborn ; judge of probate, Bazil Meek ; district attorney, Geo. W. Green ; surveyor, H. W. Peck ; coroner, Thomas Kenyon ; auditor, Z. B. Moore ; superintendent of schools, Ezra Abbott ; for assessors Geo. O. Hankerson, P. Sanford, P. Healey, James E. Child, L. B. Town and John A. Ileadley all received vote§ ; county commissioners, David Smith, N. Winship and William Allen. On the 1st of August, 1855, the board of commissioners met for the first time and the organization of Steel County was perfected, the county -seat being located at Owatonna. Since that time the official history of the county has been uneventful. The various offices have almost without a single excep- tion always been filled by capable and honest men, and the thread of history runs smoothl}' and without interi-uption down to the present day. Elsewhere in this volume we trace all the prominent acts of the various gentlemen who have filled the offices, together with a full history of the Ijoard of count}' commis- sioners, witji their acts and a list of members in the various years since the county was organized. 28 HISTOEY OK STEELE COUNTY. COUNTY LINES. Even before the organization of Steele Colinty it became apparent to the settlers at Owatonna that the boundaries of the county were arranged disadvantageous to the inter- ests of the embryo city. The county, when first created, embraced twenty congressional townships — i. e., all of Waseca County and the eight western townships of the present county of Steele. This arrangement left Owatonna in the northeast corner of the county, three miles from the east and seven from the north line of the county. It Avas evident that this was not the point to be readily chosen as the county-seat, and it would be difficult, as years went by and set- tlement increased, to keep the county-seat at a point so far from the geographical center of tiie county. Even then there were other points springing up at various places, and were becoming active rivals for county-seat honors. "Wilton had a splendid location and John C. Ide was already ]iutting up a hotel and sawmill and attracting considei'able at- tention toward that point. A village called Meriden, in the present township of that name, was much nearer the geographical center of the county than Owatonna, and a number of capable men had located there and were actively advancing the interests of that location. Beside these a number of other points were springing up which con- stantly menaced the future of Owatonna's county-seat interests. After the county was organized, in August, 1855, and from that time through the following months the matter was occasionally discussed and finally a plan was matured which proved a success in set- tling the matter favorably to Owatonna's in- terests. It was to have one tier of town- ships set off from Dodge County and attached to Steele; and then to detach the western half of Steele County and organize that as Waseca County. This suited Mantonville, as they had been located too far east, and it gave Wilton a chance to become the county- seat of Waseca County. In February, 1856, an act was passed by the legislature making the desired change, and townships 105, 106, 107 and 108, range 19, became a part of Steele County. On the 27th of February, 1857, an act was passed by the legislature creating AVaseca County, and located the county-seat of the new county at Wilton. This arranged the lines as they remain at the present time, and ended all trouble as to county lines, settling a matter which up to that time had been an absorbing topic for the citizens in the territory affected. CHAPTER V. HISTORY OF THE COUNTY'S GOVEENMENT. IIE first meeting of the board of county commissioners appointed by the -governor was held on the 1st day of August, 1855, at the house of A. B. Cornell, on the present site of Owatonna. The opening sentence of the record is as follows : "Agreeable to direc- tion from the Governor of the territory of Minnesota, the board met at the house of A. B. Cor- nell, and, after taking the oath, proceeded to organize the county by appointing S. B. Smith chair- man of the board. The first work of the board was to divide the county into townships, or precincts, as they were then called — three in number — which they named Owatonna, Swavesey and Le Seuer, only the first named of which embraced ter- ritory now included in Steele Countj^, the other two embracing the territory' now form- ing Waseca County. It was also ordered that the seat of justice of Steele County be located at Owatonna, on the southeast quar- ter of section 9, township 107, range 20. The board at that time consisted of S. B. Smith, chairman , F. Ingram and F. W. Fisk, although the last named does not appear to have attended this meeting. From the record this appears to have been all that was accomplished at the first meeting. Charles Ellison was clerk of the board, and A. B. Cornell, deputy. On the 25th of August, 1855, a special meeting of the board was held, at which Medford Township was set off from Owatonna, and its organization was authorized. The first count}' roads to be acted upon were considered on the 17th of October, 1855. They were as follows: "One from Owatonna to the county line in the direc- tion of Drake's"; one from the east county line in the direction of Mankato, and "one fi'om Owatonna to the county line near Ralph Stout's." Sylvester McNitt and Henry A. Catlin were ap])ointed to view and report on the last mentioned road, "with the understanding that they were to make no charge to the county for such services." At this same meeting the vote of Steele County (election on October 9, 1855) was canvassed, the canvassers being Addison Phelps and J. Jenkins, justices of the peace, and Charles Ellison, clerk of the board of county commissionei's. At the next meeting, on the 10th of November, 1855, the newl3'-elected board of count}^ commissioners held their first meeting. The board was composed of S. B. Smith, chairman, F. "W. Fisk and John II. Abbott. On the 7th of April, 1856, the county was divided into assessors' districts, and a short time later Benjamin L. Arnold, James E. Child and Wilbur Fisk were ai)pointed county assessors. In April, of the same year, the finances of the county were clearly shown by the fol- lowing statement : "An order was jiresented to the board by John W. Park, for services as road viewer and county surveyor, to the amount of $29. The condition of the finances of the county is as follows : County in delt, $29:' At this same meeting Franklin Township was organized, and several changes made in the townships lying in what is now Waseca County. 29 30 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. In April, 1856, the first list of grand and petit jurors was drawn by the board of county commissioners, as follows : Orand Jurors: Joseph Smith, Andrew I. Bell, A. B. Cornell, Michael Johnson, Curtis Hatch, Hiram Jenkins, Samuel Drake, Samuel F. Wyman, M. P. Ide, Samuel M. Freeman, Orlando Bartholomew, John San- born, Alfred M. U. Sanborn, C. "W. Curtis, A. L. Wright, Wm. W. Arnold, Avery "W. Adams, Geo. W. Patridge, Lewis Howard, Smith Johnson, Sr., David Lindersmith, Seymour Howe, B. L. Arnold, P. Carlton, W". W. Finch, A. Selleck, Dexter Carlton, Ealph Kenyon, John H. Abbott, Geo. W. Drew, Henry A. Catlin, Bazil Meek, Sr., Abram Fitzsimmons, Sylvester McNitt, N. Winship, Eev. Thomas, Mr. Adair, Sr., Lorenzo Muckey, John Jenkins, S. M. Case, John W. Park," A. Phelps, Wm. Allen, F. B. Davis, Luther Huntley, Eev. A. Town, Wm. W. Eobinson, Wm. Burns, W. E. Fisk, James E. Child. Petit Jurors : G. O. Hankerson, Benj. A. Freeman, W. K. Colling, Henry C. Gilman, Francis S. Adams, Philip Smith, D. B. Kim- ball, Ealph Stout, Mr. Lane, Mr. Strong, Smith Johnson, Jr., Wallace W. Wilkins, Levi J. Morehouse, Nelson Morehouse, Eli M. Morehouse, P. Sanford, E. S. Hays, D. B. Selleck, L. F. Case, Phillip Miller, John Duckering, M. I. Prisbj^, L. B. Town, John W. Catlin, Welcom Curtis, Ilenrick Eum- hose, Hiram Eobinson, Hobart Hutchinson, Chas. Ellison, Eobt. McDoiigall, I. N. Kelly, Jos. W. Bui'ch, Hiram Greenwold, F. New- land, T. Dennis, L. Town, Joel Wilson, I. M. Sanborn, Geo. W. Squires, Benjamin Scott, S. Thompson, Clinton Simmons, Emmons Eeed, Daniel Poole, John Truesdale, Wm. Knapp, Moses Eivard, Francis Judd, Fletcher Dubois, Mr. Miller, Mr. Adams, Wm. McCarty, W. K. Colling, John Wilcox, G. G. Files, Mr. Keys, T. Johnson, David Jenkins, Frederick Shaw, James McNitt, Ashley Harris, Thos. G. Meek, Jeptha Town, James Overstreet, John Moon, Joseph Wag- ner, L. E. Thompson, F. W. Bliss, Asa B. SutliflF, Bazil Meek, Jr., Abram Barnhard, John Hortop, Jr. On the 7th of July, 1850, a meeting of the board was held at the store of Adolphus Town, in Owatonna, and the record shows the names of S. B. Smith, chairman, William Allen and Melmer P. Ide as composing it. David Lindersmith, Levi Thompson and L. B. Osgood were appointed to assess the county.* It was also ordered that the county officers should hold their offices open at the countj'-seat, and that the board would pro- vide a place in the store of Park & Smith for the county treasurer. For the year 1857 the members of the board of commissioners consisted of Nathan- iel Winship, of Owatonna, chairman ; Wm. Allen, of Medford, and David Smith. At their first meeting, in 1857, this board resolved that the offices of clerk of court and county treasurer should be held at the office of John W. Park, and that the sheriff's office should be kept at his house. The finances of the county are again shown up at the January meeting of the board in 1857, when the following sentence appears on the records: ^'■Finances of the county — in debt." The second drawing of jurors occurred at the April session, 1857, when the list was made up as follows : Grand Jurors : John A. Hadley, Frank- lin B. Davis, Chas. W. Curtis, Henry Magird, J. A. Goodwin, E. G. Sturgiss, Wallace W. Wilkin, John H. Abbott, B. L. Arnold, Joel. Wilson, N. Breidenstein, Thomas Thomson, Eobt. Adair, Dexter Carlton, AVm. F. Pettit, Alson Selleck, E. A. Page, Luke Colburn, Eobt. McDonald, W. H. Chamber- lain, H. C. Gilman, L. H. Lane, W. G. Allen, Nelson Skivring, A. B. Thompson, Addison Phelps, Ezra Abbott, C. B. Pettie, G. W. Grimshaw, Smith Johnson, John D. * This assessment all fell through as illegal, from the fact that (inly one of them, David Lindersmith, made his report within the time allowed by law.— Editor. HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTT. 31 Sanborn, Luke B. Osgood, John H. Wheeler, Luther Huntley. Petit Jurors : James W. Adams, John Q. Swanger, John A. Pierce, Charles Mc- Carty, D. A. Kimball, Lorenzo Muckey, Geo. O. PLankerson, Elijah Brown, B. A. Freeman, Wm. Kunalls, Samuel Eing, L. F. Case, Hugh Burns, L. B. Towns, John Moon, Christopher Dickinson, Jonathan Howell, L. P. Stowell, C. L. Lowell, Thos. J. Kerr, Hugh McDougall, Wra. Wells, W.W. Hank- erson, Ralph E. Stout, Geo. Strong, Jas. Overstreet, James Shipley, Hiram Greenud, P. P. Carlton, John Wilcox, E. Eklred, Simeon Case, G. G. Tiles, Lucius Town, Wm. Webster, Edward Fay, John B. Douglas, Frederick Roljerts. Chas. Green, Isaac C. Pierce, John Oliver, Francis F. Adams, Samuel Morrison, Avery W. Adams, Alfred H. Sanborn, Ashley Harris, Chas. McHenry, Asa Carpenter, A. L. Wright, Orlando Bar- tholomew, G. H. Partridge, Thos. Huntley, Simeon Smith, E. K. Carlton, Wm. Donel- son, A. L Bell, P. Q. Horton, A. R. Wilson, Wm. J. Moon, Geo. Leorang, Patrick Healey, John Adair, H. W. Hutchinson, A. P. Peterson, Marcus Seymour, D. B. Sel- leck, Sylvester Mcxsitt, Christopher Hayes. In Juty, 1857, from the records it ap])ears that the board was composed of N. Winship, chairman ; William Allen, of Medford, and A. A. Woodward, of Somerset. In October William Allen resigned. In October of the same year, Geo. W. Green resigned the office of district attor- ney, and Sylvanus Yearly was appointed. In January, 1858, the board for the en- suing year met and organized by the elec- tion of Nathaniel Winship, of Owatonna, chairman. The other members were Hiram Pitcher, of Berlin, and Lorenzo Muckey, of Medford. On the 5th of June, 1858, John W. Park resigned the office of register of deeds and M. A. Dailey was appointed his successor. On the same date David Sanborn, the county treasurer, made a statement of the financial condition of the county for the j^ear, as follows : Total amount received $1,364 10 Total paid out $705 74 Balance on liand 598 36 $1,364 10 The outstanding indebtedness of the county, January 6, 1858, was $2,129.69. April 6, 1858, the county was rearranged as to townships. This matter receives atten- tion in another chapter. During the winter of 1857-8, the system of county government was changed, the leg- islature having abolished the board of countj^ commissioners and created the board of su- pervisors. Under this new system the board consisted of one member from each organ- ized township — the chairman of each of the township boards. The first meeting under the new law was held on the 14th of September, 1858. The following were the members from the various townships in the county : Medford Franklin B. Davis Clinton Falls Geo. W. Green Deerfield Joliu H. Morse Owatonna Wm. F. Pettit Lafayette Amos Norton Merideu AValter Stcbbins Union Prairie Levi E. Thompson Aurora S'meou Osborn, Jr. Somerset T. C. Minthorn Lemond Samuel M. Hastings Summit Hiram Fredenburgh Berlin Charles Brown Geo. W. Green was elected chairman of the board and M. A. Dailey, clerk. At this session of the board the names of Lafayette and Union Prairie Town- ships were changed to Freeman and Orion, respectivel}''. The law creating the office of county auditor had gone into effect, and in October, 1858, A. McKinney had been elected to fill it, but there arose some question as to the legality of the election, M. A. Dailey con. testing, and on February 9, 1859, the contest was decided by the board choosing Mr. 32 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. Dailey, who was at tliat time acting as clerk of the board, or auditor. The second annual session of the board of supervisors began on the 13th of Sep- tember, 1859, when an organization was effected by the election of George "W. Green to the chair. The following comprise a list of the members : Owatonna, George B. Hall ; Medford, F. B. Davis ; Deerfield, J. H. Morse ; Meridgn? F. J. Stevens ; Aurora, GeorgeW . Grimshaw ; Summit, H. Fredenburgh ; Clinton Falls, George AV". Green ; Orion, L. E. Thompson ; Dover, S. H. Patterson ; Somerset, Thomas Thompson ; Lemond, S. M. Hastings ; Berlin, I. W. Crosby. In October. 1850, the board of equaliza- tion arranged the assessment of the coimty. The real estate in the various townships was assessed as follows : Assessed Townships. No. of Value Acres, per Acre. Medford 9,036 .$4.07 Owatonna 18,875 3.50 Clinton Falls 8,307 2.95 Dover 11,655 3.59 Orion 13,013 2.63 Meriden 16,828 2.80 Somerset 11.901 1.87 Summit 6,.534 1.98 Berlin ' 7,892 1.98 Aurora 15,933 1.95 Deerfield 12,345 1.99 Lemond 10,105 1.96 14,1919 On the 6th of February, 1860, Frank L. Melvin, who had in the meantime been elected count}' auditor, resigned, and the boaixl appointed M. A. Dailey to fill the vacancy. In the winter of 1859-60 the legislature again changed the system of county govern- ment, abolishing the board of supervisors and re-establishing the board of county com- missioners, which was to consist of thi'ee members, or five when the population of the county should warrant it. The first meeting under the change was held on the 17th of May, 1860, when H. Fredenburgh and F. J. Stevens were present as members. Mr. Fredenburgh was elected chairman. In June, 1860, the county was divided into commissioners' districts, as follows: No. 1 included Medford, Deerfield, CJinton Falls and Orion. Xo. 2 included Owatonna, Mer- iden and Dover. No. 3, Aurora, Somerset, Lemond, Oak Glen, Summit and Berlin. The board for 1860 was composed of H. Fredenburgh, of Summit, chairman ; L. E. Thompson, of Orion, and F. J. Stevens, of Meriden. In 1861 the members of the board were N. Winship, of Owatonna, chairman ; George C. Pettie, of Aurora ; and W. P. Francis, of Medford. When the board met for the first time in 1862, Alex. Chambers, of Owatonna, was chosen chairman. The associate members were H. Fredenburgh, of Summit, and Ben- jamin F. Melvin, of Medford. At the Jan- uary session in this year the name of Orion Township was changed, first to Lyon and then to Merton. In the spring of 1862 the educational system was changed, and the county was divided into districts for the supervision of the schools. In September, 1862, the board of commissioners appointed a school superintendent for each of these dis- tricts, as follows: first district, E. G. Lin- coln ; second district, Harvey Chapin ; third district, Dwight Gordon. For 1863 the en personnel of the board was the same as during the previous year. On the 5th of November, 1863, W. Morris re- signed the offices of county auditor and register of deeds. The board appointed A. N. Stoughton county auditor ; and Charles S. Crandall, register of deeds. In 186-1 the board of county commissioners met for their first session on the first Mon- day in January, and organized by re-electing Alex. Chambers chairman. The other two members were H. Fredenburgh and B. F. Melvin. Mr. Melvin resigned January 18, and F. B. Davis was appointed to fill the vacancy. An act was approved March 3, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 33 1864:, changing the school system again, and in accordance with this the board appointed A. A. Harwood superintendent of schools for the entire county and fixed the salary at $200 per year. When the board met in Januarj', 1865, it was composed of Alex. Chambers, of Owa- tonna, chairman ; A. J. Abl)ott, of Medford, and II. Fredenburgh, of Summit. Mr. Ab- bott resigned in January of the same jj^ear and Henry Maw, of Merton, was appointed to fill the vacancy. In Ma}', 1865, S. H. Patterson resigned the office of sheriff and "William Scriby was appointed by the board to act until the general election following. In 1866 the following gentlemen com- prised the board : Alex. Chambers, of Owa- tonna, chairman ; H. Fredenburgh, of Sum- mit, and O. Bartholomew, of Medford. The board for 1867 was as follows : H. Fredenburgh, of Summit, chairman ; O. Bartholomew, o Medford, and George B. Hall, of Owatonna. Among the first mat- ters acted upon by this board was to set off and authorize the organization of Oak Glen (now Blooming Prairie) Township. In 1868 the board was composed of George B. Hall, of Owatonna, chairman ; O. Barthol- omew, of Medford; and D. T. Gordon, of Berlin. In January of this year F. J. Ste- vens was appointed county superintendent of schools, and in September he was reappointed for the year commencing January 1, 1869. In 1869 the board of county commissioners consisted of George B. Hall, of Owatonna, chairman ; D. T. Gordon, of Beriin ; and L. H. Lane, of Merton Township. In January, 1869, the record states tliat M. J. Toiler re- signed the office of sheriff and Ferdinand Borchert was appointed. It appears that Borchert had been elected sheriff as Franli Borchert instead of Ferdinand, and to cover any possible technical difficulty Mr. Toher, his predecessor, resigned arid the board then appointed Mr. Borchert. During this year — 1869 — the boai'd was increased to five instead of tliree members. The board redistricted the county on the 10th of September, 1869. In 1870 the board was composed of George B. Hall, chairman ; D. T. Gordon, of Berlin ; L. H. Lane, of Merton ; G. W. Buffum of Clin- ton Falls ; and Fi-ank Chambers, of Havana. On the 11th of March of this year it was de- cided to submit to the voters of the county the question of issuing county bonds to the amount of $10,000 for the purpose of erect- ing a county jail. In 1871 the board organized by the elec- tion of L. H. Lane, of Merton, chairman ; the other members were George B. Hall, of Owatonna ; G. W. Buffum, of Clinton Falls ; Hugh Murraj', of Lemond ; and Frank Cham- bers, of Havana. On the 8th of June, this 3'ear, Charles Dinijes resigned the office of county surveyor and tlie board appointed James M. Finch to fill the vacancy. For the year 1872 the board was made up of the following named : G. W. Buft'um, of Clinton Falls, chairman ; George B. Hall, of Owatonna ; Hugh Murray, of Lemond ; G. 0. Hankerson, of Medford ; and Henry H. Mitchell, of Aurora. In 1873, when the board first met, it was composed of the following members : George B. Hall, of Owatonna, chairman ; George O. Hankerson, of Medford ; Hugh Murray, of Lemond ; H. H. Mitchell, of Aurora ; and G. W. Buffum, of Clinton Falls. On the 23d of June, 1873, H. H. Mitchell resigned and E. Stapleton, of Aurora, was appointed to fill the vacancy. It appears that at about this time the name of Oak Glen Township was changed to Blooming Prairie, although no entry of the change seems to have been made on the records. In 1874 the boai-d met for the first time on the 6th of January, being composed of the following members : G. W. Buffum, of Clinton Falls, chairman ; G. B. Hall, of Owatonna ; Hugh Murray, of Lemond ; G. O. Hankerson, of Medford ; and H. A. Gleason, of Blooming Prairie. On the 5th of January, 1875, the board 34 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. organized with the following membership : Geo. B. Hall, of Owatonna. chairman ; A. B.. Clark, of Blooming Prairie; J. A. Oppliger, of Owatonna ; John H. Morse, of Deerfield ; and Hugh Murray, of Lemond. On the 6th of January Hugh Murray pre- sented his resignation, and J. O Waumett, of Meriden, was appointed by a board, which, according to law, consisted of the county auditor, judge of probate and register of deeds. January 4, 1876, at the regular annual meeting, Geo. B. Hall, of Owatonna, was elected chairman, the associate members being A. B. Clark, of Blooming Prairie ; John H. Morse, of Deerfield ; E. L. Scoville, of Meriden ; and John Q. Ellis, of Owatonna. January 6, Eev. George C. Tanner was appointed county superintendent of schools for the ensuing year. The following were the members of the board for the year 1877 : George B. Hall, chairman ; A. B. Clark, of Blooming Prairie ; J. O. Waumett, of Meriden ; John H. Morse, of Deerfield ; and John Q. Ellis, of Owatonna. In March of this year it was again decided to submit to the voters the question of issuing $10,000 bondsof the county for the purpose of erecting a jail, as the project had been unsuccessful before. This time the matter was accomplished, and at the next meeting, on June 25, the chairman of the board was authorized to issue bonds of the county in that amount. This loan was negotiated through Dr. McCutcheon, of Faribault. The bonds were to bear interest at the rate of 9 per cent and were payable in one and two years. On New Year's day, the board met in annual session for 1878. At this time it was composed of John Q. Ellis, of Owatonna, chairman ; Geo. B. Hall, of Owatonna ; John O. Waumett, of Meriden ; W. P. Francis, of Medford ; and Andrew Erdmann, of Havana. In 1879 the board consisted of John Q. Ellis, of Owatonna, chairman ; W. P. Francis, of Medford ; A. Erdmann, of Havana ; J. O. Waumett, of Meriden ; a)id E. Donaldson, of Owatonna. In 1880 the following were members of the board of commissioners : J. Q. Ellis, chair- man ; Andreas Erdmann, of Havana ; W. P. Francis, of Medford ; E. Donaldson, of Owatonna ; and Oscar Murphy, of Lemond. In March, 1880, a committee, consisting of Commissioners Erdmann, Francis and Mur- phy, was appointed to view sites and report on the advisability of the county's purchas- ing a poor farm. This, however, did not seem to aid in arriving at a conclusion, for in January, 1881, Commissioners Murphj"^ and Eggleston were appointed a committee to look into the same matter. The following were members of the board in 1881 : J. Q. Ellis, of Owatonna, chair- man ; Oscar Murphy, of Lemond ; Edward Donaldson, of Owatonna ; Jesse Healej^ of Somerset ; and W. A. Eggleston, of Merton. In July of this year the county Avas re- divided into commissioners' districts, as fol- lows: First district to embrace Meriden, Le- mond, Berlin and Summit ; second district, Havana, Somerset, Aurora and Blooming Prairie; third district, Deerfield, Medford, Merton and Chnton Falls; fourth district, Owatonna Township and second ward of the city ; fifth district, first, third and fourth wards of the citJ^ Commissioner Donaldson presented a minority report opposing this change in commissioners' districts, in which he stated " that the only apparent advantage gained was a political one." The board for 1882, which convened in an- nual session on January 3, was composed of John Q. Ellis, of Owatonna, chairman ; Oscar Murphy, of Lemond ; W. A. Eggle- ston, of Merton ; Jesse Healey, of Somerset ; and H. Schmidt, of Owatonna. Early in February Mr. Ellis died and Elias Scannel was appointed fcommissioner to fill the va- cancy. On February 15 Oscar Murphy was elected chairman for the balance of the year. During the year 1883 the following gen- HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. 35 tlemen made up the board of commissioners : Oscar Murphy, "of Lemond, chairman ; Jesse Healey, of Somerset ; W. A. Eggleston, of Merton ; H. Schmidt, of Owatonna ; and Elias Scannel, of Owatonna. On the 1st of January, 1S84, the board again met in annual session, being then com- posed of the following members : Oscar Murphy, of Lemond, chairman ; E. Scannel, of Owatonna; H. Schmidt, of Owatonna; Jesse Healej', of Somerset; and C. M. Finch, of Clinton Falls. At this time the board decided to submit to the voters of the county the question of issuing bonds of Steele County in the sum of $35,000 for the purpose of erecting a court house. It was to be submitted at the next general election. In Januarj', 1884, the county cor- oner removed from the county and the Ijoard appointed Dr. J. L. Harrington to fill the vacancy so caused. In January, 1885, Oscar Murphy, of Le_ mond, was again elected chairman, his asso. elates being Jesse Healey, of Somerset ; C. M. Finch, of Clinton Falls ; G. W. Kinyon, of Owatonna Township ; and L. L. Bennett, of Owatonna city. The board of commissioners for 1886 was composed of Oscar Mui'phy, of Lemond, chairman ; Jesse Ileale}', of Somerset; C. M. Finch, of Clinton Falls ; G. "W. Kinyon, of Owatonna Township ; and L. L. Bennett, of Owatonna city. For the present year — 1887 — the follow- ing gentlemen comprise the county board : Herman Schmidt, of Owatonna, chairman ; John Virtue, of Clinton Falls ; II. L. Zwie- ner, of Blooming Prairie ; Theo. Chambers, of Berlin ; and G. W. Kinyon, of Owatonna Township. In January, 1887, Eev. G. C. Tanner resigned the office of county superin- tendent of schools, and J. D. Brown was ap- pointed. This completes the history of the board of county commissioners, and gives a full and complete list of the members, interwoven with a brief mention of their most interest- ing actions. CHAPTER VI. CEEATION AND OKGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS. HEN Steele County was organized in August, 1855, as has alread}^ been stated, it embraced all of the territory now forming Waseca County, and the two western tiers of townships now included in Steele. On the first day of Aug- ust, 1855, the board of county commissioners met for the first etim, and their first work was to divide the county into townships, or pre- cincts, as they were then called.* The terri- tory which now comprises Waseca County was divided into two townships — Swave- sey and LeSeuer — and the later changes of boundaries of these are given at length elsewhere in this volume. Only one town- ship was created in what is now Steele County. This was named Owatonna. It embraced all of the county as it was then formed, or all of the present county except the east tier of townships — Merton, Havana, Aurora and Blooming Prairie, which then formed a part of Dodge County. In Owa- tonna Township it was ordered that the first township meeting should be held at the schoolhouse in Owatonna, and Dexter Carl- ton, Obed Gaines and Leonard F. Case were ajipointed judges of the fii'st election. On the 25th of August, 1855, Medford Township was created, comprising the ter- ritory now included in the townships of Medford, Clinton Falls and Deerfield (town 108, ranges 20 and 21), which liad been included up to that time in Owatonna Town- *[A11 throus-h the early records these civil subdivisions were termed precincts, but we shall liere refer to them as townships, the name having- boon changed by an act of the lejfislature.— Editor.] ship. The first meeting was to be held at the house of William Colling, " on the west side of the road leading to Owatonna," and F. F. Adams, William Allen and Orlando Bartholomew were appointed judges of the first election. In this shape the county remained until the meeting of the board on the 7th of April, 1856, when, in addition to several changes being made in the territory now comprising Waseca County, Franklin Townshi]) was cre- ated, embracing township 108, range 19, and the east half of township 108, range 20 — thus taking eighteen sections from Medford Township. It was also orilered that Owa- tonna Township should comprise all of the county south to "the township line between townships 107 and 108 — the south three- fourths of the county. Officers were ap- pointed as follows : Owatonna Township, Hiram Robinson, constable, and Philo San- ford, Parker Carlton and Luther Iluntly, judges of election. Franklin Township, S\'l- vester McNitt, justice of the peace ; F. New- land, constable ; William Allen and G. O. Hankerson, judges of election — first election to be held at the house of Sylvester McNitt. In Medford Township, Eev. O. A. Thomas, Isaac Sanborn and Smitli Johnson were selected as judges of the first election, which it was provided should be held at the house of William W. Finch. Thus the county remained for about one year, or until April B, 1857, when a general rearrangement was made and every con- gressional or government township in the county was set off and given a name as a civil township. In the meantime, in Feb- ruary, 1856, the eastern tier of townships HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 37 (range 19) had been set off from Dodge and annexed to Steele ; and, on the 27th of Feb- ruary, 1857, the legislature passed an act creating "Waseca County of the west half of what tlien formed Steele County. These changes arranged county lines as they are at the present time. The following is a list of the townships created at that time, and the officers appointed to attend to the organiza- tion of each. Owatonna embraced township 107, range 20. Geo. W. Green, P. P. Carlton and James F. Hall were made judges of election, and J. W. Burch and Hiram Eobinson, con- stables. Medford was organized of township 108, range 20. W. W. Wilkins, Smith Johnson, Jr., and W. W. Finch were appointed judges of election ; Charles Jones, constable, and Orlando Bartholomew, supervisor of roads. The house of Smith Jolinson, at Medford, was designated as the place for holding the first election. Union Prairie embraced township 108, range 19. John Colburn, C. W. Curtis and M. J. Kimball were appointed judges of elec- tion ; C. W. Curtis, justice of the peace, and John A. Pierce, road supervisor. The first town meeting was ordered held at the house of C.W. Curtis. Somerset was comprised of township 106, range 20. The house of Thomas Kenyon was designated as the place for holding the first township meeting, and T. C. S. Minthorn, Orlando Lebarr, and T. J. Clark were ap- pointed judges of the first election. Meriden embraced township 107, range 21, as at the present day. Ashley C. Harris, E. Ash and H. S. Clement were appointed judges of election; William Webster and M. T. C. Flowers to some office not mentioned in the records; Daniel Poole and J. L. Greene, con- stables; William Webster, Christopher Walk- er and Asiiley C. Harris, road supervisors. The house of William Webster was selected as the place for holding the first election. Deerfield was formed of township 108, range 21. Washington Morse's house was designated as the place for holding the first township election. The officers appointed were as follows : D. H. McQuestion, Isaac Coe and Washington Morse, judges of elec- tion; Washington Morse and Charles Burch, justices of the peace ; Elias F. Hobough and Benjamin Gypson, constables, and D. H. McQuestion, road supervisor. Township 107, range 19, now known as Havana, was then given the name of Lafay- ette. Eobert Adair, Charles McCarty and George Dennis were appointed judges of election ; Elisha Eldred and Newton Parker, justices of the peace; W. Hammond and Hugh Burns, constables, and James M. Soper, road supervisor. Aurora embraced township 106, range 19. Amos Coggswell, George W. Grimshaw and Stephen Sargeant were appointed judges of election, and George W. Grimshaw, road supervisor. The house of A. B. Clark was selected as the place for holding the first township election. Berlin was organized embracing township 105, range 21. M. Warren, Charles Brown and Ashbell Ingerson were ap]3ointed judges of election ; M. B. Winchell, constable, and Lewis B. Tilden, road supervisor. The house of Hiram Pitcher was designated as the place for holding the first election. Summit embraced township 105, range 20. The place for holding the first election was designated as the house of George W. Kna])p. Thomas Bennett, George W. Kuapp and John Aldrich were appointed judges of elec- tion ; George W. Knapp, justice of the peace, and Thomas Bennett, road supervisor. Lemond Township was formed of township 106, range 21. William Parcher, Sandford Kinney and C. B. Coon were appointed judges of the first election ; William Parcher, justice of the peace ; Jerome B. Coon, consta- ble, and E. D. Teed, road supervisor. Twi- ford Mills was the place designated for hold ing the first election. Township 105, range 19, was set off at this 38 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. time as Oak Glen, but this was not organized until some time later. It seems as though this division of town- ships was, from some cause, incomplete or ille- gal, for in April, 1858, the board of county commissioners again took up the matter. The record states that " an act of the legis- lature, directing the division of counties into townships, and for the purpose of township organization, having been brought to the notice of the board, it is ordered that Steele County be reorganized into townships." By their action at that time Oak Glen Township was attached to Aurora, and Medford Town- ship was divided by the organization of the south half of township 108, range 20, under the name of Clinton Falls, leaving both Medfoi-d and Clinton Falls 'Townships as they remain to-day. This, it was stated " was in accordance with the unanimous request of the legal voters of Clinton Falls by petition, verified by the affidavit of Geo. W. Green." Aside from these alterations, the townships remained as they had been previously set off. In September, 1858, the name of Lafay- ette Township was changed to Freeman. At the same time the State auditor notified the boai'd of county commissioners that the name of Berlin should be changed, as there was another township of that name in the State ; but the board answered that it was the unanimous wish of the citizens to retain that name on account of having a postoffice of the same name, and it was therefore allowed to stand. On the 11th of the same month the name of Union Prairie Township was changed to Orion in accord- ance with the vote of the citizens. On the 13th of October, 1858, the name of Freeman Township was changed to Dover, as there was already a township of that name in the State. No further change in the townships took place until January, 1862, when the name of Orion was changed to Lyon, and almost immediately again changed to Merton which it still bears. In March, 18G7, authority was given for the organization of Oak Glen, which had been connected with Aurora. In 1869 the name of Dover Township was changed to Havana, under which name it has since remained. In January, 1873, the name of township 105, range 19, was changed from Oak Glen to Blooming Prairie. This completes the history of the changes of boundaries of the townships in Steele County. In the various townsliij) histories will be found the detailed history of their organization. All these changes have finally brought the townships of the county to the shape in which we now find them. The fol- lowing table will show the territory em- braced by the various townships, summing up the changes traced above : Merton, township 108, range 19. Medford, north half of township 108, range 20. Clinton Falls, south half of township 108, range 20. Deerfield, township 108, range 21. Meriden, township 107, range 21. Owatonna, township 107, range 30. Ilavanna, township 107, range 19. Aurora, township 100, range 19. Somerset, township 106, range 20. Lemond, township 106, range 21. Berlin, township lO."), range 21. Summit, township 105, range 20. Blooming Prairie, township 105, range 19. CHAPTER VII. OTIIEE OFFICIAL MATTEES. yiEST INSTRUMENTS RECORDED. HEN the settlement of Steele County commenced, the territory now comprising it formed a part of Kice County, and all deeds, mortgages and other official doc- uments were taken to Faribault for record. This was continued for some time after Steele was really organized. In 1856, how- ever, D. Shaw, under authoritj' of the board of count}' commis- sioners of Steele County, made a transcript of all papers relating to this county which had been filed in Eice, and they were put on record in Steele County. The first mortgage that appears in the Steele County records bears the date of March 18, 1856. It runs from Charles Jones to Benjamin B. Eichards, and for a considera- tion of $56 covers the west half of the south- east quarter of section 10 and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 1 5, township 108, range 20. The witnesses were G. W. Curtis and Thomas E. Bennett. The first deed upon the record books of the county is dated January 10, 1856. In consideration of $70, Lucius Lewis deeds to D. B. Selleck the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 2, township 107, range 20. POPULATION. The first census in which Steele County' figured was that of 1857, according to which the total population of the county was 2,598, made up of 1,981 born in the United States and 617 foreigners. The following are some of the items given in the census returns: males, 1,496; females, 1,102; farmers, 716; mei-chants and mechanics, 108. The various townships were populated as follows : Owatonna 614 Medf ord 440 Union Prairie (Merton) 336 Lafayette (Havana) 232 Somerset 307 Meriden 193 Berlin 193 Deertield 192 Aurora 138 Lemond 96 Summit 45 Oali Glen (Blooming Prairie) 22 Total 3,598 The census of 1860 gave Steele County a population of 2,863, of which 2,256 were na- tive born and 607 foreign. In 1865, according to the school census, the county had a total population of 4,932 persons. In 1870 the total population had grown to 8,271. Of this number 6,088 were born in the United States, and 2,183 in foreign coun- tries. The school census was again taken in 1875. At that time the county had 10,739 inhabit- ants. The United States census of 1880 gave Steele a total population of 12,460. Of this number 8,576 were native born ; and 3,884 foreign born ; 32 were colored ]5eople. The population of the various townships was as follows : Aurora 600 Berlin 683 39 40 lllSTOK'i- OK BTP'.KLK COUNTY. IJIooiiiing I'laiiii! 563 Blooming I'laiiic Village 338 Clintou Falls 503 Decrficld 858 Havana 851 Lemond 648 Mcdford 761 Meriden 800 Merlon 750 Owatonna City 3,161 Owatonna Township 584 Somerset 811 Summit • 530 Total 12,400 The school census, taken in 1885, gave the county a total population of 12,733. There were 2,251 families : (5,277 males, and G,441 females. The total was divided among the various townslii])s as follows: Aurora 727 Berlin 707 Blooming I'rairie 626 Blooming Pruirie Village 366 Clinton Falls 477 Deerficld 863 Havana 865 Lemond O'JS Mcdford 087 Meriden 833 Merton 670 Owatonna,City 3,280 Owatonna Township 550 Somerset 833 Summit 551 Total. 12,733 KEAI. AND I'K KSONAI. VALUES IN 1861. In 1861 the real and personal property assessment was as follows : ACHKS. Owatonna 21,467 Dover 14,836 Aurora 19,335 Orion 17,919 Somerset 15,314 Clinton 10,215 Decrfield 15,943 Lemond 11,700 Summit 8,700 Berlin 10,108 Mcdford 17,080 Meriden 19,749 TOTAL VALUATION, IlKAI. AND ri'.HSONAI. $124,083.85 43,252.00 33,431.80 53,433.05 30,03.5.50 35,303.00 33,825.00 27,213.00 1 7,100.00 26,184.50 52,744.00 59,412.50 VALUES FROM 1861 TO 1886. As a matter of interest, and to show the growth of assessed values of personal prop- erty in the county, the following statistics are presented of the amount of personal ])i'(jperty returned each year for the past twenty -six years : 1861 $ 82,666 1803 1804 1805 1806 1867 1868 1809 1870 1871 1872 115,103 230,944 283,706 387,230 522,463 598,204 560,817 5.54,869 551,770 566,967 1873 589,246 1874 $ 703,005 1875 1,001,133 1876 1,043,155 1877 1,001,103 1878 1,056,254 1879 987,039 1880 903,027 1881 1,014.383 1882 1,000,271 1883 1,170,900 1884 1,134,661 1885 1,117,530 Total 183,165 $536,769.38 1886 1,118,534 PRESENT VALUES. The total assessed value of real and per- sonal jiroperty in Steele County, in 1886, was $4,590,332. The ])ersonal ]iro]>erty assessment was $1,118,534. This amount was divided anujng the various townships and villages of the county as follows : Blooming Prairie Village $ 51,923 Blooming Prairie 46,504 Summit 33,546 Berlin 53,365 Aurora 48,420 Somerset 65,199 Lemond 49,732 Havana 53.003 Owatona 40,256 Owatonna City 405,436 Meriden 61,043 Merton 50,604 Mcdford 57,613 Clinton Falls 33,997 Deertield 58,204 The real-estate assessment for 1886 gave Steele County a total assessed value of $3,477,798, as fixed by the board of ecjuali- zation. This included the value of improve- ments, but not of personal ]iropei-ty. The average assessed value of lands, exclusive of improvements, was fixed at $9.34 per acre. The total number of acres assessed, exclusive HISTOKY OK STKKLK COUNTY. 41 of town lots, was 267,512, of which amount 109,151 acres were improved, and 153,4:86 were unimproved. In 1886 the average rate of taxation throughout Steele ^County was ISIb mills on the dollar. The total taxes levied tluit year was |63,000.1S. Of this amount $5,- 948.89 was for State purposes and the balance for county, school, city and town- ship. CROPS. The following statement, showing the crops sown and raised in Steele County in 1886, will give a very clear idea of the diver- sity with which agriculture is pursued here : ACHEAQE. VIELD. ^%]^'l^^l Wheat 58,118 733,746 13 Oats 15,163 487,896 33 Corn 10,930 300,110 28 Barley 3,337 55,771 25 Ilye 19 233 13 Buckwheat 33 325 10 Potatoes 359 57,133 33 Beans 9 207 23 Sugar-cane 36 2,984 114 Cultivated Ilay 4,091 7,481 tons Flax '. 96 1,300 13 Other Products 170 Total 88,435 Wild Hay.. 30,8.50 tons. Tobacco.... 273 lbs. Timothy... 527 bushs. Wool 17,183 " Clover.".... 852 " Butter .... 379,875 " Apples 533 " Cheese 159,184 " Honey 73,011 " In 1886 the acreage sown to the various crops was as follows : Oats 15,9.57 Barley 3,919 Buckwheat 41 Flax 300 acreage cultivated in 18S6 was Wheat .53,993 Corn. 11,886 Rye 39 Potatoes 589 Total 90,625 aicres. EDUCATIONAL. The first school district in the county — or No. 1 — was set off on the 7th of April, 1856. It embraced sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, townsliip 107, range 20. Dis- tricts Nos. 2 and 3 were created at the same time, the former being located in township 107, range 20, and the latter being located in township 108, ranges 19 and 20. Up to February, 1857, there had been thirteen school districts organized. In 1886 thei'e were eighty-three organized school districts in the county. The first school in the county was taught on the present site of the city of Owatonna in the summer of 1855, by Miss Helen IIol- brook. As this volume goes to press County Supt. Brown has just completed his report showing the condition of schools in 1886. According to it there were 3,701 cliildren of school age in the county, includ- ing Owatonna. Outside of Owatonna there were 3,601 entitled to apportionment and 144 not entitled to apportionment. The number enrolled between the ages of five and eight years was 795 ; between the ages of eight and sixteen, 2,484 ; and between the ages of sixteen and twenty -one, 427. The number between the ages of eight and six- teen that attend school sixty days, or a term of tliree months, was 1,781. Six new school- houses were built during the year, valued at $2,545. The teachers employed during the winter term were twenty-eight males and fifty -three females ; during the summer term, six males and sixty-six females. The value of school buildings was estimated at $35,050, and of furniture at $3,193. None of these statistics include the Owatonna schools. There were fourteen female teachers in the city schools. The Owatonna school build- ings were valued at $40,000 and tlic fur- niture at $2,500. EARLY MARRIAGE LICENSE RECORD. The first marriage that appears on tJie record books of this county was s(jlemnized on the 10th of November, 1856, more tlian thirty years ago. The parties were Smith Johnson, Jr., and Sabrina Wilkins. The marriage ceremony was i)erformed by Rev. O. A. Thomas. Mr. Johnson is still a prominent resident of Steele County, living at Medford. There are many amusing anec- dotes connected with some of the earlier 42 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. weddings, most of which find their proper places in the various township histories. How the rustic, blushing bride left the kitchen, unbuckled her apron, and throwing on her sunbonnet, climbed into the lumber wagon and started off with John, who had his pants in his boots and overalls on, for their wedding tour, to hunt up the " squire " and get "jined." An incident is called to mind which is unlocated and cannot properly be placed in any of the townships. It is said on one occasion, way back in the '50's, a country couple made their way to one of the villages in the county, in quest of some one who was authorized to tie the hymeneal knot. They went to a young storekeeper, who, in the way of a joke, referred them to the postmaster, stating that the government authorized him to officiate on such occasions. When the postmaster was seen he disclaimed any knowledge of such authority, and said that he had only been in the government employ for a short time and was not yet " quite up to snuff," but if the merchant said he could he supposed it was so. Accordingly the couple were ranged u]) in front of the postmaster, wlio, in the most approved style impressed them with the solemnity of the occasion, warned thism to " let no man put asunder what he had joined," and in closing pi'onounced them Mr. and Mrs., etc., accord- ing to the postal laws of the United States. "And you may go in peace ; only one dollar apiece, please." It would doubtless be of interest to many to give the record of marriages for the first ten years of the county's existence, but they are too numerous ; therefore, we give only the first two years, as taken from the record in the office of the clerk of the court. Benjamin A. Freeman and Sarah Ring, by Rev. O. A. Thomas, November, 1856. William Williamson and Lucretia Finch, by Rev. O. A. Thomas, December, 1856. Geo. H. Robbins and Abigail Presby, by Addison Phelps, justice of the peace, Novem- ber, 1856. Friday Wupshal and Julia Grehring, by Addison Phelps, justice of the peace, Decem- ber, 1856. Hiram Robinson and Harriet Town, by A. Town, evangelist, in 1857. Jacob Yonker and Mina Mundt, April, 1857. John G. Truesdell and Elvira Watrous, December, 1857. Chas. M. Williamson and Mary V. Morri- son, November, in 1857. Peter Joliannsen and Ann Schimek, Jan- uary, 1858. John H. Force and Martha Howe, Janu- ary, 1858. Emory M. Geatchell and Sarah O. Run- nels, February, 1858. John Moon and Margaret Meek in Feb- ruary. Loren B. Town and Naomi L. Stoughton in April. Charles B. Baker and Louisa M. Lane in April. Franklin Hickok and Elizabeth McCaslin in May, 1858. CHAPTER VIII. NATIONAL AND STATE REPEESENTATION. C0NGBES9I0NAL. XTIL Minnesota became a State it had only one representative in tlie halls of Congress — a territo- p^l rial deleo-ate who was allowed to speak but not vote. The jfirst ter- ritorial delegate from Minnesota was Henry H. Sibley, who served from January 15, 1849, to Decem- ber 5, 1S53. He was succeeded by Henry M. Rice, who served until December 7, 1857. W. W. Kingsbury was elected to succeed Eice, and served until December 6, 1858. On the 23d of February, 1857, the United States Senate passed an act authorizing the jieople of Min- nesota to form a constitution preparatory to their admission to the Union. In accordance with the provisions of this enabling act a constitutional convention was held on July 13, 1857, at the territorial capital. On the 13th of October, 1857, an election was held, when the constitution was adopted and a full list of State officers was elected. Three congressmen were also elected at this time — George L. Becker, W. W. Phelps and J. M. Cavanaugh — but it was afterward found that Minnesota was only entitled to two congressmen, and the matter was amicably adjusted by the withdrawal of the first- named, Mr. Becker. By this election Messrs. Phelps and Cavanaugh became the first members of Congress from the State of Minnesota. In the winter of 1857-8 the legislature divided the State into two congressional dis- tricts, the southern part becoming the first district and the northern part the second congressional district — -Steele County be- coming, therefore, a part of the first district. At the election held in the fall of 1859, Will- iam Windom was elected congressman from the first district, his opponent being C. Graham, a Democrat. Tlie vote, including the whole State, stood : Windom, 21,016 ; Graham, 17,417 ; majority, 3,599. William Windom was a native of Ohio, born in Belmont County, May 10, 1827. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1850, and in 1853 was elected prosecuting attorney for Knox County. In 1854 he came to Min- nesota and settled at Winona, which city has since been his home. In 1859 he was elected to Congress as stated and was re- elected in the years 1860, 1862, 1864 and 1866. Since his service in the lower House of Congress, he has twice been elected to the United States Senate, and was appointed Secretary of the United States Treasury by President Garfield in 1881. In the fall of 1868, M. S. Wilkinson was elected congressman from the first district to succeed Mr. Windom, and served two years. Mr. Wilkinson was a lawyer who was then living at Mankato, who had been very jirominent in all public matters. He was among the earliest settlers of the State, having located here in 1847, and had repre- sented Minnesota for one term in the United States Senate — elected December 15, 1859, and serving until 1865. After his term of office as congressman expired, he served one 43 44 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. term in the State Senate from Blue Earth County. Subsequently he removed to Wells, in Faribault County, where he still lives. Hon. Mark II. Bunnell, of Owatonna, suc- ceeded Mr. AVilkinson as congressman from the first district, and served for twelve con- secutive years. Mr. Bunnell has for years been an honored citizen of Steele County and we herewith present a biographical sketch of his life : Hon. Mark Hill Bunnell is a son of Sam- uel Bunnell, a farmer, and Achsah Hill, and was born in Buxton, Me., on the 2d of July, 1823. His great-great-grandfather came from Scotland, while the HiUs were of English descent. Mark H. spent his minoritj^ upon his father's farm, attending the district school and different academies during such seasons of the year as were least pressed with work, finishing his studies preparatory for college under private tuition, and secur- ing with his own hands, the means for his entire education after leaving the district school. He was graduated from Waterville College, now Colby University, in 1849, and for two years was principal of Norway Lib- eral Institute, and then for three years of Hebron Academy, both in his native State. The latter was a school of high grade, in which especial attention was given to the classics and the preparation of young men for col- lege. Buring the three years that Mr. Bun- nell was at its head he thus fitted forty or fifty students and sent them to different col leges and universities in New England. Among tliese were Hon. Eugene Hale, now United States senator from Maine ; Hon. John B. Long, afterward lieutenant-gov- ernor of Massachusetts, now a member of Congress ; Rev. G. M. P. King, B. B., now president of Wayland Seminary, in Washing- ton, and a dozen other men of high standing- in the professions. In 1854 Mr. Bunnell was a member of the Lower House of the Legislature, and of the Up|)er House in the following year. In 1855, 1857, 1858 and 1859 he was State superin- tendent of common schools, in Maine, being appointed by Gov. Anson P. Morrill and reappointed by Gov. Hannibal Hamlin. Wiiile Mr. Bunnell was teaching in the acad- emies already mentioned, he devoted his leisure time to the study of law, was admitted to the bar in 1856, practiced some that year and in 1860 opened a law office at Portland. In March of the following year, one month before the Civil War commenced, he was appointed United States consul to Vera Cruz, Mexico, and before entering upon his duties he asked a four months' delay in order that he might aid in raising the Fifth Regiment, Maine volunteers, of which he was chosen colonel. He reached Washington with his regiment in season to participate in the first battle of Bull Run. In October following, at the request of Secretary Seward, he entered upon his duties at Vera Cruz, which had become an outlying rebel city through which munitions of war were passing for Confederate use. On one occa- sion he was instrumental in detaining fifteen thousand stand of arms bound for Texas. For services of this kind, rendered while there, he received a letter of thanks from Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. Buring part of the time that he was at Vera Cruz, the Mexicans were resisting the Spanish, French and English alliance against Mexico, and when the governor of the State of Vera Cruz I'etired from the city to join the Mexican forces, he placed the keys of the government of the city in the hands of Con- sul Bunnell, he being the senior officer among the friendly powers. In 1862 Col. Bunnell resigned the office of consul, I'eturned to Maine and aided the governor in recruit- ing men and in the organization of the State militia, practicing his profession at the same time. In 1864 he was tendered the secre- taryship of the newly-formed territory of Montana, but declined to accept it. In Jan- uary, 1865, we find him located at Winona, and since that date he has l)een a citizen of Minnesota, having removed to Owatonna in HISTOEY OF STEELE COtlNTT. 45 June, 1867. He was a membei" of the House of Representatives in 1867, and at the close of the session was appointed (on the 2d of April, 1867) State Superintendent of Pubhc Instruction — an oflBce whic hhe held for three and one-third years, and the duties of which he performed with faitlifulness and ability, giving a fresh impetus to the cause of edu- cation in the " North Star State." He resigned the office of superintendent to take his place in Congress, to which he had been elected in the autumn of 1870. He was re-elected in 1872, 1874, 1876, 1878 and 1880, serving six consecutive terms in the House of Representatives — an honor never before con- ferred by the people* of Minnesota. His renomination the fourth time — an act done by acclamation — was a subject of warm con- gratulation and much rejoicing on the part of his Republican friends all over the country. The press was made especially happy by the graceful act. The "Washington National Republican^ published where the untiring labors of Congressman Dunnell were wit- nessed, thus spoke in August, 1878, of his renomination : "We have already announced the renom- ination of Hon. Mark H. Dunnell for Con- gress in the first district of Minnesota. In this his constituents have honored them- selves, and at the same time have given proper recognition to valuable public service characterized by marked ability. This nom- ination is made more significant by the fact that it was unanimously bestowed. Mr. Dun- nell, during the period of years he has held a seat in the House of Representatives, has dis- tinguished his legislative career by abilities of a high order, both as a worker and debater. By a life of purity at the national capital and an unflae-ging devotion to the interests of his constituents and the country at large, he has won for himself a high degree of con- fidence and respect. His election is assured, and his return to Congress will be hailed with satisfaction by all who know Inm. He is a stalwart Republican." During the twelve years which Mr. Dun- nell spent in Congress he served upon the following committees of the house : Public lands, education and labor, claims, com- merce, Mississippi levees, expenditures in State department, four years upon the com- mittee on ways and means, and was also a member of the special committee to investi- gate the presidential election of 1S76 in the State of Florida. IS'o representative from Minnesota served his constituents with more fidelity, nor has any representative attained more prominence and influence in the House than Mr. Dunnell. In the XLlIId Congress an attack was made upon the Republic of Mexico, and Congressman Dunnell made a speech in which he gallantly defended that republic from what he regarded as an unwai'ranted assault. His speech was widely quoted, printed in full in all the Mexican journals, and he was made an honorary member of the Society of Geography and Statistics, the highest society of the kind in that reiuiblic, and hence the highest honor it was capable of bestowing. On the organization of the Forty-seventh Congress, Mr. Dunnell was urged for the speakership of the House of Representatives and had the support of the Republican caucus. His fitness for the place was conceded, but his views on the tariff given in the XLVIth Congress, in favor of reduction, were used against him and he was defeated. In 1868 Mr. Dunnell received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Shurtliflf Colles'e, one of the oldest institutions of learning in Illinois. He has been a member of the Republican party from its inception, and in 1856 was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Gen. John C. Fremont. His la- bors in behalf of the party in the past have been earnest and unceasing, and in Congress he made a record in which his constituents as well as himself could take a just pride. As a speaker, both on the "stump" and in Congress, he was eif ecti ve and popular, and 46 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. he has repeatedly spoken in- Maine, JSTew Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The cause of education has had no warmer friend in the ^reat Northwest than Mr. Dunnell. For ten years while a citizen of Maine he was a trustee of the Waterville College. And since his residence here, no educational movement has been made that has not received his hearty support and encouragement. Of the Pillsbury Academy, since its inception, he has been a member of the board of trustees, and in 1877, 1883-4 and 1884-5 was president of the board. He was married to Sarah A. Parrington, Novem- ber 20, 1850. Five children were born to them: "Warren B., Nellie A., Fanny, Mark B. and Alice Maud. Nellie became the wife of Prof. C. "W. Hall ; she died in Germany in Februar^'^, 1876. Alice M. died in Owatonna in July, 1873, being nearly five years of age. Warren B., an architect, resides in Minne- apolis. Fanny is now the wife of H. R. Moore, Jr., and Mark B. is a graduate of- the Univer- sity of Pochester, N. Y., taught one year at Faribault, and is now a student at the Law School of Columbia College in New York City. In 1882 Milo White, of Chatfield, was elected to Congress from the first district. He was an old settler at Chatfield, and had been prominent in local politics for many years, serving his district in the State senate for several terms, and taking an active part upon the Republican side, in political mat- ters generally. He was re-elected to Con- gress in 1884, serving four years. Mr. White had been raised at and followed the mercan- tile business at which he had amassed a comfortable fortune. In 1886 he made a hard fight for renomination but was defeated by Hon. John A. Lovely, an able lawyer of Freeborn Count}^. At the polls Mr. Lovely was defeated by Judge Thomas Wilson, of Winona, the Dem- ocratic nominee — the first Democrat elected from this district since 1859. Mr. Wilson is an earh' settler in Winona Count3% where he has practiced law for nearh' a third of a century. He has served upon the district and supreme benches of the State, repre- sented Winona County in both branches of the legislature and in man\' \vays has taken a prominent part in State and local matters. As a lawyer he ranks among the ablest in the Northwest. The first district as it is now constituted is composed of the counties of Winona, 01m- stead, Steele, Wabasha, Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Dodge and Freeborn. REPRESENTATION IN TERRITORIAL AND STATE LEGISLATURES. Steele County was created on the 20th of February, 1855, by the sixth territorial legislature. At the same session the "ap- ])ortionment of 1855 " was made, and ac- cording to this the territorial council was composed of fifteen and the House of thirtj'- eight members. Steele County became at once a part of the tenth council district which was composed of the counties of Steele, LeSueur, Faribault, Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet, Sibley, Pierce and Renville. This district was entitled to elect one councilor and three representatives. The Vllth Legislature convened Jan- uary 2, and adjourned March 1, 1856. The tenth district was represented in the coun- cil by Charles E. Flandrau, and in the House by George A. McLeod, Parsons K. Johnson and Aurelius F. de LaVergne. Neither of these parties were residents of Steele County. The Vlllth Legislature convened January 7 and adjourned March 7, 1857, and an extra session was held during the summer. P. P. Humphrey represented the tenth district in the council and O. A. Thomas, Joseph R. Brown and Francis Baasen in the House. This was the last session of the territorial legislature, as the territory became a State by the adoption of a constitution and elec- tion of State officers on the 13th of October, 1857. Mr. Brown, above mentioned, lived HISTORY OF STEELE CO0NTT. 4Y in the Minnesota Vallej' and liad been Indian agent for a number of years. Mr. Baasen belonged in New Ulm. Mr. Thomas was a resident of Steele County' who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The 1st State Legislature assembled on the 2d of December, 1S57, and finally ad- journed August 12, 1858, having held a spe- cial session. In the meantime the constitu- tion had reapportioned the State, and Steele and Waseca Counties (the latter had just been created) were associated together as the fifteenth senatorial district, whicli was en- titled to one senator and four representa- tives. According to this apportionment the Senate had thirty-seven and the House eighty members. At the first session of the State legislature the fifteenth disti-ict was repre- sented in the Senate by Lewis L. McCune, of "Waseca County, and in the House by Hiram M. Sheetz, George C. Pettie and Smith John- son. All of the representatives in the House, during this session, were residents of Steele County. Mr. Sheetz was the publisher of a paper at Owatonna. He had come here at an early day and remained until the time of his death. George C. Pettie was a resident of Aurora, and Smith Johnson, of Medford Township. Both are mentioned elsewhere. No session was held in the winter of 1858-9, mainly owing to the protracted ses- sion of 1857-8, which was believed to render unnecessary another one following so soon. The lid Legislature assembled Decem- ber 7, 1859, and adjourned March 12, 1860. William F. Pettit had succeeded Mr. Mc- Cune in the Senate from the fifteenth and in the House were Amos Coggswell and G. W. Green from Steele County and G. T. White and J . I. Stewart from Waseca County. Amos Coggswell, of Steele County, was elected speaker of the House. At this ses- sion of the legislature the apportionment of 1860 was made, and the number of members was cut down to twenty-one senators and forty-two representatives. In accordance with thi§ apportionment Steele, Waseca and Freeborn Counties were throVn together in forming the sixteenth district, which was entitled to one senator and two representa- tives. WiUiam F. Pettit, the senator from Steele County, was one of tlie founders of the city of Owatonna. Amos Coggswell and G. W. Green in the House were both lawyers from Steele County, and were both prominent and able men. It js said that Steele County has never, either before or since, sent a more able and influential dele- gation than it had in the lid Legislature. All of these parties are mentioned at length elsewhere. The Hid Legislature convened January 8, and adjourned March 8, 1861. George Wat- son represented the sixteenth district in the Senate, and William F. Pettit, of Steele County, and James E. Child, of Waseca County, were in the House. The IVth Legislature assembled Jan- uary 7, and adjourned March 7, 1862. The sixteenth district was represented at this session by A. B. Webber, of Freeborn County, in the Senate ; and P. C. Bailey and H. C. Magoon in the House. Mr. Bailey was a resi- dent of Waseca. II. C. Magoon was an early settler in Merton Township, Steele County. The Vth Legislature convened on the 6th of January, and adjourned on the 6th of March, 1863. M. A. Dailey, of Owatonna, was the senator, and Asa Walker, of Free- born County, and Philo Woodrufl', of Waseca County, were the representatives from the sixteenth district. Mr. Dailey is mentioned at length elsewhere in this volume. The Vlth Llegislature met on the 5th of January and adjourned on the 4th of March, 1864. The sixteenth district at that session was represented by F. J. Stevens, of Steele County, in the Senate, and by Philo Wood- ruff, of Waseca Count}', and John L. Gibbs, of Freeborn County, in the House. F. J. Stevens, the senator at that time, was an early settler in Meriden Township, Steele County, havmg come from Massachusetts. He remained here for a number of years and 48 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. then returned to his original home in the New England States. He held a number of offices at different times while here and was a prominent man in earl}' affairs. The Vllth Legislature assembled Jan- uary 3, and adjourned March 3, 18C5. B. A. Lowell, of Waseca County, had succeeded Mr. Stevens as senator from the sixteenth district, and in the House were J. B. Crooker. of Steele County, and John L. Gibbs, of Freeborn County. J. L. Gibbs, who was in the House at that time, has since become a jirominent figure in State politics and is now one of the State railroad commissioners. The Vlllth Legislature convened January 2, and adjourned March 2, 186G. The six- teenth district was served in both Senate and House by the same representatives as in the seventh, except tliat John L. Gibbs had been succeeded in the House by Augustus Armstrong. By this legislature the re- apportionment of 1866 was mat.e, increas- ing the number of senators to twenty-two, and representatives to forty-seven. The sixteenth disti'ict remained the same as before, and was given, three instead of two representatives in the House, one for each county. The IXth Legislature convened January 8, and adjourned March 8, 1867. At this ses- sion Augustus Armstrong represented the sixteenth district in the Senate. The repre- sentatives were Dr. W. H. Twiford, of Steele County, and William Brisbane, and James E. Smith, of Waseca County. Au- gustus Armstrong, the senator during this session, was from Freeborn County, and was an able man. He afterward held the office of United States marshal for four years. Willis H. Twiford was born May 12, 1821, in Fayette County, Ohio. His mother died when he was seven years old, leaving ten children who were scattered, his father, Clement Twiford, being poor. Young Wil- lis at nine years old was sent to Marysville, Ohio, and placed in the family of Silvester Phelps, where he had the advantage of the common schools of that day, remaining there three years ; became quite efficient in spell- ing, reading, writing, English grammar and geography. At twelve years of age he was sent to West Canaan in Madison County, Ohio, for the purpose of learning the wagon- maker's trade with his brother, T. B. Twi- ford, but only remained with him about a year when he went to Pickaway County, Ohio ; attended school the following winter and in the spring of 1835 went to living with Smith B. Horsey, near Westfall. Here he remained until the fall of 1S38, working on the farm. At this time his father married Mrs. Hanna Beach, of Madison County, Ohio, when he was oi'dered liome, where he ver}' reluctantly went, having tlie usual prejudice against a step-mother. But this prejudice soon gave way to the most jii'o- found respect and filial affection and he now looks on that two or three years of home in- fluence as the awakening period to a higher plane of life. From 1838 until 1811 lie worked on the farm, attended school and taught in winter. In 1842 he entered the office of Dr. J. Sidney Skinner, of West Canaan, Ohio, and studied medicine, gradu- ating at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. In 1845 he began tlie practice of medicine in Pleasant Valley (now Plain City), Ohio. April 29, 1846, he mar- ried Miss Nancy li., daughter of Jeremiah Dominy, Esq., of Madison County, Ohio. He remained in Pleasant Valley until 1853, when he removed to Union City, Ind., and was there actively engaged in the practice of his profession until the War of the Kebel- lion, when in May, 1861, he was commis- sioned surgeon of the Twenty-seventh liegi- ment Indiana Volunteers. He was engaged in all the prominent battles with the Army of the Potomac. Becoming distinguished as a sur- geon he was early in the war appointed chief operator of the First Division, Twelfth Army Corps. In 1863 the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps were consolidated and formed tlie Twentieth, commanded by Gen. Joseph /^^an^ A^Sl. U^CtA^lJ^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 51 Hooker. Surgeon Twiford was appointed surgeon-in-chief of First Division on the staff of Gen. Wilhams. He was about this time severely injured by a fall and was granted leave of absence and in July reluctantly re- signed. About 1st September, 1864, he came with his family to Minnesota, settling on a farm in Somerset, Steele County, and remained until 1873 when he removed to Geneva, Freeborn County, where he now re- sides, actively engaged in the practice of his profession, being a member of the State Medical Society^ and also of the American Medical Association. The doctor often speaks of his step-mother's influence as shaping whatever there is exemplary in his whole life. Tlie Xth Legislature assembled January 7, and adjourned March 6, 1868. Mr. Arm- strong was still in the Senate. In the House the sixteenth district was represented by William E. Kinyon, of Steele County ; J. E. Smith, of Freeborn, and George A. LaDow, of Waseca County. The Xlth Legislature convened January 5, and adjourned March 5, 1869. The sixteenth district was represented by J. B. Crooker, of Steele County, in the Senate, and in the House by E. Easton, of Havana Township, Steele County ; W. Smith, of Waseca County, and Augustus Armstrong, of Freeborn County. J. B. Crooker, the senator from Steele in the Xlth Legisla- ture, figures prominently in the early history of Owatonna. He was originally from central New York, but came here from Cal- ifornia in 1856, and located in the county- seat. His brother, E. B. Crooker, came at about the same time. They had been en- gaged in mining in the West and had been very successful, as they were well off as to world's goods when they came. They bought an interest in what is known as the " five hundred acre " tract of land, and, after the Coburn failure in the winter of 1858-9, they engaged in the general merchandise business. They remained in this for a num- ber of years, and were then for a time en- gaged in the lumber trade, and finally re- moved to Minneapolis, where they soon failed and went through bankruptcy. E. B. Crooker is now running a dray line there, while J. B. is in the real-estate busi- ness. Both were active, energetic, wide-a- wake men ; industrious and enterprising and, while unsuccessful in the end through careless business methods, yet they were prominent factors in the early development of Steele County. Mr. Easton, the representative from Steele County in this session, is still a resi- dent of Owatonna. The Xllth Legislature convened January ■i, and adjourned March ■!, 1870. J. B. Crooker, of Steele County, still represented the district in the Senate. In the House the district was served by H. W. EuUiffson, of Steele County; W. C. Young, of Waseca County, and A. C. Wedge, of Freeborn County. Mr. EuUiffson was an early settler in Summit Township, where he had a large farm. He finally removed to the western part of the State, where he still lives. The Xlllth Legislature assembled Jan- uary 8, and adjourned March 3, 1871. W. C. Y^oung, of Waseca County, had succeeded J. B. Crooker as senator from the sixteenth district, and in the House were F. B. Davis, of Steele County ; William Brisbane, of Waseca County, and A. C. Wedge, of Free- born County. This legislature made a reapportionment of the legislative districts in the State, which increased the number of senators to forty-one, and the number of representatives to 106. According to this apportionment Steele County alone became entitled to one senator and two rep- resentatives. The county was divided into two representative districts, as follows : No. 1 embraced the town and city of Owatonna, and the townships of Medford, Clinton Falls and Merton. No. 2 embraced all the balance of the county. F. B. Davis, the senator during this session, was an old settler in the northern part of the county, 52 HISTORY OF STKELE COUNTY. who afterward located in Meriden Township. He left the count}' a number of years ago. The XlVth Legislature assembled Jan- uary 2, and adjourned March 1, 1872. Amos Coggswell repi'esented Steele County, or the twelfth district, in the Senate. The county's representatives in the House were W. W. Wilkins and F. B. Davis. Messrs. Coggs- well and Wilkins are still honored residents of the count\\ The XVth Legislature convened on the 7th of January, and adjourned on the 7th of March, 1873. Amos Coggswell again repre- sented Steele County in the Senate. W. W. Wilkins and A. Colquhoun were the repre- sentatives in the House. The XVIth Legislature assembled Janu- ary 6, and adjourned March 6, 1874. Amos Coggswell was again in the Senate from Steele County. In the House were C. S. Crandall and J. M. Sloan. These gentlemen are still living in the countv, except J. M. Sloan, who was an old settler in the south- ern part of the county, where he died several years ago. The XVIIth Legislature assembled Jan- uai'y 5, and adjourned March 5, 1875. Steele County was represented in the Senate by Amos Coggswell, and in the House b}' W. R. Kmyon and Hugh Murray. Mr. Kinyon was elected speaker of the House. The XVIITth Legislature assembled Jan- uary 4, and adjourned ]\Larch 3, 1876. At this session L. L. Wheelock succeeded Mr. Coggswell as senator from Steele County. In the House the delegation from Steele County was the same as in the seventeenth. Mr. Kinyon was again honored b}' being chosen speaker of the House. The XlXth Legislature convened Janu- ary 2, and adjourned March 2, 1877. L. L. Wheelock still represented Steele County in the Senate. In the House the county was represented by G-eorge W. Buffum and Wal- ter Muir. Senator Wheelock and Represent- ative Buffum are noticed at length else- where. Mr. Muir was a resident of Berlin Township, where he remained until a few 3'ears ago. The XXth Legislature assembled Janu- ary 8, and adjourned March 8, 1878. At this time Steele County was represented in the Senate by Dr. E. M. Morehouse, of Owa- tonna, and in the House by G. W. Buffum and Walter Muir. The XXIst Legislature convened Jan- uary 7, and adjoui'ned March 7, 1879. W. W. Wilkins had succeeded Dr. Morehouse as senator from Steele Countj'. In the House the countv was represented by H. H. Rose- brock and H. M. Hastings. The XXIInd Legislature convened in regular session January 4, and adjourned March 4, 1881. An extra session was held during the same year. W. W. Wilkins was still senator from Steele County. In the House the representatives were H. H. Rose- brock and A. Colquhoun. This legislature made the apportionment of 1881. It fixed the number of senators at forty-seven, and of representatives at 103. In accordance with this apportionment Steele County retained its old district number — twelve ; but it was only to be entitled to one senator and one representative. After this time sessions were held biennially instead of annually. The XXIIIrd Legislature assembled Jan- uary 2, and adjourned March 2, 1883. A. C. Hickman, of Owatonna, had succeeded Mr. Wilkins as senator. In the House Steele County was represented by H. A. Finch. The XXIVth Legislature convened Jan- uary 6, and adjourned March 6, 1885. A. C. Hickman, of Owatonna, again represented Steele County in the Senate. James M. Bur- lingame was the representative of Steele County in the House. The XXVth Legislature convened in January and adjourned in March, 1887. Charles S. Crandall, the present senator from Steele County, represented the twelfth district in the Senate. In the House G. W. Buffum represented the county and still niSTOEY OF STEELE COHNTT. 53 holds the office of representative. A biog- raphy of Senator Crandall is presented in connection with the history of the city of Owatonna. We herewith append a biograph- ical sketch of the representative in the Lower House. Hon. George "W. Buff ura was born in Rich- mond, Cheshire County, N. H., June 3, 1834, where he spent his earlier years, receiving the schooling accessible in those days. In 1848 he removed with his parents, settling in Sheboygan County, Wis. There he remained, attending school and farming, until shortly after the war broke out in 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, First Wisconsin Infan- try (Jolm C. Starkweather, colonel), as a pri- vate soldier. The regiment went to Louisville, Ky., and reported to Gen. W. T. Sherman, becoming a part of the Army of the Cumber- land. Later they were assigned to the Four- teenth Army Corps under Gen. Thomas. They remained at Louisville until the follow- ing February, when a move to Mumfordsville was made, and in that locality in their various skirmishes they saw their first fight- ing. The balance of the winter was spent at that point and then they were marched on to Bowling Green, which was evacuated by Gen. Buckner, Avho was in charge of the rebel forces. Gen. BueU had succeeded W. T. Sherman in the command of the Army of the Cumberland. The latter armj^ pro- ceeded to Nashville and from there on through Tennessee and into Alabama, guard- ing railroads, skirmishing and driving the Confederates under Bragg before them. Thus the major part of the summer was spent, until in September, when Bragg, whom they had been pushing, made a flank move and returned toward Louisville. Upon this turn of affairs our army also "faced about " and marched back to the city of Louisville, where they were heavily rein- forced and reorganized. As soon as the new troops could be assigned and the reorgani- zation perfected, they started in pursuit of Bragg, meeting him at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, where a severe engagement took place. The First Wisconsin was in Maj.-Gen. McCook's Corps, Col. Stark- weather of this regiment commanding the brigade. The regiment went into the fight with about 400 men, and of this number 56 were killed outright and over 100 wounded. The battle was a very severe one, and the losses on both sides were very heav3^ The losses were given in the army records as bemg: Union, 916 killed, 2,943 wounded and 489 missing; Confederate, 2,500 killed wounded and missing. Bragg retreated. The First Wisconsin continued under the same division and brigade commanders, but Gen. W. S. Rosecrans succeeded Buell in command of the army, and on the 31st of December, 1862, began the battle of Murfreesboro', or Stone River, Tenn., the most important battle of the winter of 1862-3. The fighting con- tinued for three daj's, when the enemy evac- uated. The losses on both sides were again very heavy, but the casualties in the First Wisconsin were not quite so heavj^ as at Perryville. The forces, after this, remained at Murfreesboro' until the following June (1863), when orders came' from Washington to break camp and move on the enemy, which was immediately carried into execu- tion. They kept continually on the march, skirmishing and pressing the Confederates back until the 19th of September, 1863, when there occurred one of the most noted battles of the war, at Chickamauga, Ga. The First Wisconsin occupied the most perilous position and took a most active part in this, as they were at the head of the infantry forces, their colonel (Starkweather) being wounded, and their losses were very heavy. The subject of this sketch, Mr. Buffum, in the meantime had become first lieutenant of Company I, and here assumed command, as the captain was killed on the first fire. The Union forces were defeated at this battle and retreated to Chattanooga, Tenn., where the army was reorganized by Gen. Grant. On the second day of the battle, however, 54 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. between sundown and dark, Mr. Buffum, together with about half of both his company and regiment, were taken prisoners of war and removed to Libby prison at Richmond, where they were kept for about eight months. From there they were taken to Danville and after a few days to Macon> Ga. There they were kept until the last of July, when 600 officers, including Mr. Buffum, were taken to Charleston, S. C, and held as a safeguard, to be sacrificed in retal- iation for anv serious damage that miffht accrue to the city if bombarded by the Union forces. They were kept there until some time in October, when the yellow fever broke out among the prisoners and they were removed to Columbia, S. C, where Mr. Buffum was exchanged on the 10th of December, 1864. He was finally mustered out as captain, December 19, 1864, his regi- ment in the meantime having been dis- charged. He at once returned to his Wis- consin home in Sheboygan County for the first time since his enlistment. On the 1st of the following January, 1865, Mr. Buffum was married to Miss Ellen E. Putnam, a native of Maine, born June 19, 1844. In May, 1865, he made his first trip to Minnesota and purchased his present farm in Owatonna and Clinton Falls Townships, Steele County, removing to Owatonna in the following June, and has since made this county his home. From the time of his settlem ent here, nearly twenty three years ago, Mr. Buffum took a prom- inent part in public matters. He was elected a member of the board of county commis- sioners in 1869, and served until 1875, acting as chairman of that body a portion of the time. In 1876 he was elected representative from Steele County in the Lower House of the legislature, and was re-elected in 1877, serv- ing through the XlXth and XXth Legisla- tures. In the fall of 1886 he was again elected i"e])resentative for tlie two years' tenn, and holds that office at the present writing. In the last session he was among the most active and influential members, and ably represented his constituents in a session which was among the most important held in the history of the State. He was a prom- inent candidate for the speakership at the opening of the session and, although unsuc- cessful in that respect, his influence and ability were recognized in the formation of committees, he being placed upon a number of the most important, and made chairman of the committee on temperance. Mr. Buf- fum has been identified with the Republican party since its organization; he is clear- headed and an able parliamentarian, a care- ful business man ; he has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He takes an active interest in G. A. R. and Knights Templar matters, being a member of both organiza- tions at Owatonna. He has one son, Frank P., born October 1, 1866, who graduated June, 1886, from Pillsbury Academy, Owa- tonna, and is now taking a medical course at Rush College, Chicago, 111. CHAPTER IX. COUNTY OFFICIALS. N this connection we take up the history of all the county oflBces. Biographies of many of the offi- cials appear in other chapters of this work, and of such we make but brief mention here. The his- torian has endeavored to obtain a biographical sketch of each official, but in a great many cases this has been imjiossible, and, in fact, in some instances but very little information as to the parties could be got, as many of them have been gone from the county for years, and have been lost to the memories of the old settlers who are still accessible to the writer. REGISTER OF DEPJDS. Charles Ellison was the first register of deeds for Steele County. He was appointed by the governor in tlie summer of 1856, and served until January 1, 1857. He opened the records of the county, in the absence of record books, upon a couple of sheets of fools- cap paper. Ellison came here from Iowa early in the spring of 1855, and took a claim south- east of Owatonna, which has since fell into John Chambers' possession after a number of changes. Ellison remained about for several years improving his claim a little, and finally went to Somerset, where in com- pany with others he was interested in the project of starting a village. A few years later he left the county. John W. Park succeeded Mr. Ellison as register of deeds, being elected in October. 1856. Park was a native of Vermont, but came here from "Waukesha County, Wis., in the fall of 1854, accompanying W. W. Wilkins, S. B. Smith, and Curtis Ilaseltine. Park and Smith settled on a claim in the northern part of the present city plat, where they lived together and began improvements. The others of the original party are men- tioned at length elsewhere in this volume. In the spring of 1855, Smith and Park started a store at Owatonna, the first in the city, and continued to run it until the fall of 1856, Avhen they sold it to Elder Town. Smith continued to farm until 1857, when he went back to Waukesha, where he stiU lives. Park held a number of offices while here, being county surveyor, register of deeds and deputy postmaster at the same time. After selling their mercantile business. Park attended to his few official duties for a couple of years and then returned to Waukesha Count}'', Wis. It should be mentioned that in the spring of 1856, both Smith and Park had returned to Wisconsin and married sisters there. Both were clear- headed, sound business men, and were prom- inent in public affairs, generally, while they lived here. In the fall of 1857 George W. Danforth was elected register of deeds and served for one year. Mr. Danforth had only been here a short time before the election, having come from Indiana. He worked for a time for Elder Town in his store. After remaining here a short time he returned to Indiana. Marvin A. Dailey was the next register of deeds. He was first elected in October, 1858, and re-elected in 1860, serving until January 1, 1863. Dailey was originally from New York. He settled at Owatonna in 1856, and took quite a prominent part in politics and public matters, holding many important offices of trust during his residence 55 56 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. here. He continued to live at Owatonna until a few yeiii's ago, when he removed to Minneapolis, where he is now in the employ of the Minneapolis & St. Louis E. R. Com- pany. After Mr. Dailej^'s term of office as register, the offices of register of deeds and county auditor were consolidated and E. J. Crandall held the position. "Walter Morris succeeded Mr. Crandall. He was elected in November, 1S62, and served nearly two years. The offices of auditor and register were together at this time. Mr. Morris was one of the earliest settlers of Rice County, and Morristown in that county was named in honor of his family, where they had settled in April, 1855. Mr. Morris was born in Ohio on the 12th of January, 1S33. In 1846 his parents removed to Indiana, and in 1853 to St. Paul, thence to Hastings, until 1854, when they settled in Faribault, where Walter Morris was one of the jJi'oprietors selling his interest to John W. North. An event of his life which he related to the writer happened in 1854, when he assisted Alexander Faribault in getting five hundred Indians across the Redwood to receive their pay. "While on their way thither the Indi- ans obtained liquor, got drunk and made numerovis threats, but were finally sobered down and reached their destination in safety. After leaving Mankato they traveled two days and a half with nothing to eat and when, finding a skunk, which made them a meal, they thought themselves fortunate. In 1861 Mr. Morris settled at Owatonna, and served as register of deeds and also county auditor as stated. In 1863 he resigned and the following spring made a trip to Colorado, engaged in farming and remained two years; but as the grasshoppers harvested both crops he removed to Mason, Mo. In 1870, he settled in St. Louis, and 1875 returned to Morristown, Rice Count}', and engaged in mercantile business. In November, 1864, Charles S. Crandall was elected register of deeds to succeed Mr. Morris, and two years later he was re-elected. serving four years. Mr. Crandall is still an honored resident of Steele County. A sketch of his life appears elsewhere in this volume. In November, 1868, H. J. Lewis was elect- ed register of deeds, and was twice re-elected servmg until the 1st of January, 1875. Mr. Lewis came to Steele County at an early day, and settled near Crane Creek. He enlisted early during the war, serving in a "Wisconsin regiment, and attained a high rank before being mustered out. After his discharge he came to Steele County, and in 1868, as stated, was elected register of deeds, and served six years. Toward the last of his official term his health failed, and after a while he went to "Wisconsin, where his death occurred a few years ago. By the election in November, 1874, Ezra Tyler succeeded Mr. Lewis as register of deeds. In 1876, 1878, 1880, 1882 and 1884 Mr. Tyler was re-elected, serving in all twelve years. He was a young man when he settled in Steele County, which was before the war. He followed different occupations for busi- ness until the war broke out, when lie enlisted and went into service. After the close of the Rebellion he was, for a time, engaged in the mercantile business at Owatonna, associated with a brother. "When elected, his official duties occupied his atten- tion. In the spring of 1887, shortly after the expiration of his term of office, he removed to Uuluth, where he is engaged in the compilation of a set of abstracts. George E. Sloan, the present register of deeds, was elected in the fall of 1886. Mr. Sloan was born in Alburgh, Grand Isle County, "V^t., in 1844. "When six years of age he went to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he remained until 1868, when he came to Minnesota. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Fort^'-second New York Volunteer Infantry. In June, 1865, he was discharged. He took part in the battle of Fort Fisher, and was wounded in the face and neck at Drury's Bluff. After coming to Minne- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 57 seta he engaged in farming in Havana Township. In 1SS2 he removed to Summit, where lie remained until elected register of deeds in 1886. He is a member of the James A. Goodwin Post No. 81, Grand Army of the Eepublic. Mr. Sloan was mar- ried in April, 1872, to Miss Lucy Koberts, a native of New York State. They have had seven children : William (deceased), George, Nellie, Frank, Margaret, Effie and Etta (twins.) COUNTY TREASURER. David Sanborn, the first treasurer of Steele County, was appointed by the governor in 1855 and elected at the October election in 1856. He was born in Sanbornton, N. H., on the 27th of July, 1809. For many years he followed the trade of a mason and builder, erectmg several large blocks in Lowell, Mass. In 1853, he came west and the following year settled in Steele County, remaining here until the time of his death which occurred April 6, 1885. Two daugh- ters and one son survived him : B. C. San- born, editor of the MadeUa Times ; Mrs. D. C. Hunkins and Mrs. F. C. Webb. It seems that Mr. Sanborn only served un- til January 1, 1858, as county treasurer, and, in fact, during that time there were scarcely any oflBcial duties to perform. In October, 1857, J. W. Morford was elected treasurer, and in 1858 and 1859 he was re-elected. Mr. Morford was originally from Wayne County, N. Y., but came to Owatonna in 1856 from Wisconsin, where his people had settled at an early daj'. He and John Odell came together and the two were eng-ao-ed in the mercantile business. Mr. Morford, from the first, took a promi- nent part in all public matters, and this characterized his life all through the many years that he lived in Steele County. Fle put up the building now occupied by Rose- brock's furniture store, which was the first public hall in Owatonna, and he is still inter- ested in property here, owning the building now occupied by Katz's clothing house, as well as other real estate. Mr. Morford remained in Owatonna until a few years ago, when he removed to Watertown, Dak., where he still lives. He made many friends here, and deserved them; strictly honest, whether in prosperity or adversity ; his word was as binding upon him as his bond. He was a leading Mason, and when the order here was in its infancy, he fitted up his hall for a lodge-room. In all public affairs and enterprises Mr. Morford was always ready and willing to do his full share. On the 8th of October, 1861, Dr. W. W. Finch was elected county treasurer to suc- ceed Mr. Morford, and served two years. At that time the only safe in Steele County was owned by W. R. Kinyon, who was then prac- ticing law at Owatonna, and Mr. Kinyon became deputy treasurer and the books and funds were kept at his office. Dr. Finch was originally from Vermont. He came west at an early day and settled in Clinton Falls, where he engaged in farming. He had been a practicing physician before coming to Steele County, and during his entire resi- dence here he attended calls, and took care of a practice which his neighbors forced upon him. He remained in the county for a num- ber of years after the expiration of his term of office as treasurer, and finally removed to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he died a few years ago. He had accumulated a com- fortable fortune before leaving Steele Count}'. Dr. Finch was a man of a good deal of both natural and acquired ability ; a man who was esteemed and respected, and justly, by all wlio knew him. B. F. Melvin was elected treasurer in 1863, and was re-elected in 1865, 1867, 1869 and 1871, serving ten years. Mr. Melvin was a native of the State of Maine, but had come west at an early day, settling in Med- ford Township, Steele County. Some time after his election to the office he removed to Owatonna and made that his home until the time of his death, which occurred a few His wife died here during the 58 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. summer of 1887, and one son, Frank, is still a resident of the city. Mr. Melvin was an efficient officer and held the respect of all. Thomas Thompson succeeded Mr. Melvin as treasurer. He held the office for two terms — from January 1, 1874, until Jan- uary 1, 1878. Mr. Thompson was originally from Ohio. He came to Steele County at an early day and settled upon a farm southeast of Owatonna. When the war broke out he enlisted and went into service in a cavalry brigade. After his discharge he returned to his Steele County farm, and a few years later was elected county treas- urer. He again returned to his farm upon the expiration of his term of office, and a year or two later removed to Dakota Terri- tory, where he died a few years ago. His remains, together with those of a deceased daughter, were brought back here for burial ; but his family still live in Dakota. In 1877 John A. Cansdell was elected treasurer and in 1879 and 1881 he was re-elected, serving until January 1, 1884. Mr. Cansdell came to Steele County before the war and settled upon a farm near Kice Lake. When the war broke out he enlisted, and during his service lost one leg. He returned to Steele County and moved to Owatonna, where for several years he ran a Grange general merchandise store. In this he was not successful and came out of it somewhat involved. Then he was elected to office, and a short time after the expira- tion of his tliird term he removed to Minne- apolis, where he still lives. Soren Peterson, the present county treas- urer, succeeded Mr. Cansdell. He was elected in 1883 and re-elected in 1886. Mr. Peterson was born in Denmark in 1847. He came to America in 1869 and came to Steele County, Minn., settling in Blooming- Prairie, where he lived until elected county treasurer. Mr. Peterson was married in 1869 to Miss Kirsten Davidson. Tlieir chil- dren's names are : Mary, Hans, Willie C, Carl L., Anna, Emma and Hansine. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Lutheran Church. COUNTY AUDITOR. When Steele County was organized, in 1855, the office of county auditor had not yet been created, and the duties were per- formed by an officer termed the. clerk of the board of county commissioners, who was appointed by the board. Charles Ellison was the first to fill this office, being appointed by the board at their first session, in August, 1855. In October, 1856, Z. B. Moore Avas elected to the office of auditor and apparently held it for two years, whether he performed the duties or not. Not much is remembered of Moore except that he was a smart and active young man who came here at a very early day and remained about Owatonna for a few years. He then went, it is thought, to California, and has been lost trace of. There appears to have been some dispute or difficulty regarding this office during the winter of 1858-9. The election records show that A. McKinney was elected to the office in October, 1858, but M. A. Dailey contested, claiming that the election, at that time, of this officer was vested in the board of county commissioners. Mr. Dailey had succeeded Mr. Ellison as clerk of the board, which was really the same as county auditor, and the result of the matter was, that in February, 1859, the board settled the matter by for- mally electing Mr. Dailey. In October, 1859, Frank L. Melvin was elected county auditor, but in February, 1860, he resigned and Mr. Dailey was re- appointed. E. J. Crandall was elected county auditor to succeed Mr. Dailey, in November, 1860, and the office was shortly afterward merged with tliat of register of deeds. Succeeding Mr. Crandall in 1862, Walter Morris was elected county auditor and regis- ter of deeds, and held the offices jointly until the 5th of November, 1863, when he resigned and C. S. Crandall became register of deeds, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 59 and A. N. Stougliton became county auditor by appointment of the board of county com- missioners. A. N. Stoughton was elected m Novem- ber, 1864, and re-elected in 1866, 1868 and 1870, and after the expiration of his term, he served as deputy auditor for about six years. Alvin IST. Stoughton was one of the pioneers of Owatonna. He was born in "Weathersfield, Vt., in 1814; cam% to Ohio in 1819 with his parents, and in 1856 came to Steele County. He was engaged in the mercantile business until 1864. In 1865 he was appointed auditor and was elected four successive terms as stated. In 1885 he was elected city justice and again in 1886; in the spring of 1887 was elected city treasurer. He has twice been mayor of the city, having been the second one elected. Mr. Stoughton was married in November, 1837, to Miss Dorothy "Wright, who died in 1842. He was again married in 1846 to Mrs. Mary J. Wadsworth, a native of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Stoughton are members of the Congregational Church. In November, 1872, L. S. Padgham was elected county auditor; in 1874 and 1876 was re-elected and served until January 1, 1879. M. B. Chadwick succeeded Mr. Padgham. He was elected first in the fall of 1878, and being three times re-elected served until Jan- uary 1, 1887. John C. Burke, the present county auditor, was elected in October, 1886. Mr. Burke is a pleasant, affable gentleman, rapid and accurate in the transaction of business, and has a most thorough and complete knowledge of his office and the vast mass of documents of which it is the repository. Mr. Burke is a native of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Mass., where he was born June 10, 1860. When only five years of age his parents moved west and located in Meriden Town- ship, Steele County, Minn., where John C. lived until elected county auditor in 1886. Mr. Burke is a Democrat in political faith, and is a member of the Catholic Church. SHEKIFF. William F. Pettit was the first sheriff of Steele County. He was appointed by Gov. Gorman at the time the county was organ- ized, in the summer of 1855. For some reason the record shows that Mr. Pettit was elected in October, 1855, although it does not appear that any other county officer was voted for at that time. Mr. Pettit's settle- ment, and the fact that he became one of the town proprietors of Owatonna, is detailed elsewhere in this volume. He first came here in the fall of 1854 and took a claim, upon which he settled during the following 3'ear, and began improvements. In the fall of 1855 he erected the first frame house upon the present site of the city. He remained in Steele County until after the war, and finally removed to California, where he died a number of years ago. A few years previous to his leaving Steele County he bought a farm noithwest of the city a short distance, and lived upon it until he left. The major part of his time, however, during his residence here was devoted to real-estate and town-site interests. He was also for a time interested in a dry goods store and a sa\vmill. He represented Steele County in the State Sen- ate one term, and stood well among his colleagues during one of the most important sessions held in early days. A man of remarkable force of character, generous to a fault, and always willing to do his full share in building up the town and country. Of course being a town proprietor these enter- prises all tended to directly benefit him and his interests, yet the fact that he always took his part of the work and expense should be set down to his credit. Energetic and active, he was a prominent man in early days, and his name is indissolubly connected with the early development of Steele County, and its history as an organization. David Lindersmith succeeded Mr. Pettit as sheriff, and was the first to fill the office under a legal election. He was chosen at the October election in 1856 and served for two years. 60 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. W. H. Willsey succeeded Mr. Lindersmith as sheriff of Steele County- Being elected in October, 1858, he served from January 1, 1859, until January 1, 1861. Mr. Willsey has been a prominent citizen of Steele County for nearlj' a third of a centurj', and is still an honored resident. A history of his life is presented elsewhere in this volume. In November, 1860, S. C. Williamson was elected to succeed Mr. Willsey as sheriff. He was elected for a term of two years, but it appears did not serve out the full term. Mr. Williamson came from Malone, N. Y., and must have settled in Steele County as early as 1855 or 1856, locating first in Clinton Falls Township. Later he removed to Ovvatonna and while there operated a stage line and was also interested in the livery business with a partner under the firm name of Williamson & Cotter, the last named being a brother of the present clerk of court of Steele County. After a residence of a few years in this county Mr. Williamson disposed of his interests here and returned to New Yoi'k State. Seth H. Patterson was elected sheriff in November, 1862. In 1864 he was re-elected, but in May, 1865, he resigned. He came to the county at an early day and located upon a piece of land east of the city, where he en gaged in farming. After remaining in the county for a number of years, being inter- ested in various enterprises, he finally sold out and left the county. Upon the resignation by Mr. Patterson of the office of sheriff the board of county com- missioners, in May, 1865, appointed William Scrib}' to fill the vacancy, and he served un- til the following general election in Novem- ber. Scriby was an Englishman who settled in Steele County during the latter part of the war, locating upon a farm in Havana Township. He remained there until after the war when he sold to Gordon Watson and left the county. At the next election in November, 1865, Willard Wheaton was elected sheriff and served out the unexpired term. Mr. Whea- ton was a carpenter by trade, and an old settler in Steele County, having located at Owatonna in 1855. Some time after his term expired, he left the county, having lost his first wife here, and was married again, this time to a Rice County lady. A few years later returned to Owatonna temporarily and met his death while here. It was caused by a runaway. His remains were interred here. A daughter of his — now Mrs. Merrill Odell — is still a resident of Steele County. In November, 186G, Michael J. Toher was elected sheriff and at that time served one term. The records show that in November, 1868, Frank Borchert was elected sheriff. AVhen Mr. Borchert came to file his bond it ap peared that his name was Ferdinand Bor- chert, and the board refused to accept it. So to cover any possible technical difficulty M. J. Toher, his predecessor, resigned the office, and the board proceeded to appoint Ferdi- nand Borchert sheriff of Steele County. He served one year. Succeeding Mr. Borchert in November, 1869, Michael J. Toher was again chosen to fill the office. He was re-elected in 1871 and 1873, serving until January 1, 1876. In November, 1875, Clark Chambers was elected sheriff. As he was re-elected in 1877, 1879 and 1881, he served for eight consecu- tive years. Mr. Chambers is still a promi- nent resident of Owatonna. The present sheriff, Hugh Murray, is one of the most generally po]nilar men in the county. He was elected in 1883, and re- elected in 1886. Mr. Murray was born in Washington County, Vt., in 1837. At the age of twenty years lie came west, remain- ing in Pennsylvania a short time, thence to LaSalle County, 111., where he remained a year. He came to Steele County in 1858, locating in Lemond Township, where he now owns ov^er a thousand acres of land. In 1871 Mr. Murray was elected county commissioner, which position he held until 1876. In 1875, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 61 he was elected to the Lower House of the legislature, where he served two terras. He is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 33, A. F. & A. M., at Owatonna. Mr. Murray was married in 1861 to Miss Elizabeth Hast- ings, a native of New York ; Carrie and Wyatt are the names of their only living children. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. The first county superintendent of schools for Steele County was Ezra Abbott, who was elected in October, 1856. Mr. Abbott is noticed at length elsewhere. The educa- tional system underwent many radical changes in early days, although when Mr. Abbott was elected the system was very similar to that of the present day. After the election of 1856, we do not find any record of the election or appointment of a superintendent until 18G2. In the spring of this year the system was changed and the county was divided into districts for the supervision of schools. In September of the same year the board of county commissioners appointed a school superintendent for each of these districts as follows : First district, R. G. Lincoln ; second district, Harvey Cha- pin ; third district, Dwight Gordon. In a short time another change was made in the educational system b}' an act approved on the 3d of March, 1864, and in accordance with this the board of commissioners ap- pointed A. A. Harwood superintendent of schools for the entire county and fixed the salary of that officer at $200 per year. Mr. Harwood is noticed at length elsewhere. Hon. A. C. Hickman succeeded Mr. Har- wood as superintendent. F. J. Stevens succeeded Mr. Hickman, and served for several years. O. A. Tiffany was the next superintendent of schools. Succeeding him, Eev. G. C. Tanner was appointed and held the office until January, 1887, when he resigned. J. D. Brown was appointed to succeed Mr. Tanner and is the present incumbent. JUDGE OF PROBATE. The first judge of probate of Steele County was Smith Johnson, Sr., who was appointed by the governor in the sum- mer of 1855. Franklin B. Davis succeeded Mr. Johnson and served a portion of one year. Bazil Meek succeeded Mr. Davis as judge of probate. He was elected in October, 1856, and re-elected in 1857. Mr. Meek came here in the spring of 1S55 from Jo Daviess County, 111., bringing his family, and located upon a claim just west of the present business ])ortion of the city, but within the city limits. He remained there engaged at farming for several years and then left the county. In November, 1860, R. G. Lincoln was elected judge of probate, and in 1864 he was re-elected. Mr. Lincoln was an early settler at Medford, where he had been engaged in the mercantile business. He was an intelli- gent and capable business man, and was closely identified with the early history of the northern part of the county. He re- mained at Medford until the time of his death. J. J. Aiken succeeded Mr. Lincoln, and served a portion of one term. In November, 1866, A. A. Harwood was elected judge of probate, and served two years. Hon. A. C. Hickman was the next judge of probate, by virtue of the November elec- tion, in 1868, and two years later was re- elected. A biographical sketch of Mr. Hickman is presented elsewhere. He is still a resident of Owatonna, and is to-day and has been for years one of the most able and prominent lawyers in this part of the State. In November, 1872, Hon. L. L. "Wheelock was chosen judge of probate, and being re- elected in 1874 served three years, resigning before the expiration of his term. Judge Wheelock is also one of the leading members of the bar of southern Minnesota. Having for twenty years been identified with polit- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ical and legal matters, he is widely known throughout the State. A histor}^ of his life is presented in connection with the history of Steele County's bar. Upon the resignation of Judge Wheelock the governor appointed Judge Amos Coggs- well to this office, and he served out the balance of the term. Mr. Coggswell has been among the most prominent lawyers in the State, and a biograjihy of him appears elsewhere. Hon. Lorenzo Hazen succeeded Judge Coggswell by the election in November, 1876. InnSTS, ISSO, 1882, 188-1 and 1886 he has been re-elected, and is the present incum- bent. He has had the support of both polit- ical parties. Mr. Hazen was born in Copen- hagen, Lewis County, N. Y., in 1817. "When twenty-six years old he went to "Wisconsin and engaged in farming. Three years later he removed to Fond du Lac, where he re- mained for ten years. He then removed to Eipon, "Wis., where he remained for eleven years and then came to Steele County, Minn., locating at Medford, where he engaged in carpentering and conveyancing. In 1877 he came to Owatonna, having been elected judge of jjrobate. Mr. Hazen was elected justice of the peace at Fond du Lac, in 1844, and held the office for ten years. In 1846 he was a member of the first constitutional convention of "Wisconsin, at Madison. He was also elected justice of the peace at Eipon. and held that office there for ten years. Mr. Hazen has held various offices of trust since he came here, and has been prominent in all public affairs. He was married, in 1843, to Miss Mar}^ Moore, a native of New York. Mary H., now wife of E. T. Howard, of Red "Wing, is the name of their only child. Mr. Hazen was admitted to the bar in about 1869, but has never engaged iu tlie practice of the legal profession to any extent. CLEEK OF CODET. The first clerk of court of Steele County was J. H. Catlin, who was appointed by Gov. Gorman, in 1855. It does not appear from record, however, that he ever performed a single official act. F. "Wilbur Fisk was the second clerk of court, serving by appointment. He held the office during the greater part of 1856. George Oulton was the first clerk of court to hold the office by virtue of an election. He was chosen in October, 1857, and appar- ently held the office for two years. Oulton was a native of Vermont, who came here as early as 1855, locating at Owatonna, and working at whatever he could find to do. He was a smart, active fellow, what would be termed a society man with no bad habits or vices. After a year or two he was engaged most of the time in assisting M. A. Dailey. About the time the war broke out, or possibly a short time before, he left here and finally brought up in California, where he made a fortune in different enterprises, more partic- ularly, it is thought, in tlie wholesale liquor trade. He became one of the most power- ful and influential men in the State, was connected with the Union Pacific Kailroad at one time, served in various official capaci- ties, rode in his special palace car, and at one time not more than a decade past was con- sidered as powerful and influential as any man in California. It may truthfully be said that he made as complete a success of life as anj' man who has ever gone from Steele County. On the 20th of October, 1859, "W. F.Drum was elected to the office of clerk of court and served one term. Mr. Drum was a na- tive of New York State, and a graduate of the West Point military school. He came west at an early day and settled upon a farm in Meriden Township. He remained in Steele County only a few years and then went to Washington, where he secui'ed an appointment in the regular army and has been in the service ever since. He was an educated and intelligent man, and was quite prominent in public affairs during early days. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 63 John N. Kelley succeeded Mr. Drum by the electiou in October, 1861, and served four years. Kelley was also a New York man. He came here in July, 1855, and located at the county -seat. He was an act- ive and capable j'oung man, single at the time — although he afterward married — and was well known in early days. He was post- master at Owatonna for several years, and for a time was one of the proprietors of the Eureka hotel. About the close of the war he got a position as messenger with an ex- press company and moved out of Steele County. He is still in the express business and now lives at St. Paul. In November, 1865, Anson M. Kinyon was elected and served one term, which was then four years. I. W. Burch succeeded Mr. Kinyon. He was elected in November, 1869, and was re- elected in 1873 and 1877, serving twelve years. James A. Cotter, the present efficient and accommodating clerk of court, was elected in November, 1881, and was re-elected in 1886. Mr. Cotter was born in the town of Richmond, Walworth County, Wis., in 1819. When he was nine years of age his parents moved to Juneau County, where they resided until the fall of 1861, when the}' came to Steele County, Minn., locating in the town of Havana, where James A. received his education, also attend- ing the high school at Owatonna. He was employed in the grocery store of T. H. Kelly as salesman for eight years. In the fall of 1881 he was elected clerk of court on the Democratic ticket and was re-elected in 1886 with 653 majority. Mr. Cotter was married in September, 1875, to Miss Miranda J. Jones, a native of Penn- sylvania. Jay and Laura A. are the names of their two children. Mr. Cotter was a member of the boai'd of education from 1880 to 1886. COUNTY ATTORNEY. The followino- is a list of the gentlemen who have occupied the position of prosecut- ing attorney for Steele County, as shown by the recoi'ds. Nearly all of these gentlemen receive extended notice in other chapters, so that it is unnecessary to refer to their his- tory here, further than to give the date of the election of each : Simeon Case was the first county attorney. He was not a lawyer, but was appointed by the governor in 1855, not so much for the duties to be performed — for there was noth- ing to do then — as for the mere purpose of filling the office. George W. Green (district attorney), 1856. 0. F. Perkins (district attorney), 1857. S. M. Yearly (county attorney), 1858, 1860 and 1862. A. A. Harwood, 1864. J. B. Searles, 1866, 1868,1870. J. M. Burlingame, 1872, 1874, 1876, 1878, 1880. W. F. Sawyer, 1882, 1884. W. A. Sperry, 1886. SURVEYOR. John W. Park was the first surveyor of Steele County, appointed by the territorial governor, in 1855. A number of the early settlers also claim that Mr. Park was elected to the office in the fall of 1856 ; but the rec- ords state that H. W. Peck was elected sur- veyor at that time. It is certain, however, that Park was the first, as he served as such all through 1856, and attended to most of the work during the following year. In October, 1857, O. W. Pollock was elected surveyor and appears to have served one year. Pollock was a young Pennsylvanian who came to Steele County in 1856, and located at Owatonna. He was a civil en- gineer, and followed surveying for an occu- pation. He remained for a number of years, when he left. An incident is related of Pollock's election which is worthy of a place here. Pollock ran as a Eepublican candidate and Luther Bixby, a Democrat, was his opponent. Mr. Bixby contested the election and it was carried to the Supreme 64 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Oourt, Avhere Judge Flandrau decided that Pollock had not been here long- enough to gain a residence. By the time the decision was rendered he had been here the time fixed b}' law and the board at once appointed Mr. Pollock to the oflBce. A. Ingerson succeeded Mr. Pollock, be- ing elected in the fall of 1858, and re- elected in 1859. Mr. Ingerson was an early settler in Berlin Township, where he had located upon a farm. After a few years he secured an ap])ointment to a government clerkship in Washington and moved there. He now resides in Hennepin County, Minn. S. B. Beach was the next surveyor of Steele County. He was elected in Novem- ber, 1860, and served one ^^ear. In October, 1861, J. M. Finch was elected and served a like j^eriod. Mr. Finch was a native of New York. He had located at Clinton Falls at an early day, where he had engaged in farming, and remained there until the time of his death. Several of his sons are still residents of the county. Mr. Finch was prominent among the old settlers, belonging to a family that were closely identified with all public matters in early days. His death was regretted and mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. John H. Abbott succeeded J. M. Finch as surveyor. He was elected in November, 1862, and served the full term of two years. Luther Bixby came next, by virtue of the election in November, 1864. Mr. Bixby was a native of Vermont. He came west at an early day and located in the village of Owa- tonna. Being a surveyor he followed that oc- cupation at first, and after a few years, opened a drug store. "While engaged at this he dis- covered and began the manufacture of a pat- ent medicine called " Bixby's Death to Pain," and toward the latter part of his mercantile career here he purchased a newspaper. After selling out his store he removed to Minneap- olis, and began the publication of the Tem- percmce lieview, at the same time manufact- uring and placing his medicine upon the market. He has since sold both these inter- ests, and now lives near Chicago. Succeeding Mr. Bixby, in 1866, J. M. Finch was again elected to the office, and held it for two years. M. E. Billings was elected in the fall of 1868, serving the same length of time. By the election in November, 1870, Charles Dennijes became survej'^or. Mr. Dennijes is still a resident of Owatonna. B. S. Wheeler was the next surveyor. He was elected in the fall of 1871 and re-elected in 1873, 1875 and 1879. Mr. Wheeler was an early settler in the town of Summit, where he had been engaged in farming. He remained there until a few years ago, ^vhen he removed to southeastern Dakota where he still lives. In the fall of 1881 John H. Abbott was again elected surveyor. A. M. Mitchell, the present surveyor, suc- ceeded Abbott. He was elected in Novem- ber, 1883, and re-elected in 1SS6. Mr. Mitch- ell is a native of Indiana, born November 25, 1836. At the age of t'venty -three he left home to make his own way in the world and engaged at carpenter work for a few years. He then spent one year in Nebraska, and then settled at Burlington, Iowa, where he followed his trade for some time. On the 3d of April, 1863, he came to Steele County and located on section 36, but about a year later removed to section 34, Aurora Town- ship, where he has since lived, carrying on general farming and stock raising. On the 31st of October, 1864, he enlisted in Com- pany D, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, under Capt. Reeves, and was discharged at Fort Snelling, September 27, 1865. Mr. Mitchell was married to a Miss Margaret Walker, a native of Burlington, Iowa, born March 9, 1841, and they have seven children as follows : John B., born January 5, 1861 ; Charles H., born August 22, 1862 ; Ettie M., born September 9, 1866; Dora J., born December 20, 1867 ; Minne S., born Novem- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 65 ber 9, 1870; Delbert M., born December 9, 1873, and Alice M., born October 1-t, 1883. John and Charles are both graduates of the Pillsbury Academy at Owatonna. Mr. Mitch- ell is a Republican in politics and since his residence here has held various offices of trust, including those of town clerk, town supervisor, school director and others. COUNTY COEONEK. The following is a list of the various gen- tlemen who have been elected to the office of coroner of Steele County, together with the date of election of each as shown by the rec- ords. Many of those named never qualified : Thomas Kenj'^on, 1856-8. Anton Shimek, 1860. Thomas Kenyon, 1861. G. Watson, 1862-4. John Austin, 1866. J. G. Gilchrist, 1868-70. L. L. Bennett, 1871-3. H. S. Hill, 1877. L. L. Bennett, 1879. Dr. H. S. Hill, 1881. Dr. E. E. Aukes, 1883. Dr. J. L. Harrington, 1884. C. Peterson, 1886. COURT COMMISSIONER. The following-named have held this office by election : ' P. J. Nordeen, 1860. E. G. Lincoln, 1861-4. A. A. Harwood, 1866. J. M. Burlingame, 1869. M. B. Chad wick, 1872. L. Hazen, 1881-6. CHAPTER POLITICAL. HE political history of Steele County is more fully and more authentically shown by giving the vote of the county during the various years, than in anj' other manner. The county has been Kepublican by large majorities on national and State issues ever since its organization ; yet in local affairs it has varied considerably and many Democratic candidates have, tlirough their personal popularity, been elected to county offices over Republican " standard bearers." As a rule, the Republi- cans hold a convention and nominate a " straight ticket," and the opposition concen- trate all their force upon an " Independent" or " People's " ticket. In this connection is presented an abstract of the vote at every genera] election held in Steele County, as far as could be ascertained from the records in the court house, and files of the newspapers. The first election was held in October, 1855, and resulted as follows : Election, October 9, 1855. Delegate to Congress. W. R. Marshall, Democrat 38— 34 David Olmsted 4 Henry M. Rice 2 Councilor. P. P. Ilumplirey 106— 95 Chas. E. Flandrau 11 Legislative Assembly. A.B.Cornell 83— 2 G. A. McLeod 81 Sheriff. Wm. P. Pcttit 84— 56 Benj. A. Freeman 28 Election, October H-, 1856. Register of Deeds. John W. Park 201— 23 Charles Ellison 178 Sheriff. David Lindersmith 191 — 4 Joseph W. Burch 187 Treasurer. David Sanborn • 379—379 Judge of Probate. Bazil Meek 199— 23 W. W. Robinson 177 Bazil Meek 7 District Attorney. George W. Green 199— 25 .TohnBradish 174 County Surveyor. H. W. Peck 259— 63 James M. Finch 97 James W. Finch 18 C. M. Merrick 13 James Finch 5 Coroner. Thos. Kenyon 196— 28 J. M. Blevin 168 W. W. Finch 23 Auditor. Z. B. Moore 180— 3 C. W. Curtis 177 W. W. Finch 1 School Superintendent. Ezra Abbot 184— 1 W. W. Finch 183 County Assessors. Geo. O. Hankerson 201 P. Sanford 181 P. Healy 181 James E. Child 180 Lorin B. Town 180 John A. Hadley 180 Geo. A. Child 19 T. B. Town 19 County Commissioners. David Smith 233 N. Winship 201 Wm. Allen 201 M.J.Kendall 181 Addison Phelps 181 Wm. PI. Chamberlain 138 H. Chamberlain 4 Election, October IS, 1857. Adopting State Constitution. For 613—544 Against 69 66 , /^J^-^^e^C^^^^^'^-f^^-^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 69 Governor. Alex. Ramsey, Republican 49.5 — 303 Henry H. Sibley, Democrat 193 Lieutenant Governor. John C. Ide, Republican 491—301 William Holcombe, Democrat 190 Secretary of State. L. K. Stannard 494—300 Francis Baasen 194 State Treasurer. Prank Mantor . . 493—297 George Armstrong 19.5 State Auditor. A. P. Lane 493—300 Wm. F. Dunbar 193 Attorney General. George Nourse 493—299 Chas. H. Berry 194 Congressmen. M. S. Wilkinson, Republican 493 Henry A. Swift, Republican 493 Cyrus Aldrich, Republican 493 Geo. L. Becker, Democrat 194 W. W. Phelps, Democrat 194 J. M. Cavanaugh, Democrat 193 District Judge. N. M. Donaldson 493—298 Henry C. Lowell 194 District Attorney. O. F. Perkins 489—296 Frank Wainer 193 John Moon 3 Clerk of District Court. George Oulton 471—279 Marvin A. Dailey 193 Chas. L. Lowell 10 State Senator. Lems McKune 428—174 Wm. Pettit 254 Scattering 3 Representatives. Geo. L. Leonard 492 H. M. Sheetz 486 George C. Pettie 485 Smith Johnson. . . , 470 Edwin Drake 300 W. W. Robinson 193 D. S. Bellis 193 Henry W. Peck 193 A. B. Cornell 2 W. W. Finch 2 Geo. W. Green 1 Judge of Probate. Bazil Meek 413—392 Addison Phelps 20 Jacob Myers 12 Scattering 3 Delegate to Congress. Chas. McClure, Republican 435—385 W. W. Kingsburry, Democrat 150 5 County Commissioners. Lorenzo Muckey 434 Hiram Pitcher 413 John A. Hadley 152 Henry M. Bill 173 County Treasurer. Joseph W. Morford 436—286 John N. Kelly 150 County Surveyor. O. W. Pollock 399—228 Luther Bixby, 3d 171 Register of Deeds. George W. Danforth 573—573 M. A. Dailey 1 Road Commissioners. Seth H. Patterson 438 Zachariah Scribner 430 E. Le Gro 161 John D. Sanborn 155 Assessors. A. B. Clark 445 W. B. Evans 440 F. J. Stevens 440 Daniel Harmon 1 53 John Oliver 153 Geo. B. Thompson 151 Election, October 12, 1858. State Senator. William F. Pettit, Democrat 387—115 Lewis McKune, Republican 272 Representatives. H. M. Sheetz 472 A. A. Woodward 388 Geo. W. Green 386 B. M. Morrill 380 O.T.Jones 300 Buel Welsh 345 Alexander Johnson 358 James Banie 271 Register of Deeds. Marvin A. Dailey 370— 98 A. B. Cornell 373 Judge of Probate. R. G. Lincoln 450—349 Charles V. Brown 301 Prosecuting Attorney. S. M. Yearley 336—149 Patrick Cudmore 177 Edwin Drake 118 Sheriff. W. H. Willsey 410—174 John Oliver 336 Coroner. Thomas Kenyon 397—119 E. Y. Hunewell 178 County Auditor. A. McKinney 343—226 George Lincoln 117 70 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Surveyor. A. Ingerson 177 County Treasurer. J, W. Morford 301 Election, October W, 1859. Governor. Alexander Ramsey, Republican 440 — 262 George L. Becker, Democrat 178 Lieutenant Governor. Ignatius Donnelly 441—263 S. B. Lowry 178 Secretary of State. .T. H. Baker 445—266 Francis Baasen 179 State Treasurer. C. T. Scheffer 448—271 Samuel Abbe 177 Attorney General. Gordon E. Cole 446—268 John B. Brisbin 178 Congressmen. Cyrus Aldrich, Republican 447 William Wiudom, Republican 449 Christopher Graham, Democrat 175 James M. Cavauaugh, Democrat 176 Representatives. Amos Coggswell 454 Geo. W. Green 437 Jesse I. Stewart 440 George T. White 439 W. R. Kinyon 175 John Powers 168 W. H. Wyman 172 W. W. Cowles 170 County Treasurer. J. W. Morford 451—286 H. M. Bills 165 Clerk of Court. W. F. Drum 458—296 John N. Kelly 162 County Auditor. FrankL. Melvin 431—266 Charles V. Brown 165 Surveyor. Ashbel Ingerson 426—234 James M. Finch 192 Mection, November 6, 1860. President. Abraham Lincoln, Republican 523 — 366 S. A. Douglas, Democrat 157 J. C. Breckenridge, Democrat 8 State Auditor. Charles McIIrath : 513—356 Herman Trott 157 Josiah S. Weiser 8 Clerk of Supreme Court. A. J. VanVorhos 512—3.55 Jacob J. Noah 157 William B. Leach 8 Congressmen. Cyrus Aldrich, Republican 512 William Windom, Republican 513 John M. Gilman, Democrat 158 James George, Democrat 157 James W. Taylor 8 A. J. Edgerton 8 Register of Deeds. M.A.Dailey 261— 8 A. B. Cornell 253 W. R. Kinyon 158 County Auditor. E. J. Crandall 478—318 James M. Finch 160 Sheriff. S. C. Williamson 475—299 L. E. Rawson 176 David W. Cook 27 Judge of Probate. R. G. Lincoln 480—307 Darius Cook 173 County Attorney. S. M. Yearly 509—349 John H. Morse 160 Court Commissioner. P. J. Nordeen 311—119 L. F. Babcock 192 Ileury M. Bill 164 Surveyor. S. B. Beach 512—344 James M. Finch 168 Coroner. Anton Schimek 482—299 D. G. Fowle 183 Scattering 3 Election, Octoher 8, 1861. For Governor. Alexander Ramsey, Republican 353 — 280 E. O. Hamlin, Democrat 73 Lieutenant Governor. Ignatius Donnelly, Republican 363 — 305 Thomas Cowan, Democrat 58 Secretary of State. James H. Baker, Republican 360 — 295 Daniel Buck, Democrat 65 M. A. Dailey 1 State Treasurer. Charles Scheffer 363—299 C. P. Fisher 64 Attorney General. Gordon E. Cole 362-299 William H. Peckham 63 State Senator. A. B. Webber 252— 69 E. C. Stacey 183 Representatives. H. C. Magoon 212 A. B. Cornell 178 P. C. Bailey 356 J. I. Stewart 167 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 71 County Treasurer. W. W. Pinch 309—303 Geo. C. Pettie 106 Clerk of Court. John N. Kelley 233— 30 Smith Stowers 203 William Davidson 1 Court Commissioner. R. G. Lincoln 384—382 Scattering 2 Surveyor. J. M. Finch 166—166 Coroner. Thomas Kenyon 347—103 Anton Shultz 144 A. B. Cornell 1 Election, November Jf, 1862. Conirressmau. William Windom, Republican 331—268 A. G. Chatfield, Democrat 63 State Senator. M. A. Dailey 387—351 N. Winship 36 Scattering 4 Representatives. Philo Woodruff 337— 2 Asa Walker 335 Register of Deeds. W. Morris 337—330 Scattering 7 County Surveyor. John H. Abbott 319—316 Scattering 3 County Attorney. S. M. Yearly 305—303 Scattering 2 Coroner. G. Watson 339—329 Sheriff. S. H. Patterson 238—238 Election, November 3, 18G3. Governor. Stephen Miller, Republican 418—337 Henry Wells, Democrat 81 Secretary of State. David Blakely, Republican 415—331 Amos Coggswell, Democrat 84 Attorney General. Gordon E. Cole, Republican 413—330 W. H. Grant, Democrat 83 Clerk of Supreme Court. George F. Potter, Republican 412—330 J. Mainser, Democrat 82 Lieutenant Governor. Charles D. Sherwood, Republican 396—314 J. S. Norris, Democrat 83 C. D. Sherman 21 State Treasurer. Charles Scheffer, Republican 413—331 J. Estebrook, Democrat 82 Auditor of State. Charles Mcllrath, Republican 405—326 J. H. McKinney, Democrat 79 State Senator. F. J. Stevens 398—338 Amos Coggswell 70 Lewis Howard 5 Representatives. Philo Woodruff 397 J. L. Gibbs 396 William Brisbin 5 County Treasurer. B. F. Melvin 374—330 G. B.Hall 44 Election, November 8, 1864- President. Abraham Lincoln, Republican 636 — 437 George B. McClellan, Democrat 309 Congressman. William Windom, Republican 639 — 430 H. W. Lambcrton, Democrat 309 Chief Justice Supreme Court. Thomas Wilson, Republican 637 — 428 A. G. Chatfield, Democrat 309 Associate Justices. S. J. R. McMillan, Republican 634 John M. Berry, Repubhcan 635 Eli T. Wilder, Democrat 309 E. O. Hamlin, Democrat 309 District Judge. N. M. Donaldson, Republican 569—315 Geo. W. Batchelder, Democrat 354 State Senator. B. A. Lowell 581—391 Wm. Brisbane 190 Representatives. J. L. Gibbs 577 J. B. Crooker ,535 N. Winship 367 A. Armstrong 196 Scattering 10 Probate Judge. R. G. Lincoln 602—432 James M. Finch 170 Sheriff. Seth H. Patterson 597—385 Hugh Murray 212 County Auditor. A. N. Stoughton 598—395 O. Bartholomew 203 Register of Deeds. S. Crandall 544—377 C J. N. Kelly 267 Surveyor. L. Bixby 305—205 County Attorney. A. A. Harwood 581—357 S. M. Yearly 234 Court Commissioner. R. G. Lincoln 589—589 r. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Coroner. G. Watson 598-390 J. H. Morse 208 Election, November 7, 1865. Governor. Wm. R. Marshall, Republican 531—403 H. M. Rice, Democrat 118 Lieutenant Governor. Thomas H. Armstrong 530 — 121 Charles W. Nash 109 Secretary of State. H. C. Rogers 531—423 John R. Jones 108 Treasurer of State. Charles SchefEer 531—433 Frank Henderstadt 108 Attorney General. William Colville 530—423 William Lochren 108 Constitutional Amendment to Section 1, Article "VII. For 393-238 Against 154 Representatives. A. Armstrong 353 — 70 J. B. Crooker 283 Adolphus Town 134 Sheriff. W. Wheaton 536—526 County Treasurer. Benjamin F. Melvin 529—529 Clerk of Court. Anson M. Kinyon 519—519 Election, Novemher 6, 1886. Congressman. W. Windom, Republican 779—311 Richard A. Jones, Democrat 468 State Auditor. Charles Mcllrath 785—319 Nelse E. Nelson 466 Clerk of Supreme Court. Sherwood Hough 787—321 Dennis Cavanaugh 466 State Senator. A. Armstrong 789 — 788 Scattering 1 Representative. W. H. Twiford 745—243 A. C. Flanders 503 Scattering 1 County Auditor. A. N. Stoughton 763—390 Jacob Newsalt 473 Sheriff. Michael J. Toher 480— 24 Richard Miles . .• 456 M. E. Billings 306 Scattering 2 Judge of Probate. A. A. Harwood 709—190 A. Pettie 519 Scattering 3 Court Commissioner. A. A. Harwood 743—380 Patrick Cudmore 463 Register of Deeds. C. S. Crandall 711—173 L. M. Howard 538 Surveyor. James M. Finch 1123-1131 Scattering 3 County Attorney. J. B. Searies 768—396 Amos Coggswell 473 Coroner. John Austin 454— 37 J. C. Messenger 417 Scattering 3 Election, November 5, 1867. Governor. William R. Marshall, Republican 996—426 Charles E. Flandrau, Democrat 570 Lieutenant Governor. Thomas Armstrong, Republican 997 — 437 A. K. Maynard, Democrat 570 Secretary of State. Henry C. Rogers 1029—503 Amos Coggswell 526 State Treasurer. Emil Munich 995^60 John Friedrichs 535 A. G. Chatfleld 35 Attorney General. F. R. E. Cornell 995—458 A. G. Chatfield 537 John Freidrichs 35 Representatives. W. R. Kinyon 925—319 Alex . Chambers 600 R. Drake 1 Proposition to Issue County Bonds for Building Jail. Against 403—132 For 331 Proposed Adjustment of Railroad Bonds. Against Adjustment 1525-1517 For Adjustment 8 County Treasurer. B. F. Melvin 952—353 Charies Schoen 599 Election, Novemher 3, 1868. President. U. S. Grant, Republican 1137—624 H. Seymour, Democrat 503 Congressman. M. S. Wilkinson, Republican 1131—635 Geo. W. Batchelder, Democrat 506 County Auditor. A. N. Stoughton 1048—476 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 73 Jacob Newsalt 572 Scattering 1 Sheriff. Frank Borchert 867—104. M. J. Toher 763 Scattering 2 Register of Deeds. H. J. Lewis 1036^442 A. Horstmann 594 Scattering 1 County Attorney. J. B. Searles 1110—584 Amos Coggswell 526 Surveyor. M. E. Billings 928—373 Luther Bixby 655 Judge of Probate. A. C. Hickman 1083—532 H. H. Johnson 551 Coroner. J. G. Gilchrist 1091—581 L. L. Bennett 510 State Senator. J. B. Crooker 953—280 M. F. Lowth 673 Election, November ^, 1869. Governor. Horace Austin, Republican 637 — 276 Geo. L. Otis, Democrat 361 Daniel Cobb, Prohibitionist 75 Lieutenant Governor. William H. Yale 644—283 J. A. Wiswell 361 John H. Stevens 70 Secretary of State. Hans Mattson 640—379 T. G. Fladeland 361 James E. Child 69 State Auditor. Charles Mcllrath 639—277 L. A. Evans 362 J. A. Randolph 70 State Treasurer. Emil Munch 642—282 Casper Baberich 360 Rob. Stewart 72 Attorney General. F. R. E. Cornell 641—281 Seagrave Smith 360 J. Ham Davidson 71 Clerk of Supreme Court. Sherwood Hough 643—389 W. T. Bonniwell 354 Chief Justice of Supreme Court. C. G. Ripley 633—372 C. E. Flandrau 360 E. O. Hamlin 69 County Treasurer. B. F. Melvin 1033-1029 Scattering 4 Sheriff. M. J. Toher 543— 38 S. H. Stowers 515 Scattering 7 Clerk of Court. I. W. Burch 1060-1060 Court Commissioner. J. M. Burlingame 691—324 Amos Coggswell 367 Representative. H. W. Ruliffson 669—382 L. C. Woodman 387 Special Election, May 31, 1870. Payment of Railroad Bonds in Lands. Yes 775—714 No 61 Election, November 8, 1870. Congressman. Mark H. Dunnell, Republican 809—503 C. F. Buck, Democrat 307 Scattering 6 County Auditor. A. N. Stoughton 844—529 Benj. F. Wheeler 315 Register of Deeds. H. J. Lewis 836—512 A. C. Flanders 324 County Attorney. J. B. Searles 774—433 Amos Coggswell 341 Surveyor. Charles Dennijes 811 — 463 L. Bixby 348 Judge of Probate. A. C. Hickman 676—185 H. H. Johnson 491 Coroner. J. G. Gilchrist 825-379 E. M. Morehouse 346 State Senator. W. C. Young 788—424 James F. Jones 364 Representative. F. B. Davis 753—353 N. Winship 399 Election, November 7, 1871. Governor. Horace Austin, Republican 1195 — 701 Winthrop Young, Democrat 494 Samuel Mayall 15 Lieutenant Governor. William H. Yale 1175—651 D. L. Buell 534 74 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. William A. Bentley 14 Secretary of State. S. P. Jennison 1161—634 Erick N. Falk 537 J. Guilford 14 State Treasurer. William Seeger 1174—652 Barney Vosberg 522 W. L. Mintzer 15 Attorney General. F. R. E. Cornell 1117—548 J. L. McDonald 569 N. F. Sargent 14 Associate Justices of Supreme Court. S. J. R. McMillan 1175 John M. Berry 1175 Daniel Buck 522 William Mitchell 521 E. O. Hamlin 14 A. P.Jewell 14 County Treasurer. B. F. Melvin 909—144 Sandford Kinney 765 Sheriff. M. J. Toher 909—138 8. H. Stowers 771 County Surveyor. B. S. Wheeler 1240-1217 J. M. Finch 23 Scattering 9 Coroner. L. L. Bennett 909—134 Solomon Blood 775 State Senator. Amos Coggswell 953—333 C. S. Crandall 719 Representatives. W. W. Wilkins 660 Geo. W. Green 204 F. B. Davis 453 W. H. Twiford 341 Election, November, 1872. President. U. S. Grant, Republican 1033—406 Horace Greeley, Democrat and Liberal Re- publican 627 Member of Congress. Mark H. Dunnell, Republican 1042—416 M. S. Wilkinson, Democrat 626 Auditor of State. * O. P. Whitcomb 876—336 Albert Scheffer 540 * Note.— In the vote for State auditor, the townships of Meriden, Deerfleld and Clinton are not reported. The vote of Clinton is also omitted from vote on clerk of Supreme Court. Clerk of Supreme Court. Sherwood Hough 993—375 James George 618 Register of Deeds. H. J. Lewis 768— 86 Charles Dennijes 683 M. A. Dailey 233 Judge of Probate. L. L. Wheelock 995—318 H. H. Johnson 677 County Auditor. L. Padgham 765—164 Edward Donaldson 601 A. N. Stoughton 308 Court Commissioner. M. B.Chadwick 991—991 Coimty Attorney. J. M. Burlingame 991—314 Amos Coggswell 677 Representative — First District. W. W. Wilkins 495—143 G. W. Knapp 353 Representative — Second District. A. Colquhon 418—120 Hugh Murray 298 Election, Noveinber If., 1873. Governor. C. K. Davis, Republican 774—205 Ara Barton, Democrat 569 Samuel Mayall, Prohibitionist 58 Lieutenant Governor. A. Barto 726— 58 E. Ayr 668 Secretary of State. S. P. Jennison 738— 68 John H. Stevens 670 State Treasurer. Mons Grinager 763 — 179 E. W. Dike 584 L N. Sater 59 Attorney General. Geo. P. Wilson 802—200 Wm. P. Clough 602 County Treasurer. Thomas Thompson 705— 25 A. N. Stoughton 680 Sheriff. M.J. Toher 784—190 David Whipple 594 Surveyor. B. S. Wheeler 1353-1349 Scattering 3 Clerk of Court. I. W. Burch 1407-1407 Coroner. L. L. Bennett 720—104 HISTORY OF ST T. L. Hatch 616 E. P. Gould 60 Scattering 4 State Senator. Amos Coggswell 784—169 J. M. Burlingame 615 Scattering 2 Representative — First District. C. S. Crandall 376— 33 N. M. Donaldson 843 Scattering 5 Representative — Second District. J. M. Sloan 446—253 F. J. Stevens 194 Scattering 3 Election, Novemher 5, 187 Hf,. Chief Justice Supreme Court. S. J. R. McMillan, Republican 1063—430 .Wescott Wilkin, Democrat 633 Associate Jastice Supreme Court. Judge Cornell 1057—428 Wm. Lochren 628 Congressman. M. H. Donnell 960—271 F. H. Waite 889 County Auditor. L. Padgham 1375—859 J. P. Jackson 416 Register of Deeds. Ezra Tyler 911—145 M. A. Dailey 766 County Attorney. J. M. Burlingame 1006—331 Amos Coggswell 675 Judge of Probate. L. L. Wheelock 1128—571 J. A. Cotter 557 Representative — First District. W. R. Kinyon 605—308 L. H. Lane 297 Representative — Second District. Hugh Murray 436—103 E. L. Scoville 333 Election, Novemher, 1875. Governor. J. S. Pillsbury , Republican 874^330 D. L. Buell, Democrat 637 Lieutenant Governor. J. B. Wakefield 879—286 E. W. Durant 593 Secretary of State. J. S. Irgens 898—318 A. Bierman 580 EELE COUNTY. 75 State Auditor. O. P. Whitcomb 894—313 P. H. Rahilly 581 State Treasurer. William Pfaender 888—312 A. Scheffer 576 Attorney General. Gen. Wilson 891—316 R. A. Jones 575 Railroad Commissioner. W. R. Marshall 885—391 W. T. Bonniwell 594 Chief Justice Supreme Court. James A. GilflUan 895—311 L. Emmett 584 Clerk of Supreme Court. S. H. Nichols 889—300 A. A. McLeod 589 County Treasurer. Thomas Thompson 1011—579 A. Knobloch 433 Sheriff. Clark Chambers 1009—514 M. J. Toher 495 State Senator. L. L. Wheelock 857—196 Amos Coggswell 661 Representative — Second District. Hugh Murray 434—181 Dexter Smith 259 Representative — First District. W. R. Kinyon 519—311 L. C. Woodman 308 Election, November, 1876. President. R. B. Hayes, Republican 1581—623 S. J. Tilden, Democrat 958 Congressman. M. H. Dunnell, Republican 1523—573 E. G. Stacy, Democrat 950 Representative — First District. G. W. Buffum 685—111 E. M. Morehouse 574 Representative — Second District. Walter Muir 667— 65 Hugh Murray 603 County Auditor. L. Padgham 1630-696 Gustav Siebold 934 Register of Deeds. Ezra Tyler 1573-619 John Shea 953 Judge of Probate Court. L. Hazen 1391-354 Amos Coggswell 1137 76 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. J. M. Burllngame. D. B. Johnson . County Attorney. J. O. Waumett. E. L. Scoville. County Commissioner. For Against . No Yes Election, June, 1877. Bonds to Build Jail. Paying Railroad Bonds. 1574—614 960 339—143 196 Election, Wovemier, 1877. Governor. J. S. Pillsbury, Republican W. L. Banning, Democrat Lieutenant Governor. J. B. Wakefield, Republican A. A. Ames, Democrat Secretary of State. 941- -330 631 401- 1153 348 J. S. Irgens A. T. Lindholm. J. F. Meagher . . Wm. Pfaender. . State Treasurer. Gen. Wilson. J. R. Jones . . Attorney General. W. R. Marshall. H.W. Hill. Railroad Commissioner. John A. Cansdell John Bichner. County Treasurer. I. W. Burch. J. L. Cass . . . Clerk of Court. Coroner. H. S. Hill L. L. Bennett Sheriff. Clark Chambers P. Brennan State Senator. E . M . Morehouse A. C. Hickman Representative. G. W. Buffum W. F. Sawyer Representative — Second District. W. Muir . Cord King Commissioner — Second District. A. Erdman G. W. Kinyon 1004—176 828 1004—165 839 1010—173 838 815—570 245 1009—172 837 996—153 844 1031—188 833 1041—198 843 1003—146 857 987— 96 891 1087—302 785 536— 37 499 433— 3 419 307—177 130 Commissioner — Third District. W. P. Francis 309— 35 A. B. Libby 184 Election, November, 1878. Auditor of State. 0. P. Whitcomb, Republican 1381—463 M. Black, Democrat 919 Judge of the Supreme Court. John M. Berry 1470—612 AVm. Mitchell 858 Clerk of the Supreme Court. Samuel H. Nichols 1378—558 Dillon O'Brien 920 Member of Congress — First District. M. H. Dunnell, Republican 1405—560 William Meighen, Democrat 845 Judge of District Court — Fifth District. Samuel Lord 1473—574 Lafayette Emmett 898 County Auditor. M. B. Chadwick 1394—291 Ale.x. Graham 1003 Register of Deeds. E. A. Tyler 1393—452 Charles Dinnijes 941 Judge of Probate. L. Hazen 136.5—426 J. S. Austin 939 County Attorney. J. M. Burlingame 1309—376 D. B. Johnson 1033 Court Commissioner. L. Hazen 1319—414 J. S. Austin 905 Senator — Twelfth District. W. W. Wilkins 1189— 91 E. M. Morehouse 1098 Representative. H. M. Hastings 532— 50 W. W. Day 482 Election, Novemher, 1879. Governor. J. S. Pillsbury, Republican 117.5—409 Ednuind Rice, Democrat 776 W. AV. Satteriee, Prohibitionist 131 Lieutenant Governor. Charles A. Oilman, Republican 1148 — 408 E. P. Barnum, Democrat 740 B. S. Williams, Prohibitionist 182 Secretary of State. Fred Von Baumbach 1217—476 Feli.x A. Borer 721 1. C. Stearns 127 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 77 State Treasurer. Clias. Kittelson 1301— 476 Lyman E. Cowdrey 746 J. M. Duram 126 Attorney General. Chas. M. Start 1209— 469 P. M. Babcock 740 A. W. Bangs 128 Railroad Commissioner. "Wm. R. Marshall 1209— 407 W. M. Colvill 739 Chas. Griswold 126 County Treasurer. John A. Cansdell 1209— 441 H. Schmidt 758 Geo. Mitchell 109 County Sheriff. Clark Chambers 1443- 935 A. B. Clark... J. W. Landon. 507 23 Surveyor. B. S. Wheeler 2063—2063 County Coroner. L. L. Bennett 1205— 454 E. M. Morehouse 751 D. H. Roberts 121 County Superintendent. G. C. Tanner 1013— 38 Jos. A. Sawyer 975 E.H.Sibley ' 77 Election, November, 1880. For President. James A. Garfield, Republican 1643 — 698 W. S. Hancock, Democrat 944 Neal Dow, Prohibitionist 60 Member Congress. M. H. Dunnell, Republican 1544— 696 Henry R. Wells, Democrat 848 W. G. Ward, Republican 184 D. H. Roberts, Prohibitionist 58 Representative — North District. H. H. Rosebrock 845— 471 John Virtue 374 Representative — South District. A. Colquhon 784— 300 Cord King 484 County Auditor. M. B. Chadwick 1640— 699 C. Yust 941 Register of Deeds. E. A. Tyler 1645— 707 N. Winship 938 County Attorney. J. M. Burlingame 1596— G30 Amos Coggswell . . 976 Probate Judge. L. Hazen 1793—1792 Election, Novemhcr 8, 1881. Governor. Lucius F. Hubbard, Republican R. W. Johnson, Democrat Lieutenant Governor. Chas. A. GUman, Republican E. P. Barnum, Democrat State Auditor. W. W. Braden R. Lehmicke Secretary of State. Fred von Baumbach A. J. Lamberton State Treasurer. Charles Kittelson John F. Russell Attorney General. W. J. Hahn . G. N. Ba.xter Supreme Court Justices. Wm. Mitchell Greenleaf Clark D. A. Dickenson Chas. E. Vanderburg Clerk of Court. J. A. Cotter 1. W. Burch ., Sheriff. Clark Chambers Hugh Murray County Treasurer. John A. Cansdell Joseph Birchner Court Commissioner. L. Hazen Jonas Austin County Superintendent. 1064—438 626 1124—432 692 1139—439 693 1139—436 693 1139—436 693 1138—444 694 1834 692 1834 1148 947— 93 854 1004—219 785 1138—508 630 1169—519 650 Geo. C. Tanner 1793 Dr. H. S. Hill . . . Dr. E. E. Aukes , Coroner. County Surveyor. 1025—252 773 John H. Abbott 1140 Election, November 7, 1882. Congressman. Milo White, Republican 1199—148 A. Biermann, Democrat 1051 Supreme Court Justice. James Gilfillan .' 3366 A. C. Hickman. . . E. M. Morehouse. State Senator. H. A. Finch , M. Guthrie. .. Representative. 119.5—137 1068 119.5—135 1060 78 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. County Auditor. M. B. Chadwick 1279— 308 L. Ellington 971 Register of Deeds. E. A. Tyler 1267— 273 A. F. Byrne 994 County Attorney. W. F. Sawyer 1281— 305 Amos Cogg.swell 976 Judge of Probate. L. Hazen 2265 Bond Act. For 1026 Against 16 Election, November 6, 18S3. Governor. Lucius F. Hubbard, Republican 1161— 211 Adolph Biermann, Democrat 950 Chas. E. Holt, Prohibitionist 86 Lieutenant Governor. C. A. Oilman 1223— 325 R. L. Frazee 898 C. B. Shove 75 Secretary of State. F. von Baumbach 1205—312 J. J. Green 893 Prof. E.G. Paine 78 State Treasurer. C. Kittelson 1233— 339 John Ludwig 894 C. M. Anderson 78 Attorney General. W. J. Hahn 1238— 345 J. W. Willis 893 Francis Cadwell 78 Railroad Commissioner. James H. Baker 1239— 345 A. T. Lindholm 894 S. Meeker 76 County Treasurer. Soren Peterson 1264— 348 H. Schmidt , 916 Sheriff. Hugh Murray 1113— 56 J. Z. Barucard. 1057 Surveyor. A.M. Mitchell 1286—1286 Coroner. Dr. H. S. Hill 1241— 321 Dr. E. E. Aukes 920 Superintendent of Schools. G. C. Tanner 1859—1859 No.. Yes. Amendment to Constitution. 967— 14 653 Election, November, 188^.. President. James G . Blaine, Republican 1273—267 Grover Cleveland, Democrat 1006 J . P . St . John, Prohibitionist 49 Justice of Supreme Court. John M. Berry 2311 Congressman . Milo White, Republican 1184— 84 A. Biermann, Democrat 1100 C . A. Bierce, Prohibitionist 51 Representative. J. M. Burlingame 1247—145 P. Brennan 1092 County Auditor. M. B. Chadwick 1313—291 D. E. Austin 1022 Register of Deeds. E. A. Tyler 1286—275 C. Yust 1011 County Attorney . W. F. Sawyer 1317 Probate Judge. L. Hazen 2351 Court Commissioner. L. Hazen. 2340 Coroner. Dr. Harrington 1278—213 Dr. Morehouse 1066 Court House Bonds. No 1017—226 Yes 791 This year there occurred a tie for the office of com- missioner from the fourth district, the candidates, G. W. Kinyon and E. Scannel, each receiving 183 votes. Upon drawing lots Mr. Kinyon was successful. Election, November, 1886. Governor. A. R. McGill, Republican A. A. Ames, Democrat James E. Child, Prohibitionist Lieutenant Governor. A. E. Rice John Frank J. P. Pinkham Secretary of State. Hans Mattson. Luth Jaeger. . C. A. Bierce. . W. W. Braden . Gust. A. Lundberg. H. W. Allen State Auditor. 1339— 49 1290 115 1396— 153 1244 166 1401— 109 1233 120 1395— 155 1340 120 State Treasurer. Joseph Bobleter 1401— 163 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 79 H. Poehler 1238 P. J. Kniss 130 Attorney General. M. E. Clapp 1400— 160 John N. Ives 1240 W. M. Hatch 130 Clerk Supreme Court. J. D. Jones 1403— 163 T. O'Leary 1239 C. A. Fosness 144 Member of Congress. Thos. Wilson, Democrat 135.5— 97 John A. Lovely, Republican 1258 Dr. D. H. Roberts, Prohibitionist 129 Judge — Fifth District. T. S. Buckham 1360—1360 County Auditor. J.C.Burke 1354— 61 M. B. Chadwick 1393 D. McKinlay 95 County Treasurer. S. Peterson 1439— 336 Albert Kasper 1203 Geo. Mitchell 108 Register of Deeds. G. E. Sloan 1455— 373 John Kearney 1182 B. Chapin 93 Sheriff. Hugh Murray 1617— 572 Oscar Murphy 1045 J. W. Landon 86 County Attorney. W. A. Sperry 1391— 117 Amos Coggswell 1274 Judge of Probate. L. Hazen 2639—2639 Court Commissioner. L. Hazen 3639—2639 County Surveyor. A. M. Mitchell 2690—2690 Coroner. C. Peterson 1344— 48 J. H. Adair 1296 Clerk District Court. J. A. Cotter 1653— 680 A. M. Kinyon 972 Superintendent Schools. G. C. Tanner 1607— 252 D. A. McKinley 1355 F. D. Sheldon 93 State Senator. C. S. Crandall 1322— 109 E. M. Morehouse 1263 A. H. Mudeking 89 Representative. G. W. Buffum 1446— 181 M. Guthrie 1365 Dexter Smith 104 Coimty Commissioners. Theo. Chambers, Republican 303 — 53 W. P. Hobblns, Democrat 351 C. R. Knowlton, Prohibitionist 19 H. L. Zwiener, Republican 853 — 14 O. O. Prestegaard, Democrat 339 F. K. Hickok, Prohibitionist 16 John Virtue 366— 24 W. Rosenthall 242 S. Morrison 22 G. W". Kinyon 205- Jas. Morton 193 E.H.Sibley 19 12 H.Schmidt 229— 35 L. L. Bennett 194 O. M. Hammond 23 CHAPTER XI. THE COUKTS — CASES — DISTRICT JUDGES AND THE BAR OF STEELE COUNTY. ;N this chapter we have grouped together all that we could learn regarding courts, cases and the pi bar of Steele County. There are probably other cases that would be of interest; but as all of the details must be gleaned from the memories of the old settlers, there is much conflict, and a number have had to be omitted, because it has been impossible to write a version of them upon which all could agree. Another class of cases which had to be omitted were those where the parties who were interested, or their near friends, were still living in the county, and the publication of details might give pain and cause dispute, for no lawsuit was ever tried that did not have two sides ; else, as Dickens says, in Bardell vs. Pickwick, "why this suit?" The first trial of interest in the county occurred at Owatonna, in the fall of 1855, before Addison Phelps, who had been ap- pointed a justice of the peace by the terri- torial governor. It appears that several parties had taken a claim jointly somewhere in the neighborhood of Wilton, in Waseca County (then a portion of Steele), and had put up a claim shanty. Several contesting claimants invaded the premises, pulled down the shanty and jumped the claim. The first parties had the "invaders" arrested, and four or five of them were brought to Owa- tonna as prisoners for trial. At that time there were no available lawyers here, al- though A. B. Cornell was on hand to prose- cute them. The defendants could find no lawyer, and were feeling pretty blue. They, together with about twenty witnesses, were taken up to the Winship House for supper. When the evening stage came in, a man alighted and took supper at the hotel. He overheard their talk regarding the case, and feeling that they were being abused he an- nounced himself as Attorney Onstine, one of the ablest lawyers in the northern part of Iowa, and undertook their defense. When the case was called for trial he was on hand, and a legal combat of two days' duration ensued, resulting in the acquittal of the prisoners, who had shown that they had the best title to the claim. The first offense committed in the county against " the peace and dignity of the United States," as criminal offenses were designated in territorial times, was upon the part of John Duckering. He had struck a little fel- low, or dwarf, called Napoleon Boneparte, cutting him pretty badly, and Boneparte had Duckering arrested, and fined a small amount. In August of 1857, a party of roughs, or, as the old settlers termed them, " border ruffians," attempted to "paint the embryo city of Owatonna red," as the expression of later daj's goes. Two men named BuU, a man named Orr, and a Mr. Squires got to drinking pretty heavily, and got into a row, after which they procured knives and pistols and began a reign of terror in cleaning out the town, marching uj) and down the streets. Nearly all of the citizens fled for their lives. The sheriff,David Lindersmith, had been very ill, so there was no peace officer at hand ; but HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 81 after consultcation Slierifif Lindersmitli was sent for and got up from a sick-bed to quell the disturbance. Upon arriving at town, he found the four hnddled together near Elder Town's store on Bridge street. For a few minutes they resisted arrest and one of them nearly killed a bystander with a rock which he drew from his breast pocket. When they were secured the sheriff took them to a hotel and placed them under a guard, while he, suf- fering a temporary relapse, gave up and went to sleep. At about daylight the guards were changed and for a few minutes they were left alone with the sick sheriff, taking advantage of which they all escaped. Parties started at once in pursuit and succeeded in captur- ing two, while a third returned and gave himself up. The sheriff was now determined to see that they did not escape again. The nearest lockup was in St. Paul, so a log-chain was procured and the prisoners were all pad- locked together, while a guard of two men with pistols and clubs were placed over them. Either S. M. Yearly or G. W. Green prose- cuted the case, while the prisoners got a Faribault lawyer, H. C. Lowell, to defend them. An interesting trial followed. The Faribault man was an able lawyer. In his argument, he played upon the symjjathies of the jury, referred feelingly to the manner in which the sheriff had chained the poor men, and said a sheriff who would be guilty of so maltreating- human being-s ought to be sent to jail for life, etc. As the sheriff told the historian, it changed the whole course of public sentiment. Whereas two hours before the citizens favored hanging the ruffians, they then wanted to lynch the sheriff. The result of the trial was the acquittal of all the prisoners. In October, 1857, a case came before the district court which excited a great deal of interest and merriment in the young settle- ment. It was entitled Jacob Yonker vs. William ami Dorotha Mundt. The record shows S. M. Yearly an attorney for the plaintiff and G. W. Green as attorney for the defendants. It appears that during the spring and summer of 1857, Jacob Yonker, the plaintiff, and Minnie Mundt, a daughter of the defendants, had been working at Winship's hotel, and a short time before the commencement of this action they had taken a notion to get married. Thus far all was legal and right enough. But it seems that Minnie was not of age yet, being only seven- teen, and they did not deem it necessary to go through the formality of getting a license. They therefore went before Elder Town, who, after asking them the usual questions, i)i'o- nounced them man and wife. For a few days everything moved along smoothly enough ; but when the bride's parents learned of it, they commanded Minnie to come home, as she had married without their consent; and she, being a dutiful child, obeyed, leaving the bridegroom alone in his misery. Yonker took on terribly for a while, and finally, after getting legal advice, swore out papers for the arrest of his parents-in- law for "abducting" his wife. They were brought up by the sheriff, and when they saw the turn things had taken they wanted to settle it, and Mr. Mundt offered to pay Yonker what damage it had been to him. Yonker immediately responded : " I don'd vant your money ; I vant my Minnie ! " In this way the matter was finallj^ settled, Yonker paying costs and getting " his Minnie," while the old folks went their way in peace ; and the young people resumed their happy relations as bride and groom. Along in 1857 and 1858 there was consid- erable litigation growing from claim matters. An amusing incident is related in relation to this, which, barring names, is about as fol- lows : It seems that a shanty had disappeared from one of the settler's claims ; and, from conclusive evidence, it was apparent that it had been stolen. A search warrant was got out and placed in the sheriff's hands, which directed him to '' seize certain hasswood Inm- her,'' and arrest tlie party or parties found in possession of the samer The officer went to 82 HISTORY OF STEELE COITNTT. the place where the shantj had stood and there found the tracks of the \vagon which the stolen lumber had been loaded upon. Following the track in a circuitous route it finally brought up at a little cabin, in front of which was a nice pile of shanty lumber. The sheriff congratulated himself, as the whole matter was so plain as to leave no chance for mistake. Upon examination, however, the lumber proved to be elm and popple, and, under the warrant, it was impos- sible to seize it. The officer, therefore, drove off and left tlie thief in possession. All through the early records there appear references to a case in which Nathaniel Squires, David Lindersmith, the State of Minnesota, et al., are mixed ujj as plaintiffs and defendants. While there is nothing connected with the case or the matters involved to make it of more than ordinary interest, yet there is scarcely an old settler in the county who will not be interested in an account of it, as it was so badly mixed at the time it was tried that scarcely anyone fully understood the details from which the suit grew. In the early part of 1857 Nathaniel Squires and Henry Corrigan got into a difficulty in Owatonna and began to fight it out. Squires got Corrigan down and was punishing him, when the sheriff, David Lindersmith, came upon the ground, and took them before Justice Shaw to see what should be done to preserve peace. Corrigan made complaint against Squires and the latter was fined $15. Corrigan was dis- charged, as Squires refused to make any com- plaint. Squires had no money to pay the fine, but they let him go. Thus the matter remained for some time, as Squires had no property attachable. Finally Squires bought a couple of cows and an attachment was got out and placed in Sheriff Lindersmith's hands for execution. He seized one cow and took her home with him, intending to have a sale at once. Squires claimed the action of the sheriff was illegal, and that the cow was exempt from execution. He gave bond and replevied the animal, and the case was taken before Justice Se3'mour Howe, who lived south of Owatonna, to try title. S. M. Yearly appeared as Squires' attorney and Judge Green defended Lindersmith. After a jury trial a verdict for Lindersmith was returned, and he at once secured possession of the cow and took her to his home. One Sunday, the 28th of June, 1857, Squires came and stole the cow, taking her to his son's, on Maple Creek, where she was butchered immediately. The sheriff got several others and started in jjursuit, arriv- ing at the " scene of slaughter" just as the beef was being hung up ; but as the other parties fought, they finall}^ returned without the beef. Warrants were sworn out for Geo. Squires, Joseph Wagner and Philander Atwater for resisting an officer. They were brought to trial July 1, 1857, and were dis- charged by the justice on the ground that the warrant did not agree with the com- plaint. They afterward delivered up the beef and the sheriff sold it. At the same time a warrant was issued for Nathaniel Squires, on account of stealing the cow. He was arrested and had a preliminary exami- nation on June 30, 1857, when he was bound over to appear in District Court. A few weeks later Squires sued Lindersmith for the price of the cow, and upon a change of venue the case was taken to Squire Tiffany, in Havana Township, for trial. A jury trial was had and a disagreement followed. A new trial was set and then an adjournment was asked. This was in April, 1S58. The law fixed thirty days as the length of time an adjournment could be had upon consent of parties. Judge Green, attorney for Linder- smith, suggested that the trial be set for the second Monday in June, about sixty days dis- tant, and upon the others consenting, the jus- tice entered it upon the docket and adjourned court. S. M. Yearly, attorney for Squires, discovered the error almost at once, but Green had taken his client and marched right off. They had got about twenty rods BISTORT OF STEELE COUNTY. 83 when the justice called to them, but they replied that June suited them, and moved right on. The justice interlined the record and changed "June" to " May." When the second Monday in May came, Squires and his attorney appeared, and as no one was present to defend, the^' got judgment. In June, the defendant appeared with Amos Coggswell and G. "W. Green as his attorneys, and demanded judgment but the justice told them that the matter was all settled, so they left. An execution was got out on Squires' judgment a short time later, and was placed in the hands of the coroner, Thomas Kenyon. He refused to execute it unless an indemnify- ing bond was given ; the same thing occurred with Mr. WiUsey, when he became sheriff, and as no bond was furnished the matter was finally dropped. The case of State of Minnesota vs. L. C. Gate came up for trial at the July term of court in 1859, and was the first " whisky case" taken to district court in Steele County. Amos Coggswell defended Gate. It appears that Gate had been keeping a saloon in a building near where the More- house Opera House block is now located, and was indicted for selling liquor without a license. At the first trial he was found guilty, but his attorney, Mr. Coggswell, made a motion for a new trial, and a few days before the second trial took place, the de- fendant was taken sick with the typhoid fever and died. In the summer of 1859, the Mankato town- site cases were tried here upon a change of venue. Hundreds of them were docketed ; but test cases were made of the different classes, so that all were not tried that were placed upon the docket. Some of the ablest lawyers in the State appeared in these cases, and they evoked great interest throughout the entire State at the time, as the title to about all of the city of Llankato depended upon the decision. The gist of these suits, as near as we have been able to learn, was as follows : The original proprietors of the city of Mankato had laid out a town, had commenced building, and property was advancing in value. Early in the '50's, sev- eral parties, among Avhom are remembered Messrs. Brandson, Moreland and Cole, or- ganized themselves into a new company and jumped the claims of the old proprietors and the squatters holding under them, on the ground that the original claimants had taken possession before the Indian title was ex- tinguished. The decision was in favor of the old proprietors, or the squatters. Some of these old cases, however, are in court yet. The criminal case of the State of Minne- sota vs. Henry Kreigler, which was tried here in December, 1860, was the first murder trial ever had in Steele County. The case was brought here upon a change of venue from Freeborn County, where the defendant had killed Nelson Boughton, of Oakvale, that county. I. W. Perry and Gordon E. Cole ap- peared for the State and A. Armstrong, Perkins & Perkins and W. K. Kinyon ap- peared for the defendant. After a lengthy and interesting trial, a jury returned a verdict against the prisoner of " murder in the first degree," and the court sentenced him to be hung. He was taken to Albert Lea where the sentence was executed. This was the first case of hanging in southern Minnesota, and the writer believes the onlj^ one that has occurred in the history of this part of the State under sentence of a court. Many thought then, and still believe, that the de- fendant in this case was insane. Kreigler was a German and could speak but little English, but his actions throughout the trial indicated plainly that he was either crazy or half-witted, or was feigning very naturally. He would dance, in his chains, all the way from the jail to the court house, and in a dozen other ways his actions were those of insanity. The case of State of Minnesota vs. Eliza J. Brown appears on the criminal calendar of the April term of court in 18(52. It was a case of considerable interest in those days 84 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. and raised quite an excitement. It seems that Mrs. Eliza J. Brown had located upon a iarm in Merton To\vnship and was en- gaged in working it. She had several chil- dren, among whom was a daughter; and she employed a hired man to help run the place. As time ran along Mrs. Brown got suspicious of the fellow's attentions to her daughter, and finally determined to kill him. So one day, on the pretense of having re- pairs made, she got him into the cistern, and then opened hostilities. She threw fiat-irons, shovels, stones and everything she could lift in upon him, and tried to brain him with clubs and pitchforks. The cistern, however, was boarded up so that he could partially get out of her reach. When he would thus take refuge, she would pour hot water in upon him, and drive him out and then resort to her clubs and flat-irons. When he would jump and catch the top to lift himself out, she had the ax handy and would chop at his hands. Luckily, some one happened along before she had killed him, and got the fellow out. The cistern was a sight after the bat- tle, filled with her implements of warfare. A warrant was sworn out and Mrs. Brown was arrested. She secured H. C. Lowell, of Faribault, as attorney to defend her, while G. W. Green and S. M. Yearly ap- peared for the State. She waived examin- ation and the case came up for trial in April, 1862, in District Court, before Judge Donald- son. A large number of witnesses were present from the Merton neighborhood, and a good deal of feeling was worked up over the case. The theory of the defense was that the mother was justified and it seems that they supported it well, for the trial re- sulted in a verdict of acquittal. The case was severely contested. The injured man was laid up for nearly a year with his wounds. The case of State of Minnesota vs. John Ryan, which was tried at the spring term of district court in 1868, was one of the most important murder trials in the history of the county. The defendant had killed Thomas Dorsey, the details of the tragedy being about as follows : Eyan had been here through 1866-7, working on the raih-oad, and when the railroad was built west to Waseca, he went with the construction party. On the ith-of July, 1807, a celebration was held at Owatonna, and Ryan, with others, came back to attend. In a saloon he met Thomas Dorsey and invited him to drink, but Dorsey refused, upon which a quarrel ensued. Ryan would not let the matter drop, but followed Dorsey out, determined to fight. Later Dor- sey hid in a lumber-yard, and Ryan, learnmg of his whereabouts, procured a knife and hunted him out. In the struggle that en- sued Ryan stabbed Dorsey several times, in- flicting wounds from which the latter soon died. Ryan was tried, found guilty, and on the 22d of April, 1868, was sentenced to be hung. The scafl'olding was nearly completed, when the governor commuted his sentence to imprisonment for life. Ryan was a vi- cious, ill-tempered and dangerous man, and, even in prison, was not allowed to mingle with the other convicts. He finally lost his reason, and on April 2, 1883, he was par- doned by Gov. Hubbard and released. At the April term in 1868 an interesting case was tried, entitled State vs. Joseph Young. Young was a farmer, living on section 36, in Owatonna Township. It seems that a couple of young men from Owatonna were driving past his place, after having been chicken-hunting in Aurora Township, when Young's dog ran out and followed, barking and annoying them. They either killed, or seriously shot, the dog, and Young, who was plowing in the field near by, ran wp to the buggy and pulled one of the young men out, at the same time stabbing him. Young was found guilty and fined $150 and costs. Amos Coggswell defended, and J. B. Searles prosecuted. The case of State of Minnesota vs. Will- iam Sterling, which was tried in April, 1869, was of considerable interest. It was prose- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 87 cuted by Gordon E. Cole and J. B. Searles, and Gov. Gorman and Amos Coggswell were attorneys for the defendant. A short time previous to the time when this case was tried, Dr. Duvall, a faith doctor, or one that professed to cure by " laying on of hands," had located at Owatonna, and was stopping with William Sterling, who was then in the lumber business. After a few weeks of courtship he was married to Mr. Sterling's sister-in-law. Some of the boj's about town decided to charivari the newly-married cou- ple, and they repaired to the house of William Sterling, where the pair were stop- ping, with a full orchestra of horse-fiddles, tin-pans, etc. The concert had progressed but a few minutes, when Mr. Sterling stepped to the window with a gun in his hand and fired into the midst of the serenading party, seriously wounding John Heisch, one of the Ijoys. Sterling was indicted by the grand jury, tried, found guilty and fined a small amount. The doctor was also indicted, but was acquitted upon triaL The injured man recovered, and is still a resident of Owa- tonna. The doctor afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he poisoned his wife, was tried, found guiltj^ and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. The case of State of Minnesota vs. John Murray, for the murder of Mr. Hickey, was tried in April, 1870, and attracted wide at- tention. Murray had come to Owatonna as a railroad hand in 1866, and early in the spring of 1870 was living in Owatonna, a short distance from Hickey's place. Their families became involved in a quarrel, and the men took it up. One day they met over a pup|)le-pole fenpe, which bounded Hickey's lot, and after some words Murra}' seized a pole from the fence and dealt Hickey a blow over the head which caused his death. Mur- ray was placed in jail, and when arraigned in district court plead "not guilty." The case was prosecuted by J. B. Searles, county attorney, assisted by Att'y-Gen. Cor- nell. The defendant was ably represented by Amos Coggswell. The trial resulted in a verdict of guilty, and the defendant was sentenced to six years in the penitentiary. After serving about three years, however, he was pardoned by the governor. The case of State of Minnesota vs. Samuel E. Henry was the most important trial dur- ing the December term, 1874. Henry had committed rape upon a young girl at Bloom- ing Prairie. Amos Coggswell and J. M. Burlingame appeared for the State, and L. L. Wheelock and an attorney from Decorah, Iowa, defended the man. After an inter- esting trial he was convicted and sentenced to twenty j'ears in the penitentiary. He served about six years of his sentence when he was pardoned by the governor. The State of Minnesota vs. M. Keefe was a criminal case called for the June term, 1875. The defendant had got into a row with a Norwegian named Oleson at Bloom- ing Prairie, during which he cut him up pretty badly. J. M. Burlingame prosecuted and Amos Coggswell defended. The pris- oner was found guilty and fined $500. In June, 1876, John Linhardt was brought before Judge Donaldson on the charge of forgery. It appears that he had forged the name of J. A. Oppliger to an order for $50 on the First National Bank and passed the same. He was arrested at Rochester, brought back and held until the grand jury, which was m session at the time, indicted him, and he plead guilty and was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. He returned all of the money except $10.25, having been arrested on the same day that he committed the crime. He was tried, convicted and sentenced within forty-eight hours after he passed the order. A serious stabbing aflfray occurred in the town of Somerset, in June, 1877, the cir- cumstances of which as related by one side were as follows : Frank Herdina, father, two sons and another man, left town on that day, just enough imbued with whisky to make them very quarrelsome and easily irri- 88 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTT. tated. W. K. Knickerbocker, wife, child and a man named Barker soon followed them, and when about five miles south, Mr. Knick- erbocker drove by the Herdinas, who had two teams partly loaded with lumber. Mr. K. had gone but a short distance by them when they gave chase, galloping their horses to catch up. Soon Mr. Knickerbocker's little boy's hat blew oif and Mr. Barker jumped out to get it. The Herdinas at this juncture came up and jiounced onto Barker, and with large, two-bladed pocket-knives, the}' cut a gash to the bone, about eight inches long, in the calf of the right leg ; they tried to cut him in the left breast and would no doubt have pierced his heart, had it not been for a large pocketbook in his inside vest pocket, which was cut through several times, the points of the blades entering the flesh. Mr. Knickerbocker, who was a strong man, see- ing these barbarous actions, went to the i^escue and knocked two of the assailants senseless, when the other two pounced on his back, cutting him severely and driving the knife into his shoulder up to the hilt, and breaking off the point in the shoulder. With a powerful exertion Mr. Knickerbocker freed himself and grabbing Barker threw him into the wagon and jumping in himself drove rapidly away. He soon came to Justice Pike's residence and Mr. Knickerbocker fainted upon getting out. Mr. Pike immedi- ately ordered the arrest of the offenders, and in company with Oscar Gross succeeded in capturing the three Herdinas and delivered them to the sheriff the same night. Consta- ble Tiffany went out the next morning and captured the fourth man. Mr. Knicker- bocker was cut in the arm beside the shoul- der gash. Mr. Barker, who was only twenty years old, was cut thirteen times, and for some time his recovery was doubtful. The prisoners were arraigned before Judge Don- aUlson and bound over in the sum of $500 each to appear at the December term of court, in 1877. When the case was called for trial a number of important additional facts were developed. From the evidence it appeared that the two parties had had some trouble before leaving the city, and Bailey, one of the Knickerbocker party had " pulled his coat" and dared the others to fight him. Also, that Barker had thrown a stone knocking the old man Herdina down before the trouble I'eally commenced, and that the Bohemians had responded, knocking Mr. Knickerbocker down. Barker was forced backward into a ditch, falling and pulling Herdina Avith him. Herdina's son tried to use the knife on Barker, cutting him as well as his own father quite severely. The jury was made up wholl}' of Americans, not a a Bohemian being allowed to sit upon it. They returned a verdict of guilty in each case and the prisoners were sentenced as fol- lows: Kroulik to one year in the county jail ; Frank Herdina, Sr., to one year in the penitentiary ; Frank Herdina, Jr., two years in the penitentiary, and Adolph Herdina to four years in the penitentiary. The case was prosecuted by J. M. Burlingame and de- fended by Amos Coggswell. After sentence was rendered in the Her- dina matter, the case of Frank Herdina, Sr., was taken to the Supreme Court on appeal, and a stay of judgment granted to await decision. In the higher court the case was ably contested, and finally' ended in the sentence of District Court being sustained. The syllabus of the decision was as follows : " State of Minnesota, respondent, vs. Frank Herdina, Sr., et. al., appellants. A par- ent has no right to protect his child in the commission of a crime. To convict of an assault with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do great bodily harm, one who comes to the assistance of the person holding the weapon, it is not necessary that he should have aided in the previous arming of such person. " Evidence merely that the defendant was drunk when he joined one in committing an assault, without any evidence of the condi- tion of his mind, or that he was too drunk HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 89 to reason or know right from wrong, will not require a charge to the jury that if defendant was so drunk that he did not know what he was doing, they should find for the defendant. Order aifirmed." Shortly after the commencement of the criminal cases William F. Barkei- began a civil action against Frank Herdina, Sr., et. al., for $1,500 damages. A verdict for $750 was returned against Frank Herdina, Sr., and Adolph Herdina.- In the actions against Frank Herdina, Jr., and John Kroulik, verdicts for the defendants were rendered. Mr. Knickerbocker began similar civil suits in which damages were laid at $1,000. Verdicts were rendered for plaintiff in the sum of $675 against Frank Herdina, Sr., Frank Herdina, Jr, and Adolph Herdina, and for the defendant in the case against John Kroulik. In June, 1878, the criminal calendar con- tained a case entitled State of Minnesota vs. Claude Van Alstyne, the grand jury having indicted him during the latter part of May. When the case was called the defendant put in a plea of " not guilty," and Judge Amos Cogo'swell and Hon. L. L. Wheelock were appointed to conduct the defense, while Judge A. C. Hickman assisted the county attorney, J. M. Burlingame, in the prosecu- tion. The trial was one of great interest, and one of the most extensive and important in the history of the county. Claude Van Alstyne was a young man twenty-one years of age, a native of Belvidere, 111., but had lived for a number of years in But- ler, Bates County, Mo. He came from there to Minnesota. A short time before the crime was committed he came from Eochester and began working for Isaac Tur- telot, at Owatonna, taking out ice from Straight River. On the 15th of February, 1878, he, together with Phocion Turtelot, a son of his employer, Lewis Arnold, L. Stevens, F. Davis and James Atchison were at work upon the ice. Phocion Turtelot, it appears, assumed a sort of general charge of the work, and coming up to where Van Alstyne was at work they got into a quarrel, in which the defendant struck Phocion with an ice-hook, killing him. There were two sides to the quarrel, as is usual in these sad tragedies, and we here give as near as possi- ble both sides : The witnesses for the pros- ecution all agreed upon about the following state of facts : "Defendant was hooking on the grappling hooks for the horse to pull out the ice. Phocion went to breaking the ice, and Van Alstyne told him to stop. Phocion said, ' I won't do it.' Defendant said, ' If you break it, you can draw it up yourself.' Phocion replied that, 'bj' , he would break it,' and told him : ' It's none of your business ; who is boss here ? ' Defend- ant said, ' It don't make a bit of difference. I am running this part of the business myself.' Phocion again replied that he would break it. Defendant stepped up toward him and pushed him, and Phocion jumped back on a cake of floating ice, then back to the bank, and seizing a bar says to the defendant : ' I'll beat your life or brains out.' Some of the other workmen put in a few words at about this time. But a second later and Van Alstyne struck Phocion on the head with the ice-hook. He then pulled out the hook. Phocion got up after a few minutes, made his way to the wagon and was taken home. He died from the effects of the blow, on the 22d of February, 1878." Some of the wit- nesses for the State claimed that Van Alstyne struck two blows. The blow fract- ured the skull the hook having penetrated the skull about two inches, from which the brains slowly oozed. The theory advanced by the defense was that the act was justifiable under the circum- stances. The substance of the evidence in- troduced by the defense is clearly shown in the testimony of Claude Van Alstyne, the defendant. Condensed, it was about as fol- lows : " I was not acquainted with Turtelot before I came here. I went to work for hnn the day after I got here, on the ice. On the 90 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. day mentioned there were there beside my- self, Atchison, Davis, Stevens and Arnold. Tm-telot was there about one hour. I did not see him leave. He set me to hitching on the grapples to haul ice onto the platform. He had me at that about nine days. He said that morning, I was to keep at that work, as no other man he could get could do the work I did on that platform. When Phocion was breaking the ice, I said : ' Don't break that ice ! If you do you will have to draw it up yourself.' I had the grapples in my left hand and the pick I always carried in my right. He said: ' It's none of your business ! I'll do as I please; the ice don't belong to you.' I had no idea or intention of striking him. I pushed him with my hand so that he lost his balance. He turned right around and said : ' I'll smash the ■- life out of you !' When he raised the bar, I said: ' Don't you strike me with that bar !' and I backed up as far as I could get. I told him three or four times not to strike me, and he struck at me with it. I dodged or it would have hit my head ; instead it hit my arm. He had the bar raised to strike me again, and I struck him with the pick. I meant to strike him with the stick. I didn't notice how I struck him. My object was to strike him and then get away from him. I did it to defend myself. That was all the object 1 had. He fell on his knees and then fell over on his right elbow. As he fell I let go the pick handle and stepped back. Then I saw it was in his head, and I took hold of it and raised it out of his head. Then I took it and the bar and laid them on the ice, I guess ten or fifteen feet away. I think I stood and looked at him till he got up— as much as a minute. Then I stepped over to Davis and Atchison; I was pretty badly excited at that time." Tlie judge here asked the question: " Couldn't you have got out of there as fast as Phocion could? " to which the defendant replied; " Not with(jut turning my back on him, and he would luive struck me behind." In Judge Lord's charge to the jury, among many other important and interesting points of law set forth, were the following : " . . . There is no dispute but that the defendant struck Turtelot with this instrument, a blow upon the head, on the 15th of February, 1878, and that blow resulted in his death. The first question is : Whether that blow was criminal or not ? It is claimed on the part of the defendant that he was justified in striking that blow. Now a party has a right to defend himself, and he has a right to use such a degree of force as may be nec- essary to defend himself, and if a felonious assault is made upon him he has a right, if necessary in protecting himself, to take the life of his assailant ; but he has no right unless it is necessary. This right of self- defense is limited to the necessity. It is the duty of the party assailed to get away if he can. The mere circumstances of an assault being made upon him does not justify his assaulting the other party if he can get away. Now, in considering whether this killing was necessary, in order to defend himself, look at the circumstances of the case, the situation of the parties, and their relative ability to defend themselves from assault; and consider whether, in fact, this blow was given in self-defense, or whether it was given for the purpose of killing, or for the pur- pose of a lesser assault than that ; whether it was not rather an attack upon Turtelot than an act of self-defense. You will find from the general circumstances whether this defendant was in any real danger of injury if he had stepped away and let Turtelot alone ; and then, further, whether it was nec- essary to strike such a bloAV as he did, supposing Turtelot was coming at him with that bar and he standing there defending himself. ..." The jury returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter in the second degree after a short absence from the court-room, and the prisoner was sentenced to the State peniten- tiary for life. He remained in prison until HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 91 the spring of 1884, when he was pardoned by the governor. An interesting case was tried at the December term of court, 1881. It was enti- tled, Joseph Kaplan vs. C, M. & St. P. E. R. Co. It was an action brought to recover $5,000 damages for the killing of the plain- tiff's little seven-year-old daughter by the defendants' train in June, 1881. Judge A. C. Hickman appeared for the plaintiff, and Gordon E. Cole for the defendants. A struck jury was empaneled, who brought in a verdict for the defendants. On Friday night, September 12, 1884, just about the time the Barrett circus, which had just given a performance, was breaking up, John Blair, a special policeman, arrested a woman supposed to belong to the circus. He started up Cedar street and when near Pot- ter's lumber yard a man ran against him, and turned to ask why Blair had run into him. Blair replied that he did not, when they had some words and the man struck Blair on the side of the head with a heavy club. The blow felled Blair and the miscreant disap- peared in the darkness. Blair was helped home and died the following morning. Sheriff Murray, in company with one of the parties who saw the blow struck, followed the circus to Rochester on the 13th, for the purpose of looking over the employes of the show for the murderer. They soon found him in the person of James Jacobs, and he Avas arrested and brought to Owatonna the same evening. The case of State against James Jacobs came to trial at the January term of court, 1885, Judge Thomas S. Buckham, pi-esid- ing. The State was represented by W. F. Saw3'er, county attorney, and the defense by Judge Amos Coggswell. After a number of challenges, the following jury was selected to try the case : Lewis Burns, of Berlin ; T. T. Nelson, of Havana ; H. Wentworth, Henry Ribbe, D. W. Hines, of Aurora; M. Guthrie, of Blooming Brairie ; W. J. Ellis, of Havana; Frank McCauley and Cord King, of Aurora ; Frank Carlton, of Merton ; John Lippert, of Meriden ; and L. C. Peters, of Berlin. The following account of the trial, taken from one of the city papers, goes sufficiently into detail, and is given in full : " James Jacobs, the prisoner, was then brought into court. The first witness called on part of State was C. C. Garvey, of Minneapolis, who saw the blow struck, and who heard quarrel between John L. Blair and James Jacobs. The next witness was Edward Austin, of Owatonna, who repeated the story of the murder. Dr. L. L. Bennett was next called, he having had the custody of the weapon (the heavy stick) with which Policeman ' Blair was struck. Mr. Andrew Meehan, of Owatonna, was called and testified to what he saw and heard. Mr. A. McCumber, of "Winona County, was next sworn. He testified that he attended the concert after the circus was out. After the concert he went over to see the circus men load their wagons on the train. While there, he saw a gathering on or near sidewalk between rail- road tracks on opposite side of street. He ran over to within about fifteen feet. He saw Jacobs with a club in his hand and Policeman Blair raise and jjoint his pistol at him twice; heard prisoner say, ' you ! put up that pistol or I'll kill you.' The prisoner had just drawn club from under his arm or coat. Jacobs then turned and blew a whistle he took from his pocket, when those loading the wagons dropped work and ran over toward Jacobs. Blair put his hand back in coat pocket with pistol, and turned and began to walk south, when the prisoner took a few steps forward, probably fifteen or twenty feet, and struck Blair on side of head, holding club in both hands, knocking him into the ditch, where he fell. He got up in about a minute and began to reel across the street, when two men took him off. The witness, Garvey, testified that he saw girl get up and run out of circus and taking prisoner by the arm walked off with him. Also saw 92 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Saw big Blair come and take her away, man at crossing, with club under his arm, brush against Policeman Blair. Prisoner swore and told Blair that he had run into him once too often. Some one shouted, 'arrest man with club,' after which Mr. Garvey's testimony agreed substantially with Mr. McCumber's. This was the sub- stance of the evidence introduced by the State. The defense introduced a number of depo- sitions, taken in "Warsaw, Ind., showing the good character, steady habits and worth of James Jacobs when he worked there a num- ber of years ago. A number of depositions were also read taken before a justice of the peace in Fort Wayne, Ind. These certified to his good character during the winters when he worked around there, he having been away traveling with some circus each summer. The defense had a railway con- ductor sworn, who testified that he saw Jacobs at his work as usual about fifteen minutes after the concert was concluded. The prisoner also testified in his own behalf, denying that he went off with the girl, also stating that he never saw her until he saw her in jail. He stated that Blair pulled a revolver and threatened to shoot him ; and that Blair had his revolver leveled when the prisoner sti'uck him. Attorney Sawyer made an able plea to the jury on behalf of the State, endeavoring to convince them that the prisoner was guilty of willful, premeditated murder as charged in the indictment. Judge Coggswell, on the part of the defense, made a strong and convincing argument, review- ing every phase of the case. The jury after an absence of a few hours brought in a ver- dict of "guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree." The judge sentenced him to State penitentiary for the term of four years, the longest period provided by law for that degree of crime. This verdict gave a good deal of dissatisfaction, as it was felt that the prisoner had not I'eceived the punishment he deserved. The night he was brought back from Rochester, feeling ran high and he narrowly escaped lynching. A large crowd had assembled at the depot to meet the train that was to bring the prisoner in, and the desire for lynching seemed almost unani- mous. II. M. Hastings, seeing the danger, telegi'aphed the sheriff, Hugh Murray, who had charge of the prisoner, and it was arranged to stop the train out of town and convey the prisoner secretly to the jail. Later the crowd assembled at the jail, crying " hang him ! hang him ! '' but Sheriff Murray made a timely and appropriate speech, cool- ing them down and warning them against attempting to take the law in their own hands, and the gathering finally dispersed. Great credit is due to Mr. Murray and Mr. Hastings for their management of the affair. At the June term, 1S85, was tried the case of State of Minnesota vs. William A^an Kuden, one of the most important murder trials in the history of Steele County. The details connected with the tragedy from which the case grew are susceptible of many various and conflicting versions, the friends of the deceased man, John Lehman, as well as the friends of Van Kuden, claiming that the fault was wholly upon the part of the other. However that may be, we here give the facts as they were related without coloring. It appears that near the line separating Steele and Dodge Counties, neax'ly due east from Owatonna, there lived until the time of this tragedy, two neighbors — William Van Ruden and John Lehman — the former in Steele and the latter in Dodge County. For some time there had been bad blood between the two men, and many wordy conflicts had taken \AAce. On the 25th of May, 1S85, Van Ruden left home to attend to some busi- ness and (luring his absence Lehman, armed with a gun, went over to Van Ruden's farm. On this point there arose an important ques- tion on the trial, the prosecution claiming that his errand was only to drive off chickens or something of that kind, with no evil or HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 93 malicious intent, while the defense claimed that he went to commit murder. It is stated that Lehman shot the gun several times, and when remonstrated with by Mrs. Van Euden he abused • her, calling vile names. After that he would lie down in the bushes for a time ; then get up and walk around, and finally, chose a spot in the brush just across the county line, on his own farm, and there laid down. In a short time Van Ruden came home and his wife related what had taken place. Thereupon he took down his gun and, after seeing where Lehman lay, he started for the place accompanied by his wife. As they neared the spot Lehman arose with his gun in his hand, and at the same instant Van Ruden fired, killi-ng Leh- man almost instantly. Van Euden was ar- rested, indicted and tried in June, 1885. He was defended by Hon. A. C. Hickman and Hon. Amos Coggswell. The prosecution was ably represented by W. F. Sawyer, Esq., and an earnest and able fight was made in the courts. The only witnesses to the tragedy were the prisoner and his wife. The theory of the defense was that the killing was done in self-defense, and an important item of the evidence was found in the fact that the gun carried by the deceased when found was cocked and read}'^ for shooting. The jury found Van Euden guilty, and the court sentenced him to five years in the penitentiary, which sentence he is now serv- ing. DISTEIOT jm)GES. When the territory of Minnesota became a State, Steele County became a part of the fifth judicial district which then embraced the counties of Steele, Dakota, Goodhue, Scott, Eice, "Waseca, Dodge, Mower and Freeborn. Hon. N. M. Donaldson, of Owa- tonna, was the first judge of this district. He was first elected in October, 1857, and was re-elected in 1864, serving until the 31st of December, 1871. Nicholas M. Donaldson during his life was one of the most prominent men in the State. He was born at Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., on the 12th of November, 1809, his father a native of the north of Ireland, his mother of Scotland. Nicholas M. lived on a farm until eighteen, when he became a clerk in a store at Argyle, in his native county, finishing meantime his education at the Salem Academy. After this he taught school several winters and farmed during the summer. In 1840 he moved to Hayesville, Eichland County, Ohio, taught school two years, read law at the same time with Thomas W. Bartley, since a supreme judge of Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in the autumn of 1843. Mr. Donaldson opened an office in Mansfield, the county-seat of Eichland County, and when the county was divided in 1846 he removed to London- ville and was elected prosecuting attorney of his county. In 1849, he pushed westward to Waupun, Wis., and during his residence there was chairman of the board of super- visors and a member of the legislature from 1851 to 1855. In 1856 he settled in Owa- tonna, and in the autumn of 1857 was elected judge of the fifth district, and served fourteen years. His death occurred at Owatonna early in February, 1879. Samuel Lord was elected judge in October, 1871, and served from January 1, 1872, until February 21, 1880. Thomas S. Buckham, of Faribault, suc- ceeded Judge Lord, by appointment of the governor, on the 21st of February, 1880, and is the present judge. The fifth judicial district now embraces Steele, Waseca, Dodge and Eice Counties. The times fixed for holding court are as fol- lows : Owatonna, in June and December ; Mantorville, in March and October; Fari- bault, in May and November; Waseca, in March and October. THE BAE OF STEELE COUNTY. G. W. Green was undoubtedly the first lawyer to locate within the limits of Steele County. He came here from Wisconsin in 94 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 1854 and made some investments near Owa- tonna, or on the town plat. A few years later he located at Clinton Falls, where, in 1857, he bought the Clinton Mills. At tliat time he was a man of thirty-five years, per- haps, and a healthy, fully-developed man, mentally as well as physically. In "Wiscon- sin he had been active in public affairs as well as private enterprises, and there ob- tained his right to the title of "Judge" through holding the office of county judge for a number of years in Dodge County in that State. "When he bought the mill he took hold of the work himself, and attended to law business, politics and official duties between times. He was a man of much more than ordinary ability, and took a very prominent part here in early days — repre- senting Steele Countj' in the Lower House of the Legislature, and otherwise taking a lead- ing part in political and official matters. In 1857 he was a prominent candidate for the nomination for district judge, but was de- feated by Judge Donaldson. As a lawyer, he was among the ablest in this portion of the State, well read in law, of good argu- mentative powers, and withal a practical man. It is remembered of him that he had the faculty of getting his cases well in hand and his witnesses and evidence marshalled in the most perfect manner. He was one of the most influential members of the legis- lature in which he served, originating and drafting the bill embracing the civil organi- zation and government of townships, and the supervisor system. At that time rail- road matters occupied a good deal of atten- tion, and, in fact, that was among the most important sessions of the legislature in the history of the State. Steele County was represented in the House by Judge Amos Coggswell and Judge Green, and it is doubt- ful whether there was a stronger delegation in the legislature. Mr. Coggswell was made Speaker of the House. The Transit — or the present "Winona & St. Peter Railroad — was then before the legislature on account of land grant and route matters. There was active work being done in behalf of the in- terested points to decide whether the Tran- sit should cross the north and south road at Aurora, Owatonna or Clinton Falls. Judee Green opposed Owatonna so activelj^ that when the succeeding election came he was defeated.. Judge Gi'een remained in Steele County until about 1880, when he removed to California, and he now lives in Salinas, that State. He accumulated considerable property while in Steele County, and since his residence in California he has not been actively engaged in an_v business. In an- other chapter will be found a very interest- ing article from Judge Green's pen. Amos Coggswell located here in 1856 and at once took his place as one of the leading attorneys in this part of the State. He and Judge Green were the principal court or trial lawyers in the county during those early days. M. A. Dailey located at Owatonna in 1856, He was originally from Washington County, N. Y., a man nearly forty years old at the time he came here. It is thought that he had never practiced law before settling here, but he was a careful and i-apid businessman, and an expert accountant, and it was not long befere he was elected to public office, and he soon held nearly all of the county offices. He then commenced his law prac- tice, and a great deal of business came to him through the various offices which he held. His practice was almost wholly con- fined to office work, foreclosing mortgages, making out papers, and attending to tax matters, and it was seldom that he went into court with a. case unless before a justice of the peace. He made money in those da^^s but did not seem to accumulate much. Times were hard, particularly from 1858 until early during the war. One time during this period, while Dailey and "W. 11. Kinyon (who in tlie meantime had begun practice here) were talking, Mr. Kinyon remarked that he was afraid they would finally starve HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 95 him out, when Mr. Dailey replied that he was making $3,000 a year. This was an enormous salary for this country in early times, and we mention the incident to show the extent of Dailey's business at that time. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Dailey was elected to the Senate, and in the following spring he resigned, secured an appointment as quartermaster in some regiment and went into the service. After the close of the war he retui'ned and tried to pick up his former business. Other lawyers, however, had located here who were better posted in law, and more active in working up business, while the county offices had passed into the hands of other men, and in every way the renewed activity and general state of affairs made it impossible for Dailey to regain his former standing, either officially or in the law business. After a few years he secured an appointment in the jiostal service, and finally removed to Minneapolis, where he now lives, engaged at clerical work in a rail- road office. S. M. Yearly located here in 1S56, coming originally from the New England States. He settled upon a claim southeast of Owa- tonna, put up a frame house and went to farming in a light way, at the same time attending to a limited law practice. He held the office of prosecuting attorney of the county for some time during his residence here, and was quite an active politician, always being on hand at conventions and public meetings. After the close of the war he removed to the western part of the State, where he still lives. Yearly was very quick- tempered and scarcely ever tried a suit with- out getting half crazy with anger. He has been known to get so mad during the trial of a case, as to take up his books and quit the court-room in high dudgeon, leaving the other lawyer to try the case alone. W. R. Kinyon settled at Owatonna in 1858 and at once began practice. He is still a resident of Owatonna, being now president of the First National Bank, having given up the active practice of law. Mr. Kinyon has a number of times represented the county in the legislature and has twice been honored by being chosen speaker of the House. Almost every enterprise or action of a pub- lic nature that has affected Steele county during the past quarter of a century has felt his influence and received his support. P. J. Nordeen was the next lawyer. He was a Norwegian, who, it is thought, came here from Wisconsin in the spring of 1859, locating at Owatonna and opening a law office. He bought a lot and commenced to build, at the same time attending to his law practice. He did not succeed in working up much business and after trying it for a few years he left. He was a young man, but had been admitted to the bar and engaged in practice before coming here. During his residence in Steele County he held the office of court commissioner for one term. In 1861 the bar of Steele County was increased by the arrival of James Thorn, from Juneau, Wis. He had been clerk of court there and been admitted to the bar. He opened an office here and began prac- tice, but did not gain much business, and after several years he removed to south- eastern Nebraska, where he engaged in the abstract business and became quite promi- nent. He was of a roving, unsettled disposi- tion and never accumulated much. While here he did not take a very prominent part in affairs, and only made a bare living, if that. A. A. Harwood located here sometime during the latter part of the war, or about the time Thorn left. He was a man of about thirty years of age at that time and had been practicing law in Wisconsin. He brought his family with him, bought a home and opened a law office. He had a good deal of push and energy, and was not back- ward in advancing his own interests. He became quite prominent here, holding vari- ous county offices, and was a prominent can- didate for the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to succeed Mark H. 96 ,1 ' ,.>' ^ ) .0^"'' HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. V r Bunnell when the hitter was elected to Con- gress. After a residence here of about four- teen 3'ears llarwood removed to Austin, where he engaged m the publication of a newspaper and was ]iostinaster for a number of years. Finally he secured an appoint- ment to a government clerkship and removed to Washington, where his wife still lives. He died several years ago. These were the lawyers of early days. Since that time' a great many have come and gone. Some only to remain a short time, others who became in a measure prominent. It is sufficient, however, to merely give, in this connection, the personal history of each of the gentlemen who compose THE BAK OF TO-DAY. The present bar of Steele County com- prises a number of gentlemen of State re^iu- tation, and, as a whole, a more genial and intellectual lot of men could scarcely be found in any county of the State. The fol- io \ving is a list of the present members of the Steele County bar : Hon. Amos Coggswell, Hon. J. M. Bur- lingame, Hon. L. L. Wheelock, Hon. A. C. Hickman, W. A. Sperry, C. "W. Hadley, Hon. L. Hazen, M. B. Chad wick, Hon. H. H. Johnson, H. E. Johnson, E. W. Richter, W. F. and J. A. Sawyer, all of Owatonna, and A. D. Ingersoll, of Blooming Prairie. Hon. Amos Coggswell was born in Bos- cawen, N. H., September 29, 1825. His early education was received in the common schools of his native county. When sixteen years old he went to Gilmanton Academy, where he attended three years, after which he entered the law office of Hon. Franklin Pierce, at Concord. Three years latei* he was admitted to the bar, and came west to McHenry County, 111., where he began the practice of his profession. In 1853 he was given an appointment in the general Land Office at Washington. In August, 185(i, he came to Steele Count}'. In 1857 was chosen to act as a member of the constitutional con- vention. In 1860 was elected to a seat in the House of Representatives and was made speaker. From 1872 to 1875, inclusive, was in the State Senate, and then for one j'ear was probate judge of Steele County. Mr. Coggswell was married in 1818 to Miss Har- riet I. Clark, who died in 1869. He was again married in 1873 to Mrs. Lucinda Dun- ning, who died eighteen months later. He Avas once more united in matrimony in 1879 to Mrs. Mary A. Allen, a native of New York. Ileman C, Helen, wife of James Riley, of Watertown, D. T., and Abbie are the names of his children, all of whom are by his first wife. Mr. Coggswell is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Owatonna. He is an easy and effective speaker and an able lawyer. For over a quarter of a century he has been upon one side or the other of nearly every important civil or criminal case tried in Steele County, and, as a criminal lawyer, his reputa- tion extends throughout the State. The following sketch of Hon. J. M. Bur- lingame appeared in the /St. Paul Globe in January, 1885, among other sketches of mem- bers of the legislature of Minnesota of that year: "James M. Burlingame, of the twelfth district, was born in Sterling, Windham County, Conn., and is forty-six years old. He was a student at Plainfield Academy, Connecticut ; afterward prepared for admis- sion to the scientific course of Michigan Uni- versity, at Monroe, Mich., under Edwin Willett — a graduate of the university and since member of Congress — and for admis- sion to the classical course of the university at Ann Arbor, under Prof. Abbot, now at the head of the agricultural department of the university located at Lansing. He completed the law course of the Michigan University, graduating with the first class that took the full two years' course in March, 1861, and was at that time admitted to the l)ar of Michigan. He went immediately from there to Albany, N. Y. ; taught Latin HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 97 and mathematics in the Albany Female Sem- inary two years, occupying a portion of each day in the law office of McHarg & Burlin- game ; enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Eegiment New York Volun- teers in 186i (having been rejected on a former enlistment in 1861 on account of fee- ble health) ; was assigned to service in the Second Battalion located in New York har- bor ; visited the armies of Thomas, Sherman and Grant in chai'ge of recruits ; served till the close of the war, then returned to Albany and went to Illinois and remained one year ; was editor of the Decatur Tribune in 1866. He came to Owatonna in April, 1867; was city attorney of Owatonna nine years, and county attorney of Steele County from December 1, 1872, to January 1, 1883 ; was married to Marie Louise Grant, of Lexington, Ky., in 1866." The following account of Mr. Burlingame's services in the legislature of Minnesota is taken from the Owatonna Journal. In November, ISSl, he was elected to the legislature and served on the Judiciary, Railroad and Education committees. He was chairman of the latter committee and the attorney of the Railroad Committee, in which position he formulated the railroad law which is now upon our statute books and which has been of almost incalculable value to the State. Although new to legislative duties, it being his first experience in a leg- islative body, Mr. Bui'lingame commenced his labors at once as will be seen by the fol- lowing extract from the reports of proceed- ings in the House : " The first bill to come before the House in Committee of the "Whole was Mr. Burlin- game's, providing for a vote on a constitu- tional convention." This bill in Mr. B.'s custody passed the House without a dissent- ing vote. The State Public School Bill was another measure in wliich Mr. Burlingame took a deep interest, and, as chairman of the Com- mittee on Education, hastened it back to the House, having combined Mr. Leneau's bill and his own and recommended it for passage, when under the joint custody of Mr. Leneau and himself its passage was secured without a dissenting vote. Of the part he took in railroad legislation the St. Paul papers commented as follows : " Mr. Burlingame has figured prominently thus far in such debate as has been drawn out on the Railroad Bill. He won the confi- dence of the Railroad Committee by present- ing the bill which most nearly met the approval of the committee, and to him has since fallen the task of formulating as nearly as possible the ideas of a majority of the committee. In the explanations and such other debate as he has been drawn into, he has shown readiness, clear-headedness and facilit}' of statement. He talks like a law- yer, works like a business man, and is on good terms with everybody with whom he comes in contact. He will probably have much to say in the railroad debate on Tues- day." — St. Paul Pioneer Press. " The feature of the day has been the House special order, set for 11 o'clock, con- sideration of the Railroad Bill. " Mr. Burlingame made an extended and strong speech in its favor, from the com- mittee on railroads. Mr. Burlingame was followed with marked attention, especially in view of the fact that, as the judicial mem- ber of the committee, he has been relied upon to guard the legal points. Marked applause greeted Mr. Burlingame at the con- clusion of his speech." — St. Paul Dispatch. " Mr. Burlingame's work upon the Railroad Committee was particularly important and laborious, from the fact of his being the only lawyer upon it. In consequence the delicate work devolved upon him of passing upon various legal points involved in the measures considered, more especially the committee's own bill, the general arrangement of which he had also to supervise. It will thus be seen that Mr. Burlingame's first legislative exper- ience has been very far removed from a 98 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. holiday season. . . . Being as he is in the very pi-ime of life, with a jnind already well stored with useful and professional knowl- eilge, industry and commendable ambition, and full of bodily vigor, Mr. Burlingame should and probably will be heard [from in more important positions than he has yet occupied." — St. Paid Glohe. " Kepresentative Burlingame, of Steele County, a lawyer of very great ability, has made himself very popular with his co-work- ers by his well-expressed and sensible views on various subjects, more especially on rail- road legislation, in which he has taken a leading hand as a member of the Eailroad Committee. It was he who drafted the well- known Eailroad Bill which created so much agitation but finally went through." — St. Paul Dispatch. During the session of the legislature Mr. Burlingame obtained a large acquaintance- ship and became one of the most popular mem- bers of the House. His friends were very anx- ious that he should be selected one of the mem- bers of the railroad commission, but that was impracticable. During the past eighteen years he has been a faithful worker in the ranks of the Kepublican party in this State. He has never faltered or hesitated in givino- his time and labor to secure the success of the party. During his long services as county attorney, he succeeded in suppress- ing a lawless element and worked a reform which has proven thorough and lasting. His labors to procure proper railroad legis- lation by the last legislature show the depth of his sympathies for the laboring masses, be they farmers, merchants or me- chanics. Mr. Burlingame's father,?. M. Burlingame, and uncle, James Burlingame, were both min- isters of the Christian Church, the latter for more than fifty years. The names of his an- cestors, so far as he can now recall them, were Peter Montgomery, Peter, Nathan Thomas, Joshua Roger. His grandmother, wife of Peter, was Elizabeth Montgomery', a relative of Richard Montgomery, a general in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather also served in the same war, and prior to the age of railroads he was the contractor and builder of the Providence and Hartford turn- pike. Mr. Burlingame's mother was Harriet Dean, daughter of Christopher and Lydia Dean, of Windham County, Conn. Mr. Burlingame is now engaged in the practice of the law at Owatonna and at Austin, and is also attorney for the Business Men's Association of Minnesota, and the Boards of Trade Union of Northfield and other cities, for whom he has several cases j^ending before the State and Interstate Commerce commissions. He has five children living, James Montgomery, Ernst Marshall, Robert Morrison, Ruth and Harold Grant. Two have gone before, Carroll Dean and Marie Louise. Mrs. Burlingame is a relative of the Marshalls and Morrisons of Virginia and Iventuckjr, and of the Grants of Kentucky and Ohio. Thus the old family names of both branches recur in the names of the children. Prominent among the men who have taken an active part in developing the resources and in advancing the interests of Owatonna and of the State, is Hon. Lewis L. Wheelock. He is a son of Lewis L. Wheelock, Sr., and Mary Howe Wheelock, and Avas born at Mannsville, Jefferson County, N. Y., on November 12, 1839. At the early age of ten years our subject was left an orphan, and thrown upon his own resources. He received his early education in the public schools of his native State, and at the age of twenty he was employed as a teacher in the Mace- don Academy, in Waj'^ne Count}', N. Y., serving in that capacity until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1S62, he enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteers ; was mustered in as fii'st lieutenant of Company B. He was subsequently promoted to captain of Com- pany C, of the same regiment, ami served a trifle over three years. At the battle of HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 99 Opequon, near Winchester, September 19, 1864-, he was wounded in the right arm, below the elbow, and was laid up for a month. His regiment was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., in November, 1SG5. The colonel of this regiment was Charles C. Dwight, of Auburn, now on the Supreme bench of that State. Capt. Wheelock read law with Mr. Dwight, came to Owatonna in 1866, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. Subsequently he went to Georgia, and was connected with the Freedmen's Bureau for some months. He returned north in 1868, attended a course of lectures at the Albany Law School, and then opened an office at Owatonna. Since residing at Owatonna he has been city attorney and judge of probate. In 1876-7 was in the State Senate. During both sessions was chairman of the Committee on Education, and also served on Eailroad and Judiciary committees. He is the pres- ent postmaster of Owatonna, is a Knight Templar, and a member of the Congrega- tional Church. On July 25, 1871, Mr. Wheelock was married to Miss Adaline Burch, of Hillsdale, Mich. Following are the names of their children : Mary A. (de- ceased), Lewis B. (deceased), Arthur B., Lo- renzo D., Addie C, Minnie and Paul, twins. In 1887 he was elected department com- mander for Minnesota of the Grand Army of the Republic, which position he holds at this writing. Mr. Wheelock, during his service in the State Senate, became one of the most influential and prominent members of that body, being an able speaker and parliament- arian. His many years' residence here, together with the various public offices which he has held, and the prominent part he has taken in public and pohtical matters, have made him well-known throughout the State. No western State can boast of an abler bar than Minnesota. Prominent among those men who have here reached the higher walks of the profession, and have done much to build up the fame of the State, is Hon. Adam L»ve. C. Hickman, of Owatonna. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1837. His early life was spent on a farm in that county. On reaching the proper age he entered Al- legheny College at Meadville, Pa., and grad- uated from that institution in 1862. He then began the study of law and in 1863 graduated from the Ohio State and Union Law College at Cleveland. After practicing a year at Akron, Ohio, he came west, locating in Owatonna. In 1866 he was elected super- intendent of public schools of Steele County, and served two years in that capacity. From 1869 to 1873 he was judge of the pro- bate Court. In the fall of 1882 was elected to the State Senate, and represented this dis- trict in that body until January, 1887. Mr. Hickman is a Mason, being a member of Blue Lodge No. 33 and also of the Chapter and Commandery. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On Novem- ber 9, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella B. Peck, a native of New York. Judge Hickman is a man of fine personal ap- pearance. He is among the best known law- yers of this jmrt of the State ; a clear and forcible speaker, ready in debate, careful in details and has justly earned the high reputa- tion he has attained. Wesley A. Sperry, county attorney, was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 1847. He spent his early life in his native county. In 1873 he graduated from the Ann Arbor Law School, and the following year he began the practice of law at Mantorville, Minn. In ten days after his ai'rival there he was ap- pointed county attorney and was elected to that position two subsequent terms. He came to Owatonna again in the fall of 1879 and formed a partnership with Judge L. L. Wheelock. In the fall of 1886 he was elect- ed county attorney of Steele County. Mr. Sperry is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married on Christmas Day, 1878, to Miss Julia A. Steele, a native of New York State. Clara L. is 100 HISTORY OF STEELE COTJNTT. the name of their only child. Mr. Sperry is one of the best read lawyers in the county. He is an eifective advocate, and the firm of Wheelock & Sperry have an extensive prac- tice. Charles W. Hadley, attorney-at-law, was born in Grafton County, N. H., in 1844. In 1850 his father moved with his famih' to Rockton, 111., thence to Maquoketa, Iowa. Here Mr. Hadley took an academical course, and later entered Cornell College at IVFt. Vernon. In 1801 he left school and enlisted in Company H, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Shiloh, and was paroled the following September. He was discharged in June, 1863. He came to Owatonna in 1870, was admitted to the bar in 1874, and has practiced here since that time. He was married June 17, 1874, to Miss Lillie C. Adams. Albert W. is the name of their only child. Mr. Hadley is adjutant of James A. Goodwin Post No. 81, Grand Army of the Eepublic. Miles B. Chadwick, of the firm of Hick- man & Chadwick, was born near Franklin, Venango County, Pa., in 1843. He attended Allegheny College, at Meadville, and grad- uated from that institution with honors in 1867, and then went to Cleveland, where he graduated from the Ohio State and Union Law School in 1869. He came to Owatonna in 1870, and was associated with Mr. Hick- man until 1878, when he was elected county auditor, a position he held for four terms. He was married in 1872 to Miss Helen S. Laird, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chad- wick is a prominent Mason. He was elected clerk of the State Legislature in 1874-5, and has held many other positions of trust and importance. Col. Harvey H. Johnson, attorney, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1808. He studied law and was admitted to the bar there. Later he located in Akron, Ohio, where lie was mayor and postmaster for a number of years. He moved from there to Asliland in 1846, and while residing there represented his district in the XXXIIId Congress. He came to Minnesota in 1855, and was for some time connected with the Winona & St. Peter Rail- road Co. His son, Robert H. Johnson, was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1846. Pie enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in defense of his country. He came to Owatonna in 18()5, and was for some time engaged in tlie lum- ber business. Later he went into the boot and shoe trade, and is now in the insui-unce business. He was elected city marshal in 1886. He was married in 1871 to Miss Ida Morley, a native of New York State. Calista A., Harvey M., Ralph S. and Robert are their children's names. Mr. Johnson is a member of James A. Goodwin Post, Grand Army of the Republic No. 81. Edward W. Richter, attorney-at-law, was born near Berlin, Waushara County, Wis., in 1851. When he was two years old his parents moved to Ripon, Wis., where Mr. Richter received his education at Ripon College. He came to Dodge County in 1869, and in 1876 went to Rochester, where he studied law two years with Start & Gove. He was admitted to the bar at Owatonna in 1881, after which he became a partner of Judge Amos Coggs- well. After some eighteen months this busi- ness relationship was dissolved, and Mr. Richter engaged in practice alone. He was chosen city attorney in 1883 and held the position for about three years. He is now doing an extensive real estate and loan busi- ness in connection with his legal practice. Mr. Richter was married in October, 1881, to Miss O'Connor, a native of Massachusetts. Edward M., Mary and Jean Paul are their children's names. Our subject is a member of the Catholic Church. J. A. Sawyer, of the law firm of Sawyer & Sawyer, was born in Merrimac County, N. H., in 1846. When eight years, his old father's family came west to Illinois and to Minnesota in 1856. Our subject received his education at Northfield, where he graduated in 1877. He afterward studied law and was HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. 101 admitted to the bar in the spring of 1880. The firm of Sawyer & Sawj'er also have an office at Waseca and do an extensive legal business. Mr. Sawyer's father, Joseph Saw- yer, died in the fall of 1886, aged nearly eighty-five j'ears. Our subject was married in 1882 to Miss E. N. Abbott, a native of New Hampshire. The names of their chil- dren are Abbott "W. and Carleton J. W. F. Saw3^er, junior member of the firm of Sawyer & Sawyer, was born in Merrimac County, New Hampshire, October 26, 1850. He received his education at Carlton College in Northfield. He was married November 7, 1883, to Miss Ella P. Coffman, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have been blessed with two children, Leon G. and Alice B. Mr. Sawyer studied law and was admitted to the bar in Steele County in December, 1876. A. D. IngersoU, attorney, of Blooming Prairie, is a native of Dodge County, Wis., born November 8, 1852. His parents were A. and Mary (McNamara) IngersoU. They, in company with A. D., came to Blooming Prairie in October, 1878. The father lived in the village until the time of his death in 1882. Mrs. IngersoU is still living there. A. D. began to read law with E. Hooker, of Waupun, Wis., in Novembei^ 1876, and re- mained with him until October, 1878, when he came west and was admitted to the bar in June, 1877, at Port Washington, Wis. Since his arrival in Minnesota he has devoted his attention entirelj^ to his profession. He was married June 19, 1880, to Miss Eunice T. Bowker. Their union has been blessed with two children — Marion, aged four: Chester, aged one year. CHAPTER XII. THE PRESS. riETlE is no instrumentality, not even excepting the pulpit and the bar, which exerts such an influence tF^;^' u])on society as the press of the and. It is the Archimedian lever that moves the world. The tal- ented minister of the Gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a lew hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are repro- duced more than a thousandfold, and are read and discussed throughout the lengtli and breadth of the land. The attorney at the bar, in thrilling tones, pleads for or against the criminal arraigned for trial, often causing the jury to bring in a verdict against the law and the testimony in the case. His words are reproduced in every daily that is reached by the telegraphic wire, and liis arguments are caJmly weighed by unpreju- diced men and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a handful of men upon the political questions of the day ; his speech is reported, and read by a thousand men for every one that heard the address. Suddenly the waters of one of our mighty rivers rise, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of people homeless, and without means to secure their daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the press, and known and read of all men. No time is lost in sending to their relief ; the press has made known their wants, and thej^ are instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! Two hundi'ed millions' worth of property destroyed ! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the press. Food and clothing are hastily gathered, trains are chartered, and the immediate wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved. The power for good or evil, of the press, is to-day unlimited. The shortcomings of the politician are made known through its columns ; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed, and each fear it alike. The con- trolling influence of a nation, state or county is its press ; and the press of Steele County is no exception to the rule. Tlie local press is justly considered among the most important institutions of every city, town and village. The people of every community regard their particular news- paper or newspapers as of peculiar value, and this not mereh^ on account of the fact already alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the say- ings, the undertakings and the achievements that go to make up final history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type ; one by one the papers are issued ; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local, general and individual history is laid away imperishable. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library is ready. The people of each city or town naturally have a pride in tlieir home paper. The local press, as a rule, reflects the business enterprise of a place. Judging from this standard, the enterprise of the citizens of Steele County is indeed commend- able. Its papers are well filled each week with advertisements of home merchants and 103 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 105 of its business enterprises. No p;i])er can exist without these advertisements, and no community can flourfsh that does not use the advertising cohimns of its local press. Each must sustain the other. THE WATCHMAN AND REGISTER. The first paper started in the county was under the above title. It was established at Owatonna, in July, 1856, by J. H. Abbott and A. B. Cornell, who purchased press, type and fixtures of Maj. W. A. Hotchkiss, at that time editor and publisher of the Northwest- ern Democrat, at St. Anthony. Mr. Cornell acted as editor and business manager for a time, when the services of H. M. Sheetz, an experienced newspaper man, were secured as editor. Sometime in 1857 the word Watcli- ma/)i was dropjjed from the name, and the Oioatonna Register was published until some time in the winter of 1857-8, with Abbott & Cornell and W. F. Pettit as proprietors, and 11. M. Sheetz as editor, and then it was discontinued. It had been a useful means of advertising the localit}^ and did its full share in molding the public mind. The only copy of the early issues of the Watch- man and Register still in existence, we believe, is one which Dr. E. M. Morehouse has preserved. It is no. 2, vol. I, and bears date of July 29, 1856. The proprietors are given as J. H. Abbott and A. B. Cornell, while the names of A. B. Cornell and C. T. Smeed appear as editors. The paper is a seven-column folio, neatly printed and ably edited, and supports the " Democratic-Kepub- lican ticket," headed by John C. Fremont for President, and William L. Dayton for Vice- President. The local advertisers in this issue were : A. B. Cornell, attorney-at-law and real- estate agent ; A. Town, general merchan- dise store; F. "Wilbur Fisk, of Franklin, land agent; Sylvester McNitt, justice of the peace ; John W. Park, surveyor ; N. Winship, hotel ; Philo Sanford, hotel ; E. M. Morehouse, physician ; Joel Wilson, black- r smith; Moses Eivard, shoemaker; and Charles Ellison, register of deeds. All through this paper the name of the county -seat is spelled " Owatonia." In another chapter we give a number of extracts from this pai)er. THE MEDFOKD VALLEY ARGUS Was the second journal to lay claim to public favor as a " retailer of the doings and say- ings"- of Steele County. It was published at Medford, dating its first appearance about the middle of August, 1858, and was under the control of Messrs. Francis & Sulley. It was printed with the same material which had been used in the publication of the Register, the material having been purchased of the company by William F. Pettit, and by him sold to Mr. Bartholomew, of Med- ford. Messrs. Francis & Sulley leased it of Mr. Bartholomew. Mr. Sulley soon sold his interest to Mr. J. R. Lucas, and the pub- lication was continued for a short time, when the enterprise was abandoned, and the material was rented to H. M. Sheetz, who removed it back to Owatonna. THE OWATONNA JOURNAL. This paper was started by H. M. Sheetz, with the material which he had secured at Medford, and made its appearance shortly after the demise of the Argxts. It was a seven-column sheet, neatly printed and ably edited, and was received with marked favor by its patrons. It was Eepublican in poli- tics and the earnest and devoted advocate of all reforms. In October, 1859, Mr. Sheetz died, and the Jotirnal was carried on by his widow for some time thereafter. Hon. Will- iam F. Pettit, at that time State senator from Steele County, had started a project to allow Mrs. Sheetz, who was a woman of con- siderable literary ability, to retain the olfice as a mark of esteem from the public, whom her husband had so faithfully served, and had already received $150 from his fellow members of the Senate to aid in carrying out 106 ni STORY OF STEELE COUNTY. tliis benevolent project. But upon returning home he found that the oiRce had been sold to A. B. Cornell, which at once put a stop to the publication of the Journal. THE NEWS LETTER. Shortly after the suspension of the Jour- nal, the News Letter was established by A. B. Cornell. He kept up the enterprise until 1862, when he took a sutler's position in the army, and Mrs. Cornell continued the publi- cation of a small sheet some three or four columns in width until 1863, when Dr. Kelly, editor of the Plaindealer, which in the meantime had been started, purchased the job office and the good-will of the News Let- ter, and its publication was discontinued. THE OWATONNA EEPKESENTATIVE. In the summer of 1860 Messrs. William F. Pettit and John H. Abbott assisted J. "W". Crawford in the purchase of an office in Man- torville. Dodge County, and the jjublication of the Owatonna Representative was com- menced. It was an eight-column sheet and was very ably conducted and well printed, reflecting much credit upon the enterprise of the citizens who sustained it, as well as those who conducted it. It was continued for about eighteen months, when Mr. Crawford entered the army, and Messrs. Pettit and Abbott sold the material to James E. Child, of Wilton, Waseca County. THE OWATONNA REGISTER Was started by A. B. Cornell soon after his return from the army. It was published in an independent, neutral manner, conse- quently meeting with poor success, yet it continued to drag out an existence for some little time, when it succumbed from want of proper sustenance, and publication was dis- continued. THE OWATONNA DEMOCRAT. This was a newspaper aspirant for public favor, started with Capt. J. D. Wood as editor and proprietor. It was received with considerable enthusiasm by the Democracy, as it was a purel}^ Democratic ])aper; j'et it did not receive sufficient support to meet the necessary expenditures, and after trying the experiment for about a year it was discon- tinued. THE VIDETTE. In the spring of 1867 J. A. Spellman started a pajier called the Vidette. It was a seven-column folio, and Independent Kepub- lican in politics. It was continued only for a short time, when it was mei'ged with the Journal, Mr. Spellman becoming one of the proprietors of that paper. THE OWATONNA REGISTER. In 1867 another Democratic paper was started, which was called the Choatonna Register, under the control of Mr. C. F. George. He continued its publication at a pecuniaiy loss for about one year, wheji the office was removed to Faribault. THE OWATONNA PLAINDEALER. In April, 1863, Dr. L. H. Kelley com- menced the publication of a paper called the Owatonna Plaindealer. The town was then growing rapidly, the business kept increasing until the Plaindealer became one of the best paying offices in this part of the State. It was started as a seven-column paper, but in the spring of 1866 was enlarged to an eight- column folio. In the fall of the same year the office was purchased by Tappan, Higbee & Hathaway. The new firm shortly after- ward commenced the publication of the REPUBLICAN JOURNAL, and in a few weeks the firm became Iligbee, Spellman & Bickham, and the name of the paper became THE OWATONNA JOURNAL, although tlie policy and politics of the paper remained the same — Republican. Mr. Bickham was then a Democrat and for a time part of the paper was given to Dem- ocracy. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 107 The files of the Otoatonna Journal com- mence with the issue of January 13, 1876 ; at least we have been unable to find any copies of prior issues. At that time the paper was running as an eight-column folio. The pro- prietors at that time were Crandall & Bick- ham — C. S. Crandall, W. H. Bickham — and Thursday was the day of issue. It was very neatly gotten up and well filled with local and general news, as well as having a good run of local advertising. During the same winter Mr. Crandall, one of the firm, was appointed postmaster, and that partially severed his former intimate connection with the management of the Journal. The issue of October 19, 1876, was the last bearing the names of Crandall & Bickham as editors, for F. T. Di'ebert purchased it and assumed charge with the following issue. In parting with the Journal Mr. Crandall severed his connection by saying : " With this issue of i\\e Journal ni}' connection with it ceases. During a period of nine years my relations with this paper have* given me a weekly medium of communication with the people of this county." His political tend- encies were evidently not difl'erent from what we find them to-day, for he says : " I cannot view the effort to place the control of the destinies of this country in the hands of the South with any other feeling than of the profoundest anxiety for our country. Look- ing over that country to which the scepter would be given by such an act, I see a total- ly different people, a different civilization, morally and intellectually, and following such a change, I see nothing but a downward tendency in the future. Whatever may be your party preference here at home, let no man deceive you into the belief that the path to reform leads to the late Southern Confed- eracy." With the issue on the 26th of October, 1876, the name of F. T. Drebert appears at the head of the columns as editor and pro- prietor. The policy of the paper was not changed, as will be seen by the following ex- tract from Mr. Drebert's salutatory presented in his first issue. " ... There will be no change in the political course of the Journal. I cast my first vote for the first Eepublican candidate for the presidency and have since] been steadfast in the faith. To the end of my life I shall remain loyal to the principles of freedom, progress and nationality. If the relations existing between myself and the Republican party are ever severed, that party must abandon its cardinal doctrines, an event I cannot conceive as likely to occur, so long as its ranks are composed of the truest pa- triots of the land, and its destinies directed by the wisest and most conscientious of our citizens. As a local paper the Journal will labor earnestly to advance the best interests of Owatonna, Steele County and Minnesota. I have come to stay to identify myself with the citizens of the city, county and State, and become one of them. Their interests wiU be my interests, and in being true to them I shall also be true to myself. ... " Since that time Mr. Di'ebert has retained his connection with the paper. At the time he came, the office was kept in what was known as the Dresser building on the east side of Main street. It remained there until the building which the office now occupies was completed, when it was moved to its present finely-finished apartments in what is commonly called the Temple Block. One incident in the history of the Journal was its connection with the failure of L. Bixby's Review. Mr. Bixby had rented the material of that oifice to A. H. Lewis, and in 1879 he made arrangements with Mr. Drebert to turn over the subscription in the manner of a con- solidation of the two, the publication of the Review to cease, and, according to the ar- rangement, while he did not become a partner in the publication, he was to get a percentage on the job work and advertising. By consent of Mr. Drebert he moved a lot of paper and stock into the Journal rooms for storage purposes. As soon as Mr. Bixby learned of 108 HISTORY OF STEELE COTNTT. this he got out a writ of replevin and secured possession of the material, making Mr. Dre- bert a co-defendant. When the suit was settled Mr. Bixby started a paper called The liemeAo, having copied the' subscription list. This paper was afterward removed to Min- neapolis and became the Temperance Review. On the 12th of February, 1886, the Jour- nal was consolidated with the Herald, which had been established by the Soper Brothers, and the name of the paper became the JOURNAL AND HERALD. Under this arrangement the firm name became Drebert & Soper brothers — en j>er- sonncl, F. T. Drebert, J. A. and W. B. So])er. W. B. Soper retired from the firm in October, 188(5, leaving the management in the same hands as we still find it — Drebert & Soper — F. T. Drebert and J. A. Soper. The Jour- nal and Herald office is undoubtedly one of the finest and most extensively equipped offices in the State, outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is a credit to Owatonna. It is furnished with a newspaper cylinder press, a Babcock pony cylinder with steam power attached, and three other presses for general work ; its assortment of poster, jobbing and news type is very extensive, and in fact the oflice has capacity for any class of work. The paper has attained a wide circulation, not only locally, but in a general sense, and as an exponent of Kepublican doctrines its influence in the party and with the people is not surpassed by any journal in this portion of the State. F. T. Drebert, senior member of the firm of Drebert & Soper, proprietors of the Jour- nal and Herald, was born in Baltimore, Md., March 7, 1831. "While in his infancy his parents removed to ConnersviUe, Ind. In 18-40, his mother having died, his father returned to Baltimore. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of that city, having his studies interrupted by going two voyages to sea with his father,- who was master of a merchant vessel. After return- ing from these voyages Mr. Drebert resumed his place in school, in a short time entering the high school, an institution of the charac- ter of many of our western colleges. Leav- ing school he went into the book and job printing oflice of Joseph Bobinson to learn the trade. From 1800 to 1868 he was en- gaged in editorial work on the ConnersviUe (Ind.) Times, except two short intermissions, during the first of which he taught school and read law in Judge J. M. Wilson's office, and during the second was engaged in pub- lishing the Liberty Herald, located in the ad- joining county of Union. In 1868 he pur- chased an interest in the Liberty Herald, which, in a few months, he sold to his part- ner, and in 1869 purchased the Eushville (Ind.) Liejmbllcan. He sold the office in 1876 and came to Owatonna. During his resi- dence in ConnersviUe, Ind., Mr. Drebert was married to Mary A. Harrison, of that j^lace. They have been blessed with six children, all of whom are living as follows : Caroline, Oliver M., Mary E., Alexander F., Eleanor and Belle. Mr. Drebert, through his many years' experience, has become a thorough newspaper man, thoroughly mastering his profession. He is a versatile, pungent writer and is recognized as one of the ablest edito- rial writers in the State. J. A. Soper, of the firm of Drebert & Soper, is a native of the State of Kew York, born in 1858. While he was yet a child his parents moved west and located in Clinton Falls Township, Steele County. After a few years they removed to Owatonna, where they still live. J. A. Soper was married in November, 1883, to Lillie M. Cooper, a daughter of John Cooper, of Faribault. One child has blessed their union, Bonnie Eveline, born August 25, 1887. Mr. Soper, while still at home, learned telegraphing and for several j'ears followed that business, he and his brother for some time having charge of the Owatonna office. J. A. Soper began the printing business with a little " Novelty Job Press," which he "set up" in his father's HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 109 store and turned out light work. His various newspaper ventux'es receive extended notice elsewhere. He is a thorough newspaper man, and has the reputation of being among the most tasty job printers in this part of the State. THE people's press. The first issue of this paper made its appearance on Wednesday, the 2d of Sep- tember, 1874, as an eight-column folio. It was estabhshed by B. E. Darby and N. E. Lemen, under the firm name of Darby & Lemen. The first issue of the paper pre- sented a neat appeai'ance, well filled with local as well as general news. The local advertisers in the first issue were the fol- lowing: Attorneys, Coggswell & Johnson, Johnson &_ Burlingame, L. P. McClarren ; phj'sician, S. Blood ; dentists, Cole & Medd ; tailor, Jolm Cottier ; groceries, P. O. Maly ; cigars, C. Bartsch & Co. ; barbers, Valentine & Lidington ; meat markets, J. A. Oppliger and Pepper & Montgomery ; hotels, Parcher & Br^'ant and William Engel ; real estate. Dr. E. W. Johnson ; furniture, H. H. Rose- brock ; wagon shop, Charles Schoen ; brew- ery, Lewis Bion ; hardware, A. Butsch ; liver}^, G. B. Twiss ; lumber, A. G. Murray ; hardware, S. B. Hunkins ; boots and shoes, A. Butsch ; drugs, Z. Handerson ; hardware, Requa & Furbers; books, Brown & Spell- man ; drugs, Harsha & Donaldson ; jewelry, Julius F. Young & Co. ; general merchandise, J. W. Morford ; mercliandise, G. F. Albertus musical instruments, J. B. Lambert ; liquors, H. Hall. The campaign jireceding the October election of 1874 was at its height. Mark H. Dunnell, of Owatonna, had been nominated by the Republicans for Congress and Judge Franklin H. Waite, of Mankato, had been made the Democratic nominee. The People^ s Press at once commenced political action, op- posing Mr. Dunnell and favoring Waite. In an advertisement on the fourth page of the first issue it is stated that the People's Press, " the anti-monopoly paper of Steele County, is independent of rings or cliques, and a true representative of the farmers and working- men. The Press is devoted to the interests of those who make an honest living, and opposed to all monopolies whereby a tax- ridden people are still further oppressed. " ' He who would grow both rich and wise, Should either read or advertise.' " The motto of the Press was : " Justice' Liberty and Union ; Independent of party and party cliques." As the editors in the first issue present an able " salutatory," we herewith give some of the most pointed paragraphs, as they outline the future policy of the paper : "Though the people of Steele County have already one paper, we believe there is ample room for anotlier. Our people may now be considered to be a reading people. The benefits arising from our excellent sys- tem of free education are patent to every observer and the demand for additional read- ing matter is continually increasing. Con- vinced of this fact, we offer no apology for issuing a weekly journal to supply a deside- ratum, the want of which has been long felt. " Upon presenting this, the initial number of the People's Press to the public, we have but few promises to make, leaving our fut- ure acts to speak for themselves, believing that they will be more potential than many promises and platforms of words upon words. " The Press is not to be an effort of to-day to aid in a political campaign or advance a tem]3orary interest, but our best efforts will be put forth to place it upon a sure founda- tion, a journal for to-day, to-morrow and the future, a means to earn us a livelihood, while doing its duty. " The Press will be emphatically inde- pendent in the broadest construction of the term, free and untrammeled in all things — free from any political, money or society power ; wearing no collar, but striking for the right wherever it ma\' be found, and probing the festering sores of corruption, whether in the petty places of authority or 110 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. when concealed by the ermine or gilding and trappings of power and place. Against monopolies the Press will wage war, and is in full sympathy with the efforts of the pro- ducing classes against the mighty powers whose baneful shadows are cast over the struggling tiller of the soil, the mechanic and the laborer of whatever degree. The organized movement of labor against those who would oppress it will be earnestly advocated and encouraged. " Our design is to make the Press truly the people's pajier, devoted to general litera- ture, the news of the day, editorial opinions, correspondence, a vehicle for the expression of our readers' oijinions and criticisms, and particularly a faithful and entertaining chron- icler of local events. Home will be our first consideration always. And while faithfully guarding the interests of Owatonna, we will conscientiously endeavor to fiu-ther the inter- ests of the entire county, not being warped by sectional lines, neither preferring the shop and store before the farm. In short, we intend to build up a paper of an immense cii'culation and one of which every subscrib- er may be proud. No slang or immorality will enter either our reading or advertising- columns, and the paper will be one all can properly take into the family circle. In con- clusion, we only ask for the support that our efforts shall seem to deserve, hoping that our labors and your encouragement will result in our common good, and make the Press a worthy champion of the right. " Darby & Lemen." Although the name of Mr. Lemen appears as one of the proprietors of the Press, he was not an active partner, and on the 16th of September, 187i, his name was dropped from tlie head of the columns and that of B. E. Darby ap23eared as sole editor and proprie- tor. Mr. Lemen had been running a paper at Kasson, Dodge County, and when the Peopli^s Press was established he sold Mr. Darby the material with which the Press office was then furnished, and agreed to get out the first issue. In this, however, he failed, as Mr. Darby arrived before that time, and the first number of the Press made its appearance through his exertions. Mr. Le- men never moved to Owatonna. Mr. Darby continued the publication of the paper alone until January 6, 1874, when L. C. Martin became associated with him as partner, under the firm name of Darby & Martin. Mr. Martin came here from Prairie du Chien, Wis., and worked as a printer for Mr. Darby during his first year's residence here. In March, 1876, the day of publica- tion was changed from Wednesday to Satur- day. On the 9th of March, 1878, Mr. Darby bought out his partner's interest, and the firm of Darby & Martin was dissolved, Mr. Darby again assuming full ownership. Shortly after severing his connection with the Press, Mr. Martin returned to Wisconsin and engaged in the publication of a Green- back journal in the southwestern part of that State. In this, however, he (mly remained a short time. He is now in Florida. When he first came to Steele Count}^ he was a j^oung man, possibly twenty years of age, and single. Some time after selling out here he returned and was married to a daughter of O. S. Crandall. October 4, 1878, the day of publication was again changed, this time to Frida3^ On the 26th of October the Press was enlarged and the form changed to a six-column quarto. When the paper was started the office occu- pied rooms in the Bixby building, on Bridge street, where Thon Bros, are now. A }'ear later it was moved to H. R. Moore's brick block, which was then occupied by Seaiies' liardware store. In April, 1880, the Press office was removed to its present quar- ters in Lord's block, on the east side of Cedar street. On the 26th of June, ISSo, the People^s Press absorbed a paper which had been pub- lislied for some time previous at Blooming Prairie, under the name of the Tribune. Under the arrangement made, the Press HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Ill filled out the Tribune's subscription and advertising contracts, and started a Bloom- ing Prairie department. The People^ s Press has always steadfastly held to the Democratic faith in political mat- ters, yet it is a local paper in every sense. It has always taken a most active part in all matters tending to benefit either city or county. One feature connected with the way the paper is conducted is worthy of mention. The whole of every issue, except that part relating to general news, termed "patents," is devoted to local news, and, except during political campaigns, the space, instead of being devoted to editorials on for- eign subjects, is filled with town and county matters. This fact has given this paper an especially large circulation throughout the county. The Press has never missed an is- sue since the first number made its appear- ance. AU official matters have always been published, whether the Press was the official paper of the county or not ; yet it has been the official paper several years in its history. That matter, of course, has always been ar- ranged according to the political complexion of tlie board of county commissioners. The Press wields a powerful influence, and is recognized as one of the ablest and most active exponents of Democratic ideas in the State. The office of this paper is well equipped for book and general job printing. Im- proved cylinder presses, steam-power and other first-class machinery, and an excellent selection of the latest styles of plain and fancy job type enable them to turn out al- most any class of work in good, workman- like manner. They also do a good class of book-binding. Benjamin E. Darby, editor and proprietor of the People's Press, Owatonna, Minn., was born February 18, 1848, at St. Eleanors, Prince Edward Island. At the age of two years his parents removed with him to their farm in Abram's Village, Egmont Bay. Here he lived until he was sixteen years old, at- tending the district school and doing much hard work. He evinced good mathematical ability and had acquired an excellent knowl- edge of the French language, when he en- tered the grammar school at the county -seat, remaining there two years, studying alge- bra, Latin, Greek, geometry, land-surveying and navigation. He afterward attended and graduated from the normal school in Char- lottetown and the Prince of Wales College in the same city. He followed the profes- sion of teacher in that province until Aug- ust, 1871, when he came to Minnesota. In 1871 and 1872 he was principal of the public school at Zumbrota, Goodhue County; in 1872 and 1873, principal of the public school at Pine Island, in the same county, and in 1873 and 1874 principal of the public school at Kasson, Dodge County. He was married in August, 187-4, to Annie K. Barnard. They have been blessed with four children, as fol- lows : George F., born May 22, 1875 ; Harry B., born October 15, 1876; Benjamin E. (de- ceased), born March 28, 1880 (died when fifteen months old), and Fannie A., born November 22, 1883. The People's Press has grown steadily in circulation and influ- ence under Mr. Darby's management, and has been a financial success. He is a thor- ough master of the business in all its details, being a good job printer as well as an inter- esting and forcible writer. Mr. Darby has been secretary of the Owatonna fire de- partment for a number of years, and was again re-elected in the spring of 1887 with- out opposition. He is a Master Mason. OUB PASTIME. A weekly paper bearing this title was established at Owatonna, in 1875, by the Soper Brothers — J. A. and W. B. Soper. It was a four-column folio, neatly printed and well edited, the subscription price being fi f ty cents per year. The paper was continued, being in the meantime enlarged to double the size ixnder which it was started, for about one year, when the name was changed to 112 HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. THE WEEKLY KEVIEW, and under this name it flourished for some- thing like another j^ear. During the time A. H. Lewis became associated with the Soper Brothers, and the firm name became Soper Brothers & Lewis. This arrangement only continued for about six months, when the Review was sold to Luther Bixby. Lewis' connection with the paper assumed a variety of characters, in turn being that of a partner, a lessor, editor on salary, and finally ter- minated. After this, for a time, Mr. Bixby employed S. C. Harris as editor and event- ually the paper was moved to Minneapolis, and became the Tempercmce Review. THE MOKNING STAR. This was the name of a small daily started at Owatonna, in January, 1876, by Hanson & Howe, two energetic young men. It was only continued for a very short time. DAILY HERALD. This paper was started by the Soper Broth- ers in 1879, with S. C. Harris as editor. It was a small paper, a four-column folio, and was issued daily for about three or four HTonths, when it was changed to a weekly, and became THE STEELE COUNTY HEEALD. The jiaper was enlarged to a four-column quarto. The first issue of this paper bore the date of April 6, 1880. About a year later it was enlarged to a five-column quarto. Soper Brothers continued the publication of the Herald until tlie 12th of February, 1886, when it was consolidated with F. T. Dre- bert's pajier, the Journal, and the name of the paper became the Journal and Herald, with Drebert & Soper Brothers as pro]n'ietors. A history of this paper has already been given. At the time of the consolidation the Herald ofiice was equipped with an excellent outfit of presses, steam engine, type, machin- ery and fixtures. OTHER PUBLICATIONS. In 1868, W. H. Mitchell compiled and ])ublished a work entitled " Geographical and Statistical History of Steele County." It was got out in pamphlet form, bound in paper, and contained about one hundred pages. It was a work of considerable merit, showing great research in its statistical and historical departments, and was the means of preserving much historical data that would otherwise have been inaccessible. In 1874, A. T. Andreas, of Chicago, 111., published a complete atlas of Minnesota, which contains not only a map of Steele, but also a concise and well-written historical sketch of the county. The work, in the ex- tent of its details, and the mass of historical, statistical and geographical information it contains, is one which will become more and more valuable as years go by ; and, while some of its patrons were dissatisfied at the time it was published, yet in later years its true worth is coming to be fully realized. The price charged for the atlas was $15 per copy. In 1879. Warner & Foote, of Minneapolis, published a wall map of Steele County, which was very complete, showing the size and ownership of farms, location of roads, dwellings, schools, churches, etc. The work was sold for $12 per copy, and its com- pilation involved a great deal of time, care and expense. -^^>^'^^^^^;:^0$^4:^^^^^i<^^ CHAPTER XIII. EAILROADS. HE Vllth Territorial Legislature granted a charter which was approved on the 1st of March, 1856, for a railroad from the Iowa State line, near where the Ked Cedar crosses it, and tlience up the Cedar Valley, along the Straight Eiver Valley, and through the " big woods," to Minneapolis, a distance of one hundred miles. The summer previous, 1855, had witnessed a heavy in- crease in the population of Steele County- Eailroad agitation had already begun in earnest; all who were interested here took an active part in working the matter up. It was evident that a railroad from St. Paul south, on the west side of the Mississippi River, must go far back into the interior in order to avoid the deep ravines and high ridges formed by the Zumbro and Root rivers ; that in the interior were the Can. non and Straight rivers flowing north, the latter interlocking with the Cedar River flowing south, and that, manifestly in the valley of these streams there was not only a leading railroad route, but fine timber, ex- cellent water-power and a good agricultural district. Owatonna also lay in a direct line from Winona to the south bend of the Min- nesota River, which route had already — even at that early day — been looked out, and a charter granted to the Transit Com- pany. • Railroads, it was absolutely necessary to have, and strenuous efforts were made to put the scheme in operation. Parties went to St. Paul to attend the session of the Vllth Territorial Legislature, and the char- ter above mentioned was granted, and the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley Rail- road was incorporated. Section 1 of the bill provided that "Franklin Steele, Isaac Atwater, D. M. Hanson, James F. Brad- ley, Ezra Abbott, R. P. Russell, A. M. Fridley, H. H. Sibley, John W. North, James Shields, Alex. Faribault, John C. Ide, Charles Jewett, F. W. Fisk, Benjamin L. Arnold, "William F. Pettit, John H. Abbott, A. B. Cornell, A. Town, A. B. Vaugn, H. O. Billings, Orlando Wilder, and such other j)ersons as may become associated with them," were created " a body corporate, by the name of the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley Railroad Company." Section 4 appointed Henry H. Sibley, at Mendota, Franklin Steele, at Minneapolis, James Shields, at Faribault, WiUiam F. Pettit, at Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, at Austin, commissioners to open books and receive subscriptions to the capital stock of the company. The charter also provided that when $50,000 of stock should be subscribed tlie commission- ers should meet at Faribault for the purpose of apportioning the stock among the sub- scribers, and also call a meeting of the stock- holders to choose directors. This, according to the act, was to be done preA'ious to tlie 1st of March, 1857. The commissioners suc- ceeded in securing stock subscriptions to the amount of $200,000. Owatonna, Fari- bault and Northliekl were most active in raising this amount of stock, which was gen- erally referred to as the " Owatonna straw stock," the general citizen having little or no faith in the success of the enterprise. The U3 lu HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. first meeting of the stockholders was held at Mendota in February, 1857, at which time the following named directors were elected : Ezra Abbott, of St. Anthony ; Franklin Steele, of Fort Snelling; II. H. Sibley, of Mendota ; J. W. North, of North- field ; James Shields, of Faribault ; William F. Pettit, of Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, of Austin ; Ezi'a Abbott, treasurer ; Frank- lin Steele, seci-etary, and J. H. Abbott, chief engineer. In June Mr. Abbott and L. Kellett commenced surveying the route, and by the close of September the location was made and the estimates for construction completed. In May, at the extra session of the legislature, that body made to this road a munificent grant of lands, according to the act of Congress of that year, which was much more liberal than that heretofore granted to any State or territory. But the great financial panic of 1857 followed, and men of reputed wealth, who had thought themselves wealthy, were reduced from af- fluence to poverty, and in this western coun- try the pressure was very severe. In 1858 all the companies in the State did a large amount of grading and other work on the lines of roads, stimulated thereto by the ac- tion of the legislature in passing the " five million loan bill " and its ratification by the people. Of the 110 miles of the Cedar Val- ley Railroad to the State line, seventy-two were graded and a large number on the other portions of the road. When the $5,000,000 loan bill was passed it was provided that the road-beds of the railroads so aided should be morteae'ed. When the financial crash came these mort- gages were foi-eclosed, and later the grant to the Cedar Valley Company was given to the Minnesota Central Company, and that of the Transit Company was given to the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Com- pany. In relation to the bonds, an act was passed making them a basis upon which the banks could issue currency, and this was carried out at nearly all points in this part of the State. At Owatonna a bank issued circulating notes based u]ion these bonds, and as they continued to depreciate in value, until they were utterly worthless, of course the bank failed. Hundreds of mer- chants and business men were ruined, and in every way it proved not only a disgraceful but a ver}^ disastrous transaction. In the fall of 1860 the election contest was an exciting one, the main question at issue being the location of the Transit Railroad, now the Winona & St. Peter Division of the Northwestern Railway. The legislature was to fix the location. Hon. William F. Pettit was the candidate for representative who favored Owatonna, and Hon. G. W. Green favored a point farther north. Mr. Pettit was elected by a handsome majorit}^ and at the following session of the legisla- ture the land grants were disposed of to solid companies, upon condition that a cer- tain number of miles should be completed and cars running thereon each year, under penalty of forfeiture of the whole grant to the State. But the Rebellion breaking out that spi'ing, work was delayed on all the roads. In 1862 an act of Congress was secured to facilitate the construction of the Minnesota & Cedar Valley Railroad. Work was I'esumed in 1863 and 1864 ; and in 1865 the Cedar Valley road was put in oper- ation as far as Faribault ; and the Winona & St. Peter as far as Kasson, about sixtj'- five miles west of Winona. In August, 1866, both roads were completed to Owatonna and the struggle and anxiety of the jieo- ple received their legitimate reward in the improved business and increased value of property. The Minneapolis & Cedar Val- ley Railwaj^ afterward became the Minnesota Railway, and was finally absorbed in the great Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- way system. In the same way the Transit Company's road had become a part of the Chicago & Northwestern. Both now belong to great railway systems — the leading thorough- fares of freight and travel of the West. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 115 These — the Chicago & Northwestern, and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- ways — comprise all the lines of railway that have as yet been built through Steele County. However, at the present writing there is prospects that the Duluth, Eed "Wing & Southern Railroad will be constructed through the county at an early day. The company demanded a bonus of $40,000 in bonds from the county and the matter was finally submitted to the voters at a spe- cial election held on the 30tli of June, 1887, at which the proposition was carried in favor of bonding by a majority of 412. The proposition for the issuance of the bonds states the plan and route of the proposed road so clearly that we give it in full, viz. : " In consideration of the issuance and do- nation thereto of the said bonds, the said railroad company will construct, complete and put into operation its line of railroad as follows : " From Albert Lea, in the county of Free- born, State of Minnesota, through the said county of Steele and Owatonna, the county- seat of said county, to the city of Red Wing, Minn., within two years from January 1, 1888, and from said city of Red Wing to Duluth, Superior or Ashland, on Lake Su- perior, within three years from January 1, 1888, and further agree that said road shall not be owned or operated by any through line running to Chicago or Milwaukee and will, in consideration of said bonds, at the election of said county commissioners of said Steele County, issue to it such number of the shares of its capital stock as will at par value of such stock correspond with the principal sum of said bonds. "In case the said railroad company, its successors or assigns, shall fail to complete the said portions of the said railroad in the time herein provided, it shall forfeit and lose all right to have and obtain all that portion of the said bonds to be donated on account of the portion or portions of the said rail- roads so failed to be completed. " The said bonds shall be delivered to the said railroad company, its successors or assigns, as follows : "When said railroad shall be completed and the cars running through from either Red Wing or Albert Lea to tlae city of Owa- tonna in said Steele County, one-third (^) of said bonds ; when the road is completed from Red Wing to Albert Lea through the said city of Owatonna, one-third (-^) of said bonds, and when the connection with Lake Superior is completed the remaining one- third (^) of said bonds shall be delivered. " In order to insure the faithful jjerform- ance by both the said county of Steele and the said railroad company, of the foregoing conditions in respect to the issuance of the said bonds, the said bonds shall within thirty (30) days after the canvass of the vote au- thorizing the issuance of the same be duly executed by the said county commissioners and be placed in escrow in the hands of the cashier of the First National Bank of St. Paul, Minn., to be delivered to the said rail- road company, its successors or assigns, as herein provided and not otherwise ; and the certificate of stock to be exchanged thereof, shall be placed with the same depositary at the same time. " But, in case the said railroad company shall fail to acquire the right to have de- livered to it any portion or the whole of the said bonds, by failure to build and put into operation the said portions of the said rail- road in the time aforesaid, in such case all such portions of the said bonds as the said company shall have so failed to perfect its right to have delivered to it, shall, upon the demand of the said county commissioners or their successors be surrendered to the said county commissioners or their successors for cancellation. "Dated June 3d, A. D. 1887. " DcLUTH, Red Wing & Southern Rail- road Company. By F. W. IIoyt, "Attest, Edgar R. Mills, President. " Secretary." CHAPTER XIV. THE WAE— ITS CAUSES. STEELE COTTNTY IN THE WAR. ROM the commencement of gov- ernment there have been two an- tagonistic principles contending for mastery: slavery and freedom; sometimes smoldering and even invisible ; but the seeds were there, and ever and anon would burst into flames, carrying destruction, death and desolation with them. A rei^etition of the great conflict which for ages has agitated our globe — the conflict between aristocratic usurpation and popular rights. History is crowded with descriptions and scenes of this irrepressible conflict. Two thousand years ago, when the aristocracy of Eome was headed by Cneius Pompej^, Julius Caesar, esi)ousing the cause of the people, unfurled the banner of equal rights, and striding through oceans of blood which tossed their surges over every portion of the habitable globe, overthrew the aristocratic common- wealth and reared over the ruins the imperial commonwealth. Again, on the field of Phar- salia, the aristocratic banner was trailed in the dust, and democracy, although exceed- ingly imperfect, became victor. It was ar- istocracy trying to keep its heel on the head of democracy which had deluged the Roman empire in blood. But the nobles regained foothold, and, regardless of these lessons, renewed their oppression. Again they commenced sowing the seed which must surely bring forth terrible fruit. Over two hundred years ago the aristocracy of France, housed in magnificent palaces, mounted on war horses, with pampered men-at-arms ready to ride rough-shod on every embass- age of violence, trampled upon the sufl'ering serfs until humanity could no longer endure it. The masses of the people were deprived of every privilege, save that of toiling for their masters. The aristocracy so deprived the people, whose wives and daughters, through their brutality, were forced to go to the field bareheaded and barefooted, and be yoked to the plow with the donkey, that they never dreamed that the wretched boors would dare even to look in defiance towards the massive and stately castles, whose noble- men proudly strode along the battlements in measureless contempt for the helpless peasantry below. But the pent-up vials of vengeance of ages at last burst forth. These boors, these jacks, rose, and like maddened hyenas rusiied upon their foes. Inibruted men, who for ages had been subjected to the most outrageous wrongs, rose by millions against their oppressors, and wreaked upon them every atrocit}'^ which fiend-like ingenu- ity could devise. All the brutal and demon passions of human nature held high carnival, and it can truly be said France ran red with blood. But at length disciplined valor pre- vailed. After one-half of the peasantry of France had perished, the knighted noblemen, the aristocrats, resumed their sway, and their hellish bondage, worse than slavery, was again placed upon the people. Tliis war of the jacks, or, as it is called in history. U6 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 117 Jacquekie, is one of the most interesting and warning events of the past, and yet it was all unheeded. The oppression went on, grow- ing more and more outrageous ; the people were kept ignorant that they might not know of the wrongs ; poor, that they might not resent them. That the lords might live in castles and be clothed in jjurple, and fare sumptuously, the people were doomed to hovels, rags and black bread. The peasant must not place the bit of dough in the ashes by his fireside; he was compelled to have it baked at the bakery of his lord, and there pay heavy toll. He dare not scrape together the few crumbs of salt from the rocks of the ocean shore ; he must buy every particle from his lord at an exorbitant price. " Servants, obey your masters ! " was interpreted to apply to all save of noble birth, and religion was converted into a method for subjecting the masses. Bibles were not allowed to be read by these " boors," lest they learn what the Saviour really taught, and a peasant detected with one in his hand was deemed as guilty as if caught with the tools of a burglar or the dies of a counterfeiter. As associates for lords — the idea would have been considered contrary to nature or reason. Thus Louis XV., surrounded by courtesans, debauchees and the whoredom of his castle, once said : "I can give money to Voltaire, Montesqueu, Fontenelle, but I can- not dme and smjj with these people." If the peasant, with his wife and child toiling in the field, in the cultivation of a few acres of land, managed to raise $640 worth of crops during the year, $600 of it went to the king, the lord and the church, while the remain- ing $40 was left to clothe and feed the emaciated family. Thos. Jefferson, in the year 1785, wrote from Paris to a friend in Phila- delphia : " Of twenty millions of people supposed to be in France, I am of the opin- ion that there are nineteen millions more wretched, more accursed in every circum- stance of human existence, than the most conspicuously wretched individual in the whole United States." It was this state of affairs which brought on the war of the French Revolution, inaugurating the most terrific of all time's battles. Such combats earth never saw before, probably will never see again. Two worlds, as it were, came clashing together. Twenty millions of peo- ple trampled in the mire, rose ghastly and frenzied, and the flames of feudal castles and the shrieks of haughty oppressors appalled the world. All the combined aristocracy of Europe were on the other side to crush the demand of the people for the equality of man. Russia, Prussia, Sweden, Austria, England, Spain- — all the kings rallied their armies to the assistance of France in subdu- ing the oppressed masses who, believing they were right, marched heroically to the victo- ries of Marengo, "Wagram and Austerlitz. But in the final victories of the despots, aris- tocratic privilege again triumphed in Europe. In the meantime a similar though less bloody and terrific battle had taken place in Eng- land ; the same ever rising conflict between the united courtiers and cavaliers under Charles I. and the Puritans under Cromwell. With prayer, fasting and hj^mn, the com- mon people, who had for ages been under the yoke of servitude, took to arms in defense of their riglits, and many cavaliers bit the dust through their sturdy blows. But Charles II. returned to the throne, and again aristocracy triumphed. The oppressed were our Puri- tan fathers ; again they were trodden under foot. Then it was that the heroic resolution was adopted to cross the ocean three thou- sand miles, and there in exile establish and found a republic where all men in the eye of the law should be equal. The result is too well known to need rehearsal ; how they fought their way through all the dangers of the savage new world and succeeded in the object; how the aristocracy of England made the desperate effort to again bring the yoke to bear; to tax us without allowing us to be represented in parliament; to place the appointment to all important offices in the 118 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. hands of the king, who would send over the sons of EnglaiuFs noblemen to be our gov- ernors and our judges, and who would fill all the posts of wealth, dignity and power with the children of the lords. Hence, the War of the Eevolution. We, the people, conquered, and established our government independent of all the world, placing as corner-stone of the edifice, that " all men are born free and equal, and are alike entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Then coming down, the great conflict of America, the Rebellion, it was a con- tinuance of that irrepressible conflict Avhich has shaken the world to its uttermost depths for ages. It was based upon slaver^', that which has caused the shedding of oceans of blood, and making millions of widows and orphans. The constitution under which we are bound together is, in its spirit and legit- imate utterance, doubtless one of the most noble documents ever produced by the mind of man, and even now, when the advance- ment of a century has dawned upon its use, not a paragraph requires changing to make it true to humanity. But yet ingloriously and guiltily we consent to use one phrase susceptible of a double meaning — " held to labor." So small and apparently so insig- nificant were the seeds sown, from ^Vhich such a harvest of misery has been reaped. In the North these honest words meant a hired man or an apprentice. In the South they were taken to mean slavery, the degra- dation and feudal bondage of a race. A privileged class assumed that the constitu- tion recognized it, and the right of property in human beings. This class endeavored to strengthen and extend their aristocratic in- stitution, which was dooming ever-increas- ing millions to life-long servitude and degra- dation. All wealth was rapidly accumulat- ing in the hands of these few, who owned their fellow-man as property. The poor whites, unable to buy slaves, and considering labor which was performed by them degrad- ing, were rapidly sinking into a state of frightful miserJ^ The sparse population which slaver}' allowed, excluded churches, schools and villages. Immense ^plantations of thousands of acres, tilled by as many slaves driven to work by overseers, con- signed the whole land to apparent solitude. The region of the southern country general- ly presented an asjoect of desolation which Christendom nowhere else could parallel. The slaveholders, acting as one man, claimed the right of extending this over all the free territory of the United States. Free labor and slave labor cannot exist together. The admission of slavery effectually excluded free men from them. It was impossible for those men cherishing the sentiment of repub- lican equality, to settle there with the priv- ileged class who were to own vast realms and live in luxury upon the unpaid labor of the masses. It was on this jioint that the conflict in its fierceness commenced. From the year 1790 the strife grew hotter and hotter every year. The questions arising kept Congress, both the Senate and House, in one incessant scene of warfare. There could be no peace in the land until this aristocratic element was efiFectually banished. The Hon. Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, speak- ing of antagonism of the two systems, aris- tocracy and freedom, said, in the Senate of the United States, on December 5, 1S60 : " Sir, disguise the fact as you will, there is enmity between the northern and south- ern people which is deep and enduring, and you can never eradicate it, never. Look at the spectacle exhibited on this floor. How is it 'I There are the northern senators on that side ; here are the southern senators on this side. You sit upon your side silent and gloomy. We sit upon our side with knit brows and proten tons scowls. Here are two hostile bodies on this floor, and it is but a type of the feeling which exists between the two sections. We are enemies as much as if we were hostile States. We have not lived in peace. We are not now living in peace. It is not expected that we shall ever live in HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 119 peace." Hon. Mr. Mason, of Virginia, in continuation of the same debate, said : " Tliis is a war of sentiment and opinion, b}^ one form of society against another form of society." The remarks of Hon. Garrett Davis, a senator from Kentucky, are to the point : " The cotton Stj^tes, by their slave labor, have become wealthy, and many of their planters have princely revenues, from $50,000 to §100,000 per year. This wealth has begot a pride, and insolence, and ambi- tion, and these points of southern character have been displayed most insultingly in the halls of Congress. As a class, the wealthy cotton-growers are insolent, they are proud, they are domineering, they are ambitious. They have monopolized the government in its honors for forty or fifty years with few interruptions. When they saw the scepter about to depai't from them, in the election of Lincoln, sooner than give up office and the spoils of office, in their mad and wicked ambition thej^ determined to disrupt the old confederation and erect a new one, wherein they would have undisputed power." Thus the feeling stronger. One incessant cry became, " Ab- jure 3'our democratic constitution, which favors equal rights to all men, and give us in its place an aristocratic constitution, which will secure the rights of a privileged class." They insisted that the domestic slave trade should be nurtured, and the foreign slave trade opened, saying, in the coarse and vul- gar language of one of the most earnest advocates of slavery : " The North can im- port jackasses from Malta, let the South, then, import niggers from Africa." The reply of the overwhelming majority of the people of the United States was de- cisive. Lincoln was elected and inaugurated despite the conspiracy to prevent it. Volumes could be and have been written upon these actions, but they are well known. "We will merely mention the most prominent features transpiring, until the havoc of war actually set in. continued growmg On the 7th of November, 1860, it was known that Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States, and was to enter upon his duties on the fourth day of the following March. In the meantime the executive government was virtually in the hands of the slave power. James Buchanan, the President, had been elected to the office openly pledged to pursue the general policy the slave-holders enjoyed. The cabinet were all slave-holders and slave-masters. The United States Navy was scattered all over the face of the earth, leaving only two vessels for the defense of the countrj^ ; the treasury was left barren ; the army was so scattered in remote fortresses in the far "West as to leave all the forts, where they would be needed, defenseless ; the United States arse- nals were emptied, the Secretary of War sending their guns to the slave States, where bands of rebels were organized and drilling, prepared to receive them. One hundred and fifteen thousand arms, of the most approved pattern, were transferred from Springfield, Mass., and from Watervliet, N. Y., together with a vast amount of cannon, mortar, balls, powder and shells were also forwarded to rebels in the slave States. On the 18th of February, 1801, the inau- guration of Jefferson Davis, as President of the Southern Confederacy, took place at Montgomery, Ala. Four days later the col- lector of customs, appointed by the Con- federate government in Charleston, S. C, issued a manifesto that all vessels, from any State out of the Confederacy, would be treated as foreign vessels, and sub- ject to the port dues and other charges established by the laws of the Confederate States. Thus, by a stroke of the pen, the immense commerce of the Northern States was declared to be foreign commerce, beneath the guns of the forts which the United States had reared, at an expense of millions of dollars. Already a number of States had passed the ordinance of secession. On the 4th of March, 18G1, Abraham 120 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTT. Lincoln was inaugurated President, and assumed official duties. At half-past four o'clock on the morning of the 12t]i of April, 1861, the rebels opened fire upon Fort Sumter, and, after enduring terrific bom- bardment from all sides, the heroic defend- ers abandoned it and were conveyed to New York-. Fort Sumter was the Bunker HiU of the Civil War. In both cases a proud aristocracy were determined to subject this country to its sway. In both cases the defeat was a glorious victory. On the next Monday, April 15, President Lincoln issued a call for three months' service of 75,000 volunteers. The effect was electrical. Within fifteen days it is estimated that 350,000 men offered themselves in defense of our national flag. Thus the Civil War had burst upon the United States with almost the suddenness of the meteor's glare. It was, however, but like the eruption of the volcano whose pent-up fires had for ages been gather- ing strength for final explosion. The con- spirators had for years been busy preparing for the conflict. In the rebel convention, which met in South Carolina to consumate the conspiracy, Mr. Inglis said : " Most of us have had this subject under consideration for the last twenty years." Mr. Keitt said : "I have been engaged in this movement ever since I entered political life." Mr. Rhett said : " It is nothing produced by Mr. Lincoln's election, or the non-execution of the fugitive slave law. It is a matter which has been gathering for thirty j^ears." But more need not be said ; the result is too well Ivnown. Call followed call in quick succession ; the number reached the total of 3,339,748. The calls were as follows : April 15, 1861, for three months 75,000 May 4, 18G1, for five j'ears 64,748 July, 1861, for three years 500,000 July 18, 1863, for three years 300,000 August 4, 1863, for nine months 300,000 Juue, 1803, for three years 300,000 October 17, 1863, for three years 300,000 February 18, 1864, for three years 500,000 July 10, 1864, for three years 300,000 July 16, 1864, for one, two and three years 500,000 December 31, 1864, for three years 300,000 Total, 3,339,748 STEELE COUNTY IN THE WAH. Looking at Steele County to-day, we can scarcely realize that when the war broke upon the country, arraying more than a milhon of men in arms, and which made our ship of State reel and stagger as if smitten by tlmnderbolts and dashed upon rocks, that Steele county was but " six years old " ; and Minnesota as a State of the American Union was yet but three years old. But, notwith- standing its own resources had not been subjugated to man's use, veiy material aid was promptly offered in subduing the rebell- ious States. The feeling through Minnesota was universal that the Union must be pre- served, and the sights and sounds that were so noticeable in every village and hamlet, north of Mason and Dixon's line, were du- plicated liere. The celerity with which men abandoned the pursuits of peace to take up those of war was most marvelous. Tlie population of Steele County in 1860 was 2,863, and this had grown but little when the enlistments began. Alex. Ramsey, of St. Paul, happened to be in Washington at the time Fort Sumter was fired upon, and was with the President when the first call for 75,000 three months' volunteers was issued. He at once telegraplied the State adjutant- general to call for troops. In this way the news of the firing on Sumter and the call for men became known at the new set- tlement in Steele County at about the same time. Lewis McKune, a talented man from Waseca County, was the first to raise troops here. He came, and after talk- ing the matter over a little, a meeting was held in Morford's Hall, at which he and others made speeches, and enlistments began. Several enlisted for three months the same night, among whom were Dwight Morford, Anton Schimek, Andrew CoUyer, M. R. Pat- ten, Alvin Phelps, Edward Philli])s, Oscar (:^^xvx4 c^C(^^^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 123 Gross, Henry Borchert, George Crooker and possibly a few others. A company was raised in Steele and Kice counties, of which Lewis McKune was elected captain. The boys marched to Faribault with David Lin- dersmith playing the fife and Elder Thomson the drum, and were finally mustered in as a part of the First Minnesota Eegiment, of which Willis A. Gorman was colonel. Many of the early volunteers were killed at the first battle of Bull Run. After this, meetings were held very often and enlistments continued throughout the war. There were but few Copperheads in Steele County, and when one did occasionally make himself known he was promptly sub- dued, or given twenty-four hours to leave. OFFICIALLY. Officially Steele County nobly did its part, and in addition to the bounties voted by tlie county board, nearly every township in the county promptly voted aid. August 4, 1862, the President's call was issued for three hun- dred thousand men. The first action of the board was in reference to this call. The meeting of the board was held August 12, 1862, Alex Chambers and B. F. Melvin being present. It was ordered by the board that the sum of $50 be appropriated for each vol- unteer who enlisted, the amount to be paid in installments, as follows : Married men to receive 10 per cent of whole amount in three months ; 10 per cent to be paid at end of each month in service until said amount was fully paid. Single men to receive 50 per cent of whole amount at the end of six months ; balance at the end of first year in service. However, on the 2d of September, 1862, the board met again and changed the terms of payment from the plan involved in their 2)revious resolution. The members attend- ing at this meeting were Alex. Chambers, B. F. Melvin and H. Fredenburgh. The terms of payment of bounties fixed at this meeting were as follows : Ten per cent to be paid at end of each month. The county treasurer was directed to call upon the sub- scribers to the bounty fund, in order to meet the installments when due. At the next meeting of the board, Janu- ary 9, 1863, all members were present : Alex. Chambers, B. F. Melvin and H. Fredenburgh. The county treasurer stated to the board that there was no money in the treasury to pay the monthly installments to the volun- teers of Steele County, who were entitled to bounty-money due them. The county au- ditor was therefore directed that upon pres- entation of the treasurer's order by any volunteer, stating the amount due him upon his monthly installment, to issue county scrip, bearing 10 per cent interest, to said volunteer for the amount of the order. On the eighth day of April, 1863, a spe- cial meeting of the board was held for the purpose of dividing the county into districts for the election of officers for military pur- poses, each district to elect one captain, one first and one second lieutenant. The dis- tricts were arranged as follows : First District — Aurora and Dover; the election to be held at the residence of A. B. Clark. Second District — Somerset and Summit; election to be held at schoolhouse, near " Bill's house." Third District — Berlin and Lemond ; elec- tion to be held at residence of J. "W. Crosby. Fourth District — Owatonna ; election to be held at " schoolhouse." Fifth District — Merton ; election to be held at " town-meeting place." Sixth District — Clinton Falls and Med- ford ; election to be held at residence of David Sanborn. Seventh District — Meriden and Deerfield ; place of election to be at "schoolhouse, near John O. Waumett's.'' On the 19th of December, 1863, a resolu- tion was passed, stating that a majority of the taxpayers wished that the bounty to volunteers be raised to $100. B. F. Melvin 124 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. was therefore appointed to see at what terms and from whom the county could secure a loan suflBcient to pay the claims of the vol- unteers. In Januarj^, 1864, Mr. Melvin re- ported that Dr. McCutchen, of Faribault, had agreed to take $3,000 of the bonds at par ; but stated that " he was informed by the doctor's attorney that the commissioners had no legal right to issue such bonds." On the 13th of January, 1874, Alex. Chambers was chosen to negotiate the " bounty orders " so called, antl if it was found that they were illegal the legislature was to be asked to authorize the issue of $6,000 bonds for payment of bounties, and each volunteer who should enlist and be accepted, and accredited to Steele County, should receive $100 as soon as money could be secured. In accordance with this on the 12th of February, 1864, an act was passed by the legislature, authorizing the issuance of $6,000 in bonds, drawing 12 per cent interest, one-half to be paid at expiration of two years, balance in three years. Alex. Chambers was appointed to negotiate the loan and it was provided that the volun- teers should be paid their bounties in the order in which they enlisted until the money should all be paid out. It was to be paid to new recruits or new volunteers, not to veterans that should re-enlist. THE LIST OF SOLDIEES. The following is a complete list of the soldiers who enlisted from Steele County, as shown by the records in the adjutant- general's office : AURORA. Annis, Levi Fling, George A. Berg, Jacob Snj'der, William J. Bixby, J. S. McDaniels, E. C. Curtis, George H. Thimson, Nils P. Lopping, Henry Roberts, John L. Green, William Johnson, William J. Myers, Felix Howe, Samuel Morin, Patrick Dickenson, Chris. Morin, Dennis Olmsted, Samuel B. Pettie, David Roberts, James L. Pettie, C. B. Weed, Clark Pettie, G. C. Siverson, Ilalleck Cook, Albert T. Richards, Alonzo Danchy, Arthur H. BERLIN. Chase, Levi Pitcher, Eli F. Chase, Dudley Reese, Isaac Chase, Timothy Grow, Francis Hanson, William Roberts, Eugene W. Willson, William DOVER — Chambers, Frank Curtis, Manly M. DuboiSj James L. Emeiy, George W. Jones, Anthony Jones, Anthony W Jones, Isaac W. Patterson, Martin Strothara, J. E. Tiffany, Oscar Warfield, John M. Willis, John (now Havana). Webster, Joseph R. Bunns, W. H. Elliott, Gilbert W. McCaslin, John Bailey, Richard S. Bloomer, Henry Minthorne, Henry F. Hart, Allen Anderson, John Hudson, Charles Jones, Charles Giles, S. F. CLINTON FALLS. Baker, Ozias B. Barnhard, William Barnhard, James Bortley, John H. Cressey, R. W. Curtis, Thomas Green, George W. Hunt, Andrew M. Hays, Sanford E. Morrison, William E. McNitt, Truman E. Parsons, Henry Sanboi'n, B. C. Williamson, D. W. Ritchie, Joseph Mclntire, Sanford H. Morrison, Samuel Warner, Martin DEERFIELD. Condon, Patrick Winchell, Demster L. Gypson, Benjamin Williams, Charles H. Hodgson, William Carter, Henry G. Lilly, Samuel Arnold, William W. Morse, Henry N. Houston, Cyrus M. Rosenthal, William Parker, Newton Star, William Fleury, Joseph LEMOND. Beach, Samuel B. Tatro, Joseph Bragg, Aaron S. Tatro, John HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 125 Huston, Thomas Johnson, Nelson Kinney, JSTewcombe Kinney, Stillm.in Tasker, Daniel Gould, Samuel Bragg, Henry W. Davis, Edward Gibbons, James Sorenson, Ingbert. MEDFOED. Barne}', John L. Bliss, Calvin G. Bissell, Warren P. Davis, John L. Davis, Thomas E. Drake, Kichard M. Eastman, Adoniram Francis, Albert B. Fowler, Francis W. Fowler, Loren Freeman, Samuel M. Guile, Samuel M. Haskill, Augustus Heath, Isaac P. Heath, John A. Jeffrey, Charles Kendig, George King, John H. Stoddard, James S. McClure, Nelson Lincoln, August A. Moore, Ambrose McCrory, William McKinney, Albert Melvin, F. L. Miller, M. D. L. Pike, Elias G. Pomeroy, Charles Pasco, William Ring, Eugene P. Shaw, Jotham Strong, M. L. Sawyer, George B. Thurston, H. N. Thurston, George H. Wentworth, John W. Wheeler, W. W. Wilkins, W. W. Howard, Lewis M. Hoit, Moses Wilkins, William W. DeReenier, James H. MEEIDEN. Bradley, Henry Bradley, William Fitzsimraons, Charles Fitzsimmons, Lewis Green, L. J. Tuthill, William S. Williams, Byron J. Mosher, Asa Baker, Samuel W. Cooney, Thomas Ritchie, Henry McNitt, James R. Teed, John A. Kern, James W. Ross, Cornelius F. Carr, Francis H. McCabe, William Bradley, James Jordon, Anthony J. Tuthill, John D." House, Charles S. Hawes, Philo Anderson, John L. Kidney, William H. Middaugh, V. V. Harris, William A. Lewis, Jacob Smith, Adelbert Burns, Alvin Baker, Charles B. Carpenter, Joseph Curtis, Samuel J. Condin, Patrick Carpenter, Thomas Eastman, A. R. Flake, Levi Henry, Michael W. Henry, Miles Irvin, Frederick J. Jones, Henry B. Jones, Oliver T. Kendall, Frank L. Lane, John McAndrews, Michael Pennick, Wilmot H. Thorn, Robert McAndrews, Patrick Norton, Sewell P. Nay lor, George Naylor, James Reed, Andrew W. Thompson, Franklin Taylor, Emmons P. Williams, Theodore Willey, Geo. H. Welch, Melvin H. MoUey, Lawrence W. Barnard, Warren Dodge, Daniel, Jr. Casler, Smith Curtis, John W. Curtis, Henry L. O'Toole, Terrence Collin, Thomas J. OWATONA. Adams, James H, Barnes, James J. MERTON. Mosher, Norman Martin, Willard E. Ambler, R. C. Arnold, E. M. Boll, Fredolin Burr, John D. Barnett, P. D. Barnej^ Michael Burns, Hugh Babcock, L. F. Burr, Murdock P. Case, M. B. Crooker, Geo. W. Colyer, Andrew H. Coverdale, D. L. Carter, J. T. Crawford, J. W. Crandall, O. S. Case, Simeon Carlton, Dexter Conwell, F. A. Lindersmith, Oliver La Gro, Ebenezer Morford, S. D. Moessner, C. F. Mills, Geo. M. Morford, Joel G. JMoore, Orlando S. Minthorne, T. C. S. Ernst, A. W. Elliott, Jeremiah Fillmore, E. D. Fletcher, Harvey Flinn, J. N. H. Foster, Norman T. Gordon, Walter Goodwin, Jas. A. Grear, John Hall, James F. Hooker, J. B. Hadley, J. A. Hess, Jacob W. Haynes, Asa S. Hartz, William Hammond, Chas. F. Kelley, Thomas Kerrott, E. M. Livingston, Frank Pasco, Richard A. Presley, William RusseU, W. H. Rideout, Andrew J. Sawyer, Jas. T. Schimek, Austin E. Sherman, W. H. Stowers, Smith H. 126 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Miles, Richard ■ Morris, John Northrop, E. W. Nichols, Jacob Norman, John B. Odell, Geo. W. Phillips, E. P. Phelps, Alvin Patten, M. R. Phelps, Addison Parsons, Fred Phillips, Horace H. Yearley, Zeus S. Thompson, Thomas Brigham, Henry D. Epla, Samuel S. Howard, C. E» Bettig, Samuel, Jr. Crocker, Geo. W. Coon, John D. Harsh, Hiram Hulett, Ebon Robinson, Hiram Thenig, Geo. W. Vail, Allen S. Young, Joseph Lipsey, John F. Rock, John M. Sweatt, Methia Walrod, Jacob W. Wickham, John C. Young, John Buck, Edwin P. Andrews, Theodorus J. Scott, Wm. B. Thom, George Towle, Daniel G. Thompson, H. R. Thomas, James S. Town, Julius A. Wheaton, Willard Wood, Alanson B. Winschell, Nathaniel Webster, William Winched, Wm. B. Ware, Marcus Bradley, William Lindersmith, O. Peebles, Jacob Siars, Benjamin Tasker, Daniel L. Tiffany, Oscar Tyler, Ezra A. Ameigh, Erin H. Brooks, George W. Clark, Wm. H. Giles, Charles Jones, Charles A. Jepson, John Lyons, Wm. B. Marshall, D. P. Hopkins, Geo. N. Chase, Russell Middaugh, Solomon Sherpy, James M. Chambers, George Ramsey, Nathaniel Wilcox, John Euny, Joseph Hickok, Frankhn K. McPelt, Michael Morrison, Daniel R. Pitch, Wesley W. Wddrich, John Slocum, Melvin B. Reece, Isaac Peggs, Joseph E. E. Gardner, Charles W. Stevens, Lafayett. SUMMIT. Fredenburg, Jeremiah Farrell, John Smith, James Winched, George Wheeler, Benj. S. Benedict, Harvey, Jr. Davis, Hanson B. Fredenburg, Alvin Colanhour, Archibard Austin, Freborn L. Heath, Roswell F. Smith, David V. Scram, Wm. T. Barrett, Isaac S. Ellis, Mortimer R. Loomis, Daniel A. Work, Adolphus C. Warner, John M. SOMERSET. Borchert, Henry Borchert, Ferdinand Card. Wm. N. Curtis, Chas. C. Gross, Oscar Thompson, Arza B. Breidenstein, Wm. N. James, Thos. G. Lunn, Joiin Buckner, Joseph Bailey, Albert Ellison, Chas. Gross, Gilbert Kenyon, Thomas E. Hanson, Wm. W. Walcott, Mitchell, George Maynard, David L. Sekora, Frank King, James S. Smith, James B. Sawyer, Philo Steele, Charles A. Onficleson, Ole Powers, Byrum Pitcher, Henry A. Carvey, Stephen Johnson, Herman Knowlton, Chas. R. Howe, Lafayette Anderson, Silas Theodore. CHAPTER XV. EEMINISCENCES OF INTEREST. N this chapter we present a num- ber of reminiscences that have, through various means, fallen into the hands of the historian. Many of the articles will be found extremely interesting and all contain historical data which make them well worthy of preservation. RECOLLECTIONS. By A. B. Cornell. Ever will myself and family remember the many pleasant days spent in what is now one of the most beautiful cities of Minnesota, and never can be forgotten our first thoughts on beholding the charming nook, now changed into a mart of enterprise by the hand of man. Oft does our memory linger as we live over the first days of our introduction to the unsettled portion of the then territory of Minnesota, and perhaps a simple sketch of events passing at that time may be readable. 'Twas early in the year 1854 that four famihes, incited by the reports received, left Sparta, in Monroe County, Wis., to try the realities of a border life among the Sioux Indians. Their names were Geo. F. Pettit, wife and three children ; W. F. Pettit, wife and child ; Wilbur Fisk and Avife, and the writer with his wife and two little girls of less than three years of age. The first two named parties were possessed of some means ; the last t\vo were compara- tively poor, but they had all a reasonable share of pluck, and left Wisconsin with a determination to hew out a home in the far Northwest. The trip thither was overland, the only traveled route being via Black River Falls, Eau Claire, Menominee, Hudson, or St. Croix, to St. Paul, from whence we were intending to make for the headwaters of Cannon River, over what was then a seem- ingly boundless prairie. The journe}', though not without interest or excitement, was one of great fatigue, especially for the wives and little ones, but was happily accomplished without special accident till we approached a small creek, a short distance north of where now is located the flourishing city of North- field. On arriving at that creek we had camped for the night on the bank of the Vermillion, had partaken of a supper of fish from the limpid waters thereof. When, ere we retired, the heavy clouds in the west betokened a storm, and the distant rolling thunder did not impart special music to our ears. Before morning the storm swept along, one continued peal of thunder, incessant flashes of lightning and a perfect deluge of water. In a few moments the whole prairie seemed a vast pond ; but as the day broke the clouds cleared away, and the original party, reinforced by several other teams, among whom a Mr. Alexander, who subse- quently settled near Northfleld, started out for the "land of promise." Passing to the west of a towering obelisk on the open prairie — a sort of landmark for the early settlers — we came to a vast expanse of water which forbid further progress. Skirting down, the stream we found a trail where evident cross- ings had been made previous to the storm, and, observing signs of a camp on the other side, we too camped for the night. 127 128 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. In the morning, the stream having very much abated, some of the party waded to the bank of the stream, which was not of great width, and on inquiring found the campers there to consist of a young French- man and his Matilda Jane, who had started a day or two previous from what was then known as Faribault's Trading Post, now the city of Faribault, bound to Mendota, sixty miles away, to secure the services of a priest to join in wedlock two loving hearts. The storm coming on they were blockaded — could neither proceed nor return — and not having provided themselves with any lunch, as might naturalh^ be supposed they were hungry. Still the delicacy of the situ- ation made them rather reticent in applying for relief. Our party having taken in the situation, fully believing that loving hearts even, could not subsist on bliss alone, took speedy measures to convey, on the cranium of an expert swimmer, some edibles to the other bank of the stream, where the swain, wading out, met the messenger, but not being arrayed in appropriate bridal array was com- pelled to decline an introduction to the soon-to-be bride. The next day the water had so fallen that rafts were put in requi- sition, the imrty taken across, a hurried din- ner eaten, and the blushing, happy pair started j)riest-ward (a new word, but will be understood), bound for a blessing or ratifica- tion of their promises to each other. Here, in ferrying our party over, by some slip or carelessness, the raft capsized, carry- ing with it a wagon and its entire contents, but by good luck no lives were lost, though we were delayed for a couple of days in fish- ing from the bottom of the stream the various articles therein submerged. Passing on we came to Cannon River, near where Water ford was afterward located, where was the first semblance of settlement after leaving St. Paul, and finding the water so high it was decided to make a permanent camp, and like the Israelites of old send out spies to view the land. "While making- arrangements. Col. Ide, who had located a few days previous just east of Faribault, came into camp, his mission being to attend the Masonic celebration of St. John's day at St. Paul, he being a Master Mason. We speak of him more particularly because he was afterward a member of the legisla- ture from Rice County, a candidate for lieu- tenant governor on the first organization of the Republican part^^ of the State — one of the early settlers of Wilton, Waseca County, a man universally beloved — and who some years since passed away. When matters were properly arranged, the Pettits, Fisk, and the writer, together with several young men, started on a tour of exploration — passing up and around Cannon Lakes — toward the source of the stream to the lakes near Waterville, thence south and east to Clear Lake, thence northeast, through what then seemed almost inter- minable marshes, to the vicinity of Deer- field, from there to where Medford is now located, where was found a pio- neer. Smith Johnson by name, where we halted for a day or two. In this vicinity three families, Sanborn, Collins and Johnson, who were probably the first families settling in what is now Steele Count\^, but was then embodied in Rice County, taking in what is now Rice, Steele, Waseca, Freeborn, Mower, Dodge and the greater part of Olmsted and Fillmore counties. The only place at which an election was held in all that tract of country, in 1854, was Faribault, at which time the assembly district was composed of Hennepin, Dakota and Rice counties, and II. H. Siblej-, afterward governor, was elected representative, the entire vote being about three hundred. Rice County contribut- ing the total number of twenty -eight, — all for Sibley. After partaking of the hospitalities of set- tlers Mr. Geo. F. Pettit and several of the young men, to whom the mosquitoes paid particular attention, decided to return, while Mr. Fisk and one or two others went through HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 129 the timber to East Prairie, Mr. W. F. Pettit and tlie writer following up the river to where Owatonna now stands, Mr. Pettit lay- ing claim to 320 acres northwest of the point whei'e Maple Creek forms its junction with Straight River, the writer laying claim to what is now included in the southern part of the city, but, as no lines were then sur- veyed, a portion of said land or claim after- ward proved to be on the school section. Here, far away from any settlement, in the midst of and surrounded by Indians, Mrs. Cornell and her two little girls commenced the making of a home ; the shade of a tree just above a spring which was dug in the hill-side being the kitchen, and some crutches with poles and brushes overhead, covered with hay, about nine feet by ten in size, be- ing parlor, sitting and bedroom. The first day of July, 1854, is a day long to be re- membered ; the first white woman beheld your now prosperous city, and until the twenty-second day of September was the sole female inhabitant. No roads trav- ersed the country in any direction ; no trails except one crossing the river nearly a mile north at the jjoint of timber, then over the hill to the coast, near where the public school building was afterward erected ; but we did not lack for company. The natives, the noble Sioux, were constant visitants, in season and out of season, but were viewed with a great apprehension at the time. The nearest postofiice was St. Paul, eighty miles away ; neither was there a store nor a chance to get a box of matches nearer than the capital. North of us the nearest settler was distant seven miles ; east, forty -five miles, where the city of Rochester now stands ; south, forty miles, and west, Man- kato, fifty miles, with neither roads nor bridges nor trails except those made by the Indians. In the fall a postofiice was established at Faribault, which made us feel we had every- thing at our very door as we could, by walk- ing a journey of eighteen miles, send to St« Paul for anything we might want, and it took only two weeks to get it. The writer and family. Judge Green and family, Messrs. Park, Smith and Williams, single men, and a family by the name of Scott were the only parties who spent the winter of 1854-5, though in the early spring Messrs. Phelps, Carlton, Town, Sanford, Ar- nold, Lindersmith, Meek, Odell, settled near by. A school was established. Mr. N. Win- ship located -in early part of summer and erected the first public-house in the county. It was built of logs subsequently enlai'ged, and has been kept by the same gentleman for about thirty years. Messrs. Smith and Park opened a store, a postofiice was estab- lished, roads opened and the town laid off. The legislature of 1855 laid off SteeleCounty, and it was organized by Gov. Gorman, Samuel F. Smith, F. W. Fisk and Francis Ingraham, commissioners ; Smith Johnson, probate judge; Charles Ellison, register of deeds ; W. F. Pettit, sheriff ; Simeon Case, county attorney ; J. H. Catlin, clerk. The first school was taught by Miss Helen Holbrook in the summer of 1855, the accom- modations being inexpensive, a mere bower of brush, while occasionally Eev. Mr. Town did the spiritual part of the settlement, in the way of preaching. The county -seat was established, and Owatonna took a start as a town of note. In 1856 the Watchman and Register was started by Mr. J. H. Abbott and the writer. Mr. Ezra Abbott erected a steam sawmiU ; a neat log schoolhouse was built, a drug store was opened by Dr. D. S. Harsha, J. W. Morford opened a shoe store, subsequently putting in dry goods and groceries, and through the untiring energy of its citizens, arrangements were so made as to secure both the Transit and Minnesota Central railroads, thus making it one of the best towns in south- ern Minnesota. The name is Sioux, and the proper pronun- ciation is " TFbotanna," spelled Owatonna, and signifies straight. There were many incidents 130 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. that took place dui-ing the early settlement, many of which were amusing. The early settlers were all industrious and enterprising, but were generally poor, ready always to ex- tend a helping hand, not addicted to vices, the consequence being that taxes have been measurably low. We look upon Steele as one of the best counties of the State, and to- day, were it not for the long winters, we would prefer Minnesota to any Western State. "eaely days" By Eon. G. W. Green. About the year 1854 I left Beaver Dam, Wis., in company with Messrs. Hollings- worth, Bradley and Boomer, for the purpose of seeing some portion of southeastern Min- nesota, with an idea of settling there. Ar- riving at La Crosse we purchased material for cam2)ing and ferried across the Mississip])i River. One log house nearly finished greeted us on the west side of the river opposite La Crosse. This was all there was of La Cres- cent. The next house, twenty-four miles distant, was occupied by a Thompsonian phj'sician, by name of Bently, who had con- cluded to mix claim-taking and rudimen- tary farming with his profession. Six miles further on, where now is St. Charles, was one more log house occupied as a tavern by one Springer. There was a slight, newly- made wagon track extending about ten miles further on, where a young man and his wife, by name of Potter, had taken a claim and were building a small house. One story of this house was finished and the chamber floor laid of loose boards, without any roof. They asked us to stay with them over night ; we did so. In the night it rained hard and we got thoroughly soaked. After breakfast the next morning we started on without any track and no guide but our pocket compass. About noon of this day we came up with Mr. A. G. Sutliff, who was moving with his family from Dodge Count}^ Wis., to a point about eight miles northwest of Travers des Sioux (a missionary post near where St. Peter now is), so named because it was at this place that the Sioux Indians forded the river. Mr. Sutliff was a noted pioneer of Wis- consin. On the occasion of a previous trip the spring before, he had made a claim at the point whither he was now wending his way, but by a different route. So he knew but little more than we did as to the most feasible route to his destination. Mr. IIoll- ingsworth was Sutliff's father-in-law. We very willingly accepted their kind invitation to keep in company with them to their new claim. Mr. Suthff had with him a large herd of cattle and sheep. We crossed the Ashland prairie near the head of the Straight and Zumbro rivers and near the Oak Glen lakes. AVithin one mile of Straight Kiver we camped for dinner. After dinner Mr. Sutliff wanted me to go with him and look for a suitable place to cross the river. We went to the river, and, finding no desirable crossing, concluded to cross further up near what seemed, by the appearance of the timber, to be a very considerable bend in the river, apparently some five or six miles away. It was agreed that Sutliff should go back and guide the teams, while I should cross the river and travel up to the proposed crossing. Without thinking much about the company, I went slowl}' on, until I came to the place where Dr. Kenyon subsequently lived. I could see or hear nothing of the company, not even, a cow-bell, several of which I knew were in use on the cattle. I tried as well as I could to find their where- abouts. Although but a short distance be- low the proposed crossing, I could not find any trace of them before it was dark. As fate would have it, I had neither coat nor blanket, jack-knife nor matches, ax nor hatchet. Tired and hungry I laid myself un- der a tree to rest, and was very soon asleep. With no breakfast I renewed my search for the companj', going on up the river to a point where a Mr. Bennett afterward made his claim, but found no signs. I then con- cluded to follow down the river as long as HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. 131 my strength lasted, unless I found something more desirable. Before proceeding, however, I pulled off a boot and, with the head of a pin, wrote upon a smooth part of the boot-leg my name thus : G. W. Green, Beaver Dam, Wis., not knowing but some one would find my bones and boots, and thereby my friends in Wisconsin might hear from me. I had a little matter of $700 in my pockets which, in case I should be lost, this act might be the means of my family getting. I had no other way of writing. After this preparation for the worst that might befall me, I started down the river, traveling slowly until nearly sun-down, when I found the trail where they had crossed the river, not over a half mile above where I had left Sutliff. With new courage I started on this trail. I followed it a short dis- tance without any trouble ; darkness com- ing on, the trail became invisible and I lost it. In hunting for it, I stumbled and fell, and my weariness and exhaus- tion were such that I did not feel dis- posed to rise for some time. I unconsciously fell asleep ; when I awoke the sun was high up and shining brightly. Ke-invigorated by my sound and restful sleeji I soon found the trail and following it slowly a short time, I observed two men approaching me. They were of our company. Looking up towards the timber about three miles from where they had crossed the river, I saw the wagons and remainder of the company. They had camped there early in the afternoon expect- ing that I would see and come to them. When night came and I did not appear, they built a large fire and kept it going all night, hoping thereby to attract my attention. The next day they spent on horseback looking for me. When I arrived in camp, they represented to me that my eyes were staring, and my lips and tongue swollen. Mrs. Sutliff prepared me something to eat, but I had no appetite and could eat nothing, instead thereof calling for a cup of sour milk which I drank with relish. I took but verv little nourishment, except sour milk, the rest of the day. My appetite slowly returning the next day, I ate sparingly, but it was some three or four days before I could take an ordinary meal. From here we proceeded to Beaver Lake, crossing its outlet Avhere the road now runs ; here we saw an Indian, and tried to get some idea from him what course to take to reach the Minnesota River, but failed to secure any correct information. Crossing some of the rivulets that unite to form the Le Sueur River, we forded the main Le Sueur near where St. Mary's was afterward built. We wandered on we knew not where, and struck Minnesota Lake. Here we stayed two days and looked for signs.. At last, about three miles west of the lake, we found a freshly-made Indian trail going southwest. We concluded that the Indians had gone on a hunting expedition and that they had congregated at the Min- nesota River, starting eti masse from there. Not knowing anything better to do, we took this trail back and struck tlie river at Man- kato, July L Mankato then consisted of one family who kept a log boarding-house, and one man who ])resided over a saloon made of small poles. No other evidence of civiliza- tion met our gaze. From here we proceeded to Mr. Sutliff's claim, remaining with him a day. We then followed the trail down the Minnesota River to St. Paul, which was at this time but little more than an Indian trading-post, not as large as St. Anthony. And Minneapolis had not yet been spoken of. Here we boarded the steamer for La Crosse, from which point we took our way homeward by our own conveyance. At the time of this hasty and imperfect observation of this part of southeast Minne- sota, the prairies were covered with luxuri- ant grasses from three and a half to four feet high, over which deer and elk i-oved at will, several large herds coming within our view. After leaving Potter's house, ten miles from Springer's, we saw no house until our 132 HISTORY OF STEELE Ct)UNTY. arrival at Mankato. I think there were two or three shanties or at near Le Sueur. At Belle Plaine there was one house occupied by Indian traders, and Judge Chatfield, then late of Racine, "Wis., was building a small log house, preparatory to moving his family there. We found several township lines re- cently run ; one especially prominent in my recollection was the corner post at the south- east corner of township 107 north, of range 20 east, being the southeast corner of the city of Owatonna, whether I have the num- bers right or not. I made no definite location on this trip, but thought 1 would return to Wisconsin and move with my familj^ into the vicinity of Straight or Le Sueur River, then making my location. Accordingly on the 12th of August, 1854, I started with my family and mova- bles, upon ox wagons, drawn by seven pairs of oxen, wagons all lightly loaded, but too heavy for the trip, as I afterward found. By driving slowly and carefully, and leaving on the way about one-third of our load, we got through all right. With our train I had about eighty cows and young cattle, besides three wagons belonging to other parties. Eleven men accompanied me to help me through and assist in cutting hay for the stock, also to put up necessary buildings, etc., on our arrival. But it was agreed that they need stay no longer than two weeks after I had made my location. While crossing the Ashland prairie, we met Mr. Sutliff returning with his teams and wagons to Wisconsin for winter supplies. He had sold his claim near Travers de Sioux and returned to Le Sueur River, locating about six miles south of Wilton. He, being anxious that we should all locate near him, concluded to return with us and sliow us lands in his vicinity. Arriving at Straight River at the point where Owatonna is located, we found that stream booming, eight feet deep. We could go no further with all our luggage. Tents were pitched, cattle herded, counsel solicited. Here we found A. B. Cor- nell and family located on the bank of the river in a pole house covered with hay, near the bridge on Bridge street. Mr. Cor- nell seemed glad to see us and did not fail to respond freely to our request for counsel. He showed me the ground north of town on which I finally located. But as we all desired to locate together, and the rest could not satisfy themselves near, it was decided to leave the women and children with a couple of men as guard for them and to watch the stock, while the rest of the company should move on to Le Sueur River and reconnoiter. The next day we crossed the river with three wagons, four yoke of oxen, and one cow. The men camped on the west side of the river that night ; I went back to the tent and stayed with my family. It rained a large portion of the night. In the morning we started, bearing southwest. We struck the Big Slough near where the road to Lemond now crosses it, and spent until the next day noon trying to cross, but all in vain. We then made our way to the river, where we found that, by mowing some grass to cover the outlet to the slough, we could cross. Still it rained by spells, and there was a well-defined stream in every ravine. We went on to Beaver Lake and struck our old trail made on the first trip. In crossing one of the head rivulets of Le Sueur River, now a foaming torrent, the front end- board of one wagon-box went out and sev- eral articles went down. A broad-ax was lost, so we called this stream " Broad- Ax " Creek. In fording another rivulet one of the men, with boots as high as his knees, stood upon the back end-board of a wagon- box, holding onto the top of the wagon- cover, so this was called "Big Boot" Creek. We looked around the prairies and timbers between Wilton and Sutliff's claim. We aU liked the country and concluded to make claims there. I requested the men to go and make their claims, then I would make mine, which was done. Still it raine/>Ze'.s Press, Jan. 26, 1876. The following sensational article appeared in the Peoples Press, in its issue of April 29, 1876. It appears in connection with the Aurora news, tlie correspondent signing himself "H.:" "In order to tell my story and that it may be understood, I must go back to 1856. Among the firet settlers of Aurora was a man named Sargent, whose character was unspotted. He lost his wife, and lived until about four 3'ears ago, when he was taken sick, and though he had the best of care by kind friends, he died of old age. He was buried near A. B. Clark's. He had no relatives here and folks had about forgotten him, until last fall it was said h» could be seen on certain nights in the grove south of A. B. Clark's. I found out what kind of nights he was to be seen, and being sometiiing of a skeptic, I deter- mined to see for myself. So, I started, one of those foggy nights, and had gotten about half way through the grove, and heboid ! there he stood, cane in hand. I was startled at first, but put on a bold face and advanced to meet him. Now, I had heard in my younger days that when the dead returned to earth they had something they wished to say, so I stepped up and said : ' Uncle Sar- gent, what shall I do to be saved?' He raised his cane and his face was illuminated with a heavenly smile, and he said : ' Vote the Democratic ticket ! ' — H." In May, a band of four three-card-monte men, who had been operating in and about Owatonna, were captured. On the r7th of that month they had swindled J. Bower, of Brown County, out of $42, and he had put the officers on their track. The mar- shal took after them and found two in the vicinity of the old Owatonna House. They ran down Bridge street, followed by a large crowd, to the river, jumped in and endeav- ored to cross, but the river was very high and they were caught by men in a boat. Two more were afterward caught and locked up. When arraigned they gave their names as G. H. Richardson alias Top Ro- gers, John Manning and Edward Burke. They were sentenced to jail for sixty days. On February 20 , 1876, the house of J. Clark, of Somerset Township, was totally destroyed by fire. It was occupied by Wal- ter and William Kenyon. Loss, $700. In May, 1876, four head of cattle belong- ing to J. S. Bixby, of Aurora Township, were killed by lightning. May 16 , the stable and granary belong- ing to George Naylor, in Merton Township, were struck by lightning and burned, in- cluding contents, consisting of a span of horses, three cows, a calf, five hundred bush- els of wheat and one hundred bushels of oats. When Mr. Naylor discovered the fire, he sent -^A /w^ A^^y?^^7p>~p^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 159 his little girl to a neighbor, Mr. Feastons', for help, but on arriving there a large dog, jumped upon her and bit and tore her in a dreadful manner. For several days the life of the little girl was despaired of, but she finally recovered. June 20, Christian Schuelke, a German in the employ of H. D. Lewis, in the northern part of Meriden Township, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. He was thirty years old and left one child- On examination it was found that the light" ning had struck him in the breast and ]>assed through the body and out at the boots. Early in July, Abidan Eessler, a boy of fourteen, was drowned in Straight River, at Clinton. Tuesday morning, September 12 , Mrs. John Bi'adshaw, living on the south line of the town of Owatonna, met with a serious acci. dent. Her son had a large horse-pistol and pointed it at her; she thinking it was not loaded did not notice, when the boy some, how discharged.the pistol and the contents struck along the left side of her neck and head. One shot pierced her left eye near the center, and another the corner of the right eye. Dr. Blood, was called, and after examination thought that she would lose the sight of her left eye. The wounds were very painful. The People^s Pi'ess, of September 30, contained the following in relation to grass- hoppers : "Reports from the western part of the county are to the effect that grasshop- pers are laying eggs, and that the eggs al- ready laid are in good condition. Small numbers have already hatched, but not enough to amount to anything. They are mostly in the towns of Lemond and Berlin. We have them, and there is no use worrying about it ; all we can do is to accept them, plow as usual this fall, plant next spring, and if the grasshoppers hatch in any gi'eat num- bers, as they probably' will, all that can be done is to fight them as potato bugs in former years. Every farmer in the county should 10 take precaution and not burn a load of sti-aw, as the article can be made very useful in their destruction." The following account of a sad accident ap- ])eared in the issue of the People s Press, dated Octol)er 14: "Last night Charles Dailey, while taking down his gun, by accident nearly fatally shot his sister Maggie. The gun was loaded, and as he took it down the hammer was pulled back, and falling on the cap dis- charged the load. The charge struck his sister Maggie (who was in range with the muzzle of the gun), between the neck and shoulder, passing obliquely downward, cut- ting out part of the collar bone. The main artery beneath the collar bone was un- touched." One of Blooming Prairie's earliest settlers, Thos. Bray, died November 6, 1876, aged fifty years. He had been a universally kind man, and was esteemed by all who knew him. At the presidential election this year, there were 2,539 votes polled in Steele County, of which R. B. Hayes, Republican, received, 1,581 ; and Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat, 958. 1877. Monday evening, January 9, the alarm of fire was sounded at Owatonna, and a crowd rushed to the Central Block, to find that the roof of the rear of Melvin & Fox's building was in flames. All the stores in the city being shut up at 8 o'clock, this was also closed, and no one there. The front door was soon forced open and the crowd took a lot of clothing out, but the fire being under the roof and under good headway when discovered, they were soon driven out. The building joining immediately on the west, occupied by Dow- nie Bros., was also soon in flames, as the wind came from the southeast and blew the flames directly against it. When it was seen that this building must also burn, the crowd rushed in and carried out goods until kept out by the heat. The building occupied by Melvin & Fox was owned by the Hon. Lewis 160 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. L. Wheelock, and valued at $1,000 ; insured for $G00. The building occupied by Downie •Bros, was owned by E. Scannell, and was valued at $1,400, and insured for $800. Melvin & Fox had their stock insured for $2,500. The stock of Downie Bros, was in- sured for $3,000 ; loss, $-4,500. "It is said that a pretty school ma'am, teaching in Steele County, to prevent scholars from being tardy, ado])ted the plan of kissing the first scholar who made his appearance at the schoolhouse. All went well for a few days, when the nineteen-year- oldboys, anxious to participate in this fun, actually got to roosting on the fence all night, in order to be at the school first in the morning." — Peopled Press, January^!, 1877. Accident — Wednesday, February 21. — While down in a well, Mr. D. B. Potter met with an accident which came very nearly proving fatal. Over two hundred pounds of dirt and i-ock fell a distance of twenty feet, striking him on the shoulders and back. Good care brought him on the street again, though somewhat lame and sore. Mrs. Mary H. McAndrews died at the residence of Henry McAndrews, in Merton Townshij), on March 24, aged seventy-six years. She was born in County Mayo, Ire- Land, in 1801. Francis C. McAndrews died in Deer Lodge, Mont., January 25, 1877, of con- sumption. He was one of the old settlers of Steele Count}', having gone to Montana for his health. The funeral of Mrs. Wm. Pepper, which took place Sunday, April 25, was very largely attended. The Odd Fellows of both lodges in Owatonna turned out and honored the memory of their dear, departed sister. The funeral services were held at the Univer- salist Church, which could not accommodate the people that attended. ]\Irs. Pepper was greatly beloved by all who knew her, and left a large circle of mourning friends. "A Ghost Story. — One night as two men were returning to their homes in Aurora, in a sleigh, having previously imbibed a little. The nigiit was clear, and the sleighing all that could be desired. While driving along in good spirits, they were accosted by several figures, apparently human, dressed in white, who kept pace with the sleigh on either side of the road. The young men were some- what alarmed. All the ghost and goblin stories which they had ever heard now danced before their minds. One of the figures made a motion as if wishing to speak. The young men, too terrified to disobey, stopped and listened, when in a deep-toned, unearthly voice, the phantom said : " Get YOUR CLOTHES MADE BY JoHN CoTTIER." Mrs. J. W. Morford died at Owatonna on the 14th of May, 1877. Mrs. Morford was born in Luzerne Count}^ Pa., March 24, 1827. She was married October 9, 1849, to J. W. Morford, and in 1856 moved to this county with her husband, thus being among the earliest settlers. The following incident of her life in the pioneer times of this coun- try will be read with interest, and give an idea of some of the trials endured: "Mr. Morford's claim was about three miles east of town. He lived on his claim, yet attended to his business in town, generally going home each night, when not detained too late by his business. Whenever he was detained in town, Mrs. Morford would spend the night at Mr. Odell's. On one of these oc- casions, in November, 1856, Mrs. Morford, having waited until somewhat late for his return, started for Mr. Odell's. After walk- ing, as she thought, far enough to reach the house, she looked about her but could not see the shanty. After wandering about some time, she concluded she was lost. She did not despond, for she knew daylight would set her right, and, coming to a thicket, she wrapped her shawl around her and laid down to sleep. Next morning she awoke and started for home. Seeing a shanty she stopped to inquire her whereabouts. No one answering her knocks, she went in. Things looked strangely familiar to her, and HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 161 upon closer scrutiny found it was her own home. She had become so completely be- wildered tliat slie did not recognize it until she saw the familiar furniture. Robert Adair, one of the earliest settlers in Havana Township, died June 7, of par- alysis. He was seventy-one years of age. The Press, in its issue of June 9, contains the following article in relation to the de- vastation of the grasshoppers : " Last Saturday and Sunday the hoppers had hatched out so plentifully in the towns of Meriden, Lemond and Berlin, in this county, that the inhabitants lost no time in coming to town to secure tar and "dozers." Almost every farmer in the infested dis- trict had a machine and were successfully fighting them. But little damage has been done, and, by the use of dozers, the crops were kept in good condition." A serious stabbing affray occurred in the town of Somerset on the 31st of June, in which W. R. Knickerbocker and a man named Barker were badly cut by Frank Herdina and several other Bohemians. As the matter was afterward carried into court, a full account of the fracas is given in Chap- ter XI. The Journal and Herald, in speaking of the grasshoppers in August, said : " We ex- pect we shall not chronicle the departure of the hoppers until winter. Almost every pleasant, warm day, when the wind is from the northwest, they can be seen in large numbei's, sjoino: southeast. None alight, and none fly if the wind is from any other direc- tion. Where they go is a mystery. It is reported that a swarm lit down in Oakland County, Mich., and another swarm in the northern part of New York and Vermont, in both places devouring ever^ything." On Thursday, September 27, a destructive fire occurred at Blooming Prairie. The losses were as follows : The elevator of Pratt & Robinson, $3,500; insured for $2,800. Wheat in the same, 2,S00 bushels; 1,800 bushels belonging to farmers, of which Ole Hie had 1,100 bushels, insured for full value. The warehouse of C. Whitton, valued at $300, containing (500 bushels of wheat, 1,000 bushels of oats and 800 bushels of barley. In November Charles R. Pate, a traveling agent for the Atlantic Weekly, committed suicide at the Arnold House, Owatonna, by cutting his throat from ear to ear with a razor. Ill health was the cause assigned. On the 5th of December, 1877, Benjamin Arnold, an old and respected citizen of Owa- tonna, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Four pistol balls had pene- trated the brain. " Tired of living," was the cause assigned. He was one of the oldest settlers, having located in Steele County in 1855 with his wife, who died in 1876. The Arnold House was at one time his property and still bears his name. On the 22d of January, Peter Ganser's brewery, at Owatonna, was burned to the ground. The loss was estimated at $20,000, on which there was an insurance of $6,000. It was supposed that the fire originated in the dry kiln. January 28, another disastrous fire oc- curred in Owatonna, by which Julius F. Young's jewelry store was totally destroyed. But little of the stock was saved. On stock, furniture and building there was an insur- ance of $7,000. On the 12th of February, 1878, a serious shooting afl'ray occurred at Owatonna, through which Thomas Langon lost his life. It seems that Langon, in company with sev- eral others, had been on a spree during the evening, and the city marshal, S. Stowers, attempted to arrest one of them, when Lan- gon kicked the marshal in the face and chest, and ran. Stowers started in pursuit, and after ordering Langon to halt several times, fired three shots which took effect, and he died several days later. A coroner's jury was convened, composed of W. A. Dynes, Charles Schoen, George B. Hall, James Thompson, T. H. Kelly and H. Harts- horn, which rendered a verdict in accord- 162 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ance with the above facts and exonerated Stowers. On the 15th of February, Phocion Turte- lot was murdered at Owatonna by Claud V-an Alstyne, while they were engaged in get- tiner out ice on the Straight River. Van Alstyne was tried, convicted and sentenced to State's prison for life. See Chapter XI. A meeting of the old settlers of Steele County was held on the 13th of July, 1878, at Morehouse's opera hall, Owatonna, for the purpose of organizing an old settlers' associa- tion for Steele County. On motion of Dex- ter Smith, David Lindersraith was elected chairman, and J. W. Morford, secretary. It was resolved that the chairman appoint one or more from each township to draft a con- stitution and by-laws to govern the organiza- tion. After tliis, on motion of John Shea, the meeting was adjourned to September 14, but nothing further appears to have been done. At about 4 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, September 10, a fire broke out in Paddock & Bickford's foundry at Owatonna, destroy- ing the building and most of tlie contents. Tiie stock and building were valued at $'d,- 200 and insured for $600. On Wednesday evening, September 11, Fred AnJialdt, a German, in Meriden, com- mitted suicide by shooting himself. On Wednesday, September 18, a son of Mr. E. Norton disappeared. He was ulti- mately found drowned in about half a tub of water. The little fellow was suj)posed to have been leaning over the side, playing in the water, when, losing his balance, he fell in and it I'esulted fatally. Meriden station, on Tuesday night, Sept- ember 24, was the scene of a robbery. An unknown man entered the Ijar-room of P. G. Rosenau's saloon and called for a glass of beer, which was given him. At this time a masked man stepped in, supposed to be a confeilerate, holding out a large jjistol, which lie pointed directly at the bartender, and the two men soon transferred the contents of the money drawer to their pockets and took to their heels. On Wednesday morning, October 23, a shooting affray took place at the residence of Samuel Finley. It appears that E. A. Wilder, a son of Finley 's wife by a former husband, entered the room of Mr. Finley, and, on being ordered out, pulled out a loaded pistol and discharged two shots at the old man, one grazing the top of his head, cutting a furrow an inch long, the other taking effect in his right cheekbone, and l)assing through his ear, causing a bad wound. He also discharged a third shot at John P. Finley, who came to the assistance of his grandfather and who lived with him. The young man was arrested. The People's Press, in speaking of the affair, said : "After getting sureties and having the appeal papers ready, in the case of E. A. Wilder, those in charge of the matter finally concluded to let him sta}' in jail six months rather than carry his case to the supreme court or pay his fine." On Sunday, December 15,Willard Wheaton was killed. While driving along the mineral springs road where it passes under the rail- road track, his hoi-se became frightened, throwing him out upon his head on the frozen gi'ound, so affecting his spinal cord as to paralyze his whole body, causing his death. Crops were very poor in Steele County in the year 1878, therefore money was scarce in 1879. In the fall of 1878 several highway rob- beries Avere committed in and about Owa- tonna, the victims being but little worse off, financially, yet put to considerable trouble in the way of holding up hands, etc. The rob- bers being too lazy to get into a man's wagon to search him, would make him get out, in this way saving their strength for future use should they be compelled to run. Some of the victims are mentioned as follows : Orrin Searle of $4 cash, watch and gold chain; C. B. Wilkinson of $5 ; Mr. McMillan of $2. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 163 Alois Kishavery was killed in Summit Township, Wednesday, December 5, while attempting to jump out of a wagon when the team was running away. George Robinson, aged seventy-two years, died December 16, of cancer. He was a man highly esteemed by all who knew him, and his death caused a feelino- of general sadness throughout the community. Statistics of Steele County for the year ending December 31, 18T8, show 405 births and 156 deaths, an increase of 249 over the previous vear. 1879. Dr. J. J. Aikin, of Owatonna, died Jan- uary 4, 1879, of paralysis. Aged sixtj^-four years. About two o'clock Sunday morning, Jan- uary 17, a lire broke out in G. W. Chesley's art gallery, and in a few minutes the entire roof was in flames. The room underneath was then occupied by Skinner & Jewett, grocery and boot and shoe dealers, and in trying to remove the stock from the store about half a dozen men were caught by the burning ceiling falling in upon them. All escaped, however, but one had his hands badly crushed and burned. The building of Mr. Chesley was valued at $4,000; insurance, $2,200. The stock of Messrs. Skinner & Jewett was valued at about $2,000 ; insured for $1,500. John Wamous, an aged Bohemian, met with a fatal accident Saturday, January 18, while going home with a load of bran from Owatonna. It is supjDosed that in going down the hill south of town, beyond the Catholic burying ground, he lost his balance and fell head-foremost from the load, killing him by dislocating his neck, and breaking in his skull. Mr. John Barney died very suddenly of apoplexy Friday morning, January 31. At 12:30 o'clock Sunday, February 8, a fire broke out in Hammond's building, on west side of North Cedar street, burning off the roof and the front of the upper story. Total amount of insurance on building and stock was $1,000 ; damage about $800. Sunday, February 16, 1879, a fire broke out in the rear of E. M. Morehouse's store building on Broadway, then occupied by a grocery firm — Sykora & Kaplan. On Thursday morning, March 13, 1879, Mr. Henry Keans had his left arm broken while digging a well. It appears that a hard piece of blue clay cleaved loose about thirty feet above him, and in falling struck his arm, causing the fracture. The house of J. C. Backus, of Owatonna, was burned March 14, destroying nearly all the furniture. The building was valued at $2,000, insured for $1,500 ; also $400 on fur- niture and $100 on wearing apparel. Died of pneumonia, March 24, Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Bixb3% eldest daughter of John and Christina Eichler, aged thirty-three years, five months and twenty-seven days. The deceased was born at Lafayette, Onon- daga County, N. Y., and came to Wisconsin with her parents in 1856. She experienced religion in her thirteenth year, being con- verted in a play-bouse where the school girls were accustomed to hold prayer-meetings. She afterward removed with her family to Freeborn County, Minn., in 1861. She was married to Mr. J. S. Bixby November 29, 1866. H. Reidell died April 8, 1879, aged sixty- five years and twenty-seven days. Mr. Reidell was born in Vermont and came to this State in the fall of 1855. In 1875 he came to Owatonna, where he lived until the time of his death. Saturday, April 5, Rev. Mr. Graves, Congregational minister at Medford, in step- ping on the train while in motion, fell between the cars. One of his feet was run over and crushed so badly as to require immediate amputation. Saturday, April 5, R. S. Hatley, of Ha- vana, had the misfortune of having his house burned, saving nothing to speak of. The house was valued at $500 ; no insurance. 164 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. .April 13, 1879, Mr. Arad Jones, of Ha- vana, died of consumption, aged seventy- four years. The deceased was a very old settler of Steele County t>nd esteemed by all who knew him. Saturday, April 30, S. G. Lund, lumber dealer in Owatonna, had his safe blown open and the few doUars in silver which it contained was taken. The burglars effected an entrance by the window on the north- west corner, and on leaving, left a sledge, a number of wedges, two bits and several cold chisels. Mrs. Katie Siebold, wife of Mr. F. G. Sie- bold, died on the 9th of June, 1879, aged thirty-six years and nine months. She was universally beloved and respected. Early in June Dellie Quiggle, a child of Mr. and Mrs. M. S. or L. J. Quiggle, of Owa- tonna, was drowned in Straiglit Kiver. On the 10th of June burglars effected an entrance into the residence of L. Bion, in Owatonna, and carried off $180 worth of cash and jewelry. One of the burglars was afterward shot and killed, by an officer at Rochester, Minn. Part of the stolen goods were found on his person. Samuel M. Finley died of old age at Owa- tonna on the 30th of May, 1879, aged eighty- eight j^ears. On Saturday, May 31, 1879, over 86,600 of the taxes of 1878 were taken in at the court house. In June a disastrous storm passed over the northeastern part of Steele County, doing considerable damage to buildings in Merton Township. Among those who suffered loss were : P. Malone, Edward Bartley, Mike and Mark Henry, P. J. Tuttle, John Lane, P. R. Stout, and Dexter Carlton. A severe hail-storm passed over Steele County on the 2d of July. Especially did the farmers in Meriden Township suffer. Among others who lost heavily through de- struction of grain were G. Mudeking, G. F. Albertus, Chris. Schulke, J. P. Jackson, John O. Wuamett, Darius Cook, William Presby, Mr. Birkle, Archibald Warren, E. L. Scoville, P. Schuster, T. W. Irving, G. W. Buffura, C. H. Church, G. W. Knapp, and John Q. Ellis. It was stated that fully 10 per cent of the crops throughout the county was de- stroyed. On July 4, 1879, the barn of Mr. Henry Moffatt, about two miles north of Owatonna, was destroyed by fire ; loss, $200. On Tuestlay evening, July 8, 1879, a terri- ble hail-storm passed through the township of Berlin, Steele County, cutting a swath over two miles wide, beginning at section 18 and ending on 36. The following are the names of the farmers whose crops were wholly destroyed : Lewis Burns, D. Gordon, Dwight Gordon, E. Kinney, P. Dunnigan, Thomas Brown, James McCormack, William Lonergan, John Lonergan, Thomas Loner- gan, A. Anderson, J. Johnson, L. Peterson, H. Bradley, H. O. and Ole Thompson, Iver Oleson and John McGillicudy. The follow- ing is a list of the farmers whose crops were partly destroyed: Thomas McCormack, A. Quitbar, P. McGillicudy, M. McFarland, J. M. Sloan, J. Wolaski, H. G. Cusick, G. W. Giddings, Edward and Benjamin Wheeler, H. W. Rulliffson, J. Bohm, and B.Kingsley. The loss to the town of Berlin caused by this storm w^as estimated at $20,000. Joseph Hoffman, Sr.. aged seventy years and five months, died in Owatonna July 28, 1879. Mr. Hoffman came to Steele County in 1858. Mr. Daniel Gross, aged seventy-eight years, died October 18, of old age. Mr. Gross had been long and favorably known in the vicinity of Owatonna. In Owatonna, on Thursday evening, Oc- tober 30, 1879, Vinzenz Nowotne was robbed by John Stransky of $8.45. Stransky was arrested. Andrew Oppliger, of Owatonna, died at the residence of his son, J. A. Oppliger, on Thursday evening, November 6, of apoplexy, aged sixty-nine years. In December, 1879, a board of trade was HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 165 organized in Owatonna. The following offi- cers were elected : W. R. Kinyon, president ; E. Donaldson, vice-president ; A. Knobloch, second vice-president ; W. A. Dynes, secre- tary ; "William Leary, treasurer; directors: John Shea, Charles Schoen, C. N. Mc- Laughlin, M. A. Fredenburg, C. H. Eandall, Edward Downie, E. Ray Fenno ; committee on by-laws: E. Ray Fenno, H. H. Luers and F. T. Drebert. A fatal accident.— On Friday, December 2, Joseph Ripkathen, a resident of Havana, was killed. While on his way to Owatonna his team became frightened, running on to some plowed ground, throwing him off the sleigh, fracturing his skull and killing him instantly. Mrs. Jemima Hartle, of Havana, died De- cember 12. She had been a resident of Steele County about nine years, and left a large circle of friends. 1880. The United States census of this year gave Steele County a total population of 12,460. The number of American born residents of the county was 8,576 and foreign 3,88-4. Steele County's total vote at the presiden- tial election, held in November of this year, was 2,646, divided as follows: James A. Garfield, Republican, 1,642 ; W. S. Hancock, Democrat, 944 ; Neal Dow, Prohibition, 60. Mary Jane Yust, aged thirty -three years, died inDeerfield Township, Sunday, January 18. She was the wife of C. Yust. March 26, George Ca ward's barn at Owa- tonna burned with all its contents. One team valued at $500, and three other horses were burned. Loss about $2,000 ; no insur- ance. John P. Johnson, of Owatonna Township, died of consumption, Wednesday, April 21. Mr. Johnson had always been a good citizen and had the highest'respect of all who knew him. The house of Henry Brasen, of Meriden, was burned May 29. The house was known as the Farmers' Home. The building was valued at $1,500, insured for $800 ; furniture at $500, insured for $200. On Thursday night, June 12, M. L. Dev- ing, of Meriden, had his barn struck by lightning and burned to the ground. It was valued at $1,000, and insured for $500. Joseph Chambers, of Owatonna, died Sep- tember 10, aged sixty-one years, three months and ten days. Mr. Chambers was born in Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., and had come to Steele County in 1864. He was a man highly respected by all who knew him. On Tuesday, October 13, a plank, to which was attached a pulley, hoisting a mortar cask, broke from its fastening on the top of Mr. Moore's brick block, then in course of construction, and fell, striking Hans Erick- son on the head, crushing his skull, thus causing his death. On Monday, November 1, five prisoners made their escape from the Steele County jail. They sawed themselves out of the iron cage, then pulled out one of the window casings, and dug enough brick out below to let themselves out. Sheriff Chambers im- mediately offered $25 for their arrest. 1881. On Friday, March 18, a fire broke out in John Lawler's house near the depot, destroy- ing the house and contents. The occupants merely escaped with their lives. No insur- ance on building. Died, on Thursday morning, March 26, Mrs. A. P. Riggs, aged forty -five years. The deceased was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., November 7, 1836, and came to Owa- tonna in 1868, where she had lived until death. Mrs. Hannah Moulton, aged eighty-six years and six months, died in Owatonna, April 27, having been an invalid for five years. She was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1794. Dr. Edward Wallace Johnson was born m 166 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Vermont, on the 5th of May, 1813. He graduated at Willoughby Medical College, Ohio, and subsequently entered u])on an extensive and lucrative practice, and was so successful in his chosen profession that he accumulated a handsome competency. In 1881 he retired from active practice and located in Owatonna, where he remained un- til the time of his death. Hon. Francis Coo-gswell, father of Judge Amos Coggswell, died at Goodwin, I). T., October 22, 1881. He was born at Dover, N.H., April 6, 1790, being over ninety -one years old at the time of his death. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was in the defense at Portsmouth in the War of 1812. After the war he studied law, was admitted, and practiced at the Merrimack Count}' bar for thirty years, ranking high as an able advocate and criminal lawyer. He came west in 1868, and lived with his sons, Amos and G. W. Coggswell, both well known. His remains were brought from Dakota and placed for their last long rest beside those of his wife, in Aurora cemetery'. On the 29th of December, 1881, the resi- dence of Mr. M. J. Mooney, in Merton Township, was destroyed by tire. Loss, $800 ; insurance, $500. 1882. Mrs. John Cottier died at Owatonna, Jan- uary 16, of heart disease. She was born in Mansfield, Cattaraugus County, N. T., April 1, 1826, her maiden name being Anna Grif- fin. She married Mr. Cottier at EUicott- ville in the same county, September 15, 18i8, and they had seven children, all of whom were alive at the time of her death. She was beloved by all who knew her, for her many virtues. John Q. Ellis died of cancer, February 3. He was born at Sumner, Me., JSToveraber 13, 1824, and came to Sparta, Wis., in 1856, Avhere he lived until coming to Steele County, in March, 1867. At the time of his death he was chairman of the board of county commissioners, wihch position he had occupied for several years. He was a man of good abilities, careful, painstaking and efficient in all his official duties, and his death was mourned sincerely, by not only his family but a very large circle of intimate friends. Early in February, 1882, the schoolhouse in District JSTo. 13, Aurora Township — near Stapleton's — was burned to the ground. On the 11th of March, 1882, the house of John Pavek, Jr., located a short distance southeast of Owatonna, took fire and burned to the ground. The family had difficulty in saving their lives. The building and furni- ture were a total loss. The value of building and furniture was about $1,000 ; insured for $400. In February, 1882, a stock company was organized at Owatonna for the purpose of establishing a tow and twine factory. The following parties were first to subscribe stock : B. S. Cook, Neal Graham, W. E. Kinyon, A. Keynolds, L. L. Bennett, M. J. Toher, W. A. Dynes, J. E. Buxton, Whee- lock & Sperry, A. C. Hickman, N. C. Lar- son and B. E. Darby. The organization of the companj' was effected on the 11th of March, 1882, when $20,000 of stock had been subscribed. The name adopted was the " Owatonna Twine and Oil Company." The following gentlemen were duly elected directors for the ensuing year : W. R. Kin- yon, L. L. Bennett, B. S. Cook, L. Lord and W. A. Dynes. A. Reynolds was engaged as superintendent, at $1,200 per year. Quite an active effort was made to secure the cooperation of the farmers, but it was un- successful. In April, of the same year, a meeting of the stockholders was held, at which the directors made a full report, in which they stated : " We have earnestly and faithfully tried to induce our farmers to sow sufficient fiax to warrant us in the erec- tion of buildings, purchase of machinery, etc., in order to conlmence the manufactur- ing of twine this season, but find it impossi- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 167 ble to do so. In view of this state of facts we do not feel warranted in making tlie necessary expenditure tliis season. We can suspend furtlier operations for tlie present, dispose of flax seed on hand at a trifling expense to the stockholders, continue our organization and be fully prepared to resume operations next year, jirovided we can get the flax grown. We therefore respectfully recommend and advise that further opera- tions be suspended for the present ; that the secretary and treasurer be instructed to dis- pose of the seed, etc., belonging to the company, pay all obligations and return pro rata to the stockholders the balance of the money that has been paid in. Our largest stockholder and superintendent, Mr. A. Eeynolds, advises this course, and has can- celled his engagement with the company, which was made for one year at a salary of $1,200 per year." This report is signed by "W. E. Kinyon, L. L. Bennett, B. S. Cook, Lewis Lord and W. A. Dynes, directors." It was further explained that they had only been able to make contracts with farmers for raising thirty-five acres of flax, and that the mill would require at least eight hundred acres. They had conditional promises of farmers to sow 109 acres more. On Tuesday morning, April 3, 1882, the graded school-building at Owatonna was to- tally destroyed by fire, together with all fur- niture and contents. The building was in- sured for 15,000. Late in March, 1882, Mrs. Eaedel, a resi- dent of Deerfield Township, committed sui- cide by hanging. She had been sick nearly all winter and her mind was partiallj' de- ranged, so that it was necessary to keep the house locked, for fear she would run off in the night and freeze to death. She was fifty years old. E. B. Newhall died of consumption, March 31, 1882. He had contracted rheumatism in the army, and it affected him until the time of his death. He was fifty-nine years old. Mrs. W. H. Ilolden died of heart disease in Owatonna on April 9, 1882, aged thirty years. April 15, 1882, a fire occurred in Lemond Township, which destroyed the dwelling- house owned by H. E. Johnson, which was occupied by Mrs. Eease. Mrs. Eliza S. Burns, an early pioneer, died at Somerset, on Thursday, April 23, 1882. Mrs. Burns was born in Stephentown, Mass., January 7, 1817, and was married to William Burns in Italy, Yates County, N. Y., March 23, 18-10. They came to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in what is now Havana Town- ship, being among the very first settlers. She was a generous, kind-hearted lady, a characteristic pioneer, and beloved by all who knew her. On the 18th of April, W. S. Melvin, a for- mer prominent resident of Owatonna, met with an accident at Brookings, D. T., which resulted in his death. It ajipears that he had stai'ted to cross a railway track obliquely, when an engine — coming swiftly from the direction toward which his back was turned — struck him. He was thrown half as high as the locomotive smoke-stack and fell on the side of the engine, rolling off on the ground seventy feet from where he was struck. After the accident he lay in an unconscious condi- tion for thirty-six hours, when he died. The remains were brought back to Owatonna and buried, with Masonic honors. At the time of his death he was thirty-five years old, having been born in Hallowell. Me., in 1846. Cornelius Moran died of cancer at his home in Lemond Township, on April 27, 1882, aged fifty-nine years. He was a man respected by all who knew him, and a valuable citizen. He came from New York State to Wisconsin at an early day, and in 1857 moved to Steele County, Minn., set- tling first in Meriden Township, but later moved to Laniond, wliere he lived until his death. Dr. Thomas Kenyon died at his residence in Somerset on the 17th of April, 1882, aged sixty-nine years. He was an old set- 168 HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. tier and for many years had taken a promi- nent part in all public and political matters. John M. Sloan died at his home in Berlin Township, on the 30th of April, 1S82, aged fifty-eight years and eight months. He was a man of many friends and stood high as a neiglibor and a friend. August Sayler died on the 16th of May, aged sixty-four years, universally respected, a hard-working man and a good citizen. June 3, 1882, a fire occurred in Merton Township, by which James Clark lost a barn and granary, together with several hundred bushels of wheat and oats, several tons of hay, two sets of harness, and other farming tools. Loss about $700, al)out half of the amount being covered by insurance. A few days later, the house of M. J. Toher, on his farm three miles south of Owatonna, was burned. Loss, $-±00 ; no insurance. William Shea died at the home of his son, P. Shea, in Berlin Township, on June 12, 1882, of old age. He was born at Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, in 1775, making him one hundred and seven years old. At the time of his death he was beyond doubt the oldest man west of the Mississippi, and possibly in the United States. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Steele County, having been a resident of Berlin Township for twenty -seven years. He was a good citizen and highly respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Dolly Kinyon died of old age at the reridence of her son, C. J. Kinyon, on the 17th of June, 1882. She was seventy-two years of age. Herschel Titfany, aged seven years, a son of Oscar Tiffany, was drowned in the Straight River on June 15, 1882. On the 23d of June, 1882, a sad accident occurred on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in Aurora Townsiiip. A stone culvert had been washed out, and the en- gine, tender and three cars containing stock, emigrant movables, baled hay and grain. were piled in a heap. Mr. Musser, the en- gineer, was instantly killed, having got his legs jammed between the engine and the tender, and Dr. Hawkins, of Blooming Prairie, was obliged to cut off his feet, be- tween the ankle and knee, before he could be taken out. Seventy head of cattle and forty hogs were killed. On the 1st of October, 1882, the county jail at Owatonna was broken open and four prisoners escaped. They were all (except one crazy man) in one cell, and succeeded in sawing or cutting a hole in the iron cage, througli which they crawled, and soon dug a hole through the brick wall and disap- ]>eared. They were all from Dodge County. Three of them were awaiting trial for hav- ing robbed a man on a train near Dodge Center, and, after robbing him, threw him out of a box car. Tlie names of the parties who escaped were David Collins, alias James Prescott, Thomas Barrett, Michael Smith and John Snyder. Byron C. Holmes died at his home in Owatonna Township, November 25, 1882, aged thirty-two years. He was a well-to-do farmer, respected by all. He left a wife and four cliildren. 1883. Henry Borchert died at Owatonna on January 3, 1883. He had for several years previous to his death been living on the Clark farm, in Aurora Township, where he had been chairman of the townshi}) board and had taken a prominent part in local matters. He was among the early settlers of the county, having settled here with his father in 1858. He was forty-four 3'ears old at the time of his death. David "Wells died at Owatonna on the same day, aged nearly fifty-five years. He was a man universally respected. Robert Crosby, one of the sut)stantial farm- ers of Meriden Townsiiip, died at his resi- dence on the 8th of February, aged seventy- hree years and ten months. He had been a HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 169 great sufferer for ten months previous to his death from a cancer to which he finally suc- cumbed. Philip Jacob lunker died on the 2d of March, of inflammation of the lungs. He was born February 9, 1833, in Eisighofen, District Nastetlen, Prussia. He came to America when nineteen years of age, and came to Minnesota from Wisconsin in May, 1867. At the time of his death he was the president of the Deerfield Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was univer- sally esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was buried with Masonic honors. A disastrou s storm s wept over Steele County on Saturday morning, July 21, 1883, the damage resulting from which was estimated at $20,000, although no lives were lost. The morning was sultry and very oppressive ; an easterly storm set in and everybody expected a rainy time. At about 11 o'clock the heav- ens north and west grew ominously dark, and shortly afterward the storm burst upon the city. Trees were bent almost double and broken off like pipe stems. The elevator and roundhouse on the C, M. & St. P. rail- road were partially unroofed. A. Simpson's wind flouring-niill was ground to kindling wood. A large new building, size 72x140, on the State Fair grounds, was flattened to the ground, and the grand amphitheater was blown down and broken up badly. The damage to the State fair grounds was fully $2,000; on Simpson's flouring-mill, about $6,000. The old Turtelott ice house was blown down and Potter's stock barn was unroofed. The north end of the Main street Methodist Episcopal Church was moved east four inches. Probably, two hundred chim- neys in various parts of the city were de- molished. The porches on the west side of the Nickerson House were badly Avrecked, and the roof of the upper one carried off. At Meriden Station the C4erman Methodist Episcopal Church was blown down, a part of the steam flouring-mill unroofed and the depot moved half a foot. The house and barn of "William Abbe were blown down, loss about $2,000. Frank Chambers' barn in Havana blew down, killing four of the five horses it contained. William Gowdie's new barn was blown down. The east end of George Chambers' barn was unroofed. Byron Holmes' barn, about three miles southeast of town, was demolished. T. H. Frazer's granary was destroyed. Levi Morehouse's barn was partially unroofed and Thomas Irving's barn blown down. Besides these were many smaller losses scattered over the north half of the county. But the most serious calamity was the effect of the storm upon the passenger train on the Winona & St. Peter Railroad, then due at Owatonna at ll:-48. Whilst nearing town at full speed, the coaches were caught in the clutches of the wind and whirled almost over and over. The baggage car turned a double somerset and landed right side up. The rear car was well filled with jiassengers and was hurled over and dashed against a stout wire post- fence. It is almost miraculous that none were killed, although quite a number sus- tained severe injuries. On the 30th of July, Frederick Punge, of Havana, was run over by his heavy lumber wagon, on which there was a load of lumber, and soon died from the effects of his in- juries. It appears that he had got off the load to fix something when the team made a sudden start, throwing him down, and the wheels passed over his body. People's Press, August 17, 1883: "Steele County never had better harvest weather than the past week afforded. The crops are remarkably fine and the farmers are jubilant." Mrs. Harriet Knowlton, wife of C. R. Knowlton, died of paralysis at their home in Lemond Township, September 1. She was fifty-seven years of age." On Sunday, the 8th of September, 1883, the house of Mrs. Smith, in Owatonna, was entered by burglars, and the inmates robbed of about $150 in cash and jewelry. No clues 170 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. The death of Cyrus J. Heynolds occurred on the 29th of September. He was born in " Madrid, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., March 15, 1830. He removetl to Minnesota in 1862 and from that time until his deatli he spent most of the time in Owatonna. He was widely and favorably known as a man of integrity and an upright citizen. G. G. Oppliger died at his residence in Owatonna on Wednesdaj% October 10. He was a man whom all respected, a careful business man, and his death was a loss to the community. On the 22d of September, 1883, the Bryant house, about three miles southwest of Owa- tonna, was destroyed, together with all its contents, by fire; insurance, $600. It was stated on good authority that the average j'ield of the southern half of Steele County in 1883 was : Wheat, sixteen bushels per acre; oats, fifty-five to sixty. "William Goudie, of Havana, died on the 20th of October. He was born in A^^rshire, Scotland, August 12, 1824. When seven- teen years old, he commenced his apprentice- ship at the carpenter and joiner trade. At twenty-two he married, and five years lat- er, in 1851, he removed to America, locat- ing at Waukesha, Wis., where he remained eight years, then removing to Vernon, in the same State. In 1861 he came to Minnesota, locating in the township where he died. William Jones, a highly respected resident of Havana Township, died on the 23d of October, 1883, of consumption. Matthew P. Hough died October 23, 1883. He was born in New York State in 1795, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was the father of B. S. Hough. The blacksmith shop and residence of F. A. Stebbins, at Meriden, were entirely de- stroyed by tire on the 23d of October. Loss, about $1,000 ; insurance, $550. Robert C. McClintock died at Owatonna on the Ith of November, 1883, aged fifty-six years. MAUKET REPORT, NOVEMBER 1, 1883. Wheat, No. 2 |0 80 Wheat, No. 3 75 Oats 35 to 30 Corn 50 to 65 Barley 50 Potatoes 20 to 35 Beans 2 50 Butter 30 Cheese 14 Eggs per doz 30 Hogs, dressed, per hundred 4 50 to 5 00 Hogs, live, per hundred 3 50 to 3 00 Wood, drj', soft, per cord 3 50 Wood, dry, hard, per cord 5 00 to 5 50 Wood, green, soft, per cord 3 50 Wood, green, hard, per cord 4 00 Cattle on foot, per hundred 2 50 to 3 00 Hay, per ton 5 00 Flour, straight, per hundred 3 00 Flour, patent, per hundred 3 50 Wool, unwashed 18 Wool, fleece washed 34 Wool, tub washed 37 A serious accident occurred early in De- cember, at Owatonna, by which Fred. L. Burdick nearh' lost his life. A runaway team was the cause. December 19 Charles Early's house, just north of Owatonna, was burned to the ground. A destructive fire occurred at Medford on the 20tli of December, 1883, destroying five stores and a doctor's office. The losses were as follows : Capt. Heath, building and pool table ; loss, $1,000 ; G. H. Butler, stock, loss, $550 ; insurance, $400 ; A. P. Bryant, drug store, loss, $800 ; insurance, $600 ; J. F. Curtis, drug store, loss, $1,500 ; insurance, $1,000; O. Lee's meat market, barber shop, doctor's office, store and hall, loss, $2,800 ; insurance, $1,350. John Bailey's loss was about $1,000 on store. This was the only fire that had occurred at IVIedford for over twent}'' years, except the burning of the flouring-mill. 1884. January 5, 1884, Dr. Morehouse's building at Owatonna, occupied by Bennett's butter depot, was destro^'ed by fire. Loss about $900. HISTORY OF STEELE COTJNTT. 171 On the 18th of the same month another fire occurred at Owatonna, which destroyed several buildings. The losses were as follows : P. Mallinger, saloon, residence, stock, etc., loss $2,000; insurance, $800. Ole Hanson, owner of what was known as the Thompson building, loss $1,000; insurance, $700; James Thompson, loss on stock $500 ; insurance, $1,100, loss on household goods, $100. Elisha Smith died of consuniption at Blooming Prairie, January, 25, 1884. He was born in Vermont in 1809. He settled in Bloomington, Minn., in May, 1855, and in 1870 settled at Blooming Prairie. John Warren died at Owatonna in Febru- ary, 1884:, of pneumonia. On Saturday, February IC, 1884, "William Davis died of cancer. He came to this coun- ty manj^ years ago and was one of the pio- neers in Meriden Township, where he had lived for some twenty-five years. In 1882 he sold the old homestead and moved into Lemond Township, where he died. Patrick Collins, another of the pioneers of Meriden Township, died February 5, 1884. Nathan Sage died at the residence of his son-in-law, Alanson Holmes, in the town of Meriden, February 23, 1884. Mr. Sage was born in New Berlin, Chenango County, N. Y., October 11, 1800. He had been a resident of Steele County for about ten years, at the time of his death, and was well and favorably known. A fatal accident occurred on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad on March 7, 1884, at Owatonna. A brakeman named Elmer Tooke fell under the wheels of a car he was coupling and was horribly mangled. His left leg and arm were so badly crushed that the bones were broken into short pieces. He was taken to the Nickerson House, where he died the following morning. He was twenty- three years old, and his relatives lived at Zumbrota, Minn. Ambrose Benjamin Tiffany died of old age at the residence of his son, Oscar Tiff- any, in Owatonna, March 31, 1884. He was born in Massachusetts, January 31, 1811. He moved with his parents to Cicero, N. Y., where he lived thirty-four years, removing to Wisconsin at an early day. He came from Wisconsin to Rice Lake, Minn., in 1855, where he kept hotel for a number of years and prospered. He was one of the first set- tlers there, and on his arrival found about three hundred Indians camped on its shore. April 2, 1884, burglars effected an entrance into the residence of P. Mallinger, at Owa- tonna, and stole $68 in money. Several other houses were broken into the same night. Thomas Foster died at his residence in Medford, on the 7th of April, 1884, aged sixty-eight years. He was one of the early settlers in that neighborhood, a good citizen and respected by all. J. H. McDaniels died on the 2d of April, 1884, at his home in Blooming Prairie Town- ship, of paralysis. He was about sixty years old. Dr. R. W. Middaugh died among his rela- tives at Waupun, Wis., May 9, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. He was well known in Steele County. On the 3d of June, the dwelling house of William Siewert, in Deerfield Township, was destroyed by fire. He had a light insurance upon the property. Napoleon Seai'l died at his residence in Owatonna, June 10, 1884. lie was born at Whitehall, N. Y., June 8, 1823, and lived in New York State until 1860, when he removed from Cattaraugus County, N. Y.,to Owatonna. He was burietl witli Oild Fel- lows' honors. August MoUenhauer died at his home in Somerset Township on the 21st of June, 1884, aged sixty-two years. On the 28th of July, 1884, (Manser's brew- ery at Owatonna was destroyed by fire. The loss was estimated at between $15,000 and $16,000 ; insurance, $7,000. SejJtember 3, 1884, Cornelius Hanson was killed by lightning while plowing in Lemond 172 BISTORT OF STEELE CODNTT. Township. The team was killed and the man's clothing was almost entirely burned off his back. Three stacks of grain which stood near by, were also struck and burned to the ground. On Friday night, September 12, 1881, at Owatonna, James Jacobs struck Policeman, John Blair with a club, from the effects of which he died the following day. Jacobs was tried, convicted and sentenced to four years in the penitentiary. (See chapter XL) Rev. T. Ware died at his residence in Owatonna on the 16th of September, 1881-, of inflammation of the lungs. He was fifty- eight years old, and had been a resident of Minnesota since 1861. Martin L. Blair died at his residence in Owatonna, October 9, 1884:. He was born in Massachusetts, February 11, 1801. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and Avas buried by them. Rev. N. Olson, pastor of the Norwegian Church in Owatonna, died October 15, 1881. He was seventy years of age. A fatal accident occurred on the 13th of November, 1881. Ciiris. Behne, of Aurora, was run over and fatally injured, dying fr-om the effects a few days later. It appears that Mr. Behne had been plowing and, having attached his team to the lumber wagon, started home for dinner, when his team, becoming frightened, ran away, throwing him off, and the wheels passed over his body with the above result. George Hart died at the residence of his son, William Hart, in Havana Township, on the 18th of December, 1884. He was eighty-seven years old. Mr. Hart was born in Queen's County, Ireland. He had been a resident of Steele County for almost eight- een years.. December 21, 1884, Gilljert II. Russell died at his home, in Lemond Township, after a painful illness. He was fiftj^ years of age. In November of this year, another pres- idential election occurred ; 2,328 votes were polled in Steele County, as foUows : James 6. Blaine, Republican, received 1,273 ; Grover Cleveland, Democrat, 1,006; J. P. St. John, Prohibition, 49. 1885. H. J. Robinson died at his home in Owa- tonna, January 4, aged forty -one years. He had lived in Lemond Township until about one year before his death. He was a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. In January, the cheese factory at Dodge City, Steele County, was destroyed by fire. On the 25th of the same month the farm- house of C. F. Ellis, in Aurora Township, was destroyed by fire Neils Ray and family, who occupied the house, narrowly escaped with their lives, and Mr. Ray was seriously burned. S. E. Preiser, of the firm of Oppliger & Preiser, died of typhoid fever at Owatonna, January 30. He was born in Germany, January 1, 1859; was liberally educated, a fine accountant, and a good business man. On the 11th of February, a fatal accident occurred at Owatonna. John Labare was caught by his left arm on a belt which was revolvine: on a horizontal shaft in the machine shop of Howe & Co., and received injuries from which he died in about one hour. George Parsons died in Clinton Township, February 14, 1885, aged seventy-nine 3'ears. He was one of the pioneers of the county. Samuel M. Ring died in Medford, Minn., February 18, 1885. He was born in Salis- bury, Mass., February 28, 1806. In 1831 he married Lois W. Pike, who with four sons and three daughters were alive at the time of his death- — one son and one daughter be- ing dead. About the year 1845, Mr. Ring removed with his family to Chelsea, Me., where he resided until 1856, when he came to ]\Iedford, and made a home upon the farm where he died. J. S. Hamblin, of Havana Township, died on the 11th of March, 1885, of heart disease. Mr. Hamblin was born in Addison County, Vt., and was sixty-eight years old at the time HISTORY OF STEELE CODNTT. 173 of his death. He had been a resident of Steele County for about seventeen years. On the 13th of May, 1885, a terrible calam- ity befell Henrj'- Lewison, who then lived one mile north of Aurora station. His house was burned down about midnight and the following children were burned to death : Hans, aged seventeen years ; Lewis, aged fifteen; Barbara, aged nine; Berent, aged seven, and Samuel, aged four. It appears that they were all sleeping up stairs, and hearing a noise and crackling of flames be- low, Mr. Lewison and wife, hired man and the boy aged ten years went down carrying the baby. Mrs. Lewison was burned on the face and hands, but not seriously. When they got down they found the kitchen part entirely burned down, and the stairs by which they escaped were immediately en- veloped in flames. Their household goods were all burned. There was no insurance on the property. On the 9th of June, 1885, Mrs. J. J. Guthrie, wife of the station agent at Auro- ra, gave birth to three living children — all girls. The first child weighed 7| pounds, the other two each li pounds respectively, their aggregate weight being 22f pounds. Prior to their birth Mrs. Guthrie weighed 155 pounds, after their birth 95 pounds. Lnmediately after the birth of the last child the mother went into a condition of pro- found colla])se, from the sudden removal of so great a bulk from the abdomen and con- sequent diminution in the blood pressure. This tendenc}^ to collapse continued for four- teen hours, and it was only by constant and continued attention that death was averted. At the present time these three little girls are all in a thriving condition. Their respect- ive names are Mary Kegina, Catherine Derina and Winnefred Lavina Guthrie. Dr. T. L. Hatch, of Owatonna, was the attend- ing physician. He also attended Mrs. Wenzel Boucker, at Blooming Prairie, on the 20th of October, 1878, when she gave birth to three boys, weigliing about three pounds apiece. On the 4th of July, 1885, three boys were drowned in the Straight River at Owatonna. The boys' names were : Milton Rhodes, adopted son of Lysander House ; Albert Lutgens, son of Henry Lutgens, of Meriden, and Edward Erickson. Early in Jul}', 1885, John Statler, a twelve-year-old son of Nicholas Statler, of Deerfield, was killed b}' lightning. R. A. Stoughton died of consumption at his home in Owatonna, September 19, 1885. His death was mourned by a large circle, and the community lost an upright and honoi'able citizen. On the 1st of October, 1885, an accident occurred about a mile northeast of Owa- tonna, by which John Larson lost his life. He fell from a wagon and received injuries from which he died. S. M. Hastings died of old age at the resi- dence of his daughter, Mrs. S. H. Stowers, on the 17th of October, 1885. He had been in feeble health for several years. John Fritze, of Havana Township, died on the 2oth of October, 1885, of heart dis- ease. He was sixty-seven years old, and the father of a large family. MARKET HEroRT, isio\t:eber 1, 1885. Wheat, per bushel $ 71 Oats, per bushel 20 Corn, per bushel 3.5 Barley, per bushel 30 to 40 Potatoes, per bushel 35 to 30 Beans, per bushel 1 00 to 1 25 Butter, per pound 15 Cheese, per pound 12^ Eggs, per doz 17 Hogs, dressed, per hundred 4 00 Hogs, live, per hundred 3 00 Wood, dry, soft, per cord 3 50 to 4 00 Wood, hard, oer cord 4 75 to 5 50 Wood, green, soft, per cord 3 50 to 4 00 Wood, green, hard, per cord 2 75 to 3 00 Cattle, on foot, per hundred 3 00 Hay, per ton 5 00 Flour, straight, per hundred 2 40 Flour, patent, per hundred 2 80 Sheep, per pound 03 to02K Wool, unwashed 12 to 15 Wool, tleece washed 18 to 18 Wool, tub washed 20 to 30 174 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Andrew Erdraann died at his home in Havana Township, on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1885, after an iUness extending over a period of two years. Mr. Erdmann was born at Strocewo, Posen, Prussia, May 12, 1837. He attended school from the age of six to fourteen ; was then a farm laborer for about four 3^ears, after which he came to Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1855. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted on the Union side, but was soon afterward discharged for failing health, and later came to Steele County. He was a member of the board of county com- missioners for several years. Natlian K. Hill died of heart disease at the residence of his son, J. H. Hill, in Ha- vana Townsliij), on the lOth of November, 1885. He was born in Westbrook, Conn., July 28, 1814, and came to Steele County in 1874. 1886. On Thursdaj', February 4, Mr. Joseph Waurin, of Merton, committed suicide by hanging himself. Mr. Waurin had been more or less troubled with dyspepsia for about eight years, and it is thought he took this means of ending his misery. He was a man in good circumstances and iiighly re- spected. Mrs. Mary A. Hill died February 12, 1886. Mrs. Hill was born in the State of New York, October 11, 1811. She was mar- ried in 1839 to Mr. Wm. Hill, wiio survives her. ,0n Thursday, July 8, 1886, a terrible acci- dent took place in Medford Township. It ap])ears that Mr. P. J. Webber was mowing grass, and his two little children followed him for awhile, but finally disappeared. Mr. Webber inferred that thej^ had gone home, but instead of that they were in tiie tall grass. Pie drove along, not knowing that they were in so close proximity, and as little Eva, a a four-year-old girl, stood in the way of the siclvle, both of her feet were cut off. In Lemond, Saturday, March 20, 1886, Mr. August Jerger died at his residence, aged sixty-three years. Mr. Jerger was a man highh^ respected bj' all. Died in Owatonna, on Sunday, August 29, 1886, Mr. J. B. Jensen, aged sixty years. He had formerly lived in Meriden Township. On Friday morning, September 3, 1886, Mrs. liuth Ann Partridge, aged about sixtj'- five years, died at the residence of her son- in-law, Mr. Kobert Lennon. Died of old age, at his home, in Meriden, on Friday, September 17, 1886, Hon. H. D. Lewis, aged eightj'-five years, six months and two days. Joseph Sawyer died of old age on Septem- ber 20, 1886, at tlie home of his son, J. A. Sawyer, in Owatonna, aged eighty-four years seven months and eighteen days. The de- ceased was born February 21, 1802, and at the time of his death was one of the oldest men in Steele County. He settled in Steele County early in the summer of 1856, and through all these years had held the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Dennis Dugan died in Owatonna, Friday, October 15,1886, of old age. Mr. Dugan was an old settler in Steele County, and at the time of his death was ninety years old. J. D. Holden, of Owatonna, died on Thurs- day, November IS, 1886. Mr. Hoklen was born in New Hampshire and was near fifty-eight years of age at the time of his death. lie came to Owatonna in 1859 and had always taken a prominent part in public matters. He was an estimable citizen and liis death was sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends. On December 26, 1886, Thomas Lee stabbed and severely wounded John Buttle- son in the thigh. His face was also badly cut. Lee was arrested. On Saturday, December 26, 1886, Mrs. Ellen Casidy, aged twenty-one j^ears, died at her residence in Summit Township. The Owatonna Packing House was built in 1886. /^^^-^it/ > HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 177 1887. Z. Henderson died at his home in Thojnas- town, Wadena County, Minn., January 12, 1887, aged seventy-three years, two months and nineteen days. The deceased was born in Massachusetts, October 24, 1883. During his younger days he Hved in the East, and a portion of the time in Ohio. He was mar- ried in March, 18il, to Miss Carohne Myr- rick. In 1863 he was a member of the lower branch of the Vth Legislature from Roch- ester, Minn. Later he moved to Steele County and lived there until 1877, when he moved to Wadena County, Minn. M. A. Fredenburg died on Tuesday, March 29, 1887, of malignant erysipelas, aged sixty years. He was born in Schoha- rie County, N. Y., in the year 1826, settled in Owatonna in 1874, and a few years later be- came maj^or of the city. Mr. Fredenburg was one of those quiet, self-possessed, irreproacha- ble men who always win the respect of all. A fatal accident occurred in Owatonna Tuesday evening, April 19, 1887. Mr. Kuchenbecker, of Meriden, in company with Reuben Grubich and Geo Karth, were starting home, and when between Soper's wheat warehouse and H. M. Hastings & Co.'s flouring-mill, the tongue dropped down, frightening the team, which ran away, upsetting the wagon. Reuben Gru- bick was killed; the others were seriously injured but net fatally. In June the corner-stone of the State school was laid at Owatonna, the ceremo- nies being attended by a large concourse of people, including many of the most promi- nent men of the State. Early in October the elevator of the Wi- nona Mill Company at Owatonna, together with a large amount of grain, was destroyed by fire. It was said to have been the largest elevator on the Northwestern Railroad west of Winona. CHAPTER XVII. THE CITY OF OWATONNA. N the banks of Straight River, a little over three miles north of the geographical center of Steele County, is located the city of Owatonna. Its location is among the most beautiful, and its sur- roundings among the most pleas- ant of any of Minnesota's mau}^ beautiful cities. Nature seeming- ly designed this spot for the site of a city, with the broad table-land adjoining the clear, sparkling stream, and bounded by the range of hills on each side. The change from the primitive to the developed state has been constant and rapid, as it has been but a third of a century since the idea of build- ing a city here was first conceived; but u it has been one continual change from the moment of its origin, until Owatonna of to- day stands forth, one of the brightest in the diadem of " Minnesota Cities." To those who have watched its progress from its earliest origin until the present time, the accom- plished results of bygone years seem like an Herculean task, and there is much that can- not fail to be of interest to those who have been connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year. Endowed with many natural advantages, aided by the strong arm of an enterprising husbandry, Steele County has assumed a position among the best and wealthier of her sister counties throughout the State; and 178 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Owatonna, as the first town within her boundaries, has kept jiace with the improve- ment and advancement of the country by which it is surrounded. The city is well laid out. There are many substantial brick blocks to be seen upon the business thoroughfares, and a stroll through the city discloses many handsome and costly dwellings. An abund- ance of shade trees adoi-n the streets, which in summer add greatly to the beauty of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, the inhabitants are an educated and intel- ligent class, and society is of the most refined and desirable character. No locality could present more favorable opportunities for the employment of capital in industrial or manufacturing enterprises. Situated at the junction of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and Chicago & Northwestern railways — two of the most important thoroughfares of the country — it is possessed of the most desirable shipping facilities. At the present writing the city has a pop- ulation of about 3,500. The name grew from an Indian word, " Wootcmna,^' signifying, straight. The latter name had already been applied to the river when the first settlement was made here, the river being given the English, and the city the Indian title, both, however, meaning the same. THE BEGINNING. The first settlement on the present site of the city of Owatonna was made by William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell in the summer of 1854. About the middle of May, of that year, William F. Pettit, George F. Pettit, A. B. Cornell and F. Wilbur Fisk left Spar- ta, Wis., for a visit to the far-famed prairies of Minnesota. George F. Pettit had been at Faribault some time previous, and made such a glowing report of the country that those who had families took them along, deter- mined to make their homes on the sunset side of the Mississippi. Seven wagon-loads of peo- ple, furniture, supplies, etc., set out, and were four weeks in reaching Faribault — a long journey, attended with toil, discomfort and fatigue, and one that none but strong brave hearts would undertake and success- fully accomplish. George F. Pettit settled at Faribault, F. W. Fisk on East Pi'airie, and William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell located on the present site of the city of Owatonna. Mr. Cornell made his claim on the east side of the river and Mr. Pettit on the west. Cornell built a somewhat prim- itive dwelling, which was constructed of poles covered with prairie grass, but it was sufficient to protect them from the storm and the scorching rays of the sun, and they were all contented to wait patiently till a more commodious house could be erected. This was the first residence and the first building erected within what is now the city limits. Mr. Cornell soon commenced putting up a log house, just north of where the bridge now stands, and had the logs raised ready to put up on the roof, when he sold his claim to Mr. Pettit, who had, in the meantime, disposed of his own on the west side of the river to a Mr. Crehore. Some time in August, Mr. Pettit had contracted with Mr. Cornell to build a house for him, similar to the one he was building for him- self, but when he purchased Cornell's claim the contract was annulled and another made that he could finish the one. already com- menced. We give the contract in full, as it is probably the first ever made in the coun- ty. It is as follows : "It is hereby agreed by and between W. F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell, that A. B. Cor- nell shall, previous to the twentieth day of October next, build for said Pettit a log dwelling house on the foundation said Pettit has already commenced ; saitl house to be 22 feet long and 18 feet wide ; puncheon floor below, two doors and five windows, shingled roof, logs hewn inside up to beams and mud- ded on the outside ; also, a cellar 14x18 feet, dug so as to be 6 feet from bottom to sleepei's ; said house to be one and a half HISTORY OF STEELE COTTNTT. 179 stories high and put up similar to said Cor- nell's, and the said Pettit is to furnish all nails, glass, sash putty and lumber for doors and the upper floor so as not to delay said job and to pay for said building $75. "W.F. Pettit, " A. B, COENELL." "August 3, 1854." These movements gave a material start to the growth of the embryo city. The first track made across the prairies is the pioneer of civilization, and the forerunner generally of a crowd of immigration, and this was no exception to the general rule. . Otliers fol- lowed the lead of Messrs. Pettit and Cornell and several houses were built that fall (1851). lion. G. "W. Green, of Beaver Dam, Wis., commenced the erection of a house which was raised on the 2d of October, all the set- tlers in the vicinity assisting. Interesting articles, Avritten by both Judge Green and A. B. Cornell, and giving a detailed account of the experiences of each will be found in Chapter XV. In the winter following, of 1854-5, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log cabin near where the railroad tracks are now located. These were dreary, lonesome days to the settlers ; far from friends, marts and posts of trade, with no one save themselves to com- mune with, their lives must, indeed, have been " hermit-like." Sometimes, too, a little fear of what the Indians might do, crept into their minds to disturb their tranquillity, j'et the Indians were at peace with the whites, and at that time considered them their best friends. But at times circumstances would occur to arouse the suspicions of the people to a high pitch. The following instance of this was related to the historian : The first year of the settlement (1854) all the provi- sions and supplies of all kinds were brought from St. Paul, and at one time Mr. Cornell went with his team to that town to bring a load of provisions, etc., and was absent about a week, leaving Mrs. Cornell with only her children and a boy to keep her company. During his absence a party of Indians, a hundred or more, encamped for a time near Mr. Cornell's shantj'. Yet they were very respectful and civil to the white lady, and did not venture into her house. One evening they gathered material and lighted huge bonfires a little back of the shanty, and commenced an Indian dance with all its wild accompani- ments of songs and shouts, making night hideous with their antics and bowlings. Just at this time Mr. Cornell, with his load reached the hill about two miles north of the town, and, as he gained the summit, he saw the flames of the fires, and the dusky red- skins dancing in the lurid glare of light. His wife and children ! Had they become victims to the savage thirst for blood ? The thought came crashing through his brain with the rapidity of lightning. He did not stop long to gaze, but, unhitching his team, he stripped the harness from the fleetest horse, and mounting him, rode at the top of his speed, resolved to know the worst and save his loved ones or perish with them. Eeaching the ford, his ej'es were made glad at seeing his wife on the opposite bank awaiting his return, who assured him that all were well and glad to see him return as safe as they were. Thankful that he was the only one victimized, Mr. Cornell returned and got his load of provisions. When spring opened, in 1855, the settle- ment continued rapidly. During the spring and early summer the following named all came, many accompanied by their families : Addison Phelps, Nelson Morehouse, B. L. Arnold, Joel Wilson, Dexter Carlton, Parker Carlton, Alson Selleck, IST. Winship, John Wilcox, two Schimeks, David Lindersmith, Leonard and Simeon Case, Bazil Meek, Obed Gaines, Miner Prisby, Adolphus Town, Philo Sanford, Charles Ellison, John H. and Ezra Abbott, C. G. Hayes, John Moon and Mr. Ward. Possibly there were a few others. All of these parties settled within a radius of a mile or two of the present center of the city. Many at once erected cabins, while ISO HISTORY OP STEELE COUNTY. others selected claims and returned for their families. The only sign of business here w-as at the residence of A. B. Cornell, where the traveling public was fed and lodged. Early in May of this year (1855) Smith & Park began keeping a few groceries and pro- visions at their cabin near the present railway depots. About the first of July, N. Winship commenced hauling logs for his hotel. They iiKjved into it on the -tth of August, and it was opened for the accommodation of the traveling public. Tliis was the first hotel erected here, and, in fact, was the first build- ing upon what was tiien the village plat. In later years, however, the plat has extended so as to take in the site of Cornell's first cabin. In September, 1855, John Sweat put up a little cabin and opened a blacksmitli shop near where Deeg's wagon shop now stands. Later he sold to Joel Wilson, and left. In October, 1855, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log house just north of the Win- ship House, on Oak street, and filled it with a stock of goods which proved of great con- venience to the pioneers. Quite a number of young men came this year, who only re- mained a short time. In the summer of 1855 Mr. Pettit sold his claim to John 11. Abbott, and soon afterward bought an undivided half of Mr. Cornell's claim lying immediately south of the one just sold. All hands at once went to work to buikl up a first-class town. Koads and bridges, for the purpose of communication with other sections of the country, were the first things to be attended to, and with will- ino- hearts and stout hands they went to work and opened up the roads, bridged the sluices and water courses, and soon had the satisfaction of knowing that at least an important thoroughfare was opened through their town. Mr. Cornell, with true western energy and perseverance, built a bridge across the Straight Rivei- and travel was seemingly nearly constant. Not unfre- quently were there from twenty to tliirty or forty emigrant teams in the streets at the same time. Business flourished. Every set- tler whose house was large enough to accom- modate more than his own family had aU the spare room occupied with strangers and those seeking homes. Cornell, also, made several extended trips in advertising this local- ity. A village was platted, streets and lots marked out and speculation in city property was very active. In the autumn of 1855 the county was organized and Owatonna was made the county-seat. A postoifice was opened this fall ; mail routes were estab- lislied and stages were shortly afterward put on. In September Mr. Cornell and John H. Abbott laid out the town site, comprising about 120 acres — about sixt}' acres on each of their claims. In November they went to Winona and preempted the land, and on the 26tii of December, 1855, filed the town plats in tlie office of Charles Ellison, register of deeds. A very I'espectable log schoolhouse was also built this fall, thougii the first school had already been taught. The old log schoolhouse performed a somewhat im- portant ])art in the early history of the place. Schools were held in it during all school terms ; each of the denominations used it in turn as a house of worship. All the political meetings and elections were held there ; singing schools, lyceums and prayer-meetings occupied the evenings, so that it was kept in almost constant use until it was removed and torn down. The town projjrietoi's donated about fort}' lots to tliose who would erect substantial and useful build- ings. During this summer (1855). Mr. Pettit l)ui]t the first frame house in the county, on the hill in the eastern part of the city. He was obliged to haul part of the i)ine lumber from Bed Wing, with which to complete the house, which cost $107 per thousand, and the roof boards, procured at Faribault, cost $60 per thousand. Such were the disadvantages under which the pioneers had to labor. With 1856 came renewed activity in a busi- ness waj' as well as in emigi-ation, and the little settlement on Straight River increased HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 181 rapidly. The winter had been a severe one, but had not depressed the spirits of the col- onists. In April of this year Messrs. Pettit, Abbott and Cornell bought of Park & Smith five hundred acres of land lying on the north side of the town for $8,000. This was after- ward known as the " Five Hundred Acre Tract." Early this year B. L. Arnold put up the Eureka House, the first frame hotel erected in the county. Philo Sanford during the same summer and fall put up what was then called the American House — now the Central. Elder Town, who had bought out Smith & Park, erected a small building on Bridge street — nearly opposite Hunnewill's hardware store — and moved his goods into it. Nathaniel "Winship built an addition to his hotel. John Dingman came and put up a building near where Rosebrock's furniture store is now located, and J. W. Morford, who arrived at about the same time, opened a stock of goods in it. A hardware stock was established by a couple of young men who, after a few weeks, sold to E. Y. Ilunnewill. Business took long strides forward. In July of this year J. W. Morford and John Odell opened a store on Bridge street, and some- what later in the season Dr. Harsha and Judge Donaldson a drug and general provi- sion store. Potwin & Stoughton — A. N. Stoughton and Geo. Potwin — opened busi- ness on Main street, in a building which stood where the jail now is located. J. B. Crooker came this year and a few years later opened a general store. Among those who came were M. A. Dailey, H. M. Sheetz, Willard Wheaton, Harvej'' Beardsley, Joseph Web- ster, James Moore, George Oulton, Eev. II. Chapin, D. Potwin, the Odells and others. During this year (1856) Town & Buroh (Loren Town and J. W. Burch) were engaged in the general merchandise trade. In the following year Mr. Burch sold his intei'est to A. Town, who afterwai'd secured the whole business and finally closed out the stock. In the spring of the same year (1856) Ezra Abbott, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith brought a steam sawmill from Walcott, where it had been in operation for a year or so, and this was set up just north of the bridge on the east side of the river. Building operations were greatly accelerated. The common lum- ber for most of the new buildings was manu- factured by it. This mill was in operation here for about three years, Mr. Abbott in the meantime having purchased his partners' in- terests, and it was then sold and removed to Faribault. In the fall of 1856 Nelson Morehouse erected a building and put a sawmill into operation on the water-power on the west side of the river. He operated this for a munber of years, and it was finally remodeled into a flouring-mill. A live western news- paper was established in 1856 that did much toward making known to the outside world Steele County's advantages. During the same summer Melbourne Burr opened a cab- inet shop in a building near where the Epis- copal Church is now located. In 1857 the growth was not so rapid as it had been the preceding year ; consideralile railway agitation was had, although not more than had been the case in 1856. Dur- ing this year (1S57) G. W. True and Mr. Potwin brought a sawmill here from Mount Vernon, Ohio, a bonus being raised to secure it. The mill came in the name of True, although Pettit and Abbott were interested in it. It was set up just west of the Win- ship House. Machinery for a gristmill was also brought here, although this was never set up. The sawmill was run for several years and it was finally removed to Morris- town. In 1857, the first millinery store was started by Mrs. Lambert, in a building where the Brooks bakery is now located. Mrs. Magoon also started a millinery estab- lishment at an early day. N. Squires established a meat-market this year. William Wadsworth started a jewelry store on Main street where the jail is now located. The Sherwood brothers opened a 182 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. saloon. Mr. Coburn started a general store, trusted the railway contractors and it soon ended in bankruptcy'. In 1858 and 1859 the financial depression which had commenced with 1857 was se- verely felt here. Business development was at a standstill. Money was very close ; pa- per money was almost worthless and every- one demanded gold or silver. The bank issue, based upon railway securities, also hurt this country sadly, and it is a trutli- ful saying that a hatfull of $100 bills of such currency would scarcely buy a meal of victuals. J. B. Crooker established a general store in 1859 and among other business interests which in early days clustered here should be mentioned : Tlie tailor shop started b}' Dresser & Goodwin in a building nearly opposite Hunnewill's hardware store ; the general store started at an early day by Bascom Bros, in a building near where Greeley's pump factory is now located. The same state of affairs, financially, con- tinued through 1860 and 1861, while in the latter year, the breaking out of the war made matters still worse. A great many of the able-bodied young and middle-aged men left during " '61 " and went into the service. In 1862 business began to pick up a little. The Indian massacre drove many from their homes west of here, and Owatonna, being upon a main thoroughfare and the first feas- ible stopping point, again became a scene of activit}'. The soldiers going through, and the fleeing settlers, besides the fact that the soldiers in the army began to receive their pa}' at about this time, made money matters easier, and its effect was soon felt in the channels of business. From 1863 to 1867 the city grew rapidly, and many substantial improvements were made. Two lines of railway reached the city in 1866, as is detailed elsewhere in this volume, and this added new life to the growth, although, to a great extent, the im- ]ietus to business development given by rail- way connections had been anticipated,and the growth caused by it really began in tlie sum- mer of 1 865. From that time until 1S67-S many fine business buildings were erected, among them being Dresser's block, Kinyon's build- ing, Kelly block, Abbott block, Wadworth's building, Crooker's (now H. R. Moore's) res- idence ; Crooker, Kelly, Bixby and Dr. Morehouse erected the row of bricks on the south side of Bridge street. Dr. Harsha the First National Bank building, Odell & Pott's building, "Wadworth put up a brick build- ing, Ilunnewill a hardware store, and Soule erected the north sixty feet of the H. R. Moore & Co. block. The Arnold and Park hotels, Howe's foundry and machine shops, and other buildings erected and enterprises inaugurated. The business boom of these years was al- most without parallel in the history of Min- nesota. The population of the city more than doubled, increasing from a village of six or seven hundred to a city of two thou- sand durmg the years 1866 and 1867. Since that time the growth has been more gradual, but of a permanent and beneficial character. At the present writing the city has a population of at least 3,500. BUSINESS MEN IN 1868. As a matter worthy of preservation we here present a full business directory of Owatonna in 1868 : Attorneys — Amos Coggswell, A. A. Har- wood, Searles & Hickman, Delos Higbee, Kinyon & "Wheelock, M. A. Dailey, J. J. Aiken, N. M. Donaldson (judge). Agricultural Implements — Lowth, Howe & Co., Allen & Dearborn, Fisk & Medal, G. W. Payne, J. E. Buxton, "Wm. Scruby. Boots and Shoes — Chase Bros., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Morford, Willsey & Co., G. F. Albertus, J. Lonergan, Frank Yaneck, J. E. Griggs. Books and Stationery — C. E. Seaton. Bankers — Easton & Kinyon, S. Mills, Jr., &Co. HISTOBT OF STEELE COUNTY. 183 Barbers — Jerry Pope, J. A. Pierce, Louis Teabean. Bakeries — Mrs. J. G. Cochran, George Chapman, M. J. "White. Blaclcsmiths — F. H. Cooper, M. S. Quig- gle, P. Scliuster, C. Hanson, Hiram Cart- wright, Sherman, King. Brewery — Mace & Co. Clothing — J. G. A. Denerline, Friend & JSTewsalt, G. F. Albertus, Soule Bros., Arm- strong & Cottrell, J. E. Griggs, Marble & Co., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros. Cooper Shop — Peter Hanson. Dry Goods — Lord Bros. & Co.. Cooper Bros., Arnston & Connell, Morford, Will- sey & Co., Armstrong & Cottrell, Siebold & Hortsman, Soule Bros., L. Andrews, G. F. Albertus, Jo. "Wilson. Dentists — G. H. Cole, Miss Kellogg. Drugs — Harsha & Donaldson, L. Bixby, Bennett & Hubbard. Eating Houses — Eailroad Eating House, C. F. McNamara, Mitchell Bros., Hiram Cartwright, Mrs. Cochrane, W. C. Bosworth, George Chapman, M. Lont. Earthenware Factory — C. C. Cornell. Express OflBces — Merchants' Union and American. Furniture — J. F. Hanna, H. & J. Hickox, Chas. Schoen. Flour and Feed Stores — Farmer Brothers, KeUy & Tyler, Marble & Co., J. P. Eequa, T. J. Clark, Arntson & Connelly, Newton & Gross. Foundry and Machine Shops — Lowth, Howe & Co. Groceries — Kelly & Tyler, S. S. Eussell, Soule Brothers, G. F. Albertus, Joos & Boll, L. Andrews, Siebold & Hortsman, Morford, Willsey & Co., Armstrong & Cottrell, Arn- ston & Connelly, Cooper Bros., T. J. Clark, "William Cleator, J. Chambers, H. Cart- wright. Hardware — Cottrell & Hunkins, J. E. Bux- ton, Thomas & White, E. Y. Hunnewill. Harness Shops — O. M. Hammond, O. A. Albee, A. Bm-ch. Hotels — "Winship House, Barker's Ex- change, National Hotel, American House, Arnold House, Scandinavian Hotel, Steele Center House, Tilden House, Owatonna House. Hoopskirt Factory — "W. Holt. Jewelry — Ezra Abbott, J. F. Young, J. Hough. Lumber Dealers — Crocker Bros. & Lam- areaux, S. B. "Washburn, Backus Bros., Ster- ling & Searles, Dean & Co. Livery Stables — Twiss & Christie, C. W. Hastings. MiUinery — Mrs. L. H. Kelly, Mrs. Magoon, Mrs. White, Mrs. W. Holt, Mrs. M. J. Myrick. Meat Markets — J. A. Oppliger & Co., Kowietz & Eiedon, Truax & Savage. Physicians and Surgeons — E. M. More- house, L. H. Kelly, Dr. Blood, L. L. Bennett, D. Bodle, D. S. Harsha, J. G. Gilchrist and W. A. Ware. Photographers — G. W. Chesley, Mrs. J. P. Briggs, A. F. Simons. Painters — Hall, Beors & Co. Planing-mill — Lamonte Gilbert. Eeal Estate Dealers — W. H. Kelley, B. F. Melvin, John H. Abbott, Ezra Abbott, Searles & Hickman, Kinyon & Wheelock. Tailors — John Cottier, J. G. A. Dener- line, Christopher Fahriess, D. B. Marble & Co. Telegraph Offices^ A. H. Lee, operator at C, M. & St. P. depot ; G. H. Merrill, at W. & St. P. depot. Wagon Shops — P. Schuster, Sherman & Brown, Brown, Kint BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. Owatonna's history in a mercantile point of view began in the spring of 1855, when Smith & Park opened their little stock of general goods in their log cabin, which had been erected for a residence. In the fall of the same year they put up a log cabin on the corner of Oak and Main streets, north of the Winship House, and moved their store into 184 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. this. The stock was very small but was all that the trade demanded in those daj^s. The firm remained in business about a year when they sold to Elder Adolphus Town. Mr. Town conducted the business in the same building for a time and then erected a building on Bridge street, near where Gree- ley's pump factory now stands. He con- tinued the business for a time, when it passed into the hands of J. W. Burch and L. B. Town. Later Elder Town again became proprietor and finally closed out the stock. In 1856 J. W. Morford and John Odell started a store, stocking it with a full line of groceries, boots and shoes. In 1858 Mr. Morford bought out Mr. Odell's interest and ran the business himself until the spring of 1859, when W. H. Willsey bought in. Im- mediately' after this they added dry goods and notions, making it a general store. This firm remained in business thirteen years. Mr. Morford then bought out Mr. Willsey's interest and ran the store with the same line for some time, but finally made it an exclu- sive boot and shoe store. In 1883 he closed out part of this stock and removed the bal- ance to Watertown, Dak. There, it is stated, he traded it for a farm. It a]ipears that the first hardware store was started in 1856, by two young men whose names have been forgotten. The building occupied was about 16x24 feet in size, and is stiU on the ground where it was built. The young men remained in business about four weeks, when the}' sold stock and building to Hunnewill & A.rmstrong — E. Y. Hunnewill and William Armstrong. These gentlemen remained in business together for about five years, when they divided their stock, each taking half. Mr. Hunnewill remained at the old stand for about eighteen j-ears ; during this time, however, he made several addi- tions to the building, as the trade demanded, and then put up the brick which he now occupies. William Armstrong erected a building on Main street and remained in business about four years, then sold to George CottreU, who was succeeded bj' Hunkins & Cottrell, the latter being a brother of George. They were succeeded by Searles & Dynes ; later Mr. Dynes sold to his part- ner. Mr. Searles remained in business until his death, May 24, 1885, which was the re- sult of an accident. While handling barbed wire a large roU fell upon him, inflicting fatal injuries. Parrot & Smith succeeded D. O. Searles after his death and are the present proprietors. In 1866 G. F. White started a hardware store, but only remained in business about two years, when he closed out his stock and went to California. The next was started by A. Knobloch and N. C. Larson in 1874. The same year they erected the building now occupied by Mr. Knobloch. In 1878 they divided their stock, Mr. Knob- loch remaining in the building, where his store is still located. Mr. Larson then bought the building he now occupies, and is still in trade. In March. 1879, Thon Brothers came here from Chicago and put in a full line of hardware in building near Julius Young's jewelry store, and are still in business. The building now occupied by Crandall & Nelson as a hardware store was built by W. H. Kelley in 1880. Shortly after this Mr. Crandall purchased it. P. Bliss then occu- pied it as a book store and the postoffice was also in same building until April, 1884. Mr. Bliss remained until Se])tember of the same year. Immediately after Mr. Bliss vacated the building Crandall & Nelson moved their stock of hardware into it from the building just north of Mork's boot and shoe store, where they had been doing business for about two years. The first drug store in Owatonna was started by Dr. D. S. Harsha and Judge Don- aldson in 1856. The store was stocked with a full line of drugs and was called the " Steele County drug store." In 1866 Dr. Harsha erected the brick building now occupied by the First National Bank, and into this moved the stock of drugs. Mr. Harsha remained in the drus: business until his death, which HISTORY OF STKELE COUNTY. 185 occurred in 1880, after which the entire stock was closed out. During this time Edward Donaldson was also a partner a portion of the time. In 1856 Melbourne Burr started a furni- ture store in a building near where the jail now stands. lie remained in business a number of years, when he sold to J. F. Hanna. He remained in business until about 1870, then closed out his stock, and began farming. James Hickox in 1865 also started a furniture store occupying a building on North Cedar street. In 1871-2 he partly closed out his stock, and removed the balance to Eochester. The next was started by Charles Schoen in about 1866, on the corner of Bridge and Oak streets. He sold his stock to F. Kruschke, who con- tinued in business until 1870, when he sold to H. M. Brown. In 1877 Mr. Brown sold to Albert Hafeman who is still in busi- ness. In 1869 H. H. Rosebrock opened a stock of furniture in a building near where Julius Young's jewelry store now stands. He remained in this building about two and one-half years, when he purchased of J. W. Morford the building which he now occupies. S. B. Hunkins in about 1873 opened a line of furniture in the second story of the building occupied by H. R. Moore, Jr., & Co. One year later he closed out his stock to H. M. Brown and H. H. Rosebrock. A furni- ture store was started by P. S. Westburg in 1874. In 1876 he sold to Ole Ecker who, in 1877, sold to J. A. Cansdell. About one year later, Cansdell sold to Mr. Nickerson. D. C. Adams afterward purchased the stock and remained in business until 1882, when he sold to Fuller & Green. Fuller afterward bought Green's interest and in a short time sold it to Mr. Graraps. Fuller & Gramps remained in business until the winter of 1886-7, when they failed. In 1879 S. Deutsch- mann started a second-hand furniture store and remained in this line about two years, when a new and complete stock was put in. These changes in this line of trade leave the furniture business at this writing in the hands of H. H. Rosebrock, A. A. Hafe- man and S. Deutsclimann. In 1860 a book store was started by Will- iam Seaton. He had run it but a short time when D. D. F. Brown bought an interest. Later Mr. Farmer purchased Seaton's inter- est and Mr. Spelman afterward bought out Mr. Brown's, leaving the firm Spelman & Farmer. In 1877 Mr. Farmer sold to P. Bliss, and the firm of Spelman & Bliss re- mained in business together until 1884, when Philo Bliss bought Mr. Spelman's interest and continued until tlie summer of 1887, when the stock was purchased by Anson M. Kinyon, who still conducts the business. The first jewelry store was started by William Wadworth. In about the year 1864 another was established by Burr & McClure (Richard Burr and Henry McClure). The building occupied was near the present postoffice building on Bridge street. These gentlemen remained in business together until 1866, when they dissolved partnership, Mr. McClure remaining in trade. Shortly after this Mr. McClure moved his stock of goods into a building on the corner of Cen- tral and Broadway, where he remained in business until his death, which occurred in October, 1866. Ezra Abbott then bought the stock and in a short time took in a jjart- ner, Mr. Richmond. Two years later Mi'. Richmond retired from business, and the firm became Abbott & Son. Later they sold to Henry Birkett, the jiresent proprietor. A few years later Mr. Abbott's son, Ed- mund Abbott, again started in the jewelry trade and remained in business until 1885, when he removed his stock to Minneapolis. In 1867 Julius Young started a jewelry store in a building where now stands the Farmers' National Bank. At this time he had but very little, if any, stock, simply doing repairing. He remained in this build- ing about six months, then moved into J. Newsalt's clothing store under the Opera 186 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. House. Here he put in a small line of jewelry. In ISfiS he moved his stock into a 5Vooden building on Bridge street and en- larged his stock, remaining there about one year, when he bought a one-story brick, which stood on the site of his present build- ing. Shortly after purchasing this he en- larged it and arranged a fine store. In 1878 this building burned with all of the fur- niture. A short time before the fire Mr. Young had let a $2,000 policy run out. The insurance he held was for $5,000 ; loss $11,000, leaving amount not covered by insurance, $6,000. Shortly after the fire Mr. Young began the large brick which he now occupies, completing it in the fall of 1878. In 1876 C. F. Warner established a jewelry store. He is still in business, carrying a large line of jewehy and sportsmen's goods. It is stated that the first exclusive boot and shoe store was started by Chase Bros. & Co. in 1866. This firm remained in business until 1869. R. H. Johnson bought them out and remained in business until the spring of 1873, then closed out the entire stock, and is now city marshal. The next was started by Gottfried Doufner in 1869. In 188-t he sold to Mr. Butsch, who is still in business. In 1868 Wm. Mork came to Owatonna from Chicago and worked for Chase Bros. & Co. and li. H. Johnson until 1872, when he estab- lished a boot and shoe store, occupying a building which stood on the site of his present store. The structure he now occupies was erected in 1880. In 1876 Weber & Son came here from Sauk Center and started a boot and shoe business. They occuj)ied the Hig- bie building until 1879, when the}^ erected the two-story brick which they now occupy. BANKING. The first banlc in Owatonna was estab- lished on the 1st of January, 1859, by a man who came here from St. Paul, whose name has been forgotten. It was opened in M. A, Dailey's office, a building which stood where Kelly's store is now located. It was estab- lished for the purpose of issuing a currency based upon the railroad bonds. After a few months the railway securities becoming more and more worthless, the banker packed up his few "traps'" and left. He had brought a little iron safe here, the first brought into the county, and upon his leaving Dailey kept it for office rent. W. R. Kinyon afterward jjurchased and moved it into a little building just west of where the First National Bank now stands. The safe was afterward removed to Waseca, when Mr. Kinyon established a bank at that place, where it was blown open and robbed of $3,000. During the year 1866 another bank was established by J. C. Easton and W. R. Kin- yon. Even before that time Mr. Kinyon had been doing a light banking business, but in that year the partnership was formed, and June 1, they opened their books for regular banking business. During the same summer they completed the brick building just west of the First National Bank, which is now used for a milliner^^ store, and in this build- ing the firm of Easton ifc Kinyon continued business for about five years, when they or- ganized the First National Bank with a caj)- ital stock of $50,000. The stockholders at that time were W. R. Kinyon, J. C. Easton, J. W. Morford, E. Y. Ilunnewill, Otis Lord and Lewis Lord. In 1874 the capital stock was increased to $75,000, and in 1876 reduced to $60,000, the present capital. The present stockholders are W. R. Kinyon, J. C. Easton, E. Y. Ilunnewill, Otis Lord, Lewis Lord, G. F. Albertus, C. J. Kinyon, Geo. R. Kinyon, R. H. Chapin, II. M. Hastings, Mrs. A. L. Higbie, Mrs. James Cooper, Mrs. N. M. Don- aldson and daughters, Mrs. M. S. Ilarsha and W. H. Kelly. The present officers are as follows : W. R. Kinyon, president ; C. J. Kinyon, vice-president; Geo. R. Kinyon, cashier ; directors, W. R. Kinyon, E. Y. Ilunnewill, Otis Lord, G. F. Albertus, Lewis Lord, W. H. Kelly and C. J. Kinyon. The building now occupied by the bank was re- fitted and occupied b}^ the bank in 1882. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 187 Hon. William Eiley Kinyon, president of the First National bank, is a son of Samuel and Dolly (Wheelock) Kinyon, dating his birth at Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y., on the 3d of February, 1833. He comes from an early Rhode Island family. His grand- father, Joshua Kinyon, was in the War of 1812-15. The Wheelocks are traced back to Vermont; hence, his ancestors on both sides are New Englanders. Samuel Kinyon was a farmer, d\'ing when William was sev- enteen years old. The latter had to work hard in his youth, being part of the time in a dairy. He had a strong thirst for knowl- edge, and gave to books every hour of time at his command. He supplemented a few terms at the Union Academy, Belleville, with much hard study in private, with almost every conceivable disadvantage, and yet, at the age of twenty-one (1854), entered the junior class of Union College, Schenec- tady, N. y., graduating in course and deliv- ering the valedictory of the Adelphic society. The two winters before entering college, and the winter before graduating, he taught school, following the college curriculum all the time and keeping up with his class. Soon after closing his studies, Mr. Kinyon came as far west as Juneau, Wis., where he taught a graded school one year, and subse- quently spent seven or eight months in the office of the clerk of the court, reading law all the time he was at Juneau. He was there admitted to the bar in the spring of 1858; came thence directly to Owatonna; was here admitted to practice and continued it until 1870. In 1866, in company with Jason C. Easton, he opened a private bank, which has since become the First National Bank, as stated. He was a member of the House of Minnesota Eepresentatives in 1868 ; chief clerk of the House in 1869 and 1870, and again member and also speaker in 1875 and 1876, the XVIIth and XVIIIth leg- islatures. Mr. Kinyon was originally a Doug- las Democrat, voting for the Little Giant in 1860, and the Republican ticket since the old flag was dishonored by rebel hands at Fort Sumter. He is an active worker in Masonic circles, being member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. Mrs. Kinyon was Miss Mettie Gillett, of Juneau, Wis., a native of Wayne County, N. Y., their union taking place on the 31st of December, 1857. They have one son, George R., mentioned elsewhere. The family attend the Congre- gational Church, of which Mr. Kinyon is a liberal supporter. The life and character of Mr. Kinyon need no eulogy from the pen of a biographer. His career has ever been free from disreputable methods. His name has been prominent in the affairs of his county and State for nearly a quarter of a century, yet has passed through the gauntlet of political strife without a stain. Charles J. Kinyon, vice-president of the First National Bank, was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y., in 18'48. His early life was spent on a farm. When twenty-one years of age he entered Hungerf ord Collegiate Institute, at Adams, N. Y., and graduated from the business department. He came west in 1871, and in the fall of 1872 he en- tered the First National Bank as clerk, and in 1875 was made cashier. He acted in that capacity until 1883, when he was made vice- president. Mr. Kinyon was married in Sep- tember, 187-1, to Miss Charlotte E. Ward well, a native of New York State. Fayette C, Ward W. and Edna A. are the names of their children. Mr. Kinyon was city treas- urer from 1883 to 1886. George R. Kinyon, cashier of the First National Bank, was born in Owatonna, Minn., May 31, 1861, his parents being W. R. and Mettie G. Kinyon. George R.'s earlier edu- cation was obtained in the common schools of the city, and when the Minnesota Academy was opened he entered that institution, and was a member of the first class, graduating in June, 1880. The same spring he was ap- pointed teller of the First National Bank, in 1881 assistant cashier, and in 1882 cashier, which position he now holds. He was mar- 188 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ried April 24, 1883, to Miss Alice Hall, of Owatonna. is. Mills, Jr., & Co. also established a bank in 1866. They opened in a little wooden building which stood where A. M. Kinyon's book store is now located, and the same fall tliey moved into the south end of H. E. Moore & Co.'s store building. A year or so later they removed to the building now oc- cupied by the Fai-mers' National Bank. S. Mills, Jr., & Co. remained in business until 1871 or 1872, when they failed. Soon after the failure of S. Mills, Jr., & Co., the building occupied by them passed under the control of the Farmers' National Bank, and was partially rebuilt in 1872. In 1873 the Farmers' National Bank commenced business, with capital stock, $50,000. The stockholders were: W. H. Burdick, A. C. Hickman, C. W. Plastings, W. H. Sherman, A. C. Gutterson, E. H. S. Dart, Hiram Backus, A. C. Dodge, W. H. Willsey, J. G. A. Denerline, A. L. Higbie, D. Higbie, T. B. Lawrence, J. C. Backus, L. L. Bennett and Amos Coggswell. In 1878 their capital stock was increased to .$60,000, and in 1881 to $75,000. The present stockholders are : A. B. Wood, J. B. Soper, L. L. Bennett, J. C. Backus, W. 11. Willsey, D. Freeman, M. W. Cooper, A. Backus, C. F. Backus, P. Bald- win, A. C. Gutterson, E. H. S. Dart, Neil Graham, D. Higbie, A. L. Higbie, E. C. Holden, Jesse Healey, D. D. Fenno, W. H. Kelly, T. B. Lawrence, Lillian M. Harlow, F. L. Murray, H. Birkett, Sarah II. Abbott, A. C. Searl, N. P. Jefferson, S. McNitt, O. Lindersmith and T. R. Medd. The present officers are : L. L. Bennett, president ; W. H. Willsey, vice-president ; A. C. Gutterson, cashier; C. F. Backus, assistant cashier. The present directors are : L. L. Bennett, W. H. Willsey, W. H. Kelly, Neil Graham, C. F. Backus, J. C. Backus and D. Higbie. Leonard L. Bennett, M. D., president of the Farmers' National Bank, was born in Will County, 111., in 1839. He received his earl}' education at Wauconda, 111., taking an academic course. He then studied medicine with his brother at Richmond, 111., and grad- uated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1862. In 1861 he came to Owatonna and pursued the practice of his profession. Later he became connected with the Farmers' Na- tional Bank, of which he is president, and retired from the practice of medicine. On the 21th of May, 1864, he was married to Miss Arabella F. Brown, a native of New York State. Carl K. and Guy B. are the names of their children. Dr. Bennett is a Mason ; a prominent member of the Univer- salist Church. He has taken an active part toward building up city and county; is a man of the strictest integrity ; liberal, enter- prising, and widely and favorably known. He has been county commissioner, besides holding various other offices of importance. A biographical sketch of W. H. Willsey, the vice-president of the bank, appears else- where. Prof. A. C. Gutterson, cashier of the Farmers' National Bank, was born in Wind- sor County, Vt., March 10, 1830. He re- mained at home until about twenty-one years of age when he began life for himself. He had received thorough schooling in music, and that was his first avocation. Two years later he engaged in the general mercantile trade, following that for three or four years. In 1858 he came west and located at Mazo Manie, Wis. Eighteen months later he returned to his native town, and remained there two years, after which he again came west to Wisconsin, locating in Black Earth. In 1866 he came to Owatonna, and for about five years was a member of the firm of Lord Bros. & Co., after which, for several years, he followed his profession, music. In 1873 he became connected with the Farmers' National Bank, of which he is cashier. In 1873 he organized the Beethoven Musical Association at Owatonna, and in 1883 the orchestra, being director in each. Both of these organizations are a credit to the city, being well drilled, and composed of compe- HISTORY OF STEELE COCNTY. 189 tent musicians ; they handle the very best grades of music. As will be seen from read- ing the cliapter relating to Pillsbury Acad- emy, Mr. Gutterson has for years held the professoi'ship of music in that institution. Prof. Gutterson was married in February, 1855, to Miss Nancy Stickney. MANUFACTUEING INDUSTEIES. Manufacturing industries are the most important of Owatonna's business interests. The following is a list of the principal man- ufactories now in operation : Hastings, Will- se\' &Edson, flouring-mill ; A. Simpson, flour- ing-mill ; McLaughlin, Sheldon & Co., manu- facturei's Diamond Feedmill ; T. J. Howe & Co., and C. W. Burdic, foundry and machine shops ; Schunian & Fenner, and C. M. Lo- rence, cigar manufacturers; Orrin Greely, pump factory ; Owatonna Creamery, Henry A. Holmes, su])erintendent ; P. Ganser's brewery ; L. Bion's brewery, and the wagon and carriage factories of Charles Schoen and John Deeg. Hon. Hector M. Hastings, of the firm of H. M. Hastings & Co., millers, was born in Horse Heads, Chemung County, N. Y., in 1835. His father, Samuel M. Hastings, came with his family to Kendall County, 111., in 1847. Hector M. came to Minnesota in 1855 on a prospecting tour, and in 1856 he located in Le Sueur County, where he remained until 1863, then moved to Steele County, locating on section 14, Lemond Township, where he now owns a tract of 2,300 acres. He participated in the Indian wars of 1862 and witnessed the hanging of the thirty- eight Sioux Indians at Mankato. He was married on April 2, 1853, to Miss Mai-y A. Eoberts, a native of Pennsylvania. George W., Ida and Fannie are the names of the children born to them. Mr. Hastings has taken a prominent part in all public matters, and all enterprises calculated to build up city or county have always had his hearty support. The enterprise of which he is the head is among the most important manufacturing industries of the county. William H. "Willsey, of the milling firm of II. M. Hastings & Co., was born in Scho- harie County, N. Y., in 1832. He came west to Walworth County, Wis., in 1848, and was engaged in various pursuits until 1851, when he went to St. Paul and on reaching that village found Little Crow's band encamped on the west side of the river. During the winter of 1851-2 he worked in a sawmill and for five subsequent years he was engaged in the logging business, first on Rum Piver two years, then three years on the St. Croix and tributaries. He then came to Owatonna and was elected sherifl' in 1858. After acting in that capacity for two 3'ears, he embai'ked in the mercantile busi- ness being of the firm of Morford & Willsey. In 1885 he became one of the firm of H. M. Hastings & Co. Mr. Willsey is vice-presi- dent of the Farmers' National Bank. He was married January 1, 1863, to Emily V. Phelps, a native of Ohio. Maud is the name of their only child. He is a Ma- son, and Mrs. Willsey is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Willsey's name ap- pears very frequently through the pages of this volume. For nearly thirty years he has been intimately connected with the growth and development of the city and count}^ and his name is indissolubly connected with their history. O. E. Edson, of the firm of II. M. Hast- ings (fc Co., came to Owatonna in June, 1885, and bought a third interest in the mills and since that time has had charge of them. Mr. Edson is a native of Pennsylvania, born April 7, 1842. His parents wei'e Ilii'am S. and Mary (Van Dusen) Edson, both of whom were natives of New York, but who at an early day removed to Pennsylvania where O. E. was born. In 1855 they went to Illinois, where Mr. Edson, Sr., died in 1856. Later Mrs. Edson married again and in 1876 went to Washington Territory, where she now lives. O. E. Edson remained with 190 HISTORY OP STEELE COUNTY. his parents until twelve years old, when he ■went to Chicago to attend school, working out of school hours for his board and clothes for three years. When fifteen years old he went to McHenry County, 111 , and served three years at the miller's trade. When eigh- teen he went to Colorado, where he follow- ed mining for a year. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B of First Colorado Infantry, and served in the western army for four and a half years, receiving his discharge at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in the fall of 1865. From there he went to St. Louis and was in a mill there for a year ; then went to Wiscon- sin and in 1867 married Miss Martha E. Smith, of Black Biver Falls. From there he ^vent to Eau Claire and took charge of a flouring- mill for three years. He was next located at Osseo, where he had charge of a mill for five years. From there going to Minneap- olis, he was engaged in the milling busi- ness until April, 1884, when he removed to Faribault. His next move was to Owa- tonna in 1885. He is a thorough master of the milling business in all its details. Adam Simpson, one of the enterprising millers of Owatonna, was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1844. He came to Owatonna in 1870, and rented a windmill, which he ran for a number of years. In 1878 he bought the water-mill west of the cit}', which he still conducts. This mill has a capacity of 150 barrels per day, and is doing a flourishing business. Mr. Simpson was married in 1870 to Miss Emma L. Wheelock. They have seven children. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Christadelphian Church. He is a man who stands high among the many substan- tial business men of the city. C. N. McLaughlin, of the firm of Mc- Laughlin, Sheldon & Co., manufacturers of the Diamond feedmill, was born in Andierst, Ohio, in 1853 ; a year later the family moved to Fox Lake, Wis. His father was a rail- road contractor, and built a part of the Milwaukee road, in Wisconsin. Our subject went to New York State with his father in 1869, and was there engaged in the construc- tion of railroads for some time. He came to Minnesota in 1874, locating at Plainview, where he was engaged in the farm machinery business. He came to Owatonna in 1877, and in 1881 embarked in the manufacturing business. He was married December 16, 1876, to Miss Minnie S. Melendy, a native of Orange County, Vt. They have two chil- dren. Mr. McLaughlin is a member of the Congregational Church, and is also a mem- ber of a number of societies, including the United Workmen and Legion of Honor. The firm, of which he is the head, does a large business, and is among the most substantial business houses in tlie city. Mr. McLaugh- lin has been mayor of the city, and in many other ways been a prominent citizen. C. E. Sheldon, of McLaughlin, Sheldon & Co., is a native of Jersey City, N. J., born in 1854. His parents were Elisha S. and Camilla (Crofts) Sheldon. Mr. Sheldon re- mained in Jersey City until ten years of age, when with his father (his mother having died some time previous), he went to Bed Wing, Minn. In 1876, in company with a partner, opened a jewelry, book and station- ery store, remaining in that for about two years, when he sold his interest in the book and stationery department to his partner, and continued the jewelry business alone until 1882, and during this time Mr. Sheldon was interested in the farm machinery business. In 1882 the firm of McLaughlin, Sheldon & Co. was formed for the purpose of manufact- uring the Diamond feedmills, with head- quarters at Bed Wing. In 1883 the whole business was moved to Owatonna, and Mr. Sheldon came here to devote all his time to the manufacturing of the mills. Mr. Sheldon was married in 1878 to Miss Carrie Brooks, of Red Wing. They now have three chil- dren : Harrriet P., AV alter B. and Chas. D. Mr. Sheldon is a man of remarkable force of character and energy, and as a citizen and business man holds the respect and confidence of all. HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 191 E. W. Brooks, of McLaughlin, Sheldon & Co., is a resident of Red Wing, Minn., having lived there for the past t\vent3'-five years. At present he is general agent for the Piano Harvester Company, and previous to his connection with tliat company had charge of the McCormick Machine Company's in- terests, in Eed "Wing, for sixteen successive years. The first foundry in Owatonna was estab- lislied in 1865, by T. J. Howe and M. F. Lowth. They continued the business until 1873, when Mr. Lowth sold half his inter- est to H. N. Labare, and the firm became Lowth, Howe & Labare. In 1878, Mr. Howe bought the quarter interest held by Mr. Lowth, and the firm became T. J. Howe & Co., as it still remains. Thomas J. Howe, of the firm of T. J. Howe & Co., manufacturers of broadcast seeders, was born in Lewis Count}', 'N. Y., January 15, 1827. When he was four years old his father's family moved to Black Biv- er, N. Y., where our subject learned the machinist trade. In 1854 he came west to Beaver Dam, Wis., and in 1865 came to Owatonna. Here he formed a partner- ship with Michael F. Lowth, in manufactur- ing seeders. He was elected mayor in 1873, and served three terms, and was alder- man from the third ward from 1868 to 1872. In 1877 he was elected a member of the school board, and served two years, and again, in 1884, was made president of the board, holding until 1886. Mr. Howe is a member of Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Owatonna, and also of the Chapter and Commandery. He is also a member of the Universalist Church. He was married May 6, 1861, to Miss Sarah M. Chapman, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. Jesse B. and Harry C. ai'e their children's names, both living at home. Mr. Howe is one of the patentees of the "Light-Running Owatonna Force Feed Broadcast Seeder," upon which some seven different jiatents have been is- sued. He has been active in all enterprises beneficial to the city, and has been, and is, among the most prominent business men of the city. C. W. Burdic, proprietor of City Iron Works, was born in Rockville, Tolland County, Conn., in 1835. He learned the machinist trade and went to Hartford, where he was engaged in the diffei-ent gun works in that city for some years. Mr. Burdic's first wife was Mary E. Hill, daughter Capt. John E. Hill, of Mystic, Conn. She died in 1864, and he was again married in 1866 to Miss Cevila V. Moon. Ella L. (wife of George N". Tapley, of St. Paul) is an onl}' daughter by his first wife. Mr. Burdic is an enthusiastic Mason, being a member of Blue Lodge and Chapter. F. G. Schuman, of the firm of Schuman & Fenner, tobacconists, was born in Mil- waukee, Wis., in 1859. He learned cigar- making in that city, and was in the employ of Gelz & Co. He came to Owatonna in 1880, where he worked for Mr. Lorence for six years; then he formed a partnership with Mr. Fenner, and they are now doing a flourishing business on the south side of Bridge street. Prominent among the pioneer settlers of Steele County is Orrin Greely, proprietor of the Owatonna pump factory. His father, Ephi'iam Greely, and his mother, Sally (Clark) Greely, were natives of New Hamp- shire. His ancestry on both sides is Ameri- can as far back as can be traced. Our sub- ject was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1824 ; when eighteen years of age the fam- ily' came west to Cleveland, Ohio, and from there to Racine, Wis., where the father died. May 28, 1846. Orrin remained at home until that time, and then moved to Waupun, Wis., following the same business as his fatlier, a millwright. Two years later he set- tled at Kingston, Wis., where he was engaged in the mercantile business for two years. In 1852 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and for ' aljout one year worked for the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Lakeshore Railroad 192 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Company. After this, a number of years were spent in various portions of Wisconsin and Illinois, including six months s])ent in erecting windmills on the Illinois Central railway, south of Chicago, and three years in the mercantile business in "Waupun. On the 30th of October, 1857, Mr. Greely arrived at Owatonna, and during the first fourteen years of his residence he was en- gaged in mill work and carpentering. Since that time he has been manufacturing the Owatonna Star Pump, and dealing in iron pipes, fittings, brass goods, fanning mills, etc. Mr. Greely was married in 1846 to Sarah A. Speer, who died the following year. In 181:9 he was married to Emily T. McMul- len who died in May, 1854, of consumption. In June, 1856, he was again united in matri- mony, wedding Sarah A. McMullen. Their children are as follows : Harmon F., Eddy H. and Frank L. The first by the second wife, and the last two by his present wife. Mr. Greely is one of Owatonna's most enter- prising citizens. He has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-seven years. Henry A. Holmes, superintendent of the Owatonna creamery, was born in Clinton County, N. Y., in 1828. He came west to St. Louis, Mo., in 1852 ; he remained there but a short time, after which he went to Chi- cago, where he remained fourteen years, engaged principally as salesman in different retail stores of that city. He came west to West Union, Iowa, and resided there eight years. While there he started the first creamery conducted on the gathered cream plan that was opened west of the Mississippi River. Subsequently he came to Minnesota, locating in Chatfield, having charge of the Chatfield and St. Charles creameries. By excellent management he brought those en- terprises up to a paying and thrifty condi- tion. He came to Owatonna in the spring of 1887, and now has charge of the Farming- ton, Eedwood Falls, Marshall and Owa- tonna creameries. His skill and energy have already been manifested, and the pros- perity of these creameries is now an assured fact. He was married in 1850 to Adeline A. Dow, a native of Vermont. Benjamin H., the only child, resides at Spring Valley. Mr. Holmes is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery. P. Ganser, proprietor of Ganser's brewery, came to Owatonna in 1865, and bought out the brewery of Knobloch & Manhaim. Mr. Ganser conducted this until 1878, when it was destroyed by fire, the loss to Mr. Gan- ser being about $12,000. He then, witli characteristic enterprise, rebuilt, and in 1884 it was again burned to the ground. Mr. Ganser then erected his present commodious building, and is now doing a business of between 3,500 and -1,000 barrels per year, having an extensive shipping trade, as well as supplying the home market, and using about 11,000 bushels of grain per year. In 1879 Mr. Ganser, in company with Jacob Glaeser, erected the Germania haU and bil- liard rooms, and put in one of the finest retail liquor stores in the Northwest. In July, 1887, Mr. Ganser sold his interest in that establishment, and now devotes his whole time to his extensive brewing busi- ness. During the present season he has put in improvements to the amount of $2,5U0. Mr. Ganser is a native of Prussia, born in 1836. He remained in his native country until eighteen years of age, when he came to America and located in Wisconsin, where he lived for a time and then went to California. In 1863 he returned to Wisconsin and in 1865 came to Owatonna, as stated. Mr. Ganser has extensive business interests here, employs a number of men, and is rated among the most substantial and solid cit- izens of the county. Enterprises, of what- ever nature, which tend to benefit city or county, have always received his support, and in many ways has he taken a prominent part in the affairs of the city. Louis Bion, proprietor of the Owatonna brewery, was born in Bavaria in 1845. He HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 195 came to America in 1864 and worked for six months in Milwaukee. He came to Winona in September of the same year, and for six years was foreman in C. C. Peck's brewery in that city. He came to Owa- tonna in 1870 and purchased the brewer}' on Bridge street, which he has since operated. He was married in 1868 to Miss Katie Schrofer and they have three cliildren. Mr. Bion is an Odd Fellow and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Worlcmen. Charles Schoen, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, was born in Prussia in 1828. In 18-1-7 he came to America, locating in New York City for one year. He then came west to Milwaukee, Wis., where he engaged in carriage-making, having learned his trade in Prussia. After remaining there for some time, he removed to Madison, then to Pres- cott. Wis., finally coming to Owatonna, Steele County, Minn., in 1862, where he opened one of the first carriage shops in the city. Mr. Schoen was married in 1859 to Miss Elizabeth Myers, a native of Germany. They have nine children, Phillip, Anna, Katy, Henry, Clementina, Louisa, Lorens, John and Frank. Mr. Schoen is a Democrat and also a member of the Catholic Church. His establishment does an extensive business. John Deeg, manixfacturer of wagons and carriages, was born in Germany in the year 1843. In 1868 he came to America, loca- ting in Owatonna, Steele County, Minn., where he was engaged for one year in the carpentering trade. He then embarked in his present business. Mr. Deeg was married in 1874 to Minnie Staulke. They have six children : Lena, Leonard, John, Minnie, Ella and Alvin. Mr. Deeg belongs to the Goethe Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also to the Lutheran Church. OWATONNA PACKING COMPANY. This is one of the most important of Owa- tonna's business interests. The company was incorporated on the 2d of November, 1885, with a paid-up capital of $25,000. They at 13 once erected a two-story brick building, 86x 142 feet in size, which was completed in 1886. The present officers of the company are as follows: K J. Schafer, president; J. M. Schafer, vice-president ; L. L. 'Bennett, treas- urer ; B. E. Darby, secretary, and N. J. Scha- fer, L. L. Bennett, Neil Graham, J. M. Schafer, Henry Birkett, J. C. Backus and William Mork, directors. These were also the first officers of the corporation, except that Hen- ry Birkett was the first vice-president. The company have the capacity for handling and dressing five thousand hogs per day ; and during last season employed fifty -three hands. They have a branch house at Duluth, where most of their goods are sold ; a considerable amount, however, is shipped to Dakota. Hon. Nicholas J. Schafer, president and general manager of the Owatonna Packing Company, was born in Darien, Genesee County, N. Y., in 1854. When ten years old, his father, Phillip Schafer, moved with his family to Freeborn County, Minn. N. J. Schafer went to Dakota in 1867, locating at Big Stone City; from there he moved to Millbank, where he held the office of council- man and was otherwise prominent in local affaii'S. He was elected to the territorial legislature in 1881, from Grant County, and still owns large interests in Dakota. He came to Owatonna in 1886, and was made president of the packing company. In ma- sonry, Mr. Schafer is Master of the Blue Lodge, High Priest of the Chapter and Senior Warden of the Commandery. He was mar- ried September 5, 1882, to Miss Louisa Knob- loch. They have one girl — Gertrude Louisa. HOTELS. The first hotel in Owatonna was the Win- ship House, which was opened by N. Winship in 1855, on the site which it still occupies. The building then was a log cabin, 22x16 feet in size, and from the travel which passed through here this little hostelry became one of the best known landmarks of southern Minnesota in early times. In 1856 an addi- 196 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. tion, 12x22 feet in size, was erected and vari- ous changes and additions have since been made. Mr. Winship is still proprietor. Late in 1855 another hotel was opened in A. B. Corneirs' log cabin, by Philo Sanford. It was located on the bank of the river near where G. F. Albertus' residence now stands. In 1857 Mr. Sanford erected what was then known as the American House, now called the Central House, which stands just west of the Morehouse block, on Broad way. After a year or two A. Town purchased the prop- erty, and it has since changed hands a num- ber of times. M. A. McAndrews is the present proprietor of the hotel. In 1857, B. L. Arnold erected what was known as the Eureka House, located where John Shea's clothing store now stands. Mr. Arnold ran this for about five years, then rented it to D. W. Walbridge and finally, in 1864, sold to David Barker, who rebuilt and rearranged the house, building a new front, and the place became known as " Barker's Exchange." Three or four years later he sold to J. Oppliger, who conducted a meat- market there for about one year and then sold to Parcher & Bryant, and tJiey fitted it aeain as a hotel. Two years later Parcher bought his partner's interest, and a few months afterward, John Shea became a part- ner. Finall3% the whole thing was rented to Parcher for five years, and two years later he sub-let to a Mr. Brown. He was followed by Charles Hastings, who conducted it until August 1, 1882, when he was succeeded by C. Tryon. Shortly afterward Mr. Shea, who in the meantime had become owner of the property, sold it to William H. Kelly, and its use as a hotel was discontinued. The Owatonna House was built and opened during the war by George Leick. Several years later it was purchased by Mr. Engel, and at the time of his death he was succeeded by his son, William Engel, the present proprietor. The Scandinavian House was Iniilt in 1866 by John M. Joos. For a number of years it was rented, and finally came into the posses- sion of Olo Elton, the present proprietor. In 1866 John Bartsch erected and opened the German hotel, near the depots. He ran it until the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1881, and since that time his widow has conducted the business. The Arnold House was erected in 1866 by B. L. Arnold. Mr. Arnold sold to Charles Hastings, who conducted it until 1882, when the property was purchased by C. Tryon, the present proprietor. The hotel is a three- story frajne structure, well furnished and conveniently arranged. Mr. Tryon has built up the trade of the house until it is now one of the best paying hotels in this part of the State. In 186G Peter Lem started a Scandinavian hotel in the building now occupied as an office by Dr. Rossbach. It was only run as a hotel for a short time. The Tremont House was built in 1867 by Mr. Cory. He sold to John Parcher and later it passed into the hands of J. Oppliger. In 1876 W. Nickerson purchased the ])rop- erty, and his son Charles is the present pro- prietor. In 18G8 O. H. Wensell and Oliver Nelson erected and opened a house called the City Hotel. In 1869 it was purchased by E. B. Crooker, and in 1870 he sold to Appleton Hale. In 1875 James and George Peachey bought the property and the name was changed to the Peachey House. George Peachey, the present proprietor, bought the house in 1880. The American House was built in 1875 by James Connell. The property has changed hands several times. L. Robinson is the present projirietor. In 1880 Dr. E. M. Morehou.se erected a three-story brick building, which was openetl as the Commercial Hotel in 1884 by Elmer E. Cane. Various parties have conducted it since that time. O. E. Ed son is the present jjroprietor. Church's hotel was built and opened by HISTORY OF STKFJ.E COUNTY. 197 John Church in 1885. F. I). Albro is the present proprietor. In the summer of 1887, Dr. E. M. More- house began the erection of a magnificent briclv block, just north of the postoffice, which is to be opened as the Merchants' Hotel and it is fast nearing completion as this vol- ume goes to press. The building in size is one hundred feet front by eighty feet deep, four stories high, constructed of brick of Dr. Morehouse's own manufacture. Almost the entire front will be filled with plate glass, while massive iron pillars are used as sup- porters, and tiling will be used for office and hall floors. The house will be elegantly fur- nished and contain over a hundred sleeping rooms. The house will be equipped with steam-heating apparatus, fire escapes, eleva- tor and all modern improvements. In addi- tion to this, four stairways will open on the street. When completed it will have cost $50,000 or more and will be the finest hotel in the southern part of the State. In connection with this article we present biographical sketches of a number of the lead- ing hotel men of the city. Nathaniel Winship, the pioneer hotel man of Steele County, and present proprietor of the Winship House, was born in Weston, Windsor County, Vt., July 9, 1822, his an. cestors being Americans as far back as can now be traced. His parents were John A. and Amjr (Walker) Winship. Nathaniel at an early day settled in Milwaukee County, Wis., and in 1855 came to Steele County, as has been stated heretofore. He was married October 9, 1851, to Miss Emily P. MouJton, a native of Vermont. Her people were Eng- lish, her mother being a Tabor, a prominent family in the New England States in early times. Mr. and Mrs. Winship are members of the Baptist Church and hold the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends. They have the following children — Henry M. and Ernest T., of Tracy, Minn. ; John E., proprie- tor of a job printing oflice in Owatonna ; Alice E. and Frank R. Mrs. Winship's mother came here in 1858 and resided here until her death, which occurred April 17, 1881. When Mr. Winship and family first ar- rived here they lived for a time in a little shanty located where the brewery now stands. Mrs. Winship states that many times when feeding her domestic animals, the gophers would come up and eat with them. Another time a rattlesnake came into the house and laid by the stove while the family were at dinner. A common sally was as to " whose floor should be kept the cleanest." Many families were then living in little log cabins with no floor save " Mother Earth." Cyrus Tryon, proprietor of the Arnold House, is a native of Cumberland, Me., born in the year 1831. He came West in 1853 and, having learned the business of locomo- tive engineer, and followed it in the East, followed that business in the West until he had completed his twenty -eighth year on the road. He ran the first train into Madison, Wis., and for years was identified with what has since become the great Milwaukee rail- way system. From railroading he entered the hotel business, conducting leading hotels at both Prairie du Chien and Richland Cen- ter, in Wisconsin. In 1882 he came to Owatonna, and purchased the Arnold House which he still owns and conducts. In 1854 he was married to Miss Emily Lawrence, whose father was a cousin of the famous Abbott Lawrence. She is also a native of the State of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Tryon have four children, as follows : William E., a practicing physician of Minneapolis ; Frank v., proprietor of the Tryon Hotel, Austin, Minn.; Lillian M.,now Mrs. R. O., Philpot, of Owatonna ; and George W., a graduate of Pillsbury Academy. Mr. Tryon thor- oughl}^ understands the hotel business and has built up a lai'ge and increasing custom, while Mrs. Tryon, besides being an accom- plished musician, is an afl'able and courteous lady who, as ^ a hostess, has done much 198 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. toward gainin<;- for the Arnold House the reputation which it sustains. Francis D. Albro, proprietor of the Church hotel, was born in Kent County, town of Coventry, R. I. When he was ten years old his fathers family moved to Scotland, Conn., thence to Norwich, where he learned the machinist trade. He was married in 1856 to Miss Esther C. Arnold. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Twenty -first Connecticut Volunteers. He was wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg and was dis- charged. His wife died in 1870, and he was again married in 1871 to Mrs. Abbie C. Fitch. He came to Owatonna in 18S6, purchased the Church hotel, and is its present proprietor. Mr. Church had two children by his first wife — Isadore E. and Susan H. — both of whom are living. By his second wife he has had three children : Frank E., born in Feb- ruary, 1871; Herbert E., born May 2, 187U, and Cressey A., born April 23, 1873. Mr Albro is a Republican in politics, and a mem- ber of the Sedgwick Post (Norwich, Conn.) Grand Army of the Republic. With his wife he belongs to the Congregational Church. Michael A. McAndrews, proprietor of the Central House, was born in Ireland in 1815. He came to America when two yeai-s old, with his parents, locating in Lake County, 111., where he engaged in farming. In 1857 he, with his father, Francis McAndrews, came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Merton Township, llis father died in June, 1872. His mother died in 1878. Our sub- ject enlisted. August 23, 1862, in a company, and went to Winnebago Agency in August, 1862. In January, 1861, he enlisted in Bat- tery L, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was in service until September, bemg, most of the time, in Chattanooga. He came to Owatonna in ISSl, and in the spring of 1887 took possession of Centra! House. Mr. Mc- Andrews was married in December, 1872, to Mary A. Hand, a native of Iowa. They have four children : Abbie A., Willie H., Frank J. and John H. They are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. McAndrews belongs to the Grand Armj' of the Republic. Ole Elton, proprietor of the Scandinavian House, was born in Norway in 1812. In 1866 he came to America, locating in Wa- seca, Minn., where he engaged in the mer- chandise business for two years. In 1876 he came to Owatonna, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Elton was married in 1S62 to Miss Mary Larsen, who died in 1872. He was again married in 1871, to Lefia Larsen. Agnes, born in Norway, October 2, 1861, Olof, born in Norway, June 6, 1866, Andrew, born in Waseca County, April 1, 1868, and Carrie, born in Waseca City, November 5, 1875, are the names of their children. William G. Engel, proprietor of the Owa- tonna House, was born near Milwaukee, AVis., in 1858. In 1867 he came to Owa- tonna. His father. William L. Engel, worked one year in a brewery and then bought the Owatonna House, which he conducted until the time of his death, in December, 1872. William G. has been running the house since his father's death. John Bartsch, deceased, former proprietor of the German hotel, was a native of Ger- many. He came to America in 1851 and located in Dodge County, Wis., where for twelve years he was employed in an iron foundry. In 1866 he came to Owatonna and engaged in the hotel business, erecting the house referred to. He continued to conduct it until his death, which occurred November 27, 1881. He had been married many years previous, and had four children : Charles, Hattie, AVilliam and Gusta. Charles now lives in Dakota and Hattie in Minneapolis. William and Gusta stiU live at home. The business is carried on by the widow and William. William Bartsch was born in Wisconsin on the 17th of December, 1863. He is a sin- gle man, of good business qualities, and a Democrat in politics. G. W. Peachey, proprietor of the Peachej' House, was born in Dodge County, Wis., HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 199 in 1853. His father, James Peach}^, brought his family to Dodge County, Minn., where he was one of the pioneers of Ellington Township. Geo. W. Peachy came to Owatonna in 1876, purchased the City Hotel and has conducted it under the name of the Peachey House since that time. He was married in 187S to Miss Lillie Cole. He is a member of Lodge No. 14, Independent Order of Odd FeUows. THE MEDICAL PEOFESSION. The first physician to locate in what is now the city of Owatonna was Dr. E. M. Morehouse, who is still a leading physician of the city. During the third of a century that has glided by since the city was laid out, the number of physicians that have come and gone have been legion. At the present writing (1887) the medical profession is well rep- resented at Owatonna by the following named phj^sicians, viz.: Drs. E. M. Morehouse, Edward E. Bigelow, J. L. Harrington, J. H. Adair, G. A. Eossbach, T. L. Hatch, D. H. Eoberts and W. A. Ware. Eli Martin Morehouse, M. D., pioneer physician of Owatonna, was born at Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, March 2, 1835, his parents being ISTelson and Sarah Johnson Morehouse. His father. Nelson Morehouse vi^as a mill-owner, and his grandfather, Eli Morehouse, participated in the second war with England. Eli M. received an academic education in WaiTen ; commenced reading medicine when a mere lad, his preceptor be- ing the celebrated Dr. William Paine, pro- fessor of the theory and practice of medicine, in the University of Medicine and Surgery, at Philadelphia. At seventeen he had grad- uated in medicine and at eighteen com- menced practicing at Warren, at seventeen having received his diploma from the Uni- versity of Medicine and Sui-gery, at Phila- delphia. In 1853 Dr. Morehouse crossed the Mississippi River and engaged in practice at Indepentlence, Buchanan County, Iowa. Early in 1855 he came to Minnesota and became the first and only physician at Owa- tonna, then, since that time he has been in practice here constantly, with the exception of a short time about the close of the war, when, in 1864, in order to have a respite from severe labor, he took a trip to Montana and other Territories, coupling a mild form of gold fever with a taste for adventure. He was absent for two years, in practice part of this time at Virginia City, Mon. After this trip he again resumed his large practice here and has since continued it. In May, 1871, he led off in the formation of the Minnesota State Eclectic Medical Soci- ety, of which he was the first president, and at the present writing again holds that office. He is also a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association, having years ago received diplomas from the New York and Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Colleges. In early days, as at the present writing, the Doctor was among the best known men in this part of the State. There were no rail roads for j^ears after he began practice here, and his ride extended from thirty to fifty miles in every direction, while the absence of roads and bridges, and the trackless prai- ries form the basis for enough incidents of danger and hardships to fill a volume. This brought him in contact with a vast range of country, and formed the foundation for the extended and lucrative practice which he has enjoyed ever since. He was chosen a member of the State Senate in 1877, and in the session of the fol- lowing year was upon seven committees, including those of public lands, Indian af- fairs, State university and library. In early days he was a Republican, but since the war has been a Democrat. He has held many other public offices of trust and has been offered many times the nomination of his party for others, but as a rule he has de- clined. The Doctor belongs to the Camp in Odd Fellowship, and is a Knight Templar among the Masons. Since locating in Owa- tonna no man has been more active and 200 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. liberal in advancing the interests of the city. In 1867 he built the Morehouse block or Opera House ; later the Merchants' hotel and other important buildings, and now has nearly completed a four-story brick block opposite the postoffice, which will be the finest and largest building in the city. A full description of it is given elsewhere in this volume. He also owns hundreds of acres of improved and unimproved land. All matters tending to benefit the city or county have always received his hearty en- couragement — both with his influence and in a financial way. George A. Rossbach, M.D., has practiced in Owatonna since 1871. He was born m Moyenmoutier, France, in 1813. Graduating from the Strasburg Medical College in 1833, he went with a regiment of French troops to Africa in the capacity of surgeon. He came to America in 1851, locating in Sauk County, Wis. In 1861 he was made surgeon of the Third Wisconsin .Cavalry, serving a year and a half with the troops and two years at a hospital at Fort Scott, Kan. He came to Owatonna in 1871. He is an Odd Fellow, being a member of Goethe Lodge. He is one of the most skillful surgeons in the State. D. H. Roberts, M. D., homeopathic phy- sician, was born near Richmond, Wayne County, Ind., in 1824. He received his medical education principally in Indian- apolis. After practicing a short time he accepted a chair of natural science in the Whitewater College, and later he was made superintendent of the Farmers' Institute near Lafayette. Subsequentlj^ he located in Pendleton, Ind., where he resumed practice. In 1869 he came to Minnesota and located in Plainview. In 1872 he removed to Owa- tonna and has since been doing a lucrative business. The doctor is a Mason and also an Odd Fellow. He was married in 1S4S to Miss Elizabeth P. Austin, a native of Phil- adelphia. Edward E. Bigelow, M. D., was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1841, where he spent his early life. In 18.50 removed witli his fath- ead's family to Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wis., where he received an academical education and then began the study of medicine and surgery, which was interrupted by the War of the Rebellion. He enlisted in Gen. Fremont's body-guard, at Milwaukee, 1861, but was rejected on account of being unfit for cavalry service. He re-enlisted in 1862 and was appointed sergeant of Company D, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteers, and was discharged, on account of disability, in 1863. He pursued the study of his pro- fession in the office of his preceptor till the fall of 1865, when he entered the medical college of the University of Michigan. Having received the degrees of doctors of medicine and surgery, in March, 1867, he immediately entered upon the duties of his profession at Milan, Mich. In 1873 removed to Manchester. On July 5, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella A. Eeles, of Waterloo, N. Y., and in the fall of the same year removed to Owatonna, ]\Iinn., and is now very actively engaged in his chosen profession, having a large and in- creasing practice. The doctor is a member of the Minnesota State Medical Association and of the American Medical Association. In Masonry he is a member of the Blue Lodge, Owatonna Royal Arch Chapter No. 15, and of Cyrene Commandery No. 9 of Owatonna. He is an Odd Fellow and a member and surgeon of James A. Goodwin Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 81. The doctor and Mrs. Bigelow have two little girls — Edna Louisa, born December 17, 1879, and Marian E., born August 13, 1884. Theodore L. Hatch, M. D., of Owatonna, was born in Broome County, N. Y., the 20th of January, 1848. When he was two years old his parents removed with him to Washing- ton County, Wis., where they resided till he was six years of age, when they moved to Plainville, Adams County, Wis. Dr. Hatch received a good common school education HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 201 and at the age of twenty engaged in the avocation of teaching. In the spring of 1867 he commenced the study of medicine at Neillsville, Wis., and took his medical degree at the University of Michigan on the 29th of March, 1871. In the final examin- ation for the degree of doctor of medicine he stood at the head of his class in anatomy and physiology, and obstetrics and gynae- cology. He practised at Neillsville, Wis., during the summer of 1871, coming to Steele County in October of that year. During the winter of 1871-2 he taught school at Aurora station, engaging in practice outside of school hours. In the spring of 1872 he moved to Blooming Prairie and practiced medicine, engaging also with his brother in the drug business. In May, ISSO, he became a resident of Owatonna, where he has since resided. He is at present county physician of Steele County, this being the fourth term he has held that position. J. L. Harrington, M. D., was born in Wind- ham County, Vt., in 1810. From the age of nineteen to twentj'-two, he studied medicine and taught school alternately. He gradu- ated in medicine June 3, 1862, from the University of Vermont, and soon commenced to practice at Weston. In 1861 he enlisted in Compan}' I, Fourth Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently promoted to assistant surgeon in the First Vermont Heavy Artil- lery. In 1866 he went to Halifax and resumed his practice, remaining there until 1881. During his residence there he was a member of the State constitutional conven- tion in 1872. In 1878 was elected to the legislature, and was chairman of the State board of supervisors of the insane in 1879 and 1880. In 1881, on account of failing- health, he came west and located in Owa- tonna. On February 2, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Catharine Tenney, a native of New Hampshire. William E. is the name of their only son. Mrs. S. E. Nelson, of Owatonna, is a daughter of Mrs. Harrington bj^ her former marriage. Dr. Harrington is a skill- ful surgeon and a splendid physician, and has a lucrative practice. J. II. Adaii", M. D., was born in Havana Township, Steele County, in 1858, his people being the first settlers in that locality. Dr. Adair received his early education at Owa- tonna, and later took a course at Carleton College, JSTorthfield. In 1880 he went to Chicago, entered Rush Medical College and graduated from that institution in 1883. He began to practice at Winnebago City, Minn., but a year later came to Owatonna, where he is now practicing. September 15, 1887, he was married to Miss Mary L. Davidson, daughter of William Davidson, of Owatonna. PRESENT BUSINESS. At the present writing (August, 1887) the general business of Owatonna, in the various lines of trade, is represented by the following- named gentlemen and firms : General Merchandise — G. F. Albertus, J. Oppliger & Co., A. Kasper, Soukup Bros., Nelson & Jefts, J. C. Jahreiss, Petrich & Speckeen, M. Leary, T. H. Kelly & Co. and W. Holt. Exclusive Dry Goods — H. E. Moore, Ji-., & Co. and J. L. Saxton. Groceries — Twiford & Sperr}', E. Downie & Co., A. Mudeking, Wm. Davidson, E. W. Piper, E. W. Clarke, Stowers & Jeiferson, E. F. Eequa. Clothing — John Shea, H. Katz & Co. and J. Schulein. Hardware — E. Y. Hunnewill, Thon Bros., Crandall & Nelson, Parrott & Smith, A. Knobloch and N. C. Larson. Drugs — F. M. Banter, Wm. Gauswitz & Co., C. Peterson and Luers ife Luers. Boots and Shoes — AVilliam Mork, Nichols & Hall, Weber & Son and J. A. Butsch. Jewelry — Henrjr Birkett, Julius F. Young and C. F. Warner. Lumber — Laird, Norton & Co. (George Clark, manager), J. Z. Barncard & Co. and Wisconsin Lumber Company (Mclndoe Alex- ander, manager). 202 HISTORY OF STEELE COCNTY. Saloons • — Emil Theimer. J. Glaeser, Chas. Kenmoth, Joseph Hoflfman, T. Fedder, Bion & Hoffman, W. Watowa, Joseph Kubat, M. Kyan, Mrs. Bartsch, Anton Belina and Thompson & Wightman. Flour and Feed — J. W. Gillett. Nearly all of the grocery stores also handle flour and feed. Marble Works — Webb & Hemingway, Byrne & McDonald and A. Meyer. Agricultural Implements — Buxton & Jones, McLaughlin & Larson, R. H. Chapin, M. S. Quiggle, Crandall & Nelson, Virtue & Co. and Hotchkiss & Co. Pump Factor}^ — Orrin Greeley. Diamond Feedmill Manufacturers — Mc- Laughlin, Sheldon & Co. Blacksmith Shops — Brown & McEostie, Homer Wardwill, C. Zannetti, Ben. Meix- ner, E. Deininger, H. Cartright, C. Hanson, M. S. Quiggle and C. F. Smith. Wagon Shops — C. Schoen, Ben Meixner, John Deeg, E. Deininger and H. Cartright. Liverjr — Fred Eosskopf and E. H. Chapin. Confectionery — Chas. Chenoweth, W. Dennis. Bakeries — C. Chenoweth and Mr. Brooks. Harness Shops — H. F. Luce & Son, 0. Butsch, Meyer Brothers, C. Bowers and O. M. ILimmond. Shoemakers — J. Lee, O. Searle, J. E. McLeod and J. Bartosch. Merchant Tailors — John Cottier, N. W. Hanson and D. Banks. Barbers — Jerry Pope, Parker Brothers, Boggs & Essex, N. G. Frisco and Andrew Sanderline. Books and Stationery — A. M. Kinyon. Several drug stores also handle a light stock of this line of goods. Grain — Pratt & Co., Soper & Son, J. S. Austin. Photographers — G. W. Chesley and H. Midler. Dentists — Doctors Medd, Searle and Stearns. Eeal Estate — B. S. Cook. Meat Markets — Owatonna Packing Com- pany, Charles Meschke, Gus Sckwanke, Boice & Forsyth and John Stranski & Co. CITY GOVERNMENT. In this connection we pi-esent a complete list of the officers who have managed the various departments of the city government from the incorporation of the city in 1865, to the present time, inclusive : OFFICERS, 1S05-6. Mayor, G. B. Hall ; recorder, A. M. Kin- yon ; assessor, J. W. Dresser ; treasurer, J. B. Hooker ; city marshal, W. Wheaton ; city justice, A.N. Stoughton ; city attorney, J. B. Searles ; city surveyor, L. Bixby ; official paper, Plaindealer. First Ward. — Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, W. E. Kin3'on ; justice, A. Chambers ; street commissioner, S. N. Sargent; constable, James Connell. Second Ward. — Aldermen, J. A. Oppliger, J. B. Crooker; justice, I. P. Eequa; street commissioner, A. Odell; constable, Wm. Curtis. • Third Ward. — Aldermen, W. Scruby, J. Donaldson ; justice, Philo Bliss ; street com- missioner, M. H. Franklin ; constable, J. B. Hooker. Board of Education. — At large, D. S. Har- sha, C. L. Tappan ; first ward, Seth Hotch- kiss ; second ward, A. Town ; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 1866-7. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton ; recorders, A. M. Kinyon, C. S. Crandall ; assessor, J. Cham- bers; treasurer, G. B. Hall; street commis- sioner, S. N. Sargent; city marshal, W. Wheaton ; cit}' justice, C. C. Cornell ; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, L. Bixby ; official paper, Plaindealer. First IT a/r/.— Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, -, W. E. Kinyon ; constable, James Connell ; justice, A. Chambers. Second Ward. — Aldermen, J. Newsalt, II. C. Eld red ; justice, I. P. Eequa ; constable, William Curtis. HISTORY OF STEELE CODNTV. 203 Third Ward. — Aldermen, William Scruby, H. J. Lewis, J. A. Oppliger ; justice, Philo Bliss ; constables, C. G. Smith, H. A. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, D. S. Harsha, C. L. Tappan ; first ward, Seth Hotchkiss; second ward, A. Town; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 1867-8. Mayor, S. B. "Washburn ; recorder, Isaac "W. Burch ; assessor, L. E. Kawson ; treas- urer, G. B. Hall; street commissioners, H. J. Lewis, C. L. Gardner; cit}^ marshal, M. J. Toher ; city justice, H. H. Johnson ; city attorney, J. B. Searles ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Joitrnal. First Wai'd. — Aldermen, W. R. Kinyon, Clarke Chambers, W. H. Willsey ; constable, Levi Frank ; justice, Addison Phelps. Second Ward. — Aldermen, H. C. Eldred, N. "Winship, J. Donaldson ; constable, none ; justice, H. A. Beers. Third Ward. — Aldermen, J. A. Oppliger, J. Donaldson, J. S. Fuller; constable, I. W. Hanks; justice, M. F. Lowth. Board of Education. — At large, D. S. Harsha, S. S. Eussell ; first ward, S. Hotch- kiss, I. J. Fuller ; second ward, A. Town ; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 1868-9. Mayor, J. W. Morford ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, S. Hotchkiss ; street commissioner, A. Phelps; city marshal, I. W. Hanks; city justice, H. H. Johnson ; city attorney, J. B. Searles ; city surveyor, J. li. Abbott ; offi- cial paper. Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, C. Chambers, J. A. Armstrong, Chas. Dennijes ; constables, none ; justice, Wm. Dean. Second Ward. — Aldermen, N. Winship, D. B. Marble ; constable, J. B. Hooker ; jus- tice, H. A. Beers. Third Wa7'd. — Aldermen, T. J. Howe, K. D. Chase ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; consta- ble, I. W. Hanks. Board of Education. — At large, S. S. Rus- sell, S. B. Washburne ; first ward, I. J. Ful- ler ; second ward, P. S. Smith, John Odell ; third ward, Wm. Davidson. OFFICERS, 1869-70. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commissioner, M. J. Toher; city marshal, I. W. Hanks; city jus- tice, H. A. Beers ; city attorney, J. B. Searles ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; offi- cial paper, Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, J. A. Armstrong, Lewis Lord ; constable, James Cornell ; jus- tice, T. G. Patch. Second Ward. — Aldermen, D. B. Marble, L. E. Rawson ; justice, L. B. Town ; consta- ble, H. A. Tiffany. TJdrd Ward. — Aldermen, K. D. Chase, T. J. Howe, H. Backus; constable, I. W. Hanks ; justice, Philo Bhss. Board of Education. — At large, G. B. Hall, M. F. Lowth ; first ward, B. F. Melvin ; second ward, John Odell, D. S. Harsha; third ward, D. W. Burch. . OFFICERS, 1870-71. Mayor, H. II. Johnson ; recorder, Isaac Burch ; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commissioner, L. Gil- bert ; city marshal, I. W. Hanks ; city jus- tice, H. A. Beers; city attorney, J. B. Searles ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; offi- cial paper. Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, J. A. Armstrong, R. C. Olin, Lewis Lord; constable, James Cornell; justice, T. G. Patch. Second Ward. — -Aldermen, D. B. Marble, L. E. Rawson ; constable, E. R. Fenno ; jus- tice, Samuel Collins. Third Ward. — Aldermen, T. J. Howe, H. Backus ; justice, Philo Bliss ; constable, I. W. Hanks. Board of Education. — At large, G. B. Hall, G. C. Tanner: first ward, Charles S. Crandall ; second ward, D. S. Harsha ; third ward, D. W. Burch. Si()4 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. OFFICERS, 1871-2. Mayor, R. C. Olin ; recorder, Isaac "W. Burch ; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, J. "Chambers; street commissioner, James Cotter ; city marshal, I. W. Hanks ; city justice, H. H. Johnson ; city attorney, Lewis L. Wheelock ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper. Journal. First IFa^Y/.— Aldermen, E. C. Olin, T. W. Irving, W. H. Sherman ; constable, James Connell ; justice, T. G. Patch. Second Ward. — Aldermen, D. B. Marble, E. A. Tyler ; justice, M. L. Blair ; constable, R. G. Chittenden. Third Ward. — Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Buxton ; justice, J. S. Austin ; constable, O. G. Evenson. Board of Education. — At large, G. C. Tanner, Lewis L. Wheelock; first ward, Charles S. Crantlall ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 1872-3. Mayors, "W. II. Kelly, J. A. Oppliger; recorder, Isaac "W. Burch; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commissioner, S. J. Loomis ; city mar- shal, D. Whipple; city justice, H.H.Johnson; city attornej', J. M. Burlingame ; city sur- veyor, B. S. Wheeler ; official paper, Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, T. W. Irving, W. H. Sherman, W. II. Willsey ; justice, T. G. Patch ; constable, James Connell. Second Ward. — Aldermen, E. A. Tyler, A. C. Dodge ; justice, C. C. Cornell ; con- stable, D. Whipple. Third Ward. — Aldermen, H.Backus, J. E. Buxton ; justice, J. S. Austin ; constable, A. E. Simons. Board of Education. — At large, Lewis L. Wheelock, G. C. Tanner; first ward, Chas. S. Crandall ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 1873-^. Maj'or, T. J. Howe ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, D. W. Burch ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commissioner, S. J. Loomis ; city marshal, E. L. Paddock ; city justice, T. G. Patch ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city surveyor, B. S. Wheeler ; official pa])er, Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, T. W. Irving, Seth Hotchkiss ; justice, H. H. Johnson ; constable, Theo. Dean. Second Ward. — Aldermen, A. C. Dodge, Titus Case ; justice, C. C. Cornell ; consta- ble, E. R. Fenno. Third Ward. — Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Buxton ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; consta- ble, H. A. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, G. C. Tanner, John A. Spelman ; first ward, A. N. Stoughton ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, D. W. Burch. OFFICERS, 187-1—5. Mayor, T. J. Howe; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, Joseph Chamljers ; street commissioner, P. Brennan ; city marshal, S. H. Stowers ; city justices, T. G. Patch, N^. M. Donaldson ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city sur- veyor, J. II. Abbott ; official paper. Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, Seth Hotchkiss, Clarke Chambers ; justice, H. H. Johnson ; constable, P. R. Pike. Second Ward. — Aldermen, Titus Case, N. M. Donaldson : justice, Isaac Howe ; consta- ble, G. F. Doolittle. Third Ward. — Aldermen J. E. Buxton, Geo. Wilson ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; con- stable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, G. C. Tanner, John A. Spelman; first ward, A. N. Stoughton ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, II. W. Pratt. OFFICERS, 1875-6. Mayor, T. J. Howe ; recorder, Isaac W. Burcii; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasur- er, J. Chambers ; street commissioner, P. Brennan ; city marshal, S. H. Stowers ; city justice, N. M. Donaldson ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; cit}' surve3'Oi', J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Journal. HISTORY OJ" STEELE COUNTY. 205 First Ward. — Aldermen, Clarke Cham- bers, A. Knobloch ; justice, il. H. Johnson ; constable, S. H. Stowers. Second Ward. — Aldermen, N. M. Donald- son, E. Donaldson; justices, Isaac Howe, H. A. Beers ; constable, Wm. Furman. Third Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Buxton, Geo. Wilson ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; con- stable, H. A. Tiflfany. Board of Education. ■ — At large, G. C. Tanner, J. C. Ellis; first ward, A. N. Stoughton ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, H. W. Pratt. OFFICERS, 1876-7. Mayor, N. M. Donaldson ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, L. E. Eawson, treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commissioner, P. Bren- nan, city marshal, J. B. Putney; city justice, N. M. Donaldson ; city attorney, J. M. Burlin- game ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; oiBcial paper. People's Press. First Ward. — Aldermen, A. Knobloch, J. E. Fox ; justice, H. H. Johnson ; constable, George Van Dusen. Second Ward. — Aldermen, E. Donaldson, J. C. Ellis ; justice, H. A. Beers ; constable, Wm. Furman. Third Ward. — Aldermen, E. Easton, Jas. Thompson ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; consta- ble, H. A. Tifi^any. Board of Education. — At large, H. W. Pratt, J. C. Ellis ; first ward, W. A. Dynes, E. H. Chapin ; second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; third ward, C. G. Earley. OB'FICEKS, 1877-8. Mayor, M. A. Fredenburg ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch; assessor, E. Easton; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commissioner, P. Brennan ; city marshal, S. II. Stowers ; city justice, N. M. Donaldson ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper. Review. First Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Fox, A. Knobloch ; justice, II. F. Luce ; constable, none. Second Ward. — Aldermen, E. Donaldson, J. C. Ellis ; justice, H. A. Beers ; constable, E. M. Arnold. Third Ward. — Aldermen, James Thomp- son, C. H. Eandall; justice, E. C. Culver; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, J. C. Ellis, J. E. Truesdell ; first ward, G. C. Tanner ; second ward, W. A. Dynes; third ward, T. J. Howe. OFFICERS, 1878-9. Mayor, M. A. Fredenburg ; recorder, I. W. Burch ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, S. H. Stowers ; city justice, N. M. Donaldson ; city attorney, J. M. Burlin- game ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Oicatonna Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, A. Knobloch, A. C. Gutterson ; justice, H. F. Luce ; constable, S, H. Stowers. Second Ward. — Aldermen, E. Donaldson, C. W. Hadley ; justice, H. A. Beers ; consta- ble, W. C. Hadley. Third TT'flr^^.— Aldermen, C. H. Eandall, J. C. Backus, J. D. Holden ; justice, E. C. Culver ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of Educatiori. — At large, J. S. Woodard, Lewis Lord ; first ward, G. C. Tanner ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, T. J. Howe. OFFICERS, 1879-80. Mayor, J. C. Ellis ; recorder, I. W. Burch ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Cham- bers; street commissioner, J. C. Ault; city marshal, D. Whipple ; city justice, C. C. Cor- nell ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Owa- tonna Joivrnal. First Ward. — Aldermen, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson; justice, H. F. Luce; con- stable, W. C. Hadley. Second Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Buxton, G. W. Eockwood; justice, A. B. Barrett; constable, D. W. Williamson. Third Ward. — Aldermen, J. C. Backus, G. F. Albertus; justice, E. B. Newliall ; con- stable, Geo. W. Peachey. 206 HISTORY OK STEELE COUNTY. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, H. Schmidt, E. M. Morehouse ; justice, none ; constable, S. H. Stowers. Board of Education. — At large, J. C. Ellis, James Cotter, J. E. Truesdell ; first ward, L. L. Wheelock ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, T. J. Howe ; fourth ward, Chas. Dennijes. OFFICERS, 1880-1. Mayor, J. C. Ellis ; recorder, Charles Daw- son ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, D. "Whipple ; city justice, C. C. Cornell ; city attorney, L. L. "Wheelock ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Owa- tonna Journal. First Ward. — Aldermen, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson ; justice, H. F. Luce ; con- stable, W. C. Hadley. Second Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Buxton, Henry Birkett ; justice, A. B. Barrett ; con- stable, H. A. Tiffany. Third Ward. — Aldermen, Gr. F. Albertus, E. M. Morehouse ; justice, R. B. Newhall ; constable, Geo. "W. Peachey. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, Herman Schmidt, John Plamrael ; justice, H. A. Beers ; constable, A. Hafemann. Board of Education. — At large, James Cotter, A. C. Hickman ; first ward, L. L. "Wheelock ; second wartl, "W. A. Dynes ; third ward, T. J. Howe; fourth ward, Chas. Den- nijes. OFFICERS, 1881-2. Mayor, B. S. Cook ; recorder, Charles Daw- son ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, R. B. Newhall ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, I. U. Jones ; city justice, H. A. Beers; city attorney, H. E. Johnson; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper. Peo- ple's Press. First Ward. — Aldermen, A. C. Gutterson, J. E. Truesdell ; justice, H. F. Luce ; consta- ble, W. G. Hadley. Second Ward. — Aldermen, Heniy Birkett, E. Scannel ; justice, A. B. Barrett ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third Ward. — Aldermen, G. F. Albertus, E. M. Morehouse ; justice, R. B. Newhall ; Constable, J. C. Johnson. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, John Ilammel, H. Schmidt ; justice, H. A. Beers ; constable, O. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter; first ward, L. L. Wheelock; second ward, W. A. Dynes; third ward, A. Simpson; fourth ward, Chas. Den- nijes. OFFICERS, 1882-3. Mayor, B. S. Cook ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, H. H. Luers ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city mar- shal, I. U. Jones; city justice, H. A. Beers; city attorney, H. E. Johnson ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Steele County Hercdd. First Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Truesdell, John Chambers ; justice, H. F. Luce ; con- stable, W. C. Hadley. Second Ward. — Aldermen, E. Scannel, S. S. Green ; justice, M. A. Fredenburg ; con- stable, H. A. Tiffany. Third Ward. — Aldermen, E. M. More- house, G. F. Albertus ; justice, none ; con- stable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt ; justice, H. A. Beers ; con- stable, O. Tiffany. Boao'd of Education. — At large, James Cotter, A. C. Hickman ; first ward, L. L. AYheelock ; second ward, "W. A. D3'nes ; third ward, A. Simpson ; fourth ward, E. Y. Hune- will. OFFICERS, 1883- J:. Mayor, H. Birkett ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kin\'on; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city mar- shal, John Thorson ; city justice, M. A. Fre- denburg; city attorney, E. "W. Richter; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, Oiva- tonna Journal. First Wa/rd. — Aldermen, John Chambers, J. E. Truesdell ; justice, H. F. Luce ; con- stable, R. H. Johnson. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 207 Second Ward. — Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. C. Ellis, II. H. Luers ; justice, M. A. Freden- burg; constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third Ward — Aldermen, G. F. Albertus, Frank Stimson, J. D. Holden ; justice, J. D. Holden ; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt; justice, H. A. Beers; con- stable, O. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter; first ward, L. L. Wheelock ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, A. Simpson; fourth ward, E. Y. Hune- "will. OFFICEES, 1884-5. Mayor, John Shea ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, R.White; city justice, M. A. Fredenburg; city attorney, E. W. Kichter ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper. People's Press. First Ward. — Aldermen, J. E. Truesdell, M. J. Toher ; justice, H. F. Luce ; constable, R. H. Johnson. Second Ward. — Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z. Barncard ; justice, O. Abernethy ; con- stable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third Ward. — Aldermen, E. M. More- house, J. Glaeser; justice, O. M. Hammond; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth Ward. — ^Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt ; justice, H. A. Beers ; con- stable, O. Tiffany. Board of Education. — At large, J. A. Cotter, T. J. Howe ; first ward, W. A. Sperry ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, Lewis Lord ; fourth ward, E. Y. Hunewill. OFFICERS, 1885-6. Mayor, C. N. McLaughlin ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, P. White; city justice, A. N. Stoughton ; city attorney, E. W. Pichter ; city surveyor, A. M Mitchell ; official paper, People's Press. First Ward. — Aldermen, M. J. Toher, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, P. H. Johnson. Second Ward. — Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z. Barncard ; justice, M. A. Fredenburg ; constable, H. P. Thompson. Third Ward. — Aldermen, E. M. More- house, E. W. Piper; justice, William David- son ; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen ; justice, C. C. Cornell ; con- stable, Herman Lee. Board of Education. — At large, George E. Peck, T. J. Howe; first ward, W. A. Sperry ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, Lewis Lord ; fourth ward, E. Y. Hune- will. OFFICERS, 1886-7. Mayor, T. H. Kelly ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, G. D. Holden ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city marshal, P. H. Johnson ; city justice, A. N. Stoughton ; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame; city sur- veyor, A. M. Mitchell ; official jjaper, Journal and Herald. First Ward. — Aldermen, N. C. Larson, C. W. Hadley ; justice, II. F. Luce ; constable, P. II. Johnson. Second Ward. — Aldermen, Henry Birkett, James Brown ; justice, M. A. Fredenburg ; constable, H. P. Thompson. Third Ward. — Aldermen, E. W. Piper, Dr. E. M. Morehouse ; justice, William Da- vidson ; constable, Ignatius Kremer. • Fourth Ward. — Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen; justice, A. Moncrieff; con- stable, George Putney. Board of Education. — At large, T. J. Howe, G. E. Peck ; first ward, W. A. Sperry; second ward, W. A. Dynes; third ward, L. Lord ; fourth ward, E. Y. Hune- will. OFFICERS FOR 188 7-8. Mayor, M. B. Pratt ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor, J. S. Austin ; treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commissioner, John Quinn ; city marshal, P. H. Johnson ; city justice, J. Newsalt; city attorney, Amos Coggs- 20S HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. well; city surve^'or, A. M. Mitchell; official paper, People's Press. First Ward. — Aldermen, C. W. Hadley, N.'C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable E. H. Johnson. Second Ward. — Aldermen, Henry Birkett. James Brown; justice, M. A. FredenV)urg* ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third Fa^'t?. — Aldermen, Dr. E. M. Morehouse, G. F. Albertus ; justice, J. H. Soukup ; constable, John Ganser. Fourtli Ward. — Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Joseph Hoffman; justice, A. Moncrief; con- stable, IL Lee. Board of Fhication. — At large, T. J. Howe, H. Schmidt ; first ward, W. A. Sperry ; second ward, W. A. Dynes ; third ward, H. Cartwright ; fourth ward, E. Y. Hunewill. Hon. Merritt B. Pratt, present mayor of Owatonna, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1835. He came to Minnesota in 18.56, locating at Mantorville. At that place the Mantor brothers had just platted the village, and Mr. Pratt's father purchased a third interest and became one of the town proprietors. Twelve years later our subject moved to Blue Earth City, where he was for a number of years engaged in the mer- cantile business. During his residence there he served one term as sheriff of Faribault County, and was otherwise prominent in political and public affairs. In 1881 he came to Owatonna and embarked in the grain business as a member of the firm of H. W. Pratt & Co., whose principal office is in Minneapolis. He was elected mayor in the spring of 1887 on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Pratt was married in 1802 to Mrs. Gertrude F. Miles, a native of New York State. riEE DEPARTMENT. The earliest records relating to the fire department begin with a meeting held on * Mr. Fvedenburg died shortly after his re-election to this office.— Editor. the 4th of May, 1879. The i-ecords do not give a list of members present, but a list of those absent is placed upon the roll, and as a matter of interest we give the list, which was as follows : N. C. Larson, E. L. Muckey, S. K. Nelson, W. H. Montgomery, Daniel S. Stewart, G. F. Albertus, E. H. Johnson, L. Andrews, A. Knobloch, C. W. Hastings, S. W. Farmer, James Brown, J. E. Buxton, A. C. Gutter- son, D. G. Currier, E. Lilley, C. H. Eandall, W. A. Dynes, D. C. Adams, H. Birkett, Frank Murray, S. Downie and J. Easton. The records are signed by F. T. Drebert, as secretary. The name of the organization then was "The Spring City Fire Depart- ment." In June, 1879, the following officers were elected : P. Winsor, foreman, "VV. W. Hub- bard, first assistant ; D. S. Stewart, sec- ond assistant ; D. G. Currier, third assist- ant foreman ; F.T. Drebert, secretary, and C. J. Kinyon, treasurer. C. "VV. Hadley at that time was chief engineer. During the same summer a new hook and ladder truck was added to the fire apparatus and a fourth section was organized to handle it. In June, 1880, the following officers were elected : P. W. "Winsor, foreman ; G. L. Foi'syth, assistant foi'eman, section No. 1 ; David Stewart, assistant foreman section No. 2; John Shea, assistant foreman Hook and Ladder section ; J. W. Morford, assistant foreman Sack section; B. E. Darby, chair- man ; E. "W. Green, secretary ; C. J. Kin- yon, treasurer; Edward Donaldson and John Shea, trustees. At this meeting the record shows that there had arisen some dissatisfaction regarding the payment of fines and dues, and shortly afterward the organization was abandoned. In fact this was the last meeting of which there is any record. On the 2d of August, 1882, a- meeting was called by S. S. Green, who had been appointed chief engineer, for the purpose of organizing the "Owatonna Fire Depart- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 209 ment." It was attended hj^ John McMichael, E. D. Middaugh, G. L. Forsyth, Eobert White, E. M. Twiford, W. Dennis, P. Han- son, James Brown, J. Z. Barncard, A. G. Meyer, James Tliompson, C. J. Kinyon, H. H. Luers; J. M. Schafer, G. W. Elhott, B. E. Darby, J. F. Young and N. C. Larson. An organization was effected by the election of the following ofHcers. J. Z. Barncard, chair- man ; H. H. Luers, secretary ; N. C. Larson, treasurer; Eobert White, first assistant en- gineer; G. L. Forsyth, second assistant en- gineer; C. J. Kinyon. third assistant engineer. S. S. Green was chief engineer. A commit- tee consisting of S. S. Green, E. White, H. H. Luers, C. J. Kinyon and G. L. Forsyth was appointed to draft by-laws, which they did. Since that time the following have held the various offices: Elected May 2, 1883 — J. Z. Barncard, chairman ; B. E. Darby, secretary ; N. C. Larson, treasurer; E. White, first assistant engineer; G. L. Forsyth, second assistant engineer; C. J. Kinyon, third assistant en- gineer. S. S. Green was still chief engineer. Elected May 7, 1881 — C. E. Luce, chair- man; B. E. Darby, secretary; N. C. Larson, treasurer ; E. White, first assistant engineer ; G. L. Forsyth, second assistant engineer ; C. J. Kinyon, third assistant engineer ; C. M. Lorence, foreman water carts; E. M. Twi- ford, foreman force pumps; S. S. Green, chief engineer. Elected May 4, 1885 — S. S. Green, chief engineer ; C. E. Luce, chairman ; B. E. Dar- by, secretary ; N. C. Larson, treasui'er ; E. M. Twiford, first assistant engineer; G. L. Forsyth, second assistant engineer ; C. J. Kinyon, third assistant engineer ; C. E. Luce, foreman of hose cart and force pumps. Elected April 12, 1888 — S. S. Green was re-elected chief engineer, but declined, and E. M. Twiford was chosen to succeed him. Mr. Green had held this responsible position since the reorganization of the department, filling it with credit to himself and satisfac- tion to the entire city. Eesolutions were drawn and adopted by the department thanking him sincerely for his past services and regretting his decision to decline. The officers elected at that time were : E. M. Twiford, chief engineer; L. Peterson, first assistant; C. S. Austin, second assistant; W. J. Thompson, third assistant; Paul Mur- phy, fourth assistant; C. E. Luce, ciiairman ; B. E. Darby, secretary; C. J. Kinyon, treas- urer; Fred Cottier, property-man. Elected April i, 1887 — E. M. Twiford, chief engineer; L. Peterson, first assistant; C. S. Austin, second assistant ; W. J. Thompson, third assistant ; C. E. Luce fourth assistant ; C. E. Luce, chairman ; B. E. Darby, secretary; C. J. Kinyon, treas- urer. These are the present officers. The following is a list of the gentlemen who formed the various sections of the de- partment, September 16, 1887: E. M. Twiford, chief engineer. Engine No. 1. — L. Peterson, first assist ant engineer ; B. E. Darby, L. C. Berg, Fred- Cottier, Egbert A. Brown, JSTels Easmusson, F. H. Coon, J. H. Soukup, S. S. Green, Hans Eobertson, James Eobertson, Helga Helge- son. Engine No. 2. — C. S. Austin, second assistant engineer ; Jolin Thorsen, J. P. Thon, E. H. Johnson, W. Morgan, E. G. Nelson, John Knight, Louis Haramel, Eobt. Davidson, Ole Thorsen. Hook and ladder truck. — W. J.Thomp- son, third assistant engineer; John Diviny, C. J. Kinyon, Wyatt Murray, John Sher- bino, B. McClintock, J. D. Slonaker, A. Moncrieff, W. D. Snyder, Eugene Kelly, Mor- ris Cusick. Horse cart and force jiumps. — C. E. Luce, fourth assistant engineer ; Fred Scliuman, C. E. L. Greenwood, Philip Schoen, Max Hartwig, Louis Fenner, Perry Eolfe, Andrew Hendricks, Elias Eeese. The department is equipped with Cham- pion Chemical Extinguishers Nos. 1 and 2. Tliey have a hook and ladder truck with the usual outfit of ladders, pails, hooks, etc. 210 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. The\' also bave a hose cart with about six hundred feet of hose arranged to attach to the city force pumps, of which there are four, located as follows : One on corner of Bridge and Oak streets ; one at city park ; one on corner of Eose and Cedar streets and one on Vine street, fifty feet west of Cedar. The members of the depai'traent are fitted with neat uniforms. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first school taught in Steele County, Minn., as well as Owatonna, was opened in July, 1855, by Miss Helen Ilolbrook. Park, Smith and A. B. Cornell had driven four posts in the ground and partiallj' cov- ered them with boughs ; and in this primitive structure the school was begun. Among the scholars who attended were Emily (now Mrs. W. H. Willsey) and Anetta Phelps, daughters of Addison Phelps, one daughter of A. B. Cornell and a couple of B. L. Arnold's children. At the present writing there are three public school buildings in the city ; the high school and the first ami second wards. Two of the buildings are costly structures. The schools are well graded and have been among the best managed schools in the State. There is not a city of the same size in Minnesota, where public schools are rated so high, or educational facilities and priv- ileges so excellent as in Owatonna, and the citizens justly feel proud of their educational institutions. rOSTOFFICE. The Owatonna postoffice was established in 1855, with S. B. Smith as postmaster. Up to that time the name of the town had been spelled " Owatonia," but at this time the " i " was changed to an " n," and the orthog- raphy became the same as it is to-daj^ M. A. Daih^ was tiie second postmaster, and he was succeeded in turn by John N. Kelley, William "Wadsworth and Twiford E. Hughes. On the 7th of April, 1870, E. Easton took possession of the oftice and remained until January 8, 1876, when he was succeeded by Charles S. Crandall. Mr. Crandall held the office until April 10, 1881, when he was re- lieved by Lewis L. "Wheelock, the present in- cumbent. This office was made a money-order office in August, 18C6. The first three money or- ders were purchased by Twiford E. Hughes, Alverson & Graham and Dr. A. S. Mygatt. Up to August 1, 1886, there had been a total of 43,367 money orders issued. FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Star in the East Lodge, No. 33. — The first meeting of this lodge, while working under dispensation, was held on the Ifith of Decem- ber, 1859, with J. C. Whipple, R. W. G. J. W. of Faribault Lodge No. 9, presiding. John Kelso acted as secretary. The first stated communication held under dispensation was on the 23d of January, 1860. The first of- ficers elected were as follows : J. C. Whip- ple, W. M.; E. M. Morehouse, S. W.; Joel Wilson, J. W.; Nelson Morehouse, Treas.; John Kelso, Secy.; Thomas Thompson, S. D., and David Lindersraith, I. D. When the move was first agitated it was found that there were not enough Masons at and about Owatonna to form a quorum, and finally several citizens went to Wilton, and others to Faribault, where they joined the order, and enough members were thus se- cured. AVhile the lodge was working under dispensation, it does not appear that any per- manent set of officers was elected, but the records show that the following named acted as W. M. during that time : J. C. Whipple, S. C. Williamson, E. M. Morehouse, J. W. Morford, W. H. Willsey and W. R. Kinyon. A chaiter was granted to the lodge on the 24th of October, 1860, naming the following as officers : S. C. Williamson, AV. M.; Dr. E. M. Morehouse, S. W., and Joel Wilson, J. W. Since that time the following have been the elected officers during the various years : Elected, October 29, I860, for 1861: W. R. Kinyon, W. M.; E. M. Morehouse, S. W.; -***Wv i "^x x^ , ^// ^u^/^>^^^n HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 213 W. II. Willsey, J. W.; J. W. Morford, Treas.; John Kelso, Secy. For 1862 — E. M. Morehouse, W. M.; W. H. Willsey, S. W.; L. B. Tanner, J. W.; J. W. Morford, Treas.; J. N. Kelly, Secy. 1863 — W. K. Kinyon, W. M.; J. W. Mor- ford, S. W.; J. N. Kelly, J. W.; E. M. More- house, Treas.; W. II. Wadsworth, Secy. 1864 — J. W. Morford, W. M.; Joel AVil- son, S. W.; W. II. Willsey, J. W.; W. R. Kinyon, Treas.; W. II. Wadsworth, Secy. 1865 — J. W. Morford, W. M.; W. R. Kin- yon, S. W.; W. II. Willsey, J. W.; Jacob Op- pliger. Secy. 1866- J. W. Morford, W. M.; Wm. II. Kelly, S. W.; H. C. Eldred, J. W.; J. A. Op- pliger, Treas.; J. Newsalt, Secy. 1867 — J. W. Morford, W. M.; II. J. Lewis, S. W.; A. B. Webber, J. W.; Addi- son Phelps, Treas.; S. II. Stowers, Secy. 1868— J. W. Morford, W. M. ; II. J. Lewis, S. W. ; E. Scannel, J. W. ; A. M. Kinyon, Treas. ; J. A. Robey, Secy. 1869 — H. J. Lewis, W. M. ; J. A. Robey, S. W. ; L. S. Padgham, J. W. ; James Mor- ton, Treas. ; A. M. Kinyon, Secy. 1870 — J. W. Morford, W. M. ; J. A. Ro- bey, S. W. ; L. S. Padgham, J. W. ; R. C. Olin, Treas. ; A. C. Hickman, Secy. 1871- J. W. Morford, W. M. ; A. C. Hick- man, S. W. ; Hiram Backus, J. W. ; R. C. Olin, Treas. ; J. W. Hall, Secy. 1872— A. C. Hickman, W. M. ; II. Backus, S. W. ; L. L. Wheelock, J. W. ; H. II. Rose- brock, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1873 — J. W. Morford, W.' M. ; J. D. Ilolden, S. W. ; D. Whipple, J. W. ; II. II. Rosebrock, Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Secy. 1871— J. D. Holden, W. M. ; A. C. Hick- man, S. W. ; H. n. Rosebrock, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, Treas. ; L. L. Bennett, Secy. 187.5 — J. D. Ilolden, W. M. ; A. C. Dodge, S. W. ; A. C. Gutterson, J. W. ; G. F. Al- bertus, Treas. ; L. L. Bennett, Secy. 1876 — A. C. Dodge, W. M. ; M. B. Chad- wick, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, Treas. ; L. L. Bennett, Secy. 13 1877 — A. C. Dodge, W. M. ; M. B. Chad- wick, S. W. ; W. S. Melvin, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1878 — J. D. Holden, W. M. ; M. B. Chad- wick, S. W.; J. M. Burlingame, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1879— J. M. Burlingame, W. M. ; C. H. Randall, S. W. ; George D. Ilolden, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1880 — L. L. Wheelock, W. M. ; H. H. Rosebrock, S. W. ; II. Birkett, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1881 — J. D. Holden, W. M.; I.'u. Jones, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; II. H. Luers, Secy. 1882— J. D. Holden, W.M. ; M. B. Chad- wick, S. W. ; H. S. Hill, J. W. ; L. L. Ben- nett, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1883 — M. B. Chadwick, W. M. ; H. S. Hill, S. W. ; I. H. DeWolf, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; H. II. Luers, Secy. 1884— M. B. Chadwick, W. M. ; H. S. Hill, S. W. ; J. Z. Barncard, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; II. H. Luers, Secy. 1885 — Henry Birkett, W. M. ; N. C. Lar- son, S. W. ; C. W. Bardic, J. W. ; L. L. Ben- nett, Treas. ; H. II. Luers, Secy. 1886 — N. J. Schafer, W. M. ; N". C. Lar- son, S. W. ; D. Moody, J. W. ; L. L. Ben- nett, Treas. ; M. B. Chadwick, Secy. 1887 — K J. Schafer, W. M. ; C. W. Bur- die, S. W. ; D. Downie, J. W. ; M. B. Chad- wick, Secy. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; II. II. Luers, S. D. ; N. C. Larson, J. D. ; L. An- derson, S. S. ; H. II. Rosebrock, J. S. ; G. AV. Shaw, T. This lodge now has over one hundred members. In early days the meetings were held in Morford's Hall, but in 1874 they moved into the present Masonic Hall over the Farmers' National Bank. The rooms are finely furnished, and the lodge owns hand- some and appropriate regalia. Regular meetings are held on the evenings of the second and fourth Wednesdays in each month. Owatonna Royal Arch — Chapter No. 15. 214 HISTORY OF STEELE CODNTl'. —On the 28th of September, 186C, C. W. Nash, Grand High Priest of Eoyal Arch Masons forMinnesota, granted a dispensation to W. R. Kinyon, M. F. Lowth, L. II. Kelly, T. Ci. Patch, J. W. Morford, H. J. Lewis, I. F. Wliite, K Hubbard and R. M. Dunberry to establish a Chapter of Royal Arch ]Ma- sons in Ovvatonna, and appointed M. F. Lowth, H. P.; W. R. Kinyon, King; and L. H. Kelly, Scribe. The companions met for the first time in Masonic Plall on Oc- tober 15, 1860, for the purpose of effecting organization, and the High Priest appoint- ed the following officers : E. R. Lathrop, C; J. W. Morford, C. II.; II. J. Lewis, P. S.; J. F. White, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. ; Charles Case, G. M. 3d Vail ; N. Hub- bard, G. M. 2d Vail ; E. M. Hawley, G. M. 1st Vail ; and R. M. Dunberry, S. The code of by-laws was prepared by W. R. Kinyon, J. W. Morford and T. G. Patch. The first regular convocation was held on the evening of November 2, 1866, at which time the first permanent officers were appointed. They were the same as those already given, except that E. R. Lathrop was made C. H., and J. W. Morford R. A. C. The charter was granted on October 22, 186Y, and the follow- ing were nominated and duly installed as officers : M. F. Lowth, M. E. II. P. ; W. R. Kinyon, E. K. ; L. H. Kelly, E. S. ; H. J. Lewis, P. S. ; J. W. Morford, R. A. C. The following is a list of the officers who have been elected during the various years since that time : December 20, 1867— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. II. P. ; M. F. Lowth, E. K. ; L. 11. Kelly, E. S. ; J. W. Morford, C. H. ; II. J. Lewis, P. S.; A. M. Kinyon, R. A. C. ; W. F. Pettit, Treas. ; A. b". Webber, Secy. For 1870 — A. B. Webber, M. E. H. P.; W. II. Willsey, E. K. ; S. B. Washburn, E. S. ; W. T. Kittridge, C. H. ; II. J. Lewis, P. S. ; J. W. Morford, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1871— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; W. H. Willsey, K. ; S. B. Washburn, S. ; J. W. Morford, C. II.; H.J. Lewis, P. S. ; H. Backus, R. A. C. ; E. M. Morehouse, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1872 — W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; W. H. Willsey, K. ; L. S. Padgham, S.; J. W. Morford, C. H. ; II. Backus, P. S. ; Thomas W. Irving, R. A. C. ; Thomas J. Howe, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1873 — L. L. Wheelock, M. E. H. P. ; J. W. Morford, E. S. ; W. II. Willsey, K. ; A. C. Dodge, C. II.; T. W. Irving, R. A. C. ; E. M. Morehouse, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1S74— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; W. H. Willsey, E. K. ; A. C. Hickman, S. ; A. C. Dodge, C. II. ; II. Backus, P. S. ; T. W. Irving, R. A. C. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Secy. 1875- W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; L. L. Wheelock, E. K. ; L. L. Bennett, E. S.; J. W. Morford, C. II. ; A. C. Dodge, P. S. ; S. II. Stowers, R. A. C. ; II. II. Rosebrock. Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Secy. 1S76 — J. W. Morford, M. E. H. P.; M. F. Lowth, E. K. ; J. A. Opphger, E. S. ; S. II. Stowers, C. H. ; A. C. Dodge, P. S. ; T. W. Irving, R. A. C. ; II. H. Rosebrock, Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Secy. 1877 — J. D. Ilolden, M. E. H. P. ; J. M. Burlingame, E. K. ; N. C. Larson, E. S. ; S. H. Stowers, C. H. ; J. R. Fox, P. S. ; H. H. Rosebrock, R. H. C. ; W. H. Willsey, Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Secy. 1878 — J. M. Burlingame, M. E. H.P.; H. H. Rosebrock, E. K. ; A. Graham, E. S. ; L. L. Bennett, C. H. ; J. D. Ilolden, P. S. ; H. Birkett, R. A. C. ; W. II. Willsey, Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Sec'y. 1879 — J. W. Morford, M. E. II. P. ; N. C. Larson, E. K. ; J. M. Burlingame, E. S. ; II. Birkett, C. II. ; J. D. Ilolden, P. S. ; H. II. Rosebrock, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, Treas. ; M. L. Strong, Secy. 1880 — W. R. Kinyon. M. E. H. P. ; L. L. Wheelock, K. ; L. L. Bennett, S. ; H. H. Rosebrock, C. H. ; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; E. Downie, Secy. ; G. F. Albertus, Treas. ; I HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 215 J. W. Morford, E. A. C. ; G. W. Shaw, Sent. 1881 — H. Birkett, M. E. H. P.; J. D. Iloklen, E. K. ; G. F. Albertus, E. S. ; IL II. Eosebrock, C II. ; L. L. Bennett, P. S. ; ]Sr. C. Larson, E. A. C. ; W. E. Kinyon, Treas. ; T. J. Howe, Sec3^ 1882 — L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; G. F. Albertus, E. S. ; W. E. Kinyon, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. ; H. H. Eosebrock, C. II. ; J. D. Ilolden, "p. S. ; J. W. Morford, E. A. C. 1883 — J. D. Hoklen, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; H. II. Eosebrock, E. S. ; J. Z. Barncard, C. II. ; II. Birkett, P. S. ; J. W. Morford, E. A. C. ; W. E. Kinyon, Treas. ; II. II. Luers, Sec'y. 1884 — J. D. Iloklen, M. E. H. P.; II. H. Eosebrock, E. K. ; H. S. Hill, E. S. ; J. Z. Barncard, C. II. ; II. Birkett, P. S. ; N. C. Larson, E. A. C. ; W. E. Kinyon, Treas. ; II. H. Luers, Secy. 1885 — L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; J. Z. Barncard, E. K. ; T. J. Howe, E. S. ; N. C. Larson, C. II.; J. D. Ilolden, P. S. ; H. Birkett, E. A. C. ; W. E. Kinyon, Treas. ; II. H. Luers, Secy. 1886 — J. Z. Barncard, M. E. H. P. ; N. J. Schafer, E. K. ; N. C. Larson, E. S. ; D. S. Coverdale, C. H. ; H. H. Eosebrock, P. S. ; E. E. Bigelow, E. A. C. ; L. L. Bennett, Treas. ; H. H. Luers, Secy. 1887— N. J. Schafer, M. E. IL P. ; T. J. Howe, K. ; II. H. Eosebrock, S. ; E. E. Bige- low, C. H.; C. W. Burdic, P. S.; H. IL Luers, E. A. C. ; G. F. Albertus, Treas. ; J. W. Connor, Secy. ; G. W. Shaw, Sent. ; C. W. Burdic, 1st Vail. Cyrejie Commandery, No. 9, Knights Tem- plar. — The Knights Templar, in Masonry, is one step higher than the Chapter. Any member of the Chapter in good standing is eligible to membership in the Commandery. On the 17tli of February, 1874, a dispensa- tion was granted by II. L. Carver, of St. Paul, Grand Commander of Minnesota, au- thorizing the organization of Cyrene Com- mandery, and, accordingly, the first meeting was held on the 19th of the same month, at Masonic Hall, in Owatonna, at which an organization was effected by the election of the following named as first officers : C. H. Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; Smith H. Stowers, C. G. ; H. Backus, P. ; H. E. Moore, Jr., S. W. ; Thomas W. Irving, J. W. ; Hiram J. Lewis, Treas. ; T. G. Patch, Eec. ; and H. H. Eosebrock, W. This list also comprises all of the charter members. The Commandery grew rapidly from the start. During the year 1874 the following Masons became Sir Knights of this-Commandery, in the order named : W. E. Kinyon, W. H. Kelly, E. M. Morehouse, A. C. Dodge, J. A. Oppliger, M. L. Strong, Thos. J. Howe, A. C. Hickman, L. L. Wheelock, C. W. Gard- ner, L. S. Padgham, G. F. Albertus, W. H. Willse_y, and T. H. Frazer. In 1875 J. W. Hall, N. C. Larson and Henry Birkett joined, and since then the membership has continually increased, un- til in August, 1887, it numbered sixty -two knights in good standing. This includes twenty members who are residents of Wa- seca and vicinity. Neai'ly all the balance are citizens of Steele County. Conclaves have always been held in the Masonic Hall, where the Commandery owns the full com- plement of furniture and paraphernalia. The knights all own tasty and handsome regalia, many of which are rich and costly. Con- claves are regularly held on the evenings of the second and fourth Mondays in each month. The Cyrene Commandery has al- ways been prominent in State Masonic circles. It has furnished two Eight Eminent Grand Commanders of Minnesota : Henry Birkett, who served two years, and E. L. McCormick, who held the office one year; and in June, 1886, the session of the Grand Commandery of Minnesota was held at Owatonna, attended by the most prominent knights in the State. The Commandery has at different times taken special train excur- sions to various portions of the State, includ- 216 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ing Minneapolis, Faribault, Ked Wing, Waterville, and Stillwater, at which enjoy- able times were had. The Comraandery now includes nearly all of the leading and wealthy business men of Owatonna, al- though its membership has suffered some- what from removal of members, and a few deaths have also occurred within the lodge. The last meeting under dispensation was held on the 22d of June, 1874. The charter was p-ranted on the 17th of Februarv, 1871:. The following is a complete list, as far as the records show, of the various officers wlio have served the commandery in each year, fi'om its organization to the present time : Installed, June 1874. — C. H. Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; A. C. Dodge, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ; E. M. Morehouse, T. ; T. G. Patch, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. H. Eosebrock, W. ; L. S. Padgham, 1st G. ; Thomas J. Howe, 2d G. ; H. Backus, 3d G., and G. F. Albertus. Sen. Installed, April 12, 1875.— C. H. Hatha- way, E. C; J. W. Morford, G. ; S. H. Stowers, E. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; A. C. Dodge, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ; E. M. Morehouse, J. ; M. L. Strong, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. H. Eosebrock, W. ; L. S. Padgham, Capt. G. ; G. F. Albertus, 2d G. ; H. Backus, 3d G. Installed, April 24, 1876.— C. H. Hatha- way, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; T. W. Irving, S. W. ; II. H. Eosebrock, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. ; S. II. Stowers, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. Birkett, W. ; A. C. Dodge, 1st G. ; T. J. Howe, 2d G. ; H. Backus, 3d G., and J. W. Hall, Sen. Installed, March 26, 1877.— W. E. Kinyon, E. C. ; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong, C G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; J. W. Morford, S W. ; H. Birkett, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. S. H. Stowers, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. li. Eosebrock, W. ; J. W. Hall, Sen. Installed, April 8, 1878. — W. E. Kinyon, E. C. ; E. L. McCormack, G. ; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; H. Birkett, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. ; S. H. Stowers, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. H. Eosebrock, W. ; G. F. Albertus, Sen. Installed, April 14, 1879.— E. L. McCor- mack, E. C; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; W. H. Willsey, S. W. ; J. W. Morford, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. ; S. H. Stowers, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. H. Eosebrock, W. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Installed, March 30, 1880.— E. L. McCor- mack, E. C. ; H. Birkett, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; G. E. Buckman, S. W. ; W. II. Willsey, J. W. ; G. F. Al- bertus, T. ; W. II. Maes, E. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B.; H. II. Eosebrock, S. B. ; S. G. Lund, W. ; T. J. Howe, 1st G. ; N. C Larson, 2d G. ; J. W. Morford, 3d G. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Installed, April 25, 1881.- Henry Birkett, E. C. ; A. C. Hickman, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; Henry E. Strong, S. W. ; W. C. Thayer, J. W. ; G. F. Alljertus, T. ; W. H. Maes, E. ; Clarke Chambers, St. B. ; T. J. Howe, S. B. ; N. C. Larson, W. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Installed, April 8, 1882.— H. Birkett, E. C. ; L. L. Wheelock, G. ; G. E. Buckman, C. G. ; A. C. Hickman, P. ; W. C. Thayer, S. W. ; W. II. Maes, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. ; J. W. Morford, E. ; T. J. Howe, Sw. B. ; N. C. Larson, W. ; E. E. Bigelow, 1st G. ; H. H. Eosebrock, 2d G. ; L. L. Bennett, 3d G. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Installed March 26, 1883 — L. L. Whee- lock, E. G. ; G. E. Buckman, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; W. H. Maes, J. W. ; G. F. Alber- tus, T. ; W. II. Donaldson, E. ; T. J. Howe, Sw. B. ; N. C. Larson, W. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Chosen March 24, 1884 — L. L. Wheelock, E. C. ; G. E. Buckman, G. ; L. L. Bennett, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D. Holden, S. W. ; HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. 21Y N. C. Larson, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, T. ; T. J. Howe, K. ; W. H. Willsey, St. B. ; J. Z. Barncard, S. B. ; H. H. Kosebrock, W. ; E. E. Bigelow, 1st G. ; J. M. Diment, 2d G. ; J. J. McDonald, 3d G. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Chosen March 23, 1884 — James M. Di- ment, E. C. ; D. S. Cunnnings, G. ; Frank Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P.; J. D. Hol- den, S. W. ; IST. C. Larson, J. W. ; G. F. Al- bertus, T. ; L. L. Bennett, K. ; E. E. Bigelow, Std. B. ; W. H. Willsey, S. B. ; H. H. Rose- brock, W. ; D. S. Coverdale, 1st G. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Chosen April 12, 1886 — James M. Diment, E. C. ; D. S. Cummings, G. ; F. F. Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; N. C. Larson, S. W. ; K J. Schafer, J. W. ; W. H. Willsey, T. ; L. L. Bennett, E. ; D. S. Coverdale, St. B. ; T. J. Howe, S. B. ; E. E. Bigelow, W. ; G. W. Shaw, Sen. Chosen March 28, 1887 — Present officers: F. F. Grant, E. C. ; G. R. Buckman, G. ; N. C. Larson, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; N. J. Schafer, S. W. ; J. E. Truesdell, J. W. ; H. H. Rosebrock, Treas. ; T. J. Howe, R. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; G. F. Albertus, S. B. ; J. W. Conner, W. ; L. L. Bennett, 1st G. ; J. Z. Barncard, 2d G. ; J. M. Diment, 3d G. ; and G. W. Shaw, Sen. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. Star of the West Lodge, No llf.. — On the 9th of August, 1864, J. ISTewsalt, then a member of Prairie Lodge No. 7, Winona, Minn., accompanied by E. K. Smith, P. J. Smith and R. C. Ambler, went to Rochester, where his companions were initiated by Rochester Lodge No. 13, and received all the degrees appertaining to a subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows. Through the kindness of the Rochester lodge the regular fees were refunded, with which a charter was jjrocured December 28, 1864, and Star of the West Lodge No. 14, 1. O. O. F., was duly instituted by M. W.G. M., C. D. Strong, assisted by P. G. M., O. J. Noble. The charter members were J. Newsalt, Wm. Hamburg, E. K. Smith, P. J, Smith, Eben Durham and W. H. Twi- ford. The first officers elected and installed were J. Newsalt, N. G. ; E. K. Smith, V. G. ; W. H. Twiford, Secy. ; and William Hamburg, Treas. On the evening of the organization of the lodge D. B. Marble, A. C. Hickman, and James Lee were admitted by card, and L. Bixby, G. W. Shaw and R. Joos by initiation. During the first term of six months three members were admitted by card and twelve by initiation. The of- ficers elected and installed for the second term, commencing July 1, 1865, were E. K. Smith, N. G. ; L. Bixby, V. G. ; A. C. Hick- man, Secy. ; D. B. Marble, Treas. ;and J. New- salt, D. D. G. M. During the second term, two were admitted by card and six by initia- tion. The following is a list of the officers who have served the lodge from 1865 until the present time. The date given refers to the commencement of the term : January 1, 1866— L. Bixby, N. G. ; D. B. Marble, V. G. ; A. S. Mygatt, Secy. ; G. W. Shaw, Treas. During this term five mem- bers were admitted by initiation. July 1, 1866 — D. B. Marble, N. G. ; G. W. Shaw, V. G. ; P. J. Smith, Secy. ; Wm. Pepper, Treas. ; E. K. Smith, D. D. G. M. Four members were admitted by card, and four by initiation. January 1,1867 — L. Bixby, N.G.; P. T. Smith, V. G. ; G. H. Tyrrell, Secy. ; P. McRostie, Treas. During this term five were admitted by initiation and one by card. July 1, 1867 — G. W. Shaw, N. G. ; Wm. Scruby, V. G. ; J. J. Thomas, Secy. ; R. T. Smith, Treas. ; L. Bixby, D. D. G. M. Dur- ing the term J. J. Thomas resigned, and C. S. Crandall was elected secretary to fill the vacancy. Eight members were initiated and one admitted as an Ancient Odd Fellow. January 1, 1S68.— G. II. Tyrrell, N. G. ; W. H. Reynolds, V. G. ; C. S. Crandall, Secy. ; Alson Selleck, Treas. During the early part of the term G. H. Tyrrell resigned the office of N. G., and L. Bixby was elected to 218 HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. fill the office. Three members were admit- ted by initiation and two bj^ card. July, 1868 — William Reynolds, N. G.; William Pepper, V. G. ; J. W. Daniels, R. S. ; W. H. Sherman, Treas. January, 1869 — William Pepper, N. G. ; A. S. Mygatt, V. G. ; John Middaugh, R. S. ; Sydney Smith, Per. Sec. ; A. P. Requa (re- signed), E. B. Crooker, Treas. July, 1 869 — A. S. Mygatt, N. G. ; C. S. Crandall, V. G. ; E. T. Smith, R. S. ; George Mitchell, Treas. January, 1870 — C. S. Crandall, K G. ; J. D. Mitchell, V. G. ; A. A. Harwood, R. S. ; L. Bixby, Per. Sec. ; H. M. Brown, Treas. July, 1870 —J. D. Mitchell, N. G. ; George Mitchell. Y. G. ; H. N. Brown, R. S. ; J. C. Backus, Treas. January, 1871 — George Mitchell, N. G. ; J. C. Backus, V. G. ; J. Newsalt, R. S. ; William Pepper, Treas. July, 1871 — J. C. Backus, N. G. ; Geo. A. Black, V. G. ; E. K. Smith, R. S. ; George Mitchell, Treas. January, 1872 —George A. Black, N. G. ; John Cottier, V. G. ; E. K. Smith, R. S. ; A. C. Hickman, Treas. July, 1872 — John Cottier, N. G. ; James K. Price, V. G. ; William Reynolds, R. S. ; D. Lawson, Treas. January, 1873 — J. K. Price, N. G.; D. Lawson, V. G. ; A. S. Mygatt, R. S. ; G. W. Shaw, Treas. July, 1873 — D. Lawson, JST. G. ; J. P. Requa, V. G. ; E. K. Smith, R. S. ; G. W. Shaw, Treas. ; H. F. Luce, Treas. January, 1874 — P. McRostie, N. G. ; N. Searl, V. G. ; A. L. Harding, R. S. ; PL F. Luce, Per. Sec. ; George Mitchell, Treas. July, 1874 — George Mitchell, N. G. ; A. L. Harding, V. G. ; E. M. Arnold, R. S. ; E. K. Smith, Treas. January, 1875 — A. L. Harding, N. G. ; H. F. Luce, V. G. ; G. Peterson, R. S. ; W. H. Reynolds Per. Secy. ; H. M. Pepper, Treas. July, 1875— H.F. Luce, N. G. ; R. Lilly, V. G. ; G. Peterson, R. S. January, 1876 — R. Lilly, N. G. ; G. Peter- son, V. G. ; W. A. Dynes.'p. S.; H. F. Luce, Treas. ; E. K. Smith, P. S. July, 1876 — C. W. Burdick, K G. ; W. A. Dynes, V. G. ; E. C. Kinny, R. S. ; John Mitchell, Treas. January, 1877 — John Cottier, N. G. ; George Shaw, V. G. ; R. Lilly, R. S. ; T. R. Medd, P. S. July, 1877 — W. A. Dynes, N. G. ; E. C. Kinney, V. G. ; W. L. Winslow, R. S.; J. D. Mitchell, Treas. January, 1878 — E. C. Kinney, N. G. ; T. R. Medd, Y. G. ; F. C. Webb, R. S.; H. F. Luce, P. S. July, 1878 — T. R. Medd, N. G. ; E. R. Fenno, Y. G. ; R. L. Muckey, R. S. ; T. C. Webb, Treas. January, 1879 — E. R. Fenno, N. G. ; W. L. Winslow, Y. G. ; R. L. Muckey, R. S. ; R. Lilly, P. S. ; Geo. W. Shaw, Treas. July, 1879 — W. L. Winslow, N. G. ; 0. E. Parker, Y. G. ; R. LiUy, R. S. ; E. K. Smith, P. S. ; Geo. W. Shaw, Treas. January, 1880 — Geo. W. Shaw, N. G. ; H. F. Luce, Y. G. ; E. K. Smith, R. S. ; G. W. Peterson, P. S. ; W. H. Reynolds, Treas. July, 1880 — John Cottier, N. G.; Frank Webb, Y. G. ; H. F. Luce, R. S. ; E. R. Fenno, Treas. January, 1881 — F. C. Webb, N. G. ; W. Hughes, V. G. ; W. A. Dynes, R. S.; A. Simpson, P. S. ; E. R. Fenno, Treas. July, 1881 — T. R. Medd, K G.; A. Simp- son, V. G. ; Geo. H. Peterson, R. S. ; O. S. Boice, P. S. ; F. C. Webb, Treas. January, 1882 — A. Simpson, N. G. ; O. S. Boice, Y. G. ; Geo. Parrott, R. S. ; F. C. AYebb, P. S. ; E. R. Fenno, Treas. July, 1882 — O. S. Boice, N. G. ; Geo. Par- rott, Y. G. ; J. W. McKinny, R. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. Junuary, 1883 — Geo. Parrott, N. G. ; J. H. Hehvig, Y. G. ; J. W. McKinny, R. S. ; G. W. Peachy, P. S. ; A. Simpson, Treas. July, 1883 — F. C. Webb, N. G. ; J. H. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 219 Helwig, y. G. ; E. Fuller, R. S. ; O. S. Boice, Treas. Januaiy, 1884— J. II. Hehvig, N. G. ; E. Fuller, V. G. ; G. H. Peterson, K. S. ; H. F. Luce, P. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. July, 1881— E. Fuller, K G. ; George Peachy, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, II. S. ; Mr. Andrews, Treas. January, 1885 — George Peachy, N. G. ; James Brown, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S. ; George Parrott, P. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. July, 1885 — James Brown, N. G. ; J. II. Dewart, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. January, 1886 — H. F. Luce, N. G. ; John A. Shaw, Y. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S. ; T. J. Gillam, See}'. ; John Cottier, Treas. July, 1886— H. F. Luce, N. G. ; J. A. Shaw, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S. ; John Cot- tier, Treas. January, 1887— John A. Shaw, N. G. ; E. H. S. Dart, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S ; George Parrott, P. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. July, 1887— Mr. Wright, N. G. ; W. F. Barker, V. G. ; F. C. Webb, E. S. ; John Cottier, Treas. ; George W. Shaw, Warden ; Geo. H. Peterson, E. S. N. G. ; J. H. Hel- wig, L. S. N. G. ; Mr. McGillan, I. G., and Cliap. Eev. J. C. Ogle. The lodge now has Mty-Uve members in good standing. Its financial condition is ex- cellent, as it has money in the treasury, be- sides considerable loaned out. The first meet- ings of the lodge were held in Morford's hall, which is now occupied by Eosebrock's furniture store. A short time later, a room over what is now Mr. Holt's general store was used, and a couple of years later they occupied a room adjoining that one. Afier four or five years, a third story was added to the building which they now occupy, and for a consideration of ' $1,100 they secured a ninety -nine-year lease of it. The money was raised by the organization of a stock com- pan}' and the issuance of certificates. It is all paid, and the lodge is out of debt. The lodge-room is appropriatety furnished, and they possess a full outfit of neat and tasty regalias. Goethe lodge, JVo. 38, I. 0. 0. i^.— This lodge was organized at Owatonna, April 25, 1873, by Grand Master E. K. Smith, of Owa- tonna, assisted by Eobert Smith, Y. G. M. The following is a list of those present : Past Grands J. Newsalt, William Pepper, A. S. Mygatt, W. H. Eeynolds, G. A. Black, and Brothers L. Bion, A. Butsch, G. Sie- bold, J. Deeg and A. Hafemann. At that time there were initiated John Ilammel, F. Mudeking and J. II. Ilartwig. The first of- ficers were elected at the same meeting, as follows : J. Newsalt, N. G. ; L. Bion, Y. G. ; Eichard Joos, P. S. ; G. Siebolt, Secy. ; A. Butsch, Treas. The following is a list of the officers who have served this lodge since its organization, as shown by the record of elections : Elected June 30, 1873 — J. Newsalt, N. G. ; L. Bion, Y. G. ; G. Siebold, E. Secy. ; Eichard Joos, P. S. ; A. Butsch, Treas. December 31, 1873 — Louis Bion, N. G. ; Adam Butsch, Y. G. ; John Deeg, E. S. ; J. Newsalt, P. S. ; J. Newsalt, Treas. June 30, 1874 — A. Butsch, N. G.; John Deeg, Y. G. ; John Hammel, E. S. ; J. New- salt, P. S. ; Albert Hafemann, Treas. December 31, 1871 — John Deeg, N. G. ; Albert Hafemann, Y. G. ; John Hammel, E. S. ; J. Newsalt, P. S. ; Fred Mudeking, Treas. June 30, 1875 — A. Hafemann, N. G. ; John Hammel, Y. G. ; L. Bion, E. S. ; Jacob New- salt, P. S. ; John A. Butsch, Treas. December 31, 1875 — John Hammel, N. G. ; F. Mudeking, Y. G. ; J. Newsalt, E. S. ; E. Deininger, P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. June 30, 1876 — F. Mudeking, N. G. ; Theo. Fedder, Y. G. ; Gustav Siebold, E. S. ; E. Deininger, P. S. ; John Deeg, Treas. December 30, 1876 — L. Bion, N. G. ; G. Siebold, Y. G. ; John Hammel, E. S. ; E. Deiningei', P. S. ; Geo. A. Eossbach, Treas. June 30, 1877— G. Siebold, N. G. ; Theo. Fedder, Y. G. ; J. Newsalt, E. S. ; E. Deinin- ger, P. S. ; L. Bion, Treas. 220 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. December 31, 1877 — L. Bion, N. G. ; R. Deininger, V. G. ; AVilliara Scheele, E. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; John Hammel, Treas. June 30, 1878 — L. Bion, K G. ; Robt. Deininger, V. G. ; J. Newsalt, R. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; Geo. A. Rossbach, Treas. December 31, 1878 — R. Deininger, N. G. ; W. H. Scheele, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; G. A. Rossbach, Treas. June 30, 1879 — G. A. Rossljach, N. G. ; Charles Lorence, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; L. Bion, Treas. December 31, 1879 —Emil Theimer, N. G. ; John Butsch, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; Robt. Deininger, Treas. June 30, 1880 — John Butsch, N. G. ; Charles Lorence, V. G. ; L. Bion, R. S. ; John Deeg, P. S. ; R. Deininger, Treas. December 31, 1880 — C. M. Lorence, N. G. ; C. F. Hummer, Y. G. ; E. Theimer, R. S. ; J. Ganser, P. S. ; R. Deininger, Treas. June 30, 1881 — W. Scheele, IST. G. ; J. Ganser, V. G. ; E. Theimer, R. S. ; Jacob Thon, P. S. ; R. Deininger, Treas. December 31, 1881 — J. P. Ganser, K G. ; Jacob Thon, V. G. ; Louis Bion, R. S. ; Louis Bion, P. S. ; R. Deininger, Treas. June 30, 1882 — Louis Bion, K G. ; A. Schlesinger, V. G. ; E. E. Aukes, R. S. ; E. E. Aukes, P. S. ; R. Deininger, Treas. December 31, 1882- John Deeg, N. G.; E. E. Aukes, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Hammel, P. S. ; Robt. Deininger, Treas. June 30, 1883 — E. E. Aukes, N. G. ; Jacob Thon, V. G.; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Hammel, P. S. ; L. Bion, Treas. December 31, 1883— Robt. Deininger, N. G. ; Charles "Wiese, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Hammel, P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. June 30, 1884 — A. Schlesinger, K G. ; Charle}' Wiese, Y. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. ; John Hammel, P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. December 31, 1881 — Charles Wiese, N. G. ; Henry Sanders, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. and P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. June 30, 1885— Henry Sanders, N. G. ; Charles Moldenhauer, V. G. ; John P. Ganser, R. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. December 31, 1885 — Charles Moldenhauer, N. G. ; J. P. Thon, V. G. ; J. P. Ganser, R. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. June 30, 1886 — Jacob Thon, N. G.; Gustav Schwandlce, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. and P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. December 31, 1886 — Gustav A. Schwan- dke, N. G. ; AV illiam Wichlow, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. and P. S.; Theo. Fedder, Treas. June 30, 1887 — William Wichlow, N. G. ; John Thon, V. G. ; John Hammel, R. S. and P. S. ; Theo. Fedder, Treas. ; John Degg, Conductor ; F. Schuman, Warden ; Robert Deininger, R. S. of N. G. ; Matt Bion, L. S. of N. G. ; Henry Sanders, I. G. ; William Scheele, O. G. The lodge held meetwigs at first in the hall of Star of the West Lodge. Afterward they used Adam Butsch's building, on Main street. In 1879 they moved in the present lodge room, in the Morehouse block, on Broadway. The room is nicely furnished, they own neat regalia, and have money on interest. They now (June, 1887) have fifty-two members in good standing, of which number the follow- ing are Past-Grands: J. Newsalt, L. Bion, John Deeg, John Hammel, F. Mudeking, R. Deininger, Theo. Fedder, J. A. Butsch, Emil Theimer, Charles Lorence, William Scheele, A. Graffmlieller, John Ganser, E. E. Aukes, Charles Wiese, Llenry Sander and J. Thon. This lodge has furnished officers of the Grand Lodge of the State on two occasions: J. New- salt, Grand Master, and Emil Theimer, Grand Herald. Behecca. — During the first term of Star of the West Lodge in 1805, a Rebecca organ- ization was formed in which all scarlet degree members were entitled to membershij), also the wives of scarlet degree members. The object of this degree was for the especial benefit of the wives of members. The or- ganization was maintained on account of the HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 221 beneficial social features which it embraced, until several years ago, when it was aband- oned. Central Encampment, Mo. J/., I. 0. 0. F — On the afternoon of March 31, 1869, C. A. Strong, D. D. G. S. ; C. C. Comee, G. M., and theP's from the Rochester and Star of the West Lodges met in the hall of the Star of the West Lodge, Owatonna, for the pur- pose of organizing an encampment, a dispen- sation having already been granted. The following were the first members: C. C. Comee, D. B. Marble, Luther Bixby, E. K. Smith, J. W. Daniels, A. S. Mygatt, Wm. Reynolds and William Pepper. In addition to this list, the following named became members, either at the first or second meet- ing : E. B. Crooker, J. W. Dresser, C. W. Hastings, John Middaugh, H. M. Brown, C. S. Crandall and A. C. Hickman. The following is a list of the officers who have been chosen at the various elections held since the encampment was organized : Elected March 31, 1869: C. C. Comee, C. P. ; D. B. Marble, H. P. ; E. K. Smith, S. W. ; J. W. Daniels, J. W. ; A. S. Mygatt, S. ; W. H. Reynolds, Treas. June 16, 1869 — L. Bixby, C. P.; E. K. Smith, II. P. ; A. C. Hickman, S. W. ; John Middaugh, J. W. ; J. C. Backus, Secy. ; H. M. Brown, Treas. December 15, 1869— E. K. Smith, C. P. ; A. C. Hickman, II. P.; J. C. Backus, S. W. ; John Middaugh, S. ; W. M. Reynolds, J. W. ; H. M. Brown, Treas. August 3, 1870— E. K. Smith, C. P. ; J. C. Backus, H. P. ; O. M. Hammond. S. W. ; C. S. Crandall, J. W. ; E. T. Smith, S. ; II. M. Brown, Treas. January 4, 1871 — A. C. Hickman, C. P.; O. M. Hammond, H. P. ; Wm. Pepper, S. W. ; H. M. Brown, J. W. ; E. B. Crooker, S. ; W. II. Reynolds, Treas. July 5, 1871—0. M. Hammond, C. P. ; J. C. Backus, II. P. ; E. T. Smith, S. W. ; D. Lawson, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; A. C. Hickman, Treas. January 3, 1872— J. C. Backus, C. P. ; E. T. Smith," H. P. ; W. H. Reynolds, S. W. ; J. Newsalt, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; A. C. Hickman, Treas. June 19, 1872— L. Bixley, C. P. ; D. Law- son, H. P. ; J. Newsalt, S. W. ; George A Black, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; O. M. Ham- mond, T. . January 1, 1873- D. Lawson, C. P. ; W H. Reynolds, 11. P. ; Geo. A. Black, S. W. J. C. Backus, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; J. Iv Rice, T. June 18, 1873— W. H. Reynolds, C. P. G. A. Black, II. P. ; A. S. Mygatt, S. W. D. Lawson, J. W. ; E. K. Sm'ith, S. ; E. K Smith, T. December, 1873 — W. H. Reynolds, C. P. Wm. Pepper, H. P. ; J. Newsalt, S. W. ; G F. Doolittle, J. W.; L. Bixby, S. ; J. C Backus, T. June 17,1874: — Wdliam Pepper, C. P. ; J Newsalt, H. P. ; G. F. Doolittle, S. W. ; H, F. Luce, J. W. ; A. L. Harding, S. ; G. W Shaw, T. December 16, 1874 — J. Newsalt, C. P. A. L. Harding, H. P.; L. Bion, S. W. ; W, H. Reynolds, T. ; C. P. Lilly, S. June 16, 1875 — A. L. Harding, C. P. ; G F. Doolittle, H. P. ; H. F. Luce, S. W. ; R Lilly, S. ; G. W. Shaw, T. ; D. Lawson, J. W December 15, 1875 — A. L. Harding, C. P. H. F. Luce, II. P. ; R. Lilly, S. W. ; E. K Smith, J. W. ; G. II. Peterson, S. ; G. W, Shaw, T. June 2, 1876 — H. F. Luce, C. P. ; R. Lilly, H. P. ; G. W. Shaw, S. W. ; John Cottier, J. W. ; G. II. Peterson, S. ; J. Newsalt, T. December 20, 1876 — R. Lilly, C. P. ; P. McRostie,II. P.; W. A. Dynes, S.W.; John Cottier, J. W. ; John Hammel, T. ; E. K. Smith, S. June 20, 1877 — P. McRostie, C. P.; W. A. Dynes, II. P.; G. W. Shaw, S. W. ; W. H. Reynolds, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; John Hammel, T. December 19, 1877 — AV. A. Dynes, C. P. ; G. W. Shaw, H. P. ; John Cottier, S. W. ; R. 222 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Lilly, J. ^y. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; John Ilam- mel, T. June 19, 1878— G. W. Shaw, C. P. ; John Coftier, H. P. ; John Ilammel, S. W. ; W. H Eeynolds, J. W. ; G. H. Peterson, S. ; W. A Dynes, T. December 27, 1878 — John Cottier, C. P. John Hammel, 11. P. ; G. H. Peterson, S. W. E. K. Smith, S. ; G. W. Shaw, T. ; W. A Dynes, J. "W. June 18, 1879— John Ilammel, C. P. ; G H. Peterson, H. P. ; E. C. Kinney, S. W. W. H. Reynolds, J. W. ; G. W. Shaw, T. ; E. K. Smith, S. December 17, 1879 — Geo. H. Peterson, C. P. ; E. C. Kinney, H. P. ; P. McDonald, S. W. ; W. II. Reynolds, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; G. W. Shaw, T. August 4, 1880 — John Cottier, C. P. ; II. F. Luce, 11. P. ; A. Simpson, S. "W. ; John Ilammel, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; G. W. Shaw, T. Januarys, 1881 — J. Newsalt, C. P.; L. Bion, 11. P. ; A. Simpson, S. W. ; G. H. Peterson, J. W. ; E. K. Smith, S. ; John Plammel, T. January 3, 1882 — L. Bion, C. P.; John Cottier, H. P. ; J. H. Helwig, S. W. ; H. F. Luce, J. W. ; G. H. Peterson, S.; John Hammel, T. December 20, 1882 — John Cottier, C. P. J. H. Helwig, H. P. ; John Hammel, S. W. W. H. Reynolds, J. W. ; G. H. Peterson, S December 5, 1883 — G. W. Shaw, C. W. J. H. Helwig, H. P. ; W. H. Reynolds, J W. ; G. H. Peterson, S. ; H. F. Luce, T. December 17, 1881 — G. W. Shaw, C. P. J. H. Helwig, H. P. ; John Hammel, S. W. W. H. Reynolds, J. W. ; G. II. Peterson, S. H. F. Luce, T. December 16, 1885 — J. II. Helwig, C. P. John Cottier, II. P. ; E. Theimer, S. W. ; R Deininger, J. W. ; G. H. Peterson, S. December 15, 1886 — (present officers) — Emil Theimer, C. P. ; F. C. Webb, H. P. ; R. Deininger, S. W. ; J. A. Shaw, J. W. ; G. H. Peterson, S.; H. F. Luce, T. ; F. G. Shu- man, P. S. ; H. Sanders, O. S. ; J. JSTewsalt, G. ; John Helwig, 1st W. ; John Cottier, 2d W. ; II. F. Luce, 3d W. ; G. W. Shaw, 4th W. ; John Cottier, George H. Peterson and George W. Shaw, trustees. The Encampment meetings since its organ- ization have always been held in the Star of the West Lodge rooms, where the}" own the necessarjr furniture and paraphernalia, together with handsome regalia. The en- campment is in good condition tinancialty, and has been from the start. This order is in Odd Fellowship one step higher than the Subordinate Lodges ; and any "third degree Odd Fellow '" in good standing is eligible to membership in the camp. GE.\ND ARMY OF THE EEPrBLIC. This organization is not an ancient one, being the outgrowth of the civil war. Every soldier who was honorably discharged from service is eligible to membership. The ob- jects of the organization are to preserve and strengthen the fraternal feelings which bound soldiers together upon the field and in camp, and to perpetuate the memory and history of the beloved dead. Also to assist, in their declining \"ears, such former comrades in arms as, from wounds and hardships, might need help and protection ; and to care for the widows and orphans of those who fell. It is non-political, and no discussion of partisan questions is allowed at their meetings. As a matter of interest we give a list of the present officers of the G. A. R. of the department of Minnesota, as the Commander is a citizen of Owatonna. They are as follows: L. L. Wheelock, of Owatonna, department com- mander; E. R. Jefferson, of Duluth, senior vice-commander ; J. H. Ege, of ilinneapohs, junior vice-commander; D. P. Kennedy, of Litchfield, medical director ; W. E. Stanley, of Austin, chaplain. James A. Goodwin Post, JVo. SI — Was organized at Owatonna on the 21st of March, 1884, the first meeting being held at the Knights of Honor hall, on the evening of that date. R. A. Becker, senior vice dep't HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 223 com., and Comrades Zeigbaum, Leibold and Waffle came down from St. Paul and assisted in effecting an organization. There were thirty-six charter members, as follows : L. L. AVheelock, J. W. Burch, John Helwig, E. A. Tyler, W. A. Dynes, C. W. Hadley, Oscar Gross, Frank L. Melvin, L. L. Inman, J. Z. Barncard, S. N. Lund, J. L. Harrington, W. W. Day, George E. Sloan, David Curtis, John R3'an, Oscar Murphy, R. H. Eeynolds, A. Hemingway, E. P. Norton, F. M. Banter, Eli I. Williamson, C. M. Williamson, William Gamble, C. W. Wilkinson, J. D. Backus, J. E. Teed, D. W. Williamson, W. H. Twiford, E. E. Bigelow, D. O. Searle, H. J. Robinson, J. Fredenburg, Horace Smith, J. D. Holden, and Orlando Lindersmith. The first officers were elected at the first meeting, and served until the following annual election, on the second Tuesday in Januarj\ The officers have been as follows : Elected March 21, 1884 — L. L. Wheelock, P. C. ; E. A. Tyler, S. V. C ; D. O. Searle, J. V. C. ; J. H. Helwig, A. ; W. A. Dynes, Q. M. ; J. L. Harrington, S. ; J. Newton Brown, C. ; J. Z. Barncard, O. D. ; E. P. Norton, O. G. ; C. B. Wilkinson, S. ; J. D. Holden, Q. M. S. Elected January, 1885 — L. L. Wheelock, P. C. ; E. A. Tyler, S. V. C. ; W. W. Day, J. V. C. ; J. Z. Barncard, O. D. ; J. H. Helwig, Adj. ; E. I. Williamson, Chap. ; E. P. Norton, O. G. ; J. L. Harrington, Sur. ; S. B. Wilkinson, S. M. ; W. A. Dynes, Q. M. ; J. D. Holden, Q. M. S. Elected January, 1886 — E. A. Tyler, P. C. ; F. M. Banter, S. V. C. ; W. W. Day, J. V. C. ;E. E. Bigelow, Sur. ; C. B. Wilkinson, O. D. ; D. W. Williamson, O. G. ; E. I. Will- iamson, C. ; T. W. Hanks, Q. M. ; D. S. Cov- erdale, Q. M. S. ; J. H. Helwig, Adj. ; C. W. Hadley, S. M. Elected Januar}^ 1887 — J. Z. Barncard, P. C. ; George E. Sloan, S. V. C. ; F. C. Berg, J. Y. C. ; E. E. Bigelow, Sur. ; Chas. Gid- dings, O. D. ; C. B. Wilkinson, C. ; F. M. Bauter, Q. M. ; E. P. Norton, O. G. ; J. W Burch, Adj.; C. H. Sterns, S. M.; W. A. Dynes, Q. M. S. Meetings were held in the Knights of Honor hall on Cedar street until August, 1887, when they removed to their j^resent quarters — G. A. R. hall — over the post- office. The rooms are comfortable and well furnished and arranged. They hold a five- years' lease. The financial condition of the post is excellent. Socially and officially matters have run very smoothly in the post since its organization ; the best of feeling has and does exist between all the comrades, and no petty strife, jealousies or trouble of any kind has ever occurred to mar the fra- ternal feeling of the members, and for smooth sailing and competent, careful man- agement, the James A. Goodwin Post has made a record w^hich is known throughout the State. The meml)ership of the post increased very rapidljr from the start, and now its roll contains the names of 136 members. The following is a descriptive list of the mem- bers as shown by the books in August, 1887, giving the name of the member, rank at time of discharge from the army, his com- pany and regiment and date of discharge, viz : L. L. Wheelock, ciiptaia, C, 160th N. Y., Nov., 1865. J. W. Burch, major, 44th Ind., 1865. H. R. Thompson, private, E, 4th Minn., .Jan., 1865. Jchn Helwig. private, C, 35th Iowa, May, 1865. E. A. Tyler, lieutenant, E., 1st Minn., March, 1865. W. A. Dynes, com. ser., 72d cav., March, 18G6. L. C. Berg, musician, K, 28tli Wis., Aug., 1865. C. W. Hadley, corporal, H, 14th Iowa, March, 1863. Oscar Gross, private, G, 1st oMinn., Sept., 1861. Harvey Fletcher, wagoner, E, 4th Minn., .July, 1865. C. O. Easton, private, D, 33d Wis., Jan., 1865. Frank L. Melvin, private. A, 10th Jlinn., Aug., 1865. L. L. Inman, sergeant, F, l.st Wis. cav., April, 1865. J. Z. Barncard, lieutenant., B, 2d Minn., Jan., 1864. Theo. Chambers, private, F, 95th 111., Aug., 1865. S. N. Lund, private. A, 3d Wis., July, 1864. J. L. Harrington, asst. sur., 4th Vermont, Aug., 1865. D. F. Betchen, private. Board of Trade bat., Chi- cago, Jan., 1865. W. W. Day, private, D, lOlh Wis., Dec, 1864. George E. Sloan, private, I, 142d N. Y., Jan., 1865. David Curtis, private, K, 3d Wis., July, 1865. 224 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. John Ryan, private, F, 4tli Minn., Dec, 1804. Oscar Murphy, .sergeant, D, 3d Wis. cav., Feb., ISGo. Julius F. Young, musician, A, 30th Wis., July, 1865. M. A. McAudrews, corporal Hat. L, jNIian. L. H. Lane, captain, I, 33d Ohio, July, 1865. R. H. Reynolds, corporal, E, 10th Minn., Aug., 1865. A. Hemingway, corporal, B, 32d Wis., June, 1865. E. P. Norton, private, D, 9th Maine, Aug., 1865. P. M. Bauter, private, E, 11th Mich., April, 1863. W. C. McGowan, private, I, 142d N. Y., April, 1864. E. I. Williamson, sergeant, G, 3d Minn, cav., Dec, 1865. Oscar Tiffany, sergeant, E, 4th Minn., July, 1865. G. W. Buffum, captain, I, 1st Wis., Dec, 1865. C. M. Williamson, private, E, 1st Minn., May, 1865. William Gamble, private, D, 9th Wis., Oct., 1865. C. B. Wilkinson, captain. A, 3d Minn., Aug., 1865. J. D. Backus, private, D, 123d N. Y., Jan., 1865. J. Teed, musician. A, 10th Minn., Aug., 1865. D. W. Williamson, corporal, F, 3d Minn., Sept., 1865. W. H. Twiford, surgeon, 37th Ind., July, 1864. E. E. Bigelow, sergeant, D, 29lh Wis., 1863. W. H. Ilolden, private, E, 128th N. Y., Jan., 1865. Edward Kingsbury, private, F, 33d Wis., May, 1863. Samuel Ellis, private. A, 95th 111., Aug., 1865. Andrew Meehan, private, C, 1st Minn, heavy art., June, 1865. James Hannah, private, B, 10th Minn., July, 1865. J. D. Carter, private, K, 3d Minn., Sept., 1864. Jason Bemis, corporal, F, 3d Ohio cav., Sept., 18G4. D. H. Sutton, private, G, 17th HI. cav., Jan., 1866. D. R, Pike, musician, K, 137th N. Y., July, 1865. Wm. Rosenthal], private, I, 4th Minn., Jan., 1865. S. M. Kinney, private. A, 10th Minn., May, 1865. P. Leibold, private, D, 8th Minn., July, 1865. Jos. B. Tudor, private, F, 7th Mo. cav., Nov., 1865. G. Gross, private, C, 3d Minn, cav., Nov., 1865. Edw. Davis, private, C, 3d Minn, cav., Nov., 1865. J. M. Buriingame, private, B, 127th N. Y., May, 1865. Fred. Boll, private, G, 1st Minn., May, 1865. Jos. Cobb, private, H, 4th Minn., June, 1865. Thos. Coney, private, C, 3d Minn, cav., Nov., 1865. T. H. Kelley, John Lippert, private, E, 45th Wis., July, 1865. D. S. Coverdale, captain, K, 3d Minn., Aug., 1865. C. Batzel, private, E, 1st Minn., July, 1865. Ed. Garrett, corporal, B, 10th Minn., Aug., 1865. Geo. Naylor, private, H, 3d Minn., Nov., 1864. W. E. Martin, private, A, 10th Minn., July, 1865. T. C. Kenyon, private, C, 3d Minn, cav., Nov., 1865. John Reash, private, B, 1st Minn, heavy art.. June, 1865. 0. V. Musser, private, H, 38th Wis., Jan., 1865. Andrew Fischer, lieutenant I, 143d N. Y., June, 1865. Henry Walter, private, K, 1st Minn, heavy art., Sept., 1865. A. S. Bragg, corporal, I, 4th Minn., Jan., 1865. Godfried Boshard, private, D, 9th Wis., Dec, 1864. R. H. Johnson, private, I, 11th Minn., July, 1865. Hugh Bradley, private, F, 7th Minn., Aug.. 1865. Warren S.. Reynolds, private, 48th Ohio bat., July, 1865. J. L. Roberts, private, 53d 111., Sept., 1863. AV. A. Hinchley, private, C, 16th Wis., July, 1865. S. N. Ilarter, private, F, 18th Wis., Jan., 1865. H. Ward well, private, K, 33d Wis., July, 1865. F. C. Berg, private, A, 28th Wis., Aug., 1865. H. A. Finch, sergeant, G, 16th Wis., July, 1865. Henry Rand, private, B, 32d Wis., June, 1865. J. N. Morrison, corporal, G. 2d Minn, cav., Dec. ,1865. T. Hennessey; private. I, 49tli Wis., Nov., 1865. T. W. Hanks, bugler, 3d Minn, light ar., Feb., 1866. Nis Nelson, private, E, l.st Col. cav., Nov., 1865. C. H. Randall, private, F, 37th Wis , May, 1865. Martin Halley, private, C, 134th N. Y., Jan., 1865. John Blythe,private,C,lst Minn. heav. art.. June, 1865. J. C. Hemingway, private, I, 1st Minn., Jul}', 1865. Geo. H. Curtis, private. A, 10th Minn., August, 1865. W. G. Mason, private, I, 2d Jlinn., Sept., 1864. N. P. Thimsen, private, K, 2d Minn, cav.. May, 1865, W. H. Burns, private, C, 3d Minn, cav., Nov., 1865. J. S. Bixby, private, A, 10th Minn., Aug., 1865. C. B. Pettie, private. A, 10th Minn., June, 1865. S. R. Anderson, private, H, 1st Minn, heavy art., Sept., 1865. S. B. Hough, private, G, 9th 111. Cav. S. 11. Stowers, lieutenant. A, 10th Minn., ]\Iay, 1865. A. A. Famsworth, private, G, 17th 111. Cav., Jan., 1865. H. Rosenau, private, L, 1st Minn. heav. art., Sept., 1865. E. Austin, private, 3d Wis. cav., May, 1865. Mark H. Dunnell, colonel, 5th Maine, Aug., 1861. A. W. Reed, private, A. 10th Minn., October, 1864. Cha.s. Vose, private, F, 9th Wis., Dec, 1864. F. Zwiencr, private, E, 20th Wis., Jan., 1865. C. ri. Sterns, corporal, 1st Iowa bat., Sept., 1863. Mcrton Stanchoff, three years. George Gliechman, private, B, 26th Wis., Jiuie, 1865. Chas. D. Giddings, quartermaster, Ship Ouachta, January, 1865. D. Fuller, private, B, 34th N. Y. bat., Jan., 1865. A. M. Kinyon, private, K, 29th Wis., 1863. James Brown, farrier, D, 11th N. Y. cav. James Oleson, private; K, 8th Wis., Sept., 1865. L. O. Gaylord, private. A, 1st Minn, art., June, 1865. Ezra Town, private, E, 4th Jlinn., July, 186.5. Newton Parker, private, E, 1st Minn.. July, 1865. Aug. Kreger, private, E, 27th Wis., Aug., 1865. P. Mallinger, lieutenant, F, 9lh Wis. A. W. Jones, private, A, 10th Minn., Aug., 1865. L. P. Hall, private, G, 3d Minn., Nov., 1804. A. Colquhon, private, D, 11th Minn., June, 1865. Fred Yanke, private, G, 43d Wis., Feb. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 225 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. Owatonna Tunimrein. — This society was organized Jul}' 3, 1883, the first meeting being held at Butsch's hall. It was organized for gymnastic purposes, and at the start had fifteen members. The first officers elected were as follows : J. Newsalt, president ; C. Butsch, vice-president ; J. Glaeser, secretary ; Theo. Fedder, corresponding secretary; J. A. Butsch, treasurer ; J. P. and John Thon, teachers. ' The following named have filled the various offices since the society was organized : J. JSTewsalt, R. Deininger, J. Newsalt and Theo. Fedder, presidents ; C. Butsch, John Deeg, Peter Ganser, F. Rosebrock, John Thon, H. Sanders and F. Hagedorn, vice-presidents ; J. Glaeser, Theo. Fedder, J. Hammel, Jr., Peter Ganser, J. P. Thon, H. Sanders, John Hammel and J. P. Thon, secretaries ; J. A. Butsch and R. Deininger, treasurers ; J. P. Thon, John Thon, F. Schuman, C. Butsch, R. Bartosch, George Newsalt and L. Ham- mel, teachers. The present officers of the society were elected December 27, 1886, and are as follows : Theo. Fedder, president; F. Hagedorn, vice- president ; J. P. Thon, secretaiy ; John Hammel, corresponding secretaiy ; R. Dein- inger, treasurer ; John Thon and L. Hammel, teachers ; H. Rosebrock, warden. The society now has thirty-eight members. Meetings are held once each week in Twiss' building, on Broadway, but gymnastic or turning exercises are had every Tuesday and Friday evenings. G. S. P. S. — Society of Minnesota, Lodge No. G7, Bohemian Slovanik Benevolent society. This lodge works under the auspi- ces of the supreme lodge, which was institu- ted at St. Louis in 1854 ; and under the Grand Lodge of the State of Minnesota. The society at Owatonna is named Lodge No. 67, Bohemian Slovanik Benevolent So- ciety of Minnesota. This lodge was instituted on the 15th of January, 1881, by authority of the Grand Lodge of the State. It has for its objects friendship, benevolence and charity. The weelcly sick benefits are fixed at $3 for each week of sickness, and at the death of a member the sum of $1,000 is paid to his heirs. The charter members of this lodge were : Anton Zajic, Joseph Arsen, Vac. Kovar, L. L. Marek, Joseph Cepelak, Frank Sejkora, Eduard Bros, and Joseph F. Racek. The terms of membership are from $5 to $15. The principal officers elected are president, vice-president, secretary, treas- urer, financier and three trustees. The trus- tees are elected every two years, the other officers annually. Meetings are held month- ly. The annual dues are $5 per year for each member. On the 16th of July, 1885, the society was incorporated, Avith Joseph H. H. Soukup, president, and Frank Kovar, secre- tary. The present officers are as follows : Joseph "W". Kaplan, embassador; Alois L. Simon, president ; John Dusek, vice-presi- dent ; Joseph H. Soukup, secretary ; Frank Horak, financier; John Pichner, treasurer; Joseph Kubat, guide ; John Svir, outside guide; Joseph F. Vavrin, inside guide. The following is a complete list of the present members of the societj^ here: Joseph W. Kaplan, Joseph H. Soukup, John Dusek, A. L. Simon, Frank Horak, John Pichner, Joseph Kubat, Joseph Vavrin, John Svir, Anton Pirkl, L. L. Marek. Anton Belina, Anton Kasper, Joseph Tamshe, K. C. Tanishe, John Slavik, Frank Eipka, V. Mares, Joseph Krejci, Felix Svekla, V. Pichner, V. Kovar, A. Kovar, F. Simon, Fr. Kovar, V. Suchanek, V. Jirousek, Al. Kasper, John R. Soukup, V. Martinek, Joseph Martinek. The lodge started here with but very few members and has had a steady growth, now numbering thirty-one members in good standing, and its prospects for the future are bright. In all there are 7,378 members of the society of C. S. P. S. GOOD TEMPLARS. The first organization of this order was inaugurated here in 1856. Among the mem- bers of this organization were the following : 226 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ^ Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Sheetz, Levi Morehouse and sister, Mr. Burr, Geo. Oulton, Mrs. Loren Town and others. Owatonna Lodge, JSfo. 31, I. O. of G. T.— Was organized on the 12th of October, 1805, by Eev. Eeuben Gregg, District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of the State. There were seventeen cliarter members, as follows : H. C. Eldred, E. Durham, L. S. Padgham, Frank Dickinson, James D. Beers, T. E. Huglies, J. H. Donaldson, II. M. Brown, D. D. F. Brown, Daniel Thom, J. "W. Smith, Albert A. Crandall, Mrs. Mar}' Durham, Mrs. L. A. Eldred, Miss L. J. Kellogg, Miss Mary Blair and J. E. Busii. The following list of officers were chosen for the first quarter : L. S. Padgham, W. C. T. ; Miss L. J. Kellogg, W. V. T. ; Frank Dickinson, W. S. ; J. H. Donaldson, W. F. S. ; Miss Mary Blair, "W. F. S. During the first quarter there were six initiated and a clearance card granted to one, leaving twenty-two members. The second quarter increased the number of members to fifty-four, and during the third quarter ten more were added. At the close of the year the number had increased to one hundred and eight. Each quarter added to the list of members, until at the close of the second year there were one hundred and thirty members in good standing. This kept on increasing, until at the close of the third quarter of the third year, April 30, 18CS, there stood upon the rolls the names of two hundred and forty-nine members in good standing. A number of changes have taken place in this society. An organization is still main- tained, however. The present officers were elected on the evening of August 1, 1887, and are as follows : Rev. J. C. Ogle, C. T. ; Mrs. A. M. Kelly, V. T. ; J. W. Ptowland, R. S. ; Miss Annie Kelly, A. S. ; Pt. G. Nelson, F. S. ; Mrs. L. A. Morehouse, treasurer ; P. J. Rolfe, marshal ; Mrs. P. J. Ptolfe, D. M. ; F. II. Coon, S. ; Miss Susie Gates, I. G. ; 0. B. McClintock, P. C. T. Musical. — The Owatonna Cornet Band was organized in 1875. The members and musicians at that time were as follows : W. H. Ilolden, leader ; P. McDonald, L. Mosher, G. D. Ilolden, J. E. Winship, John Seaman, E. T. Winship, W. B. Soper, G. F. Doolittle, John Blair and L. C. Berg. Several changes have taken place in the band since 1875, but the organization has been maintained, and the band now ranks among the best in the State. At the present writing the organiza- tion is made up of the following musicians : W. H. Holden, G. D. Holden, Miss Mabel Holden, Henry Huber, C. L. Buxton, J. T. Holden, E. E. Butsch, J. D. Slonaker, W. B. Soper, E. F. Requa, John Huber, L. C. Berg and J. E. Winship. In 1883, Prof. A. C. Gutterson organized an orchestra at Owatonna, which has become one of the finest in the state. The present members of the organization are as follows : Prof. A. C. Gutterson, director ; J. E. Engel, Emil Theimer, Ed. Burch, William Pope, Daniel Slonaker, George Ilolden, W. H. Ilolden, J. E. Winship and John Iluber. In 1873 Prof. Gutterson organized the Beethoven Association, an organization which is still maintained under his directorshiji. Business MenHs Association of the State of Mlniiesota. — Owatonna being the residence of the secretary of this association, it may, in a measure, be considered its headquarters ; and the association, while of but recent or- ganization, has attracted such wide notice, comment and commendation, it is well wor- thy a brief history in this connection. In the spring of 1887, in pursuance of a res- olution adopted by the board of trade of Fari- bault, a call, or invitation, was extended to the various boards of trades and citizens of the State, to gend delegates to a convention of business men to be held in the city of Fari- bault on the 12th and 13th of April, 1887. The object of this convention was stated as being the consideration of the inter-state commerce law, and to take action to secure to the people of the whole State all the benefits which it was believed would fol- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 227 low a strict and honest enforcnient of the law, as well also to consider any other mat- ters affecting the business interests of the State. This call was signed by John B. Parshall, president, and E. H. Loyhed, sec- retary of the Faribault Board of Trade. In accordance with this call, about fifty delegates met and organized by the election of Senator E. M. Pope, of Mankato, as chair- man, and E. H. Loyhed, of Faribault, as secretary. The delegates composed the most influential and prominent business men from twenty of the principal points in this portion of the State. After a discussion of various matters affecting business interests, a perma- nent organization of tlie Business Men's As- sociation was effected by the election of the following named officers : Hon. E. M. Pope, of Mankato, president ; W. P. Colburn, of Albert Lea, and J. F. JSTorrish, of tfastings, vice-presidents ; Hon. J. M. Burlingame, of Owatonna, secretary ; P. C. Bailey, of Was- eca, treasurer ; W. P. Sargent, of Albert Lea, J. R. Parshall, of Faribault, J. H. Mullen, of Wabasha, E. O. Hall, of Austin, C. P. Car- penter, of Farmington, O. F. .Perkins, of Northfield, and C. A. Erickson, of Red Wing, executive committee. The first annual meeting of the association was held in Mankato on the Ytli of June, 1887, at which time tlie first officers were unanimously reelected. It was largely at- tended by business men from all parts of the State, and the organization has already at- tained an influence which is bound to prove beneficial to business, and all shipping in- terests. It has already called numerous ir- regularities and matters requiring investiga- tion to the attention of the railway commis- sioners, and several important cases are now pending under the management of Hon. J. M. Burlingame, attorney for the association. Insurance Societies. — Owatonna also has a number of societies devoted to social, fra- ternal and benevolent objects, with a princi- pal view to issuing insurance policies upon the lives of its members. Among these are the Knights of Honor, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Star Council of the American Legion of Honor. The Star Council of the American Legion of Honor was organized with thirty-four charter members at Owatonna, April 10, 1880, and an organization has since been maintained. It now has a membership of thirt^'-eiglit in good standing. Two losses have occurred here by deaths of A. J. Sny- der and J. D. H olden. EELIGIOUS MATTERS. Preshyterian CImrch of Owatonna. — The first services of this denomination were held at Owatonna m the winter of 1855-6 by Rev. Harvey Chapin, who located here in Febru- ary, 1856, dividing his laboi's, however, be- tween this and several other villages, and organizing churches at Dodge City, East Prairieville and Ashland. On the 13th of September, 1857, he organized the Presby- terian Church with the following as the first members : Mrs. Judge Donaldson, Mrs. Jane Chapin, Mrs. Jane McCaslin, Mrs. Elisabeth Ashton and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Adair. They were joined by William David- son and wife and a few others witliin a year afterward. For several years Mr. Chapin preached in the old log schoolhouse, until 1863, when, principally through his own influence and indefatigable labors, a church was com- menced, he and AVilliam Davidson hauling the logs for timbers, and in 1864 it was com- pleted. In this small but neat church Mr. Chapin continued to preach until tlie spring of 1865, when he removed to Tipton, Mo. In that place his ministerial labors were brought to a sudden and mournful close. His house caught fire, and, in an effort, as was supposed, to save important papers, he perished in the flames. Mr. Chapin was succeeded in Owatonna by Rev. II. W. Nel- son. In the fall of 1865 Rev. I. Faries, who had come to Minnesota in search of health, became a temporary su])p]y, but in May, 1867, his faihng health deprived the church of ministrations which had been eminently use- 228 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ful. On the 22cl of July, 1867, Kev. K. II. Cunningham accepted an invitation from the church and continued his labors here for one year, when'he accepted a call to Eush ford. Since that time the following have served as pastors of this church in the order named : Eeverends W. S. Wilson, J. J. Ward, James McCauley, O. Thatcher, William Pelan, James McGowan and Kobert A. Ander- son. Eev. Anderson is the present pastor. He came here from Eedwood Falls, Minn., in December, 1885, and has many warm friends. He is an effective preacher, Servrces were first held in the old log schoolhouse, and then for one season, in Morford's hall. After this a frame school- house, which stood where the first ward school building is now located, was used until 1864, when the church edifice was com- pleted. It was a frame building, which still stands just west of the Arnold House. This building served as a house of woiship until 1877, when the present church was built at a cost of $3,000. The old building was sold to J. G. A. Dennerline, and was used for some time by the German Eeform denomin- ation. The present Presbyterian Church is neatly furnished and cushioned throughout ; and the society is in thriving condition, being free from debt. The church was organized legally, with corporate powers, in 1859, the certificate of organization being filed May 27, 1859. The trustees elected at that time were D. S. Harsha, W. F. Drum, Eobert Adair, W. F. Pettit and William Davidson. The present trustees were elected in May, 1887, ami are as follows : li. Birkett, presi- dent ; C. E. Sheldon, vice-president ; J. M. Burlingame, clerk; G. E. Kinyon, treasurer ; D. Downie and Dr. J. H. Adair. During the first few years after this church was organized a Union Sunday-school was maintained by all the denominations, alter- nating in furnishing the superintendent and officers. At an early day, however, a Pres- byterian Sunday-school was organized, which is still in thriving condition. The present officei's are : C. E. Sheldon, superintendent ; William Davidson, assistant, and Miss Kate Donaldson, secretary and treasurer. The Method tst Episcopal Church of Owa- tonna was organized in October, 1856, with the following persons as members : William B. Norman, Sarah J. Norman, Amelia Oli- ver, James M. and Emily Soper. On the 7th of August previous to this Eev. Solo- mon Wetzel had been appointed by the Methodist Ejiiscopal Conference to take charge of the Owatonna circuit, which at that time had just been organized. Mr. Wetzel was a man of untiring energy and perseverance, and finding, as was usually the case with the jjioneer churches, that the amount to bo received from his charges would not be suffiicient for his pro])er sup- port, he labored with his hands to su])ply the tempoi'al needs of himself and family, and with tlie active energies of his brain to meet the spii'itual demands of his congrega- tion. The meetings were first held in the schoolhouse, the Methodists and other de- nominations alternating with each other in the use of the house. At the next session of the conference, Eev. A. Mattison was appointed to take charge of the interests of the church on this circuit. Services were held for a time in the old log schoolhouse, and afterward in a ])ortion of A. N. Stough- ton's dwelling. StiU later, their place of worship was a store building, located on Broadway. The church prospered materi- ally under the labors of Mr. Mattison, and many members were added to it, not only to the class at Owatonna, but also to the other points under his charge. John Odell was the first class-leader of the church in Owatonna. In 1859 Eev. John Eogers was appointed to the pastorate of the cliurch, and tlie meetings were held first in the schoolliouse, afterward in Morford's hall. In 1860 Eev. Eobert Hoover became pastor, and was succeeded in turn by Eev. Mr. Corn- well, who remained something less than a year, when he was appointed chaplain of -^, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 231 one of the Minnesota regiments and went into the service. This left the church with- out a pastor during the remainder of the conference year. In 1862 Eev. J. H. Eich- ardson was appointed pastor, and remained two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. T. McChiry, who also remained two years. After this Owatonna became a station, and Rev. E. R. Lathro^J was selected for the pas- torate charge. Succeeding Mr. Lathrop, the following have served as pastor in the order named: Revs. S. F. Sterritt, C. Hover, R. "Washburn, J. W. Martin, A. B. Bishop, H. G. Bilbie, M. S. Kaufman, J. Whisler, J. H. Dewart, G. R. Hair and J. C. Ogle. At various times meetings had been held in the schoolhouse, Morford's hall, the Baptist Church and Dresser's hall. In the summer of 1867 a neat chapel 26x56 feet in dimen- sions was erected on lots owned by the soci- ety, on the corner of Main and Elm streets. Its cost was about two thousand dollars. It was dedicated September 8, 1867. A par- sonage was completed at about the same time, since exchanged for another piece of property. The " Little Brown Church," as many of the older members call the old building, was used as a place of worship until the present handsome church building was completed in November, 1878. Rev. M. S. Kaufman was pastor at the time the building was erectedj and much of the success was due to his untir- ing efforts. No less, however, is due to the building committee, which was composed of Hon. A. C. Hickman, George E. Peck, J. Q. Ellis and S. W. Farmer. The corner-stone of the building was laid August 30, and it was dedicated December 1, 1878, by Chaplain C. C. McCabe, D. D. The edifice is 18x100 feet in size, including a lecture room 25x55, handsomel}' furnished, and is among the finest church buildings in Minnesota. Its cost was about $6,000. The first M. E. Sunday-school was organ- ized in the spring of 1865 with the following ■ officers: A. C. Hickman, superintendent; u / ^ John Odell, assistant ; C. F. Andrews, secre- tary : Orin Greeley, librarian ; William T. Pettit, treasurer. The organization has been maintained ever since, and the Sunday-school is now well attended and in good condition. During all the years that have glided by, since the organization of the Methodist Church, it has constantly gained in member- ship, and it is now among the best attended churches in the city. The present officers of the organization are as follows : Trustees — Geo. E. Peck, president ; W. A. Sperry, sec- retary; A. C. Hickman, treasurer; J. W. Doolittle, Dr. E. E. Bigelow, Dr. J. L. Har- rington, O. E. Edson and John Thompson. Stewards— C. H. Webb, H. N. Labare, C. H. Gordon, C. B. Wilkinson, S. W. Farmer, John Cottier, F. M. Bauter, John Nichols, A. W. Rankin, W. A. Sperry, Prof. Merrill and S. N. Lund. Rev. Joseph C. Ogle-, pastor of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church of Owatonna, was born July 21, 1830, in Canton, Stark Coun- ty, Ohio. His ancestors came from England and settled in Maryland and Virginia, where many of their descendants stiU reside. Mr. Ogle's parents, William and Mary Ogle, cam6 to Ohio in 1820 and located in Canton. They had three children : the eldest being Carrie, the second George, and the third, and youngest Joseph C, the subject of this sketch. When he was two j'ears of age his father died, and his mother died when he was seven, the parents being both buried in the old cemetery at Canton, Ohio. When Joseph C. was ten years of age, he was brought by friends to Columbiana County, Ohio, and placed in the home of Benjamin McKai-ns, where he lived on a farm till he was seventeen years of age, working on the farm in summer and going to school in the winter. At the age of seventeen, with seventy cents in his pocket and clothed in a summer suit of home-made linen, he started out to make his own way in the world. Having up to this age received a limited common- school education, yet enough to give him a Vl\aty A.CL/Y \ 232 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTT. thirst for gi-eater attainments, liis great desire was to secure a good education. After leaving Mr. McKarn's he attended the com- mon school two winters. He taught his first school, a term of five months, in the winter of 1849-50, in Columbiana County. For this he received $12 per month and " boarded round. " After this he attended for two years an academy in Wellsville, Ohio, taught by Eev. Campbell ; he also attended two summers the academy at Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, of which Dr. McMasters was principal ; and finally taking a classical and scientific course and graduat- ing from Jefferson College, then located at Cannonsburg, Pa., and an educational insti- tution of high rank. Being poor and having to depend upon himself, he often found it a hard struggle to find means to prosecute his studies; hence he was often comjielled to alternate between teaching and attending school, — often teaching a term of school and then attending school a term. During two winters he taught and also kept up his studies with his class. Mr. Ogle may be said to be a self-made man. Many of his prepar- atory studies were conquered by him with- out a teacher, with many of the great prob- lems of life to grapple alone, which accounts for much of his independence of thought and speech as a public speaker. During the years when he was pursuing his education, he taught several terms of school in the country and towns. He was for two yeai's principal of the graded schools in Manches- ter, Adams County, Ohio ; and after he left college he was two years principal of the graded schools in East Liverpool, Ohio. On the 25tli of October, 1859, he married Miss Annie C. Mast, of East Liverpool, Ohio, who was at the time a teacher in the grammar department of the graded schools of that city, a position which she had successfully filled for eight years. By this union they have liad five children, all of whom are now (1887) living : John B., George A., Charles S., Carrie E., and Howard E. In 1860 Mr. Ogle was licensed to preach in the Methodist Church, to which profession he has devoted his life. In Ohio he served pas- torates in Cambridge. Zanesville, Penns- ville, Steubenville and Tiffin. In the fall of 1875 he with his family removed to Minne- sota and settled at Worthington, Nobles County, where he at once became pastor of the Methodist Church, serving the first year as a supply. In the fall of 1876 he became a member of the Minnesota Annual Confer- ence. He remained in Worthington six years being pastor of the church three years. During two years while there he was l)rinci})al of the Worthington Seminary. This school was under tlie care of the Methodist Church, and had a successful and prosperous career until the building was con- sumed by fire in 1878. During the six years he spent in Worthington he served five years as county superintendent of schools, ])art of this time being pastor of tlie cliurch, prin- cipal of the seminary, and county superin- tendent at the same time. He was first appointed by the county commissioners to fill a vacancy, and afterward was elected twice by the people. During his residence there he was also editor and publisher of the Worthington Journal for two years. Since he came to Minnesota he has served pastor- ates in Worthington, Winnebago City, Man- kato, and now (1887) is filling a very pleas- ant pastorate with the Methodist Cliurch in Owatonna, to which charge he was appointed in the fall of 1886. Mr. Ogle has achieved the reputation of being among the most forcible and eloquent pulpit orators of his church in the State. He is a thoroughly' educated man, of extensive reading, and has a fine command of language. A portrait of Mr. Ogle will be found in another depart- ment of this work, //c d'te^cC tJiU^ 3. /s^/. First Baptist Church of Owatonna. — The Baptist Church of Owatonna was organized June 27, 1857, with the following members, who were admitted upon letters from other churches to which they had previously be- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 233 longed : Adolphus Town, Ann Town, Albert D. Low, N. O. Low, J. M. Finch, R. J. Tous- ley and Wm. H. Woods. Sometime in the fall L. B. Town, Daniel Burch and S. W. Breese were also admitted by letter. The first Baptist meeting held in Owatonna, or Steele County, was on a Sabbath about the last of April, 1856, at the residence of A. B. Cornell, about fifteen persons being present, and Rev. A. Town preached the sermon. Meetings were held in the little log scliool- house. In the autumn of 1857 Elder Knapp, one of the noted evangelists of that period, came to visit a daughter then residing here, and being invited, willingly consented to go into the little log schoolhouse, and there preached some of his wonderful sermons, with such power that many believed and were added to the church. In the winter of 1858 the pastors of the dilTerent churches (Elder Town at that time being pastor of the Baptist church) decided to unite in union meetings, and a large number were con- verted. The services were held in the only public building in those early times — the little log schoolhouse, 1(3x26 feet in size ; but many were the earnest hearts that gathered there from day to day, and week to week. On the 11th of September, 1858, the churches of Ashland, Wasioji and Faribault met with the Owatonna church, and organized the Minnesota Central Baptist Association, which reported at that time 120 members. In 1859 Elder Town resigned the pastorate, and Elder Edgar Cady, of Lake City, was chosen to supply the place. He was fol- lowed in 1860 by Rev. A. D. Low, who act- ed as pastor until February, 1861, when in consequence of a difference of opinion among the members, a vote was taken in one of the church meetings to disband the organization, and a portion of the members left and ef- fected another church organization. Those who remained chose Elder Town as their pastor, and regular meetings were held until October, 1863. In the meantime in 1858 preliminary steps had been taken toward building a church, and during this church difficulty it had been left untouched. Early in the "sixties," however, while Elder Town was pastor of the " First Church," the build- ing was completed, and on the 13th of Oc- tober, 1863, was dedicated ; the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. D. S. Dean of Illinois. Mr. Dean accepted a call to tlie pastorate of the church, and remained until April, 1865, when by mutual agreement the two churches united. On January 31, 1863, through the diffei'- ences of opinion wliich had arisen, the pres- ent Baptist Church of Owatonna was organ- ized with fifteen members, nearly all who had taken their letters from the old organiza- tion placing them here, and tliis organization was recognized as the "Baptist Church of Owatonna" by the council of the Minnesota Central Baptist Association, held at Wasioji, February 3, 1863. The society met once in two weeks for worship, being supplied by Rev. J. F. Wilcox. October 12, 1863, this church was first represented at the State convention, the delegates being G. W. Shaw and E. K. Smith. On the 8th of April, 1865, the two Baptist churches were consolidated with a united membership of sixty-four, and they took the name of " The First Baptist Church of Owatonna." For a time the pulpit was supplied alternately by Revs. J. F. Wilcox and D. S. Dean. The former, however, continued as regular pastor of the church until June, 1866, when his labors closed, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Cole. After the union of the two bodies, the building which had been erected under Elder Town's direction had been purchased by the church, and used as a place of worship. In the autumn of 1866 it was sold to the school district for |1,250, the use of it for one year being reserved. In the fall a new church building was erected, size 32x58 feet, with tower, in which was hung a 1,000-pound bell. It was dedicated on the 22d of December, 1867, Rev. Mr. Parker, from Austin, preaching the dedicatory ser- 234 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. nion. The cost of the building was 8-I-,- 152.64, which had all been provided for, leaving the church free from debt. The fol- lowing winter will long be remembered as a time of religious revival. There were forty-three baptisms, and many more united with the church by conversion and letter. Rev. Cole resigned in April, 1S69, and Rev. E. H. Cressey succeeded him, remaining thirteen months. On the 1st of February, 1871, Eev. H. H. Beach came from Winona, and after serving a year and a half he also resigned. Eev. E. P. Dye suc- ceeded him as pastor and remained until June 28, 1874. Among the events recorded about this time is found the following inter- esting item : " June, 1873. — A deed was pre- sented to tiie trustees by Sister Reiggs (now deceased), on behalf of the ladies of the church, of a lot for a parsonage. On motion a vote of thanks was extended to Mother Hunkins for her untiring zeal and her effort in helping to pay for the lot." In 1878 the lot was sold, and the proceeds used toward paying for the present parsonage, bought at that time. The ladies have cheerfully helped to bear the burden. A sewing society estab- lished about this time is still faithfully at- tended, the proceeds from which have been no little help financially. Eev. W. W. Whit- comb accepted a call to the pastorate Septem. ber 20, 1874, and remained for three years. The Minnesota Academy was located here during his pastorate, and he was untiring in his efforts to attain that end. Eev. C. H. De Wolfe succeeded him in February, 1878, and after a service of nearly five years was, on account of ill health, compelled to resign Oc- tober 25, 1882. The church remained with- out a pastor until April 26, 1883, when Eev. J. H. Thompson accepted a call to the place, remaining about fifteen months. After his resignation they were again without a pastor until the autumn of 1884, when Eev. W. A. Spinney accejited a call from this church, and is still here doing effective work. He is a talented and educated gentleman, thor- oughly imbued with the importance of his calling and faithful to his work. During the summer of 1885 material improvements were made on the church properties in the way of ])apering and painting, and a vestry, 16x26 feet in size, was added, so that to-day the church is spacious, and being well furnislied abundantly fills the purpose for which it was built. The present officers of the Baptist Church are as follows : D. C. Adams, J. Holland, and S. S. Greene, trustees; L. C. Woodman, J. L. Ingraham and J. Holland, deacons ; Philo Bliss, treasurer and clerk. Rev. W. A. Spinney is a native of Nova Scotia, born June 12, 1852. When a child, his parents moved to Boston, Mass., where they died soon after, leaving their son AV. A. to fight the stern realities of life alone. At the age of sixteen he became a clerk in a wholesale and retail produce store, and, when nineteen, became a partner. Soon after, he entered AVorcester Acadeni}', and went to Colgate Academy of Hamilton, N. Y. After eraduatinff there he entered Madison Uni- versify. Graduating in 1877, he then entered Newton Theological Seminary and graduated in 1880. In the fall of 1879 he was called to a church in Massachusetts, and preached there Sundays while attending studies, until he graduated. He was ordained in March, 1880. Mr. Spinney remained with the church referred to until October, 1882, when he was called to Duluth, Minn., and remained there until 1884, when he came to Owatonna. Mr. Spinney was married in June, 1880. First Congregational Church. — September 26th, 1857, a meeting was held at the resi- dence of Alvin N. Stoughton, at wliich it was voted to organize a Congregational Church, to be called the "First Congregational Church of Owatonna." The proposed organization was effected October 23, 1857. The Fari- bault and Clinton churches were invited to sit upon the council, and Eev. Ozro A. Thomas, of Clinton, and Eev. J. C. Strong, of Bradford, Iowa, assisted in the public ser- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 235 vice of formation and recognition. Rev. O. A. Thomas preached the sermon. The fol- fowing persons, bringing letters from other evangelical churches, became members of the new church: Alvin N. Stoughton, LydiaH. Hall, George W. Danforth, Emeline Hall, Mary J. Stoughton, George W. Hall, Mel- bourne C. Burr, Charles A. Strong, Naomi L. Stoughton, Enior^' O. Walden, Wait Stoughton, Jesse B. Gaylord. The movement Avhich resulted in the new church organization was emphatically a pio- neer movement. The church held its ser- vices, at first, at the residence of A. N. Stoughton, in a wing of his house built for the use of the church ; subsequently it wor- sliiped in Morford's hall, and afterward in the district schoolhouse until the present ed- ifice was erected. Rev. Ozro A. Thomas was the first minis- ter of the new society. He began his labors with the church in the spring of 1858, and continued them until the fall of 1863. Dur- ing the period of his ministry he resided at Clinton, and ministered on alternate Sab- batlis to the Clinton and Owatonnachurcbes. He preached also both at Somerset and at Mer- iden once a month. Notwithstanding this division of his labors among these different fields, and the fact of his non-residence at Owatonna, the church had a good measure of prosperity while under the charge of Mr. Thomas, and received frequent accessions both by letter and by profession. The first deacon of the church was Alvin N. Stoughton, who was chosen to his office February 25, 1858. May 8, 1860, a second deacon was added, and the choice fell upon Fi'ancis Thom. The first clerk was Cliarles A. Strong. The first trustees were Alvin N. Stoughton, AVait Stoughton, and Richard Miles, chosen May 8, 1858. In the spring of 1864 Rev. Charles L. Tap- ]ian became the mmister, and continued to hold that office till the spring of 1866. Dur- ing this time Mr. Tappan preached regularly at Somerset also, where sevei'al members of the church resided. In the spring of 1865 a Sabbath-school, with Dr. L. H. Kelly as superintendent, was organized under the immediate charge of the church. There had been, previous to this time, a union Sabbath-school of the four re- ligious denominations of the place. Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist and Presbyte- rian. The new school flourished and became the nursery of the cliurch. The church has been largely recruited from it, and many of its members have been trained to habits of Christian activity by work performed in the Sabbath-school as teachers. The school has a present average attendance of 160, a,nd is under the superintendency of Hon. Lewis L. Wheelock. In August, 1866, Rev. Leverett S. Griggs began to labor with the church as its minis- ter. His ministry was peculiarly blessed of God, and the period was marked both by the temporal and spiritual prosperity of the church. Two considerable revivals occurred' during Mr. Griggs' ministry. In the spring of 1867 the society began to build a new house of worsliip. During a part of the time in which this building was in process of erection the Methodist society very kindly extended an invitation to this church to worship with them, and union ser- vices of the two denominations were held in the Methodist house of worsiii]). The new church edifice was completed in the spring of 1869. It was dedicated Sabbath, October 17, 1869, during the meeting of the Gen- eral Congregational Conference of Minnesota. The sermon was preaclied by Rev. Charles Seccombe, of Northfield. The dedicatory prayer was offered b\' Rev. D. B. Coe. Early in 1869 Rev. L. S. Griggs was compelled by ill health to close his connection witli the so- ciety for which he had labored so faithfully and so successfully. In September, 1869, Mr. Charles C. Cragin was engaged to labor with the church as its minister. February 16, 1870, he was ordained to the gospel 2:)n HISTOKT OF STP^KLE COUNTY. ministry and installed as pastor of the cliui'ch, which position he still occupies. From this society three colonies have al- ready gone forth to plant other churches. The church at Somerset was organized No- vember 18, 186(), with eight members from the church at Owatonna. January 1, 1868, Waseca called for five members to assist in the organization of its new Congregational Church. July 13, 1869, Merton made a still larger demand, and thirteen were dis- missed to form a new church in that place. It is rare to see a church less than thirteen years old the mother of three churches. Kev. Mr. Ci-agin served as pastor until Sep- tember, 1869, when Rev. JST. H. Bell was in- stalled and I'emained until September, 1873. Eev. O. Dickerson commenced his pastorate in July, 1874, and served until October, 1876. In November, 1876, he was succeeded by Rev. D. A. Morehouse, who remained imtil June, 1881. Rev. J. N. Brown, the present pas- tor, succeeded Mr. Morehouse, being installed November 1, 1881. The present deacons of the church are as follows : Francis Thom, Hon. Lewis L. Wheelock, A. N. Stoughton, J. W. Burch, and J. E. Truesdell. The church now has a resident membership of 200. Rev. Justus Newton Brown, pastor of the Congregational Church, was born' in Huron County, Ohio, in 184-1. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, of the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, and spent three years in the service, after which he returned to his native county. In 1867 he graduated from 01)erlin College, and in 1871 from the Ober- lin Theological Seminary. He then for two years edited the Lorain County JVews, at Oberlin. In 1876 — having in the meantime taught school several terms — he graduated from the Andover Theological Seminary, and since that time has been a minister of the gospel ; entering upon his duties as such at Wilton, New Hampshire ; thence to Char- lotte, Mich., from which place he came to Owatonna. Mr Bi-own was married in 1867 to Miss Ilattie A. Sparhawk, a native of Ohio. The names of their children are Carleton F., and Wilton G. Mr. Brown is an able preacher and is justly popular. Episcopai — St. Paul's Parish. — The first Episcopal services in Owatonna were held early in the summer of 1858, by Rev. J. Lloyd Breck, D.D., and the Rev. D. P. San- ford. Services were kept up every other Sunday by the latter of these clergymen until the following spring, when, after a short interruption, they were continued by Rev. Solon W. Manney, D.D. At that time there was no church edifice in the village. The first services were held in the office of Maj. M. A. Dailey, on Mill street ; subse- quently services were held in the wing of A. N. Stoughton's residence ; afterward in the schoolhouse, and still later in Morford's hall. St. Paul's Parish was organized on the I9th of August, 1860, when David Potwin and John Crozier were chosen wardens ; and N. M. Donaldson, S. M. Yearly, John Odell, W. A. Ware, W. H. Kelly andM. A. Dailey, vestrymen. Services continued to be carried on by the Rev. Dr. Manney, and other clergy- men of the Bishop Seabury Mission, estab- lished at Faribault, as this had, from the first, been considered a station of the Fari- bault Mission. Dr. Manney was succeeded by Rev. George C. Tanner for a short time, when the work was placed under the charge of the Rev. S. S. Burleson. He resigned in the fall of 1864, and Rev. J. A. Babcock, of New York, removed here and took charge of the parish. In the fall of 1866 the parish again became vacant, and services Avere dis- continued for the winter, excepting the occa- sional visitations of the bishop. In March, 1867, Rev. George C. Tanner resumed ser- vices, and in June removed his family to Owatonna. He remained in charge of the parish until December 31, 1886. During the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Bab- cock services were held every other Sunday in the Presbyterian house of worship. At that time there was but a small number of communicants, the church families with HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 237 communicants being limited to about a half dozen. The only church property was the lot on Avhich the present church stands. Soon after Mr. Tanner removed to Owa- tonna the work of erecting a place of worship was begun. Three hundred dollars was subscribed bj^ the people of Owatonna; friends in St. Paul and Minneapolis con- tributed $300 more, and with this sum the erection of the chapel, now used for a Guild room, was begun, and during the summer completed by the contributions of friends in Owatonna and abroad, and especially by the untiring efforts of the ladies of the parish. The cost of the building and furnishing was about $1,400. The lot had been purchased by the Bishop Seabury Mission several years before at a cost of $25. The chapel was consecrated on Friday, November 15, 1867, by the Et. Rev. II. B. Whipple, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota, a large number of the clergy of the diocese being present. The 2)ipe-organ at the present time in use was ]mr- chased in the year 1869 through the efforts of J. G. Gilchrist, M. D., senior warden of the parish and organist, to whose interest in the music very much of the success of the effort to keep up the service was due. In the year 1883 it was decided to undertake the erection of a new church. A subscription paper was stai'ted and a building committee appointed by the vestry, consisting of Messrs. E. Y. Hunnewill, G. W. Chesley and B. F. Welch. The subscriptions were mainly secured by the rector. In the fall the foundation was laid, and the following summer completed, and the building was used for the first time for divine service in October, 18S4. The church whicli had been built with so much interest was to have been opened on Tuesday, October 7, and a large number of clergy had been invited to participate in the services ; but the sudden news of the murder of the daughter of the rector and her family in Nebraska postponed the matter indefinitely. The entire cost of the building and furnish- ing is not far from $5,000. A considerable part of the cost was raised by Mr. Tanner as the gift of personal friends. The con- secration of the church took place in August, 1885, by the bishop of the diocese, a num- ber of the clergy of the diocese being present and assisting. Many beautiful memorials have been placed in the church, the gift of members of the parish and citizens in Owa- tonna. The church has also several memorial gifts of great beauty from Spencer A. Perceval, Esq., of England. Many sub- stantial contributions are from persons who have been members of the parish who have removed to other places. During the twenty years of Mr. Tanner's rectorship there have been 209 baptisms and 124 confirmations. The number of com- municants in 1867 did not exceed ten. The present number is about one hundred. A large number of families and members have come and gone since the parish was organized. One hundred and sixty-nine funerals have taken place in connection with the parish, and 112 marriages been solemnized. Rev. R. E. Metcalf succeeded Mr. Tanner, assuming charge early in 1887. The present official board of the church is composed of G. W. Chesley and B. F. Welch, wardens, and J. A. Soper, clerk. A thriving Sunday- school is maintained, of which Rev. Mr. Metcalf is superintendent ; B. E. Darley, assistant ; Miss Nellie Chesley, treasurer ; and Miss Carrie Petersen, secretary. Ihiiversalist Society. — In November, 1866, Rev. S. Wakefield, then pastor of the Univer- salist Society in Rochester, visited Owatonna, and preached the first Universalist sermon in the countv. On the 20th of April, 1867, a society Avas organized at a meeting held in Dresser's hall. The first members were : S. B. Washburn, A, B. Webber, Mrs. F. C. Webber, H. J. Lewis, Mrs. D. B. Lewis, L. L. Bennett and wife, Kelsey Chase, Mrs. Bell Chase, Louis Lord, Sarah Philips, Nathan and Mrs. L. O. Hubbard, T. J. and Isaac Howe, O. H. Porter, Rev. S. and Ella Wake- 238 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. field, John M. and Mrs. Hannah Houghton, T. J. Clark, Alonzo Brown, Miss D. Squires, William Pepper, A. C. Gutterson, C. C. Cor- nell, Setli Hotchkiss, T. C. S. Minthorn and Gordon Watson. In March, 1868, Eev. S. Wakefield became pastor. Succeeding him the following named have acted as pastor of this society, although at times there has been no pastor in charge : Eevs. E. W. Pierce, H. B. Butler, Mr. Spafl'ord, L. J. Dinsmore. The last named left in 1885, since which time the church has been without a pastor, al- though the organization has been maintained. The present officers are as follows : T. J. Howe, D. H. Eoberts and L. Lord, trustees ; W. A. Dynes, treasurer and collector ; L. L. Bennett, clerk ; A. C. Gutterson, moderator. Services were held in the early days of the organization in the schoolhouse in what was then the third (now second) ward. A few years later a church edifice was erected at a cost of $2,500. This building is still in use although in 1887 it was refitted and rebuilt at a cost of from $500 to $700. A Sunday-school was organized at about the time the society was, and this has since been maintained. Prof. A. C. Gutterson was su]). erintendent of this for about fourteen years. The present officers are as follows : L. L. Bennett, superintendent; Mrs. Ida Slade, assistant ; E. C. Helwig, secretary and treas- urer. The school is well attended. The society is in good condition financially, being wholly out of debt. Roman Catholic — Church of the Sacred Heart. — It is claimed that tlie first Catholics in Steele County were Thomas and John Ber. gan, Michael Barney, Joseph Kiesel, James McLaughlin and James Lonergan. Rev. Fatlier Keller was the first priest to hold ser_ vices in the county witli any degree of reg- ularity. At that time lie lived at Faribault, and had charge of the mission south of that point to the State line. At first services were held in private iiouscs, then in Dresser's and Butsch's halls until a church edifice was erected. In 1867 a church committee was organized to take steps for the erection of a building. It was composed of M. J. Toher, president and treasurer; James Lonergan, Joseph Kaplan and Charles Schoen, of Owa- tonna, and AVilliam Leary, of Merton. The building was ready for occupancy on Christ- mas day, 1868. It was 42x75 feet in size, and cost, exclusive of lot, $2,600, and is still in use. Three or fourj^ears later a parsonage was erected upon the same lot, which cost $1,- 200. Father Keller continued to come here for a number of years, when hewas followed by Father Schave, who came here from Hastings, and became the first resident priest. Succeed- ing him came thefollowing named in the order mentioned: Eevs. Father Hurley, Father Wiesler, Father Pi-ybil, Father Ealeigh, Fa- ther Joy, and finally the present priest. Fa- ther J. M. Solnce. The present priest also has charge of parishes at Claremont and So- merset. Tlie Church of the Sacred Heart is in excellent financial condition, being entire- ly free from debt, with nearly $1,000 in the church treasury. The society has a large membership, which extends over the major portion of the county, and in every way it is in a thriving condition. Eev. J. M. Solnce, ]mstor of this church, was born at Smlednik, Carniola, Austria, June 7, 1861. He completed his theological studies at the Provincial Seminary of St. Francis of Sales, at St. Francis, AVisconsin, and took charge of this parish on the 2d of September, 1885. Father Solnce is a genial and talented gentleman, and is one of the most popular priests in this part of the State. School of the Sinter.^ of St. Francis of SaUs. — In connection with the history of the Ca- tholic Church should be mentioned the edu- cational institution which is located just north of their church edifice. This school was established a Owatonna in 1S76, and the same year a three-story brick building, with a stone basement, was erected at a cost of $8,500, upon a lot which was donated to the order by the Church of the Sacred Heart. The general management of the school is HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 239 vested in the Order of Sisters, the general headquarters of which are at Joliet, 111. ; but they have also State headquarters at Ro- chester. The building is divided into school- rooms, furnished with first-class school ap- paratus. The school is maintained by tui- tion. The course of study here embraces all the ordinary branches, with the addition of music, drawing, painting, needlework and languages. To these, if desired, religious instruction is added. No teachers are placed here except those educated by the order and in their institutions, and they are especially fitted for, and educated in, the branches which they teach. St. John Congregation — German Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church. — About 1870 services of this denomination were held in private houses, and an organization was effected. Kev. Emmil came here occasionallv from Meriden and preached. The first regular pastor was Rev. Hauser, who came here in 1876, and remained about one year. Rev. Wetzel succeeded him, and during his pas- torate in 1878 a neat church edifice was erected at a cost of about $2,000. After his removal the pulpit was vacant for a time, after which Rev. Schaaf, from Aurora, filled the pulpit until 1880. . Rev. Carl Mende was the next pastor, and remained until 1883, when Rev. Schaaf again occupied the pulpit for a short time. These pastors all belonged to the Synod of Missouri, but at this time controversies arose which resulted in this congregation withdrawing from that synod and becoming connected with the Synod of Iowa. Under this state of affairs Rev. F. "W. Klein was the first pastor, preaching his first sermon here on the 1st of March, 1881r. He is the present pastor. This circuit in- cludes congregations in Somerset, Lemond and Deerfield townships, Ijesides the city. There are now 46 families belonging to this congregration, besides many supporters who could not be termed reguhir members. The present trustees are William Kottke, Wra. Bubholz, E. Rosine and August Pitzke. Every winter the church maintains a day- school for six months. Rev. F. W. Klein, pastor of this church, came to Owatonna in March, 1884, and has been in charge of the church since. He is a native of Limburge, German}^, born August 10, 1856. His parents were Leopold and Helena Klein. When ten years of age he went to Wiesbaden and attended school there seven years, and from there to Erlan- gen Universitj', graduating when twenty years of age. After that he went into the regular Prussian army, and after serving his year became assistant pastor at Therlen- hofen for three years. When through there he came to America and located at Mt. Ver- non, Black Hawk County, Iowa, remaining there some eighteen montiis, when he came to Owatonna, where he now resides. Mr. Klein was married June 27, 1883, to Miss Louise Anna Fredrick Severin, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. German Methodist Episcojyal Church. — • The German Methodist Church was organ- ized in 1875, with the following members, including their families : August Mollen- hauer, C. F. Mathwig, August Meirke, August Soehler, Carl Sette, William Mundt, Mr. Kellar, William Mogler, John EUeson, Gustaf Buche and W. Wocker. At that time this circuit included Deerfield, Bloom- ing Grove, Owatonna, Somerset, Meriden and Aurora. Rev. H. Schnitker was preacher in charge, but Rev. Jacob Kellar served this portion of the circuit. Rev. Henry Roth was then presiding elder. Succeeding Revs. Kellar and Schnitker, Rev. F. W. Buchholz took charge of the circuit and remained one 3'ear, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. A. Borchardt, who remained a like period. In the meantime the circuit had been divided and the Owatonna branch included Owatonna, Somerset, Aurora and Meriden. Rev. H. E. Young was the next pastor, serving two years — until 1882, when he was followed by Rev. F. R. Hogrefe. After two years of service, he was sue- 240 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. ceeded by Eev. H. F. Lange, who also remained two years. The present pastor, Rev. C. A. Borchardt, succeeded Rev. Lange, and is doing effective work. The present trustees are C. F. Mathwig, W. M. Soehler, H. Mundt, A. Mierke, C. Sette, F. R. Emke and R. Petrich. The organization has pros- pered, is out of debt, and now has a member- ship of over fifty. Part of each year the church maintains a day-school — when it does not conflict with the public schools. A Sunday-school was organized when the church started, that is still maintained. When the church was first organized servi- ces were held in the school-house. In 1877 a neat church building was erected which now serves as a place of worship. The Seventh- Day Adventists. — An organiza tion of this denomination was effected at Owatonna in the fall of 1SS6. The first l>astors were Revs. Scram and Gregory, and the latter remained during the winter following its organization. There is now no resident pastor, althougii Rev. Dimmick, of Medford, occasionally fills the pulpit for the society. A Sunday-school was organized at the same time as the church. The society here now has about fifty members. They own a church building which was purchased from the Scandinavian Lutheran Society. FIRST EVENTS. The first white child born in what is now Owatonna was George K., a son to Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Green, which occurred on the 6th of April, 1855. Dr. W. W. Finch at- tended, and went from Judge Green's house to that of A. W. Adams in Clinton Falls Township, where Frank, a son of A. "W. Adams, was born. These two were the first children born in Steele County. The first death at Owatonna occurred in August, or Se])tember, 1855, and was a child of Miner Prisby. The remains were buried in the woods north of town. The first marriage of residents took place at Faribault in the summer of 1855, the con- tracting parties being JoJin Wilcox and Clara Brooks, the ceremony being performed by Elder Town. The event was heartily cel- ebrated by the pioneers, especiall}' the young people. The first building erected upon the origi- nal town plat was the Winship House, built in July, 1855. The first building put up within what now constitutes the incorporate limits was A. B. Cornell's log cabin. The first store was opened Ijy S. B. Smith and J. W. Park in the spring of 1855. The first blacksmith shop was started by John Sweat. The first frame building was W. F. Pettit's residence. The first brick building was erected by William Wadsworth in 1863. It was built for a store, but is now used as an engine- house. PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN AND RETIRED CITIZENS. In this connection we present biographical sketches of all the most prominent citi- zens of Owatonna who have not received extended notice heretofore. It will be remembered that many of the leading citi- zens have already been mentioned at length in connection with the bar, medical, official and various other departments of this work. These sketches are placed here miscellan- eously, as the}^ come to the writer's hand, and if the reader desires to find any particu- lar biography, we would respectfully refer to the index. The men who take an active part in pub- lic affairs and still retain the universal regard of their fellow-citizens, without regard to party lines or prejudices, are very few. Among that fortunate few belongs the name of Hon. Charles S. Crandall. His infancy and early youth were spent among the rug- ged hills of the Buckeye State, where he was born in 1840. He came to Steele County in 1857 and for three years was engaged in farming. In 1861 he was appointed deputy auditor and register of deeds. Later on, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 241 owing to the resignation of the incumbent, he was appointed to fill tlie position and was elected two successive terms. In 1874 he was elected to the Lower House of the Legislature, and in 1S86 was elected to the Senate. As editor of the Owatonna Jour- nal Mr. Crandall spent eight j^ears of his life in journalism, and iiis career in news- paper work was ever characterized by fear- lessness and unswerving devotion to party and principle. He was postmaster for eight years, and discharged the duties of that office faithfully and well. In 1882 he engaged in the hardware business, being the senior member of the firm of Crandall & Nelson. For a number of years he has been an Odd Fellow. In 1864 Mr. Crandall was united in matrimony with Miss Marietta E. Allen, a native of Oneida County, N. Y. Mary. E. and Georgia C. are the names of their chil- dren. Adolph Knobloch, hardware merchant, was born in Germany in 1831. He came to America in 1847, and resided two years in Cleveland, Ohio. At the end of this time he came west to Sheboygan, Wis. In 1853 he returned to Europe and was absent six months. In 1854 he returned to America, went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and later he started a brewery at Hannibal, Mo. In 1855 he came to St. Paul, and afterward removed to Brownsville, Minn., where he established a brewery — the first at that place or in the southern part of the State. March 22, 1858, this establishment was de- stroyed by fire, and he then spent three years at Prescott, Wis. In 1861 he came to Owatonna and put up the first brewery erected in the city. In 1874 he embarked in the hardware business, in which he is still en- gaged. Mr. Knobloch is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Legion of Honor, and attends the Presbyterian Church. He M'as married in March, 1857, to Sophia Myer, a native of German}'. Lorens H., Adolph and Louisa are their children's names. George Parrott, of the firm of Parrott & Smith, hardware dealers, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., in 1852. His father William Parrott kept hotel at Schoharie Court- house for twenty-five years, and the leading- hotel there still bears his name. He died in 1884. A brother of our subject, Hon. Matt. Parrott, of Waterloo, Iowa, is State Senator from his own district. Our subject learned the tinner trade in his native State and came west in 1879. He worked for some time for D. O. Searle, and at his death the firm of Parrott & Smith bought the stock. He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Cole, a native of Owatonna. Alfred C. is their only child. Mr. Parrott is an Odd Fellow. John Thon, of the firm of Thon Bros., hard- ware dealers, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1859. He learned the potter trade when thirteen years old, and worked in dif- ferent western cities. He came to Owatonna in 1883, and formed a partnership with his brother in the hardware business. Jacob P. Thon, senior member of the firm, was born in New York City in 1857, and came with his parents to Milwaukee in 1859. He learned the tinner trade at Milwaukee, and came to Owatonna in 1879. He was married in 1884 to Miss Louise Hammel. Alvin R. is their only child. The Thon brothers are Odd Fel- lows, being members of Goethe Lodge, and also are members of the Owatonna Turn- verein. Jacob A. Oppliger, dealer in general irier- chandise, was born in Switzerland in 1834. He came to America in 1853, locating in Rochester, N. Y., being engaged in the butch- ering trade. He came west to Bufl'alo County, Wis., thence to Galena, III., thence to St Paul, where he remained one year and a half, when he returned to Buff'alo County, Wis., and remained one winter. In 1858 he came to Faribault, and opened a meat market. He came to Owatonna in the spring of 1861, and engaged in buying stock and running a meat market. Mr. Oppliger was elected alderman several terms, and in 1873 was elected and served one term as mayor. 242 HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. He is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery of Owaton- na. Mr. Oppliger was married in 1859 to Mis's Mary Schultz, who died in 1864. In 1867 Mr. Oppliger married Malvine Bur- chert. There are seven children : Hattie and William F., by the first wife, and Adolph G. Malvine, Edward, Emil and Ella by the sec- ond. G. F. Albertus, dealer in dry goods, was born in Saxony in 1828. He came to America in 1812, locating in Sauk County, Wis. He was subsequently elected county treasurer, which position he held two years. He was also elected and served as county commissioner and justice of the peace. He came to Owatonna in 1866. Mr. Albertus was married in 1810 to Miss Mary E. Bart- lett, who died in 1862. In 1864 he was mar- ried to Miss E. W. Iloefer. Louise A., wife of John Kohr, of Montevideo, John 11., Mary E., wife of Frank Hollensworth, of St. Paul, and Gustavus A., are the children by his first wife ; and Minnie L., Kate E., Arthur 11., Lucy M., George F. (deceased), Charles, and Frank G., are the names of the children by his second. Mr. Albertus is among the best known citizens of the county. He has large property interests, and has in man}^ ways been prominently identified with the growth and development of the city. The dry goods house H. E. Moore Jr. & Co. was established in Owatonna by H. R. Moore, Jr., in 1870, who came at that time to close out the remains of a large stock which the firm had had in Beloit, "Wis. Previous to their coming here he had been to St. Paul, trying to close out with the intention of giving u]i business. Mr. Moore, however, liking the business jirospects of this city, bought their present building and put in a stock of goods, rebuilding and otherwise improving in 1880. In 1883 the firm estab- lished a branch store at Fergus Falls, which ran very successfully. It was finally closed out, however, and Mr. Moore, wishing to retire from active business, formed the pres- ent firm, which consists of H. P. Moore, Jr., John H. Ilelwig and James W. Connor, under the firm name of H. R. Moore Jr. & Co., the business being under the control of Messrs. Ilelwig and Connor. J. AV. Connor, junior member of the firm, came to Owa- tonna in the year 1869, and attended school until 1877, when he graduated from the high school. The same spring went to New Orleans, where he remained for some eight months. He then returned to Owatonna, and entered the store of H. R. Moore Jr. as a clerk ; in 1886 he was taken in as partner. Joseph H. Soukup, of the firm of Soukup Bros., dealers in general merchandise, was born in Bohemia in 1857. In 1867 the family came to America, locating in Chicago. A year later they came to Hennepin Count}', Minn., and settled upon a farm near Minne- tonka. Our subject went to Waverly and was there engaged in the hardware business for a short time. He came to Owatonna in 1884. He was married in the same year to Miss Anna Watowa. Mr. Soukup is a member of the C. S. P. S., a society of which a history' is presented elsewhere in this volume. Hon. Henr}' Birkett, ex-mayor of the city of Owatonna, is a native of Ottawa, Canada, born July 4, 1848. His parents were Miles and Elizabath [(Wren) Birkett, natives of England, who settled in Canada in 1838. Ilis father. Miles, was engaged in the mer- cantile business and remained in Canada until his death m 1848. His mother died at Ottawa in 1886. Miles Birkett and wife had a family of six sons and four daughters, six of whom are now living, as follows: Will- iam, now a resident of Ottawa; Miles, a resident of Providence, K. I. ; Mrs. Maiy Rogers, of Ottawa, Canada; Thomas, of Ot- tawa, Canada ; Mrs. Elizabeth Fenton, of Ottawa, Canada, and Henry, the subject of this sketch. Henry received a common school education, and when fourteen years of age attended the grammar school at Ottawa, Canada, for one year. He then served an HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 243 apprenticeship extending over a period of five years and two weeks with Young & Radford, in learning the watchmaker's and jeweler's trade, after which he remained for one year as a journeyman. In ISTO he took a trip to New York, where he spent the summer, woi'king at his ti-ade, and tlien returned to Canada, only, however, to remain one month, and then started for the west. Stopping for a short time in Minneapolis he made his way to Chicago, 111., where he worked at his trade for C. A. Morse for two months. On the 2d of November, 1870, he came to Owatonna and began working at his trade for E. Abbott & Co., remaining for two years. In 1872 he retui'ned to Ottawa, Canada, and in company with J. J. Iladford opened a jewelry store there, remaining one year. Selling out his interests there he re- turned to Owatonna in the fall of 1873, pur- chased the stock of E. Abbott & Co., and has since continued in this line, now con- ducting a well stocked jewehy store on the corner of Center street and Broadway, Owatonna. Mi*. Birkett served as mayor in 1883-4:, and was alderman from second ward for ten years, and president of tiie board in 1886. He stands high in the Masonic order, being a member of Star of the East Lodge, No. 33 ; Royal Arch chapter No. 15 ; and Cyrene Commandary No. y Knights Temp- lar. He has held all the official positions in these lodges, with credit to himself and lionor to its members. He has also served in the high Masonic office of Right Eminent Grand Com- mander of the Grand Commandary of Knights Templar of Minnesota, — the highest honor within the gift of the Knights Templar in the State. Mr. Birkett was married January 14, 1875, to Claudia M. Abbott, daughter of Ezra Abbott, and they have three children now living : Harry E., Ethel S. and Miles W. In politics Mr. Birkett is a Republican. He has in many ways been identified with Owatonna's growth and development ; has taken a prominent part in all public matters affecting the city's welfare, and is to-day among the most prominent and influential of Owatonna's business men. C. F. Warner, jeweler, is a native of Dane County, Wis., born in 1854. Ilis par- ents were Franklin and Juliette Edwards Warner, both natives of New York, who had settled in Columbia Co., Wis., in an early day. They later moved to Dane County, and in 1865 came to Steele County, Minn., where Mrs. Warner died in 1867. Mr. Warner Sr. moved to Dakota in 1880, and still lives there. C. F. Warner remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he went to Osage, Iowa, where he spent a year working at the jeweler's trade, having spent two years at it before leaving home. From Osage he came to Owatonna, and in 1876 he established the jewelry store which he still conducts. In 1885 he added a full line of sportsmen's goods, including guns, rifles and ammunition; and, in 1SS7, addeil the Stand- ard sewing machines and fixtures to his stock. He now handles a large stock, and does an extensive business. Mr. Warner was married in 1875 to Miss Mary Cusick, of Berlin Township, Steele County. They have two living children, Ada and Annie, and a third child died when a little over two years of age. Julius Young was born February 28, 1845, in Baden, Germany. His father was a captain in the regular army. When, in 1847, the legislative body of that state adopt- ed a Democratic form of govei'nment and deposed their autocratic Grand Duke, his father stood by the people and with Hecker, Bleuker, Sigel, Blind, and later, Carl Schurz and others, defended the state to the last, losing his life in 1849 in the liattles against the allied Prussian and monarchial forces. In the years of reaction that followed, his mother came to London, and there in the refugee families of Carl Blind and Prof. Hinkel, met Carl Schurz's father, and was induced by him to come to America. In April, 1859, being reared by his grand- mother, Julius went to Stillwater, Minn., 244 HISTOKT OF STEELE COUNTY. where liis mother had emigrated and re- married, and there was ajiprenticed to "Wm. lUingsworth, of St. Paul, a noted watch and clock maker, finishing his time in May, 1862. An enemy to slavery, in any form, he wanted to enlist in one of the Minnesota regiments, but being only seven- teen years old could not get permission of his parents, and had to resort to deceit in going to Madison, Wis., working there for a jeweler at $40 per month. There lie enlisted in the Twentieth Regiment Wisconsin Vol- unteers, and being condemned to carry a drum discarded it and soon became assistant hospital steward of the regiment, and later, eager to carry a gun, currier to Gen. Her- ron, commanding a division in southwest Missouri and Arkansas. After being in sev- eral skirmishes against Mai'maduke, he was in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., Decem- ber 7, 1802, where they lost full}^ one-third of the command, and where he received a severe injur}' the niglit following, by Ijeing unhorsed. In January, 1863, he was in the capture of Yan Buren, Ark., the next day the capture of Fort Smith ; in February, when Marmaduke made an unsuccessful attempt to capture Springfield, Mo., in their raid they intercepted him and almost annihi- lated his command. In May, 1863, they went to Vicksburg, and being sent to report their arrival to the commander of the Thirteenth Army Corps to which they were attached, Mr. Young got into the battle of Champion Hill ; returning to Young's Point, crossed the Mississippi Eiver under heavy fire of the Yicksburg left wing, and stormed the heights of Warrington, and later took Fort Hill, just outside the main defense. He was in the siege of Yicksburg until the capitulation on the 4th of July, 1863. The same month was in the capture of Yazoo City ; got into a part of the Red River expedition ; was captured with the Nineteenth and Twenty-sixth Indiana at Morganza, La., and confined in the stockade at Tjdei', Tex.; escaped the third week, making his way to Fort Smitli, Ark., with others, and got to his command in time to go with the Gen. Banks' Rio Grande expedition ; in November of the same year, in crossing the Gulf of Mexico he was on the "Thomas Scott," encountered a heavy storm, the expedition losing two transport steamers and eighteen schooners with supplies. The flag ship, the "Thomas Scott," an armed transport, lost the use of the rudder for nearly eight hours; twenty four men, including three sailors, were washed overboard, and six guns were cut loose to lighten the vessel. Reaching Brasos Santiago Island, they surprised the pickets by wading through the water at low tide, and, effecting a landing on the main land, pressed on and took Brownsville, and later Corpus Cliristi, Tex. From Browns- ville Mr. Young made trips to Monterey and Tampico, Mex., to the American consuls. Receiving leave of absence for sixty days, he got on the ill-fated river steamei-, " W. R. Arthur," which at Columbia Bend, below Memphis, was so badly riddled by two batteries while passing the bend. In August, 1864, he was on the Mobile Bay expedition, being sent to the flagship. He passed Forts Morgan and Gaines on the "Hartford," and got into the terrific naval fight, after passing, with the rebel rams, Morgan and Selma, which were captured ; saw the mon- itor, "Tecumseh," sink with 122 souls, not twent}' _yards distant, and the burning of the war sloop, " Tennessee," and heard the quick and decisive commands of Commodore Far- ragut, lashed to the rigging above him ; in the taking of Fort Gaines ; in the landing of our troops under fire at Mobile point ; the siege of Fort Morgan ; the capture of Pass Magula; and in March, 1865, in the siege and storming of Spanish Fort and sub sequent capture of Mobile, Ala. Mr. Young had a narrow escape at the explosion of the magazine at Mobile, Ala. He served three years and fifty-five days, until July, 1865, coming to Madison, Wis. He was employed by Mr. Burr, of Burr & McClure, jewelers HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 245 of Owatonna, and remained with them from August, 1865, to June, 1866, when the firm dissolved partnership. He took a situation at St. Peter, and on learning of the death of his former employer, came in December, 1866, to permanently locate in Owatonna, opening a shop in an old frame building on the corner now occupied by the Farmers' Nat- ional Bank. Later he moved to J. New- salt's store under the Opera House. In 1869 he bought a one-story brick building on Bridge street, accumulating a large range of custom and fine stock. July 31, 1882, he was married to a daughter of C. Dinnijes, and has had children, two boys and two girls; only the latter are now living, one twelve years and one two years old. In 1878 he lost his building with most of the stock and tools by fire, losing more than $6,000 over insurance. He rebuilt on a larger scale, planned and executed under his own supervision the building he now occupies. Young's block, on Bridge street. In build, ing on a large scale and restocking, buying nearl}^ everything new, and particularly the selling at auction of a competitor's stock during part of the holiday season, 1879? forced him to make an assignment in favor of his creditors. However, he again got control of his business in August, 1880, and since then he has not only done the principal repair work, but has enlarged his store to 22x100 feet, adding increased accommoda- tions every year, until now he has a finely arranged store, second to none in Minnesota. He carries a large assortment of watches, clocks, jewelry, including diamonds, optical goods, silverware, china and fancy goods of various descriptions. Besides being the old- est watchmaker and jeweler, he is the pio- neer sewing-machine dealer, carrying since 1868 the best machines; and since 1882 pianos and organs of "leading makers, and also small musical goods and material. Hon. Benjamin S. Cook, ex-mayor, real estate dealer and loan broker, was born in Center County, Pa., in 1833. When he was still a child his parents moved to the western jiart of the State. At the age of seventeen he entered a mercantile establishment at Conneautville as clerk. In 1854 he embarked in business for himself in the same town. In the winter of 1855 he organized a party of five, of which he was the junior member, for the purpose of making a prospecting tour through the west. They arrived in Minnesota in June, 1856, and located the town site of Concord, in Dodge County. He is now the only sur- vi\nng member of the party. In 1860 he went to Mantorville and engaged in the drug and grocery business. In the spring of 1873 he removed to St. Paul, when he was made superintendent of the St. Paul Street Rail- way Company. He acted in that capacity until 1875, and in 1876 he came to Owatonna. Mr. Cook was married in October, 1855, to Miss Isabella Groger, a native of Hew 'i^ork State. Mrs. L. H. Knobloch, now of St. Paul, is their onl}' child. Our subject was elected mayor of Owatonna in 1881, and held that office two terms. He has been a member of the democratic state central committee, or congressional committee, almost continuous- ly since he has been in the State, and was a delegate to the National Democratic Conven- tion at Chicago in 1881: that nominated Gro- ver Cleveland. It is said that Mr. Cook has been present at every Territorial or State Democratic convention as a delegate (save two), since 1857, and while active as a party political manager has never sought office for himself. Since his residence here he has taken an active part in all public matters, and is among the most prominent business men in this part of tlie State. Edward W. Piper, grocer, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1825. His father's given name was Lewis, and his mother's maiden name was Rogers. His people came to Elgin, 111., in 1836, coming the entire dis- tance by team. Shortly afterward they went to Mount Morris, where Mr. Piper Sr. was engaged in wagon-making. Lewis Piper 246 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. died in Ogle Count}', 111., aged eighty-three. Our subject came to Ijaraboo,Wis. ,in lSil,and was one of the pioneers of that city. In ISfifi he came to Owatonna. and for thirteen years was engaged in the grain business. In 1879 he embarked in the grocery business. He was married March 8, 1857, to Miss Cor- nelia Hill, a native of New York State. Ella, now the wife of Clinton Dunning, of Wis- consin, Ada I., deceased, Edward A., de- ceased, and Arthur W. , who is engaged in his father's store, are their children's names. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pi))er are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Piper was a member of the city council in 1885-6, and has otherwise taken an active and prominent part in local affairs. Eri M. Twiford, of the firm of Twiford & Sperry, was born near Columbus, in Wa^'ne County, Ohio, in 1852. When two and a half years old his parents moved to Indiana where they remained till the fall of 1861-, when Eri M., in company with his father. Dr. William II. Twiford, came to Steele County, Minn. In 1879 he came to Owaton- na and worked for the Diamond Mill Com- pany. He then formed a partnership with W. A. Dynes in the hardware business, and later engaged in the meat and provision trade. In 188i he engaged in the grocery business, and the firm is now doing a thriv- ing trade. In 1881 Mr. Twiford married Miss Anna Howard, a native of Minnesota. They have two children, Edna and Guy. Mr. Twiford is a member of the Sons of Vet- erans ; is fii'st lieutenant of company E, 3d Regiment, State Militia, and is chief en- gineer of the city fire department. An ex- tended biography of Mr. Twiford's father, Dr. W, H. Twiford, is presented in chapter VIII. David W. Sperrj', grocer, of the firm of Twiford & Sperry, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., October 31, 1838. Forty-five years of his life were spent in that county. He learned the tinner's trade at an early age, and was for many years engaged in the hardware business. He came to Owatonna in 1884 and engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills. In 1885 he engaged in the grocery business in company with Mr. Twi- ford. He was married January 6, 1863, to Miss Roxie O. Lazell. Albert L. and Rosa Bell are the names of their children. William Davidson, grocer, was born in Northumberlandshire, England, in 1828. He came to America in 1831, locating in Canada West, He was married in 1856 to Miss Ellen Hunter, a native of Canada. The names of the children born to them are Robert M., William H., Isabella J. and Mary L. Mr. Davidson came to Steele County in 1856, and to Owatonna in 1858. He is now engaged in the retail grocery business. He is a prominent member and oificer in the Presbyterian Church, and has in many ways been intimately connected Avith the history of both city and county. G. W. Chesley, whose porti'ait will be found on another page, is the pioneer photog- rapher of Steele County. Mr. Chesley was born in Waterbury, Washington County, Vt., July 19, 1829, and remained there attending school most of the time, until seventeen years of age. His father was Enoch Chesley, and his mother Desire (Ayers) Chesley, the form- er of English, the latter of Scotch, descent. The father died when G. W. was seven years of age, and the mother in 1862, at Water- bury. G. W. Chesley began life for himself when seventeen, going to Geneva, N. Y., where he entered the gallery of a Frenchman to learn the old-time daguerreotype business. That was before the time of photography, when pictures were mounted on coi)per or silver plate. He continued in that business for one year, and then, in 1853, canie west, accompanied by a younger brother, who had learned the business at the same time. They located at Watertown, Wis., and fitted up a gallery with a chemical and apparatus sales- room in connection, remaining there four years. In the meantime G. W. had bought his brother's interest, and in 1857 he sold HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 249 the establishment and removed to Monmouth, 111., where he again opened a gallery. After about one year, being afflicted with ague, he sold out, and for nearly two yeai's gave up business and traveled extensively through dif- ferent parts of tlie Northwest to regain his health. In the fall of ISflO, he came to Owa- tonna and established the lirst gallery in either Steele or Waseca counties, since which time this has been Ills home. Shortly after the war broke out he arranged a photographic outfit and accompanied the army through the South, taking photogra]3hs of various bat- tle-fields, regiments and companies. When the war closed, in the spring of 1865, he re- turned to his home in Steele County, and lias since carried on an extensive business at his photograph gallery. In 1879 he erected the fine brick block of which he now occupies the second story, while J. L. Saxton's dry goods house occupies the first fioor. Mr. Chesley was married March 22, 1856, to Miss Ellen E. George, a native of Vermont. They have three children, : George L., Walter A. and Elouisa. In 1885 Mr. Chesley erected a building and fitted up a photograph gallery at Pipestone City, Minn., which his eldest son, George L., now conducts. Mr. Chesley's gallery at Owatonna now turns out some of the finest and most artistic photograph and cabinet work that can be obtained anywhere in the State. Nearlv all of the engravings in the Steele County department of this volume, were made from photos taken in his estab- lishment. Hon. John Shea, ex-mayor and popular clothing merchant of Owatonna, is a self- made man, and a true type of the western pioneer, standing six feet high and weighing 225 pounds. He is always pleasant, jolly and agreeable, and one of the most generally' popular men in the county. He takes great interest in any enterprise calculated to ad- vance the interests of the city, and has in manjr ways taken an active part in public matters. Mr. Shea was born in Joliet, Will County, IlL, in 1839. When six months old 15 his parents removed to Hartland, McHenry County, 111., then on the frontier, and there John was raised with an abundance of hard work, but with very poor facilities for school- ing. He had the misfortune of losing his mother at the age of ten years, but with the assistance of his eldest sister, his father was able to keep the family' — consisting of three boys and three girls — together until they were young men and women. In 1856 his father sold out, and witli his family removed to Berlin Township, Steele County, Minn, and located on a farm. After spending two winters there, John, being of an adventurous disposition, concluded to find a warmer cli- mate to winter in, and therefore managed to spend his winters in the South, and return each summer to help his father. When the Indian war broke out he enlisted in the First Minnesota Mounted Eangers, and partici- pated in all the battles and incidents of the expedition, until there were no hostile Indians left in the State. He was mustered out with the regiment, went home and helped his folks until the spring ol 1866, when he was taken with the -'gold fever," which was then raging throughout the West. Rigging up an ox-team, with a good supply of provisions, he joined Col. Holmes and other parties at the foot of the " Kotas," where they organ- ized in order to protect themselves from the Indians, and Mr .Shea was elected captain, a position which he filled competently, as lie was experienced in organizing against the redskins. The party was ninety-two days in reaching Helena, Mont., where they dis- banded. Mr. Shea being a " tenderfoot," encountered many adversities, but beins' possessed of sta^^ing qualities, he finally dis- covered a mine, from which he made a "stake." After spending eight years in the mines of Montano and Idaho, in 1874 he returned to the " States" to visit his folks; but upon reaching Steele County, the country had so developed, and l^ecome so attractive, he concluded to remain a few years. He bought a half interest in the Parcher 250 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 1 House, at Owatonna, and, after running it for six months, bought the whole of the pi'operty, and rented it for five years. Then, being at hberty to trj^ some other business, the first thing to present itself was a stock of bankrupt clothing brought in from Beloit, "Wis,, valued at $15,000, He bought the stock and took W. L. Winslow in as a part- ner. This firm continued for three years, when Mr. Siiea bought his partner's interest, and has since continued the business, liaving become one of the leading clothing men of the State. ]\Ir. Shea was married in 1879 to Miss Kate Deviny, who added to his hap- piness the comforts of a home. They have a famih' of two boys and two girls. Mr. Shea was elected maj'or in 1874, and served one term. When the reader visits Owatonna it will be to liis interest to call and make the acquaintance of Mr. Shea, as he is awake to the wants of the human family, and takes great delight in selling them clothing, cheap. A. J. Katz, of the clothing firm of Katz & Co., was born in Germany in 1866. He came to Baltimore ip 1881, where he clerked for his uncle in a dry goods establishment for a year and a half; thence to Washington, D. C, where he remained six months, and in 1883 went to Davenport, Iowa. In Jan- uary, 1887, he came to Minnesota, and in company with H. Katz, of Chicago, pur- chased the stock of A. Apple. By square dealing, and selling an excellent class of goods at the lowest living profits the firm have built up a large and increasing tratie. They are very reliable men to deal with. Michael S. Quiggle, dealer in farm ma- chinery, was Ijorn in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 183-1-, and in 1843 went to Green Lake County, Wis. He learned the blacksmith trade with his father. In 1857 he came to Minnesota, locating in Waseca County, and came to Owatonna in 1858. He was married in 1861 to Miss Lucinda J. Hammond. Lillie L. and Ettie M. are their children's names. Mr. Quiggle does an extensive business in his line. John E. Buxton, dealer in farm machinery, and member of the Minnesota Transfer Implement Company, was born in St. Law- rence, August 5, 1823. His parents moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., when he was twelve years old, and there his father died in 1843. In 1844 he moved to Columbus, Wis., where he was engaged in the manu- facture of wagons, carriages and plows. In 1864 he came Avest to Winona, and three months later to Owatonna, where he has since been engaged in the machinery and liardware trade. He was married in July, 1848, to Miss Eunice T. Ingrahani, a native of New York, who died on March 30, 1877, of ajioplexy. Mr. Buxton has for years been closely identified with the business interests of the city, and is to-day among the most prominent and widely known citizens of the county. Rufus H. Cliapin, dealer in farm machinery, was born in Solon, Cortland Count}', N. Y., in 1826. In 1870 he came to Steele County, Minn., where he engaged in farming for four years. Mr. Chapin was married in 1849 to Miss Abigail S. Putnam, a native of Truxton, Cortlanil County, N. Y. They have three children: Byron P., Mary L. and Frank H., the two latter residing at present in Dakota. Mr. Chapin has been a member of tiie Bap- tist Church since 1855, and is one of the leading business men of the city. Jacob Newsalt, city justice, was born in Prussia in March, 1838. When ten years of age he came to New York Cit\', where he remained until seventeen, when he came west to La Crosse, Wis. In 1864 he came to Owatonna and embarked in the mercantile business. In 1878 he sold out and engaged in the real-estate business, which he still con- tinues in connection with loans and insur- ance. Mr. Newsalt is an Odd Fellow ; in 1881 was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and in 1887 was elected Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. He is also a Mason, and is Master of Owatonna Lodge, No. 26, Ancient Order HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 251 of United Workingmen. On June 2i, 1866, he was married to Miss Josephine Kubat, a native of Austria. George, Annie L., Mabel M., Jessie F. and Gracie A., are their chil- dren's names. Mr. Newsalt is the present city justice, and has made one of the best judicial officers the city of Owatonna has ever had. Hon. Herman H. Eosebrock, dealer in fur- niture, carpets and undertaking goods, was born in Hanover, Germany, November 10, 1838. In 18.58 he came to America, locating in Brookl^'n, N. Y., where he clerked in a grocery store. He then came to Indianap- olis, where he was engaged in the grocery business for six years. He attended the Agricultural College at Ebstorf for some time. In 1865 he came to Owatonna, Steele County, Minn., and engaged in the butcher- ing business for one year, after which, in 1869, he embarked in the furniture business, and now carries on an extensive business at his store on Bridge street. Mr. Eosebrock was married in 1864 to Miss A. Dinnijes, a native of Prussia. Carl is the name of their only child. Mr. Eosebrock is a member of Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery in the Masons, and was a charter member of the Commandery. He has been a member of the Lower House of Legislature, serving two terms, from 1879 to 1882, and made a cred- itable and satisfactory record. Frederick Deutschraann, furniture dealer on Bridge street, was born in Germany in 1825. He came to America in 1S54, locat- ing in Chicago, where he remained a short time. He then moved to Davenport, Iowa, then to St. Louis, where he engaged in mak- ing show-cases for two years. In 1860 he returned to Davenport, where he remained till 1879, when he removed to Colorado, locating in Denver. In 1880 he came to Steele County, where he has since lived. Mr. Deutschmann was married in November, 1878, to Susana Letrig, a native of Germany. They have three children : Lilly, Ada and George. "William Mork, dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Denmark in 1844. He came to America in 1866, and imtil 1869 resided in Chicago. He then came to Owatonna and worked as a journeyman until 1871, when he embarked in business for himself. In 1880 he erected the building which he now occu- pies and where he is doing a flourishing busi- ness. He was marrieil in 1871 to Miss Cor- nilia Oleson. The fruits of this union are the following named children: Annie, Lily, William and Ella. Mr. Mork is a Mason and also a member of the Lutheran Church. George L. Forsythe, of the firm of Boice & Forsythe, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1849. He came west to Steele County in 1877 and formed a partnership with Mr. Boice in the meat-market business. He was married on February 22, 1873, to Miss Delcina Boice, a native of New York State, who died December 6, 1883. Mr. Forsythe is a member of the Congregational Church. His firm do a thriving business, and is rated among the substantial business firms of the city. John Cottier, merchant tailor, was born on the Isle of Man in 1826. He learned tailoring in his native home and came to America when twenty-two years of age, locating in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. In July, 1865, he came to Owatonna and opened a tailor shop, which for a number of years was the only one in the village. He is now doing an extensive business. Mr. Cottier is one of the leading Odd Fellows of the city and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married in September, 1848, to Miss Ann Griffin, who was born in New York State. Their children's names are Elizabeth A., James B., Lilly V., Joseph P., Ellen S., Frederick G. and Eugene C. His wife died in 1882, and he was again married in February, 1884, to Mary Millner, a native of New York, born in 1834. They \v'ere married in Baraboo, Wis. N. W. Hanson was born in Denmark May 5, 1855 ; he lived there until twenty 252 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. years of age, then went to Norway and Swetlen and worked at the tailor's trade for two }'ears. He returned to Copenhagen and there learned the cutter s trade, after which he went to Wadsoe, Norway, to take charge of a tailoring establishment. Tliere he remained a 3^ ear and a half; then returned liome, and six months later returned again to Wadsoe. Here he was married May 5, 18S1, he being twenty-six years of age on this day. Eight days later he and his wife started for America and landed in Philadel- piiia June 25, 1881. From there they went to Rochester, Minn., where he worked at his trade for about three years, then came to Owatonna and started tlie tailoring estab- lishment whicli he still runs. The}' have had born to them three children : Engebor Marie, Ivnute Kare and Agnes Begito. Fridolin Coll, dealer in millinery goods, was born in Germany in 1838. His parents came to America with him in 18-18, stopping in New York City for a time ; thence to Day- ton, Ohio, and later to Indiana. They came to Minnesota in 1855, locating at Chatfield for a year. In 1856 he removed to Faribault, and in the spring of 1861 enlisted in Com- pany G First Minnesota Volunteer Infantrj'. With his company he participated in the battles of Winchester, Yorktown, Bolivar Heights, Ciiancellorville, under Hooker ; Bristow Station, Fair Oaks, Gettysburg and Antietam, the seven days' fight in falling back from Richmond, and also Malvern Hill, Virginia, and was discharged on the 19th of May, 186-):. He was married in September of the same year to Miss Margaret J. Deiahl. The names of the chiklren born to them are Albert T., Emma L. and Fridolin W. Mr. Boll is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and takes an active interest in all matters of a public nature. Frank M. Bauter, druggist, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 18-ti; but his fatlier moved with the family to St. Joseph County, Mich., in an early day. Our sub- ject enlisted in 1861 in Company E, Eleventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served twenty months in the war of the rebellion. During the battle of Stone River he was wounded in the right arm, which was sub- sequently amputated. In 1871 he graduated from the State Nornial School at Ypsilanti, Mich., after which he taught school for a number of years. He first began the drug business at Lawrence, Mich., and in 1880 came to Owatonna. He was married in 1873 to Miss Cornelia E. Rowe, a native of Iowa. Their children's names are Winnefred, Helen and Marion Francis. Christian Peterson, druggist, was born in Denmark in 1857, and came to America in 1872. He resided three years in New Jersey, when he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to Clinton, la. He entered the commercial department of the Ann Arbor University, also attended medical college one term there; then went to Detroit, and from there to Rochester, Minn., where he remained two years and a half engaged in the drug busi- ness. He then was located in Blooming Prairie for three years, and in 1884 settled in Owatonna, where he is still in business, carrying a large stock of drugs. He was married in 1883 to Miss Anna M. Johnson. Alvin C. and Ella J. are their children's names. Mr. Peterson was chosen county coroner in January, 1886, and stiU holds the office ; also has held the office of justice of the peace in the third ward for one year. William Gausewitz came to Owatonna October 18, 1884, and bought the drug busi- ness of Mr. Stoughton, and has since that time been engaged in the drug business here. Mr. Gausewitz is a native of Reedsville, Wis. His parents are Carl and Amelia Gausewitz, natives of Germany, who are now living in Milwaukee, Wis. William remained with his parents until thirteen years of age, when he learned the drug business and has since been engaged in his profession. George Clark, superintendent of Laird, Norton & Co.'s lumber yards, was born in Bradford County, Penn., in 1848. He was HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 253 engaged in various pursuits until 1872, when he engaged in the lumber business. He went to Buffalo, N. Y., and was in the employ of Shaw & Co. until 1885, when he came to Owatonna. lie was married in 1879 to Miss Lucy A. Kiehle, sister to the State superin- tendent of public instruction of Minnesota. Their children's names are Walter and Mil- dred. Mclndoe S. Alexander, of the lumber firm of Alexander Bros., was born in Portage County, Wis., in 1855. His father, John Alexandei', resides near Wausau, Wis., and furnishes for the Alexander Stewart Lumlier Company. Our subject came to Owatonna in 1883, where he in company with his brother carries on a branch yard for that company. He was married in March, 1887, to Miss Carrie A. Murray. Jacob Z. Barncard, lumber dealer, was born in Franklin County, Pa., in 1842. In 1843 his parents moved with their family to Greencastle, Ohio, residing there three years ; thence to Decatur, Ind., where they remained ten years. Our subject came to Rochester, Minn., in June, 1855, where he remained until 1867. In 18(51 he enlisted in company B, Second Minnesota A'olunteer Infantry, and after seiwing three j^ears he re-enlisted in the First Minnesota, and was made first lieu- tenant of Company I. He served six months in that regiment. In 1867 he came to Meri- den, Steele County, where he was engaged in the grain business, and later to Owatonna. He was married in 1870 to Miss Hattie E. McCall, a native of Wisconsin. Ora Z., Winnefred, Lois and Daisy are their children's names. Mr. Barncard is a Knight Templar and a prominent member of James A. Good- win Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Lars Peterson, foreman at J. Z. Barn- card's lumber yard, was born in Februarj', 1842. He came to America in 1862, locating in Freeborn County, Minn., where he re- mained two years, then came to Owatonna, and was employed by Crooker & Franklin in the lumber business. He afterward worked for Graham & Co., then for C. H. Randall, and finally entered the employ of Mr. Barncard. Mr. Peterson was married in 1802 to Miss Sophia Christianson. They have four children : Annie, Emma, Walter and Adelia. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Baptist Church and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. George W. Caward, wood and coal dealer, was born in England in 1842. When he was' still a child his parents came to America, locating in Ontario County, IST. Y. He was in that State until 1867, when he came to Whitewater, Wis., where he embarked in the grain and stock business. For nine 3' ears he was conductor on the Milwaukee & Prairie Du Chien Railroad, and subsequently came to Cresco, Iowa, and was engaged in the dry goods business there for two years, after which became to Owatonna in 1875. After coming here he ran the omnibus line for eight years, and finalh^ sold out to Gage & Giddings. Mr. Caward was married in 1866 to Miss Rosetta Kinney. Neil is the name of their only son. William A. Dynes, retired merchant, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1844. When only six years old his parents came to Delaware County, Ind. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, and was discharged March 16, 1866, after serving nearly three years. He then came to Indianapolis, Ind., to attend Brj^ant & Stratton's Commerci;il College, from which he graduated. In July, 1866, he came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Somerset Township. He remained there five 3'ears, and then engaged in the hardware business at Owatonna. In 1876 he was elected a member of the Board of Education, which office he has since held with the exception of one year. In company with Mr. Burdick in 1878, he built the Diamond steam mill. Mr. Dynes is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the James A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, Grand Army of the Republic. September 10, 1866, Mr. Dynes 254 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. was married to Miss Abigail E. Twifonl. They have live children : Willis M., Ina A., Ella B. and Eva M. (twins), and Albert. Mr. Dynesisamember of the Universalist Church, and is among the prominent citizens of the city. S. S. Greene, grain dealer, came to Owa- tonna in 186(>, and was in the employ of the Winona and St. Peter Eailroad Co., as clerk at the depot for some seven years. In 1875 lie went into the grocery business, remaining in that for three or four 3'ears, and in 1ST8 engaged in the grain trade, which he still continues. Mr. Greene's name appears fre- quently in these pages, particularly in con- nection with the histor}' of the city fire department, of which he was chief engineer for a number of years. T. R Medd, D. D. S., was born in Dane Conntv, Wis., in 1852. His father was a preacher of the Methodist Episco])al denom- ination, and has been stationed at various places throughout Wisconsin. T. R. Medd studied dentistry under a practitioner in Sparta, Wis., and in the fall of 1874 came to Owatonna and followed his pro- fession for about one year. He then at- tended the Phihadelphic Dental College, and graduated, after wiiich he returned to Owa- tonna, where he iias since had a lucrative practice. Dr. Medd is a member of the Masonic Order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Alexander C. Searl, dentist, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1850. When he was ten years old his parents came to Owatonna, Minn., and a year later moved upon a farm northeast of tiie city. His father lived upon that place two years, and then moved back to the city. In 1878 he settled in Lemond, and remained there until 1882, when he returned to Owatonna, where his death occurred. Dr. Searl's mother is still living. In the fall of 1871 the subject of this sketch went to Sinclairville, N. Y , where he spent three years in the dental office of Dr. A. A. Stone, and in the spring of 1875 he opened a dental office in Owatonna in company with Dr. Mcintosh, now of Chicago. He later at- tended the Pennsylvania Dental College, graduatingand receiving his diploma in 1883. Dr. Searl was marrietl in May, 1884, to Miss Hattie Sewell, a native of Wisconsin. John N. Hammel, contractor and builder, was born in Wurtembui'g, Germany, in 1823. He came to America in 1854, and for a time made his home in Washington County, Wis. He learned the carpenter's trade in the old countrv, and has folloAved it all his life. He came to Owatonna in 18fi4, and has erected a large number of the linest dwellings and business houses in the city ; among these are Germania hall, high school building, Web- er's block, three cottages connected with the State Indigent School, W. H. Kel- ly's store building and Oppliger's resi- dence, Mork's store, Theinier's store, P. Ganser's brewery and residence, and many others. Mr. Hammel was married in the old country in 1853 to Miss Marj' Steigauf, a native of Germany. John, Matilda, Lou- isa and Louis are the names of their children, lie is a prominent member of Goethe Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as will be seen by reading the history of that lodge. George W. Shaw, carpenter, was born in Ithaca, N. Y., July 30, 1823. He came west to Faribault, Minn., in May, 1856, and in Oc- tober of the same 3' ear came to Owatonna. lie erected some of the first buildings in the village, among them being the old Eureka House. He was married in 1849 to Miss Catharine J. Knapp, a native of New York. Their children are Elmer E. and Dell B. Mr. Shaw and wife are members of the Bap- tist Church. He is among the most prom- inent workers in the Masonic and Odd Fel- low orders in the city, and his name is indis- solubl}' connected with the histor}' of the lo- cal lodges of these societies. W. H. Burdick, contractor and builder, came to Steele County in 1865, and located in the then village of Owatonna, putting in HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 255 a sash, door and blind factory and planing mill. Mr. Burdick ran that business for some time, and finally sold out,and has since followed contracting and building, chiefly in Owatonna, but in ISTO went to Minneajwlis and took contracts there. Mr. Burdick is a native of Vermont, born June 27, 1834^. His parents were William and Cynthia Burdick. They moved to New York when William was quite young, remaining until 1855,when they came to Monroe County, Wis. At the age of sixteen William was apprenticed to the carpenter trade for three j^ears, after which he followed contracting for two years, and in 1855 he went to Sparta, Wis., and en- gaged in contracting and building. While there he married Miss Mary E. Ingels. They have four children: Fred. L., Carl J., Ger- trude A. and Orvill H. J. D. Holden came to Owatonna in 1869 and opened the first cooper shop in the city. He remained in the business until 1885,when his health failed, and he turned the business over to his son, G. D. Holden. J. D. Hol- den was a native of New Hampshire, but left there while young, and with his father's family went to New York, remaining there until twenty-eight years of age, when they removed to Appleton, Wis., and engaged in the cooper business. He remained there un- til the war broke out, when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first, Wisconsin, and served three years, being in twenty-one en- gagements, and following Sherman in his memorable march to the sea. Mr. Holden nev- er received a wound, nor lost a day through illness, during his long service. After receiv- ing his discharge, he returned to Milwaukee and remained there two years ; from thence he went to Winona,Minn., remaining one year, when he came to Owatonna and remained until the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1886. Mr. Holden was mar- ried, while in New York, to Miss Olive En- terton. She died some j^ears later, leaving two children, Laura and George. Mr. Hol- den was married again in 1865 to Mrs. Mary J. Howe, who still lives in Owatonna. George D. Holden was born in New York in 1857. He remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Richmond, Ind., where he remained one year. The two succeeding years he trav- eled as a musician. Later he went to Elgin, 111., and for three years worked in the watch factory, and from there came to Owatonna, where he has since lived. Hosea F. Luce, harness dealer, was born in Bridgewater, Windsor County, Vt., in 1832. When twenty-nine years of age he came west to Wisconsin, locating in Ripon. In 1866 he removed to Steele County, Minn., settling in Owatonna, where he opened a harness shop. He is ward jus- tice of the first ward, which office he has held since 1877. Mr. Luce was married March 13, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth A. Harding, a native of Vermont. Thev have five children: Chas. E., Frank F., Harry II., George W. and Grace V. Mr. Luce is an Odd Fellow. Charles E. Luce, son of Hosea F., was born in Woodstock, Vt., in 1856. He was married on the 12th of September, 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Y. Allen, a native of Wis- consin. He is the present recorder of the city of Owatonna. Charles Bower, harness dealer, was born in New York State February 16, 1850. He came west to Dane County, Wis., learned the harness trade at Cross Plains, and came to Minnesota in 1870. For a number of years he worked at journe}' woi'k in the differ- ent towns of the State. He opened business for himself in Owatonna in the spring of 1875, and is still doing a good business. He was married in the spring of 1880 to Caro- line Erdmann. Their children are Mary, Wilhelmena, Caroline and_Laura. Carl Zamboni, gun and ammunition dealer, was born in Switzerland in 1811. He came to St. Louis, Mo., in 1868 and worked at his trade two years in that city. He came to Owatonna in 1870, and now carries a splendid stock of everything in his line. 25 fi HISTORY OF STKKI.E COUNTT. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary Tome. Their children's names are Erail, Willie, Sylve and Eddie. William H. Hill, glove and fur dealer, was born in Lewis County, N. Y., in 184:2. He came to Illinois with his father's family in ISJrC), and in 18-t8 came to Baraboo, Wis. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. This regiment partici- pated in the battles of Shiloh, Balls Bluff, Snow Hill, Ci'ooked Creek, Taperville, second Bull Ilun, besides many minor engagements. Mr. Hill was discharged October 14, 186,5, and in the following year came to Owatonna, where he woi'ked at various pur- suits until 1873, when he engaged in his present business. He was married in 1865 to Miss Carrie E. Sahlor, a native of Ger- many, who died in 1881. He was again married in 1886 to Miss Emma Dike. The names of his children are William H. G., Birdie L. and Lottie D. James W. Gillett, dealer in flour and feed, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1850. In 1854 the family came west to Dodge County, Wis. Our subject came to Owa- tonna in 1862, and here received his educa- tion. When nineteen years of age he went into the dairy business, and followed it eight _years, and then embarked in the flour and feed business. He was married in 1871 to Miss Eliza Ring, a native of Maine. The names of the children boi'n to them are Ida, Ira, Wallace and Pearl. The Crawbuck brothers are natives of New York City. Both their father and grandfather were born there. Their grand- father was a sui'geon in the United States army during the War of 1812, and died in the South, of yellow fever. Their father served in the War of the Rebellion as a pri- vate in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth N. Y., of Brooklyn, and was killed in the battle of Brashears City. The brothers remained in New York until the spring of 1874, when they came to Owa- tonna and followed painting for two years, when they returned to New York City, remaining one year. They again came to Owatonna, and later went to St. Paul and pursued their business of ])ainting there for four years ; then returning to Owa- tonna, started a paint-shop, which they con- ducted for two years. They then removed to Oakland, Cal., Avhere they remained two years, returning to Owatonna in the fall of 1886, since which time this has been their home. Fred. R. Rosskopf, liveryman, was born in Washington County, Wis., in 1853. When Fred, was twelve years old his parents moved to Waupun, AVis., and six years later to New Ulm, IMinn. Fred, came to Owatonna in 1875, and in Ma3% 1887, succeeded George Gage in the livery business. His barn is opposite the Arnold House, and is a tii-st- class establishment in every department. R. Deininger came to Owatonna in 1874 and woi'ked at the blacksmith trade until the following year, when he opened a sho)) for himself, and has continued in that business since that time, doing all kinds of custom and repair work. In 1886 Mr. Deininger ]iut in a stock of plows, and added to his blacksmith shoji a wagon department, where he carries on the manufacture of all kinds of wagons for local trade and also doing repair work. Mr. Deininger is a native of Ger- many, born November 24, 1849. He re- mained in his native country until twenty- three years of age, when he came to Amer- ica, locating in Wisconsin for two years. From there, in 1874, he came to Owatoima. Mr. Deininger isamember of the Odd Fellows, both of Subordinate Lodge and Encamp- ment, having filled all the different offices in each lodge, and at present is S. W. of the Encampment. He was raai'ried in 1876 to ]\Iiss IVIary Fritze, of Steele County. They have four children : Maggie, Amelia, Katie and Robert, all living at home. Charles F. Smith, blacksmith, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1846. He caine to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1854, and to Owatonna HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 2n7 in 1868, where he opened a blacksmith shop. He was married in 187-± to Miss Annie Engel. Mary is the name of their only child. Mr. Smith is a member of tlie Masonic order. Homer E. Wardwill, blacksmith, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1847. When four years old he was brought by his parents to Sauk County. In 1861 he enlisted in the Sixth Wisconsin Artillery, serving eleven months with that regiment. He then reen- listed in Company K, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, and was mustered out July 4, 1865, at Mobile, Ala. He was married in 1868 to Miss Eliza Wilson. The children born to them are Minnie E., Mary E. and an infant child. Mr. Wardwill is a member of the James A.Goodwin Post, Grand Army of the Republic. The job printing office of J. E. Winship was established in March. 1886, by J. E. Winship and others under the firm name of J. E. Winship & Co., and was carried on under that firm name until the spring of 1887, when Mr. Winship l)onght out the other partners and is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Winship does all kinds of job work, having as well a fitted office as is usually found in the large cities. The office is equipped with an engine of six-horse power to run the ma- chinery. J. E. Winship is a native of Owa- tonna, born here in July, 1863. His parents were Nathaniel and Emily P. Winship. When fifteen years of age J. E. Winship en- tered the printing establishment of Johnson, Smith & Harrison, in Minneapolis, where he remained for one \'ear, when his health failed and he returned home for a year. Later he went to St. Paul and took charge of the printing department of Noyes Bros. & Cut- ler, wholesale tlruggists, for three years. He returned to Owatonna in the fall of 1885, and in the spring of 1886 ojiened his present business. John Chambers came to Steele County in 1856, in company with his brother Frank. They took up government land on sections 29 and 32 in the town of Havana, each taking 160 acres. After securing their land they returned to Illinois and remained there until 1860, when thej' came back to Steele County, arriving here July 4. They brought with them from Kane County, 111., two hundred and forty head of sheep, forty head of cattle, twenty-one head of horses and three hogs, driving them all the way and being three weeks and four days on the road. In 1861, they moved ujion their farms, Frank Chambers remaining on his until the spring of 1883, when he went to Puget Sound, Wash. Ter. John Chambers remained on his farm until 1876, when he lost his wife and moved into the city of Owatonna. He remained in the city for two years, \vhen he bought an- otherfarm nearthecity, and moved upon that, remaining four years, when he sold the farm which he lived on and again returned to the city. Since that time Mr. Chambers has been in the stone quarry and wood business. He is a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., born October 3, 1830. His parents were Alexander and Sarah Chambers. Mr. Cham- bers remained with his parents until twenty- four jea.rs of age, when he went to New Or- leans and remained there for six months, and, then returned to his old home in New York. In 1855 he went to Illinois and remained there until 1860 (excepting his visits to this State), when he moved to this county. Mr. Cham- bers was married in 1859 to Miss Orinthia Babcock, of Illinois. She died in 1876. They had six children born to them : Gertrude, born September, 1860, died December 30, 1861 ; Andrew, born February 14, 1862, died Au- gust 1, 1868; Ella, born September 16, 1864 ; Sarah, born December 27, 1865, died August 1, 1868 ; Alexander, born March 7, 1869, died February 7, 1871, and Laura, born April 7, 1871. Mr. Chambers was married again March 14, 1877, to Amanda A. Patten, of Steele County. The}^ have one child, an in- fant. Sylvester McNitt is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born August 27, 1822. His parents were James and Sarah (Lindsay) 258 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. McNitt. Sylvester remained in his native State until twenty-two years of age, when he removed to Kane County, 111., remaining there about eleven years, when he again started west, traveling with team from Kane County, 111., to Steele Countj% Minn.; being two months on the way, and landing in Clinton Falls Township June 24, 1855. He claimed government land on section 24, where he remained from that time until 1882, when he moved into the city of Owa- tonna, where he now lives. Mr. McNitt in company with Abraham Earnhardt cut the first road from what is called East Prairie, to Owatonna, in the winter of 1857, and made the first wagon-track from what was then called Elwood to the village of Clinton Falls, which is up to this day called the "old McNitt road." At this time Mr. McNitt kept a few sheep, and had to go to Decorah, Iowa, to get their carding done, that being the nearest mill. When he first located on the farm he built the kind of house so well known to all early settlers, of logs, and re- mained in that until 1866, when he erected a fine brick house, which still stands, it being the first and only brick house in the town- ship. To give an idea of prices in those days we give one of the incidents of Mr. McNitt's settlement. From Illinois he brought some potatoes to use on the way, thinking to find plenty for seed when he got here ; but this proved a mistake, so he hunted in his wagon- box and found a few snuiU ones that had not been used. These he jilanted, and from them raised eighteen Imshels of fine potatoes. The settlers of Owatonna hearing of his crop came and offered as high as $6 per bushel for them ; but he knowing the scarcity concluded not to sell, even at that price, and the would-be purchasers had to return as they came, empty-handed. Mr. McNitt was married March 30, 1841, to Susan Smith, whose parents were Oliver and Eebecca Van Patten Smith, of Jefl'erson County, N. Y. Their union was blessed with five children, three of whom are still living : Emelia J., now ]\Irs. N. Castle, of Wolcott. Rice County ; Henrietta, now Mrs. J. P. Atwater, of the town of Clinton Falls ; and Clara R. , now Mrs. Jos. Ring, of the town of Medford. L. C. Woodman came to Steele County, Minn., in November, 1859, and purchased a farm on section 5, in the township of Owa- tonna. He remained upon that for some six years, when he sold it, and, in company with M. Gould, purchased a tract of land on section 33, Clinton Falls Township, where they ran a lime-kiln for one year. Mr. Wood- man then sold his interest to his partner and removed to Owatonna. built a home, and lived there for one year ; then, purchasing the farm and lime-kiln referred to, he conducted that lousiness for a year, after which he gave his attention to farming, and remained there until 1882, when he sold out and again re- turned to the city of Owatonna and bought a home on Oak street. A year later he moved into the western part of the city, where he has since been living more of a retired life. For a time he was in the wood trade, and now, in addition to a light real- estate business, he loans money, having accumulated a comfortable fortune. Mr. Woodman is a native of New Hampshire, and was born March 1, 1825. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Massachusetts, remaining about seven months ; then went to Michigan, where he spent two years. Returning to New Hampshire and spending the winter, he then went back to Massachusetts, where he put in three seasons. In tlie meantime he had purchased a farm in New Hampshire and farmed it on his own account for three or four years, when he rented his place, and was in the employ of the town of Canaan, Grafton County, N. H., taking care of the poor for four years. The following sum- mer he spent in Massachusetts, and then, as has been stated, he came to Steele County, Minn. Mr. Woodman, during the many j'ears he has been a resident of the county, has always been active and prominent in HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 259 public matters, and, in tlie heavy taxes which he pays, besides always being willing to contribute to worthy enterprises, does his full share in the support of public insti- tutions and in building up and developing the city. Shortly after he came here he was chosen supervisior of Owatonna Township, and held that office for two terms, and after moving to Clinton Falls he was elected supervisor a number of times, and held the office of assessor for four years, besides other local offices of trust, although he is not a politician. He takes an active interest in the cause of education. Having lived here for nearly thirty 3'ears lie has a wide acquaintance, and has many warm friends among the substantial old settlers of the counties. Mr. Woodman is a deacon in, and a member of, the Baptist Church, having joined that denomination some twent}' years ago. We take pleasure in presenting a portrait of Mr. Woodman elsewhere in this volume. Oliver Abernethy came to Steele County in 1864 and rented a farm in the town of Meriden, remaining there for two years. In 1865 he "claimed" eighty acres of govern- ment land, and in the spring of 1886 moved onto it. In 1868 he bought 141 acres adjoin- ing his original property, making a farm of 221 acres. He lived there until 1879, when he rented his farm and removed to Meriden Station, where he was engaged in the hotel business for four years. In 1883 he sold liis farm and also the property at Meriden Sta- tion, and located in Owatonna. Mr. Aber- nethy was justice of the peace for twelve successive years while on his farm in Meri- den Townsiiip, and the first year in Owaton- na he was appointed to the same office to fill a vacancy. The next year he was elected, but refused to qualify. Since that time Mr. Abernethy has been dealing somewhat in real estate, but lives a rather retired life. Mr. Abernethy was born in Scotland July 19, 1815, and lived in his native country until the age of sixteeen, when he went to Eng- land and made that his home until the fall of 1840. During this time he led a seafar- ing life. He then came to Canada, where he was laid up in the hospital for three months from severe injuries received. The next two years he spent in Montreal, fitting vessels for the sea, and in 1842 he came to Cleve- land, Ohio, where he lived for seven years. In 1849 he came to Milwaukee, and went into the mercantile trade, but was soon burned out, and, not having any insurance, was un- able to start again. He went to work at carpentering, remaining in Milwaukee for three years ; then was at Janesville for one 3'ear ; thence to Belleville, where he remained until 1864, when he came to Owatonna as has been stated. Mr. Abernethy is an old settler and one of the substantial citizens of the county. J. C. Backus, retired business man, is a native of the State of New York, and was born in 1829. He remained in his native State until twenty -two years of age, when he came west and located in Columbia County, Wis., where he purchased a farm and devot- ed his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1865, when he came to Steele County, Minn., and located in the then village of Owatonna. In company with a Mr. Ward he opened a lumber yard. About one year later Mr. Backus purchased his partner's in- terest, and soon afterward formed a partner- ship with his brother, Hiram Backus. This firm was finally succeeded by Crooker Brothers. J. C. Backus then engaged in the grain trade, and after cai'i'ving' on a success- ful business for eight years, sold his elevator, and has since been retired from business. Hon. Myron A. Fredenburg, tleceased, was a native of Schoharie Count}^ town of Gil- boe, N. Y., born in 1826. He remained in his native State until 1874, when he came to Owatonna, Minn. AVas married in 1858 to Miss Gertrude Major, of New Jersey. In 1862 he went into mercantile trade in Jef- fersonville, Sullivan County, N. Y., and re- mained there in trade until he came to 260 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Owatonna. After Mr. Fredenburg came to this city he opened a grocery store and re- mained in that business for five years. In 1877 was elected mayor of city, and held the office for two terms, and afterward was elected city justice two terms. He then held the office of justice for the second ward for five years, or until the time of his death, which occurred March 29, 1887. For some time previous to his death he had been in the msurance business. Mr. Fredenburg was an earnest Christian, having joined the Presbyterian Church while quite j^oung, and was appointed deacon of that church while still in New York. After coming here he joined the Congregational Church, and was deacon of that denomination at the time of his death. In his younger days Mr. Fredenburg followed teaching, making that his business for some six years. He was a poor boy when he be- gan life for himself, but by economy and frugality accumulated a competency, leavmg ample means for his family, which consists of wife and four children : Carrie, Milton, Gertrude and Hiram. Carrie married S. S. Hotclikiss, and now lives in Chicago. Mil- ton is married and lives in Minneapolis. The other two are still at home with their motiier. John N. Travis, a wealthy retired citizen of Owatonna, has led an eventful and active life. He was born in New London County, Conn., in 1826 ; came to Illinois in 1848 ; crossed the plains in 1849 as wagon-master of a train. Starting from St. Joseph, Mo., sometime in April, they crossed tlie Missouri about forty miles above St. Joe in a flatboat; were five days in crossing into Nebraska, there being at that time no white inhabit- ants on the route taken to Fort Kearney, about 200 miles distant, and only at the forts and Salt Lake City, between the Mis- souri River and the Sacramento Valley, 2,300 miles. They were without water for almost two days between tiie Ilumbolt Rivei* and Black Eock Hot Springs. Mr. Travis saw an Indian shoot an emigrant's ox with arrows at Pitt River, and landed in the Sacramento Valley in October, having been alx)ut six months on the road. He was in the mines and valleys something over three years, and was once surrounded bj' Indians m the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He returned to Con- necticut by way of San Diego, Acajiulco, Panama and island of Jamaica to New York, in 1853 ; was taken with Panama fever after returning, Avhich broke him down, and he has been an invalid ever since. He returned to Chicago, and was in the mill-stone manu- facturing business with an uncle and brother for a year or more, ami then came to Minne- sota in 1855 on a prospecting tour. He re- turned to Illinois, and the next spring (1856) brought a nursery stock to Owatonna of 60,000 root grafts, with cuttings and shrub- bery. He was in Hastings on this trip, and witnessed a "Sioux scalp dance" a few days after the Indian battle near Shakopee. Upon arriving here Mr. Travis took a claim a few miles from Owatonna, where he erected a house and did some breaking. His nursery was the first in Steele County. Then, as Mr. Travis afterward wrote : " Thinking I had tlie world by the he^Is in tlie nursery line, I thought it time to get married ; " and he therefore returned to Illinois in September, 1857, and was married to Miss Martha A. Miller at Ottawa, 111. She was born in Huntington County, Pa., in 1827, and with her parents had removed to Illinois in 1848. They have had four children, three of them now alive : Annie F., born in Chi- cago; Charles Jay, born in Milwaukee, and Mattie E., born in Owatonna. They re- turned to Owatonna in May, 1857, moved onto their land, and commenced farming. The AVinebago Indians were quite plenty in those days, and Mrs. Travis was very much afraid of them, especially as once in the night at about 2 o'clock tliey were awakened and found three big fellows standing by tlieir bed. The nursery proved a failure. The second year, in February, a thaw and HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 261 violent freeze destroyed the whole outfit, and in the fall Mr. Travis and family re- turned to Illinois, and went into the mill- stone business again in Chicago. He saw the first four companies of thirty-day Illi- nois State troops, armed mostly with shot- guns (as the city had not enough rifles), de- part for Cairo. That year they removed to Milwaukee, and he took charge of the mill- stone department of the Reliance works of E. P. Allis & Co., and was witii tlie company some five or six years. He again lost his health, so that the doctors, as he states, " to get him ofl: their hands," sent him again to Minnesota, where he has since lived — eleven years on his farm and nine j'ears in town. He has invented twelve different labor-saving- machines, but has but few of them patented. He crossed the plains again in 1883, and was landed in four days at San Francisco from the Missoui'i River, making the distance in about 176 days' less time than in 1849, and returned in about two months by way of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Olympia, Portland and Spokane Falls, and staged it from Missoula to Helena over the Rockies, finally coming home by way of St. Paul. He has been in nearly all the States and Territories, and Canada, Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. D. C. Adams came to Owatonna in November, 1872, and went into the business of loan broker and real-estate agent. In 1879, in addition to that business, he put in a stock of furniture, and remained in that line for about a year. Witliin the last few years he has invested considerable money in loans and real estate in Minneapolis, which is under the control of an agent. Mr. Adams is a native of Vermont, but when quite young- went to Massachusetts, and later became propietor of a large hotel at Hol- yoke in that State. He remained in that business a number of years, and when he gave that up came to Owatonna, Minn., as has been stated. Mr. Adams is one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of the city, and has in man}'^ ways been jjrominent in the various projects and enterprises advanced to build up the city and county. J. S. Austin came to Steele County, Minn., in 1864, and located in Havana Townshij). He bought a farm on section 7 and lived there for three years, Avhen he sold out, came to Owatonna, and went into the grain trade. In 1870 he went to Havana Sta- tion, built an elevator, and in addition to his gi-ain trade engaged in the general mercan- tile business. He remained there until the fall of 1885, Avhen he returned to Owatonna, since which time he has been living a retired life. Mr. Austin is a native of New York, born in 1833. His parents were Wm. S. and Hannah Austin, — his father a native of Vermont and his mother of New York. Mr. Austin lived in his native State until seven- teen years of age, when, with his father's family, he removed to Green Lake County, Wis. Remaining there until 1856, he then went to Omaha, Neb., where he remained two years, when he again returned to Wis- consin, living there until 1864. Mr. Austin was made a Master Mason in 1856, and has always remained in good standing with the order. P. Brennan came to Owatonna in August, 1866, at that time having charge of laying the track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Later he moved his family to the city, where they have remained. Mr. Brennan is a native of Ireland, but came to the State of Ohio in an early date, and com- menced working for a railroad company in 1850 at Cleveland, Ohio, as a track-layer. He remained there until 1855, when he went to Milwaukee and commenced on the Lake Shore ; later he came to Owatonna. He has been an extensive railway contractor, and been identified with many of the leading roads in the West. Andrew Bryson came to Steele County in 1877, and bought a farm within tlie city limits of Owatonna, where he has since lived. Mr. Bryson is a native of Scotland, born in 1852. 262 HISTORY OF STEELE CODNTY. His parents were William and Eliza Brvson, who still live in Scotland. Andrew Bryson left home when fourteen years of age and came to New York, where lie learned the harness-maker's trade. Later he opened a shop for himself, but had to give up his trade on account of failing eye-sight. He then came west to get a farm and located in Owatonna. He now has a farm of 130 acres, seventy acres of which are in the city limits. Mr. Bryson was married in 1876 to Miss Ida J. Parment, of New York. Rev. Reuben Washburn was born in Essex County, N. Y., in 182-1. He entered the ministry in 1816 and labored in the Troy Conference until 1868, when he came west to Dundas, Minn., where he took the pastor- ate of that church. Since that time he has been stationed at Owatonna, Spring Valley, Eyota, Castle Rock, Zumbrota and Grand Meadow. He now resides in Owatonna, and has retired from the ministry after a long life of usefulness. He was married in 1849 to Miss Harriet A. Wright, who died in March, 1870. He was married in July fol- lowing to Annie Bi'undige. Their chil- dren's names are Emma J., Wilbur W., Chas. D. and John W. Maj. J. W. Burch was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1833. When he was five years old his parents came to Steuben County, Ind., where he was brought u]) on a farm. He came to Owatonna in 1855 and engaged in farming. In 1860 he returned to Indiana and enlisted in Company A, For- t3'-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantr3^ This regiment took part in the battles of Donald- son, Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Nashville, besides numerous skirmishes. Our subject was promoted to second lieutenant ; at Stone River, on June 12, 1863, was made cap- tain of Comi)any A, and in 1861 was made major of the regiment. He was mustered out September 25, 1865. He was married m 1886 to Miss Matilda Freygang. He is adjutant of James A. Goodwin Post, Grand Arm}' of the Republic, at the present time. William II. Montgomery, furniture dealer, was born St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1834. When eighteen years of age he came west to Wisconsin, and came to Minnesota in 1853, locating near Hastings. When he arrived there, there were 500 Sioux Indians encam])ed on the river bottom. He was the fourteenth person (west of the river) in Min- nesota to preempt land, and was a jui'or at the first court held in Dakota County. He came to Steele County in 1865, and carried on a farm in Meriden Township until the fall of 1871, -when he came to Owatonna; was engaged in the butcher business until 1880, when he embarked in the hardware business in company with W. A. Dynes. The firm closed out tlieir business in 1887. Mr. Mont- gomery was married in 1860 to Miss Diana Boice, a native of New York State. Nora I. is tiie name of their only child. Mr. Mont- gomery is now carrying on the furniture business, being located under the Opera House. Philo Bliss was born in 1830 in Groton, Tompkins County, N. Y., where he spent the early part of his life. He attended the acad- emy in Cortland County, N. Y., and was engaged in farming and milling until he was twenty-one years old. In 1858 he came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Owatonna, and was engaged in farming until 1871. In 1877 lie engaged in the book and stationery business, and continued until the summer of 1887. Mr. ]]iiss was married April 7, 1858, to Miss Charlotte E. Franklin, a native of New York State. Peter Mallinger, retired hotel-keeper, was born in Luxemburg, Holland, in 1836. He came to America in 1855, locating in Mil- waukee. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and for- four and a half years was engaged in the frontier warfare which raged on the borders of the Indian Territory, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. In 1864 he reen- listed in Company K, Forty-eighth Wiscon- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 263 sin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war as second lieutenant of his company. He was married in 1867 to Cacilio Buchstor. Their children's names are Annie, Minnie, Adolph, Gustaf, Charles and Mary. He is a member of James A. Goodwin Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Adolphus Town was born in Washington County, Vt., in 1805. There he lived with his parents until the age of twenty-eight years. When twenty-six j^ears old he mar- ried Miss Rebecca Simmons. They were blessed with eleven children, six boys and five girls, all of whom are living but three, and one is now a resident of Owatonna. Im- mediately after leaving home he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained some time, then moved to Sandusky, O. After this he went to Mei'rian, Merrian County, Ind., and there bought a farm ; then sent to Sandusky for his wife and two children. While there the first winter he taught a sub- scription school. In 1835 he was ordained as Baj)tist minister, and followed this calling until a few years ago, when he met Avith an accident, being struck on the head with a stoae, injuring his brain. Mr. Town is one of Steele County's first settlers, having come here in August, 1855, and his name figures quite prominently in the early history of tlie city. H. C. Yarchow, traveling salesman for Buxton & Jones, came to Owatonna in May, 1881, and since that time has been traveling for the above-named farm implement and machinery firm through Minnesota and Da- kota. Mr. Yarchow is a native of Prussian Germany, born in 1847. He came to this country in 1851 with his parents, who settled in Cook Countj^, 111., and remained there three years, when they went to Monroe County, Wis., where they now reside. H. C. Yarchow remained with his parents until the fall of 1875, and since that time has been in the machine business, making Winona, Minn., headquarters for several years before he came to Owatonna. George Mitchell came to Steele County in 1857 and took up government land on section 4, town of Summit, where he remained until 1860, when he moved into the village of Owatonna. He remained here until the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in the second organization of the First Minnesota,Company F, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Owatonna, and the follow- ing spring went into the lumber trade, and has remained in that business most of the time since. Mr. Mitchell now has a farm of sixty -six acres (all of which is in the city lim- its), which he cultivates in connection with his other business. Mr. Mitchell is a native of Scotland, born November 30, 1833. His parents were Alexander and Annie Murdock Mitchell. He remained in Scotland until twenty years of age, when he came to Can- ada, remaining there three years ; then start- ed for the West, arriving at Owatonna in April, 1857. He was married in 1860 to Miss Bolinda Watson. They have two children : George Alexander and Charles. Geo. A. is now married, and Charles is home with his parents. Henry P. G. Sander was born in Hano- vei', Germany, in 1843. He came to Amer- ica in 1873 and located in Madison, Wis., where he workeil at his trade as a baker one year. In 1874 he started in business for himself at Columbus, Wis. He came to Minnesota a few years later, locating in Owatonna, where he carried on an extensive business in his line — baker and confectioner. He was married in 1877 to Miss Elizabeth Riekman. The names of their children in the order of their ages are Hieno, Dora, Ru- dolph and Hedwig. LIQUOE DEALERS. The first saloon in Owatonna was started in 1856 by a couple of brothers named Sher- wood. We here present biographical sketches of all the most prominent liquor dealers of the city, at this writing : ao4 ItlSTl^KY OK SIKKI.K IXHIN'n". Emil Thoimor. liquor doalor. was born in Austria in IS.'>'_>. llo oauio to AVatorvillo. Lo Suour County. .Minn., in lS(>;{,\vith liis j>ar- onts, and tluMV sj>ont liis yontliful days on a l'ani\, attondinji' soiiool at St. IVtor iluring tlio wintor niontlis. Wlion sovontoon yoai's of aijo iio wont to Faril>ault ami ontorod a bixnvorv t"ortiu> |)nri>oso i>t loarnini; tlio ti-ade. lie thon went to Elysian and built a bivwery, wliioli was destroyinl by tiiv two yeai-s later Mr. riioinier then went to Faribault, and later to St. Paul, wlien> he aetetl as foivnian in Urui^Muan's bivwery until he eaiue to Owatonna. lie has just eon»|>letiHl a tine briek building on Cedar stivet. :*2x70 feet in size and two stories high, lie was niarriinl in 1S7.'> to Miss Anna Misgen, of Faribault. Their ehildivn's names aiv Imelda, Kuiil, (ieorgi\ .\llu\a, Carl ami Ilugi>. Mr. Thei- mer is a pi\>nuuent member of GiH^the lAHlgt\ hulepeuilent (.Mxler of OM Fellows, of the Ctnuul Lwatonna, in IS75. when he engjigtnl in his pivsent business, K^ ing in (.HMnjvmy with M. Miekelsen for one yeju*. Mr. (.ilaeser then sold his inten»st in that establishment to .Kvseph llotTman. ami forminl a iKutnei-ship with IVter Gansor. They eiwttnl the (.termania hall, a briek bUvk. anil put in the thuvt etiuipjHHl and furnislunl billianl hall in this pju't of the State. They we>v in )\\rtnership for a little over ton y«ir« when. July I. ISS7. Mr. Glaeser puix^liasetl Mr. Ganser's inten^st and is now sole pi\^prietor. M. Kyan. lujuor dwUer. eame to Sttvle (.\>untv. Minn., in ISS4, and KxnUe*l in Owa- tonna in 1SS6. o]H?ning a liquor store and billiard hall, and has eontinued in that busi- ness since. Mr. Kyan is a native of Indiana, and was born in 18r>8. His parents weiv .lames and Julia Ryan. He ivniained with them until twenty-six yea i"s of age, working on the farm, and then eauie to Steele County. Minn. Mr. Kyan was marrieil in 1SS2, while in Indiana, to Miss Hannah Jetfei-son. a na- tive of that State. They have two ehildren, Frank and Mabel. IVter Tetei-son. liquor dealer, was born in Denniark in IS4S>. He eame to Ameriea in 1870, locating at Faribault. Minn. Fixim theiv he moved to Minneapolis, wheiv he iv- maintnl the yeai-s. In 1S7!> he ivnuneil to New Kiehland. Wa.>;ei"a County, and eame to Owatonna in May, 1SS7. Anton Helina. liquor dealer, is a native of Bohemia, wheiv he was born in 1S49. He eame to this country in 1S(>'2 with his p;ir- ents. who weiv "NVenzel and Jennie Belina. The family then includeil live ehildivn.: Frank, .\nton, ^Venzel. John (^who die*l December lo, lS8t>). and Joseph, all of whom, except John, still live in Stet^le County. The father pnivhastHl a farm in thetownsliip of Owatonna. and like many other early settlei"s found it a haul struggle to pivvide for his family and {>;iy for the farm ; but, by industry ami frugtility, he snectHHled in paying for his home, btvoniing one of the thrifty ami sul>stantial citizens of the township. He ivinaintnl on the farm until the time of his death in 1884. and his wife still survives him. All of the Iwys weiv musicians. Anton ivginning music when only nine years of age. Charles M.. one of the bivthers, is now studying meili- eine with Pr. M<.x>ivhouse. He l>egan in tlie spring of lS$i». and the following winter attend^ a course of Uvtuivs at Dos Moines. He intends completing a thonnigh course, and has gixnl pri>sjiects for the future. Anton, the subjtvt of this sketch, ivmainevl with his jKiivnts until sixteiMi yeai*s of agi>. when he learnetl the wsuron-maker s trade. (f^^'^^yt.fM^ HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 267 following that until 18S3, when he opened his present establishment. Joseph Kubat, liquor dealer, came to Owatonna in 187-i and opened a butcher shop. He carried on that business for eighteen months. Later he opened a liquor store and billiard room, and has since con- tinued in that business. Mr. Kubat was born in Bohemia in 1848. llis parents were Anton and Annie Kubat, who came to this country in 1852, and settled in Illinois. There they remained until *1851:, when they came to Steele County, taking govern- ment land in section 2-4, Owatonna Town- ship, being among the eai'liest settlers in the county. There were at that time but one or two log houses where now stands Owatonna City. They still live on their farm. Joseph lived with his parents until twenty-four * [This is probably meant for " 1856 ' Editor.] instead of " 1854.' years of age, when he started in life for himself and worked on a farm until 1874. He was married October 30, 1872, to Miss Annie Slezak, of Owatonna. They have six child- ren : "William A., born November 21, 1873 ; Milo A., born July 29, 1875 ; Otto A., born October 3, 1876 ; Emel S., born March 16, 1879 ; Joseph A., born April 5, 1881 ; and Libuse A., born June 10, 1883. Theodore Fedder, liquor dealer, was born in Prussia in 1847. He came to America in 1868, locating in Kichfield, Wis., where he remained four years, after which he came to Owatonna. Here he was for seven years in the employ of Louis Bion, in the brewery, and in 1878 he started in business for him- self. In 1867 he was married to Miss Eva Bartz, and their children's names are Matilda, All^ert, Theodore, Theresa, Katie, Dora and Louis. Mr. Fedder is a member of Goethe Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows. CHAPTER XVIII. PILLSBURY ACADEMY — STATE SCHOOL FOE DEPENDENT AND NEGLECTED CHILDPtEN. [T the Baptist State convention held at Rocliester, in October, 1874, the committee on education, con- sisting of Rev. G. Cole, of Red- wing, Rev. J. W. Reese, of Man- kato, and Rev. J. Rowley, of Win- ona, reported in favor of early efforts for the establishment of an institution of learning, the ajj- pointment of a committee " to receive proposals for the location of a Baptist academy, and do such other work as in their judgment they ma^" deem necessary to advance the cause of higher education." Dr. Geo. IL Keith, of Minneapolis, Rev. S. Adams, of Hastings, and Rev. G. Cole, of Red Wing, were appointed the committee. At the State Convention held in St. Paul, in October, 1875, this committee reported proposals for location from Brainerd, Red Wing and O watonna, and among other things said : " We are of the opinion that the one from Owatonna, in view of all considerations, is the one it would be for the best interests of the denomination to accept." The report was referred to a special committee of live, as follows : Rev. E. AYestcott, Rev. J. Rock- wood, C. S. Bryant, Esq., E. N. Brown, Esq., and W. C. Durkee, Esq. That the character of the report may be better known, the fol- lowing extract from the minutes of the State Convention is here given : " The first of the recommendations is that a committee of seven — one from each asso- ciation — be appointed, with power to ex- amine the proposals received, and to decide the question ; having power also to extend the time for receiving such proposals, but not beyond January 1, 1876. This was adopted. The second recommendation, that the denom- ination in Minnesota endeavor to raise the sum of $5U,000 as an endowment of the pro- posed academy, was also adopted. The thii-d recommendation is that there be a finance Committee of seven — one from each associa- tion — who shall have charge of the whole work of endowment. This also was adopted. The fourth recommendation, proposing a committee of three, to have in charge the in- corporation of the proposed academy, was adopted. The fifth point is to the effect that the donor of $20,000 shall have the privilege of giving a name to the academv. This recommendation was likewise adopted. The report was then unanimously adopted as a whole." The following committees were then ap- pointed : Committee to Receive Proposals and Select Location. — Rev. E. Westcott, Hon. W. W. Bilison, Dea. N. C. Gault, Dea. E. French, Geo. H. Herrick, Esq., Hon. John O. Milne and Rev. G. W. Fuller. Finance Committee. — Rev. J. E. Wood, Rev. E. Westcott, Hon. M. H. Dunnell, Rev. J. F. Wilcox, W. C. Durkee, Esq., E. Kim- ball, Esq. and Dea. T. W. Stebbins. Committee on Charter. — E. M. Van Duzee, Esq., Dr, Geo. H. Keith and Hon. W- W. Bilison. This convention voted to decline the offer of 815,000 from the city government of Owa- tonna. The committee on location took final action November 16, 1875, and through its chairman. Rev. E. Westcott, re])orted to the State Convention, held at Owatonna in Oc- tober, 1876, as follows : 268 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 269 " Your committee on location of State Academy would report that they met at Owatonna on November 16, 1875, and found no new propositions fi'om localities awaiting their coming together. They did find the proposition from Owatonna necessarily modi- fied by the action taken by the convention held at St. Paul, in the rejection of the gen- erous offer of the citizens and council of the city of Owatonna, because it contravened the great principles of religious liberty for which Baptists have suffered so much and uniformly contended so long. The proposition as modi- fied was a subscription by citizens of Owa- tonna, amounting to $6,195, with the promise of more as the subscription should be f urtlier pressed. I may say in conclusion, the members of the committee who were present were unamious in their decision ; each ballot read Owatonna, and as far as I have heard the people express themselves, the unanimity is unbroken." On motion of Dr. Keith it was voted " that the action of the committee in locating the academy at Owatonna is hereby approved and confirmed." The finance committee organized at St. Paul, October 7, 1875, by electing Hon. M. H. Dunnell, president, Eev. E. Westcott, treasurer and W. C. Durkee, Esq., as secre- tary, and soon became incorporated under the laws of the State. The first regular meeting of the committee was held at Owa- tonna, November 26, 1875. There were passed over to the committee, at this meeting, the subscriptions of the citizens of Owatonna amounting to $6,195, together with the deed of the lots selected for the site of the academy, costing $2,000. The first payment on the lots was made by the citizens of Owa- tonna. The next meeting of the committee was held at Owatonna, May 3, 1876, at which the committee voted to adopt the dollar roll as one method of raising funds. Eev. E. Westcott was appointed to raise funds in the Zumbro Association ; Rev. W. W. Whitcomb in the Central, Rev. S. Adams in the Minnesota, and Rev. J. W. Reese in the Minnesota Valley Association, while Rev. J. F. Wilcox was appointed for the rest of the State, and to have a general oversight with power to appoint agents, also to secure a general agent in case he could not himself attend to it. The next and last meeting of the commit- tee was held at Minneapolis, July 11, 1876, when Rev. R. A. Clapp and Rev. J. M. Thurs- ton were appointed solicitors in the Minne- sota Valley Association. The finance committee through Hon. M. H. Bunnell, reported to the convention held at Owatonna, October, 1876, pledges to the en- dowment and building funds, including the dollar roll, to the amount of $12,313. The following resolution was offered by Dr. Keith : " Besolved, That the committee on incor- poration of the academy located at Owa- tonna, are hereby instructed to arrange for a board of trustees of eighteen, and not less than one-third of said board to be women. " On motion, the resolution was adopted. Under instructions from the State Conven- tion, the finance committee met in Owatonna in Ma}^, 1877, and I'esolved to take immediate steps to secure funds sufficient for the erec- tion of a building on the academy grounds, to the end that a school be opened in the coming September. Hon. M. H. Dunnell, Rev. E. Westcott and T. W. Stebbins were appointed a building committee. Funds were raised to the amount, in round numbers, of $4,100. Ground was broken July 8, and the building was dedicated September 10 — the school opening the next daj\ The building, including all its furniture and fixtures, was w^hoUy paid for at the time, and cost, as stated, the sum of $4,100. At the dedication, September 10, a minute report was read by Hon. M. H. Dunnell, president of the finance committee. Speeches were made by Rev. Dr. E. C. Anderson, of Lake City, Rev. E. West- cott, of Concord, Dr. Geo. H. Keith, of Minne- 270 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. apolis, Kev. Mr. Thatcher, of Owatonna, Eev. A. P. Graves, of Concord, Eev. Mr. Arnold, of Kochester, Kev. E. K. Cressy, of Illinois, Prof. Pratt, of Faribault. Ptev. J. F. Wilcox, of Northfield, and Rev. H. C. Woods, of Min- neapolis. The president of the finance com- mittee, in a short address, delivered the kej's of the academy to Samuel H. Baker, B. A., the principal, to which he made an appro- priate response. Holden's cornet band and the Beethoven Musical Association, of Owatonna, furnished excellent music for the occasion. This building is still in use, although it is the intention at the present writing to erect a costl\- and commodious structui'e in the near future, and use the present building as chapel. At the Baptist State Convention held in Minneapolis in 1885, Hon. George A. Pills- bury proposed that if $25,000 could be raised and added to the endowment fund he would erect a ladies" boarding-hall and donate it to the institution. The amount was raised al- most immediately, and in accordance with his proposition in 1886, he erected what is known as Pillsbury Hall. The site for the hall, which is just north of the "chapel," was purchased in February', 1886 ; the corner- stone was laid June 1, 1886, and the hall was opened in October. It is a magnificent structui'e, occupying a commanding position on the hill in the eastern portion of the city. The cost was about is25,000. The name of the acadeni}' was changed from Minnesota to Pillsbury Academy by a vote of the Baptist State Convention in October, 1886, and rati- fied and legalized by an act of thelegistature in 1887. The academy has prospered finelj', now having students from all portions of the State. The average attendance is now about seventy-five. It has prepared many students for some of the most noted educational insti- tutions in America, including Havard Col- lege ; Madison (N. Y.) ; Rochester ; Am- herst ; Carlton ; Minnesota State University, and others. The control of the institution is vested in a board of eighteen directors or trustees — one-third of whom are ladies. The latter fact is due to Mrs. Silas Hillman, of Dodge County, who made a generous donation upon the condition that one-third of the board of trustees should be composed of ladies. Among so many who should be men- tioned as prominent workers in securing the academv and making it the success it has been, it is difficult to choose ; but a history of this institution that did not give great credit to Hon. George A. Pillslniry and Hon. M. II. Dunnell would be sadly deficient. OFFICEKS AND INSTK0CTOKS. The following is a list of the officers and instructors who have served in the various years since the academy was opened : FALL, 1877. Finance Committee and Acting Trustees — Hon. Mark H. Dunnell, of Owatonna, presi- dent ; Rev. Erastus Westcott, of Concord, treasurer ; William C. Durkee, Esq., of Man- kato, seci-etary ; Rev. John E. Wood, of De- troit ; Rev. James F. Wilcox, of ^N'orthfield ; Thomas W. Stebbins, of Rochester; and Edwin Kimball, Esq., of Forest City. Instructors — Samuel II. Baker, B. A., principal; Addie A. Sargent, B. S., assistant; Rev. Geo. C. Tanner, teachers' class ; Dora Williamson, instrumental music ; A. C. Gut- terson, vocal music. 1877-8. Instructors — Samuel II. Baker, B. A., principal (higher mathematics and classics) ; Addie A. Sargent, B. S., preceptress (modern languages); Jean C. Sherwood, B. S., (English literature and rhetoric); Rev. G. C. Tanner, A. M. (normal class); Dora A. Wil- liamson, and Prof. A. C. Gutterson, music. Officers and Trustees — Rev. E. Westcott, of Concord, president ; Dr. H. S. Hill, secre- tary; P. Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer; Dr. G. II. Keith, Minneapolis ; Hon. M. H. Dun- nell ; Hon. H. H. Johnson, Owatonna ; Rev. R. A. Clapp, St. James ; John V. Daniels, Rochester ; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul ; M. A. Fredenburg, Owatonna; W. F. Ililiinan, Mantorville; W. P. Gibson, Mankato; Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis; Lydia J. R. Gates, HISTORY OF STEELK COUNTY. 271 St. Paul; Lucy J. Ross, Kasson ; Nancy M. Farringtou, Winona ; Amy H. Wilbour, Aus- tin ; Lucy N. Allen, Lake City. 187S-9. Instructors — Samuel H. Baker, B. A., principal ; Addie A. Sargent, B. S. ; Jean C. Sherwood, B. S. ; Eev. Geo. C. Tanner, A. M. ; Lillie Lake, A. C. Gutterson. Trustees and Officers — Eev. Erastus West- cott, of Concord, president ; Dr. H. S. Hill, of Owatonna, secretary; Pliilo Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer; Dr. George H. Keith, of Minneapolis ; Hon. Mark H. Dunncll, of Owatonna; Hon. H. H. Johnson, of Owa- tonna; Rev. Robert A. Clapp, of St. James; John V. Daniels, of Rochester ; E. M. Van Duzee, of St. Paul ; Myron A. Fredenburg, of Owatonna; William F. Hillman, of Man- torville ; William P. Gibson, of Mankato ; Sarah P. Butler, of Minneapolis ; Lydia J. R. Gates, of St. Paul ; jSTancy M. Farrington, of Winona ; Amy H. Wilbour, of Austin ; Lucy N. Allen, of Lake City ; and Maggie E. Morin, of Albert Lea. 1879-80. Instructors — Samuel II. Baker, B. A., principal (classics and higher arithmetic) ; Addie E. Sargent, B. S. (modei'n languages); Maria Burlingame, O. E. (English literature and rhetoric) ; Lillie Lake, instrumental music; A. C. Gutterson, vocal music. Trustees and Officers — Rev. Erastus West- cott. Concord, president ; Dr. H. S. Hill, Owatonna, secretary ; Philo Bliss, Owatonna, treasurer; Dr. G. H. Keith, Minneapolis; Mark II. Dunnell, H. H. Johnson, Owatonna ; Rev. Robert A. Clapp, St. James ; John Y. Daniels, Rochester ; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul; M. A. Fredenburg, Owatonna; W. F. Hillman, Mantorville ; W. P Gibson, Man- kato; Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis; Lydia J. R. Gates, St. Paul ; Nancy M. Farrington, Winona ; Amy H. Wilbour, Austin ; Lucy K Allen, Lake City ; Maggie E. Morin, Al- bert Lea. 1880-1. Instructors — Israel H. DeWolf, A. M., principal (Latin and natural science) ; Addie A. Sargent, B. S., (mathematics and Ger- man) ; Maria Burlingame, O. E. (Greek, English literature, history); Lillie Lake, (instrumental music) ; A. C. Gutterson (vocal music). Trustees and Officers — Rev. Erastus West- cott, of Concord, president ; Dr. H. S. Ilill, of Owatonna, secretary ; Philo Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer ; Dr. G. H. Keith, Minneapolis; Hon. M. H. Dunnell, Hon. Harvey H. Johnson, Owatonna ; Rev. R. A. Clapp, St. James ; Rev. R. W. Arnold, Rochester ; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul ; M. A. Fredenburg, Owatonna ; W. F. Hillman, Mantorville ; W. P. Gibson, Mankato ; Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis ; Lydia J. R. Gates, St. Paul ; Nancy M. Farrington, Winona; Amy H. Wilbour, Austin ; Mary H. S. Pratt, Faribault ; Maggie E. Morin. 1881-2. Instructors — Israel 11. DeWolf, A. M., principal (Latin and natural science) ; Ad- die A. Sargent, B. S., (mathematics and German) ; Maria Burlingame, O. E. (Greek, English literature, history); Lillie Lake and Maggie Louise Dickson (instrumental music) ; A. C. Gutterson, vocal music. Trustees and Officers — Rev. Erastus West- cott, of Concord, president ; Dr. II. S. li. Hill, secretary ; Philo Bliss, Owatonna, treas- urer ; Rev. H. C. Woods, Minneapolis ; Hon. M. II. Dunnell, Hon. II. II. Johnson, Owa- tonna ; Rev. R. A. Clapp, St. James ; Rev. R. W. Arnold, Rochester ; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul ; M. A. Fredcnl)urg, Owatonna; W. F. Hillman, Mantorville ; Rev. L. C. Barnes, St. Paul ; Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis ; Lydia J. R. Gates, St. Paul; Nancy M. Far- rington, Winona; Amy H. Wilbour, Austin ; E. A. Ellerbe, Mankato ; Maggie E. Morin. 1882-3. Instructors — Israel H. DeWolf, A. M., principal (Latin and Greek) ; Addie A. Sar- gent, B. S., (mathematics, German and botany) ; Maria Burlingame (English litei'a- ture and history); Clara M. Griffin (English 272 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. department) ; Maggie Louise Dickson, (in- strumental music) ; A. C. Gutterson, (vocal music) . Trustees and Officers — Kev. Ei-astus West- cott, of Concord, president ; Dr. H. S. Hill, secretary; Philo Bliss, Owatonna, treasurer ; Rev. H. C. Woods, Minneapolis ; Hon. M. H. Dunnell, Hon. H. H. Johnson, Owatonna; Gr. H. Herrick, St. James; Eev. E. W.Ar- nold, Eochester; E. M. VanDuzee, 8t. Paul ; M. A. Fredenburg, Owatonna ; W. F. Hill- man, Mantorville ; Hon. Geo. A. Pillsbury, Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis ; Lydia J. E. Gates, St. Paul ; Irene Wilcox, Northfield ; Amy H. Wilbour, Austin ; E. A. Ellerbe, Mankato ; Maggie E. Morin, Albert Lea. 1883-4. Instructors — Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., principal (Greek and mathematics) ; Bela M. Lawrence, A. B. (Latin, German and sciences) ; Orinda P. Chollar (English litera- ture, history and rhetoric) ; M. Louise Dick- son (instrumental music) ; A. C. Gutterson, (vocal music). Officers and Trustees — Hon. M. H. Dun- nell, president ; Dr. H. S. Hill, secretary ; Philo Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer; Eev. H. C. Woods, St. Paul ; Eev. Erastus Westcott, Concord ; Hon. H. H. Johnson, Owatonna ; G. H. Herrick, St. James ; Hon. A. C. Hick- man, Owatonna ; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul ; M. A. Fredenburg, Owatonna; W. F. Hill- man, Mantorville; Hon. G. A. Pillsbur}^, Minneapolis ; Mrs. Sarah P. Butler, Mineapo- lis; Lydia J. B. Gates, St. Paul; Irene Wil- cox, Northfield ; Anna II. Wilbour, Austin ; Maggie E. Morin, Albert Lea ; Mrs. G. M. Palmer, Mankato. 1884-.5. Instructors — Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., principal (Greek and mathematics); Bela M. Lawrence, A. B. (Latin, German and sciences) ; Laura E. H. Arey (English litera- ture, history and rhetoric) ; Emma M. Eich, (instrumental music); A. C. Gutterson, (vocal music). Officers and trustees — Hon. M. H. Dun- nell, president ; Eev. W. A. Spinnej^, secretary; Philo Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer ; Mrs. Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis ; M. A. Freden- burg, Owatonna ; Mrs. Lydia J. E. Gates, St. Paul; W. F. Hilhiian, Mantorville; Hon. H. H. Johnson, E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul ; Eev. E. AVestcott, Concord ; Mrs. Amy H. Wil- bour, Austin ; Mrs. Maggie E. Morin, Albert Lea ; G. H. Herrick, St. James ; Eev. H. C. Woods, St. Paul ; Hon. G. A. Pillsbury, Min- neapolis ; Mrs. Irene Wilcox, Northfield ; Hon. A. C. Hickman, Owatonna; Mrs G. M. Palmer, Mankato. 1885-6. Instructors — Joshua L. Ingi-aham, A. M., principal (Greek, mathematics and mental philosophy') ; Bela M. Lawrence, A. M. (Latin, German and sciences); Mrs. Laura E. H. Lawrence (English literature, history and rhetoric) ; Emma M. Eich (instrumental music) ; A. C. Gutterson (vocal music). Officers and Trustees — E. M. Van Duzee, of St. Paul, president; Eev. W. A. Spinney, secretary ; Philo Bliss, of Owatonna, treas- urer; Mrs. Sarah P. Butler, Minneapolis; Hon. M. H. Dunnell, M. A. Fredenburg, Owa- tonna; Lydia J. E. Gates, St. Paul ; W. F. Ilillman, Mantorville ; Hon. H. H. Johnson, Owatonna ; Eev. E. Westcott, Concord ; Mrs. Amy H. Wilbour, Austin ; Mrs. Maggie E. Morin, Albert Lea; G. H. Herrick, St. James ; Eev. H. C. Woods, St. Paul ; Hon. G. A. Pillsbury, Minneapolis; Mrs. Irene Wilcox, Northtield ; Hon. A. C. Hickman, Owatonna; Mrs. G. M. Palmer, Mankato. 1886-7 Instructors — Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., principal (Greek, mathematics and mental philosophy) ; Bela M. Lawrence, A. M. (Latin, German and sciences) ; Mi'S. M3'ra E. Call, A. B. (English literature, history and rhetoric) ; Emma M. Eich (instrumental music) ; Prof. A. C. Gutterson (vocal music). The following is a list of officers and trustees, giving the year in which their terms expire — Edward M. Van Duzee, of St. Paul, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 273 president; Rev. W. A. Spinney, secretary; Pliilo Bliss, of Owatonna, treasurer : Philo Bliss, Esq Owatonna 1889 Mrs. Sarah P. Butler Minneapolis 1887 Hon. M. H. Dunnell Owatonna 1888 *Myron A. Fredenburg, Esq., Owatonna 1887 Mrs. Lydia J. R. Gates St. Paul 1888 William F. Hillman, Esq. . . .Cedar Rapids, Neb. . .1888 Edward M. Van Duzee, Esq., St. Paul 1889 Rev. Erastus AVestcott West Concord 1887 Mrs. Amy H. Wilbour Austin 1889 Mrs. Maggie E. Morin Alberta Lea 1887 G. H. Herrick, Esq St. James 1887 Rev. H. C. Woods, D. D....St. Paul 1887 Hon. George A. Pillsbury. . .Minneapolis 1888 Mrs. Irene Wilcox Nortbfield 1888 Hon. A. C. Hickman Owatonna 1889 Rev. W. A. Spinney Owatonna 1888 William H. Kelly, Esq Owatonna 1889 Mrs. T. W. Stebbins Rochester 1889 Executive Committee (1887-8) — Hon. M. H. Dunnell, W. H. Kelly, Hon. A. C. Hick- man, Philo Bliss, and Rev. AV. A. Spinney, of Owatonna. Finance Committee — Rev. J. F. Wilcox, of Northfield, president; Hon. M. H. Dun nell, of Owatonna, treasurer ; W. W. Hunt- ington, of Minneapolis, secretary ; G. H. Herrick, of St. James ; T. W. Stebbins, Rochester ; Rev. E. "Westcott, West Concord ; Hon. George A. Pillsbury, Minneapolis. 1887-8. Instructors — Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., principal (Greek, mathematics and mental philosophy); Homer J. Vosburgh, A. B. (Latin, German and sciences) ; Miss Myra E. Call, A. B. (English literature, history and rhetoric) ; Emma M. Rich (instrumental music) ; Prof. A. C. Gutterson (vocal music). Prof. J. L. Ingraham, the ])resent principal of Pillsbury Academy, is a native of Cam- den, Me., born in 1852. His parents were Joseph and Fanny Ingraham. Mr. Ingra- ham remained with them, receiving the advantages of a common-school education until twenty -one years of age, when he went to the Waterville Classical Institute and remained until entering Colby College in 1S76, graduating therefrom in 1880. For * [Deceased.] two years after this he taught in Worcester Academy. Then, his health not being robust, he gave up work for a year, and in 1883 came to Owatonna and took charge of the educational institution, which is still under his direction. Prof. Ingraham was married in 1880 to Miss Maria E. Page, of Camden, Me. They have one child, Fanny C. GRADUATES. Class of 1878 — William Abbott. Class of 1879 — Mrs. Cornelia Tanner Perceval (deceased). Class of 1880 — A. W. Lane, A. J. Trues- dell, George R. Kinyon, Silas Middleton, James Haj'craft, Helen S. Evans, Dora W. Hunkins and Ina M. Gutterson. Class of 1881— Edward G. Adams and Eugene Case. Class of 1882 — Eugene P. Hickok, Frank Burnett, Frank A. Sebring, Mary Webber, Ellen Nelson, Libbie Crandall, Mabel E. Peck and Etta M. McBride. Class of 1883 — Carl Rosebrock, Carl Brown, Bertha C. Truesdell, Mabel E. Gut- terson, Nellie E. Fife, John B. Mitchell, Peter Koch, Luella Gould. Class of 1884 — George L. Carey, Agnes Brennan, Benton A. McMillen, Minnie Williamson, F. W. Meehan, Sadie Wilson and Wm. J. Leary. Class of 1885 — Arthur R. Albertus, Mary L. Bailey, Alzina Jones, Carl K. Bennett, Gertrude Kimball, Jefferson Brown, Minnie A. Pillsburjf, C. II. Christianson, Theo. Weber, May Fowler, Charles Mitchell, A. I. Reeves and Alvin Schuster. Class of 1886 — Carl D. Case, U. G. Weathersly, Lillian L. Abbott, Nellie Bren- nan, Frank F. Buffum, Maxwell II. Cusick, Willis N. Holland, Lawrence W. Parker, Frank L. Carey, Fred. E. Church, Ane Magrete Heegaard, A. A. Maloney, G. W. Tryon, Lucia M. Wolverton. Class of 1887 — Lavinia Mead, Alice Ken- nedy, Mary Schafer and Minnie Heegaard (first graduate from musical course). 274 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. e)tate [niblic e^chool. The Legislature of Minnesota passed an act which was approved by tlie governor on the 9th of March, 1885, establishing what is known as the State Public School for Depend- ent and Neglected Children, and making- provisions for the government of the same. In accordance with the provisions of this act the governor appointed five commissioners, for the purpose of selecting a location and erecting tliereon suitable buildings. The members of this commission were B. B. Her- bert, Anthony Kelly, C. S. Crandall, Wm. Morin and John Bvers, and the body was termed " Commissioners for the Location and Acting Board of Control of the State Public Schools of Minnesota. " This board held their first meeting in the governor's office, at the State capital, April 22, 1885, and elected from their members a secretary and treasurer, the governor acting as president ex-ojficio. It was decided that all applications for the loca- tion of the institution from the different ])or- tions of the State should be heard; but in mak- ing the final decision as to a site the interest and convenience of the school should be re- garded rather than the amount that might be offered in the way of a donation to the State, but that not less than eighty acres of land could be accepted as a site for the school. The commissioners then adjourned to meet June 1, 1885, for the purpose of visiting the several villao:es and cities offering sites. At the meeting on June 1, the secretary reported thatFarmington, in Dakota County '■, Northfield, Ilice County ; Owatonna, Steele County ; Albert Lea, Freeborn County ; Hastings, Dakota County, and Lake City, Wabasha Count\', had each offered a site of from eighty to one hundred and sixtv acres. A few other )ioints, including Way- zata and Redwood Falls, also submitted prop- ositions. After visiting the several ])laces and care- fully examining the different sites a meeting- was held at St. Paul on the 26th of June, to decide the matter. The offers for tlie dona- tion of sites as finall}' submitted in writing w^ere as follows: Farmington, 110 acres of land ; Northfield, 94 acres ; Lake City, 240 acres ; Bed Wing, 145 acres ; Hastings, 116| acres ; Albert Lea, eighty acres ; Owatonna, 160 acres of land with all necessary wells for the use of the institution, and all building material delivered on the grounds free of freight. The sites offered were each and all desirable and entirely suffi- cient for the wants of the sciiool, and when the size of the various places and the cost of the several tracts were taken into account, the offers might be said as to be equally gen- erous. The farm buildings were offered to be donated with the various sites. Bed Wing included fair buildings, stables and fences, costing over $4,000. Lake City added to her munificent offer of 240 acres of land, a stone- quarr}', the use of a brickyard for the manu- facture of the brick for the buildings, and $500 worth of trees and shrubbery to be prop- ei'ly set out under the direction of the com- missioners, also offering to furnish employ- ment to the inmates of the institution in the extensive nurser}' and fruit gardens adjoin- ing the land to be given as site, so far as should be deemed advisable by the school management. Litchfield, in Meeker County, also appeared before the commissioners at the meeting and made a like liberal offer with the other places named. The decision be- came a matter of much difficulty and delicacy. Sixteen ballots were had without any choice. An adjournment was taken unlil the twenty- seventh, when on the twentyfourth ballot Owatonna was cliosen as the })lace for the location of the scliool by three votes for that point to one for Red Wing and one for Hastings. The selection of Owatonna was then made unanimous. The site at Owatonna was finally selected under the advice of Supt. John N. Foster, of the State Public School of Michigan, and Secretary II. II. Hart, of the State Board of Charities and Cori'ections of Minnesota. The HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 275 site consists of 160 aci'es of excellent farm kind, adjoining and overlooking the city and the beautiful river valley at that place. The land is rolling, well drained, and affords a most attractive site. The Chicago & North- western Railroad crosses the farm, and a switch has been built to accommodate the school, — the State only paying a small amount toward the grading for the track, — so that building materials and fuel are de- livered on the grounds without any cost for drayage, and the products of the farm may hereafter be handled in like manner. Among the reasons which influenced the commissioners in deciding upon Owatonna as the home for this institution were, first, the fact of its location, very near the center of the oldest and most densely settled por- tion of the State, affording a better oppor- tunity for placing the children in well-to-do families within easy reach of the institution which is expected to keep a watch over their care and education; second, its easy accessibility by different lines of railroads from any portion of the State. As soon as the title to the property was obtained, arrangements were commenced for laying off the grounds and the erection of buildings. The services of Mr. Pehrson, a landscape gardener in the employ of the State institution at Faribault, were secured and the buildings located and grounds laid off for future improvement. W. B. Dunnell was chosen as architect, and directed to pre- pare plans for the buildings. Prof. J. N. Foster, superintendent of the State Public Schools of Michigan, had already visited the State, on invitation of the commissioners, and given much valuable advice with regard to the choice of a site, the erection of buildings and the manage- ment of the schools. As the act passed by the Minnesota Legislature is almost an exact copy of the Michigan law, and the Michigan school at Coldwater was considered a model in every wa}% the architect, and Directors Anthony Kelly and B. B. Herbert, visited that institution, in order to be thoroughly informed as to the best building methods for such a school. Their report favored what is known as the cottage plan, and the commis- sioners decided unanimously to adopt that system. The Michigan school had, through its admirable management and the result of its work, become not only the model for several States of the Union, but for some of the countries in Europe that have sent commis- sioners to examine and copy its plans, and the commissioners thought it wise to benefit by the eleven j'ears of most successful experi- ence of that institution. To give the plans adopted there is to give in effect the plans deemed most practicable and in theory adopted by the Minnesota commissioners. The buildings of the model school at Cold- water, perfected after so many years of experience, consist of : 1. A main building, containing the superintendent's ofSce, recep- tion room, vault for jiapers and records, and the library, living rooms for the superin- tendent and family, children's and employes' dining halls, sewing room, sleeping apart- ments for the teachers and emploj'es, kitchen, bakery, store-rooms and pantries. 2. From six to nine cottages for the children. Each of these cottages is under a ladv known as a cottage manager. The children are divided by means of these cottages into families of twenty-five or thirty each, under the control of this lady, acting in the place of a mother, looking after the behavior, cleanliness, cloth- ing and instruction of the children out of school hours. 3. A school building with four rooms, also a building devoted to kin- dergarten instruction for the smaller chil- dren. L A hospital building for the care and separation of children when sick, and for keeping of new pupils supposed to have been exposed to infectious diseases until danger of contagion has passed. 5. An engine, boiler and pump house from which all Iniildings are heated and in which gas is manufactured for lighting purposes. Above the boiler room. 276 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. in the same building, is also a laundry operated by steam for the accommodation of the entire school. 6. Extensive barns and stables for the accommodation of a well- stocked farm. All these buildings, with the exception of fewer cottages and a smaller main building, were needed here. The arrangement for water supply and sewerage is also excellent, and the adoption of a simi- lar plan was also recommended. Michigan has found it wise and economical to care for her dependent children. In the eleven years of the existence of their institu- tion, over nineteen hundred children had been received and put on the way to hap))y and useful lives. The appropriation made bj' the Legisla- ture for establishing this school was $20,- 000. The commissioners decided that the amount could be most wisely expended in the erection of three cottages capable of accommodating thirty-five children each, one to be used temporarily as a main building for offices, living room, kitchen, dining halls, etc. In accordance with this decision, plans and specifications were drawn under the direction of the commissioners and bids taken for the building and completion of the same. These bids were publicly opened at a meeting of the commissioners advertised to be held for that purpose, and were found to range from a little over $24,000 down to $15,600 for the cottages, and the contract was let to John Ilammel and Silas Anderson, of Owatonna, at the last-named price, they being the lowest bidders. The foundations for the cottages were put in during the fall of 1885, and the walls built and the buildings completed during the summer of 1886. The buildings are of brick, 30x40 feet on the ground, two stories besides the basements and garrets. They are substantially built and covered with slate roofs. The basements have been plastered with water cement on the outside and especially finished with a view to permanent use for domestic purposes, sewing rooms, etc., to economize in the num- ber and size of other buildings. The garret in the cottage temporarily set apart for the superintendent's or main building, has been finished off into dormitories for employes, and the garrets in the other buildings could be in like manner utilized. The commissioners had many applications for the position of superintendent of this school. After careful consideration it was thought that the permanent success and use- fulness of the institution would depend very much on placing it in the hands of a gentle- man of practical experience at the very beginning. The position was accordingly tendered to Piof. G. A. Men-ill, of the Michi- gan State public school, who added to years of experience the highest qualifications, and had been most flatteringly recommended by his associates in this line of work. Nego- tiations were opened through a committee appointed for the purpose, and his services were secured, to commence as soon after the 1st of October, 1886, as arrangements could be made for opening the school. For like reasons it was subsequently' decided to em- ploy one experienced cottage manager from the Michigan school, and an estimable, ex- perienced lady was secured. On August 18th the newly elected super- intendent met with the commissioners, and it was decided to attempt to open the insti- tution to the public October 10. This was afterward found impracticable. The funds appropriated Ijy the State had been exhausted, and it was found that unless other aid could be obtained the buildinsrs must stand empty, and the dependent chil- dren, clamoring for admittance, must go un- cared for, and the opening of the school be postponed to await the action of this Legis- lature. At this crisis, citizens of Owa- tonna who trusted to the good faith of the State in this attempt to care for the desti- tute children, stepped forward and advanced $5,000. The work Avas pushed forward, the buildings were furnished and the commis- sioners were enabled to notify the governor HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 277 on November 30 that the buildings were in readiness, and on the second day of De- cember the first three children were received. BUILDINGS. The first appropriation was approved in March, 1885, the amount being $20,000. Three cottages were erected with this money, besides getting the grounds in shape, pur- chasing furniture, stock and incidental ex- penses. The cottages cost about $16,500, as has alread}' been stated. In these buildings the institution began its work, one of them being temporarily used as the administration building. The Legislature in 18S6-7 made an addi- tional appropriation of $70,000 for perma- nent improvements, besides an ap})ropria- tion for current expenses. The permanent improvements, such as the erection of suit- able buildings, was at once put under way, contracts let and building operations begun. The buildings in course of erection will be ready for occupancy by January, 1888, and are as follows : The administration or main building at this writing, August, 1887, is fast near- ing completion. It will be 132x180 feet in size and practically three stories in height, and will cost about $50,000. The first floor of this building will be used for superintendent's offices, reception room, library, chapel, children's and employes' dining-rooms and the industrial departments, shoe shop, sewing room, etc. On the second floor will be the superintendent's family rooms, together with the private rooms of the teachers and employes. The laying of the corner-stone of this building was an auspicious event in Steele County's history. It was performed with ancient and imposing- ceremonies, thousands of prominent citizens from Steele County and all portions of the State being present. The ceremonies were conducted by the Masonic fraternity, al- though nearh' all the societies took part in the exercises. Hon. W. R. Kinyon was president of the day, and announced the jirogram. Mayor Pratt, ex-Mayor Birkett and President Al- bertus, of the City Council, were the city committee, and Mr. F. F. Grant, a leading Knight Templar, contributed largely to the success of the ceremonies. The architect of the building, Mr. W. B. Bunnell, Avas also one of the moving spirits. The ceremonies at the grounds were begun by an address of welcome by Hon. M. H. Dunnell. Hon. W. H. Braden, state auditor, represented Gov. McGill, and spoke a few words a]>propriate to the occasion. Rev. Dr. Dana, of St. Paul, made a fine address. He was followed by Rev. H. H. Hart, secretary of the State Board of Corrections and Charities. Ex-Gov. Barto, of Sauk Center, made a humorous speech and was followed by Hon. C. S. Crandall, of Owatonna, President of the Board of Control of the State Public School for Indigent Chil- dren, who made a good speech showing the purposes and benefits to Ije derived from so beneficent a State institution. Hon. B. B. Hei-bert, of Red Wing, followed by a few words from M. J. Daniels, of Rochester. Most "Worshipful J. II. Brown, Grand Master of the State of Minnesota, A. F. & A. M., then proceeded with the Masonic ceremonies of laying the corner-stone. He was assisted by C. H. Benton, D. G. M. ; Alphonzo Barto, G. S. W. ; Ambrose La Due, G. J. W. ; J. E. Getman acted as Grand Treas. ; A. T. C. Pearson, G. S. ; Thomas G. Crump, of Litch- field, Grand Orator. Rev. Geo. B. Whipple acted as Grand Chaplain. Hon. J. M. Bur- lingame, of Owatonna, acted as Grand Mar- shal. After the stone was laid, corn, wine and oil were put on it. The building was then turned over to the architect for com- pletion, who responded with a short, well chosen speech. The procession was then re- formed and returned to the city. The casket in the corner-stone contained a Bible, the names of the State, county and city ofiicers, a list of the officers of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and of the Star of the East Lodge of Owatonna, and copies of the constitution 278 HISTOKT OF STEELE COUNTY. and by-laws of both, the charter of Owatonna, copies of the Globe, Pioneer Press, Minne- apolis Trihune, The PeopWs Press, Jour- nal and Herald, and a copy of the first biennial report of the board of control and superintendent, and a copy of Gov. Hub- bard's message to the Legislature of 1886-7. Next to the administration Ijuilding comes the schoolhouse, which is also in course of erection. This is 57x41 feet in size, and will be divided into five school-rooms, one devot. ed exclusively to kindergarten work. The building will have cost, when completed, about §7,500. A large and handsome barn has been erected, to the west of the cluster of build- ings, at a cost of $2,200. The hospital is a one-story structure, size about 33x47 feet. It will be divided into sick-rooms, neatl}^ furnished, and will cost $2,200. The name implies the use to which it will be put. One building serves as the engine-house and laundr3^ It will be a one-story building- size 40x50 feet, with the boilers and machin- ery in the basement. A fourth cottage will also be erected, in 1888, upon a similar ^^lan as those now in use, which will cost about $6,000. These improvements will exhaust all of the appropriation of $70,000, and wiU place the institution in good working-order and furnish comfortable and convenient quarters. The buildings will be well furnished, and the con- tract has already been let for electric lighting. Tlie buildings are all heated bj' steam. The cottages now in use are comfortably^ fur- nished, and are kept scrupulously clean and neat. WOIJK OF THE SCHOOLS. The institution was formally opened on the 2d of December, 1886, when three chil- dren from Steele County were received. From that time on they have continued to come. Twenty-one had been received up to the 1st of January, 1887. On the 1st of July, 1887, sixty-one had been received. although eleven of this number had been placed in families, leaving fifty at the schools. On the 1st of August, 1887, there were sixty in the schools and eleven in families. The following list shows the number which have been received from the various coun- ties : Steele, 8 ; Rice, 3 ; Dakota, 11 ; St. Louis, 7 ; Nicollet, 2 ; Freeborn, 5 ; Wabasha, 3; Otter Tail, 2; Isanti, 3; Hennepin, 5; Waseca, 4 ; Sherburn, 2 ; Winona, 1 ; Wright, 1; Goodhue, 2; Becker, 2; Fill- more, 1; Olmsted, 1; Nobles, 3; Eamsey, 1 ; Murray, 2 ; Houston, 1 ; Crow Wing, 1. The children admissible to the State pub- lic school are those within the borders of the State who are dependent on the public for support, over three and under fourteen years of age, and in suitable condition of body and mind to receive instruction. The children are placed under the care of the school through proceedings in the probate courts begun by count\^ commissioners. This pro- cess of law in the probate courts makes the child the ward of the State during minority, and cancels all parental control if the par- ents of the child are living. It is not in- tended that worthy families shall be unduly broken up, or that children shall be unneces- arily separated from their parents, but that those children whose parents have deserted them or have been rendered incajmble of supporting them shall be provided for and saved from leading the neglected lives they would naturally lead if left unprotected. As has been indicated, the children are not kept in the institution for a definite term of years, but are placed in good approved homes on indenture as soon as practicable. But the supervision of the State does not cease when the children are jilaced in homes. They are carefully and frequently visited in order that none shall be ill-trea.ted,and every indenture contract contains a clause reserving the right to tlie board of control, to cancel the con- tract and return the child to the school whenever the interests of the child require it. Thus the State assumes the care and con- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 279 trol of its dependent and neglected children that it may rear them to self-supporting and respectable citizenship. OFFICERS AND EMPLOYES. The present list of officers and employes is as follows : Prof. G. A. JVIerrill, superin- tendent ; Mrs. G. A. Merrill, matron ; H. W. Lewis, clerk ; Alma Herapel and May Donovan, teachers ; Mrs. Sarah Bailey and Miss Mary Considine, cottage managers. To this list will be added two teachers and two cottage managers as soon as the additional buildings are completed. There will also be a chief engineer, besides other assistants and laborers. An important office yet to be filled is that of State agent for the schools, whose duty it is to look after the important matter of locat- ing the children in families and visiting and watching their conduct and progress after they are so placed. It is an office which requires the keenest of judgment and abihty, and is among the most important features of the institution. Up to this time Prof. Merrill has tilled this position, together with attending to his duties as superintend- ent ; but with the additional capacity given by the buildings now in course of erection, the work of both offices will soon be beyond the ability of any one man, as there are already applications which will more than fill the increased capacitj^. Prof. Merrill served as State agent of the Michigan insti- tution for a number of 3'ears, resigning that to become superintendent here. As soon as the new buildings are opened the board of control will fill the office of State agent for the Minnesota school. The general supervision and government of the State public school is vested in what is termed a board of control, appointeil by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The first and present board of con- trol is made up of Hon. C. S. Crandall, of Owatonna, president (six-year term) ; Hon. B. B. Herbert, of Redwing, secretary ( four years ) ; and Dr. L. P. Dodge, of Farm- ington (two years). After the expiration of the terms for which they were appointed, one member will be appointed every two j'ears, and serve a six-year term. This board constitutes a body corporate, with the right of suing and being sued and of making and using a common seal. It has exclusive authority over the management and govern- ment of the school, establisli3, he enlisted in Comjiany A. Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Murphy, and jjartici- pated in a number of impoi'tant battles, among which were those of Nashville and Mobile. lie was honorably discharged at Madison, Wis., in September, 1865. On the 17th of November, 186t>, he landed in Minne- sota. Later he located at Fariliault, where he remained until March, 1S71, when he came to Steele County, and located on sec- tion 4, town of Medford, where he still lives. He was married in January, 1870, to Miss Mary M. Cabot, a native of New York. They have had seven children, as follows : Harriet J., Cora L., George F.. Alton C, Ralph G., William and Delos. The Village of Medford is located on sections S and 9, in a beau- tiful valley through which flows the Straight River. The village was laid out in 1856, on land which had been entered as government 18 land by Smith Johnson in 1853. The site was surveyed and platted by Rev. O. A. Thomas, for the ])roin'ietoi'. Smith Johnson Sr. At a meeting of the settlers to con- sult upon a name wherewith to chi-isten the town, Mr. Colling said that he had a son who was born on board the ship Medford, and was named Medford in honor of the ship, and proposed that the town should be named Medford in honor of the boy, which proposi- tion was unanimously adojited. The post- office at Medford was established in the fall of 1855, with Smith Johnscju Sr., as the first po.stmaster. This was the first postoffice es- tablished in what is now Steele County. The office was then kept at Mr. Johnson's resi- dence, and he retained the i)osition until the time of his death in I860. Succeeding him in turn came the following j)ostmasters : Ed- win Drake, Albert McKinney, D. C. Hunkins, E. T. Howard, Orlando Johnson, L. S. Fow- ler, John Bailey and S. M. Freeman. The last named is the present ))ostmaster. The first frame house erected in Medford Village was commenced by Mr. Kinyon, and com- pleted in 1856 by Smith Johnson. It was inin as a hotel until about 1867 by A. Steb- bins. The building is still standing, now be- ing occupied by John Barney. In 1856 the Abbott Brothers put up a steam .sawmill and set it in operation and it furnished most of the lumber for this section of the country. The mill was removed after running a year or two. The same year Messrs. Melvin, Rideout & Hall erected a fine steam sawmill a short distance below the village site. It continued in active operation until about 1860, when it was burned to the ground and has nevei' been rebuilt. The first stoi'e in the village was started in the summer of 1856 by Albert McKinney, on the corner opposite the old hotel. He continued it until July, 1857, when it was rented by W. P. Francis ife Co., who put in what was considered a heavy stock of goods in those days. They ran the store for a year or two and then exchanged it for real estate. 304 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. In the fall of 185S Messi-s. Sullev iV Fran- cis established a paper here, called the 2Iefl- ford YaUey Argu^. removing the material fro^i Owatonna. The ])ublicationof the pa- )>er was discontinued within a year. Men- tion of this is made in the general chaptere of this work. In the fall of ISOT an extensive gristmill was erected here by E. T. Howard. It was a valuable acquisition to this part of the county. It had a capacity of 150 barrels a day. Mr. Howard i-an it for several veal's, and was succeedetl by White 2, when he moved to Canon City, Rice County, and there passed twenty-two years ; then sold all his interests there, and returned to Steele County, locating in Medford Township, on the farm he now holds. March 22, 1S55, he was united in nuirriage to Phoebe Hayes. They have had born to them five children : Will- ard, Wallace, (4eorge, Xettie and Fred. Wallace is married and lives in Medford; Nettie is now Mrs. Henry S. Turner. oF Can- on City, nice County, Minn. ■ Orlando Johnson, one of the substantial citizens of this part of the county, was one of the first settlers in Medford Township. He is a native of C'henango County, N. Y., l)orn in 18H1, his parents being Smith and Elizabeth (Carjienter) Johnson. When twenty years old, Orlando went to Wisconsin, and a .short time later to Kingsbuiy (4rove, Whiteside County. Til., where he taught school during the winter of 1851. In the spring of 1852 he went to St. Paul, Minn., and a short time later to Faribault. In the summer of 1853 he came with a party of first settlers to what is now Steele Count}' and took a claim for his father, Smith John- son Sr., on the present site of MedfOrd Vill- age. In 1854r he turned the claim over to his father. He was here "off and on " until 1855, but his home was at Faribault. In 1853 he had liought a claim at Faribault, and in company with Mark Wells erected a cabin. In the summer of 1855 he went to California, where he was engaged in mining and lumbering. In 1801 he enlisted in the First California^'olunteerInfantl'v, which remained in camp at Los Angeles, Cal., during the winter of 1801-2. In the spring they crossed the California desert, reaching the llio Grande at Fort Thorn. Going down the river they were stationed at Franklin (now El Paso), Tex. The remainder of his service was ]iassed at Santa Fe and Fort Union. During the time he was in Me.xico his duty consisted chief!}' in gathering Indians on the reservation, and his last act was to so station 113 red-skins. Fie was honorably discharged at Fort Union, N. M., returned to Medford, Minn., in October, 1804, and settled on the farm now owned by John Hamilton. In 1870 he left the farm and engaged in the general mercantile trade for a short time. In the spring of 1873 he erected the cheese factory which he still carries on, doing an extensive business. Mr. Johnson was mar- ried November 1, 1805, to Miss C)live E. IIu- lett. They have three children: Rollin E., lAike H. and Lloyd 15. Smith Johnson is also among the most prominent and influential citizens in the northern part of the county. He is one of the oldest settlers and has been very prom- inent in all matters affecting either town or county. We regret that owing to Mr. John- son's absence from the county during the comj)ilation of this volume we are prevented from presenting a full biograpln' of him. W. P. Francis, whose first settlement in Steele Countv dates Julv 1, 1857, is a native 306 HI8TORY OK STEELE COUNTY. of Wyoming County, N. Y., where he was born May 18, 1827. His ])arents. Al- fred and Nancy (Deminiij Francis, remained in the Empire State until ISiS, when they moved to Wisconsin and located in Wal- worth County, later moved to Kock County, where Mr. Francis Sr. died in ISotJ. In June, 1857, W. P. F)'ancis, in company with his brother A. B., his sister Ellen M., and James Dreraer and family (a brother-in-law) started for Steele County, Minn., arriv- ing July 4:, 1857, as stated. Their convey- ance was a novel affair: a covered wagon with a bo.K 8 feet wide and 10 feet long — a small house on wheels. In this they had a stove, table, and all necessary- utensils to make it convenient. The trip consumed three weeks. Upon the arrival of the little party, Mr. Francis entered the mercan- tile trade, which he carried on for some time, then went to farming, and has followed this ever since. Mr. Francis on the 2d of July, 1863, was united in marriage to Miss Celia Fredenburg. They are the parents of two children, Anna F., and May A. ]SIr. Francis has always taken an active part in town and county politics. Has served two terms as county commissioner, and was one of the first elected under that system. W. P. Bissell is a son of Albert and Adeline (Bishop) Bissell. He is a native of Connecticut, and in this State received his early education. At the age of fourteen years he started for himself, entering a store as salesman at Hartford, which position he held for two years; after which he went to Farmington, where he remained about two years. The western fever then seizing him, he started for Minnesota, arriving at Med- ford in November, 1856. Here he worked by the month until the war broke out, when in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, under Col. J. H. Baker. During the summer of 1863 he was with Gen. Sibley's expedition asrainst the Indians, and was as far west as Bismarck, Dakota. In the fall he returned and joined the regular army, and served three years, participating in the following battles : Tupello, Nashville, and siege of Spanish Fort. He received his discharge July 10, 1865, and returned to Steele County. This j'ear he was united in marriage to Miss Almira Stebbins. He then entered the hotel business and i-emained in that a few years, aftei' which he started a general store, which he ran for some time, then sold and purchased a farm. In 1880 he entei'eil the lumber trade, and is now engaged in this line, also handling live stock in connection. Mrs. Bissell died in 1878. S. Gillman, a native of Oswego County, N. Y., was born November 29, 1817. April 3, 1854, he made a claim in what is now Walcott, Rice County, Minn., and remained thei'e for twentj'-one yeai'S, when he moved to the village of Medford, Steele County. For three years he was engaged in a mail and j)assenger route, after which he opened a grocery store in the village, and is still in this line doing a good and growing business. In 1841: Mr. Gillman was united in mai'i'iage to Miss Flmily Letson, also a native of New York. The}' had born to them four children : Mary Jane, now Mrs. J. W. Loth- ian, of Spencer, Iowa; Nancy, a school- teacher ; Emma, now ]\Ii's. R. F. Strong, of Spencer, Iowa, and John E., also a )-esident of Spencer. Mrs. Gillman died October 17, 1868, and in October, 1870, Mr. Gillman was married to Mrs. Mary A. Wilson. Mr. (Till- man's j)arents are both dead. The mother died in 1872; the father in August, 1875, at the age of ninety -one years. Politically, Mr. (Tillman is a Republican. S. M. Freeman, son of Ebenezer and Lucy (White) Freeman, is a native of Kennebec County, Me., and in that State spent his early life. April 1, 1855. he came to Steele County, Minn., in company with his brother, B. A. Freeman. S. M. made a claim in Med- ford Township. In August, 1862, he en- listed in Company A, Tenth Minnesota Vol- unteer Infantry, and servetl three \'ears, re- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 307 ceiving liis discharge September 24, 1864, after wliich he returned to Steele County, and in 18(56 came to the village of Medt'ord, wiiere he has I'emained most of tlie time, be- ing engaged in the grocery trade. April 14, 1886, was appointed postmaster, which office he now holds. He has always Ijeen a stanch Democrat, voting the straight ticket. Mr. Freeman has been twice married — first to Miss Bettie Drake in 1871. They had born to them two children, Fred and Roger. Mrs. Freeman died FeV)raary 14, 187l>. Mr. Free- man was again marrieil in September, 1881, to Miss Ella Boynton, and by this union they have been blessed with one child, Floid, born in May, 1883. John Barney, a native of New York, was born in Erie County, at the town of Collins, December !l, 1824. His parents, George and Rhoda M. (Luther) Barney, were natives of Massachusetts. They came to the Empire State in 1824, and in 1840 moved to Wis- consin. In 1848 thej' returned to New York, and in 1880 made a trip west, locating in Iowa, where Mr. Barney Sr. died, Septem- ber 5, 1882. John Barney lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he started for himself and engaged at farm- ing for some four years in Wisconsin. He then returned to New York State and re- mained until 1854. when he again settled in Wisconsin. In 1856 started for Minnesota and landed in Medford June 15, 1856, travel- ing from Prairie du Chien to Medford with an ox team, and being ten days on the road. Soon after his arrival he made a claim on section 7 in Medford Township, and on this he remained until 1871, when he sold and moved into the village, where he has since lived. Mr. Barnej^ was married August 23, 1848, to Abigal Allen. They are the parents of five children : George W., who was mar- ried in 1875 and now lives in Roberts County, Dak. ; Manley H., married in 1876 and now lives in Minneapolis ; Hattie, now Mrs. Gibson, was mai-ried in 1878 and lives in Deerfield Township, Steele County ; Minna, now Mrs. Charles Johnson, married Decem- ber 25, 1886, and lives in Minneapolis ; and Milton, who lives in Nelson County, D. T. ]\Ir. Barne}' enlisted in 1863 in Company A, Tenth Minnesota, and during that summer was with Sibley's expedition, and went as far west in Dakota as the Missouri River. In the fall he returned and went south, partici- pating in the battles of Nashville and Span- ish Fort. He received his discharge at Fort Snelling in September, 1865, and returned to the old homestead. D. S. Riper, a native of Sanbornton, N. II., was born September 30, 1833. His parents, Daniel and Nancy Piper, were both natives of the same State, and their family consisted of three children : Abbie K., Mary H. and Daniel S. The latter was with his father in business until he was thirty-six years of age, when in 1869 his father died. Daniel S. then carried on the business alone until he came west in 1877. He first settled in Medford Township and has made this his home. Since coming west he has not entered into active business, but has lived more of a retired life. Mr. Piper's marriage dates De- cember 2, 1862, when he was united to Miss Livona M. Whitney. They have had boim to them one child a daughter, Myra A., born November 16, 1873. G. C. Moon was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1831. He lived with his parents, Daniel and Nancy (Northup) Moon, until eighteen years of age, when he went to Buf- falo, and renniined in that city for about four years. He then went to Evansville, Wis., and remained there one year, after which he came to Minnesota, locating in the town of Summit. Steele County, about the 30th of May, 1857, He made a claim on section 29, on which he lived until 1873, when he moved to Owatonuii. In 1874 he came to Medford Village, where he has since lived. G. C. Moon and Miss Hellen M. Francis were married in November, 1861. They have one son, born September 3, 1862, He was married in 308 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 1881 to Miss Louella Standish, and tlie}' are now I'esidents oi Montana. Jolm IJaily, son of Jolin and Eliza liaily, was born in Franklin, N. II., and tliere re- mained until the spring of 1855, when he came west and located in AV'^aseca Connty. He was one of tlie proprietors of tlie town- site of St. Mary, which made a strong fight for the county-seat of that county. In that place he remained until September, 18fi2, when he moved to Faribault, and later to the village of East Prairie, remaining at the latter place until 1865, when he came to Med ford and entered into the general mer- chandise trade, and has since remained in the same line. In A]iril, 187fi, he was ap- pointed postmaster and held that office about ten years. Mr. Baily was married March 24, 1858. when at St. Mary's, to Miss Elizabeth Erwin. They are the ]jarents of three chil- dren : Emily E., born February 2, 1859 ; Will- iam A., born May 28, 1860; Arthur S., born July 21, 1864. Emily E. was married to George O. Lee, I'ebruary 14, 1877. They live in Medford. William A. married Ella Mc- Nitt, December 15, 1SS2. Arthur S. is at home, and, with his brother William, is in partnership with the father in the mercan- tile trade. Alexander Gault is a native of Norton Creek, Canada East, born in that province January 1, 1848. When but twelve years of age Mr. Gault started in life for himself ; first engaged on a farm and remained in this capacity for about three years. At the age of seventeen he went to Missouri and worked on the Hannibal & St. Joe R. E., for one year. He then worked on a steamboat for a time. In the fall of 1865 in comjjany with others he went to Mississippi Island No. 63 and there remained eighteen months. He was at this place during the cholera reign of 1866, but fortunately only one of the party died from the dread disease. In the sjiring of 1867 he went to St. Louis and was en- gaged with the Iron Mountain R. R. Co.; later worked on a farm and remained at this until 1868, when lie went to work for the Chi- cago. Milwaukee it St. Paul R. R. Co. The year following (June 19) lie had his leg run over and so badly injui'ed that amputation was necessary. After this sad misfortune and as soon as he was al)le to l)e about, he began to learn the art of telegraphy and after this was accomplished was given Blooming Prairie, Steele (Jounty, as his first station. After this he was at various other offices until April 25, 1871, when he came to Medford and has since been in this station. In 1876 he began buying grain, in which he still deals. He was married September 12, 1877. C. Freeman is another leading citizen of Medford, who has for a number of years been })rominently connected with the busi- ness interests of this part of the county. Orrin Lee, Esq., was one of the pioneers of Minnesota. He is a native of Tolland County, Conn., born June 2, 1821, his par- ents being William and Elizabeth (Harding) Lee. His grandfather was Xatlian Lee, who spent his life in Connecticut. His father, William, lived in Connecticut until he had reached the age of sixty-one years, when he removed to Rock Island Connty, 111., where he died in 1885. Orrin Lee, the subject of this sketch, left home when eighteen years old and engaged in the manufacturing busi- ness. In 1852 he came west and "took up" government land in Lee County. III. Early in 1855 he again resumed his westward march, coming by boat and team, and, in April, 1855, landed at Hastings, in Minne- sota. Three days after his arrival there, he pushed on with teams to F^aribault, accom- panied all this time bj' his family. In Rice County he selected a ])iece of government land, about four miles from the city of Faribault. Their nearest neighbor was two and a half miles distant. Here they re- mained for eight years, when Mr. Lee sold out and returned to Illinois. A short time later, however, he retraced his ste))S to Min- nesota, and arrived at Medford, in Steele County, in 1863, where he has since lived. IIISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 309 A short time after his settlement here he was elected justice of the peace and has held the office ever since, attending to about all of the legal business of the northern part of Steele County. He has also taken an act- ive interest in educational matters during all the _years of his residence here. In pol- itical matters he is a " straight Republican." Mr. Lee was married October 24, 1847, to Miss Laura CobI). They have two living children : Frances M. and George O. Frances married Cyrus L. Osborn, and they live in Taylor County, Iowa. George O. mari'ied Miss Emily E. Baily, February 14, 1877, and they live in Medford. CHAPTER XXI. CLINTOX FALLS TOWNSHIP. j LINTON Falls Township embraces the south half of township 108, range 20, Avest of the fifth prin- cipal meridian. Medford Town- ship lies contiguous on the north, Merton joins it on the east, while on tlie south and west it is bound- ed respectively by Owatonna and Deerheld Townships. Straight River crosses the township from south to north, passing through very near the center east and west, while Crane Creek touches the north- west corner of the township on its way to its junction with the Straight River at Medford. The river is skirted by a mod- eratel}' heavy growth of timber — an abundance to supply the township with material for fuel and fencing for centuries. Back from the river the surface varies, occa- sionally oak openings and again beautifull3' rolling prairie. The soil is rich and ]U'oduct- ive, and Clinton P^alls Township is the home of many of the wealthy and most prosperous citizens of the county. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement within the present limits of Clinton Falls Townsliip was made by A. W. and F. F. Adams, in 1854, on sec- tions 28 and 33, where, in November of that year, A. W. Adams erected the first log cabin in the township. In the preceding spring (1854) Dr. Fincli, W. W. Arnold and James Huginan had been here and selected claims, but they at once returned to St. Paul. Messrs. Adams first came in August, l)ut returned to St. Paul and did not get back here until in November, Section lines were surveyed in Septenil)er of tliat year. A. W. Adams still lives upon the section where he first settled. The other settlers who came during the same fail (1854) wei-e as follows: Francis F- Adams settled on section 28, where he lived for thi'ec or four \'ears, and then returned to Massachusetts, where lie still lives. W. W. Arnold came, selected a claim, and is still a citizen. I). Sanl)orn took a claim on section 21, and lived there for a number of years, tak- ingan active part in public matters. He moved from this township to Medford, juid from there to Owatonna, wliere he lived until the time of his death in 1885. F. Wilbur Fisk also came in 1854 and claimed government land on sections 23 and 24, where he laid out a village called " Elwood," platting the south- west quarter of the northwest quarter of sec- tion 24. Mr. Fisk was a well known charac- ter in early times. He remainetl in the county until the time of his ileath, which occurred at Medford. In the spring of 1855 there were a num- ber of arrivals, among them being the fol- lowing: F. L. Judd selected a claim on sec- tion 33, built his cabin and returned to Ohio in the fall of 1855 ; there he was married, and the following year he brought his wife to his Western home. He remained in the township until the fall of 1859, when he re- turned to Ohio. Fletcher Du Bois selected a claim in the timber on section 27, but afterward traded with Judd for a prairie farm on section 32, where he liveil until the time of his death, which occurred three or four j^eai'S later. His remains were taken back to his foi'mer home in the State of New York. Samuel and Isaac Morrison took up their 31U HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. 311 claims in the western part of the townshijj, and are still residents. Their father, Daniel Morrison, came in the fall of the same year with his wife and familj'. He died the fol- lowing spring (1856), this being the first death in the township. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Clinton Falls. Sylvester McNitt came in 1855, and located on section 21. He remained here for many yeare and finally removed to Owatonna, where he still lives. K. R. Stout settled on section 21 in 1855, and remained there untd the fall of 1885, when he returned to his former home in Indiana, where he now lives. In May, 1856, Rev. O. A. Thomas took a claim and settled on section 20. He re- mained there some eight or nine years and then returned to Michigan, but later went to the Pacific coast. He was a Congregational preacher, and an able and prominent man in early days. The settlement was rapid all through 1856 ; among others who came were : James Finch and family, William, Samuel and Nathan Williamson, Charles Deming and Moses Hutchinson. FIRST EVENTS. The first building in the township was A. W. Adams' log cabin, erected in November, 1854. The first frame building was erected by William Williamson in 1856. The first birth in this townsliij) was also one of the first births in Steele County. It occurred April 7, 1855, and was Frank W. Adams who now lives on section ^i-', Clinton Falls Township, a son of A. W. Adams, the first settler of the township. The first marriage in the townshij) — and in the county— was that of William William- son to Lucretia Finch. The ceremony was performed by Elder O. A. Thomas, at the house of James Finch, the event taking- place in the fall of 1856. The hrst death in the township was that of Daniel Morrison, which occurred in March, 1856. He was buried in the cemetery at Clinton Falls. A. W. Adams broke the first ground in the township. VILLAtiE OF CLINTON FALLS. The village of Clinton Falls was laid out in the fall of 1855 by Dr. W. W. Finch. In the village plat a block was platted as a cemetery, free to every one. It was notlaitl out in lots until after Dr. Finch left. In 1882 the Oak Hill Cemetery Association was formed and Dr. Finch deeded the block to them and it was then platted into lots. This was the first cemeter}' in the county. The first burial in it was of the remains of Daniel Morrison, who died in March, 1855. His widow, Phoebe, died the following June, and was interred in the same cemetery. A postofiice was established here in the fall of 1856, with James Finch as postmas- ter. The postmasters since tliat time have been as follows: Di-. Finch, S. Houston, and G. W. Knapp. The last n;imed is the pres- ent postmaster. The first frame house in the village was erected bv Moses Hutchinson in the fall of 1856. The first and only hotel ever established here, was started by C. M. Williamson and T. Burns, in the summer of 1857. It was run bv them for some time and was known as the Clinton House. The first religious society organized here was the Medford and Clinton Congregation- al Society, which was- oi-ganized by Rev. O. A. Thomas. The first store at Clinton Falls was starteil by Cyrus Williamson in 1857, with a small stock of gi-oceries and notions. In 1861 Judge Gi-een \vent to Milwaukee and secured what was then considered a large stock of goods, which was hauled to this place by teams from La Crosse, that being the nearest railway point. Later the store was owned by Dr. Finch, and on the 1st of July, 1873, it was purchaseil by G. W. Knapp, who has continued it ever since, it being the only store in the village. 312 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. In 1856 Dr. Fincli commenced building a dam across Straight River, for the purpose of securing sufficient water-power to operate mill nuichinery, but one-half interest was to belong to the Williamson Brothers, who were to build a gristmill, and Dr. Finch a sawmill, the gristmill to be completed within a year. When the sawmill was put into operation James Finch had a leg broken by a log I'oiling upon him. The Messrs. AVilliams(jn failing to get their gristmill completed early enough, Dr. Finch sent to Chicago and procured a set of small burrs, or what was called a "portable mill." and put it in operation in his sawmill. This was the first gristmill in this county. It was truly a Godsend to the settlers, who had frequently lieen under the necessity of re- sorting to their coffee mills to manufacture their meal for l)i'<>ii(l. Wheat thus ground was very apjiropriatel}' called meal, as it could not be reduced fine enough to be called flour. Settlers used to come here from a distance of forty or fifty miles. Williamson Brothers pushed their work on their grist- mill and in 1857 lIon.G. W.Green purchased an interest, and later the whole mill, and it was pushed forward to completion under the superintendence of Moses Hutchinson, the onl}^ practical millwright this section of the countr\' then afforded. D. II. Morrison was established as miller. Judge Green became sole proprietor and continued to operate the mill for many years. . He sold to Van Kirk efe Coburn, who operated it some four or five years; they sold out to Sherman, Winship & Kelly. The mill still stands, but, at the present time, is only used as a feedmill. Mr. Green jnurhased the sawmill in 1863. A division of the Sons of Temjierance was organized here in the summer of 1876, a chartei- being granted on the 27th of Decem- ber, 1876. The chaiter members were Frank W. Sherman, Ella Boynton. Annie McCart- ney, Matie Brown, Matie Green, Nellie Knapp, Susan Larson, E. A. Shadick, M. Shadick, C. C. Finch, F. H. Church, F. E Green, W. H. Bo^mton and Thomas GriflHn. The organization was enthusiastically main- tained for some time, and was very success- ful, as at one time there were twenty-two prohil)ition votes polled in the township. Af- ter a time, however, the interest flagged and it was finally abandoned. TOWNSHIP OEGAHIZATION. When Steele County was organized, in the summer of 1855. the territory which now forms Clinton Falls Township became a part of Owatonna township, which then embraced all of townships 105-6-7-8, and in ranges 2(1 and 21. This arrangement was made on the 1st of August, 1855. On the 25th of the same month, however, Medford Township was created, including township 108, ranges 20 and 21, thus including what is now Clin- ton Falls. On the 7th of April, 1856, the township of Franklin was created and it ap- pears from the records that this embraced the east half of what is now Medford and Clinton Falls. This is claimed to be a mis- take, yet the records so show it. On the 6th of April, 1857, a rearrangement of the county took place, and township 108, range 21, was set off as Medford. It remained in this shape until the 6th of April, 1858, when Clinton Falls Township was created, embracing the south half of township 108, range 20, the same territory which it now in- cludes. The organization of the township was per- fected on the 11th of May, 1858, when the first town meeting was held at the " Clinton House," and a full list of township officers was elected as follows : Supervisors — George W. Gi'een, chairman, E. E. Stout and A. W. Adams; clerk, Geo. E. Rex; as- sessor, B. L. Deming; collector, Charles M. Williamson ; overseer of the poor, S. Mc- Nitt; justices of the peace, D. Sanborn and F. W. Fisk ; constable, W. Barnhardt. Among others who in early days were prominent in township matters were: W. W. Finch, J. W. Morrison, N. Parker, D. S. Kim- HI8T0KY OF STEELE COCTNIT. 313 ball, J. M. Finch, G. W. Knapp, C. M. Hous. ton, David IIoAve, T. B. Cimse and A. C. Finch. In 1867 the people voted to l)uild a sub- stantial bridge across Straight River, and raised by tax $2,000, and the county giving $1,000, a covered bridge was erected with solid abutments spanning tlie entire width of the river. The following is a list of the present of- ficers of the township elected in March, 18S7 : Supervisors — F. W. Adams, ciiairman, J. F. Carter and R. W. Cheesenian ; town clerk, A. C. Finch; treasurer, G. W. Knapp; asses- sor, E. G. Adams ; justices of the peace, A. Samson and O. L. Knapp ; constables, G. McCloud a7id N. Parker. SCHOOLS. The first school at Clinton Falls was taught in the summer of ISoti, in a board shanty on the farm of Dr. Finch, by Mary Morrison, afterward Mrs. Charles "Williamson. The first frame schoolhouse in the town- ship was erected in the village in the spring of 1857, and was built by subscription. The lot which it occupied was donated by Dr. Finch, on condition that it was alwaA^s to be open for religious services and moral enter- tainments. In the spring of 1S<).5 an addition was made to the schoolhouse in Clinton Falls Village, and O. T. Otis, of Wisconsin, was engaged to teach a high school liere. It was very successful ; scholars attended from all parts of the county, and for sevei'al years it was the most advanced and thorough edu- cational institution in the county; but after the high schools in Owatonna were estab- lished this again became a common school. The first schoolhouse in district No. 3 was a log building erected in the spring of 1857. The first school in it was taugiit by Miss Frances Atwater, now Mrs. Charles Strong. The present schoolhouse in this district was erected in the spring of 1870, at a cost of $1,020. The first teacher in this building was Fi'ed. Tuttle. The first school taught in district No. 3 was in the house of S. McNitt in 1855 (or 1856), Mrs. F. W. Fisk being the teachei'. The schoolhouse in district No. 18 is lo- cated on section 31. The district was organ- ized in 1876, and the scliool building was erected during the same season at a cost of about $300. The first teaclier in the district was Miss Mary Cole. The last term of school (1887) was taught by Miss Lizzie Adams. School district No. (>6 was organized in 1868. The first school in the district was held in an old log claim shanty, on section 33, which had been erected by F. Judd. The first teacher was May Smith. The pres- ent schoolhouse, which is located on section 32, was erected in 1870 at the cost of $500. The first teacher in this house was Ella San- born, the last (1887) was Frank Buffum. lilOGBAPHIES 01'' REPKESENTATIVK CITIZENS. A. W. Adams is one of the pioneer settlers of Clinton Falls Township. He was born in Worcester County, Mass., October 28, 1826. He hved with his parents until the age of twenty-five years, and then came west to St. Paul, Minn., where for two years he worked at the mason's trade. In August, 1854, he came to Steele County and selected 160 acres of government land on sections 33 and 3-1, township 108, range 20. now in the toAvn of Clinton Falls. In November he se- cured an ox team, drove to his claim and erected a log cabin. His wife joined him in February, 1855. and they lived in this cabin until 1862, when they moved into anew house, which was built of stone from his own quarry. Mr. Adams was married in May, 185-t, to Miss Emma Tilton. They have five children, as follows : Frank West, born April 7, 1855; Fred. Tilton, born November 30, 1856; John G.. born August 12, 1858: Edward G., born February 17, 1862 ; Lizzie A., born July 13, 1865, and George F., born March 13. 1871. Theii- eldest son, Frank West Adams, was the second white child born m Steele County, and is the oldest 3U HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. native of Steele County now living. G. "W. Green hail a son born a few hours previous, but he is now dead. Frank W. Adams was married October '4, 1SS2, to Anna M. liogers, and the\' live upon a farm adjoining his fath- er's. All of Mr. Adams' children are still living, except John G., who died October 1-1. 1859. "W. W. Arnold was one of the earliest set- tlers in Clinton Falls Township. He was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1832, his parents being Samuel and Katherina (Hu- ganin) Arnold. lie lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he came west to St. Paul, Minn., and from there, in the fall of 1854, came to what is now sec- tion 28, Clinton Falls Township, Steele County. He spent several years with ex- ploring expeditions and government survey- ors, and later went to Oberlin College, Ohio, where he remained until the war broke out Enlisting then, in the Seventh Ohio Volun- teers, he went into service, participating in many important engagements, but coming out without a wound. After his discharge he went to Hillsdale College, in Michigan, and tliere on the 17th of October, 186i, was married to Miss Susanna Gossard. They have one child, born July 18, 1876. Mr. Arnold now has 250 acres of land, most of which is under a, liigh state of cultivation. He is one of th(; sul>stantial citizens of the county. David Lindersmitii, one of tiie pioneers of Steele County, is a- native of Columbiana County, Ohio. His grandfather, Joseph Lindersmitii, came to America in 1772 or 1773, when eleven years old, and was bound f)Ut as an apprentice to learn the carpenter's trade. He served as a lifer in the Revolution- ary War; also followed barbering, and fre- quentlv shaved George "Washington during those years. After the close of the war he settled in Somerset County, Pa., and in ISO-t removed, witii his wife and five child- ren, to Columbiana County. Ohio, where he died in 1817. Peter Lindersmith, the father of David, was a son of Joseph, and at an early day took government land in the town of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio. He served as a fifer under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. His wife was formerly Susan Ehrhart, and they had children, as follows : Elizabeth, Daniel, Julia. Ann, David, Cather- ina, William and Isaac. David Lindersmith, the subject of this sketch, lived with his parents until twenty-five years of age, then went to Washington County, Ohio, where he remained until the spi-ing of 1850. He then settled in Williams County, Ohio, and re- mained until the 2d of April, 1855, when he started for Minnesota with an ox team, bringing his wife and four children, the youngest being only six weeks old. They arrived at what is now Owatonna city, on the 19th of May, having been some seven week's on tlie way. Upon their arrival Mr. Lindersmith secured the top of another wagon, and by placing the two together on logs lived in this until the 1st of July, when the_y moved into their log cabin, using rugs for doors and windows. Thus they got along until a trip could be made to Hastings for the necessary articles. In the early part of lS5ti Mr. Lindersmith was appointed by the board of county commissioners as assessor for nine townships, in what is now Steele and Waseca counties. In November, 1856, he was elected sheriff of the county and served for two years. In September, 1857, he collected from William Thomson the first taxes paid in Steele County, the amount beino- $6. In 1870 he moved to section 28, in the town of Clinton Falls, where he has since lived. Mr. Lindersmith was married in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1848, to Miss Catherine Simmons. The}' have six livingchildrcn: Orlando, Anjeline, Elizabeth, Asnes, Stiles and Emma. Orlando is men- tioned at length elsewhere. Anjeline mar- ried Mr. lloadley, a second cousin of Gov. Hoadley, of Ohio, and they live in Dakota. Elizabeth married William Putney, a resi- dent of the town of Clinton Falls. Agnes HISTORY OK STEELE COUUTV. 316 inarried M. Jepson, a resident of Dakota. Stiles is a traveling man, and Emma is now Mrs. Thomas Burns, of Windom, Minn. Orlando Lindersmith came to Steele Coun- ty, Minn., in May, 1855, witli his parents, being then only eleven years of age. He lived at home until October, 18G1, when he enlisted in the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry for three-years' term, and upon the expiration of his term of service reenlisted at Huntsville, Ala., January 1, 1S64, and served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at St. Paul, August 7, 1805. Among the many battles which he partici- pated in were the following : luka, Miss., September 19, 1862 ; Willow Springs, Miss., May 3, 1863; Raymond, Miss., May 12, 1863; Jackson, Miss., May U, 1863; Cham, pion Hills. Miss., May 16. 1863; he was at the siege of Vicksburg for forty-seven days, and was at Missionar}' Ridge, November 23, 24, 25, 1863. He was wounded at his first battle, being shot through the leg, and again at Vicksburg. He was with Sherman in his famous " march to the sea," and was at the battle of Altoona, where Sherman signaled the besieged to " Hold the Fort ; I am com- ing," which was the origin of P. P. Bliss's noted song — Bliss being a private soldier in the fort at the time. After Orlando received his discharge he returned home and at- tended school during the followino- winter In the spring of 1867 he bought his first land on section 28, Clinton Falls Township, where he has since lived, increasing his farm until he now has 180 acres of land, on which is a part of the Clinton Falls stone quarries. When Mr. Lindersmith first bought an inter- est in the stone quarries the other owners were David Lindersmith, A. B. Cornell, R. Sanborn and Mr. Ellis. In 1882 Orlando Lindersmith acquired the whole property. During the present summer (1887) he has employed twelve men, and taken out about 1,100 cords of stone. Mr. Lindei-smith was married July 13, 1872, to Miss Ellen Thom- son. They have seven children, as follows: Everett E., David li., Horold IL, Albert E.. Mary A., Samuel M. and Arthur. John T. Carter is a native of New York State, born in November, 1839. His fatiier, George Carter, was a native of London, Eng- land, and came to the United States in about 1835, settling in New York State. In 1850 they came Avest to Wisconsin, where thev remained until 1856, when they came to Steele County, Minn., and settlecl on section 36, in .the town of Clinton Falls. The father died there in the fall of 1869. The mother, who was formerly Margaret Henderson, is still living with her son, John T. Carter, in this township. George and Elizabeth Carter had a family of eleven children, seven of whom are still living, as follows : John T., George, Charles, Augustus, Wellington, Char- lotte and Matilda. Four of them are livino- in Steele Count\\ John T.Carter cast his first vote for Presi- dent Lincoln. On the 16th of September, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota A^olunteer Infantry, and partici})ated in the battles of Mill Springs, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and so on, with Sherman's army, un- til the fall of Atlanta. He did not receive a wound, and was honorably discharged No- vember 16, 1864. He then returned to Steele County and lived at Owatonna for four years. In 1868 he moved to his present farm, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married Novem- ber 29, 1868, to Miss Josephine P'isher. They have four children : Lillie A., Ella J., A. M. and Arthur J. Mr. Carter has been a prom- inent man in all townshij) and educational matters, and has held many offices of a local chai-acter. James Finch, deceased, came to Steele County, Minn., in 1856, and selected govern- ment land on sections 2S and 29 in what is now the town of Clinton Falls, where he lived until the time of his death, December 25, 1873. He took a prominent part in all public matters and was well and favorably known throughout the county. He was 316 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTT . county surveyor for a number of years, and when the postoffice at Chnton Falls was es- tablished, in the fall of 1856, he was appointed postmaster. The first marriaoe in Steele County took place at his house, the contract- ing parties being his daughter Lucretia and William Williamson. Mr. Finch's name ap- pears very frequently through these })ages. Cyrus Finch is a son of James and Minerva Finch, and was onl}' nine years of age wlien they settled in Steele County, in 185G. He remained at home until the fall of 1868, when ho went to Mower Countj' and taught school for a year. In tlie spring of 1869 he was married to Miss Martha Huston, and the same season went West on a prospecting tour. In 1871 lie went to Cottonwood County ajid located in Windom Townsliip. In the fall of 1873. on account of his father's failing health, he returned and has since oc- cupied the original homestead. In |)o]itical matters Mr. Finch is a Republican. He has taken an active part in public affairs, having held the office of county commissioner for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have three children, Maud, Blanch and Walter. Fyler D. Finch is also a son of James and Minerva Finch. He was born in Clinton County, N. Y., in May, 1843, and was, there- fore, thirteen years of age when his parents located in Steele Count3^ He remained with his parents until eighteen years old, when he began driving on the Burljank stage line, his route being chiefly between Owatonna and Faribault, and remained in that work for five years. He then for two seasons had ciiarge of tiie Clinton Falls saw- mills, and since that time has been engaged at carpenter work and other pursuits. Mi-. Finch was married August 9, 1863, to Miss Annie McCormick. They had two children : George W. and Minnie. George W. mai'- ried Miss Nettie Trace}' and now lives in thistownship. Minnie married FrankChurch. She died August 18, 1887, leaving a little girl, Frankie, and was buried in the Owa- tonna cemetery by the side of her husband, whose death occurred a few months pre- vious. Mrs. Finch died in March, 1868. Mr. Finch was again married, in April, 1870, to Miss Amelia Peavey. They have two boys : Arthui', born August 9, 1871. and Ernest, born May 12, 1875. A. J. Abbott, one of the prominent stock- raisers of Steele County, is a son of William and Lois (Sawyer) Abbott. He was born at Sanbornton, Belknap County, N. H., May 10, 1829. He lived with his parents until April, 1857, when he came to Steele County, Minn., and, in the fall of that year, settled upon liis ])i'esent farm on section 29, Clinton Falls Township. He remained there imtil December, 18(il, when he moved to Fari- bault, and engaged in the l)utchering busi- ness. In the spring of 1866 he settled in Medford Village, and remained there uiitd 1876, when he again located upon his farm, where he has since lived. He devotes his at- tention chieflj' to raising stock, and now has one of the finest herds of cattle in the State. Mr. Abbott was married April 18, 1853, to Miss Mary H. Pijier. who was born March 5 1830. Nine children have been born to them, as follows : Mary H., born Mai'ch 9, 1851 ; Ellen N., born October 21, 1855 ; Katie A., boi'n August 28,1857; William D., born July 13, 1859; Asa J., born September 12, 1861; Tinnie, born September 26, 1863; Lillian, born November 21, 1868, and Emma and Ella (twins), born August 23, 1871. All are living except three : Tinnie died October 18, 1865; Ella died September 17, 1872. and Emma died October 10, 1872, John Virtue was boi-n in Ireland in 1833. He first landed in America in the spring of 1852 and settled in Cohunbia County, N. Y. He remained there until the spring of 1859, when he came west to Steele County, Minn., and locnted on sections 23 and 24 in the town of Clinton Falls, where he has since lived, carrying on general farming and stock-rais- ing on an extensive scale. In 1855 he mar- ried Mary Dinan, who came west with him. They have six children living, as follows- HISTORY OF STEKLK COUNTY. 317 Dennis E.. born November 28, 1858; Willie J., born July IG, 1800; Leonard, born Api'il 2, 1865 ; Alice, born April 23, 1868 ; Emmett, born April 17, 1870, and Emma J., born Au- gust 23, 1874. Mr. \^irtue has 780 acres of land, making one of the largest and best farms in the county. He has taken an active part in public affairs, having filled the office of county commissioner and many offices of a local nature. William Gallea was born in Jefferson County, X. Y., November 19, 1829. His parents were James and PoUey (Beemis) Gallea. He lived with his parents until the spring of 1859, when he went to Wisconsin, where he remained four years, and then, in the fall of 1863, came to Steele Count}', Minn., and purchased his present farm on section 23, town of Clinton Falls. He has since lived upon his farm, now having 200 acres, most of which is under cultivation, and devotes considerable attention to raising- stock. His early life was spent upon the lakes, so that farming was resorted to foi' a change. He has been successful and is now one of the well-to-do citizens of the county. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Gallea enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was married January 25, 1852, before leaving New York State, to Miss Policy Gilbert. They have had the following children : James B., born September 28, 1854 ;WilliamG., born November 10, 1856 ; Eliza A., born November 4, 1860 ; Thomas A., born August 19, 1863 ; Bertha M., born November 18, 1866; Carrie B., born May 25, 1869 ; George B., born No- vember 23, 1872 ; Alice G., born February 22, 1875; Peter B., born March 8, 1879, and Pearl, born January 10, 1880. All of these are still living except Peter, who died May 29, 1879, and Eliza A., who died May 5, 1887. The latter had married W. Hanicerson, of Medford Township in 1881. T. H. Griffin was born in Chenango Coun- ty, N. Y., in 1836. He lived with his parents until twenty -one years of age, when he started in life for himself, following the occupation of a farmer until 1864, wlien lie enlisted in a Nevv York infantry regiment and entered the service. His company was in the front of Pe- tersbui'g all througii the winter of 1864-5, and was at Appomatox when Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant, and he witnessed the stacking of arms of Lee's army. On tiie morning of President Lincoln's funei'al they were ordered to Washington. They passed "grand re- view,"' and were among the first regiments to be discharged. Mr. Griffin arrived home in May, 1865, and in August stalled for Minne- sota, arriving here in September of the same year. He bought an interest in the Daniel Morrison estate on section 20, town of Clinton Falls, where he has since lived. He was mar- ried December 8, 1859, to Miss Fannie E. Brown. Four childi-en have been boi-n to them : Mark A., George T.. Sidney J. and Emma G. O. Eastman was born in Clinton, Kenne- bec County, Me., March 28, 1828. He re- mained with his parents, Henry and Lydia (Quigg) Eastman, until twelve years old when he began life for himself. At that time he began work for a man named John Hern and remained three years. From that time he followed various occupations. On the 22d of October, 1855, he was married to Miss Silvia C. Butler, at Aurora, Hancock County, Me. After this he lived in Ken- nebec Count}' until the fall of 1863, when he came to Steele County Minn., and settled at Medford. In the spring of 1866 he " took up " eighty acres of government land on sec- tion 26, Clinton Falls Township, where he has since lived, doing general farming and stock- raising. Mr. and Mrs. Eastman have seven children, as follows : Ituel S., born Febru- ary 19, 1856; Vesta M., born July 17, 1857; Yinal IL, born Sejitember 3, 18ii2; Lydia M., born May 27, 18()5 ; Robei't M., born March 27, 1868; Ambrose B., born Septem- ber 16, 1870, and Edna O., born June 22, 1881. All are living at home except Vesta M., who married Nathaniel Paul, of Clinton 318 HIStOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. Falls Towni5hip, Minn., July the 11th, 1877. Itichavd and Henry Cheeseman are na- tives of England, their jjarents being Eich- ard a'nd Maria (Early) Cheeseman. Richard was born in London, November 1, 1858. He was an engineer's draughtsman until tAvo years before coming to America, and was then in the employ of the A. W. Faber Pen- cil Co. On the 1st of May, 1880, he came to the United States and went to farming. A year later he purchased a part of their pres- ent farm on section 20, Clinton Falls Town- ship, and in 18S() added the northwest quar- ter of the same section, so their farm now comprises 225 aci-es. On the 15th of March, 1881, Richard was married to Miss Ella F. Duncan, a native of Chenango County, X. Y. Tliey have the following children : Henry, born November 25, 1881 ; Grace, born May 21, 1883; Florence, born Decern ber 25, 1884, and Asa born August 16, 1886. Henry Cheeseman was born in Kent County, England, April 5, 1861. He served an apprenticeship at the stone sculptor's trade and worked at it until he joined his brother, Richard, in Steele County, Minn., in February, 1882. He has since devoted his attention to their farm. Their father died in London, June 22, 1885. Their mother and sister, Sarah A., came from London in June, 1886, and are now living with them on the farm. lion. G. "W. Buffum, the present repre- sentative from Steele County in the Legisla- ture, is also a prominent citizen of Clinton Falls Township. A biographical sketch of his life is presented in chapter VIIL UUdj CHAPTER XXII. DEEEFIELD TOWNSHIP. EERFIELD forms the northwest corner of Steele County, witli Rice County on the north and AVaseca on the west, while on the east it is hounded by the townships of Med- ford and Clinton Falls, and on the south by Meriden. It embraces all of congressional township lOS, range 21, west ; a total acreage of about 23,040 acres. Its location is ver\' favoral^le in an agricul- tural point of view, being ten miles from the city of Faribault and onl\' seven from Owatonna, with the village of Medford within three miles, which affords a market and freighting facilities. The southwest portion of the town finds an easy and convenient market at Waseca, so that in almost an\^ direction the people maj' find a market for all their grain and produce at a very short distance from their doors. The soil for the most part is a deep clay loam, rich and very fertile in the production of all the small grains. The population of the town is made up of Gernums, Americans and Irish, with a few of other nationalities. There is a good supply of timber for fuel and fencing purposes. In the south part of the town is a belt of timber, bordering on Crane Creek, of about two miles in width, while it is but a short distance to the large timber belt of the Cannon and Sti'aight riv- ers on the east and north. In 1857 the township had a population of 192 persons; in 1885 this had grown to 863. ITEMS REGARDING EARLY SETrLERS AND PROM- INENT CITIZENS. The first settlement in this township was made about the 12th of May, 1855, by Ed- 19 I ward McCartney, who came from Elgin, 111., with his family of wife and three children and a brothei- of his wife. He located on the northwest quarter of section 8 and re- mained for al)out two years, when he sold out and returned to Illinois. He soon came back to Minnesota and located at Morris- town, in Rice County, but becoming discon- tented went to California, and after spending a time in the land of gold returned to Min- nesota, sold his projierty and emigrated to Cass CJounty, Neb. Other settlers soon fol- lowed Mr. McCartney into the town and a neighborhood was soon established. Within a year or .so later the following named all came and selected homes : Andrew Wertz- ler, Nicholas Stearns, Conrad Reineke, E. Crandall, John and James Condon, E. J. Lilly, H. Hodgson, Arthur McMillen, John H. Morse, Washington Morse, Charles Birch, Mr. Austin, L. Anderson, E. I. Stocker, Shephard Moses and others. During the Indian outbreak in 1862 nearly all the citizens left the township for safety, but returned within a few days. Coni-ad Reinelie was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, July 19, 1843. He lived there for ten years, then with his father and mother and two brothers. Chris- tian and Henry, came to the United States, landing at New York. They were eight weeks on the ocean, and encountered much stormy weather. Thej'^ went to Chicago, and for a j'ear and a half lived at Schonburg, Cook County, 111. In May, 1855, they all started with ox teams for Minnesota, and, af- ter a tedious journey of four weeks, landed at Conrad Reineke's present farm on section 7, Deertield Township. Several parties accom- 322 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. panied them, but most of them stopped on the praii'ie east of Faribault. Times were very hard during the first few years of the settlement. At first the}' went to St. Paul for supplies and market ; then to Hastings, but it took four days to make the trip. Tiie Indian troul)les also made matters worse, and (jnce the settlers were obliged to leave on ac- count of their hostility. Mr. Reineke's father died twenty-five years ago ; his mother is living at an advanced age with a younger brother at Morristown. Conrad Eeineke now has a fine farm of 408 acres, 180 of which is under cultivation ; has a commo- dious house, barn and other farm buildings, and devotes considerable attention to raising stock. Mr. Eeineke enlisted, in 1863, in Company F, Third Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry ; went to Arkansas ; was in several skirmishes in that vicinity ; did duty at Lit- tle Rock and DuvalFs Bluff ; and was in tlie Red River expedition. He was mustered out in 1865 on account of sickness. Mr. Reineke was married in 1865 to Miss Otelia Wilkowske. They liave nine children, as follows : Henr\', Anna, George. William, Albert, Louis, Ilulda, Ernst and Rudolf. Christian Reineke was born in Hanover, Germany, March 19, 18-16. In 1853 the family came to the United States, going by way of New York to Cook Count}', 111. From there, in 1855, they came to Steele County, Minn., and the father pi'eem])ted the "quarter section" in Deerfield Township now owned by Christian and Conrad Reineke. There were but very few settlers in this region at that time — many more Indians than whites. The Indians were very friendly up to the time of the outbreak, but during the out- break, at one time, nearly all the settlers left for safety. St. Paul first, and later, Hast- ings, were tiie trading places in early times. Christian Reineke was married in 1870 to Ernestine Turk. Mrs. Reineke's father died in the old country, but she has several sisters and brothers in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Reineke have the follow ine- children : Frede- rick, Edward, Wesley, Amelia, Christian, Ida, Arthur and Laura. Mr. Reineke now has a fine farm of 352 acres, a good share of which is under cultivation, and the build- ings are substantial. He devotes considera- ble attention to raising stock. James F. Brady was born in Canada, Aprd 2. ISiP. He came to Steele County, Minn., and located in the town of Deerfield, September 1, 1856, and has since been a res- ident. Mr. Brady was married Januar^'^ 7, 1873, to Louisa Parsons. They have five children, as follows: ('harles, James F., Alice M., George and Arthur. Mr. Brady is a supervisor of the townshi]) and has held various offices of importance. He has an excellent farm of 240 aci'es, the most of which is under cultivation. Mr. Brady's father, Charles Brady, is still living with James, at the advanced age of eighty -seven. The mother died Julv 20, 1885, atied eiirhtv- four. Mr. Bradj^ is mentioned frequently in this volume. Mrs. Margretta Lilly was born in Bucks County, Pa., Xovember 22, 1.S23. Her fathei- died August 24, 1844. Her mother lived in Indiana until the children were mar- ried, then went to Iowa and lived with hei" youngest daughter. She died at Brooklyn, Poweshiek Count}', Iowa, August 1, 1885. Mai'gretta was married to Elijah Lilly at New Lisbon, Henry County, Ind., July 30, 1840. In 1856 with ox teams they came through to Morristown, Minn., being some six weeks on the way. They were accom panied by Mr. Lilly's brother-in-law, niece and family. Mr. Lilly's earthly possessions at that time consisted of fifty cents in money, two yoke of oxen and a wagou. One yoke of oxen and the wagon weie traded for their claim of 160 acres. Mr. Lilly remained here until the time of his death January 3, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly were blessed with the following children : Samuel. George W., Joseph. Sarah Ann, Willie (deceased), David (deceased) and Tacy El- len (deceased). Mrs. Lilly's son, David, in HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 323 1864, enlisted in Company D, Third Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, and served princi- pally in Arkansas, being at Duvall's Bluff and Little Rock. He was finally taken sud- denly sick, and died, as was tliought by his comrades, from the effect of poison purposely administered by the hospital steward, a rebel sympathizer. Samuel was also in the service. He enlisted in Compan}' G, First Minnesota Infantry, and served three years, being in the army of the Potomac. He participated in many battles and skirmishes and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, where his canteen saved him from lieing killed. Sarali Ann was married June 29th, 1881, to G. W. Lewis, of Deerfield, and they are liv- ing on the farm with Mrs. Lilly. They liave two children. Myrtle M. and Xellie M. One incident in the histor}^ of Mr. Lilly's ancestry is worthy of mention. His grand- father when quite a small boy, together with about a dozen others, was stolen from Eng- land and brought to America. Being with- out money, when they arrived in Maryland they were sold to service for their passage. He was so small he could not tell where they came from. Rudolph Eisert was born in the town of Deerfield, Steele County, Minn., March 8, 1862. His parents were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1859, land- ing at New York, and coming to Steele Coun- ty the same year from Milwaukee. Tliey came with ox teams, and were six weeks on the way. Once, in 1862, they were obliged to leave on account of the Indian outbreak, but came back the next day. For three years after coming here they rented a farm, and then bought the present place on section 6. The father died November 3, 1886. Rudolph Eisert was married March 25, 1886, to Miss Amelia Saufferor, whose parents reside in Waseca Count\^ They have one child, an infant bo}'. Mr. Eisert lias 200 acres of land, 100 of which is under a high state of cultiva^ tion. He has fine buildings upon the farm. H. Lamson was born at Maria, Rensselaer County, N. Y., June 23, 1825. He lived there one year ; then, in company with his parents and sister, moved to Cavendish,Windsor Coun- ty, Vt., where he remained until he was twenty- one 3'ears of age. Mr. Lamson then moved to Ru-tland County, Vt., living there ten years, after which he removed to Fall River, Cohimbia Count}', Wis. He enlisted in Com- pany B, Seventh Regiment (Columbia County Cadets), under Capt. Huntington. He par- ticipated in the second battle of Bull Bun, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and all the battles with Grant in the Wilder^, ness, and was mustered out on the 19th of August, 1864, having been in the meantime transferred to the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin. Mr. Lamson was married, Marcli 7, 1849, to Miss Hannah P. Chamberlain. They had four children ; Carrie M., Sarah Celestine (now Mrs. Lincoln), Emma Louisa (deceased) and Henry H. Mrs. Sarah Lamson died, and Mr. Lamson subsequently married again, iiis second wife being formerly Miss Lucretia C. Williamson. Mr. Lamson now has a fine farm of 234 acres, a good share of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has good buildings and a comfortable home. He has taken an active interest in public matters, and has filled many offices of importance. He is the present chairman of the townsliip l)oard, having held that office for four terms. He has also been justice of the peace and as- sessor. Mr. Lamson has been a resident of Deerfield Toivnship for over twenty years. Henry H. Lamson was born in Sherburn, Vt., August 21, 1854. He came west with his parents to Wisconsin, and attended the high school at Fall River in that State for several years. From there he came with his parents to Minnesota. Mr. Lamson was mar- ried November 8, 1877, to Miss Olive L. Glines. Her parents were former residents of Vermont, but now live in Rice County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Lamson have no ciiil- dren of their own, but have taken an orphan girl, Abbie Wheeler, whom they love as a daughter. Mr. Lamson purchased his present 324 HISTORY OF STEELE COIINTY. farm, which consists of eighty acres, in De- cember, 1875. Half of the farm is under -a good state of cultivation. Mr. Lamson takes an active interest in all public and educa- tional matters and is the present treasurer of school district No. 75. Julius Busho, one of Steele County's most substantial and thrift}' farmers and stock- raisers, was born February 4, 1844, in Prussia, Germany, where he lived for fifteen years with his parents, who died before he came to America. In 1859, in company with liis brother-in-law, Julius Popke, and wife, lie came to the United States, landing in New York. He then came west to Prince- ton, Marquette County, "Wis., where for sev- ei'al years he worked upon farms. In 1864 he enlisted in the regular service (cavalry branch) and was sent with other recruits to Carlisle Barracks, Pa., foi- drill. He re- mained at the barracks only a few days, when he with others from there were trans- ferred to the Third Regular (Cavalry, which was at St. Louis. From the latter jilace the regiment was ordered to Little Rock, Ark., from there to Fort Smith, and later, across the plains to Santa Fe, N. M., where the regiment was divided and distributed for detached service at the several frontier posts. Col. Howe was the regular officer in com- mand, but, as he was temporarily absent. Col. Hall assumed command. Mr. Busho was finally discharged at Santa Fe, in 1807, upon the expiration of his term of service. Thesolicitor and writer of this sketcii (J. W. Coa])man) hapjiily and unex])ectedly found this comrade very nieel\' enjoying an ai)uu- dance of the comforts of this life, upon one of the finest farms in the State, and pos- sessed of an unusual amount of landed and personal property, a noble wife, and a fam- ily of bright ciiildren. We enlisted in the army at about the same time, at the .same recruiting office at Madison, Wis., but were separated at Carlisle Barracks, he going to the Third Regiment, and I being transferred to the permanent company at the barracks. When Mr. Busho came to Minnesota, he first located at Wilton, in Waseca County, where he remained two years. He then moved to his present farm on section 30, Deerfield Township, where he has since lived. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Lydia Fie, of Pennsylvania. They liave the following children : Charles, John, Eddie, Fred., WiUiam, Elmer and Mary, all of whom are living at home. Mrs. Busho's father and mother are living at Morristown, Minn. Mr. Buslio has taken an active inter- est in all matters pertaining to the welfai-e of the townshi]), and is one of the leading farmers of Steele Count}'. He lias been school district treasurer for six years, and has held various other local offices of impor- tance. He has 400 acres of land, about 200 of which is under good cultivation, and has a large amount of stock. A portr.iit of Mi-. Busho will be found in this volume. H. Hodgson, deceased, was one of the old settlers of Steele County. He was born at High Crosby, County Cumberland, England, January 19, 1814, and lived in his native country until 1843, when he came to the L^nited States, landing at New York. From there he went successively to New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and in the last named States remained for a short time, aftt^r which became west. In 1861 he made a claim of 160 acres in the town of Deer- field, Steele County, Minn., where he lived until the time of his death, in July, 1887. He had taken an active part here, having held at different times the offices of supervi- sor, treasurer, justice of tlie peace and vari- ous school district offices. Mr. Hodgson was married in 18?>ti to Miss Rebecca Smith- son, of Cumberland County, England. She died February 19, 1865, leaving eight chil- dren, as follows: Richard, Elizabeth, AVill- iain, Jennie, Hetherington, Thomas, Mary and Sarah R. Mr. Hodgson was again mar- I'ied, in February, 1867, to Lucy Anna Evens, who still survives him. William Fehmer was born at Mecklen- HISTORY OK STEELE COUNTV. 325 burg-Schwerin, Germany, May 14, 1841. He lived in his native town until eighteen years of age, when with his father, mother and four sisters he came to America. Two brothers, Henry and John, had preceded them. The family landed in New York City in 18*31, and pushed westward to Wau- kesha Count}', Wis., where his father and mother remained with one of their sons on a rented farm. William worked at differ- ent places. In October, 1867, he located upon his farm (m section 9, Deerfield Town- ship, Steele County, Minn., where he has since lived. AYhen crossing the ocean, Mr. Fehmer states that thej' were eight weeks and two days on the way, encountering very rough weather and many icebergs. In 1863 he was married to Amelia Bobzein, in Waukesha County, Wis. They have six children living, as follows : Caroline, George, Hattie, Albert, Amelia and Bennie. Five children have died : Josephine, Carl, Will- iam, Edward and Arthur. Mr. Fehmer's father died July 2, 1880, at William's resi- dence, his age being eighty-two years. His mother died in Deerfield Township July 26, 1887, aged eighty -three. William Fehmer has a most desirable farm of 160 acres, 100 of which is under cultivation and has fine farm buildings. August Hoffmann was born in Prussia, April 1, 1841. He lived there until he was twelve years of age, when he came with his father's family to America. They landed at New York City, and came west to Wiscon- sin, locating on a farm near Sauk City. They remained there for eleven years when they moved to Steele County, Minn., and located upon their present farm on section 26, town of Deerfield, which has since been their home. The father is still living, with August's family, but the mother died in 1875. The father was a soldier in the regu- lar service in the old country. August Hoffmann was married in Wisconsin, in 1866, to Miss Augusta Radel. They have six living children, as follows : Julius, Ame- lia, Matilda, Herman, Yetta and WiUiam. They have lost five children by death, as follows: Minnie, Gusta, Amel, Bertha and Ida. J\lr. Hoffmann has a good farm of 240 acres, 120 of which is under cultivation. He has held the office of town supervisor, and is the present treasurer of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of Steele County, Minn. Christian Yust was born in Switzerland, January 8, 1843. He lived there for three years, and then with his parents came to the United States. They landed at New Orleans, and from tliere took a boat up the Mississippi River to Galena. 111. They remained upon a farm in Illinois for seventeen years. The father died in 1850. The mother lived with the children, finally married a second time, and died in Deerfield Township in 1880. Christian Yust first settled on section 28 upon coming here, but is now on section 13. He has a good farm of eighty acres, sixty of which is under cultivation. Mr. Yust's first wife was Miss Mary Jane Meinder. They were married at Lansing, Iowa. By this mar- riage they had nine children, as follows : George, Elizabeth, William, Caroline, Min- nie, Peter, Herman, Josephine and Harvey. His first wife died in Deerfield Township in 1880. Some time later, Mr. Yust married Ernestine Putzke. This union has been blessed with three children : Emma, Anna and Ella. Mr. Yust has been ])rominent in township affairs. He has held the office of town clerk eight years, assessor three years and justice of the peace three years. EARLY EVENTS. The first birth in the township was a daughter in the family of Mr. Hobaugh, who lived on section 26. This occurred in September, 1856. She was christened Car- oline Hobaugh. The first death was that of a Miss Austin, a young lady of some seventeen or eighteen years of age. The first marriage in Deerfield Township was that of Stephen Birch to Precilla Coe. 326 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. The ceremony was performed in June, 1858, at the residence of the bride's father, by Washington Morse, a justice of the peace. Another earl}'^ marriage was that of W. B. Evans to Miss Frederica C. Williams, June 16, 1859, by 'Squire Morse. The first school in the town was taught in the summer of 1857, by Miss Elizabeth Hodg- son. The first religious service in the township was held at the funeral of Mrs. Anderson, and was conducted by Eev. Washington Morse, a minister of the Seventh-day Advent creed, who took the occasion to enlighten his audience as to the particular and distinct- ive tenets of his religious views. OFFICIAL. The territory which now comprises Deer- field, when first associated with an organized township became a part of Owatonna Town- ship, which was created August 1, 1855, em- bracing all of the west two-thirds of Steele County as it is now formed. On the 25th of August, 1855, a change was made, creating Medford Township, which included all of the present townships of Deerfield, Clinton Falls and Medford. Thus it remained, so far as Deerfield was concerned, until the 6th of April, 1857, when Deerfield Township was created of township 108, range 21. It was reorganized, however, in the spring of 1858, and the organization has since been main- tained. CHAPTER XXIII. 47^ MEKIDEN TOWNSHIP. EKIDEIN' Township is (-omposed of township 107, range 21, forming one of the western tier of townships. It is bounded on the north by Deerfleld Townsliip, on the south by Leinond Township, on the east by Owatonna Town- ship, and on the west by Wa- seca County. Tiie surface of this township is wholly made up of a rolling prairie, interspersed with oak openings. Crane Creek flows through the northern part, on its Avay to Straight liiver. The southern portion of the town- ship is, or at least was originally, covered to some extent with oak openings, while the north and central portions are made up of as fine prairie land as can be found in the State. The population of this township in 1857 was about 193. This has steadily in- creased until at the time of the last census, in 1885, it had reached 833. ITEMS OF INTEREST EEGAEPING EARLY SETfLEES AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. The first settlement in this township, it is claimed, was made in June, 1855, by A. M. Fitzsimmons, who located on section 36. A. C. Harris also came during the same year and settled in the northeastern part of the township, where he still lives. Among others who came during that year and the year or two immediately following were : C. H. Wdker and family, including his sons John H. and Conrad H. Wilker ; Lysander House, Anton Shultz, William Shultz, Henry Abbe, William Mundt, John Drinking, F. J. Stevens, John Wuamett, Thomas Andrews, David House, A. F. Tracy and others. The settlement j^rogressed rapidly until aU of the government land in the township was taken, and the early settlers here, as in other portions of the county, underwent many hard- ships and disadvantages. L}'sander House, an early ]uoneer, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., May 31, 1833. His parents, Daniel and Catherine (Nestle) House, were natives of New York. Thej'' had ten children : David, Henry (deceased), Betsie, George, Ann (deceased), Jackson, Lysander, S3dvester (deceased) and Edwin (deceased). Ann married Richard Whitlock, a native of New York. Their home was in Minneapolis. Ann died in June, 1887. Jack- son married Miss Lucy Strong. George married Clarissa Ackerman. Betsie mar- ried Mr. Peter Palmer. David resides in Meriden Township. Susan died in January, 1876. At the age of twenty-one, Lysander started out for himself. His parents came to St. Paul, Minn., in 1851, where they remained three years. Then, in 1855, they removed to Steele County, locating in Meriden Township on section 34, where they resided until the time of their death, the father dying Janu- ary 10, 1873, the mother dying July 6, 1878. Our subject located on section 26, Meriden Township, where he still resides, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. House was married November 20, 1865, to Miss Phylenia Pierce, who died May 10, 1867. Mr. House later married Mrs. Sarah C. Gotham, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., November 29, 1837, her first husband having died in 1865. Mrs. House had one child by her first husband, Calvin Henry, born June 25, 1860, and died May 11, 1882. Mr. House is a Democrat in poli- tics, and one of Meriden's most prominent men. 328 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTT. John H. Wilker is a native of Iowa. He was born August 17. 1852. His parents, riiristopher and Louisa (Ribbei Wilker, were natives of Prussia. They had ten children, four of whom are dead. His parents, after coming to America, located in Ohio, where they remained a short time. They then re- moved to Clayton County, Iowa. In 1855 they came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Meriden Township, where they remained un- til 1879; then retired from farming and moved to Owatonna, where they still reside. Mr. Wilker, our subject, began life for himself when twenty -one years of age, locating in Meriden Township, on section 27, where he is still engaged in farming. Mr. Wilkei- was married to Miss Amelia Welk, who was born March 18, 185(5. They had six children, four of whom are dead. John, born June 19, 187H, and Albert, born February 4, 1S78, are the only living children. Mr. Wilker is a Repub- lican in politics, and is a member of the Lu- theran Church. He was elected side supervisor in 1882 and held that office one year, after which he was chairman of the board for three years. In 1879 he was elected clerk of school district 39, which office he held for three years. John O. Wuamett, one of Steele County's most extensive farmers and stock-raisers, Avas born in Montreal, Canada, December 20, 1830. His parents, John and Mary (Barrel)Wuamett were also natives of Canada. They had four children : Anton, Ralph, Sophia and John. The father died in Canada in 1864. When thirteen years of age John O. Wuamett started out for himself, clerking in a store in Canada for five years; then went to Connect- icut, where he also remained five years. He then returned to Canada, remaining one win- ter, thence to Champaign County, 111., where he was engaged in farming until 1856, when he came to Steele County, Minn., locating on section 3, in Meriden Township. Mr. Wua. ■ mett has at present 500 acres of land on sec- tions 2, 3, 10, 16 and 27 and does an extensive farming and stock-raising business. He was mai'ried March 30, 1865, to Miss Sarah Glo- ver, who was Ijorn in Greene County, Wis.. April 22, 1848. Hei' parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois. There were seven children in her father's family. Mr. Wua- mett and wife have five children : Ellen, born Febi-uary 14, 1866; Ida, born June 15, 1869 (died January 20, 1871) ; Frank, born August 16, 1871 ; Clara, born July 10, 1875, and Clif- ford, born August 13, 1879. Mr. Wuamett is a Republican in politics. He has been chairman of the board of supervisors for some four years ; has also been town treasurer, town assessor, school directoi' anil county commis- sioner. Thomas Andrews, deceased, was born in Columbia, Ohio, Febiaiary 20, 1829. His par- ents were natives of Ireland and New Hamp- shire. Mr. Andrews came to Minnesota in 1854, locating in St. Paul. In 1856 he came to Steele County and settled on section S, in Meriden Township, whei'e he engaged in gen- eral farming and stock raising. Mr. Andrews was married May 19. 1856, to Miss Margret Blong, who was born in Ireland March 29, 1836. The result of this union was seven children : Cleos Francis, born July 25, 1857 ; Mary Ellen, born October 11, 1858 ; Robert Stewart, born January 19, I860; James Wat- son, born July 22, 1867 ; Jennie R., born Au- gust 25, 1869; Arthur Thomas, born Febru- ar\' 23, 1870, and Clarence Centennial, born July 4, 1876. Cleos Francis was killed in the" " St. Cloud Cyclone," April 14, 1886. He had been a member of the Baptist Ciuircii for five years. Robert was married November 20, 1881 to Miss Ellen Safford. They reside near Fergus Falls, Minn. They have three children : Margret Maud, William and Ellen. The rest of the children are liv- ing at home. Mr. Andrews died May 4, 1887, and was l)uried in the Owatonna cemetery. He was a Republican in politics, and was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him. He had held the office of school director two years. David House was l)orn in New York, HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. 329 January 15, 1821. His parents were also natives of New York. Mr. House came to Minnesota in April, 1857. locating at once on section 27, Meriden Township, Steele Count}-, engaging in farming and the raising of stock. Mr. House was married Septem- ber 29, 1844, to Miss Sarah Chapin, who was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., January 10, 1822. Her i)arents. Gad and Sally (Kellsy) Chapin, being natives of the same State. There were live children in her mother's family : Cloe, Anna, Eri and Sarah, the last named iiaving been named aftei' a. sister who had died. Anna and Sarah are still living. Anna married David Stoddard (deceased). She was married to her second husband, John A. Tiobbins, a^ native of New York. Mr. House and wife had two chil- dren : El win, born March 8, 1851, and Lavonzo, born in April. 1856. Elwin mar- ried Miss Dorothy Bunyon, a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y.' They are located in Yellow Medicine County, Minn. Lavonzo marrietl Miss Lizzie Eoss, who was born in Ohio, November 20, 1853. Her parents, Reese G. and Susan (Mattox) Eoss, were na- tives of Pennsylvania. They are both dead. Our subject, Mr. House, is a Eepublican in politics. He was elected school director of district 29 at an early day, and hekl tlie office for ten years. He has also been clerk of district for five years. He is a prominent citizen of the township. Joseph Grandprey, one of the pioneer set- tlers of Steele County, was born in Canada, April 22, 1818. His parents, Alexander and Margaret (Genereux) Grandprey, were also natives of Canada. Joseph Grandprey be- gan life for himself wlieii twenty-two years old. In 1857 he came to Steele County, Minn., first locating in Lemond Township. From there he removed to Meriden Town- ship, settling on section 22, where he still lives, engaged in general farmino; and stock- raising. Mr. Gi'andprey was married Sep- tember 15, 1844, to Miss Marinda Middaugh, who was born in New Yorlc, in November, 1824. The result of this union was seven children: Sarah E., Andrew M., Mary A., Eose E., John E., Samuel E. and Fannie M. Mr. Grandprey is a Eepublican in' politics. He has held the office of school clerk and school treasurer of district No. 43, and at pi'esent holds the office of justice of the peace. Eobert Anilrews was born in Columbia, Ohio. May 2, 1 834. His parents, William and Ellen (Watson) Andrews, were natives of Ireland and New Hampshire. They are both dead. There were four childi'en in the father's family : Francis, Eebecca, James and Eobert. The subject of this sketch, Eobert Andrews, began life for himself at the age of thirteen, working-out on a farm for two years. Then he went to Poland, Ohio, where he worked in a mill for three years. He was then in the lightning-rod business for Baker & Co., of Cincinnati, for two summers, and finally came to Minnesota, locating in St Paul, where he remained for nine years. He came to Steele County, April 1, 1865, and settled in Meriden Town- ship, on section 4, where he still resides, en- gaged in general farming. Mr. Andrews was married October 21, 1858, to Miss Lou- isa Baseman, who was born in Germany, February 19, 1838. They have three chil- dren : Emma, Archie and Helen, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Andrews is a Ee- publican in politics. J. D. Backus, farmer residing on secticm 12, Meriden Townshij), Steele County, was born in Washington Count}', N. Y., May 9, 1843. His parents, John and Electa (Cong- don) Backus, were natives of Connecticut and New York. His father was born July 16, 1793, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother was born March 1, 1803. There were fourteen children in the family. He. in company with his parents, came to Steele County, Minn., in 1866. The parents located on section 12, Meriden Township, remaining there one year and then retired, moving to Owatonna, where they remained 330 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. until the time of their deaths, the father dy- ing November 1, 1878; the mother dying November 18, 1884. Our subject enlisted Au- gustus, 1862, in tlie One Hundred and Twen- ty-third New York Infantry, and was dis- charged June 8, 1805, having been under Capt. Anderson. He was in the following battles : Ciiancellorsville, Gettysburg, Dal- ton, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw. Peach Creek. Ayersboro and Bentonville. After being discharged Mr. Backus went to New York, where he re- mained a few montlis. then returned to Steele County, where lie has since lived. October 27,1867, he was married to Miss Emma G. King, who was born in Maine, November 27, 18-17. They have three chil- dren : Carrie E., born December i, 1869 : Flora E., born July 16, 1871, and Electa L., born December 9, 1880, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Backus is a Republican in politics. He has been justice of the peace, school director, and clerk of school district No. 10, and is at present one of the town supervisors. William F. Hobbins. town clerk, and one of Meriden's most prominent farmers, was born in Gloucester, England, October 1-1, 1839. His parents were also natives of England. His mother died when he was three years of age, leaving two children, Ella and him- self. His father came to America, locatino- in Wisconsin, where he married his second wife. Ella was married to Mr. Jeffers, a na- tive of England. Mi'. Hobbins first located in Milwaukee, Wis., after coming to Amer- ica, where he remained for some time. May 1,1866, he came to Steele County, Minn., locating on section 35, Meriden Township, where he still lives, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. September 18, 1862, Mr. Hobbins was mari-ied to Miss Rosaltha Reynolds, who was born in Wis- consin, September 18, 1844. Her parents were natives of Mew York, and were farm- ers. Tiiere were seven children in her moth- er's family. Mr. Hobbins and wife have nine children, as follows : Loretta, born Sep- tember 17, 1865 ; Nellie, born November 8, 1867; Emma, born August 14, 1869 ; Cora, born August 22, 1 871 ; Zada, born August 9, 1873 ; Fred., born September 30, 1876 ; Jes- sie, born February 22, 1879 ; Nettie, born April 23, 1881, and Lura, born x\})ril 24, 1883, all of whom are single, and six reside at home. Mr. Hobbins is a Democrat in pol- itics. He has been on the board of super- visors two years ; was assessor for eight 3'ears, and was clerk of school district No. 36 some seventeen years. In the spring of 1887 was elected town clerk, Avhich office he still holds. Herman Rosenau was born in Germany, November IS, 1843. His parents, Godfred and Anna (Stendel) Rosenau, were natives of Germany. There were nine children in his fathers family : August, Minnie, Fred., Caroline, Hattie, Herman, Rudolpii, Gus. and William. In May, 1866, Herman Rose- nau came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Meriden Township, on section 18, where he remained one year, then moved to sec- tion 21, in the same township. On February 6, 1865, Mr. Rosenau enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, being under Capt. James P. Allen, of Company L, He was discharged September 15, 1865. He went to Faribault, Minn., wliere he remained a few months, and then came to Steele County, Meriden Township, where he has since resided, engaging in farming and stock- raising. Mr. Rosenau has been twice mar- ried. First on November 24, 1866, to Miss Augusta Welk, who was born in German}-, June 14, 1850. Mrs. Rosenau died February 15, 1880, and was buried in Meriden Town- ship. Slie left tliree children : Albert, born May 11, 1868; Milie, born October 11, 1869, and Hattie, boi'ii June 17, 1871. Mr. Rose- nau was mari'ied to his second wife, Miss Ot- telie Zellmer, October 24, 1880. They have three children : Ottelia, born September 18, 1881 ; Elda, born January 2, 1884, and Ar- thur, born March 19, 1886. Mr. Rosenau is HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. .sni a Republican in politics. In 1870 he was elected school district treasurer of No. 43, which office he held for three years; was elected in 1886 as one of the board of super- visors, Avhich office he still holds. Mr. Eose- nau and family are members of the Luther- an Church. Lewis Reiter, a farmer residing in Meriden Township, was born in Germany, October 16, 1836. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Reiter) Reiter, were also natives of Ger- many. Lewis, in company with his parents, came to America in June. 18.54, remaining for some time in New York and Wisconsin. In 1868 he came to Steele County, locating in Havanna Township, where our subject re- mained a year or two. He then removed to section 13, Meriden Township, where he still resides. In 1865 Mr. Reiter was married to Miss Julia Heller, who was born in Germany, August 7, 1845. They have seven children, as follows : Emma, born July 17, 1866 ; Ma- tilda, born October 13, 1867 ; Albert, born March 1, 1869 ; Edward, born February 28, 1871 ; Bertie, born January 10, 1873 ; Sophia, born February 29, 1876, and August, born June 21, 1884. Emma was married October 15, 1885, to Chas. Finger, a native of Wis- consin. They have one child, Louisa, born December 24, 1886. Mr. Reiter is a Demo- crat in politics. In 1882 he was elected school director of district 34 and still holds the office ; was also elected road overseer in the spring of 1887. Mr. Reiter and family are members of the Lutheran Church. Carl Radke, came to Steele Count}', Minn., in 1868. He was born in Prussia, Januarj^ 23, 1845. His parents, William and Charlotte Radke, were also natives of Prussia. Their family consisted of seven children, all of whom are dead with the exception of Carl our subject. He, in company with his parents, came to America in 1868, locating in Michi- gan for a few months. In May, 1869, they removed to Steele County, locating in Owa- tonna, where the}^ remained for si.x years. Carl Radke is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 13, in Meriden Town- ship, having removed here from Owatonna city. In November, 1868, he was married to Miss Caroline Grunz, who was born in Prussia, December 8, 1844. They have five children : Olga, born August 8, 1869 ; Lewis, born February 10, 1872 ; Anna, born April 3, 1874; Carl, born January 19, 1876, and Martha, boi-n August 9, 1879. All of the children live at home. Mr. Radke is a Repub- lican in politics. In 1880 he was elected school district treasurer of No. 43, which office he still holds. Mr. Radke and family belong to the Lutheran Church. G. Bosshard, farmer, residing on section 2, Meriden Township, was born in Switzerland, February 15th, 1841. His parents were also natives of Switzerland. His father's family consisted of the following children: Elizabeth, Godfred, Gustaf and Emihe. Gus- taf is engaged in farming in Dodge County, Minn. He was married when a young man to Miss Katie Solmey. They have four children : Emma, Ada, George and Eddie. Emilie married Alfred Beardon. They have three children. Their present home is in Wisconsin. Gertrude was married in May, 1878. Elizabeth was married to Mr. Al- fred Gattiker. They have three children : Emma, Edwin and William. In December, 1866, Mr. Bosshard, our subject, was married to Miss Fredericke Wolf, who was born in Germany, July 19, 1849; she died January 19, 1876, leaving five children, as follows : Herman, born June 23, 1868 ; Bertha, born November 7, 1869 ; Louisa, born March 7, 1872 ; Fred, born June 13, 1874, and Max, born March 13, 1876. February 12, 1877, Mr. Bosshard married his second wife. Miss Caro line Theile, who was born in Germany, May 4, 1841. They have one child, Armin, Avho was born November 25, 1878. Miss Bertha was married May 16, 1887, to Mr. Louis Kuchenbecker. They also live in Meriden Township. Mr. Bosshard is a Republican in pohtics. Thomas Kujawa, who resides on section 2, 332 HISTORY OF STEELE COCNTT. Meriden Township, was born November 11, 1852. He came to America in 1869, locat- ing in Indiana, where he remained seven \^ears. He then went to Chicago and worked in a tannery for a few months, and then came to Steele County, Minn., and began working on a farm. He was then engaged in the saloon business for one year. Mi'. Kujawa was married April 23, 1877, to Miss Antonna E. Granoski, a native of Prussiii, now deceased. He married his second wife, November 11, 1878. She was a Miss Con- stancy Schymanski, who is also deceased. On January K), 1887, ^Mr. Kujawa was mar- ried to his present wife, formerly Miss Mary Nowaczeski, a native of Prussia. Mr. Ku- jawa has five children : Ilosalia, Celia, Wlad- islaw, Simon and Alex. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Catholic Church, as is also his family. Mr. Kujawa has been engaged in farming since he quit the saloon business in Owatonna, having moved from Owatonna to his present farm in Meriden Township. August Grunz was liorn in Germany, January 27, 1852, his jjarents, Daniel and I^ouisa (Manke) Grunz, both being natives of German}-. There were si.x children in his father's family : Lena, Huldena. August, Charley, Huldaand Tilda. Ilulda died Sep- tember 1, 18f>3, and Tilda died when three years of age. The famil}' came to America in 1873, coming to Steele County, Minn., and locating in Owatonna, where they lived for fourteen years. They then moved to Meriden Township, buying the northeast- quarter of section 24, where they have since lived, engaging in farming. December 27, 1871, our subject, August Grunz, was mar- ried to Miss Ulrike Taske, who was born in Germany, July 2.5, 1851. They have six children : Herman, born November 28, 1872 ; Mai-y, born ]\[arch 19, 1874; Gusta. born May 17, 1879 ; Charles, born April 21, 1882; Frank, born August 22, 1884, and an infant, iioy Ijorn September 2, 1887. Mr. Grunz is a Democrat in politics. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. Henry Stendel was born in Germany, October 30, 1845. He came to Steele County, Minn., in 1874, locating on section 15, in Meriden Township, where he has since lived. He carries on a general farming and stock-raising business. Mr. Stendel was married February 1, 1874, to Miss Sophia Oldenfendt, who was born in Germany, July 4, 1855. Her parents, Fred, and Caro- line (Reiter) Oldenfendt, were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1869, locating in Clayton County, Iowa, where they remained five years. They then came to Steele County, locating in Meriden Town- ship. The father has since died. Mr. Sten- del and wife have four children : Minnie, born December 2, 1875 (died November 17, 1884, and was buried in Meriden Cemetery); Herman, born January 4, 1878; Louis, born December 2, 1880, and John, born Septem- ber 2, 1885. Mr. Stendel and family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stendel is a Democrat in political jnatters. Norman G. Seely, farmer, came to Steele County, Minn., June 10, 1875, locating on' section 14, Meriden Township. He was born in New York, November 18, 1842. His parents, John D. and S3'bil (Gilmore) Seelj^, were natives of New York and Vermont. His father wasl)orn July 25, 1801, in Orange County, N. Y. His mother was born August 1, 1807, in Vermont. There were nine chil- dren in his mother's famiW : Agnes, John D., Thankful, Mial W., Sarah A., Norman G., Lura D., Emba J. and Laura E. John D., died June S, 1875 ; Emba J. is also de- ceased. Norman G. Seelj' was married Nov- ember 19, 1882, to Miss Lura E. Francis, who was born in Wisconsin, Ajiril 30, 1853. Mr. Seely has a fine farm of 200 acres, and is one of the prominent men of the town- ship. He is a Democrat in political matters. C. W. McVicker was born in Miami County, Ohio, December ]8, 1843. His parents, Archibald and Susan (Custer) Mc- HISTORY OK STEELE COUNTV. 333 Vicker, were natives of Virginia. Tlieir family consisted of ten children : John D., George D., Elizabeth A., Mary C, Martha J., William H., Joseph P., Margaret S., Robert O. and Charles W. The parents are both deceased; the father died August 12, 1869. The mother died in August, 1878. When twenty-one years of age, C. W. Mc- Vicker started out in life for himself. He engaged in farming in Marshall County, 111., for twelve years and on September 20, 1877, he came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Owatonna, where he remained for one year. He then moved to section 12, Meriden Town- ship, where he lives at the present time, en- gaged in farming. Mr. McViclcer was mar- ried on February i, 1867, to Miss Dorcas Johnson, who was born in Ohio, August 24, 18-12. They have thi-ee children : Allen, born December 12, 1869 ; Mabel, born December 2-t, 1876, and Pearl, born March 12, 1880, all of whom reside at home. Mr. McVicker is a Republican in politics ; has been school di- rector of district 55 for four years ; was elected road supervisor in 1879 and served two years, and has held various other local positions. FIEST EVENTS. The first birth in the townshij) was that of a daughter of Mr. C. H. Wilkerand wife, which occurred in March, 1856. The child grew up to womanhood, and is now Mrs. John Scholljerdes, of Lemond Township. The first marriage in this neighborhood was that of W. T. Drum to Miss Roxie Hen- shaw, which took place at the residence of Austin Vinton, just across the line in Waseca County, September 2-i, 1856, Rev. H. Chapin of Owatonna, performing the ceremony. Oxen were used in conveying the guests to and from the party. Anotlier early mai'- riage, and probably the first within the limits of the township, was that of Daniel Root to Rebecca Williams. The first death was that of Edwin House, which occurred May 3, 1858. It is thought that the next was that of Mr. Simmons, a son-in-law of Mr. Fitzsimmons, the first set- tler of the township. lie was killed by light- ning while sitting in his house, in the sum- mer of 1858. Another early death was that of Andrew Cook. The first school in the township was taught in the summer of 1857, by Miss Leroy, a daughter of Henry Lero}'. One of the first schoolhouses in the township was erected in 1857 by the citizens, on the north- east corner of section 10, now in district No. 52. At about the same time a log school- house was built on section 30. There are now six school districts in the township. The first religious service was held at the house of Mr. Wilker, in the summer of 1857, by a German Methodist preacher. ORGANIZATION. When Steele County was organized in August, 1855, the territory of which Meri- den is now formed became a part of Owa- tonna Township. It remained thus until the 6th of April, 1857, when the board of county commissioners set off and authorized the or- ganization of township 107, range 21, as Meriden. The organization, however, was not fully perfected until the sjiring of 1858. Among those who were prominent in official matters in earh' days, and who filled the most important of the township offices were: F. J. Stevens, A. F. Tracy, Samuel Reemsny- der, J. O. Wuamett, T. P. Jackson, E. L. Scoville, AV. F. Drum, W. T. Drown, Joseph Grandprey, Henry Leroy, E. L. Crosby, Robert Stevenson, L. G. Green. The present officers of the township are as follows : Supervisors, Fred. Walter, chair- man, J. D. Backus and H. Rosenau: treas- urer, F. W. Goodsell ; clerk, William F. Hobbins; constable, Henry Stendel ; justices of the peace, Joseph G. Grandprey and F. W. Goodsell : assessor, R. G. Rosenau. CHAPTER XXIV. OWATONNA TOWNSHIP. a great extent the early histoi'v of this township is identical with that of the city. The township includes territory in township 107, range 20, but the incorpo- rate limits of the city embrace nine sections of land in this congressional township, leaving only twenty-seven sections for the civil township. Straight River travei-ses the townshi]) from south to north, and is skirted bj' a moderately heavy body of timber. The land, away from the region of the river, is made up generally of oak openings and rolling prairie, dotted with schools and residences, and diversified by the many groves which have been grown by the thrifty settlers. In 1857 the town- ship, including the village, had a population of 614; in 1885 it had, including the city, 3,830 ; or, outside of the city, 550. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement within the present limits of this township was made in the fall of 1854, by A. B. Cornell and W. F. Pettitt, who located within the present limits of Owatonna city. G. W. Green, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith also came the same fall and winter. All these parties receive extended notice elsewhere. During the year 1855 the following named came and made homes in this town- ship, or near by : Addison Phelps, Nelson Morehouse, E. M. Morehouse, Alson Selleck, Joel Wilson, B. L. Arnold, Dexter and Parker Carlton, N. Winship, John Wilcox, two of the Schimeks. David Lindersmith, Leonard and Simeon Case. Bazil Meek, Obed Gaines, Miner Prisbey, Adolphus Town, E. Eeed, Lucius Lewis, Philo San- ford, Charles Ellison, John Hand, Ezra Abbott, C. G. Hayes, John Moon and a man named Ward. Many of these parties brought their families with tiiem, and at once selected claims and began making- homes. The city history in another chapter details the growth in business matters. In 1856 the following named all came and settled in this township : J. W. Morford, J. G. Morford, G. W. Morford, Dr. Harsha and John Odell. Besides these, a few oth- ers located in the soutliern portion of the township. After this the settlement con- tinued gradualh' until all of the government land in the township was taken. Many of these, besides other early settlers, are noticed at length in connection with the biographi- cal de])artment. FIRST EVENTS. The first white child born in this town- shij) was also the first born in Steele County. It was a son of Mr. and Mi's. G. W. Green, iiorn April 6, 1855, and was named George K. Dr. W. W. Finch was the attending physician. The first death in the township occurred in August, or September, 1855, and was a child of Miner Prisbey's. The remains were in- terred in the cemetery north of town. The first marriage took place in the sum- mer of 1855, the parties being John Wilcox and Clara Brooks. They were married at Faribaujt, by Elder Town. The event was heartily celebrated by the young people in the settlement. The first building erected in the township was A. B. Cornell's log cabin. 334 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 335 ORGANIZATION. When Steele County was organized in the summer of 1855, it included all of the pres- ent county of Waseca and the two western tiers of townships now forming Steele. On the 1st of August, 1855, the board of county commissioners organized Owatonna Town- ship, embracing all of the west two-thirds of Steele County, as it is now formed. August 25, 1855, Medford Township was organized, leaving Owatonna six congressicmal town- ships. April 6, 1857, the balance of the government townships were organized civ- illy, and Owatonna was left in the shape in which it has since remained. In the spring of 1858, the matter was readjusted t'.j3 CHAPTER XXV. HAVANNA TOWNSHIP. HIS forms one of Steele County's eastern tier of townships. It is Ijounded on the east by Dodge County; on the north by Merton Township ; on the west by Owa- tonna, and on the south by Au- rora. The Chicago 6z Northwest- ern Eailway traverses the town- ship from east to west, and a station called Havana has been located on the corner of sections 17, 18, 19 and 20. Rice Lake covers a considerable area of land in the northwestern part of the township, and Maple Creek flows from the lake to the Straight River, crossing the northern tier of sections. Quite a body of timber is found in the region of the lake and stream ; but, aside from this, the town- ship is made up of prairie and oak open- ings. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway touches the southwest corner of the Township, and Pratt Station is located upon the township line. In 1857 this town- ship had a population of 222; in 1885 this had grown to 865. Havanna is among the wealthiest and most prosperous localities in Steele County, and is the home of many sub- stantial and well-to-do farmers. The surface of the township is diversified by the many groves which have been set out by the thrifty settlers, and is dotted with fine buildings, schools and churches. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement within the limits now comprising Havanna Township was made during the year 1855. John and Robert Adair located in the northwestern portion of this township in July, 1855. Among others who settled here during the same year, were Charles McCarty, William Burns, Robert Page, George Squires, George Baird and Mr. Johnson. In 1856 the following named arrived and selected homes in this township: Mr. Sherman, George Dennis, William Ellis, Agrim Johnson, Andrew Thompson, Ole Johnson, L. K. Johnson, Newton Parker, James Soper, Mr. McCaslin, N. Easton, Silas Euston, J. and Elisha Eldridge, Ole Hoggenson, Daniel Potter, J. Nelson and others. Among many others, who came at an early daj^ and should be mentioned, are the following, who settled here in 1857 and 1858, although it has been impossible to learn their initials, or how their names were spelled: Messrs. Conway, Bloom, Ewer, Brehmer, McNary, Hammond, Jones and D. C. Tiffany. FIRST EVENTS. The first death in the township was that of Mrs. Newton Parker, which occurred in November, 1856. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Wetzel, and it is believed that this was the first religious ser- vice held in the township. The first birth that occurred in the town- ship was that of Esther Adair, a daughter of Robert Adair. This took place in October, 1855. The first marriage was that of Mr. Frank Hickok to Miss Elizabeth McCaslin, in the fall of 1857. D. C. Tiffany, a justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. The first school in the township was taught in the summer of 1857 by Miss Eliza- beth McCaslin. ORGANIZATION. When Steele County was organized in 343 iU HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. August, 1855, all of the territory which now comprises the eastern tier of townships belonged to Dodge County. Early in 1856 a change was made in county lines and this tier of townships became a portion of Steele County. On the 6th of April, 1857, the ter- ritory which now comprises Ilavanna (town- ship 107, range 19) was set off and named Lafayette Township b}' the board of county commissioners, and its organization was authorized. In September, 1858, the name of the township was changed to Freeman, but in October of tlie same year the name was again changed, this time to Dover. Thus it remained until 1869 when the pres- ent name, " Havanna," was given to super- sede Dover. BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. John Adair was born in 1818, in Islay, Scotland. He left there in 1848 and came to Canada, spending one year and a half near Toronto. He then came west to "Wisconsin. About five years later he came to Steele County, Minn., coming here by team from Racine County, Wis., and arriving July 15, 1855. Henry Langerher was born in Hanover, Germany, September 9, 1817. In 1851 he came to America, locating in Illinois, where he remained until 1856, when he came to Steele County, Minn., where lie still resides. Mr. Langerher was united in the holy bonds of matrimony in 1817 to Miss Darete Schultz. Two children blessed their union : Lena (deceased) and Mena, born November 16, 1850. Eai'ly in 1868 his wife died, and was buried on the farm where she had spent so many j^ears. In the latter part of 1868, Mr. Langerher was married to Miss Johanna Teaman. They have five children : Herman (deceased) , born August 15, 1869; Emma, born October 13, 1871 ; August, born May 9, 1874; E vena (deceased), born March 23,1876, and Henry (deceased), born February 15, 1878. In Germany Mr. Langerher was en- gaged at the carpentering trade, but has been farming since he came to America. He re- ceived his education in Germany where his parents resided until their death. He is a Democrat, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. Agrim Johnson was born in Norway, in 1826. He left there for the United States in 1854, and landed in Quebec. He remained there three days, then went to Stoughton, and later to Dar Creelv, where he remained two years. From there in 1856, he came to Steele County, Minn., where he still lives. He was married in 1854 to Julia Johnson, the fruits of their union being the following chil- dren : James, Ole, Betsy, Ann, Eliza, Joseph and John. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Luth- eran Church and is a prominent citizen of the townsliip. William Elhs was born in England in 1820. His father was a captain and boat owner, and William was brought up at a sea-faring life, serving as a sailor in the coasting trade, Spanish, Portugese, etc., experiencing many hardships and having an adventurous time. When twenty-five years of age he came to America (altiiough as a sailor he had pre- viously been here), and finally settled in Du Page County, 111. In 1856 he came to Steele County, arriving in June, and settled in Ha- vanna Township where he still lives. Mr. Ellis was married in 1843 to Sophia Gillot. Their children were : AVilliam Thomas (de- ceased), and William J., the latter a resident of Steele Count\'. William J. Ellis, was boi'u in Illinois in 1850, and in 1856 he came with his parents to Steele County, Minn., where they have all since lived. William J. was married to Betsy Hemmerson, and they have the following- children : Chrissa Ann, born December 19, 1874 ; Sophia J., born November 4, 1876 ; Fannie E., born August 29, 1878 ; Mary Corne- lia, born October 30, 1880; Charles F., born April 21, 1884, and William J., born INlarch 2, 1886. In politics Mr. Ellis is a Democrat. He is a member of the Episcopal Church. Fred. Mussman was born in Hanover, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 345 Germany, in 1 838. He left there in 1852 and came to America, settling in Illinois, where he remained until 1856, when he came to Steele County, Minn., where he still lives. Politically Mr. Mussman was a Re- publican until the Greeley campaign in 1872, since which time he has been a Democrat. He was married on the 14th of September, 1864, to Barbara Thompson. They have had seven children, as follows : Ferdinand, born October 15, 1865 ; "William, born January 28, 1867 (died in 1883); Lena, born May 12, 1869 (died in 187:^); Theodore, born April 10, 1871 ; Sophia and Thursta (twins), born April 10, 1873, and Fred., born October 15, 1883. It should be mentioned that after coming to Steele County, Mr. Mussman worked at his trade (shoemaker) for two years at Hastings, Minn., but has always called Havanna Township his home. O. M. Jones was born in McHenr}' County, 111. He left there in 1857 for Steele County, Minn., where he now lives. He was married in the year 1879 to Mary Morford. They have two children : Ethel, born February 7, 1883, and William, born November 5, 1885. Mr. Jones' market is Havana. In political matters he is Republican. W. M. Jones was born in Pennsylvania, in 1837. When he was four years old his par- ents removed to Wisconsin, and later settled in Illinois. In the spring of 1857 the family came to Steele County, Minn., where W. M. Jones has since lived. The father died in the spring of 1879. He was a man of high character, and held the esteem and respect of all who knew him. W. M. Jones was mar- ried in 1864 to Alvira Curtis, and they have three children as follows : Nellie, born in January, 1865; Ray, born in April, 1868, and Roy, born in December, 1879. Mr. Jones is a Republican in politics, and is one of the leading farmers in this part of the county. Andrew Thompson was born in Norway, in 1840, his parents being Lewis and Velda Thompson. He lived there thirteen years. and in 1853 settled in Dane County, Wis., stopping for awhile in Jefferson Count}'', Wis., where he worked at various pursuits. He made his home there, until 1857, then started for the west, and came to Steele County, Minn., settling in Havanna Town- ship. He was married to Anna Peterson ; the fruits of their union were ten children, six of whom are now living. Conrad Engbard was born in Germany in 1833. When twenty-three years old he came to America, locating in Pennsylvania, where he lived for five years. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, locating in Winona. In 1860 he settled in Havanna Township, Steele County, where he still lives. In 1861 Mr. Engbard was married to Fredarickia Baker. Tlie fruits of this linion were eight children : Augusta, born July 20, 1864 ; Au- gust (deceased), born August 12, 1867 ; Threse, born February 2, 1870 ; Charles, born Au- gust 28, 1872; Adolph, born March 17, 1875 ; William and Sofa (twins), born No- vember 8, 1878, and Celia, born March 17, 1882. Mr. Engbard is a Democrat in pol- itics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Geo. L. Chambers was born in the North of Ireland m 1825. He lived there until 1853, then came to Washington County, N. Y. Remaining there four years, he then set- tled in Allegany County, where he was foreman of the Genesee Valley canal, while it was being constructed. In 1859 he came to Winona, Minn., and from there, the same year, came to Steele County, where he still lives. He was married in 1860 to Emma Burns. The fruits of their union were seven children, as follows: Belle, born July 7, 1862; Minnie, born September 18, 1864; Maggie, born in July, 1867 ; Evelanderia, born January 16, 1872; AVilliam J., born March 7, 1875 ; George, born September 5, 1877, and Frank, born June 10, 1883. Min- nie married Mr. E. Reynolds, principal of of the Appleton, Wis., high schools. Mr. 346 HISTORY OF STEELE COtTNTV. Chambers in politics is a Eepublican ; he belongs to the Presbyterian Church. William "Wagner was born in Germany in 1834. In 1859 he came to America, locating in Illinois, where he remained for two years. He then removed to Missouri, and located at St. Louis where he remained for nearly three years. In 1863 he came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Havanna Town- ship, where he still lives, now having a valuable farm of 229 acres of land. Mr. "Wagner was married to Miss Sophia Gills, and they have liad five children, as follows : "William, Martin, Alvina, Edo and Tilda. In political matters Mr. "Wagner is a Demo- crat. James Cotter was bora in ISTew York; from there he went to Cook County, 111., where he lived for four years, then he went to AVisconsin and from there, in 1863, came to Steele County, Minn., where he now lives. He was married in 1883 to Aurelia Patter- son. They have six children. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Anna Erdmann was born in Ger- many, May 14, 1842. She resided there until 1848 when she came to America, locat- ing in New York, where she remained till 1850 ; then removed to "Wisconsin, where she lived for fourteen years. In 1864 she came to Steele County, Minn., settling in Havanna Township, where she still lives. On Novem- ber 17, 1862, she was married to Andrew Erdmann. The fruits of this union were eight children : "William, born July 26, 1863 ; Charles, born March '23, 1865; Mathelina (deceased), born July 28, 1867; Edward, l)orn June 24, 1870 ; Andrew, born August 14, 1874; Caroline, born July 14, 1876; Mary, born July 9, 1879, and John, l)oru September 15, 1884. Mr. Erdmann died in 1885 and was buried in the Havanna ceme- tery. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death was a sad blow to the faithful wife and children who were left to moui'n for the departed husband and father. Mr. Erdmann was a Democrat, be- longed to the Lutheran Church, and was a prominent man in public aifairs. Mrs. Erd- mann is a member of the Lutheran Church. John "Widrick was born in New York. He left there in 1862 for Minnesota, settling at Morristown. In 1864 he came to Steele County, where he now lives. He was mar- ried to Harriet Quackenbush. They have had two children, Spencer and David, one of whom is living. Mr. Widrick's parents were born in New York State. His father died in the year 1862 and was liuried in "Wiscon- sin. His mother at the j^resent time is living in Morristown, Minn. Mr. "V\'^idrick enlisted in the service at Owatonna in 1864 and was mustered out in 1865; he belonged to "Com- pany E ," whose first captain was Mr. Cor- kins and last captain was Mr. Bradford. He is a Republican. Andrew Anderson, deceased, was born in Norway in 1832. In 1856 he came to Amer- ica, locating in Wisconsin. In 1865, he re- moved to Steele Count}^, Minn., where he lived until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1887. Mr. Anderson was mar- ried twice ; first in 1849 to Carrie Sieve, who died in 1877. In 1886 he was married to Agnet Johnson. Mr. Anderson had six children, five by his first wife and one by the second. Their names were : Andrew, born in 1850 ; Siever (deceased), born in 1852; Caroline (deceased), born in 1856; Betsy, born in 1859 ; Sophia, born in 1862, and Charles, born July 9, 1886. Mr. Ander- son was a Eejmblican and a member of the Lutheran Church. Isaac Jones was born in Illinois in 1844. He left there in 1865 for Minnesota, lived one year in Goodhue County, and then came to Steele Count}', where he still lives. He is a single man and is a Eepublican in pol- itics. Joseph "V^on Euden was born in Prussia, May 6, 1837. In 1864 he came to America, locating in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1866, when he came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Owatonna. There he re- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 347 mained for three 3'ears. He then removed to Havanna Township, where he still resides. In 1868 he was married to Miss Minnie Lan- gerher. They are the parents of eight chil- dren, as follows : John, born May, 31, 1870; Francis, born May 30, 1872; Joseph, born February 20, 1874; George, born September 20, 1875; Mary, born October 15, 1877; Alvenia, born September 9, 1880; Lena, born February 20, 1882, and William, born July 29, 1885. Mr. Von Ruden was engaged in farming in Prussia. While he resided in Owatonna he was engaged in the butcher- ing business. He received his education in Prussia, attending school for eight years. In political matters he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church. His par- ents died in Prussia. Fred. Ahrens was born in Germany, June 17, 1850. In 1867, in company with his parents, he came to America, coming direct to Steele County, Minn., where he still lives. Our subject was married June 6, 1875, to Miss Dora Miller. The fruits of their union were five children, as follows : Alvina, born October 3, 1876 ; Edward (de- ceased), born November 21, 1871 ; Hulda, born December 16, 1881 ; Pertha, born March 28, 1883, and Mary, born September 15, 1885. Mr. Ahrens is a strong Democrat in politics, and is also a member of the Lu- theran Church. He is one of the prominent citizens of the township. Hans N. Christenson was born in Den- mark, September 2, 1836. He worked at the shoemaker's trade until July 1, 1864, when he came to America, locating in Wisconsin. There he remained four years, when, in 1868, he came to Steele Counter, Minn., locating in Havanna Township, where he still lives. In 1863 he was married to Miss Matilda Hanson. They have been blessed with three children, as follows : Hans, born December 7, 1863 ; Charles R., born September 29, 1867, and Peter E., born August 28, 1876. Mr. Christenson was the first Dane that settled in Havanna Township, and was the means of bringing thirty-two families of Danes to Steele County. He is a strong Republican, and also a member of the Lutheran Church. Hans Markson was ])orn in Denmark in 1843. In 1865 he came to the United States, locating in Wisconsin, where he remained four years. In 1869 he came west to Steele County, Minn., where he resides at the present time. In 1870 he was married to Anna Maria Smith. They have six children : Mark Nelson, born October 3, 1871 ; Millde, born November 8, 1873 ; Alice C, born March 23, 1876 ; Albert, born July 18, 1878 ; Elnora, born September 11, 1880, and Clara, born April 3, 1883. In politics Mr. Markson is a Republican, and is also a member of the Lutheran Church. Henry Hartle was born in Worcestershire, England. He came to the United States in 1869, and came direct to Steele County, Minn., locating upon a fine farm in Havanna Township, where he lived until the time of his death in 1878, and where his family still reside. Mr. Hartle was a man of high standing among his acquaintances, and held the respect and esteem of all. His remains were buried in Llavanna. cemetery. His wife was also a native of England, and she died in Minnesota in 1879. Their family con- sisted of nine children, who stiU carry on the place, and they are among the most prom- inent and well-to-do citizens of the township. Henry Wacker was born in Germany in 1847. In 1867 he came to America, locating in Baltimore, where he remained two years. He then, in 1869, came to Steele County, Minn., where he is still living. He was mar- ried in 1867 to Lotta Nuller. Five children blessed this union, as follows: Mary, born November 17, 1867 ; Deetrich, born November 20, 1869; Fred., born June 10, 1872; Louisa, born October 14, 1875, and Augusta, born December 14, 1877. Mr. Wacker \vas en- gaged at the blacksmith's trade in Germany for eighteen years. He received his educa- tion in Germany, where his parents resided until the time of their. deaths. Mr. Wacker 348 HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. is a Democrat in politics and is also a prona- inent church member. B. P. Chapin, one of the prominent citizens of the township, was born in New York State, March 2, 1850. In'^ ISTO he came to Steele County, Minn., and located in the township of Havanna, where he stiU lives, carrying on general farming and stock-raising, having a well tilled fai'm of 190 acres of land. He was married in this county to Kate Landon in 1877. They have three children, as follows : George R., born May 20, 1882; Clara, born April 5, 1884, and Frank, born January 11, 1886. Mr. Chapin is a Prohibitionist in poli- tics, and is a member of the Free Methodist Church. Peter Jansen Sjniskov was born in Den- mark, May 1, 1844. In 1874 he came to Amer- ica. After spending one summer in Wiscon- sin became to Steele Countj", Minn., in 1875, locating in Merton Township, where he re- mained for live years. He then moved to Havanna Township, where he now lives. He was married in Denmark in 1871 to Miss Mary Yule. They have seven children : James P., born April 20, 1872; Christ, born July 24, 1874 ; Andrew P., born May 25, 1876; Maiy P., Ijorn ilarch, 27, 1878 ; Hans P., born April 9, 1880; Anna P., born April 12, 1882, and Henry P.. l)orn June 30, 1884. Mr. Synskov is a Pepublican, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. He received his education in Denmark, where his parents lived until their deaths. L. L. Inman was born in New York State. When two years old he left there with his people for Bradford County, Pa., and, when he was eight, they removed to Wisconsin. He remained there until he was thirty-six 3^ears old, when he went to Nebraska. Two years later, in 1875, he came to Steele County, Minn., where he still lives. He was married in 1869 to Elizabeth J. Warren. Their children were as follows : Bertha M., born ,lune 10, 1871 ; George Frederick, born March 8, 1875 ; Luther L., born October 31, 1876, and John J., born July 30, 1884. When the war broke out Mr. Inman entered the service, enlisting in a cavalry brigade at Baraboo, Wis. He was seriously Avounded in the battle of Dallas ; was taken to field hospital ; then transferred to Nashville ; later to Evansville ; then to Keokuk hospi- tal, and was finalh' mustered out in 1865. He has not fully recovered from his wounds yet. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of James A. Goodwin Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Frank L. Thamert was born in Free- born County, Minn., September 13, 1800. In 1876 he came to Steele County, Minn., where he resides at the present writing. Mr. Tlianiert has been engaged in fanning since he came here, and is one of the enter- prising young men of the county. He is a prominent politician, being a strong Demo- crat. Mr. Thamert has four brothers in Minnesota, three of them being in Steele County and the other one in Freeborn County. Mr. Thamert is one of the active young members of the Catholic Church of Owatonna. CHAPTER XXVI. AURORA TOWNSHIP. dark clays OWNSPIIP 106, range 19, is or- ganized civilly as Aurora Town- ship. It forms one of tbe eastern tier of townships in the county, and is bounded on the north by Havanna Township ; on tbe south by Blooming Prairie Township ; on the west by Somerset, and on the east by Dodge County. The soil here is made up of a rich loam, which is very fertile. In early considerable of the land here was marshy and wet, but in later years this has been making the most profitable and pro- ductive farming land in the county. Tlie other portions of the township are made up chiefly of oak o])enings, interspersed with fine tracts of prairie land, just enough un- dulating to make it of easy tillage. The population of the township in 1857 was only 1.38, including what is now Blooming Prairie Township, and in 1885 this had grown to 727. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Kail- road traverses the townsliip. having been constructed through here in 1807. The same year a station was located here called Aurora. This furnishes the inhabitants with easy market and shipping facilities. The village consists of several dwellings, a sta- tion, Aurora postoffice, etc. In addition to this, the station called Pratt is located in the northeast corner of this township, and has about the same line of business as is rep- resented at Aurora. EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. The first settlement in Aurora Township was made on May 19, 1856, at which time quite a party came and selected government land. The party consisted of Charles and A. C. Adsit, George W. and B. J. Grim- shaw, John Ball and John Perham. None of these parties except Charles Adsit are now residents of the county, but two of them live in the State. A. C. Adsit is now assistant United States attorney of the west- ern district of Michigan ; John Ball became prominent during the war, coming out of service as colonel of the Eleventh Minnesota Regiment ; John Perham now lives in Michi- gan and has been a member of the Legisla- ture of that State several terms. When this party arrived in Auroi'a, May 19, 1856, there was not a single settler within the limits which now comprise tlie township. The only traces of settlement was a little piece of breaking on the south- east quarter of section 27. A stage driver named Baker had taken a claim there early in the spring of 1856, but had made no set- tlement. His, it is thought, was the first claim taken in the township, and the only one prior to the arrival of the "Adsit party." About all of the government land was taken during the summer of 1866 and the town filled with settlers very rapidly. But very little was raised in the way of crops and vegetables, only a little sod corn and potatoes, and Charles Adsit sowed a little patch of land to oats. A severe hailstorm visited this portion of the county in August of this year, and proved disastrous in many instances to the few fields sown. Among others who settled in this town- ship during the years 1856 and 1857 the fol- lowing are remembered : A. B. Clark, John 3i9 350 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. George, Henry and J. S. Bixby, Oscar King, S. A. Sargent, Hon. Amos Coggswell, August Miller, Christopher Dickinson, I. D. Bee- man, Hon. G. C. Pettie, Moses Bentley, David Bentley, Mr. Hoggerfield, "William Depj)in, F. Ivruckerberg, Rufus Waterman, the Stapletons, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Grover, Mr. Montgomery, H. Eastman and Mr. Barrett, besides a number of Germans. Charles Adsit, one of the pioneer settlers of Steele County, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., April 29, 1833. He remained with his parents until twenty-three years old. then joined a party coming west, consisting of A. C. and Geo. W. Adsit, B. J. Grim- shaw, John Ball and John Perham, coming to Minnesota and taking up government land, our subject, Charles Adsit, locating on section 35, Aurora Township. Steele County, where he still resides. Two of the party still reside in Minnesota. A. C. Adsit is at ]5resent assistant United States attor- ney of the western district of Michigan. John Ball was colonel of the Eleventh Min- nesota, when tlie war closed. John Perham resides in Michigan and has been a member of the Legislature of that State several terms. Mr. Adsit, our sultject, was married May 10, 1860, to Miss Jennett Woodruff, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. Her parents were also natives of Jefferson Count}', N. Y. Her father, in his younger days, followed landscape and portrait painting and attained great skill in his chosen profession. Ulti- mately, he was connected with the Wood, ruff Sleej)ing Car Company, and was the in- ventor of the car now being used and manu- factured by that corporation. Mrs. Adsit departed this life October 2, 1878, leaving four children to mourn her loss: Chai'les W., born February 11, 1863; Will B., born March 21, 1865; John Waldo, born December 12, 1868, and Nettie P., born March 13, 1877. There were seven children, three of whom are dead. Mr. Adsit was the first postmas- ter in Aurora Township, having been ap- pointed in the fall of 1856, and held the office for fifteen years. He has also held all the local offices of the township at various times. Mr. Adsit is a Republican in politics, and is a representative man of the count}'. John Bixb}' located on section 33 in the fall of 1856, and is still engaged in farming and raising stock. He was born January 28, 181i, in Vermont. In 1839 he left home and was engaged in farming in Vermont for twenty years. He removed to Wisconsin and subsequently came to Minnesota. He married iliss Schagel, a native of Canada, born April 10, 1817. They had five chil- dren : Jacob S., born November 8, 1840 ; Hattie, born September 28, 1844; Henry, born December 4, 1847 ; George, born June 15, 1851, and Addie, born February 5, 1861. Hattie married George Curtis, a native of Illinois, and lives in Aurora Township. Henry married Miss Lydia Block, a native of California; they are living in New Mexico. George married Miss Alice P. Schagel, a native of Canada, and they are located in Aurora Township. Addie married Mr. Up- ham, a native of New Hampshire, who is a geologist in the employ of the government. Mr. Bixb}' is Republican in politics. His family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has filled the offices of justice of the peace, school treasurer and town clerk. J. S. Bixby came to Steele County, Minn., October 24, 1856. He was born in Vermont, November 8, 1840. When he started in life for himself he engaged in farming. He en- listed August 11, 1862, in the Tenth Minne- sota Infantry, and was discharged Septem- ber 16, 1865. Mr. Bixby was in sixteen skirmishes and battles, the first one being at Big Mound under Gen. Sibley. The second battle was that of Stoney Hill. After being- discharged, Mr. Bixby came back to Steele County. He was married November 29, 1866, to Miss Lizzie Eichlar, a native of New York. She died March 24, 1879, and, was buried at Blooming Prairie. Mr. Bixby and wife had five children : Katie M., born Sep- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY.. 351 tember 22,1869 (died February 10, 1871); Lottie A., born December 26, 1871 (tlied Jan- uar3^ 21:, 1872); Jennie S., born March 12, 1872 ; Henry N., born May 9, 1871:, and Jes- sie M., born May 1, 1876. Mr. Bixby was married to his second wife, Miss Gertie C. Liveson, who was born in Norway, March 3, 1856. They have two children : John, born December 26, 1882, and Jacob, born August 16, 1885. Mr. Bixby is located on section 34, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican in politics. He was elected chairman of the board of supervisors March 20, 1862, hold- ing the same until in August, when he joined the army. In 1885 he was elected justice of the jseace, which office he held two j^ears. He has also been clerk of school district, and in many other ways been prom- inent in public affairs. Corydon King came to Steele County, Minn., in 1856. He made the first claim, south of what is now Rice Lake, on section 13, Ha- vanna Township. He remained there seven years, then removed to section 31 in the same township. In 1869 he came to Aurora Town- ship, and located on section 11, his present home. He was born May 24, 1830, in Cat- taraugus County, N. Y. His mother was a native of Massachusetts, and his father of Vermont. His father died in Claremont, Minn., in December, 1863 ; he held a com- mission in the war of 1812, which was signed by Gov. Clinton, of New York. Octo- ber 12, 1856, Corydon King was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Bartlett, who was born in Maine, April 23, 1837. She is now deceased ; was buried in Havanna Township. She left one child, Augusta Belle, born Au- gust 25, 1857, who married Mr. Sylvester Bell, a native of Iowa, and now resides in Aurora Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one child, Floyd Lee. Mr. King is a Demo- crat, and at various times has been honored by the nomination of his party for important offices. In 1871 he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, and held the office for a number of years. Fred. Kruckerberg has a fine farm of 520 acres on section 36, Aurora Townshi]!, and is industriously engaged in stock-raising and farming. He was born in Germany, March 17, 1831 ; emigrated to America when a 3'oung man. He married Miss Sopha Meyer^ a native of Germany. They have eleven children : Sopha, Henry, John, Fred., Wilhel- mine, Anna, Ernest, Ida, Lizzie, George and Herman. When he landed in New York he worked there for two months, then made his way to Illinois, where he labored two years, then removed to Steele Count\% Minn. He is a Republican in politics. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. David C. Hunkins is engaged in the mer- cantile business at Pratt Station in Aurora Township. He was born in New Hampshire, September 14, 1827, and came to Minnesota in the spring of 1853. He engaged in his present busmess in St. Paul and remained about a year and a half. Afterward in 1854 he removed to Rice County, and farmed it for six years. He then sold his fai'm and moved to Medford, Steele County, Minn. ; opened a store which he continued there fif- teen years ; also was postmaster for six years. Then moving his family to Owatonna, he transferred his goods to Claremont where he was in business a number of years. Then for about five years he was in business at Owa- tonna, and then established a store at Pratt Station. December 20, 1852, he married Miss Weltha A. Sanborn, who was born in Massachusetts in 1823. They have seven children : George E., born March 9, 1854 ; William S., born December 2, 1856; Fi'ank A., born August 13, 1859; Josephine M., born March 30, 1861 ; Myra F. born April 2, 1863 ; Adelbert B., born April 25, 1864, and Fred. C, born December 23, 1867. Myra is living at home. George married Miss Lura Barlow, a native of New York. They live at Medford. William married Miss Dora Wil- liamson, also a native of New York. Mr. Hunkins is a Republican. His family are all members of the Baptist Church. His parents 352 HISTOEY OF STEELE COPNTY. were Stephen S. and Hannah D. (Clark) Hun- kins. His father died in 1847. His mother still -lives with him, being eighty six years of age. George Gabriel, residing on section 36 Au- rora Township, was born in France, October 13, 1832. At the age of twelve he began life for himself, and learned carpentering, wagon-making and blacksmithing, whicli he afterward followed in Wisconsin for ten years. He came from Washington County, Wis., to Steele County, Minn., in 1862. In April, 18.54 he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Amy, a native of Ohio, who died March 29, 1878, and was buried in Au- rora cemetery. They liad three children : Madora, born July 4, 1857; LiUie, born August 24, 1858, and George, born January 10, 1868. Medora, was married July 5, 1875 to Charles F. EUis, a native of Massa- chusetts. LiUie and George are unmarried. Mr. Gabriel married his second wife, Octo- ber IS, 1879, Miss Martha Day, a native of Canada. They have three children : Matilda, born December 12, 1880; Elijah, born No- vember 5, 1881, and Kittie, born June 25, 1884. He is a Republican in politics, has been school treasurer for several terms, and is one of the most substantial citizens of the township. J. K. Bucklin, is a well known farmer of Aurora Township. He is a native of Jeffer- son County, N. Y., born March 31, 1837, and came to Steele Count}', Minn., in 1864. He now has a fine farm on section 25, and also forty acres in Dodge County, on section 31. He was favored with a good education and off and on followed the profession of teach- ing for twenty years. He taught the first school in the village of Blooming Prairie in 18G9-70. He was married to Mrs. Au- gusta Pettie, a native of New York. She was the daughter of Diantha (Robbins) and AVilliam Lamphier. Her former husband was Hon. Geo. C. Pettie, who was born April 23, 1828, and died January 18, 1865. He was a prominent man, took an active inter- est in the affairs of his county. He was a member of the first Legislature of Minnesota, serving in 1857-8. He was married to Miss Lan\[)hier October 24, 1852. They had six children : George R., Viola E., Willis, Ann J., Lewis L. and David C. George, Viola and Willis are married. Ann died in September, 1878, and was buried in Bloom- ing Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin have five children : Wayne K., born January 21, 1868 ; John W., born November 30, 1870 ; Eflie M., l)orn January 9, 1873 ; Frank W., born Oc- tober 20, 1875, and Lottie E., born Decem- ber 5, 1880. Mr. Bucklin enlisted, August 12, 1862, in the 5th Heavy Artillery, of New York (Companj' M) and was dischai-ged December 17, 1862, on account of disability contracted in the service. He Avas elected town clerk in 1866, serving four years. He was chosen justice of the peace in 1879 and served six years. In 1887 he was again elected, and still retains the office. He is a Republican in politics. Peter McCrady was born March 16, 1808, m Scotland. In 1867 he located on section 15, Aurora Township, Steele Count}', Minn., and is engaged in stock-raising and general farming. His parents were natives of Ire- land. At the age of sixteen he left home to do for himself. In 1826 he enlisted in the British arm}', 79th Cameronian Highlanders, in which he served for three years. He emi- grated to America and located in Clinton County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming about seven years. He removed then to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. ; subsequently to McHenry County, 111. ; thence to Wisconsin, and finally to Steele County, Minn., as stated. In 1830 he married Miss Margret Nirlson, a native of Glasgow, who died in 1836, leaving two children. He was again married to Miss D. Blowels, a native of Montgomery County, N Y., who died and left five chil- dren. In October, 1 854, he married Miss Ellen Shea, a native of Ireland. They have seven children : Delia, Nancy, Michael, William, Theresa, Marian and Hellen. Delia and filSTORY OP STEELE COUNTY. 353 Nancy are married. He is a Democrat in politics. He has held the oflBces of justice of the peace and school director for the last sixteen years. He belongs to the Catholic Church, and is esteemed as an excellent citizen. George H. Curtis is one of the pioneers of Steele County. He is a native of Canada, born June 10, IS-iO. He emigrated to Rock County, Wis., where he worked seven years, and then came to Minnesota in JSTo- vember, 1857. He enlisted in Company A, Tenth Minnesota Infantry ; was under Capt. Ambler for one year, then under Capt. Bab- cock until the close of the war. The princi- pal battles he participated in, were Nash- ville, Tupello and Spanish Fort. He was discharged August 19, 18G5, and located on section 32, Aurora Township, where he lived five years. He then moved to Owatonna, and engaged in collecting; from there removed to Blooming Prairie, where he en- gaged in the hardware and machinery busi- ness. After six months he sold out to D. Giddings, and removed to his present home, where he carries on stock-raising and general farming. He was married to Miss Hattie M. Bixby, who was born in Canada, September 28, 18J:4. They have four children : Fred. E., born November 13, 1866 ; Frank H., born March 18, 1871 ; Herbert E., born March 24, 1873, and Walter N., born June 23, 1876. Mr. Curtis belongs to the Grand Army of the Kepublic, and is a Republican in politics. He has held the office of assessor, took the United States census in 1880, and in other ways taken an active part in public matters. Jonas G. McLoud is located on section 33. He was born in Vermont, August 0, 1821, He left home at fourteen, to do for himself, working on different farms. August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Compan^'^ G, Fourth Ver- mont, and was discharged June 29, 1865. Mr. McLoud was taken prisoner June 23, 1864, at Petersburg, and i-ealized all the horrors of Richmond, Libby, Belle Isle and Anderson- ville prisons. He was released December, 1864. He then returned to Vermont and re- mained until 1868, when he came to Steele Counter, Minn. He was joined in marriage October 13, 1839, to Miss Abbie Ann Morey, a native of Vermont, who died of consump- tion, in Burlington, Vt., leaving six children : Henry H., Mai'illa G., Clarissa, Lucina, Sam- uel and Mary. On December 20, 1851, he married Mrs. M. Fisher, who was born March 21, 1813, her first husband having died March 7, 1845, leaving two children. Mr. McLoud has three children by this union : Abbie Ann, Phila P. and George W. Their daughter, Abbie, married Henry Henderson, and resides in California; George W., mar. ried Miss Clara Ellis, a native of Illinois, and lives in Clinton Falls Township. Phila mar- ried Warren Reynolds, of AVisconsin, and they also live in Clinton Falls Township. Mr. McLoud is a Democrat in politics. Henry J. Cassidj' purchased his present home on section 30, in Aurora Township, in 1882, andis now engaged in general farming. He was born in Kenosha Cit}^ Wis., August 31, 1853, and came to Steele Count}^ Minn., June 1, 1870. He settled in Lemond Town- ship, where he lived twelve years ; then sold out and went to Dakota, where he was en- gaged in shipping horses. His parents lo- cated in Somerset Township, Steele County, where his father's death occurred October 24, 1878. He was buried in the Owatonna cemetery. His mother still lives in Owaton- na. Henry J. Cassidy was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. McCauley, who was born in Ireland, January 4, 1854. They are blessed with three children : Ellen, born May 29, 1SS5; Alice, born April 30, 1886, and Henry James, born April 19, 1887. Mr. Cassidy is a Dem- ocrat, and belongs to the Catholic Church. W. C. Lieb is the jjresent postmaster and station agent at Pratt's Station in Aurora Township. He was born in Germany, June 3, 1849, and came to Minnesota in 1S80. He remained in Owatonna for a few months, then removed to Somerset Station, which was afterward named Pratt. He has held his 354 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. present position since 1882. In 1876 he mar- ried Miss Matilda Schofferle, who was born in Austria, June 6, 1859. They liave four children : William, born July 1, 1877 ; George, born October 28, 1879 ; Charlotte, born May 26, 1882, and Eva, born December 19, 1884. Mr. Lieb is a Eepublican in political matters. His family are members of the Lutheran Church. Christian Johnson is located on section 14, Aurora Township. He was born in Denmark, July 9, 1859, and emigrated from Denmark in 1878 to Owatonna, Steele County, Minn., where he remained a few months. He then went to Havanna and spent two years, at which time he settled on his present place. He was married to Miss Emma Ene-elkino:, who was born in Illinois,. March 11, 1866. They have two children : Clara Florence, born July 18, 1884, and Luella Emily, born March 6, 1886. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in poli- tics. The family belong to the Seventh-day Adventists. EARLY EVENTS. The first birth in the township was that of Gr. E. Dickinson, a son of Christopher Dickinson and wife, born February 23, 1857. The boy grew to manhood, and is now a druggist at Nunda, 111. The second birth occurred on the 6th of March, 1857, when Helen, a daughter, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Amos Coggswell. The first marriage of residents of the township was that of David Bentley to Jane Hill, which occurred as early as 1858. The couple borrowed Mr. Stapleton's yoke of oxen and went to Owatonna, where the cer- emony was performed. Another early marriage was that of Joseph Branning and Miss Laura Pettie, July 7, 1861. They were married in Winona County. The first death was tliat of Mrs. Stephen A. Sargent, which occurred on the 1st of September, 1856. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Harvey Chapin. This was the first religious service in the town- ship. The first school was taught in the summer of 1858, in a log schoolhouse near Amos Coggswell's, by Miss Jane Arnold, afterward Mrs. W. Odell, of Owatonna. There are now seven schools located in the township. Charles Adsit and G. W. Grimshaw built the first house and done the first breaking in the township. The house was built on Charles Adsit's land. The breaking was begun on the line between their claims. The first postofiice in the township was established at the residence of Charles Adsit, in September, 1856, under the name of Aurora. It was moved into Oak Glen Township, then back to Mr. Adsit's place, where it remained for some fourteen j^ears, and was finally located at Aurora station, where it still remains. John J. Guthrie is the present postmaster. Charles Adsit planted the first corn and potatoes in the township. Pratt postoffice- was established later. W. C. Lieb is the present postmaster. ORGANIZATION. When Steele County was organized in the summer of 1855, the territoiy which now forms the eastern tier of townships was a part of Dodge County, and it did not be- come connected with Steele County until February, 1856. On the 6th of April, 1857, the board of county commissioners set off township 106, range 19, named it Aurora, and authorized its organization. The first election was held at the house of A. B. Clark on section 22. The organization of the township was not full}' perfected until the 11th of May, 1858, when a full set of officers were elected. One incident in relation to detaching this tier of township from Dodge and annexing it to Steele County is remembered. The territory was annexed to Steele County in February, 1856, and in the winter of 1856-7. Dodge County parties came through Aurora with a petition, asking tliat the territory be "- ^ST-""^' ^^^^V/'^ZA ^^LA.A^^<^ HISTOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. 357 re-attached to Dodge. About all the citi- zens of Aurora refused to sign the petition ; but at the following session of the Legisla- ture the same petition was presented, and strange to say, it appeared signed by nearly all the citizens of Aurora, some one having forged them. The official history of the township has been" uneventful, the oflRces having without exception always been filled by capable and honest men. The present officers of the township (1887) are as follows : Supervisors, Patrick Keenan ; chairman, Frank McCauley and Tver Ander- son ; assessor, Ole Prestagaard ; treasurer, August Lindsey ; clerk, J. J. Guthrie ; jus- tices, P. McCrady and J. K. Bucklin ; con- stable, John Hogan. CHAPTER XXVII. SOMERSET TOWNSHIP. HIS civil township embraces con- g-ressional township 106, range 20. It is bounded on the north by the township of Owatonna ; on the east by Aurora ; on the south by Summit and on the west by Le- niond. Straight River traverses tlie western portion of the town- ship and Turtle Creek flows across the northern poi-tion. The river is fringed by a moderately heavy belt of timber, and lieavy timber extends from Turtle Creek northward. Originally about all of the town- ship was made up of timber and oak open- ings. The timber is composed mainly of oak, pop]ile, black oak, and a little black wal- nut. The soil is generally a black loam, which is rich and fertile, and very productive, being well adapted for raising all the cereals common to this latitude. The population here is mixed, the present settlement being principally composed of Germans, Bohemians and a few Irish, Americans, Scandinavians, and other nationalities. The earlier settlers were mainly Americans. In 1857 the town- ship had a population of 207. In 1885 this had grown to 833. EARLY SETrLEMENT. The earliest settlement in Somerset of which we can find any trace was made in 1855 by Thomas Thompson, who located on section 1. He remained here until 1881 when he removed to near Fargo. He erected the first log cabin in the township, and was the only settler who came that year. In 1856, — on May 27, — three brothers, Levi, William and Albert Bailey came, and Levi took his claim on the 1st of June. Dur ing the same year the following named all came : Jesse Healey, William B. Higgins, Jacob J. Harris, Thomas Kenyon, E. Lagro, Joseph Irvin, Dexter Smith, O. Fisher, Charles Dunster, J. Leslie, Cornelius Dunham, Mr Hartshorn, Samuel Greenwood, C. Borchart^ F. Borchart, H. Borchart, Charles Wilcox, Phelps Case, William Case, George Vincent, Gilbert Gross, Calvin Gross, Oscar Gross, Daniel Gross, Elias Hahn, T. J. Clark, O. A. Barnes, David Barnes, Henry and John Cat- lin, Charles Ellison, Charles R. Knowlton, John A. Knowlton, Warren Fisher, James E. Hughes, T. C. Minthorn and others. Nearly all the settlers of that year in Som erset were natives of New York, Pennsyl. vania, Wisconsin or the New England States. The township filled up very rapidl}' and nearly all of the choice government land was taken was during 1856. FIRST EVENTS. The first marriage in the township occur- red in July, 1858. The parties were Alex- ander Hissam and Miss Rachel Bill. The first birth in the township was a daughter, Ellen, born to Mr. and Mrs. T. Jefferson Clark, in 1856. The second birth in the township occurred on the 11th of April, 1857, when John J. Healej', a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Healey, was born. The first death in the township was that of Mr. Manna Case, which occurred in July, 1858. The first school was taught in the summer of 1850 by Miss Phoebe Kenyon, in the attic 358 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 359 of the residence of Dr. Thomas Kenyon, and by vh"tue of the elevated position of the I'oora it was denominated the " high school." The first schoolhouse was erected in dis- trict No. iO, in 1857, and Eliza Sawyer taught the first school in the house. Thei'e are now six school districts in the township. The first postofflce in the township was established in 1857 with Dr. Thomas Ken- yon as postmaster. It was then called Som- erset PostofSce. Succeeding Dr. Ken3'on the following were postmasters in the order named : Charles Ellison, Mr. Bill, Dr. W. H. Twiford, Lewis Robinson, "W. R. Catlin and D. M. Smith. The last named is the present postmaster. A number of years ago the name of the office was changed to '• River Point," which it still retains. A postofflce was establislied a number of years ago under the name of " Steele Center." M. D. "Whitman is the present postmaster of this office. VILLAGES. A village called " Somerset " was platted on section 20 in this township, in 1856, by John and William Catlin and Charles Ellison. They divided a forty-acre tract into streets, lots and blocks, and the establishment of a postofflce under the name of Somerset was secured. A store building was erected but was never occupied as a store, and finally, after considerable efl'ort on the part of those interested, the project was abandoned and the site reverted to farm property. In 1857 a village named " Elmira " was laid out on section 18 near the township line by Thomas Twiford, who platted about eighty acres of land. A company was formed through wliich a dam was thrown across Straight Rivei- and a sawmill was erected. A frame hotel was erected, whicli in those days was considei'ed a credit to the county. Mr. Twiford also established a store. An earnest and determined effort was made to start a town here, and con- siderable stress was laid upon the pros- pects of the embryo city as to county- seat honors. Five or six thousand dollars was expended in placing the village on a good foundation ; but as it failed to get the railroad, the proprietor gave up ho^ie and finally vacated the plat. ORGANIZATION. Wlien Steele County was organized in August, 1855, the territory which now forms Somerset became a part of Owatonna Town- ship. It remained in this connection until April 6, 1857, when the board of county commissioners set off and authorized the or- ganization of Somerset. The act was re- peated in the spring of 1858. A complete organization was not effected until the 11th of May, 1858, when a full list of offlcers was elected including T. C. Minthorn, chair- man of su))ervisors, and W. H. Sherman, town clerk. Among others who, in early days, were prominent in township affairs and held important township offices, were : Thomas Thompson, W. H. Sherman, J. W. Doolittle, Seth Hotchkiss, Thomas Kenyon, H. M. Bill, F. B. Doolittle, Augustus Theile, Dexter Smith, Phelps Case, Manley Curtis, Charles Ellison and John Anderson. The present officers of the township are as follows : Supervisors, W. A. Pratt, chairman, James J. Healey and James Mar- ion Jr.; clerk, Jacob J. Harris ; assessor, L. F. Pike ; treasurer. Dexter Smith ; justice of the peace, L. F. Pike. A REMINISCENCE. Dexter Smith, Esq., in 1868, wrote the following in regard to the history of this township : " The prevailing characteristics of the inhabitants are honesty, industry and in- pendence in thougiit and deed. The medical profession was at one time represented by Drs. Thomas Kenyon and W. H. Twiford, but owing to the 'alarming healthfulness ' of this locality their 'pill bags' were early con- signed to the cabinet of antediluvian curiosi- ties, and the}^ took to farming as a more lucrative business. Dr. Twiford however, 360 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. aftei'ward resumed practice and now has an extensive business at Geneva, Minn. The legal -profession, has no representative; the people have too much sense to spend their substance in litigation for the benefit of that fraternity. " The pioneers in this town were without exception poor men, and suffered all the pri- vations incident to the opening up of a new country. For several years our wardrobes and larders seldom contained anything but the absolute necessaries of life ; and I might cite 3'ou to moi'e than one case where to ' keep the wolf from the door,' we subsisted ourselves and our little ones, on forage only suited to the cattle on the hills; but in hope and faith, and trust in the promises, and the vigorous strokes of our good right arms, we struggled on, and the seasons as they came and went never wholly failed to leave some token for the encouragement of renewed effort." EAELY SETPLEKS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. Levi Bailey was born in Pennsylvania, October 17, 1832. His parents w^ere also natives of Pennsylvania, and were engaged at farming. Tiiey had five children, Levi being the oldest. He took his claim in Steele County, Minn.. June 1, 1856, where he still resides. In August, 1853, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Sarah Card, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 11, 1832. They have twelve children : Leander, born April 4, 1854; Melvin, born September 3,1855; Edgar, born September 2, 1857; Ahce, born January 24. 1859 ; Maria, born Marcli 15, 1860; Ida, born October 3, 1861; Nelson, born June 29, 1863 ; Hiram, born March 15, 1865; Lemuel, born Decemljer 21, 1867; Cleos, born September 8, 1869; Elmer, born August 11, 1870, and Fred, born April 30, 1875. Alice, Maria, Ida and Nelson are mari'ied. Mr. Bailey is a Republican in pol- itics. He has been supervisor of the town- ship for six years ; he has also been school district treasurer of district No. 12 for six- teen years, and he still holds the office, and in many ways has been prominent in public affairs. Mr. Bailey is at present engaged in general farming and stock-raising, devoting his attention chiefly to short-horned Durham cattle and Percheron horses. He has two half-blooded Percheron stallions and some six or eight half-blooded Percheron mares. His cattle grade from one-half to seven- eighths short horn. He also does an exten- sive business in Cotswold sheep, and is among the most prominent stock-raisers in the county. Jesse Healey was born in England, Feb- ruary 18, 1832. When nineteen years of age he came to America, locating in Jeffer- son County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming for two years. He then came to Wisconsin, where he remained for two years. In 1856 Mr. Healey came to Steele Countj', Minn., locating on his })resent place on sec- tion 21, Somerset Township, where he is still carrying on general farming and stock-rais- ing. Mr. Healey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lee, who was born in Ireland, December 21, 1834. They have four chil- dren : James Harris, born September 8, 1855; John Jesse, born April 11, 1857; Geoi-ge Jacob, born August 29, 1858, and Mary Ann, born November 29, 1859. In 1878 James married Miss Martha Thompson, a native of Iowa. They located at once in Somerset Township, where they engaged in farming. They have two children: Lawrence and Laura. George was married in 1886 to iliss Mary A. Marion, also a native of Iowa. They reside in Somerset Townshij), and are also engaged in farming. Mary was united in marriage in June, 1885, to Mr. James Marion, of Iowa. They are at present i-esiding in Somerset Township engaged in farming. Jesse Healey, our subject, is a Republican in politics. He lias been chairman of the town board. He was elected as one of the county commissioners in 1881 ; reelected in 1884, and served till 1887. Mr. Healey has also been treasurer of his township, besides hold- HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 3fil ing many other local offices, and has always taken a prominent part m public affairs. Dexter Smith, one of the pioneer settlers of Somerset Township, was born in New York, September 13, 1822. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother a native of New Jersey. Mr. Smith left home at the age of twenty-one to care for himself. After teaching school for eight years, he en- gaged in farming, which business he still fol- lows. In 1856 Mr. Smith located on section 21, in Somerset Township, Steele County, Minn., where he still lives. He has been twice mar- ried. First on November 19, 18-48, to Miss Jane McMillen, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and is now deceased. She left three children : D wight, born March 21 , 1850; Abbie, born January 5, 1853, and Hortense, born Janu- ary 22, 1858. Mr. Smith was again married, October 14, 1859, to Miss Berthania Butter- field, a native of New York. They have one child, Dexter M., born September 19, 1862. In 1876 Dwight was married to Miss Annie Stewart, a native of Wisconsin. They reside at present in Dakota. They have three children. Abbie married Walter Kenyon, a native of New York, They have one child, Robert B. Their home is in Big Stone Count\', Minn. Hortense was married in 1883, to Alexander Young. They reside in Dakota. Dexter Smith, our subject, is a Prohibitionist in politics. He has been a member of the town board for four years ; is at present town treasurer, and has taken an active interest in public matters, all through the many years he has lived here. Oscar Gross was born in Pennsylvania, December 3, 1836. His father was a native of Vermont, and his mother a native of New York. His father was a farmer. Oscar Gross came to Steele County, Minn., in 1856, locating on section 9, in this township. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, First Minnesot'a (Second Army Corps), and was discharged in September, 1861. He was un- der Capt. McKune for some three months, afterward under Capt. Messick. Mr. Gross participated in the battle of Bull Run, where he received three gun-shot wounds in the left limb, hip and arm. After having the main arter\' of his arm severed, he walked some thirty-six miles before he could receive the necessarj' medical treatment. He then entered the hospital. After being discharged he returned to Steele County, Minn., locating again on section 16, where he had moved be- fore enlisting. He has since resided in Somer- set Township, on the same section. Mr. Gross was married April 7, 1863, to ]\Iiss Mary P. Stewart, who was born in Canada, July 25, 1843, her parents being natives of New York, They have three children : Carrie, born Ma}' 15, 1864; Julia, born March 27, 1867, and Daniel, born May 19, 1870. Julia, married L. P. Clements, a native of Wiscon- sin, and they reside in St. Paul. Carrie mar- ried Henry Langdon, a native of Franklin County, N. Y. They are located in Wis- consin. Daniel is living at home. Mr. Gross is a Republican in politics, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, at Owatonna. Gilbeit Gross was born in New York, June 20, 1830. His parents, Daniel and Maria Gross, were natives of New York. In July, 1856, Gilbert came to Steele County, Minn., where he has since been engaged in general farming. In his father's family' there were four children, three boys and one girl: Calvin, Gilbert, Oscar and Malvina. Malvina married Chester Newton, a native of Ohio. Oscar has already been mentioned. Gilbert Gross was married May 2, 1852, to Miss Sarah Y. Wall, a native of Ohio, who was born June 18, 1830. They have seven children, as follows : Adaline, born July 31, 1853; Gilbert, born February 13, 1855; Perrjr, born September 12, 1857; Wallace, born March 5, 1859 ; Adalade, born Feb- ruary 6, 1862 ; Martin, born May 22, 1867, and Henry, born March 17, 1872. Three of them are living at home, Adaline, Adalade and Gilbert being married. Mr. Gross enlisted December 1, 1863, in the Second 362 HIST(1RY OF STEELE COUNTT. Minnesota Cavalry, and was discharged November 21, 1865. He is a Democrat in politics ; was elected school director in 1866 and served one year, and has been other- wise active in local matters. Jacob J. Ilari'is, one of the most promi- nent citizens of Somerset Township, is a native of the town of Hounsfield, Jeflferson County, N. Y., his birthday being Decem- ber 23, 1834. His ancestors were English, and his forefathers for four or five genera- tions back had borne the name of John Harris. His father, John Harris, was born at Hanley, Parish of Witnej^ Oxfordshire, England, on the 10th of March, 1810. He grew to manhood there, and about 1832 was united in marriage to Ann Faulks, who was the mother of the subject of this sketch. John Harris learned the trade of a " mill- wright," and worked in and about the famous "Witney mills during his younger days, early in this centur\'. In the summer of 1834 he came to America with his family and located in the town of Hounsfield, Jef- ferson County, N. Y. He continued at his trade in that portion of the countr}', working in the mills at Oswego, "Washingtonville, Camps mills, Brownsville, and erected a mill at AVolfe Island, Canada. He moved the family from Hounsfield to Stoney Island, at the foot of Lake Ontario, remained there about two years, then located at Point Peninsula, in the same county. Here they remained for a number of years, then re- moved to Dexter, at the foot of Black River, and after a number of years settled at Wolfe Island, where they were living when the father died, in June, 1882. In the meantime the family had been growing in size, as tiieir union had resulted in the following sons and daughters : Caroline, a daughter, was born in England, January 10, 1834; she married John Fawdrey, and they are now living in the town of Iloiinsfield, Jeflferson County, N". Y. John Jacob (or Jacob J.), the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Hounsfield, N. Y., December 23. 1834; now a resident of Somerset Township. Luther, born Sep- tember 26, 1836, and now living on the old homestead on Long Island, the mother living with him ; Christopher, born May 24, 1838, now living at Dog Lake Mills, Canada ; Maria Amelia, born November 23, 1839, now Mi's. James Hunter, living at Lake Opinecon, Canada ; William, born January 10, 1841, died on Long Island when about thirty -five years of age. This comprises the father's family. Jacob J. Harris remained at home until sixteen years of age, working the farm — all labor and little or no schooling being his lot. During these years times were very hard, money was scarce and as is usual in such times, the more mouths in a family to feed and the more bodies to clothe, the heavier is the burden thrown upon the father. Realizing this, in about the year 1850, Jacob Harris set out to provide for himself, his worldly possessions consisting of a home-made suit of clothes and one of the old " thin York shillings " in his pocket ; but he had a stout heart and willing hands. Within a few days he brought up at Sack- ett's Harbor, where he got a place as com- mon sailor on board the sailing vessel " Her- bridge," and began life on his own account as a sailor on the great lakes. He remained with that vessel until it was burned at Oswego, July 6, 1851. He continued for ten years to sail in different vessels, some- times as a sailor and again as mate, now on a sailing vessel and again on a propeller. Late in the "fifties," getting tired of work- ing for others, Jacob, in company with his oldest brothers, built a sailing vessel. He afterward purchased his brothers' interests and operated the vessel for nearly seven years, when he sold out. He soon built another sailing vessel, the " Mary Fox," which he owned and commanded for seven years," and then sold it. In the meantime, in 1856, he had left his vessel long enough to come out to Steele County, Minn., and preempted 160 acres of land on section 22, HISTORY OF STEELE CO0NTY. 363 Somerset Township. Occasionally, during these j'ears, he had been here, but only re- mained a short time. After selling the " Mary Fox," Capt. Harris decided to live for a time upon land instead of water, and accordingly on the lith of May, 1874, he moved to Minnesota, and on that day located upon his farm in the town of Somerset, having all these years held his land. On the 30th of August, 1871, he had married Mrs. Catherine Harkin, widow of William Harkin, whose maiden name was Catherine Miller. She had two children by her first marriage : Sarah Jane, who is now Mrs. AVilliam MuUenhaeur, a resident of section 16, Somerset Township, and Lizzie, now Mrs. Dwight Hunter, of Medford Township. Mr. and Mrs. Harris still live upon their farm in Somerset Township, and are widely known and resjiected. The farm is among the best in the township, fitted with its large red barns, capacious granaries and ele- gant and comfortable dwelling. While abundantly able to rest from their labors, yet they continue from force of habit to sow and reap. Mr. Harris has been promi- nent in all public matters, and is the present clerk of the township. Dr. Thomas Kenyon, deceased, was born in New York, November 29, 1812. His par- ents were natives of New York and followed farming. There were thirteen children, Thomas being the oldest. Our subject came to Steele County, Minn., in 1856, and lo- cated on section 20, in Somerset Township, where he engaged in farming and the prac- tice of medicine. He was married August 18, 1833, to Miss Mary Smith, who was born in New York, August 14, 1818. Her par- ents were also natives of New York. Dr. Kenj'on and wife were the parents of ten children : Marion, Phebe, Eliza, Edgar, Lois, Walter, Willis, Frank, Darwin and Fred. Marion married J. Clark, a native of Pennsylvania ; Phebe, married Geo. Crooker. of Owatonna ; Eliza married L. Eobinson, also of Owatonna; Edgar married Miss Al- lecia Twiford, a native of Indiana; Lois married S. Anderson, also of Indiana; Wal- ter married Miss Abbie Smith, of New York, and Willis married Miss Ann Swezel, a na- tive of Minnesota ; Frank married Miss Sarah Hurlbert, a native of Missouri; Fred, married Miss Minnie Swezel. Dr. Kenyon followed farming and the practice of medi- cine until his death, which occurred April 17, 1882. Pev. Tanner, of Owatonna, preached his funeral sermon, which was held in the Bailey schoolhouse and was largelj' attended. He was buiied in Somerset Town- ship. He was a man highly respected by all who knew him, and in his death Steele Count\' lost one of its most prominent citi- zens. His widow still survives him. John J. Graif was born in Chicago, 111., October 29, 1854. His parents were Mr. M. and Tracia (Hackle) Graif. Mr. Graif Sr. and family came to Steele County, Minn., at an earljr day, locating on section 8, Som- erset Township, engaging in general farm- ing and stock-raising, which business they have since followed. John J. Graif was married July 12, 1881, to Miss Mary A. Frenen, a native of Oshkosh, Wis. They have one child, Mary, born March 15, 1886. Mr. Graif is a Democrat in politics. The family are members of the Catholic Church. William Addison Pratt was born in Stock- bridge, Windsor County, Vt., November 20, 1829. His parents were Liberty and Mary Pratt, both natives of Massachusetts, his father being a farmer. There were four children in the father's family : Martha, Caroline, Lucy and William. The three sisters are dead, William Ijeing the only living child. His mother died during the year 1847, and his father in 1873. Wm. A. left home when about seventeen years of age to care for himself. He served as an ap- prentice for three years at the shoemaker's trade, driving a team on the road during the summer months. He was married Novem- ber 4, 1853, to Miss Sarah Gertrude Seger, who was born in Vermont, October 23. 364 HISTORY OF STEEI.K COUNTY. 1829. Her parents were natives of Vermont and Connecticut, and there were seven chil- dren in her father's family. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt had five children : Mary Susan, born December 15, 1856; Frank A. (deceased), born December 30, 1858; Vinton W. (de- ceased), born December 31, 1860; Carrie S., born June 18, 1866, and Kay A., born August 25, 1868. Mary was married Feljru- ary 2, 1876, to Mr. McDougall, of Green Bay, Wis. They have four children : Effie, born June 9, 1877; Edith, born January 20, 1879; Roy, born September 15, 1880, and Eoss, born November 12, 1885. William A. Pratt came to Steele County, Minn., June 18, 1860, and located on section 12, Somerset Township, where he still lives. He is a Re- publican in politics; has been chairman of the board of town supervisors for six yeai's, besides having been supervisor a num- ber of times before. Mr. Pratt has h'eld the office of school district director and clerk for some fifteen years, and has taken an active part in public matters.. Julius Kabage, a prominent farmer located on section 22, Somerset Township, was born in Sac County, Wis., November 1, 1855. His parents were natives of Prussia. His father died in May, 1876, in Steele County, Minn., and his mother is still living. Our subject, at the age of twentj^-two, left home to make his own way in the world, and located on a farm in Owatonna Township, Steele County, Minn., in November, 1861. After remaining there for some time he moved to Somerset Township. Mr. Kabage was married June 24, 1877, to Miss Barbara Kovars, a native of Bohemia. Her mother is dead, and her father is still living. There were eight chil- dren in hei' father's family. Mr. Kabage and wife have six children: Henry, born Decem- ber 26, 1878 ; Mary, born January 20, 1880 ; Josephine, born February 28, 1881 ; Katie, l)orn June 24, 1882 ; Joseph, born October 26, 1883, and Rosia, born May 20, 1884, all of whom are living at home. i\[r. Kabage is a Republican in politics and a member of the Catholic Church. John L. Turk was born in Prussia, Novem- ber 1. 1836. His parents were also natives of Prussia. There were nine children in his father's family, six of whom are living at the present time. Two reside in Prussia, the other four live in America. Mr. Turk came to America June 6, 1864, and after remain- ing a few days in Baltimore and Chicago, came to La Crosse where he remained from June 16, until the following- December. He then came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Owatonna, December 21, 1864. After re- maining there for two years, he removed to Somerset Township, locating on section 16, where he has since remained, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has at the present time a good farm of 192 acres. Mr. Turk was married June 8, 1868, to Miss Hen- rietta Chandler, a native of Prussia, who died, leaving one child : Willie, born August 18, 1869. Mr. Turk's second wife was Miss Augusta Miller, who was born in 1851. They have five children : John, Eda, Bettie, Celia and Huldah. Mr. Turk is a Democrat in politics, and he and his family l)elong to the Lutheran Church. Frederick E. Degner, came to Steele County, Minn., in 1865. He was born in Pru.ssia, April 4, 1838. His father was a shoemaker in Prussia. Fred. E. Degner left home when about eighteen years of age, and came to America in 1855, locating in Wiscon- sm, where he was engaged in farming until August 16, 1862, when he enlisted in Com- pany H, Twenty -third Wisconsin Infantry. July 25, 1865, he was discharged, having par- ticipated in the battles of Fort Hineman, Vicksburg, Mobile and Spanish Fort. After the close of the war Mr. Degner came to Steele County, Minn., locating on section 11, Somerset Township, where he has since re- mained, engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. Mr. Degner was married November 19, 1868, to Miss Marv Elizabeth Grass, a native of Denmark. They have six children : Mary Ida, born December 13, 1869 ; Albert Will- iam, born February 12, 1872 ; Augusta HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 365 Ellen, born October 14, 1874; Ernest Otto, born April 30, 1877 ; George Edward, born December 7, 1882, and Alma Julia, born July 4, 1886, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Degner is a Kepnblican in politics, and is one of Somerset's most prominent men. He has been chairman of the town board one year, town supervisor four years, and also school director of district twenty-five for nine years, and still holds that office. Mr. Degner and family are members of the Lutheran Church. Elias Hahn came to Steele County, Minn., in June, 1856. He was born in Ohio, Sep- tember 19, 1828, his pai'ents being William and Marj' (Centz) Hahn, natives of Mary- land. There were nine children in his father's family, all of whom were farmers. Our subject, Elias, when twenty-one years of age, began life for himself, learning and working at the carpenter's trade for seven years. He then came to Minnesota, locating at Northfield, where he remained for one year. He then, in 1856, came to Steele County, locating on section 3, Somerset Township, where he has since lived, engaged in general farming. Mr. Hahn was married August 21, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Hahn, a native of Ohio. They have two children living: Mary, born June 10, 1858, and Edna, born September 15, 1860, both of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hahn have lost three children : Milton, who died Novem- ber 8, 1854; Howard, who died February 7, 1863, and Sarah, who died August 6, 1865, all of whom died in infancy. Mr, Hahn is a Republican in politics. He has been town treasurer for seven years, town supervisor for one year, and has held the office of road overseer for seven or eight years. The family are members of the Congregational Church. Fred. Sette was born in "Wisconsin, April 19, 1855. His parents, Carl and Minnie (France) Sette, were natives of Prussia. There were twelve children in liis father's familjs five boys and seven girls, three of whom are dead. Tavo of the boys reside in Dakota; the other remaining brothers and sisters live in Minnesota. Mr. Sette left home when twenty-seven years of age, to make his way in the world. .June 1, 1865, they came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Owatonna Township. In 1879 Fred, re- moved to section 32, Somerset Township, where he has since remained, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Sette was married October 22, 1879, to Miss Hattie Panzer, who was born in Prussia, October 15, 1857. They have three chil- dren : Edna, born July 28, 1880 ; Albert, born October 15, 1881, and Frederick, born April 17, 1885. Mr. Sette is a Republican in politics. He and his family belong to the Lutheran Church. Frederick Ost is a native of Germany, born February 1, 1834. His father was a shepherd in Germany, and died in February, 1850. His mother died in about 1845. Frederick Ost came to America, August 2, 1864, and went to Quebec, Canada, where he remained a short time. He then came to Chicago, 111., and thence to Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm for eight months. He then went to Rochester, Minn., and on May 8, 1865, he came to Steele County, locating in Owatonna, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for five years. He then removed to section 4, Somerset Town- ship, where he is now living, engaged in general farming. Mr. Ost was married Sep- tember 14, 1867, to Miss Augusta Sette who was born in Wisconsin, June 28, 1849. They have eight children : Mary, born January 1 , 1869; Augusta, born November 30, 1873; Charles, born November 6, 1875 ; Albert, born August 26, 1877 ; Anna, born Novem- ber 25, 1879 ; Bertie, born August 15, 1881; Gustaf, born May 9, 1885, and Alma, born May 31, 1887, all' of whom are living at home. Mr. Ost is a Republican in politics. He and his family belong to the Lutheran Church. Christian Peterson was born December 36f5 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 27, 1835, in Denmark. His parents are both dead, his mother having died while our sub- ject was nine j'ears old, and his father died in 1877. There were eight children in his father's family. Mr. Peterson came to America in 1867, coming to Steele County, Minn., in June of that year, locating at once on section 10, Somerset Township, where he lives at the present time, engaged in general farming and stoclc-raising. Mr. Peterson has been twice married, first to Miss Jennie Jensen in October, 1860. She was born in Denmark in April, 1832, and died October 1867, leaving four children: Mary, born April 9, 1861 ; Anna, born January 2, 1862 ; Louis, born Januar}^ 20, 1865, and Sena, born in January, 1868. Two of the children are married : Mary married Christian Eas musson in 1877. Anna married Louis Kas- musson in 1879. The gentlemen are broth- ers, and natives of Denmark. Mr. Peterson was married to his second wife. Miss Julia Hanson, July 13, 1873. She was born in Denmark, December 24, 1811. They have three children : Hannah, born May 3, 1874; Ida, born April 28, 1876, and Estie, born April 28, 1883. Mr. Peterson is a Eepubli- can in politics. He and his famil_v are mem- bers of tiie Baptist Church. W. K. Knickerbocker, one of Somerset's most prominent men, came to Steele County, Minn., in 1868, locating on his present place on section 20, Somerset Township, where lie carries on general farming and stock-raising, He was born in New York, January 11, 1830. When nine years of age his father died, and our subject made his home with an uncle, until he reached the age of twelve. He then worked out at farming, until twenty- eight years old, when he began for himself. He has been twice married, first to Miss Caroline Lyon, a native of New York, in January, 1858. She died in 1852, leaving two children : William R., now dead, and Charles L. born October 3, 1861. Mr. Knickerbocker's second wife was Miss Helen E. Burgess, who was born in New York, Sep- tember 15, 1841. They have four children : Irene, born August 22, 1869; Nellie, born Januar}"^ 13, 1872 ; Clarence, born August 11, 1874, and Eleanor, born September 11, 1880. Chas. L. was married, in 1884, to Miss Irene Wilkinson, a native of Wisconsin. They are located in Lemond Township. Mr. Knickerbocker is a Republican in politics, and a representative man of the township. Fred. Stange was born in Prussia, March 27, 1838. His parents were natives of Prus- sia, and there were six children in his father's family, four girls and two bo3's. When eleven years of age our subject left home to earn his own living, being first engaged as a shepherd boy for a few\'ears. Hetlien came to America, remaining a short time in New York. Then came to Wisconsin, when he worked on a farm for five 3'ears. He then • in 1873, came to Steele County, Minn., first locating in the western part of Somerset Townshi]), where he remained a few weeks and then moved to his present place, on sec- tion 9. Mr. Stange Avas married June 6, 1865, to Miss Wilhelmine Gohlke, who was born in Prussia, July 22, 1844. They have had eight children : August, born December 10, 1866 ; Wilhelmine, born March 27, 1871 ; Gusta, born September 28, 1873; Herman, born June 18, 1879; Anna, born August 15, 1884; Rudolph, born November 10, 1885. The other two cliildren are dead. The liv- ing children are all at home. Mr. Stange is a Republican in politics. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. M. D. Whitman, was born in Vermont, October 8, 1841. His parents, Daniel and Re- becca (Freeman) Whitman, were natives of New Hampshire, and were farmers. Mr. AVhitman enlisted August 15, 1862, in the Twelfth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and was discharged July 20, 1S63. The principal liattle he was in was that of Gettysburg, July 23, 1863. After being discharged he went to New Hampshire where he worked on a farm for thi-ee years. In February, 1865, he went to Illinois, locating in Winnebago County, HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 367 where he worked at farming for some eight months, after which he went to Wisconsin and remained four months, and finally came to Steele County, Minn., in 1869, locating on section 16, Somerset Township, where he still lives engaged in general farming. Mr. Whit- man was married October 8, 1867, to Miss Anna Bryant, who was born in Wisconsin, May 11, 1847. They have five children : Clarence L., born October 11, 1868 ; George N., born November 6, 1870 ; Frank M., born July 29, 1875; Arthur J., born November 26, 1877; Hattie A., born March 13, 1882, and Charles E., born June 28, 1887, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Whitman has been postmaster of the postoffice, located at his residence, since 1877. In the spring of 1870 he was elected school district clerk. Mr. Whitman is a Eepublican in politics. Edward Kuckenbecker was born in Prus sia, March 22, 1830. His father and mother were both natives of Prussia, and were farmers. There were eight children in his fatlier's family, one of whom is dead. Mr. Kuckenbecker came to America in 1861, locat- ing in Wisconsin, where he remained three vears. He then removed to Eochester, Minn., where he remained three years. In 1870 he came to Steele County, locating on section 29, Somerset Township, where he is still en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Kuckenbecker was married to Mrs. Tina Wolf, whose first husband was deceased. She was born October 8, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Kuckenbecker have three children : Amanda, born August 13, 1879 ; Bennett, born August 17, 1S81, and Edward, born May 13, 1883. The children are all living at home. Mr. Kuckenbecker is a Democrat in politics. He and his family are members of the Lutlieran Church. Villars Larson was born in Denmark, De- cember 13, 183.5. His parents, Lai's and Hannah (Jensen) Larson, were both natives of Denmark. There were nine children in his father's familj^ five boys and four girls. Our subject came to America in 1859, locat- ing in St. Louis, where he remained one year working on a farm. He then enlisted in the Second United States Infantry, and was in service in the regular army until the close of the war, being under Capt. Sulley (after- ward Gen. Sulley) one year, and under Capt. Drum the remainder of the time. He was dischargedAugust IS, 1865. M. Larson was in fifteen different battles , including those of Yorktown, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cole Harbor, second battle of Bull Run, An- tietam, etc. Mr. Larson came to Steele County, Minn., April 17, 1870, locating on section 10, Somerset Township, where he has since lived, being engaged in farming. Mr. Larson is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. William Sannemann was born in Hanover, Germany, August 8, 1816. His parents, " Henry and Maria (Blohm) Sannemann, were both natives of Germany. When thirteen years of age William left home to do for himself. He worked on a farm till he was twenty-eight years old. Then he came to America, locating in Marion County, 111., where he bought eighty acres of land. He remained there a few years, and then came to Steele County, Minn., locating in Somer- set Township, on section 12, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Sanne- mann was married September 7, 1871, to Miss Maria Stangler, who was born March 20, 1855. Her parents reside at present in Plavanna Township, Steele County. They have had four children, one of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Sannemann have two children : Arthur, born December 6, 1874, and Ordelia, born February 20, 1879. Both of the children live at home. Mr. Sanne- mann is a Deniocrat in politics, and has been school treasurer of his district for some term. The family are members of the Luth- eran Church. Gardner Storer, farmer, residing on sec- tion 33, Somerset Township, was born in Maine, May 1, 1841. His parents, Josepli and Betsey Storer, were natives of Maine. 368 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Their family consisted of eight children, four boys and four girls. When twenty-one yejirs of age (iardner started in business for himself, farming in Goodhue County, Minn., for seven yeai's. From that place he moved to Faribault County, Minn., where he was also engaged in farming, remaining there some five years. Then, in 1873, he came to Steele County and in the fall settled on sec- tion 33, Somerset Township, where he still lives. Mr. Storer was married June 9, 1860, to Miss Rosia Zimmerman, a native of Illi- nois. Her parents were natives of Germany, and there were twelve children in her moth- er's family. Mr. Storer and wife have eight children living : Amanda, born August 22, 1862; Mary Louisa, born March 31, 1864; Eva Lillian", boi'n May 22, 1866 ; John Will- iam, Ijorn December 17, 1868 ; Joseph Fred- erick, born September 11, 1871 ; Sarah, born December 29, 1873 (died August 9, 1S75); Albert Ernest, born September 28, 1876, (died July 29, 1879) ; Guy Earl, born October 12, 1878 ; Inez Addie, born September 11, 1881, and Aaron, born February 28, 1885. Amanda married T. McFall, a native of Penn- sylvania, March 1, 1882. The other children all live at home. Mr. Storer was in the army. He enlisted August 7, 1864, in a Minnesota regiment and was discharged in May, 1865. He is Republican in politics ; a member of the Seventh day Advent Church. In 1873 he was elected school director and held the same for three years; in 1875 was elected school treasurer and served six years, and has otherwise taken an active interest in public affairs. CHAPTER XXVIIL LEMON D TOWNSHIP. ' lEMOND is composed of township lofi, range 21. It forms one of the western tier of Steele Coun- ty's townships, being bounded on the west by "Waseca County ; on the north by Meriden Town- ship ; on the east by Somerset, and on the south bj^ Berlin. The soil here is about the same as characterizes the balance of the county' — rich and fertile, and produces excellent crops. The surface of the township is well watered by numerous creeks and runs, and there are many fine farms here. In 1857 the township had a popula- tion of ninety-six. At the latest census, — 1885 — this had grown to 689 inhabitants. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement in this township was made in 1856. During this year, Samuel Thompson, John Thompson, W. F. Manson, Sandford Kinney, E. Teed, and E. J., J. B. and E. B. Coon, all selected homes. Messrs. Kinney and Coon sowed the first wheat in the township, in the spring of this year, on section 2. John Thompson remained here less than a year, when he returned to Ohio. W. F. Manson lived here for about twenty years, when he removed to Blue Earth County, and has since returned to his former home in Canada. A son of his still lives in the county. Sandford Kinney is dead. E. Teed moved from here to Clinton Falls, and finally went to Cottonwood County. All of the Coon family left the county a number of years ago. S. M. Kinney, who came here with his father s family, in November, 1856, is still a resident of the township. In 1857, a number of pioneers arrived and located in this township, among the number being Martin Hanson, Cornelius Moran, Henry Ludkins, Henry Mondt, Alvin Bragg, Neils Johnson, Oscar Murphy, Samuel Hastings, James Reynolds, Peter Nelson, Mr. Branden- burg, E. Dampier, Mortimer Gould, Mi-. Ketchum, J. M. Gibbons, Thos. Hughes, Mr. Hobbs, Wm. Manson (who died here), Euel Wilcox, Wm. Parcher and Thomas Houston. In 1858 among those who came were Aaron S. Bragg, William Stover, Mv. Deffenbacher, Ira Richardson, Benjamin WoUet and others. Mr. Bragg is still a prominent citizen of the townsiiip. William Stover went to California with Ketchum, in 1859. Mr. Deffenbacher settled on section 1, but only remained a couple of years. Mr. Richardson still lives in the township. Mr. Wollet located on section 1, where he re- mained until 1802, when he went to Fari- bault, where he died. A man named Kipp came at about this time, and bought one of the Coon claims on section 1, and remain- ing a short lime. In the year 1859 a few more came, but about all the government land had been taken, and the settlement from this time on progressed slowly, until after the close of the civil war. In 1857, Thomas Twiford put up a log building on section 12, put a dam across the river and set a sawmill to operating. He ran it about a year when Mr. Hughes oper- ated it for some time. Finally it ran down, and the machinery' was sold and moved away. A history of tlie village which was laid out in this neighborhood will be found in the chapter relating to Somerset Town- ship. Ill tliis connection we present biographical 370 HISTOEY OF STEELE COUNTY. sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent citizens of the township. S. M. Kinney, who resides on section 2, Lemond Township, is a son of Sanford and Louisa (Moulton) Kinney, natives of Ver- mont, who emigrated to Minnesota in 1856, locating in Lemond Township. His father died in August, 1869, and was buried in Lemond Township ; his mother died Janu- ary 20, 1887, and was buried beside her hus- band. Our subject was thus among the first settlers, and experienced all the var- ied clianges through which the country has passed. He taught the first school in the town- ship in a little log dwelling which was used for a schoolhouse. August 10, 1S62, he en- listed in the Tenth Minnesota Infantry and was discharged May 29, 1865, being under Capt. Ambler one j'ear, then under Capt. Babcock until the close of the war. He was engaged in a number of battles the principal ones being Big Mound, in August, 1863, and Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864. After being discharged he returned to Steele County, where he has since resided, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was united in marriage, March 11, 1885, to Miss Charlotte Weber, a native of Wiscon- sin, born July 6, 1861. They have one child, Stillman Warren, born January 23, 1886. Mr. Kinney has taken an active part in pub- lic afi'airs, having been town clerk, supervi- sor and assessor, and at present is treasurer of school district No. 36, having been elected in 1880. He is a Kepublican in politics, and is an active member of the Baptist Church. C. R. Knowlton on section 14, Lemond Township, a pioneer settler, was born in Rhode Island, March 10, 1826. He was the oldest son of John A. Knowlton, a native of Rhode Island and Eliza G. (Wood) Knowlton, a native of Massachusetts. His father's oc- cupation was farming. The family removed to Steele County, Minn., in 1856, locating on section 13, Lemond Township, where the father's death occurred June 10, 1870, and the mother's November 10, 1879. The parents had five children : Charles R., Ann E., Elmira, Emeline (deceased) and Caroline. At the age of seventeen, Charles R. left home to care for himself, work- ing for six years in a cotton factory, then was emploj'ed in a tan-yard for two years. He then removed to Massachusetts, and worked five years in a cabinet shoj). Emigrating to Illinois, he was engaged in a reaper factory, and the following year (1856), came to Steele County, Minn., locat- ing first in Somerset Township. In 1859 Jie removed to his present home. He married Miss Harriette E. Rhodes, April 15, 1846. She was born in Massachusetts, October 22, 1825, and died September 1, 18S3, leaving six children, two of whom are unmarried : Ellis, born September 10, 1847; Charles E., born February 8, 1849 ; Jolin II., born March 14, 1854; George W., born April 6, 1856 ; Frank M., born October 16, 1861 (died February 28, 1870); Lemuel, born August 27, 1858 (died November 9, 1863) ; Wallace, born November 14, 1864, and Delbert, born March 20, 1868. Mr. Knowlton was after- ward married to Mrs. Henriette Russell, whose husband died December 21, 1884. He was a native of St. Lawi-ence County, N. Y., who had settled in Lemond Township in 1865. They had six chil- dren : Ella Gertrude, born July 23, 1866; Minnie J., born June 27, 1869 ; Orpha O., born October 7, 1871 ; Henrietta, born April 15, 1873 ; Cora Belle, born January 16, 1875, and Gilbert E., born April 9, 1877. Mr. Knowlton enlisted in Companj' E, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, March 16, 1865, and was discharged August 2, 1865. He has been justice of the peace two years, chairman of township board of supervisors one year. In politics is an earnest Pro- hibitionist. Aaron S. Bragg, a pioneer of the town- ship, located on his present home on section 32, Lemond Township, in 1865. He was born in Maine, October 31, 1838. His parents were natives of Massachusetts and Maine. HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 371 His father died in 1866 in Lemond Town- ship. His mother is still living. They had seven children. A. S. Bragg married Miss Maiy Graham, who was born in New York, September 12, 1848. They had four chil- dren: Cynthia N., born February .5, 1868 — now a successful teacher; Alice L., born April 4, 1873 ; Sarah J., born December 14, 1880, and Louis, born February 4, 1867 (died December 1, 1881 ; was buried in Lemond cemetery). In the fall of 1861 Mr. Bragg enlisted in Company I, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged in 1865. He participated in the battles of luka, September 19, 1862; Corinth, Miss., October 3 and 4, 1862; Ft. Pemberton, March, 1863; Forty Hills, May 3, 1863; Champion Hill, May 15, 1863; the assault of Vicksburg, May 22 to July 4, 1863 ; Mission Kidge, November 24 and 25, 1863 ; Altoona, Ga., October 5, 1864; siege of Savannah, December, 1864, and Little Salkehatchie River, S. C, February 6, 1865. He was pro- moted to first corporal before discharge. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, and is Republican in politics. He has taken an active interest in public affairs, hav- ing been supervisor, justice of the peace and constable several terms. At present he is clerk of school district No. 53, which office he has held since the organization of the district. Oscar Murphy, ex-county commissioner, and one of Lemond's most prominent citizens is a native of the State of Pennsylvania. His parents were Selim W. and Hannah M. (Townsend) Murphy, both natives of the same State. His ancestr}', on his mother's side, traced back to Yates County, N. Y., and on the father's side to Bradford Count^^, Pa. In the father's family there wei'e the following children, two of whom are now deceased, viz. : Sarah, Oscar, Henry, Wilson, George, Harriet E., Polly, Eugene, Alice and Ciiarles. When nineteen years of age, Oscar Murphy, the subject of this sketch, left home to begin life for himself, and took a trip to St. Croix Falls, Wis. He remained there for about three years, working the first sea- son in the ])ineries, and the balance of the time being engaged in teaching school. In the meantime, from that place he had made a trip to Steele County, Minn., and took a claim in Lemond Township, remaining only a short time, however. In 1859 he organized a band of boys or young men, and went to Pike's Peak in search of fortune, remaininar there until the outbreak of the civil war, wlien he returned to St. Croix, Wis. He then, on the 11th of September, 1861, en- listed in the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, un- der Col. C. C. Washburn. They were moved to St. Louis and then to Helena, taking part in the war n:ovements in the southwest They participated in the following battles : Helena, FayetteviUe, where the battalion captured 150 Confederates; Prairie Grove, Ark., December 7, 1862 (where Commissioner Black lost an arm), and Springfield, Mo.,where they defeated the forces of Gen. Marmaduke, the present Governor of Missouri. This com- pleted their work in that region, and then the First Battalion (of which Mr. Murj)hy's company had become a part) was transported from St. Louis to Memphis. When just be- low Island No. 10, in the Mississippi River, their transport boat, the " John J. Roe," ran onto a sunken coal barge, and went to the bottom. It contained the men, supplies and about 500 head of horses. The men escaped and succeeded in saving all except about 150 of the horses. LTpon arriving at Memphis the regiment was made a part of Grierson's Cavalry Division, and took an active part in fighting Gen. Foi-est's (Confederate) cavalry. While connected with this division Mr. Mui-- phj^'s regiment participated in the battles of Yazoo City, December 1, 1864 ; Black River and Bayou Sara. During this summer (1864) the regiment veteranized and had a thirty- da}' furlough. During the winter of 1864-5 they took part in the engagements at Egypt Station (December 28, 1864,) and Lexington, when Grierson's famous raid was made on Hood's rear, coming out at Vicksburg in M7'j IIIS'rOKY OF STEELE COUNTY. January, 1HC5. Ovor sixty milos of tlic Oliio & Mobile iuid tiio Mississippi Central (•iuii-oatis, over wiiicii Hood's sii])plies wcm'c! j)assing, wore destroyed, ;ii:d a large auioiiiit of the supplies was captured. This marked the dowididl ol' Hood's ai'iiiy. In l''el)ruary, 1805, the regiment was transpoi'ted to Mem- phis, and, after sortu; unimportant service, was sent to the liio (Jninde, wiiere, undcn' Ocn. ('ustcr, it licc-iiMc ii part of the iii'my of olistn'vaJ ion. In ()ct()l)(U', iSfif), the I'egi- ment was sent- on transports, /lyV New Or- leans, to Madison, Wis., whei'e they wore mustered lait in October, ISdf). Mr l\lur phy's eom])iiny was but a, i-emnant ol' what il had been. In |sr,| ii iuuni>ered 105 strong, abl(^-l)odi(!d young men; but only seventeen a,nswei'ed to tin* I'oll-call when mustercMl out in 18(15. Ml". Murphy had enlisted as a, pi'i vato, but had i)eeu promoted through the various grades until, when mustered out, he was lirst lieuteUMUt of his eom|)ajiy. lie nevcsr misscul an (sngagcMuent, uoi' i'aile, located on section 2, Avhere he remained until the Avar broke out, Avhen he enlisted and Avent into the service. Upon his return he located on section 9, and lived there until six or eight years ago, Avhen he removed to Huron, D. T. Charles W. Gardner came in 1856 and settled upon section 13. In 1863 he Avent into the army, and after the close of the Avar settled in Blooming Prairie. He has since returned to the eastern States. James S. King came here in 1856 and located on section 13. He remained here until 1880 , when he left for Dakota. Mr. Warren also came to this township in 1856 and settled on section 12. After re- maining here for two or three years he re- moved to California, Avhere he still lives. S. Hull came in 1856 and located on sec- tion 11. He left here in about 1865 for the northern part of the State. Joseph Gordon came in the spring of 1856 and located on section 28, where he lived until his death in 1868. His Avife died November 30, 1859. John Dock came in the fall of the same year and settled on section 21. About three years later he removed to California. Barney Banks Avas another of the "settlers of '56." He located on section 21. He was frozen to death in a terrible blizzard while on his way from Geneva to his home. His oxen returned liorae without him, and his body was soon afterward discovered. William Shea came the same year and located on section 30. He Avas in his one hundred and fifth year at the time of his death. 379 380 HISTf)RY OF STEELE COUNTY. Thomas Brick was a son-in-law of Mr. Shea. He located on the same section and remained there until 1877, when he removed to section 14, where he still lives. Halver Howen came in 1856 and located on section 23. In 1868 he was frozen to death while on his way home from Faribault. Enfin Enfinson came in 1856 and settled on section 27. wliere he still lives. M. Wright came during the same year and located on section 32, where he still lives. E. Johnson came in 1856 and is still a res- ident. Philo Sawyer, in company with M. War- ren and J. O. Colver, came to Steele County, Minn., and took up government land in Ber- lin Township in 1856. Mr. Sawyer is a na- tive of Vermont, born August 22, 1830. In 18'±1: his parents, A. and Demarius (Well) Sawyer, removed to Wisconsin, where the father died in 1848. The mother died in 1863 in Minnesota. After securing his land liere in 1856. Philo returned to Wisconsin, remaining until 1857, when he came here to stay. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, under Col. Ball, serving until the close of the war. He received his discharge in Gallatin, Tenn., since which time he has followed farming on his original homestead. He has been identi- fied with the interests of his township, hav- ing been a township officer for a number of years, and is an active and highly respected citizen. Tiionias Brown is the second son of C. V. Brown, a pioneer settler of Berlin Township, who came in 1856 and located on section 27, wliere iiis death occurred. There were four children : Charles, Thomas, John and Mary. The father was one of the first supervisors of the township ; was postmaster for a number of 3'^ears. His death occuri'ed July 1, 1868. When twenty-one years of age, Thomas left home and began life for himself. He settled in Berlin Township on his present farm on section 22, in 1875, where he is still engaged in genei-al fanning and stock-rais- ing. He was born in New York in 1847, and in 1875 was married to Miss Mary Hare. They have five children : Mary Sedate, Hel- len Elizabeth, Thomas Franklin, Jefferson Newton and Eva Corrinne, all of whom are living at home. Francis J. Trowe was one of the settlers of 1856. He was born in Sullivan County, N. H., February 14, 1830. He emigrated to McIIenry County, 111., where he only re- mained a short time. From there he went to Du Page County, 111. At Marengo, 111., he married Miss Clara E. Mitchell, and in the spring of 1856, with their oldest child, they started with an ox team for the far west, coming by way of McGregor, where they found the waters of the Mississippi so high at the lower wharf that with difficulty they gained a landing. After undergoing all the vicissitudes of such an overland journey they arrived in Steele County, Minn., in July, 1856, and located in Berlin Town- ship. Mr. Trowe enlisted in 1863 in Com- pany C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, under Gen. Sibley in the campaign against the In- dians. He was mustered out of the service at Fort Snelling in 1865. He is a Kepublican in politics. He is the present township assessor, which office he has held for many consecutive terms. He has nine children: Edwin F., George H., Charles II., Willis L., Lillie N., Julia E., Frank S., Clara V. and Fred. S. They were called to mourn the loss of Frank S., who died June 7. 1887, of scarlet fever, aged eighteen j^ears. He was a promising and estimable young man and had been a member of the Good Templars since the organization of the lodge. Robert H. Reynolds was born in Pittsburg, Pa., June 12, 1844. He immigrated with his parents to Steele County, Minn., in 1856, from Fond du Lac, Wis. His father, Robert Reynolds, located on sections 13 and 23, Berlin Township, where he lived until the time of his death, August 23, 1884. On Au- gust 14, 1862, Robert H. enlisted in Company HISTORY OF STEELE CODNTT. 381 E, Tenth Minnesota Regiment, and was in the service three years. He was with Gen. Sibley the first year fighting Indians ; the re- maining time was in the south. After being discharged at Fort SnelUng he returned home, and later he went to Waseca County, Minn., where he lived seven years, then removed to his present home in Berlin Township. He was married in 1869, and they have five children : Frank, Fred, Pearly, Edith and an infant. John Culver settled on section 11, in 1856. He remained there until 1877, when he re- moved to New Eichland. In 1885 he went to Nebraska. J. Winchell came in 1856 and selected a claim on section 24. This continued to be his home until 1879, when he "pulled up stakes " and removed to Wisconsin. Levi Chase was another of the arrivals in 1856. The tract which he chose for a home was on section 21, and he remained here until 1866, when he removed to Owatonna and in 1880 went to Madison, Wis. A. Ingerson came in 1857, and settled on section 27. He held the office of county sur- veyor while living here, and is mentioned at length elsewhere. Morris O. Sullivan came either in 1856 or 1857, and located on section 30, where he still lives. William Lonergan Sr. came in 1857, set- tled on section 17, and remained there until the time of his death in 1877. A. Miller came in 1857 and located on section 18. J. B. Smith settled on section 11, in 1857. In 1864 he enlisted in the Eleventh Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, and went into the service. After the close of the war he set- tled in Owatonna. In 1877, he removed to the northwestern part of the State. George W. Goodrich also came in 1857. In 1872 he removed to Dakota, where he died in 1885. Henry D. Bingham resides on section 2, Berlin Township, where he has 120 acres, fifty of which is under cultivation. He was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., October 26, 1831. In 1850 he married Miss Serhnda L. Chamberlain in Pennsylvania. In 1851 they moved to Waushara County, Wis. They immigrated in 1862 to Steele County, Minn., with an ox-team and wagon, contain- ing all their worldly effects. They went through the Winnebago agency, then occu- pied by Indians, and witnessed quaint cus- toms and dances of the Indians. They halted at Garden City, Blue Earth County, Minn., but were driven from there by the Indians, and then came to Owatonna. A few years later they removed to their pres- ent liome. Their eldest daughter, Edith A., died in the autumn of 1869, at their present home, aged seventeen. There are still liv- ing Ada R. (now Mrs. Farnsworth), Clar- ence A. and Claude E. In 1863 Mr. Bingham enlisted in Company C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, being sergeant of his company. He was inustered out at Fort Snelling, in November, 1865. The cam- paign, which was principally against the Indians, is remembered as one of extraordi- nary hardship and interspersed with many incidents. Hon. Horace A. Finch settled on section 9, Berlin Township, in the fall of 1868. He was born in Turin, Lewis County, N. Y., December 17, 1842. His father and mother died when he was four years old. In 1849 the children , James, Caddie, Minnie and Horace, moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., where Horace lived until 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Capt. John R. Wheeler, Col. Allen being in command. They were ordered at once to Pittsburg Landing. Their first en- gagement was at Shiloh, after which Mr. Finch was sick in the hospital three months. He joined his regiment near luka, Miss., from thence to Vicksburg ; then on to Lake Providence, La. ; thence to Redbone, Miss., where they " laid up " till February, 1864. There Mr. Finch reenlisted and received a 382 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. veteran's furlough. He went to Cairo. III., and joined Sherman's army, then at Dalton, Ga., on its " march to the sea." He was in the Seventeenth Army Corps, and was en- gaged in all its battles and skirmishes. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., Septem- ber, 1865. He married Miss Irene Hazen, of "Wisconsin, in 1867. She died June 6, 1881. They had six children : Herbert, Fred., Cal- vin, Minnie, Chester and Mertie, only two of whom are living, Fred, and Mertie. In 1883 he married Miss Katie E. Davis in Waupun, Wis. They have two children, Ray C, and Hattie Isabel. Mr. Finch was elected representative to the Legislature, from the twelfth district, in 1882, and served one term very acceptably to his constituents. He served on several special committees, and was chairman on committee of public lands. T. R Sheldon came to Steele County in February, 1869, and settled on his present farm on section 12, Berlin Townshi]). He is a native of New Yoi'k, born December 16, 1820. In 18-13 he immigrated to Waukesha County, Wis., where he lived for eighteen years. He then removed to Olmsted County, Minn., and remained, there eight years. He married Miss Elizabeth Scott, of New York, in 18-11. She died in 1852, leaving two children to mourn her loss : Hudson B.. who married and is living in Grand Meadow ; and Adelaid L., married to L. P. Case, and living near Chatfield, Olm- sted County. Mr. Sheldon was again mar- ried, to Miss Parnelia B. Simons. They have one son, Frank, who lives near his father in the town of Summit. W. R. Ellis was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, in 1849. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Robinson) Ellis, emigrated to America in 1852, and went first to Lower Canada. In ISSlr they removed to Illinois, remaining there fifteen years, when they came to Steele County, Minn. W. R. Ellis came with thein. and for two years worked on a farm. He then learned the blacksmith trade, which he has since followed. He married Miss Annie McLaughlin of Illinois. They have three children ; Rosie, Benjamin and Veenie. They are active members of the Baptist Church. Samuel Ellis enlisted in Company D, Fifteenth Illinois Infantrj', in 1861, and again in 1864, in Company E, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. After being discharged he resided with his son, W. R., until fad, 1887) when he removed to Tyler, Minn., and now lives with his youngest son, Edward Ellis. Ole Olson has a fine farm of 140 acres on sections 2 and 4, and is engaged in general farming and stoclc-raising. He was born in Norway, July 19, 1843, and came to America in 1865. He settled first in Lemond Town- ship, Steele County, Minn., and in 1871 removed to Berlin Township. August 10, 1865, he was joined in marriage to Miss Annie Johnson, who was born in Norway, May 26, 1846. They have eight children: Anna Matikle, born April 23, 1866 ; John William, born December 14, 1867 ; Lora Olivia, born April 21, 1870 ; Jein Mary, born December 8, 1872 ; Ola Martin, born Febi'u- ary 20, 1876 ; Emma Julie, born April 7, 1879; Minnie Josephine, born October 15, 1883, and Albert Emil, born September 7, 1885. His family are all members of the Lutheran Church. Theodore Chambers, a prominent farmer of Berlin Township, is located on section 11. He has an excellent farm of 360 acres, 250 of which is under good cultivation. He was born in Du Page Count}^ 111., in October, 1844. When eiglit years of age his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., subsequently to Owatonna, Steele County, Minn.. M'here the mother still lives. The father was city treasui'er at the time of his death, which occurred in 1881. Theodore moved to the Town of IVIeriden, where he lived four years, then came to Berlin. Later he removed to Owatonna and spent five years, then returned to his present liome. He was married in Faribault, Minn., in September, 1S66, to Miss Emilv Arnold of Owatonna. They have HISTOBY OF STEELE COUNTY. 383 five children : Edward W., James L., Frank, Marion and Grace F. He enlisted in 1862 in Company F, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, under Capt. N. H. Stewart, Col. Church being in command at first, but was soon relieved by Col. Thomas Humphrey. The regiment remained in camp two months at Eockford, 111., when they were ordered to Jackson, Miss., and joined the Third Division Seventeenth Army Corps at that place. He served during the entire campaign, participat- ing m all the battles and skirmishes, and realized all the hardships incidental to a soldier's life. After the engagement at Oxford, Miss., they returned to Holly Springs, and took a forced march to Ripley to head off Van Dorn and Price. They were then ordered to Holly Springs, by land and rail to Memphis, then by boat to Lake Providence, La., where they remained two months, then overland to Vicksburg, and remained on duty in the rear of that city until its surrender. From Natchez, they were ordered on the Eed Piver expedition in Arkansas and Missouri against Price, took part at Fort Du Russey, Old Piver, Clouterville, Yellow Bayou, Gun Town, etc. ; the campaign against Hood in Tennessee ; thence to Mobile, siege at Spanish Fort in 186.5, and Fort Blakely. Also participated in Sherman's Georgia campaign, at Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, Jonesboro, etc., the i-egiment ti'avel- ing during service 9,960 miles. In the engagement at Guntown they met with a reverse and Col. Humphreys was Idlled, a loss sadly deplored by his men. The regi- ment afterward reorganized at Memphis. On their first raid to Greenville and Wood- ville, they destroyed large quantities of fionr, bacon, sugar, hams and commissary stores of the enemy, tore u]) the railroad track, took 300 head of horses and mules and a large herd of Texas cattle. In their second raid from Brownsville to Sedalia, in pursuit of Price, whom they failed to capture, they destroyed large quantities of his supplies. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was mustered out at Springfield, III, in Au- gust, 1865. ORGANIZATION When Steele County was organized in Au- gust, 1855, the territory which now comprises Berlin Township (and for that matter the whole of the county), became a part of Owatonna Township. It remained in this shape until the 6th of April, 1857, when the board of county commissioners set off town- ship 105, range 21, and authorized its organ- ization as a civil township, to be called " Berlin." The name was derived from the town of that name in Wisconsin. The proper spelling of the name is "Berlin," as it is com- monly used at this daj', although in the earlier county records the name appears Burlin. The organization of the township was not fully perfected until the spring of 1858, when, on the 11th day of Maj', a full set of township officers was elected, as follows : Supervisoi's, C. V. Brown, Thomas McCor- mick and M. Warren ; assessor, Otis Bath- rick ; clerk, H. Lawson ; justices of the peace, Michael Wright and George Goodrich ; col- lector, John O. Shea. The following is a list of the present town- ship officers, elected March 9, 1887 : Super- visors, H. A. Finch, H. Bradley and J. Tor- gesen ; clerk, D. M. Betchen ; treasurer, J. Malone ; assessor, F. T. Trowe ; justices, J. M. Cusick and A. Gales. VARIOUS EVENTS. The first marriage in the township was that of John O. Culver to Miss Jane Gordon. The ceremony was performed by Hiram Pitcher, Esq., a justice of the peace, in 1857. This being the first time the justice had pei"- formed the ceremony, he varied a little from the usual form, and the groom was made to promise to obey the bride instead of the bride obeying the groom. The first birth was that of Fred Brown, who now lives in Waseca County. It occurred in January, 1857. The first death was that of Mrs. J. 384 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. V. Gordon, which occurred Nov. 30, 1859. The remains were buried in Berlin cemetery. The first ground broken for a crop was done by Levi Chase, in the summer of 1856. The second marriage in the township was that of Ashbel Ingerson to Sarah A. Chase. The ceremony was performed by Eev H. Chapin, in August, 1875. About the first fatal accident which occurred in tlie township, was the drown- ing of John Brown, a lad of eighteen or nineteen years of age, in Beaver Lake. His body was secured a few hours after death had claimed him. RELIGIOUS. The first religious services in the township were held at the residence of Levi Chase, in the fall of 1856, when praj'er meetings and a Sabbath school were established. In the fall of 1657, Rev. Mr. Kirkpatrick and Rev. S. N. Phelps commenced preaching on alter- nate Sabbaths. A Methodist organization was effected in 1858, by Elder Phelps. On the 27th of August, 1859, a Baptist Church was organized by Elder Town, of Owatonna. The last preacher was Rev. B. K. Dye, of Clinton Falls. SCHOOLS. The fir.st school in the township was taught in the winter of 1857-8, by D. T. Gordon, in an old log blacksmith shop, which stood on the edge of Beaver Lake, on section 16. The following j'ear the present log schoolhouse was erected by the citizens. The same party taught the first school in the house. That was the only school build- ing in the township at that time. POSTOFFICES. The first jjostoffice in the township was established in 1856, under the name of Adamsville, with Hiram Pitcher as postmas- ter. He also carried the mail from Owa- tonna, many times going on foot, and, in the winter, using snow-shoes. In 1857 the name of the office was changed to Berlin. C. V. Brown was the second postmaster, and held the office until the time of his death. Succeeding him in turn came S. A. Gordon, G. W. Sawyer, Peter Betchen, C. W. Fox, D. McLaughlin and S. Ellis. The one last named is the present postmaster, having taken the office in 1884. BUSINESS. In 1871 a cheese factory was started on section 12, at a cost of some $5,000, by a company formed for that purpose , composed of citizens of the township, After being in operation for a time, the plant was sold to Mr. Sloan, and later Mr. Miller became in- terested. After a few years the enterprise was abandoned, as it had not proved a profita- ble investment. About 1875 a store was started by Miller & Sloan in a part of the cheese factory building, and the postoffice was also kept there. L. Barrett also started a store on section 13, but both concerns were closed out b}^ their creditors, after running a few years. W. R. Ellis started a blacksmitli shop on section 22, in April, 1875, which he still operates. CHAPTER XXX. SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. lUMMIT forms the center of the southern tier of townships, em- bracing congressional township 105, range 20. On the north it is bounded by Somerset Town ship ; on the east by Blooming Prairie Township; on the west by Berlin Township, and on the south by Freeborn Countj^ The northwest corner of the township has consid- erable timber. A branch of the Straight River runs across the northwest corner, in a northeasterly direction, while another branch, taking its rise in a little lake lying partly in the town of Blooming Prairie, flows, in a northwesterljr course, across the entire town, furnishing an abundant supply of water. The surface here is somewhat rolhng, and the prairie is diversified by the many groves which have been set out bj^ the settlers. The soil here is of a light but productive nature — of about the same character as is found in tlie other portions of the county. In 1857 Summit Township had a population of 45. In 1885 this had grown to 551 inhabitants. ITEMS OF INTEREST CONCERNING OLD SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. The first settlement within the limits now comprising Summit Township, was made in the summer of 1856, by John Bennett and a man named Dribilibus, both single men. Bennett selected a claim on section 9, and his companion on section 4. The former re- mained here for several 3'ears, then removed to Dakota, where he still lives. Dribilibus, after a year or two, sold out and left. Later in the same season (1856), Hiram Fredenburg, H. W. Ruliffson and D. A. Loomis came with their families, and also a man named Heath, and all selected claims. Mr. Fredenburg was a native of New York, and a man of prominence in early days. He selected a claim on section 20 and remained in the township until 1880, when he removed to Owatonna. Mr. Rulifl'son located on section .30, where he lived until 1880, when he removed to Da- kota. Mr. Loomis settled on the same section and remained until late in the "seventies," when he removed to Dakota Territory, where he still lives. G. W. Knapp located here in June, 1856, pitched his tent and at once went to " housekeeping.'" William Cooley came in 1856 and is still a prominent citizen. Mr. Cooley is a native of Massachusetts. He was born June 1st, 1812. His parents, Moses and Lucretia (Graves) Cooley, died before our subject arrived at manhood, his father dying in 1815, and his mother in 1826. When sixteen years of age William Coolej' went to Geneva, Seneca County, N. Y., where he remained five years, learning the carpenter's and wagon-maker's trade. In the summer of 1833, he came to Chicago, Ills., where he remained until 1854. He then came to Minnesota, locatino- in Chatfield. Finally, on the Uh of September, 1856, he came to Steele County, settling at once in Summit Township, on section 25. At that early day Mr. Cooley had charge of the postofiice and stage station, which was named Cooleysville, in honor of him. Mr. Cooley had charge of it for six years, at which time the stage route was changed. Our subject was offered $25 to sign a petition to have the postofBce moved four miles farther west, which he did, refusing to take the money. 385 386 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. He remained on section 25 for nine years, then removed to section 14, where he still lives. Mr. Cooley has been twice married : first, on December 25, 1833, to Eebecca "Warner, who died November 12, 1851, leav- ing two children: Mary E., born October 6, 1834, and Delia, born February 22, 1837. Mary E. married W. V. Johnson. They reside in Chicago, 111. Delia was married in 1852, to Julius Moffit. Their home is in Nickerson, Kan. Mr. Cooley was married December 31, 1852, to Catherine Cull. A. C. Colquhon came here in 1856, and located on section 24, where he remained until the death of his wife, which occurred three or four years later. After this, he spent some time in Wisconsin, and then i-e- turned to his old home. A few years later he removed to Blooming Pi-airie Township, where he still lives. Mr. Dunlavey came in '1857, and settled on section 14. After a few years he sold out his interests here and left. John W. Smith was also nmong the pio- neers of " \57." Mr. Smith was born in Virginia, November 1, 1817. He remained in his native State until twenty years of age, then in company with his parents settled in Ohio, where they resided for seventeen years. J. W. Smith came to Minnesota in Septem- ber 1854, locating in Chatfield, Fillmore County, where he remained three years. In June, 1857, he came to Steele County, locat- ing on section 35, in Summit Township, where he lives at the present time. Mr. Smith was married in 1841. They had three children : William L., James A. and David. William was married and lived in Summit Township, on section 34, until the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1880. He left a large family to mourn his loss. James A. lived with his parents until 1862, wlien lie enlisted in Company E, Tentli Minnesota Infantry, at that time being but eighteen years of age. He was wounded in the bat- tie of Tupelo and died soon after in the hospi- tal. David lived with his parents until 1864 then enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Min- nesota Infantry, remaining in service until the close of the war. He then returned home, and died three years later of a dis- ease contracted in the army. Mrs. Smith died in 1850. Mr. Smith was married to his second wife, Elizabeth Erat, in 1852. William Goolsby settled in Summit Town- ship in 1858, selecting his share of govern- ment land on section 14. He remained here until a few j'ears ago, when he removed to Dakota Territory, where he still lives. T. E. Kenyon, in company with his par- ents, Thomas and Mary L. (Smith) Kenyon, came to Steele County, Minn., from Otsego County, N. Y., in 1856, locating in Somerset Township, our subject, at that time, being only ten years of age. The father resided in Somerset until the time of his death. T. E. Kenyon remained with his parents until 1863, when he enlisted in Company C, Sec- ond Minnesota Cavalry, under Col. Thomas, remaining in the service until the fall of 1865, when he was discharged at Fort Snelling. He then returned home, where he remained one year. He then started out in life for himself. In 1877 Mr. Kenyon located on his present place in Summit Township, on sec- tions 5 and 6, where he has since resided. Mr. Kenyon was married in 1870, to Alliecia Twiford. They have two children : Arthur and Mary E. Edward Darmody was born in Ireland in 1845. When live years of age he came to America in company with his parents, Mich- ael and Bridget Darmod3^ They located in Rock County, Wis., where the}' remained un- til 1862. They then, in company with P. P. Thimsen, Mrs. Thirasen, Pat. Fallon and John Anderson, came to Minnesota, traveling by team. Mrs. Darmody died on the journey, and was buried at Spring Valley, Minn. Mr. Darmody at once settled in Steele County, taking up government land on section 10, Summit Township, where Mr. Darmody Sr. remained with bis son Edward until tlie time of his death, in 1S66. Our subject, Ed- I HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 387 ward Diirmody, was married in 1867 to Mary Welsch. They liave eight children ; Bridget, Katie Ellen, Michael, Thomas, Edward, Margaret, Eliza and Mary. Mr. Darmody has always taken an active interest in town affairs. He was elected supervisor in 1868, and has held some town office ever since. A. Hemingway was born in Canada in 1843. In 1844, his parents, Josiah and Eli- zabeth (Lawrence) Hemingway with their family removed to Wisconsin, where Mr. Hemingway Sr. died. Mrs. IIemingwa\' came to Minnesota in the spring of 1866, to live with her sons, Clinton and George, who reside on section 18, in Summit Township. A. Hemingway, our subject, came to Steele County in 1866, locating on section 19, in Sum- mit Township, where he remained four years. He then returned to Wisconsin. He remained there until 1878, and then returned to his original farm in Steele Couutj^, where he has since resided. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Thirtj^-second Wisconsin In- fantry, under Col. Howe, remaining in ser- vice until the close of the war. He was in a number of battles, among which were Three Rivers, Columbia, S. C, the taking of Savannah, Ga., with Sherman, on his march to the sea, and was also at the grand re- view, at Washington. Mr. Hemingway was married in Fond du Lac, Wis., in January, 1867, to Miss Olive Nickerson. They have five children : Elsie, Lula, Myrta, Elwin and Eva. A. C. Tennis, who resides on section 28, in Summit Township, Steele County, Minn., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1835. He remained in his native town until twenty- three years of age, and then came to Minne- sota, locating in Wabasha County, where he remained one year. In April, 1867, Mr. Tennis removed to Steele County, locating at once on the place where he now lives. His parents were Samuel and Jane Tennis. Mrs. Tennis died while our subject -was quite young. Mr. Tennis Sr. came west with his son A. C, and settled with him. Scott Hayes, who lives on section 6, in Summit Township, was born in Hartford County, Conn., October, 15, 1829. He re- sided with his parents until eigliteen years of age, then served as an apprentice for three years at the blacksmith's trade. He then worked at his trade for a few years. In June, 1859, he came to Steele County, Minn., taking up government land on section 6, in Summit Township, where he remained until he proved up on the land. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Hayes returned to Hartford, Conn., remaining there until 1869. He then returned to Steele County, locating on the land taken up ten years before, where he has since remained. Mr. Hayes was married in 1864 to Mrs. Elvira Elder. They had one child, Nellie A., who married Mr. James Cassady. She died December 26, 1885, leav- ing a small family. E. Coggins was born in Ireland in 1835. He remained in his native land until twenty years of age, then came to America, landing in New York, May 10, 1855. He remained in that State two years, then went to Penn- sylvania, where he worked one year in the iron works. He then returned to New York, where he remained until 1859, then removed to Racine County, Wis. After remaining there for some time, he went south to Car- son's Landing, Miss., where he remained a short time. He then returned to Racine, Wis., and engaged in farming. In 1870 Mr. Coggins came to Steele County, Minn., and was employed on the farm of Dr. Morehouse for two years. He then bought his present farm on sections 12 and 13, in Summit Town- ship, where he has since lived, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Coggins was married May 2, 1861, to Bridget Toher. They have nine children. Mr. Coggins was elected town su})ervisor in 1880 ; was reelected in 1881, and again in 1883. He is one of the leading men of Summit Township and a prominent citizen of Steele County. John Ryan, a prominent farmer residing 388 HISTORY OF STEELE COtTNTY. on section 20, in Summit Township, was born in DurhaiB, England. He came to America wlien six years of age, with his parents, John and Margret Rj^an, locating in Ohio. Our subject lived with his parents until fourteen years of age, then started out in life for himself, going to ISTew Orleans, La., where he remained two years. In October, 1855, he came to Minnesota, locating in Freeborn County, remaining there until the war broke out. He then enlisted, October 15, 1861, in Company F, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, remaining in the service three years and three months. He was in the following battles : luka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Chat- tanooga, Altoona Pass and also with Sher- man on his march to the sea. Mr. Ryan received his discharge January 14, 1865, at Savannah, Ga., and returned to Freeborn County, Minn., where he again engaged in farming. In 1865 he sold his farm and came to Steele County, locating on his pres- ent place, where he has since lived. He was married November 16, 1861, to Julia Fitz- simmons. They have six children : Huldah, Patrick, Martha, Margret, James and Mary Ann. D. P. Sawyer was born in Vermont in 1839. He remained with his parents, Otis and Mary Anna (Bickford) Sawyer, until twenty-one years of age. He lived in Ver- mont until the war broke out, enlisting in June, 1861, in Company B, Third Vermont Infantry, being under Col. Hyde for three years. Mr. Sawyer was in forty-seven bat- tles, the first being the battle of Bull Run. Mr. Sawyer received his discharge in the fall of 1864, at Burlington, Vt. He then returned home, where he remained two years, and then came to Minnesota, locating in Freeborn County, where he lived for ten years. He then came to Steele Count}', locating on sec- tion 21, in Blooming Prairie Township. Six years later he removed to Summit Township, settling on section 20, where he resides at the present time. Mi'. Sawyer was married in 1876 to Melinda McFall, a native of Pennsyl- vania. They have four children : Ira, Mabel, Floid and Elwin. Mr. Sawyer is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is among the representative citizens of this part of the county. FIRST EVENTS. The first birth in the township was that of Adelbert Heath, son of Roswell Heath, who was born in 1857. The first marriage took place in December, 1858, the parties being Benjamin "Wheeler and Miss Delia Fredenburg. The first death was that of Mrs. Delora Fredenburg, wife of Jeremiah Fredenburg, which occurred in 1860. A postoflice called CooleyviUe was estab- lished in 1858. The postmasters have been as follows : William Cooley, H. Fredenburg, M. Hitchcock, M. Fredenburg, John Curtis, A. D. Felton and Julia A. Ryan. SCHOOLS. The first school in district No. 38 was taught by Celia Fredenburg, now Mrs. P. Francis, of Medford, in the summer of 1862, occupying an old log house, which had been previously used by Paul Miller. Several terms were held here. The first schoolhouse erected in district No. 38, was built in 1864, a frame structure, which cost about $300. The district then embraced half the township. The first school in district No. 51 was held in a log schoolhouse, which was erected in 1867. The first teacher was Ellen Donaldson. In 1875 a new schoolhouse Avas erected, about half a mile east of the old site, at a cost of about $600. The first school meeting in district No. 74, was held in September, 1876, when the or- ganization of the district was effected. A schoolhouse was erected the following 3'ear at a cost of about $325. The first teacher was Nora Loomis. OEGAHIZATION. Like all other townships in the two western HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 389 tiers, the territory Avliich now forms Sum- mit became a part of Owatonna Township when the county was organized in 1855. It remained in this shape until April 6, 1857, when the board of commissioners set off township 105, range 20, and authorized its organization, under the name of Summit Township. The organization, however, was not perfected until the lOtli of May, 1858, when a town meeting was held at the house of Hiram Fredenburg, and the following township officers were elected : Supervisors, Hiram Fredenburg, chairman, R. M. Davis and G. W. Knapp ; clerk, N". S. Kingsley ; assessor, William Cooley ; constables, Daniel Loomis and George Mitchell ; justices of the peace, Hiram Fredenljurg and G. "W. Knapp. The present officers of the township were elected March 8, 1887, viz : Supervisors, H. C. Borchert, C. E. Clark, A. C. Tennis ; clerk, E. Darmody ; treasurer, Joseph Yoith ; as- sessor, W. E. Kenyon ; justices, T. C. Clark and D. P. Sawyer. U^2^ CHAPTER XXXI. BLOOMING PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. ( )RMING the southeastern cor- ner of Steele County is Blooming- Prairie Township, embracing township 105, range 19. The township was originally called Oak Glen, a name derived from a glen in the northern part, in which is a little lake surrounded by a heavy growth of oak. There are three of these lakes, one covering some- wiiat over a section of land, and each of the other two about 100 acres. About one-third of the townsliip in the northwest portion, is covered with scattering oak or oak open- ings, while the Ijalance is rolling prairie. The soil here is about the same as is found in other portions of the county, rich and pro- ductive. The township is becoming well settled, the population having a heavy foreign element, but as a whole the inhabitants are as thrifty, intelligent and prosperous as any community in the State. EAELY SBTTLEES AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. The first settlement within the limits now comprising Blooming Prairie Township was made in July, 1856, by John Blythe, who selected 160 acres of government land on sections 19 and 30 and put up a log cabin. In October of the same year, Dennis Moran arrived with his family, consisting of wife and two sons and a sister-in-law. Mr. Moran located on section 29. He died on the same section. Thomas Bray came in Januaiy, 1857, and it is thought that Mr. Whaley and his son-in-law, Mr. Ewers, settled in the northern part of the township at about the same time. These were the only families who settled in the township that winter although many passed through. After this, the township settled uj) very slowly. The financial panic of 1857 coming as it did, checked travel very much, and times became very hard. Early in the sixties the number of settlers became more numer- ous, although the outbreak of the rebellion prevented the town from filling up very rapidly. Among others who came at an early day and settled here are the following named : J. H. McDaniels, James Carey, Joseph Bran- ning, George Topliff, Andrew Cole, Thomas Sweeney, Miles Flannagan, G. Stoddard, S. Roberts, C. E. Hancock, Patrick Fallon, John Anderson, P. P. Thimsen, N. P. Thim- sen, T. Feeney and others. In this connection we present biographical sketches of many of the ]iioneers and other leading citizens of the township. The honor of being the first settlers of the territory which now forms the town of Blooming Prairie, undoubtedly belongs to John Blythe and family. John Blythe was a native of England, and was born in 1828. His father, Richard Blythe, died when he was a child, and his mother married a Mr. Bishop. She died when John was eleven years of age. John Blythe came to the United States when quite young and lived at Milwaukee, Wis., until 1851, when he located at Chicago, 111. At that city, on the 20th of October, 1852, he was married to Miss Eliza Jane Patton, by Rev. R. H. Clarkson, afterward Bishop of Nebraska. They remained in Chicago until the spring of 1856, when they determined to seek their future home on the sunset side of the Mississippi, and secure a farm. Mr. Blythe had followed the active and adventurous 390 /U^y/s. ■ (d£C£A3£0) HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 393 In coming business of a sailor on tlie lakes, west, they came by railway and steamboat to Winona, where a team was hired to brine: the goods and the family (which then con- sisted of the parents and two children) to Coole\'sville, in Summit Township. They paid $42.50 in gold for the trip, besides $12.50 incidental expenses from Winona to their new home. Early that fall Mr. Blj'the selected government land on sections 19 and 30, in Blooming Prairie Township, this being the first claim taken in the township. Here they built at first a little cabin 14x16 feet in size and lived on the place for nine years, when in the spring of 1866, they pur- chased the farm of David Bagley, on section 26, where the family still live. On the 26th of September, 1864, Mr. Blythe enlisted in Company B, First Regiment Heavy Ar- tillery, and served until June 11, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Chatta- nooga, Tenn. With the exception of tiiis absence, his home remained in Blooming Prairie Township from the date of his settlement in 1856 until the time of his death, April 1, 1886. He had taken an ac- tive part in all public piatters, and was well- known throughout all this portion of the county as an upright, honorable and enter- prising citizen. In his death the family lost a kind father and the county lost one of its earliest pioneers and most esteemed citi- zens. A portrait of him will be found else- where in this volume. Mrs. Blythe, who survives her husband, was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Tucker) Patton, natives of Ireland. In 1832 they settled at Kingston, in Upper Canada, where the father was en- gaged at boot and shoe making until the time of his death. In 1852, as stated, Mr. and Mrs. Blythe were married at Chicago, and in 1856 settled here. Thej' were blessed with eight children, who are living, as follows: William H., born July 9, 1854; Eobert JST., born April 21, 1856; Richard H., born March 29, 1860 ; Mary A., born February 23, 1862 ; Grace J., born March 28, 23 1864; Frank D., born March 25, 1868; Annie M., born October 2, 1870, and Albert J., born February 9, 1873. Mrs. Blythe is, and Mr. Blythe was until his death, a promi- nent member of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Bh'the is in good circumstances, so far as this world's goods is concerned, and carries on her large farm in a profitable manner. Thomas Bra}' is another jiioneer, whose name is indissolubly connected with the early history and development of Steele County. Being one of the very earliest settlers of Blooming Prairie Township, he witnessed and participated in all the hard- ships and disadvantages which attended the early part of Steele County's existence. Mr. Bray was a native of England, but came from there when eighteen years of age, and lived in Racine County, Wis, until 1856. He then came west, and for a short time stopped in the southwestern part of Dodge County, Minn. In January, 1857, he crossed the county line and took up government land on section 35, Blooming Prairie Township. Here he built a cabin and made a home. Settlers were very few and far between in those daj's, markets were onlj' to be found at Hastings or Winona, and many a time the settlers almost gave up in despair, as the trips had to be made overland, camping by the wayside, and fording or swimming the sloughs and streams. In early times prices were also very low, money was very scarce, and not a few were the times when starvation seemed almost to stare them in the face. Such were the disadvantages which the pioneers had to contend with, but thev struggled on, and finally, success and competency crowned the efforts of those who were enterprising and frugal. Mr. Bray was married in 1857, to Miss Agnes Thorborn, a native of Scotland, who came to the United States when very young. They had eight children : James, who is married, and lives in Mower County ; Jennie, Lizzie, William, George, Albert, Allen and Richard. Mr. Bray died upon his original homestead on 394 HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. the 10th of November, 1876. He always took an active and prominent part in all public matters affecting this 2)art of the county, and was widely known and respect- ed as a man of the highest worth and integ- rity. His death was sincerely mourned, not only by his family, but by all wlio knew him. A portrait of him very apjn-opriately appears in this work. Mrs. Bray, who survives lier husband, with the aid of her children carries on extensive farming and stock-raising. The farm is one of the best in the townsliip containing 320 acres. Hon. A. Colquhoun, residing on section 30, is also a pioneer of Steele County. He was born in Nova Scotia, September 2, 1835. His parents were John and Mai-gret (Peter- son) Colquhoun. His father was a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, and his mother was also of Scottish descent. Our subject, A. Colquhoun, came to the United States when eighteen years of age, and in November, 1856, came to Steele County, Minn., taking up government land on section 24, in Sum- mit Township, where he remained until he proved up on his land. He then went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in the lumber business for five years. In 1S02 j\Ir. Col- quhoun returned to Steele County. In 1S64 he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, remaining in the service until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Fort Snelling, in Julv, 1865. He then returned to Steele County, and, in 1866, selected government land on section 30, Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Town- ship, where lie has since lived. Mr. Colqu- houn was elected as first assessor of the townsliip after Oak Glen and Auroi'a were divided, and held the office for two years. He was also elected as chairman of the board of supervisors in tlie spring of 1872, serving until fall, at which time he was' elected to the State Legislature. He was again elected representative in 1880 and served until 1882. Mr. Colquhoun has taken an active part in aU educational matters, having been one of the school board for twenty successive years. His name appears frequently in these pages. C. B. Pettie, one of Steele County's most prominent men, was born in Westford, Ot- sego County, N. Y., December 8, 1834. He remained with his parents until twenty -one years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He came to Steele County. Minn., October 7, 1S5<), taking up government land on section 25, Aurora Township. He re- mained there until 1859. At that early date times were so hard that Mr. Pettie be- came discouraged and returned to Wiscon- sin, where he worked out on a farm for a year, at the end of the time taking a small pair of cattle for payment. He then went to work and made a wagon entirely of wood, with the exception of the draw bolt. He then started again for Steele County, Minn., driving througli in about two weeks, and locating on section 24, Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Township, where he resides at the present time. In August, 1862, Mr. Pettie enlisted in Company A, Tenth Min- nesota Infantry, remaining in the service until June, 1865. He then returned to his farm, where he has since lived. Mr. Pettie was man-ied in 1868 to Frances A. Farring- ton. They had three children, two of whom are still living, Eddie and Lizzie. Mr. Pettie was elected chairman of the board of super- visors for the town of Oak Glen, in April 1867, and has alwa^'s taken an active part in town matters. Among Mr. Pettie's posses- sions is tlie old W()(Klen wagon, wliicii he retains as a relic of former days. A. B. Clark was born in the State of New York and came to Steele County, Minn., June 12, 1856. He took up government land on section 22, in the town of Aurora, wliere he found five settlers who had been on the ground about one week. Tiie onlv now remaining settler of those five is Cliarles Adsit. Mr. Clark came by railroad and steamboat from his home in the east to Winona, Minn., and there ]n*ocured a yoke of oxen and drove to his new home in Min- mSTOET OF STEELE COITNTT. 395 nesota. After arriving, the first thing he did was to build a log house for the accommoda- tion of his wife and family, who cauie about a month later. The following year Mr. Clark was one of three men who assessed what was at that time Steele County, now Steele and "Waseca counties, he having to assess the south tier and the south half of the second tier of towns, making in all nine townsiiips. The work was not as pleasant at that day as it is now, the settlers being scattered, roads bad or none at all. Mr. Clark remained on his original farm until 1S76, at which time he moved to his present place in Blooming Prairie, where he has since lived. In the fall of 1880, he put in a stock of goods in the village of Blooming Prairie, and carried on merchandising in connection with farming for four years; then sold out his merchandise! and since that time has devoted his attention especially to the breeding of fine horses, so that to-day some of the best blooded horses in the county can be seen at his stables. Mr. Clark was married in ISiS, while in New York, to Esther M. Waterman. They have had six children : George W., born March 11, 1850; Clara M., born May 2, 1852; Mary E., born October 31, 1854; Rosalind, born December 7, 1857; Frank B., born May 18, 1861, and Amy N., born June 29, 1865. C. E. Hancock purchased his present farm in the spring of 1862. He is a native of Jef- ferson County, N". Y., and came to Steele County, Minn., in the spring of 1859, when he took up school land in Aurora Township. He afterward sold out and removed to his present farm in Blooming Prairie, where he is engaged in general farming and stock- raising. In those pioneer days Winona was his nearest trading point, to which place settlers hauled their grain and produce. Their loads would average thirty and forty bushels, and were drawn by two pair of oxen. The trip would require from seven to nine days and they could then only get from forty-five to sixty cents per bushel for their wlieat. At one time he took some excellent butter to Ped Wing and could get only five cents per pound for it. He has witnessed all the varied changes that have taken place, and has undergone the privations of an early settler. In 1864 he enlisted in the First j\[innesota Heavy Artillery, under Col. Thomas, and served until he was honorably discharged June 19, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. He then returned to his present home. He was united in marriage to Pamelia Hanson, in New York, in 1856. They have four children : Lucy B., Fred., May and Albert. May was married to Mr. C. P. Ellis, and resides in Minneapolis. J. II. McDaniels was born in Vermont, June 12, 1822, and at an early day went to Canada. From Canada he went to Wiscon- sin, and was one of the pioneers of Waupun in that State, having settled in that town about the year 1848. He remained there until he came to Minnesota in about 1860. On first coming to this State he located on a farm on section 9, of Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Township, Steele County. On this farm he remained until his death, which took place April 2, 1884. Mr. McDan- iels wiis one of the earliest settlers in that part of the town, his nearest neighbor being- four miles distant. His first house for him- self and family was built of poles and hay. As soon as ]iossil)le he erected a more sub- stantial building, which still stands on the farm. While in Canada, Mr. McDaniels was married to Julia Ann Carey. Thej^ have eight children : Robert, Mary, Celestia, John, Frank, Charles, IVIai'garet and Sarah. Frank McDaniels was born in Waupun, Wis., Oc- tober 4, 1858, and came to Steele County, Minn., with his parents when he was about two years of age. He lived with his parents till the time of their death. He was married May 24, 1886, to Julia E. Carey, a native of Wisconsin. He still lives on the old home- stead taken originally by his father in 1860. Frank McDaniels brought the first steam thrashing machine into the town of Bloom- ing Prairie. 396 HISTORT OF STEELE COUNTY. P. P. Thirasen came to Steele County, Minn., in 1862. He was born in Denmark, April 3, 1831. His father was Nis Thimsen. Our subject came to America in 1858, locat- ing in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he remained a short time ; he then removed to Rock County, "Wis., where he lived until 1862, when he came to Steele County, Minn. He at once took up government land on section 8, Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Town- ship, where he has since resided. Mr. Tliim- sen was married in 1863 to Julia A. Ackley, a native of Lafayette, N. Y. They have four children : Marion M., aged twenty-two; Hattie F., aged twenty ; John F., aged eighteen, and Katie M., aged thirteen. Mar- ion married Hans Johnson ; they reside in Blooming Prairie. Hattie married James C. Peterson ; their home is in Colorado. The other children live at home. Mr. Thimsen has a very fine farm of 400 acres, 300 of which are under cultivation. Patrick Fallon, a prominent farmer, resid- ine: on section 22, inBloominfj Prairie Town- ship, was born in Ireland, January 25, 1833. His parents were Martin and Hanora Fallon. When twenty-one years of age, Patrick came to America, landing in New York, May 5, 1854. He remained in that State a year, and then came to Wisconsin, locating in Rock County. In 1862 he came to Minne- sota, and took up government land on sec- tion 22, in Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Township, where he has since lived. Mr. Fallon was married in New York, Sep- tember 2, 1855, to Bridget Conley. They have seven children : Sarah E., Mary, Libbie, Jennie, George, Frank and Maggie.. Sarah married J. Sorenson, a blacksmith, of Bloom- ing Prairie. Mary married Mr. O'Brien ; their home is in Owatonna. The other children live at home. Mr. Fallon has been prominent in public matters affecting the township, and has held various offices, in- cluding that of township treasurer and others. Michael Fallon, residing on section 22, Blooming Prairie Township, was born in Ireland, December 10, 1836, and came to America when twenty years of age. He located in Rock Countj^ Wis., where he lived for five j^ears. He then removed to Minnesota, taking up government land on section 22, Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Township, Steele County, where he still lives. Mr. Fallon was married in 1865 to Martha Jane Powers. They have four children : Michael J., Ella, Stephen and Gusta G. Mr. Fallon was elected town su- pervisor in 1875 ; was reelected in 1876, and was again elected in 1878. H. A. Dunton is one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Blooming Prairie Township. He was born in Hampden, Me., in 1840. In 1857 his father, John Dunton, settled in Mower Countj'^, Minn., where he was one of its earliest settlers. In 1863 they moved to Oak Glen, Steele County, and kept the stage station for some four years. He then went into business in the village of Blooming Prairie, which he con- tinued until his death in July, 1876. H. A. Dunton remained at home until 1863, then went to the Montana gold fields, where he remained a 3'ear or so, then returned to Blooming Prairie. He is actively interested in all that pertains to the good of his town- ship, and is present chairman of the board of supervisors. He was joined in marriage in April, 1874, to Emma Cary, a native of New York. They have five children : Bertha E., George, Jessie C, Mary and Allen Plenry. A. Dies is a native of Canada West. lie was born January 4, 1823. His parents were Matthew and Olive (Lenan) Dies. A. Dies resided in Canada until 1853, when he removed to the United States, coming to Chicago by boat, and from there to Olm- sted County, Minn., by team. He located in the town of Pleasant Grove, Avhere he re- mained ten years. He then came to Steele County, taking a homestead on section 22, Blooming Prairie (then Oak Glen) Town- ship, where he has since lived. Mr. Dies HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 397 was married in Canada to Alice Clargo, who was born June 10, 1827. They had eleven children : Lucy J., born September 9, 1850 ; James W., born May 15, 1857; Olive A., born July 9, 1859 ; Mary E., born June 12, 1861 ; Arthur, born May 30, 1863 ; Lewis E., born July 16, 1865, and Elmer M., born born September 16, 1868. Four children are dead : Geo. H., born August 23, 1818, died in May, 1875 ; James, born April 1, 1853, died October 15, 1853; Elizabeth, born Feb- ruary 28, 1855, died August 2, 1858, and Luther E., born July 16, 1865, died June 2, 1869. Elmer and Lucy live at home. Mr. Dies has taken an active interest in public matters, and has held various local offices, including those of town supervisor and jus- tice of the peace. James W. Smith came from West Vir- ginia, where he was born, in July, 18-12. His parents were George and Sarah (Wal- lace) Smith, with whom James W. lived until he was fifteen years of age. At this age he started out to make his own way in the world. At the age of twenty he went to Pennsyh^ania., and engaged in farming until 1864, when he came to Steele County, Minn,, and took up government land on sec- tion 14, Blooming Prairie Township. Here Mr. Smith engaged in tilling the soil, prov- ing himself a successful farmer, and has remained on the original claim ever since he came liere. Mr. Smith was married Au- gust 11, 1864, to Jane Bridendolph, who is a native of Maryland. They have seven chil- dren : Amanda, Carey A., May E., Jennie, Calvin, Nellie and Cora. The children are all living at home. N. L. Dutton first came to Steele County, Minn., in 1865. He was born in Cattarau- gus County, N. Y., December 23, 1829. His parents were Ephram and Harriet (Starkweather) Dutton. Mr. Dutton, our subject, remained in his native State until twenty-two years of age. In 1852 he came to Waupun, Wis., where he remained eight years. He then moved to Rosendale, where he remained until 1862. He enlisted at that time in Company PI, Thirty -second Wiscon- sin Infantry. He remained in the service until September 25, 1865, receiving his dis- charge at St. Louis, Mo. He was under Col. Howe. Mr. Dutton then returned to Wiscon- sin, and in October of the same year came to Minnesota, remaining, however, only a short time. Returning to Wisconsin, he pro- cured a team and again started for Minne- sota, being two weeks on the way. He at once located on sections 25 and 26, in Sum- mit Township. In September, 1879, he re- moved to Blooming Prairie Township, set- tling on sections 23 and 26, where he still lives. Mr. Dutton was married October 20, 1850, to Mary Brooks, a native of New York. They have six children: John, Franklin, Dwight, Will, Sarah and Hattie. James Dugan came with his parents, Dennis and Mary (Eyan) Dugan, from New York his birthplace, when eleven years of asre. He lived with them until 1885, when they removed to Owatonna, since which time he has operated the farm. He was married in February, 1884, to Margret Ber- gen. They have one child, Mary Margretta. Nels Johnson was born in Denmark, August 16, 1850. At the age of twenty-four he came to America, and settled in Bloom- ing Prairie Township, Steele County, Minn. When he came he bought a farm on sectioii 28, where he has since resided. During his residence here Mr. Johnson has taken a com- mendable interest in the affairs of his county and town. He was elected supervisor of his town in 1879, and again in 1886 and 1887. He was married April 3, 1875, to Anna Olson. This union has been blessed with four children : James, George, Nels P., and Henry, all of whom are living. A. J. Zwiener, a prominent farmer, re- siding on section 15, Blooming Prairie Township, is a native of Germany. He was born March 16, 1846. He remained in his native land until eight years of age, then came to America with bis parents, living 398 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. with them until seventeen \'ears old. In February, 18G3, Mr. Zwiener enlisted in Company F, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin In- fantry, under Col. Green, and served until Jul}^ 1S64-, when he received his dis- charge while in a hospital at New Orleans, La. In 1865 Mr. Zwiener came to Minne- sota, locating in St. Paul, where he remained three 3'ears, then removed to Winona County. Five years later he removed to Wisconsin, where he lived two years, and tlien again came to Minnesota, locating on section 15, Blooming Prairie Township, where he still lives. Mr. Zwiener was married to Bertha Menzel. They have five children : Mary, Frank, Lena, Tracey and Lawrence. Mr. Zwiener was elected assessor in 1880, serv- ing two years. In 1SS3 he waselectetl town clerk, whicii office he still holds. Mr. Zwiener has always taken an interest in town matters, and is one of themost promi- nent citizens of Blooming Prairie Township. Fred. Nelson came to Steele County, Minn., in 1875. lie was born in Denmark, Novem- ber 1, 1851. His parents, Peter and Anna Nelson, were also natives of Denmark. Fred. Nelson remained in Denmark, working on a farm, until twenty-four j^ears of age, and then came to America, coming direct to Minnesota, and locating on section 14, Blooming Prairie Township, Steele County, Minn., where he remained four years. lie then sold that farm and bought a. place on section 3, where he has since lived, with the exception of the year 1886, when he had charge of the poor-farm. In 1878 Mr. Nelson was married to Annie Nelson, who was also a native of Denmark. They have three children : Ellen, Peter and Carroll. Mr. Nelson has a very good farm of 160 acres, 100 of which is under cultivation. Peter Peterson was born in Denmark in 1844. When twenty-eight }'ears old he came to America, locating in Illinois, remaining there for a short time. He then came to Steele County, Minn., where he remained during the winter of 1872-3. Mr. Peterson removed to Iowa the following spring, locat- ing in Howard County, where he lived for three or four years,. Then returning to Steele County, Minn., he located on section 21, Blooming Prairie Township, where he still lives. In 1876 Mr. Peterson was married to Miss H. M. Shaw, a native of Denmark. They have five children : Thomas, Mary, Hans. Annie and Emma, all of whom are living. A. P. Smith was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., in September, 1842. His pai'ents were William and Sarah Hodges Smith. A. P. Smitii remained in New York until seventeen yesrs of age, at which early period of life he determined to come west. He first located in Hennepin County, Minn., and remained there until in March, 1861, at which time he moved to Pope County, Wis., remaining there two years, when he again started for Minnesota and located in Goodhue County, between Zumbrota and Pine Island. Here he remained until 1876, and then came to Steele County, Minn., purchasing the farm on which he has since lived, on section 12, Blooming Prairie Township. Mr. Smith is a practical and suc- cessful farmer. He was married in 1861 to Susan M. Dickinson, a native of Maine. The}' have six children : Adeline O., Elsie, Georgiana, Alice M., Wilmar L. and William P. Adeline O. married WiUiam Ferrington and resides in Blooming Prairie. Elsie E. married Charles Forbes, of Iowa. They are now living in Mitchell County, Iowa. The rest of the children are still at home with their parents. T. C. Smith came to Steele County, Minn., in 1877. He Avas born in Genesee County, N. Y., January 10, 1836. His father, Elisha Smith, came to Indiana when our subject was quite young. In 1869 he removed to Steele Count}', locating on section 12, Bloom- ing Prairie Township, where Mr. Smith Sr. remained until the time of his death, which occurred in 1884. Our subject, T. C. Smith, remained in Indiana until 1864, then came to Minneapolis, Minn., where he engaged in HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 399 business. Mr. Smith remained there until 1877, and then came to Steele County, locat- ing on section 11, Blooming Prairie Town- ship, where he still lives. Mr. Smith was married at Bloomington, Minn., in 1860, to Eliza M. Scone. They have five children : Ira J., Leroy, Charles Frederick, Henry J. and George. Ira J. was married and resides in St. Paul, where Leroy also lives. The other children live at home. Mr. Smith has a good farm consisting of 160 acres, 11 U of which are under cultivation. He is one of the leading citizens of the township. VAEIOUS MATTEES. The first birth in the township was that of Walter John Blythe, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Blythe, which occurred on the 22d of August, 1858. Another early birth was that of James, a son of Thomas Bray, who was born in 1 859. It is thought the first marriage was cele- brated in 1860, the parties being Ira Foster and Mrs. Scott, a widow lady. The first school in the township was taught in 1861 by Miss Hattie Layton, after- ward Mrs. Joseph Carey. OEGANIZ-VriON. The territory w 'lich now comprises Bloom- ing Prairie Townshij) was a portion of Dodge County, imtil Februar}', 1856, when it was separated from Dodge and annexed to Steele County. This was the case with the entire eastern tier of townships. On the 6th of April, 1857, the board of county commissioners set off township 105, range 19, and named it Oak Glen. It was attached to Aurora Township and was not organized as a township until March, 1867, when the county board authorized a separate organi- zation. • The name was changed to Blooming Prairie in January, 1873. The organization of the township was perfected on the 2d of April, 1867, when the first township meeting was held, and a full set of officers elected for Oak Glen Township, as follows : Super- visors, C. B. Pettie, P. Haley, and G. M. Topliff ; assessor, A. Colquhoun ; clerk, A. J. Snyder ; treasurer, A. J. Pettie ; justices of the peace, Giddon Stoddard and Aaron Pet- tie ; constables, Andrew Magoon and John Eastumn. The first officers for Blooming Prairie Township were elected on the 11th of March, 1873, and were as follows : Supervis- ors, W. Bowman, chairman, G. A. Peterson and F. Carey ; clerk, Lewis Ellington ; asses- sor, H. A. Gleason ; treasurer, C. Whitten ; justice of the peace, C. W. Gardner. The following is a list of the present (1887) officers of the township : Supervisors, H. A. Dunton, P. Nelson and N. Johnson ; clerk, A. J. Z wiener ; treasurer, Nels Nelson ; as- sessor, George Johnson ; justices of the peace, V. Yencl and R. C. Page. EAELY KECOLLECTIONS. By C. B. Pettie. Blooming Prairie Township was first named Oak Glen, and was known by that name from 1856 to 1868, when it was changed to Blooming Prairie, as that name was given to the village by the general superintendent of the railroad company. John Blythe was the first to settle in the township, soon followed hy Mr. Moran, Ira Foster, Thomas Bray, Levi Annis, William Greene and David Bagiey. They remained some three years, wlien another colony came along in which was Joseph Branning, C B. Pettie, A. J. Pettie, D. T. Pettie and C. E. Hancock, all of whom settled on section 24. In 186 1 -2 there came quite a number of set- tlers from Wisconsin, including R. T. Carey, J. C. Carey, James Carey, George M. Topliff, Andrew Meehan, Patrick Fallon, Michael Fallon, John Anderson and Thomas Feeney, and all took claims and went to farming. The first reaper used in the south part of Steele County was purchased by Joseph Branning, who drew his wheat to AVinona, sold it at forty-five cents per bushel, and paid some 1300 for his reaper — a " McCormick hand-rake." The grain was all cut with 400 HISTORY OF STEELE COITNTT. oxen ; would change teams about every two rounds in an ordinary field, the chain being dro.pped and another team put on in about the twinkle of an eye. I remember one day we cut twenty acres in the German settlement in Aurora, then moved four miles, and started in to cut a field for William Johnson after dark. About ten o'clock we struck a stump, broke a guard and had to leave the field till daylight. While in the German settlement the reaper was followed by about twenty binders. Most of them would twist the band like a hay rope, put the rope on the ground, take up the gavel, place it on the band, then tie it very firmly. Among the binders was a Gei'man girl of about sixteen or seventeen years. I took the liberty to leave the reaper a moment to show the girl how Yankees made the band and bound the bundle. She got the knack very quick, and in a short time was one of the fastest binders in the field. When cutting on the prairie near where the village of Blooming Prairie now stands, we had one lively day. Commenced cutting for William Thorburn in the morning, and, as we had to change teams often, Mr. Thorburn, or " Billy," as he was called, said he would put his team on a while. He took the driver's seat, whip in hand and started. As soon as the reels began to play, the oxen began to go ; and as they began to go fast, the oxen tried to go faster and left a cloud of dust behind them ; D. T. Pettie raking ofl' grain with a vengeance. After going about eighty rods " Dave " thought he had grain enough on the platform, so he threw the machine out of gear. That brought on a heavy side-draft, which threw the cattle in the grain and left a large circle of down- grain uncut. Before noon the steers thought they had rather stand still than go. In the afternoon we were cutting for William Greene, where the cemetery now is. Mr. Greene, "Little Billy," as he was called, had "imbibed" quite freely. Levi Annis came with his oxen to put on the reaper when needed. " Little Billy " had some old grudge against Annis. He wouldn't have Annis on his farm, nor his oxen. Mr. Annis insisted that he was hired b}^ Mr. Branning to help run the harvester, and he was going to stay. Words brought blows, and blows brought bloody noses, before Mr. Branning could reach the field to quell the row. About the first of October, 1856, a terrific prairie fire came sweeping over the country from the southwest, and burnt over several counties. Among the sufferers was a familj' by the name of Lake. Report soon reached our settlement that Nr. Lake and son were badly burned and needed help. Stephen Sargent, one of the first settlers of Aurora, volunteered to take his oxen and carry all that would go to complete Mr. Lake's house which was in course of erection. I think Charles Adsit, G. W. Grimshaw, John Per- ham, John Ball and several others were in the party. The distance was ten or twelve miles, but we arrived quite early and found otiier neighbors there; so we made quite an improvement to his home. Mr. Lake's place was in the eastern part of Westfield, Dodge County. During the fire he and his son were out on the prairie with their oxen and wagon. The fire came rushing on with a tremendous roar ; overtook them ; the boy fell by suffocation into the flames, and the father springing to his rescue, both were ter- ribly burned. By the kindness of C. Dicker- son, who was keeping the " Bracket Station," or stage house, at Oak Glen, we were fur- nished with a basket of dinner. When we returned to the station in the evening word came out for all to stop for supper. The boys jumped out thick and fast; Mr. Sar- gent sat quiet for a few moments, then started up his team, and as he did so he turned to me and said : " Do you know wh}' I didn't stop for supper?" "Why," says I, "I suppose you wasn't hungry." " Hungry ! I am hungry enough to eat a raw dog, but they didn't notice my oxen." I HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 401 saved a four-mile walk by remaining with the wagon. The first log houseerected in thetownsiiip of Blooming Prairie was b\' John Blytlie. The first fi'ame building was ]]racket's Station, the lumber being hauled from St. Paul. The first frame dwelling house was C. B. Pettie's. The first enlistment from Blooming Prairie was that of David T. Pettie, in Comjiany F, Third Minnesota Infantry. The first town meeting of Aurora was held in the spring of 1857, at the house of A. B. Clark. At that early day there was considerable strife for the town offices, es- pecially for that of supervisor, as everybody wanted a road, to get the travel to pass their door. I was sent out quite late in the daj\ to gather up a load of Germans that were living in the northeast part of the town. I started in post haste almost without a track. I could not speak a word of German, and they could hardly speak a word of English; but by signs and motions I gathered up nearly a wagon-box full. I stood up and drove while they sat in the bottom, and of all thumping a set of men ever got, fell to that lot of men ; for I go over grub-land, across marshes and through timber at a rapid rate. But I " fetched " in and reached the polls three minutes before closing time. How they voted I never knew, and I don't believe they ever did, for there was hauling and pulling, grabbing and talking, as they were hurried to the ballot-box, with a ticket in each hand. The next schoolhouse was located on sec- tion 25. It was 10x12 — 5^ feet high, with a sod roof. Here the first school was held in the township. Miss Hattie Leighton, now Mrs. J. C. Carey, teacher. This was in the summer of 1862. This house was used for meetings, Sab- bath-schools and the like, until 1866, when the settlement had increased and they called for a larger house. Then came the strife for another location. This time it was pulled to the west, and planted on the northwest quarter of section 26— land owned b}' An- drew Meehan. This time they built a larger log house, size 16x20 feet,with board roof. The town was divided into two school districts, running north and south, known as the Mc- Daniel district and the Prairie district. This house, being so large, was used for quarterly meetings, elections, political meet- ings and almost all other kinds of meetings. The villafi-e of Blooming- Prairie was laid out in 1868, and in 1869 was too proud to look toward a log schoolhouse, but built a substantial frame house, which stood on the ground now occupied by the Episcopal Church. The village grew, and the scholars became more numerous. Then they called for the present brick structure, which is an ornament and an honor to any town. Thus we see the old log house giving way for something better. We also see the old "Pioneer" giving way for the rising generation, and may they go on until they are as far in the advance as the brick and stone structures are ahead of the "old sod roofed school-house" that once decked the prairie of Blooming. The ^il Pr lage of ©loonnqg prairie. During the year 1867 the Minnesota & Cedar Valle}' Kailway was built south from Owatonna, to which place it had been com- pleted during the preceding year. A station was located on section 25 of this township, and it was given the name of Blooming Prairie. A village was also platted and busi- ness development commenced immediately. The first store was started by Capt. A. C. Ilawley and Mr. Wadworth on the ground now occupied by Brainerd's lumber-yard. A short time later the first warehouse was built and a portion of it was partitioned off, and Capt. Hawley, then being the sole pro- prietor, moved his stock of general merchan- 402 HISTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. dise into this. C. "W". Gardner soon pur- chased the business, and L. Ellington entered into his employ as a clerk. Mr. Gardner erected a store building which now forms a part of the Ferrington House. The business soon changed hands again and Octave Gan- iefj became proprietor, and Mr. Gardner moved onto the farm now owned by R. J. Fuller. Ml'. Ganiefy conducted the business for six or seven years, when the stock was closed out. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS MEN. Shortly after Capt. Hawley had started his store, E. B. Sprout erected a store build- ing and opened a stock of general merchan- dise. He sold to J. N. Dunton & Sons. The original building was afterward sold to A. Mayo and finally burned. J. N. Dunton died while in business, and the sons contin- ued it for a number of yeai's, when the stock was closed out. During this time they had erected a building facing on Fourth street. L. Ellington, as stated, had been clerking at different times for Capt. Hawle\', C. W. Gardner and Octave Ganiefy. In about the year 1870 he, in company with F. C. Brown (afterward his brother-in-law), opened a gen- eral merchandise store in T. Feeney's build- ing. They at once erected a building (in which the ])ostofBce is now located) and soon moved into it. The firm remained thus for about one year when F. C. Brown sold his interest to Mr. Peterson, and the firm of Ellington & Peterson continued the business for about two years, when Mr. Peterson became sole j^roprietor. A few years later J. A. McConnell bought the stock, and later John Lennon became interested, and the business is still prospering under his man- agement — although the firm is now A. G. Lennon & Co. In 1871, T. Feene}' established a general merchandise store in the building which he now occupies as a hardware store. He con- tinued in the general merchandise trade for about seven years, when he sold to Veb- lin & Jensen. They remained in the same building for about one year, and then re- moved to the Dunton building on the oppo- site side of Fourth street. About two years later the}^ purchased stock and building of Wilson & Lucklon, consolidated the stocks and moved into the latter building. In the meantime, the firm had become Veblin & Co. (O. A. Yeblin, N. Evans and G. Jen- sen). The last named member has since sold his interest, and Veblin & Evans still conduct the business. The next general merchandise store was started by A. Mayo in a building which he had purchased of J. N. Dunton. The build- ing had been used for various purposes and finally he ppened a stock of clothing, boots, shoes and gents' furnishing goods. He con- tinued the business for several years and finally closed out the stock. P. N. Nelson & Bro. in 1879 started a gen- eral store in a building opposite the Western Hotel. This stock was a bankrupt one which they had purchased of M. Guthrie. Originally it had belonged to the Paulson Brothers, who had been in trade here for a short time. Nelson Brothers remained in the building mentioned for about one year, then moved into T. Feeney's building. About a year later the firm was dissolved, P. N. Nelson buying his brothei*'s interest, and a few years later he removed the stock to Lake Benton, Minn. The next general merchandise store was started in 1880 by A. B. Clark, one of the oldest settlers in the southeastern part of the county. Ole Ecker conducted the busi- ness for him, and Mr. Clark continued as proprietor until 1884, when the business was purchased by Mr. Ecker. About one j'ear later the building was burned to the ground. The stock was saved and was purchased by M. Guthrie, who consolidated it with a stock which he was then keeping, and he still con- tinues in the trade. In 1882 L. E. Hatch opened a general store in the building which he now occupies. HISTORY OF STEELE COCNTY. 403 These changes in the history of this line of trade — general merchandise — leaves the present (1887) dealers as follows : Lennon & Co., Veblin & Evans, M. Guthrie, G. Jen- sen and L. E. Hatch. J. G. Lennon was born in Minneapolis, Minn., September 2, 1857. Ilis younger days were spent in scliool. At tlie age of six he went with his parents to Lansmg, Mower County, Minn., thence in 1865 to Dodge County, Minn., where the\' were engaged in farming. In 1871 he moved to Blooming Prairie, and during the three following years attended school in Owatonna, Minn. In 1876 he engaged in the furniture business with Mr. Marshall, under the firm name of Marshall & Lennon. continuing in this busi- ness about thi-ee years. In 1882 he engaged in his present business, tJiat of general mer- chandising, in which he has prospered. On December 2(5, 1877, Mr. Lennon was married to Amy Giddings. Their only living child is Bertie, born February 26, 1884. In poli- tics Mr. Lennon is a stanch Republican. George Jensen was born in Norway and came to Steele County, Minn., in 1872. After coming here he taught a Norwegian school for one year, and, in 1873, entered the store of G. A. Peterson of Blooming Prairie, as clerk. He remained with Mr. Peterson as clerk until he sold out to J. A. McConnell. Mr. Jensen was then employed in Mr. Mc- Connell's store for- some time. After his engagement with Mr. McConnell terminated, Mr. Jensen, in company with O. A. Veblen, bought out the stock of T. Feeney, and has continued the business up to this time. In 1881 Mr. Jensen was married to Carrie A. Peterson, who was born in Wisconsin. They have one child, Gena. M. Guthrie, postmaster and a ))rominent business man, is a native of Ireland, where he was born in 18-18. He came to America in 1867, being then about nineteen j^ears old. His first home was in Dubuque, Iowa, where he lived until September, 1875, at wdiich time he came to Blooming Prairie and took charge of the elevator. The next year he purchased a half interest in the elevator, and in 1877 he handled about 200,000 bushels of wheat, paying an average price of ninety- five cents per bushel. He continued in this business until the present season, having now rented his elevator for a time. In the year 1883 he went into the general mer- chandise business, and for the past three or four years he has engaged in the hay trade, pressing and shipping to northern markets. His shipments have been very heavy. In the last year he has also handled about $20,000 worth of live stock, shipped chiefly to eastern markets. In 1878 he became pro- prietor of the Western Hotel, which he still conducts, also running a livery stable in con- nection with the hotel. All these different branches of business Mr. Guthrie has con- ducted with ability and success. In 1882 he was nominated by the Democratic party as a candidate for representative to the State LeoMslature, but was defeated bv about 100 votes. Lie was again nominated in 1886, but was again beaten by the Republican can- didate. He was appointed postmaster on May 1, 1886. Mr. Guthrie has always taken an active interest in political matters, and is at this time president of the village board. He was married October 24, 1883, to Amelia Volhardt. They have two children : Florence K., being three years old, and Lulu, being eighteen months old. Mr. Guthrie own five good farms, comprising 560 acres, only eighty acres of which, however, lie in Steele County. The first drug store in Blooming Prairie was started by Dr. Hatch in the spring of 1871, in the same room in which L. Ellington was carrying on his general merchandising. The stock of drugs changed hands a number of times after that, and was finally moved away. The second drug store here was established in 1874, by C. W. Williams and Dr. Johnson, in a building belonging to Mr. Morton which had been erected for a furniture store. They 404 HTSTORT OF STEELE OOITNTT. moved the buildinff to near Feenev's hard- ware store, where the business was conducted by this tirm for several yeai"s. Then Mr. Will- iams bought his partner's interest and several years later moved the stock across the street into one of the Dunton buildings. Finally he sold to C. Peterson, and the stock was moved to Owatonna. Olson it Johnson started the next drug store in a building now owned by Peterson «fe Hogan. The same firm is still in business, but has moved the stock into a building on the south side of Fourth street, which they erected. Anton Olson is a native of Xorway, where he was born in 1853. His parents were Ole and Annie Olson. Anton came to America when eighteen years of age, arriving at Owa- tonna, Minn., in ISTl. Here he remained about one year, when he went to Rochester. Minn., where he was engaged in a drug store, remaining about five veal's. In 1S77 he came to Blooming Prairie, and for some two yeare was with Charles Williams in a drug store, and. in January, ISSO. in com- pany with Dr. Johnson, he put in a stock of drugs, and has since devoted his time to that business. The first hardware store in the village was started m 1S73 by Dunton ton in 1SS2. He ran it for about one year when he sold to J. A. McConnell, the present owner. He ran it for some time, and since then it was at diflferent times rented to J. Laird, then A. J. Pettie, then Mrs. O'Toole and Daniel Keefe. The last named is the present landlord. rOSTOFFICE. A postottice was established liere in 1868, under the name of Blooming Prairie, with C. W. Gardner as the first postmaster. He iield the office for two years, when lie was succeedetl by L. Ellington. He continued in the office until July, 1876, when A. Mayo was appointed. Mr. !Mayo held the office for about ten years, when in May, 1886, M. Guthrie received the appointment and is the present incumbent. Asaph Mayo, deputy jiostmaster, and for ten years jiostmaster, of Blooming Pi-airie, was born in I\Iassaciiusetts, June 7, 1825. His parents, xVsaph and Policy (Smith) Mayo, were natives of the same State. Asa])h, the subject of this sketch, went to sea when he was thirteen years of age, and was a seaman until twenty-one. He then learned the lock- smitli's trade, which he followed for four- teen years. Later he came west, and in 1802 took up government land in Udolpho, Mower County, Minn. In July, lS6-i, he enlisted in Company A, Second Minnesota Infantry, under Col. Bishop, and served un- til the close of the war, being honorably dis- charged at Fort Siielling in the fall of 1865. Mr. Mayo remained in Mower County for about twelve years and then came to Bloom- ing Prairie. After settling here, for the first two years he carried the United States mail twice per week from Blooming Prairie to Waltham, he being the first contractor under the Star Koute system. On the 1st of June, 1876, he was appointed postmaster at Blooming Pi'airie, whicii office he held until May 1, 1886, and since then he has contin- ued in charge of the office as assistant po.st- master. While in Boston Mr. IVIayo was married, May 2, 1850, to Kachel C. Crosby. They had seven children, only two of whom are now living : A. 11., who now resides in 406 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. St. Paul, and Rachel A., now living in Min- neapolis. The mother, Mrs. Mayo, died in 1866, and later Mr. Mayo married his second wife, Miss Margaret Pettie, of Steele County, Minn. They have three children : Laura E., INIary E. and Jennie, all of whom are at home. SCHOOLS. The first schoolhouse was erected in the village in 186S, at a cost of $700. It was a one-story building, which stood where the Episcopal Church now stands. J. K. Buck- lin taut!-ht the lirst school in this building. This building was used for about Hve years, when it was sold to G. E. Skinner. It is now occupied as a meat market. The school building which is now in use, was erected in 1873, and cost $:i,000. It is a neat two story building. Mr. Fate was the first teacher in this building. The present teachers engaged for the winter of 1887-8 are B. F. McMillan, principal, and Miss Lizzie Bray, primary. KELIGIOUS. Religious services were held here as early as 1867, shortly after the site of the village was located. In 1887 there were four or- ganizations here: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist Episcopal. A Catholic society was organized here in 1867. For some time services were held in the building now occupied by Thomas Feeney as a hai'dware store; but in 1868 a church was erected at a cost of $500. This building was used for about ten 3'ears, when the j)res- ent edifice was erected at a cost of $4,000. Father Kellar. from Faribault, came here to hold services at an eai'ly day; then Father Priliyl, (if Owatonna, luul chai'ge of the par- ish for about live years. Father Rawley fi'om Owatonna, also served for some time. Father Murray, the present pastor, is really the first resident priest. Rev. I). L. Miu'ray is a native of Provi- dence, R. I. His jmrents were Laurence and Mary (Kcnneaily) IVfurray. D. L. Mur- ray' remained in Rhode Island until he was eighteen vears of age. lie then went to St. Lawrence College at Montreal, Canada, where he remained si.x years receiving an education. He then entered the Grand Seminary of Montreal, whei-e he pursued his theological course for three and a half years. Having completed his studies in the college and seminary he came to St. Paul, Minn., where, on September 25, 1882, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Ire- land. After his ordination he came to Blooming Prairie, where he has since remained. Rev. D. L. Murray is highly esteemed by all who know him, for his Chris- tian character and gentleraanly deportment. He has charge of the church here and also of the one at Newry, Freeborn County, Minn. The first Lutheran services were held here by Rev. C. L. Clausen, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, who organized the society and remained until 1871. He was succeeded by Rev. P. G. Ostby, of Austin, who remained until 1878. At that time Rev. Mr. Clausen again took charge, making his home in Blooming Prai- rie. He remained one year when, his health failing, Rev. S. Strand became his assistant and it continued in this shape until July 1885, when Mr. Clausen resigned and Rev. S. Strand has since that time filled the pul- ])it. He has charge of three congregations. The present Lutheran Church edifice in Blooming Prairie was erected in 1876 at a cost of $3,500. The Methodist Episcopal society was organized here a number of years ago, and a church building was purchased of the Luth- eran denomination, for about $500, which was refitted for their own use. The present (August, 1887) pastor is Rev. AV. S. Chase. The Episcopal Church was organized here early in the "seventies" by Rev. G. C. Tan- ner, of Owatonna. Shortly afterward the society erected the church edifice which they still use, at a cost of about $1,400. Services have always been held by i)astors from abroad. filSTOET OF STEELE COUNTY. 407 OTHER BUSINESS MEN. Thomas Morton was boi-n in England in 1840. When he was ten years of age he came to America with his parents, George and Ehsabetli (Sharpies) Morton. He re- mained with his parents until he was twenty- two years of age, at which time he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Minnesota, under Col. Wilkins. He served in the war three years, and was in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo, Spanish Fort, ISTasliville and some other en- gagements. He was discharged at Fort Snelling in 1865. He came to Blooming Prairie in 1870, and for sometime worked at the blacksmith trade for Edward Wheeler, but in 1871 he went into the same business for himself in a shop that stood on the site now occupied b^' the dwelling-house of J. Brainerd. Some time afterward he built his present shop, and has devoted himself to his trade ever since he settled in the village. In 1873 Mr. Morton was married to Miss Adelia Johnson, a native of Wisconsin. This union was blessed with two children : Byron, aged eleven, and Anna, aged four. Another prominent and worth}^ business enterprise of Blooming Prairie is the cream- ery, of which H. L. Zwiener is manager. Mr. Zwiener was born in Wisconsin, March 20, 1855. He remained there with his parents until September, 1876. His parents, Frank and Tracy (Bartsch) Zwiener, were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1854, locating in Milwaukee, AVis., for a short time, and afterward I'emoved to Jefferson County, Wis., where they resided until 1876, when they came to Steele County, Minn., and purchased a farm in Blooming Prairie Township. When H. L., the subject of this sketch, first came to this county he bought a farm on section 14, where he remained un- til he came to the village of Blooming- Prairie to take charge of the creameiy. He still owns and manages his farm. He has always shown a laudable interest in town and county matters, and has held several positions of responsibility. He has been chairman of the town board of supervisors for four successive years, and was elected county commissioner in 188('), for the full term. Mr. Zwiener was married in 1878 to Nancy McCrady, who was born in Wiscon- sin. They have had four children: Jessie F., aged seven ; Wallace P., aged five ; Al- mond H., aged three, and Eugene P., who died June 5, 1887, and was buried in Bloom- ing Prairie cemetery. The first phvsician to locate at Bloomine' Prairie Village was Dr. Sauisbury, who came here from Owatonna in 1867, and re- mained for about two years. Among others, who at different times have been engaged in practice here, but are now gone, are Drs. Hatch, Goudy, Hadle}' and Way. At the present writing (1887) the medical profession is represented here by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Cooley. Dr. J. P. Johnson came oi-iginally from Windham County, Conn., where he was born February 22, 1839. His })arents were Poyal and Sarah (Winchester) Johnson. At the age of sixteen, he began learning the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he spent three years. When tlie war broke out he responded to the first call for troops, enlisting in April, 1861, for three months. He reenlisted for three years, but the quota being full he was discharged. He then came west and located in St. Charles, Minn. Hei-e he remained two years and then enlisted in Company A, Second Minnesota Cavalry, under Capt. J. K. Jones, serving till the war closed, when he again returned to St.- Charles. He embarked in the di'Ug business, where he remained about eight years, at the same time reading medicine. From St. Charles he went to Dover Center, where he continued to carry on the drug business. Later he attended the Rush Medical College, at Chicago, 111., and graduated m 1876. From Dover Center he re- moved and settled in Blooming Prairie, about 1874, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his jn'oression. In February, 1872, Dr. Johnson was mai'ried to Anna R. 408 HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. Hawkins. By this marriage there were two children, only one of whom is now living, Charles B., aged thirteen. The first harness shop here was started by George Camp, in 187-i. lie is still in busi- ness, although at one time his shop was run by George Gage for a short period. Capt. A. C. Hawley and Mr. Ford were the first to buy grain here, in 1867. The present grain buyers are M. H. Hitchcock and J. A. Beattj'. Mr. Hitchcock buys for Pratt & Co. This firm have a large eleva- tor, erected in 1877, which has a capacity of about 15,000 bushels. J. A. Beatty buys for Hunting & Co., who also have a large elevator here. This was erected in 1875, and has a capacity of some 25,000 bushels. In addition to the various lines of trade represented here, already referred to, there are the following : J. C. Brainerd & Co. have for a number of \'ears cari'ied on a lum- ber, agricultural im]ilement and light bank- ing business ; Mr. Keller is proprietor of a restaurant ; Mr. IngersoU is a practicing attorney ; L. E. Hatch has a livery stable; and Geo. H. Johnson a meat market. Michael Dugan, another prominent resi- dent of the village, is a native of the State of New York. He was born Sejitember 16, 1859. His parents, Dennis and Mary (R3'an) Dugan, came to Steele County, Minn., in 1867, making Owatonna their home for a few years ; then they removed to their farm in Blooming Prairie Township, where they remained six or eight years, at the end of which time they again settled in Owatonna, where Mr. Dugan died October 15, 1886. Mrs. Mary Dugan still resides in Owatonna. Michael Dugan, the subject of this sketch, commenced life for himself when only thir- teen years of age, going first with a survey- ing party to Devil's Lake, and the following year he went west on the Winona & St. Peter Railroad. At that time there was no settlement of whites west of the site where Sleepy Eye now stands. He remained out there about two j^ears, then worked on the railroad for eight years, and in October, 1883, he settled in Blooming Prairie, where he has since lived. He was elected marshal of the village in the spring of 1884, and the following fall he was a]i]iointed deputy sheriif, holding both these positions smcehis first appointment. On the 23d of Novem- ijer, 1886, Mr. Dugan was married to Mary Cummings, a native of Iowa. William Trotman, liquor dealer, was born in England, December 11, 1852. At the age of eighteen he came to New York City and for one year was in the employ of Kelly, once the Democratic leader of that city. After remaining in New York, a year he came farther west, and for some time was engaged upon the lakes, sailing out of Buffalo. After this he came to Detroit, Mich., where he made his home for three years. In 1877 he came to Blooming Prai- rie, Steele County, Minn. Here he has since resided, having been engaged in the liquor business. In 188-4 Mr. Trotman was mar- ried to Jane Farrell. By this marriage they have two children. M. J. Keenan, liquor dealer, was born in Victoria County, Canada, in 1851, where he was brought up on a farm till the age of eighteen. His parents, Bernard and Anna (Byron) Keenan, came from Canada to Iowa in 1868, purchasing a farm in Winneshiek County, where they remained until their death. M. J. Keenan having come with his parents to Iowa, remained there until 1882, at which time he came and located in the village of Blooming Prairie, Steele County, Minn. Here he has since resided, being en- gaged in the liquor business and also run- ning a billiard hall. Mr. Keenan, in connec- tion with his liquor business, runs a farm of eighty acres within the corporate limits of the village. He was married, October 4, 1874, to Ella T. Cummings, who is a native ol' Iowa. By this union thei-e were nine children, .five of whom are now living: Lauretta, aged ten years; Joseph A., aged eight ; Eugene, whose age is si.x ; Anna J. ^ (deceased^ HISTORY OF STEELE COUNTY. 411 aged four years, antl Rose F., aged one year. There is also an organization of a Blue Lodge of the Masonic order here — Prairie Lodge, No. 123, Avhich was organized several years ago. The present officers of the lodge, elected in December, ISSO, are as follows : J. C. Brainerd, W. M. ; George Reynolds, S. W. ; A. Olson, J. W. ; N. Evans, treas- urer ; T. M. Hitchcock, secretary ; W. S. Chase, chaplain ; T. S. Morton and L. E. Hatch, stewards, and C. "W. Treat, tyler. 34 'WASECA i> COUNTY* ^ ^ =^ • ^ (^ fl CHAPTER I. INTKODUCTION. flE stml3' of the annals of the past has at all times and in all climes claimed a large share of the at- tention of the more intelligent of men. The sage and ripe scholar, poring over some vast and ponderous tome, dusty with age, and in some almost forgot- ten tongue ; the new beginner Avith his eyes skimming his short and comprehensive compilation, suited to his early yeai's, — each draw much pleasure in its perusal. Men eminen t in the domain of letters have, however, divided this history of the past into several classes, the most prominent of which ai'e : first, that which treats only of events, and second, of that which treats of men — the living actors in the world's great drama. The first of these is but the dry bones of a fossil age, reft of all life, and is, at best, but a synopsis of the more important actions that have crowded upon the stage of the past a list of kings, rulers, dynasties and their acts, in which their ])eople play but a secondary part. The second treats of the people — of men in their broad humanity, and is an ever living reality, clothed in the flesh ; and the story of their deeds has in its relation all the fascination of romance, enchaining the I'eader to its pages until the volume is fin- ished and laid down with a sigh. This form of history, warm and palpitating, as it is, with the busy lives of men, who, like our- selves, have lived and moved upon the world's broad surface, is the model after which it has been the endeavor to compile these pages. No narrow attempt to paint with partisan pen the workings of any party or creed, but setting out in broad and comprehensive de- tail the action of tiiose brave men and heroic women who, in the early days of this coun- ty's existence, played so well " tlieir parts upon the mimic stage." Brave, hardy pio- neers, who, departing from the parent roof- tree, plunged into the great wilderness west of the Mississippi, there to carve out for themselves homes upon the prairies of Min- nesota. Heroic women, who. leaving the home and association of childhood, where surrounded with ease and comfort they had passed their youthful days, followed their husbands to this then wilderness, and cheei-ed their weary hours, sharing their joys and sorrows. Men and women who lived true lives while here on earth, and many of them departed, leaving " footprints in the sands of time" that cannot help but make the world brighter, richer and truer. The times move on apace, and these, the pioneers of Waseca County, are already pass- ing away to their reward beyond the " dark river," and it behooves the historian to hasten in his task that he may note down, from the lips of those who still remain, the account of the trials, the labors, the joys of those early days, to preserve within the pages of history their deeds, so that when they have all been called to the better land, the sure annals of their pioneer days may not be lost in oblivion. In casting a backward glance " adown the misty corridors of time," the thinking mind cannot but wonder at the comparatively few years that have elapsed, since these now fruitful fields and busv towns were but the «5 416 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. waste and grassy desert, the roaming-ground of wild beast and wilder Indian. Where is now located the beautiful town or vil- lage, then was reared, perhaps, the lonely tepee of the savage ; where is now heard the hum of busy industr}' or the whir of machinery, then reechoed only to the howl of prowling wolf, the hoot of the night- seeking owl, or the horrid whoop of the fiendish savage. But the white man came, civilized man, and with the characteristic energ}' of the Caucasian race, made these waste places to give place to cultivation and refinement. The savage gave place to industry and thrift, and farms and villages began to dot the virgin surface of the country. But little more than thirty years have passed since first the tide of emigration flowed over the bounds of Waseca County, and one can hardly help but look round and contrast the difference between the then and now. The early pioneer, to reach this local- ity, was forced to make long journeys in his wagon or on horseback, over undulating- prairie, through swamp and slough, with no road to guide or make the way smooth. No bridges spanned the streams, and his only alternative was to make a long detour to find a ford, or swim the creek or river. Then the destination reached, the humble cabin was to be raised, often by the unaided efforts of his own hands, that he and his might be sheltered from the elements. He was cut off, to a certain extent, from mail communi- cation with the outside world ; and when he had by infinite toil succeeded in raising his little crop, he had no means of disposing of the surplus, except b_y hauling it to far dis- tant markets. But now neat frame cottages adorn the land, and the pioneer sits in his easy chair surrounded by every comfort and luxury that he knew in his old cherished home in the older States ; the iron horse snorts at his front door, and he can have his daily paper, yet damp from the press, and watch the current of events of but yester- day. Let us then pay honor to these pioneers of Waseca County, these adventurous forerun- ners of our present pros]3erity and civiliza- tion. The present and the future generations can hardly repay them for the trials, the sorrows, the strife against adverse elements and times of those early days. Let us then honor and love them as they should be honored and loved, as far above the common herd. When the statesman saves the nation, soldiers stand the burning test, Then the nation pays them gladly, with a medal at the breast. But the pioneer, with ax and plow, clears the way for coming race. Shall he then be forgotten, dying leave no lasting trace ? His reward ? Nor cross nor medal, but all others high above, They may wear more splendid symbols, these have gained a people's love. CHAPTER II. GEOGKAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. ASECA COUNTY is in the south- ern portion of the great State of Minnesota, in the second tier of t'^^s^^s^ counties from the Iowa hne, and is the fifth one west from the Mississippi River, which there forms the eastern boundary of the State. It embraces all of congressional townships 105, 106. 107 and 108 north, ranges 22, 23 and 24 west of the fifth principal meridian. It is intersected about its center by the forty-fourth paral- lel of noi'th latitude and is in about the ninety-third degree of longitude, west. It is bounded on the north by the counties of Rice and Le Sueur; on the east by Steele ; on the south by Freeborn and Faribault, and on the west by Blue Earth. It is in area about 437 square miles, and contains 279,685 acres, of which 11,524 acres are covered with water. The Le Sueur Hiver, which has its course in the southeastern part of this and Steele and Freeborn counties, runs in a general north- westerly course through the county, and with its tributaries, the princi])al of which are the McDougal and Boot creeks, drain the central part of this subdivision of the State. The southwestern part sheds its waters into the Big and Little Cobb, and Bull run. The northwestern part is drained by the way of lake Elysian and its outlet. Iosco and Silver creeks are the principal water-courses in this part of the county. The northeastern por- tion, including northeastern Iosco, Blooming Grove and the north part of Woodville are in the basin of the Cannon River. Lake Elysian, the largest body of water in the county, is five miles long, and from one- third of a mile to a mile wide. It lies mainly within the township of Janesville, but its north end is crossed by the county line. Rice and Willis lakes lie west of Elysian in the same township. Lily, Reed's and Toner's lakes are in Iosco, Helena lake lying on the boundary of these two townships. Four small lakes, a quarter to a half mile in length, lie in Blooming Grove Township. Rice Lake, covering about a square mile, is crossed by the south line of Blooming Grove, its greater part being in Woodville, and close to its east side is Watkins Lake, half as large, lying mainly in section 3, Woodville. Four other lakes lie in this latter township. The first of these in the east is Goose Lake, about one and a half miles long from north- east to southwest, three miles east of Waseca ; Clear Lake is next, one and a half miles lono- and half as wide, about half a mile east of the county seat, while just south of it is Gaiter Lake, about a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide ; Loon Lake lies adjacent to the town plat of Waseca, on the west, with about the same area as Gaiter. Other note- worthy lakes in the county include lake Can- field, in the northeastern part of Otisco; Thompson Lake, in New Richland ; Sdver Lake in Wilton : Wheeler, in Vivian ; one in Freedom ; Mud Lake in Alton, and Buffalo Lake, the largest in the county excejit Ely- sian, near the center' of Alton. The last named is about two miles long, covering an area of about a thousand acres. The surface of the land is of great diversi- ty, part being nearly flat or gently rolling, and part consisting of steep ridges and round or irregular hills, somewhat strewn with 418 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. boulders. A more particular account of the peculiarities of each subdivision of the county is given in the stor}'- of each townsh^p. Estimates of the averajre heifi-ht of the land above the sea level, place the various townships of Waseca County, as follows: Blooming Grove, 1,150 feet; Woodville, 1,150, Otisco, 1,160; New Eichland, 1,190; Iosco, 1,100 ; St. Mary, 1,120 ; Wilton, 1,110 ; Byron, 1,150; Janesville. 1,060; Alton, 1,060; Free- dom, 1,070 and Vivian, 1,100, or a mean for the county of 1,120 feet. The whole face of the country is covered with the fine black, fertile, gravelly clay, with occasional boulders, with an excellent subsoil of till, both colored by the decay of vegetation through countless centuries. It contains a considerable amount of limestone, in a pulverized condition, as well as in peb- bles, which contributes, in an important de- gree,tothe productiveness of the soil. Wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, flax, sorghum, and all the crops that belong to this latitude, are here successfully cultivated, while indigenous grasses form a succulent food for grazing herds. Timber covers the greater part of Janes- ville Township, the west half of Alton and northwestern Iosco, this being the soutli- east edge of the Big Woods. About half of Blooming Grove is also wooded, and numer- ous large groves occur in the townships of St. Mary, Woodville and Otisco, and in the northeastern part of New Eichland. The Le Sueur River is bordered by timber, which attains a width of one to one and a half miles at the east side of this stream in south- east Wilton and the adjoining edge of Otisco. The lalces are bordered l)y wood, as are the smaller streams. White and red elm, bass, sugar and red maple, box-elder, black and burr oak, butternut, white and black ash, ironwood, wild plum, Juneberry, crab-apple, poplar, Cottonwood and willow are the prin- cipal trees that make up this timber. GEOLOGY. Says the state geologist in speaking of the geological structure of Waseca County, in his exhaustive report : No outcrop of the strata underlying the drift occurs in this count}'^, but they have been reached by wells at three localities. One of these near Janesville, after passing through 200 feet of blue clay, reached a sandstone, said to be identical with the St. Peter in appearance. An abundance of good water, which rose to w^ithin thirty feet of the surface, was found between the clay and the sandstone. At the town of New Richland, a well at Dunwoody ct Corson's mill reached a deptli of 110 feet, finding the following section : soil, 2 feet ; yellow till, with streaks of sand, yielding water, 30 feet ; blue till, softer and sticky, 66 feet; sand, 2 feet; and hard, straw-colored sandstone, 10 feet. At this depth water was struck, and rose in two minutes to within thirty feet of the surface. Another well at this mill, 149 feet deep, gives the following : drift, 107 feet ; yellow calcareous sandstone, 40 feet, and a similar rock of a blue color, 2 feet. A very large supply of water was obtained, rising to the same height as the last. The well at the depot, about forty rods north of the fore- going, and on land of the same height, is 129 feet deep, and found the soil 2 feet thick ; yellow till, spaded, 10 feet; blue till, mostly very hai'd, picked, 115 feet; and yellowish sandstone similar to that of Dunwoody & Corson's well, 2 feet and extending lower. Water found in this sandstone rose eight}' feet. It is noteworthy that the top of the bed rock in these wells, only an eighth of a mile apart, differs about 25 feet in lieight, probably on account of erosion in a formation horizontally stratified. About three miles northwest of New Richland, a well 110 feet deep on S. W. Franklin's farm, went 10 feet into this rock, after penetrating a hundred feet of drift, obtaining water in the rock which rose to within ten feet of the surface. At Owatonna on the northeast, and at Wells in Faribault County, on the southwest, simi- HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. 419 lar forraations of sandstone, with associated layers of shale and limestone, encountered by deep wells, appear to be of the cretaceous age ; and very probably these beds and the sandstone of New Eichland, belong to the same horizon. The whole surface of the county is deeply covered with the deposit called drift, which has been the despair of scientists to explain, hence the invention of the so-called glacial theory, but which seems to be doubted by the more inquiring minds among our geolo- gists. The thickness of tlie drift varies from one to two hundred feet over this county and the adjoming region. Says the state geologist. " This formation is principally the unstratified, gravelly and stony clay called till, boulder-clay, or hard pan, with which are associated beds of modified drift, which were gathered from the melting ice, assorted and deposited by water." MATERIAL BESO0KCES. The agricultural capabilities of Waseca County, its fertile and almost inexhaustible soil, have been spoken of in previous parts of this chapter, and it only remains to look into the mineralogical resources, to bring this chapter to a close. No water-power has been utilized in the county as yet. Drift boulders are the only stone found for tiie construction of foundations, walls of cellars and wells, culverts, etc. These boulders occur quite commonly upon what is called the morainic belt, and sparingly in all other parts of the county. They are mostly varie- ties of granite, syenite, and gneiss, with occasional blocks of limestone. In size thej' reach to five feet, and rarely to ten feet in diameter. Lime has been burned by E. R. Tuttle for many years past, in Janesville, from the boulders of magnesian limestone in the drift. The annual product of this necessary article has been from one to two hundred barrels. The greater part of these boulders, say about three-fourths or more, make a fine white lime; while the remainder yield lime of a yellowish or darkish gray color. Brick have been and are being made at several places in the county, some of which are of an excellent quality. For many years Mr. Tuttle, at Janesville, has produced from 100,000 to 400,000 per year. He is said to use a stratified j'ellow and gray clay, which con- tains sandy layers, so that it needs no more admixture of sand. These bricks are of a red color and good quality. On section 2, Iosco, close to the county line, and about one and a half miles south of "Waterville, red brick have been made for some years. This yard produced about two to three hundred thousand annu- ally, of excellent quality. The clay used is stratified. It contains no sand in its upper four or five feet ; but its layers below are separated by little seams of sand, occasion- ally with a thin film of iron rust. This clay bed extends to a depth of at least thirteen feet, and is sufficient to make many millions of brick. There is also found in the county many springs, some of them medicinal. Some in sec- tion 9, Otisco, are of a chalybeate character, and possibly of a salty nature, as they are resorted to by the cattle. Another, of an irony nature, somewiiat resorted to by the jieople of the vicinity, and from Waseca, because of its medicinal properties, alterative and tonic, is situated northwest of the foregoing, in the southeast quarter of section 5, Otisco Township. Many others are of the same general character, but no general analysis of their waters has been attempted as yet. CHAPTER III. EAELY SETTLEMENT. HE annals of the early settlement of any countiy, while it is the most difficult part to collate, is j^et the most interesting and enter- taining to the general reader, and of absorbing interest to the pioneer himself. Here the early ^^^ settler, noble forerunner of the present civilization, sees the graphic picture of those early days when first he pitched his tent in the wilderness, when first he reared his humble cabin in the grove, or on the wind-swept prairie. As he pores over these lines, busy memory recalls the recollections of those by- gone days, and he lovingly lingers over the pages, while in meditation the picture grows, and he lives once more those hours of frontier life. lie loses the present, and en- joys again the halcyon days when he iiad youtli and health and strength, and in the bright glamour that memory throws around those distant days, sees the little cabin and the homelv hearthstone, around which gath- ered wife and little ones when the labors of the day had been finished, and night had drawn her sable curtain around the world. Anon comes up the somber side of the ])ic- ture, the trial, the hardship, the almost penury and want, when the gaunt wolf, starvation, lay close beside the cabin door. The life of the heroic pioneer was not all a bed of roses. In his day dreams he sees himself starting with the patient, but slow l)lodding ox team, or scarcely more active horses, for the far distant settlement seventy- five miles awaj^ or more, for the necessaries of life, through a new country unsupplied with roads. The loved ones at home man- aged to keep life in them by feeding upon a scanty supply of hulled corn, and percliance a little milk, if the onl}^ cow had not suc- cumbed to the rigors of a hyperborean winter. But times grow brigliter and better, and as memory pursues the train of thought, he sees tlie country gradually tilling up with whole-souled, hospitable people, the trading points grow nearer and nearer, until they are almost at his very door ; sees thriving towns and flourishing villages spring up around him, where he found only waving grass and unsightly weeds. Thus it is that this part of local history is doubly dear to all that remain of that little band of i)ioneers who first located upon the soil of this count}'. Manj' of them have been gath- ered to their reward, and others have sought distant localities, but to those who do remain, these pages may prove the solace of a weary hour. For several years prior to the advent of any wiiite settlers, it is more than prol)able that white trappers and hunters pursued their calling upon the banks of the streams and in the Woods and groves of Waseca County; but if this is so, tradition fails to preserve the record of it, and the dead ashes of oblivion cover it from human ken. The first white man to come herewith the intention of making a permanent settlement was Asa G. Sutlief. On a l)rightand beauti- ful day in August, 1S54, slowly over the southern part of this county, then an unin- habited wilderness, the bright sun beaming down upon a vast sea of green, the air per- fumed with the scent of many gorgeous flowers, came a little cavalcade. Foremost 420 HISTORY OF WASECA CODNTY. 421 a canvas-topped wagon, bearing the pioneer, tall, dark and slender, his raven hair and keen black eyes denoting his descent from Gallic ancestry. 'Xeath the flapping sides of the wagon tent, could have been seen the form of his wife, and the laughing faces of his two children, Delancy and Rhoda. "With them they had some sheep and about thirty head of cattle. Looking around him, Mr. Sutlief, one of the best judges of land that ever came to this part of the county, determined to settle here. lie was a native of the State of Ohio, and being of a naturally -adventurous disposition, he had hardly at- tained the age of nineteen years, when he made a trip into the wilds of Michigan. After returning to his home, he removed to McHenrj^ County, 111., where he settled down for a while. Becoming restless, however, he left there and became one of the hardy pioneers who, about that time, had commenced to ]ilant the banner of progress in the wilds of what is now Dodge County, Wisconsin. Here he remained until June, 1854-, when he fitted out three wagons for a trip into the then wilderness of Minnesota. Besides his wife and children he was accompanied by three hired men, who took care of about sixty sheep and thirty or more head of cattle. After crossing the river at La Crosse, on the second day from that place they were over- taken by Judge Green and Messrs. Boomer, Bentley and Hollings worth, the latter the father of Mrs. Sutlief ; all were from Dodge County, also. This little company traveled across the prairie for fifteen days without meeting with a single person. Arriving at Mankato on the 3d of July, they rested there the Fourth, but soon pressed on west, and seven miles west of the Minnesota River, on the old Fort Ridgely road, Mr. Sutlief made a claim, the other parties returning home. In August, after having put up a claim shanty and breaking some land, he concluded to sell his claim and make a set- tlement on the rich lands on the Le Sueur River. Therefore we see him returning in this direction. He selected some land on section 35, on the south bend of that river in the southern jiart of what is now Wilton Township. On this spot he erected a cabin, going to Mankato for boards to coVer it. He then broke up the sod over a few acres, and cut enough grass to make hav with which to feed his stock through the coming winter. In the latter part of November, of the same year, he employed Luther Barrett, formerly of Horicon, Wis., but then of Mankato, to live in his shanty and tend his stock, and putting his wife and children into one of his wagons drawn by an ox team, started for his home in the Badger State, where he still owned a farm. They camped in the wagon at night until they reached La Crescent. There they had to wait for the freezing of the river so that they might cross, and on the fourth day after their arrival there, al- though the ice was barely thick enough to bear up a man, in his rash, impetuous way he started to cross. After a thorough exam- ination of the way, obtaining help he cast the oxen, and tieing their feet together, drew them across on the slippery ice. The wagon was pulled over the same way, and then the family escorted over. In January, 1855, returning to Waseca County, Mr. Sutlief was accompanied by James E. Child, then a young man ; his brother, Simeon P. Child, a stripling of nine- teen, and a man by the name of Flummer, who had joined them at or near La Crescent. A history of their journey is given by J E. Child in a personal reminiscence in this work, and it is not necessary to repeat it here. Arriving here on the second day of January, 1855, they found the shanty of Mr. Sutlief in the charge of Barrett, and were glad of shelter from winter's cold and freez- ing breath. They settled down in the Sut- lief cabin, but in a few weeks Mr. Sutlief returned to Wisconsin to settle up his affairs. He returned once in June, 1855, but it was November when he came here to stay, at 422 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. which time his family came with him. In the fall of 1S67 Mr. Sutlief left here, going to Wisconsin, and from there to Texas, re- turning in about four years later with a drove of Texas cattle. He died here October 13, 1871, one of the wealthiest men in the county. Few men were better calculated by nature and experience to overcome the ob- stacles and hardships incident to pioneer life than he. Fertile in resources, although his actions might have seemed rashness to a less dauntless man, he was, nevertheless, a cau- tious and safe guide on the frontier. Luther Barrett, whom he left in charge of his stock, was a cooper by ti-ade, and unmar- ried. He was a great hand for hunting, and followed that more than anything else. He lived at Mankato, where he built what is now" called the Minneopa Hotel, but later Avent to the mineral regions of the Rocky Mountains. Plummer took up a claim and lived on it the next sumnrer, but when the leaves beg-an to fall, he left here and returned to Wiscon- sin, whence he had come. James E. Child is still in Waseka County, the oldest resident settler, and is noticed at length in the chapter devoted to the Press, he having been connected with that engine of civilization for over twent3' vears. Simeon P. Child is a native of Ohio, born in 1835, and remained in his native State until 1838, when his parents removed to New York, where they had formerly lived. Six years later the family returned to Ohio, but in a year emigrated to Wisconsin, then a new country. In 1855 he came to this county. On the breaking out of the Indian massacre, he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota Mounted Bangers, and was made seventh corporal. After taking part in the Sibley expedition, he was discharged with the regiment, and was connected with the supplying of provisions, trains, etc., for that part of the army, continuing until the close of the war. Coming back here he stayed only one year, and then moved to Blue Earth City, where he started a bank in company with H. D. Baldwin. Becoming involved at the time of the failure of the Baldwin & Kittredge bank at Waseca, this was closed. Shortly after he started a brick- yard at that place. He was one of the leaders of the Bepublican party in Faribault County, and was a member of the lower house in the Legislature during the sessions of 1872-3. In the session of 187-1, he was in the State Senate, and in 1877 again in the House. He was appointed assistant post- master of the United States Senate the next year, and while there, was made United States postoffice inspector, which position he held until the year 1886, when he was suspended from active service. He is still a resident of Faribault County, engaged in farming. Scarce a week had elapsed from the date of the arrival of the first settlers, when Christopher Scott with his family made his appearance. Having no cabin built they, rather than camp in the snow and cold, took up their quarters in the shanty of Mr. Sut- lief, which, although but 14x16 feet in size, at that time was fully occupied b}'^ twelve people. Scott took up a claim about a mile north of Mr. Sutlief's, where he put up a cabin. This house, so called, was covered witli "troughs," the crevices between the logs of the side walls and the "troughs " of the roof being chinked in with dried praii'ie grass, cut in February, and daubed with mud. The floor was the frozen ground, and for warmth it was banked up with snow, of which there was an abundance. Christopher Scott remained here a few years and then removed to Kansas, where he has since died. He was a Pennsylvanian and came here from what was then called the " Straight River settlement," now Owatonna, where he had located the previous fall. Andrew Scott came the same spring and lived on his claim on section 13, for a while and then removed to Wilton, where he died. His son Charles is still a resident of the township. HISTORY OF WASECA COITNTY. 423 In the month of April two brothers, George and William Bobbins, came to this county and located on the east side of the Le Sueur River, in what is now Otisco Township. In the summer of 1856, they sold their claim and moved west to what was then called the Blue Earth country. The next to settle in the county were Abraham and Joseph Bird, John White, Gottlieb, Martin and J. Fred. Krassin, Gott- lieb and Frederick Prechel, Frederick Wub- schall and Bernard Gregory. Abraham Bird and his brother were En- glish by birth. On coming to this county, in June, 1855, they located in what is now St. Mary Township. Joseph remained here until about the year 1870, when he removed west to Oregon. Abraham Bird died in this county about the year 1867. John White, a native of the Emerald Isle, was a brother-in-law of the Birds, and settled with them in St. Mary, locating near what was afterward the site of the village of that name. He is still a resident of the count}', dwelling in Iosco Township. Gottlieb Krassin Sr. was an old man, born in Prussia, Germany, and lived with his son Martin, but took up a claim as most of the early settlers did in those days. Ilis land also lay in what is now St. Mary. About the year 1860 he died in this county. Martin Krassin, his son, was also a native of Prussia. On coming here he settled on what Avas then Indian lands inside the limits of the reservation, but in a few weeks found out his mistake, and removed to St. Mary Township, and made a claim upon which he resided until May 15, 1877, when he was called away by the angel of death. His family are still residents of the county. He had a family of six children, one of whom is the present sheriff of the county. John Fred. Krassin was a bachelor, and settled in St. Mary, and is still living in single blessedness at Wilton. He is of Ger- man birth, and a son of Gottlieb Sr. also. Gottlieb Prechel, brother-in-law of Martin Krassin, a Prussian by birth, made a settle- ment in St. Ma,ry, where he still resides. Fred. Prechel located also in St. Mary. He was a member of one of the cavalry regi- ments sent from this State to aid in suppress- ing the I'ebellion. He is now a resident of Wilton Township. Frederick Wubschall, also a German by birth, settled in the same town, where he lo- cated in June, 1855, and is still a resident. Bernard Gregory, an American by birth, made his claim in the town of St. Mary, and settled there with his family. He had a wife and four children at that time ; one son is now in Dakota, and one is a resident of this county. Both daughters are dead. Mr. Gregory died here in 1877, his wife in 1883. A daughter of his, Louisa by name, was one of the parties in the first marriage celebrated in the county. She died August 15, 1878, at Decoria, Blue Earth County, this State. David and John Jenkins came to the count}' in the same summer, locating in Wil- ton Township. They wei'e natives of the State of New York. David settled near the site of the village of Wilton, and is now a resident of Blue Earth County. John was the first justice of the peace, appointed by the Governor, for this part of what was then Steele County. In 1862 he enlisted in the Fifth Minnesota Infantry, and died at luka. Miss., August 21, 1862. In the spring of 1855 four young men came to this county, and building a log cabin on section 1, in what is now Blooming- Grove Township, commenced life as gay young bachelors. Their names were: Michael Johnson, Jonathan Howell, A. J. Bell and S. F. Wyman. These were the first settlers in that part of the county. They kept "bach" in their cabin, living after a fashion, cooking part of the time without a stove, for about two years, when Wyman and Bel] left the company, setting up for them- selves. The remaining portion of the outfit kept up bachelors' hall for about seven years longer, when Johnson was married and is 424 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. still a resident of the townsliip. Mr. Howell died here, a single man, in 1880 ; Bell re- moved to Faribault, and Mr. "Wyman lives at Waseca. J. M. Blivens came here early in 1855, and taking up a farm on the west half of sec- tion 32, in Blooming Grove, gave his name to the settlement that soon grew up around him. He lived here for many years, finall}^, in 1866, removing to Missouri, where he is now living. In June, Simeon Smith and his son Alfred C. with their families came to this county. Simeon took up a claim on sections 31 and 32, in Blooming Grove. Alfred located his land on section 5, of Woodville Township, but on account of the fear of the Indians that prevailed at that time, he resided with his father until the following year, when he removed to a cabin which he built on his own land. Simeon lived on his place until his death, in November, 1872. Alfred is now living on his father's place. In June, this same year, Ole Knutson, now a resident of Kenville County, came to the Blooming Grove settlement, and taking up a claim, commenced to open up a farm, and remained a resident of this county for many years. During the same summer a settlement was commenced in what is now Iosco Township. Early in July of that year, Luke B. Osgood came here with his family and erected the first shanty witliin tlie bounds of the town of Iosco. All that summer the family lived in this make-sliift house, built of rough logs, a hole cut in it for a doorway, but no door swung ; no windows, and a dirt floor. In the fall, however, he got up a more comfortable place. Some years' residence in this place was terminated bv his sellinjjout and movino- to Michigan, where he died about the year 1883. Daniel McDaniels and John H. "Wheeler came to Iosco with Mr. Osgood. McDaniels finally removed to Missouri. John H. Wheeler resided here until 1886, when he sold out the farm he had on section 29, the place of his original settlement, to Julius Mittelstadt, and removed to Nebraska. Michael Anderson made a settlement in what is now Otisco Township, in July, 1855. He is now a resident of Lyons County, this State. He was a Norwegian by birth. John Davis and Alfred Holstein, John Rowley, Patrick Moonan, John, James and Patrick McCue, George Merrill and John Cunningham made settlements in Janesville Township, and J. W. Hosmer and N. E. Strong in what is now Iosco. John Davis went back to his Carolina home ; Holstein went to the penitentiary for horse-stealing ; Patrick Moonan is still a resident of the county; James McCue died here in 1885, and John and Patriclc removed from the county some years ago ; George Merrill is still livmg in the county ; J. W. Hosmer lives at Janesville Village, and N. E. Strong is in California. William M. Gray, a native of New York State, came to Blooming Grove in the sum- mer of 1855, and took up a claim. He was a resident of the county at the time of his decease, in 1872. Burgeff Oleson, Knute Hanson and Ilalvor Thoi'son, three Norwegians, settled in Otisco in this same jenr. All are now residents of the old homesteads established at that time. George Merrill, now of Alton, made a set- tlement in Janesville in this year, where he lived many years. Aaron Hanes and Joseph Madrew settled in Iosco during the year 1855. Hanes died here in 1859, and Madrew sold out his claim shortly after locating it, and returned to Wisconsin. Eobert and Hugh McDougal, two Scotch- men, came to Waseca County from Canada, where they had lived, in the fall of 1855, and took up claims on section 6, Otisco Town- ship. In a few years Hugh returned to Can- ada, where he lives. Eobert, after a trip to the mountains and a stay of a few years in Canada, whei-e he was married, returned HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. 425 here and died on his place January 15, 1887. John G. Greening came in 1855, and, settling in Otisco Township, made it his home for many years. From here he re- moved to Minneapolis, where he died. Ferdinand Turnacliff and his sons, Jack- son and Delevan, made settlements in this same township during the same year, and are still numbered among the pioneer citizens of the county. John Wind, R. Dreever and John Bradish all settled in Janesville Township in this same year. Wind died here long since ; John Bradish is still a resident of the town- ship; Dreever removed to Iosco Township, where he died in 1885. George Dreever also settled here at the same time, and is now a resident of Iosco. The Reraund brothers came to Blooming Grove in 1855, and made settlements, where they are still living. Their claims were lo- cated on sections 8 and 9. David and A. H. Coddington were among the settlers of Iosco in 1855. David was called by the angel of death in 1878; A. H. removed to Kansas. Jeremiah Hogan came to Waseca County from his native State, Kentucky, in this same year, and located on section 21, Janesville. A few years since, after a long residence, he was found dead in his house, the summons having come upon him suddenly. With him came James Thomas and John Hogan, all of whom are yet living in the county. Austin Abell, in September, 1855, came to Otisco Township and made a claim, where he resided for some years. He was a native of New York State, and resided here until dur- ing the war when he enlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, and is now a resident of Winona. Bernard Bunchell, now of Portland, Ore., was also a settler of the year 1855 in Otisco Township. Samuel and Luther Dickenson came in the fall of 1855, and located in the northwestern part of Blooming Grove. Three years later Luther returned home to the Green Moun- tain State. In 1860, Samuel removed to Le Sueur County, Curtis Hatch, a blind man, settled with his family in Blooming Grove, in the fall of 1855. He died in Moody County, D. T., in 1884. M. P. Ide settled here the same time. Daniel C. Davis located upon section 33, Byron Township, this year. He is still a resident of that portion of the county. He came here with his father, Jeremy Davis, who was the first to build a house in the town named above. The elder Davis died here, September 13, 1863. He was a native of New Jersey, as is his son Daniel. In 1856 quite a tide of emigration swept across the country, and many came to what is now Waseca CountJ^ Among those now called to memory, were: B. F. Weed, E. A. Rice, Isaac Hamlin, A. Kellogg, William Wells, Jesse I. Stewart, Jacob and George E. Brubaker, Tarrant Putnam, H. P. Nor- ton, Nathaniel Garland, John C. Ide, Thomas L. Paige, Michael O'Brien, N. Duane Baker, Alexander Henderson and others, who lo- cated in Wilton ; E. R. Conner, George Dean, John and James Walker, William Donaldson, Patrick Healy, Lewis McKune, John L. Saufferer, Cornelius Hand, J. N. Power, Philo Woodruff, John Gibson, Daniel Riegle, Patrick Murphy, Andrew Nelson, Joshua, Josiah, Henry and Samuel Smith, Jacob Oory, W. H. Young, B. Sharp and Joseph Churchill, who located in the northeastern part of the County, in Blooming Grove Township ; W. H. Chamberlain, John Bailey, Christian and Gottlieb Krassin Jr., John Worden, H. S. Loveland, Buel Welsh of St. Mary ; H. A. Mosher, J. A. Canfiekl, H. G. Mosher, Silas Grover, William Smith, W. S. Baker, H. Williams, P. Young, E. B. Stearns and others, who located in Otisco ; Obediah Powell, Nathaniel Wood, Eri G. and Loren Clark Wood, Henry Watkins, C. B. Lyman and Jacob M^^ers, who all chose locations in what is now Woodville ; H. P. Chamberlain, John F. Allen, John Minske, Gottfried 420 HISTORY OF WASKCA COUNTY. Kanne, William Martzahn, Dano Hutchin- son, John J. Fell, H. W. Peck, G. L. Leonard, Daniel Tripp, Ilial I). P.aldwin, B. W. Gil'- furd, A. A. Cotton, S. \V^ and Geoi-ge W. Long, M. S. Green, S. J. Willis and others, who settled in Iosco Township; Joim Put, William Caliill, John, James and Patrick McC'ue, Cajsar DeEegan, W. H. Crawford, Charles (Jolestock, E. Brown, Alexander Johnston, W. N. Buckhout and many others, in Jancsville precinct ; Anthony Sampson, II. H. Sunde, K. O. liofegard, H. T. Iland- grud, O. K. Hagen, W. Anderson, K. Knud- son, E. O. Strenge, Erick Christianson, J. S. Eice and others, who found homes in what is is now New llichland. These old settlers are mentioned merely as an index of what will be furnished in de- tail in the histories of the various townships, where the settkjment of these and many more is related at full length. The list is ])nt a partial one of all those who came after the first year, but all are mentioned else- where, none being forgotten or overlooked that are remembered by the pioneers of the county. CLAIM JUMPING. During the winter of 1855-6, ill-feeling having arisen between the proprietors of the town site of Wilton, and the surrounding settlers, the former employed some parties to jump the chums of the McDougal brothers and tlie Eobbins brothers, just east of the Le Sueur Eiver. These last named parties, all foui-, v,'eni (Canadians, who had come hei'e and had honestly taken up claims in good faith, but who had neglected to declare their intentions, legally, of becoming citizens of the United States, thinking that it could be done at the time of proving up their claims. This reason, and that of claiming more land than they were entitled to were the excuses given by the " jumpers." The scheme would not work, however. As soon as it was understood throughout the little settlement, an impromptu meeting was held and a decision quickly reached It was, that, they go in a body and interview the "claim jumpers" and give them to understand that such ]n'oceedings could and would not be allowed in the settlement. Accordingly tiiey proceeded to where the cul]5rits were, who under the direction of the town owners were putting up a cabin on one of the " jumped " claims. In very few words their wishes were communicated by the settlers assembled, but tiie "claim jumpers," being under legal advice, conducted themselves accordingly. Says a local writer : " There was none of that blunt, outspoken honesty common to oui' western pioneers, but a studied purjiose to overreach the boys in a legal point, and preserve them- selves from physical harm." More worils were exchanged, when the exas])ei"ated set- tlers invited the interlopers to step one side, while the owners of the land tore down the building then in course of construction. This they did, not wishing to bring down upon themselves the signal vengeance of the deter- mined men who surrounded them. After witnessing the tearing-down operation they retired from the Held. But the end was not yet. A short time after this, the discomfited "claim jumpers" swore out warrants before the authorities at Owatonna, as this was then a part of Steele County, for the apprehension of live of the settlers who had been foremost in the work, and that, and a peremptory subpa^na for nearly all the other settlers on the Le Sueur Eiver, was brought over by the proper of- ficers, the arrests made and summons served. Forthwith appearing at the bar of the court in Owatonna, the accused were placed on trial and three of the five found guilty. The other two were discharged on the motion of the prosecuting attorney. Those whom the verdict proclaimed guilty entered an appeal to the district court, and were discharged on account of some error in the proceedings. A lawsuit about the same time was com- menced in Winona, before the United States land officers, in order to settle the rights of the parties in interest. During the next Ci/7^ ^^ivtxc^A-^ HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 429 year, both parties and many witnesses made several trips to Winona, but about the end of that time the matter was settled by a com- promise, and all were again happy. HAED TIMES. The following, quoted from an article from the pen of James E. Child, one of the par- ticipants in the scenes he so graphically de- scribes, recalls the hardshij^s of pioneer days: "The summer of 1S58 will long be remem- bered by the early settlers of the county, as tlie most disastrous of any up to the j^resent time. Nearly or quite one-half of the people of the county had settled along the Le Sueur Kiver. Many of the farmers had no crops except on the bottom lands, while nearly all had more or less, on these lands adjoining the river. During the early part of the sea- son the crops looked well ; but in the latter part of July heavy and oft repeated storms swept over the whole country. During the first week in August storm succeeded storm, until the whole country was inundated. The waters of the rivers and streams were in- creased to such an extent that their banks were overflown. The bottom lands looked like great inland seas. Fences were torn down and carried away ; hay and grain stacks were torn to pieces and carried down stream ; trees were washed out by the roots, and wheat, corn and potato crops were de- stroyed in a day. " Whole families stood by in astonishment, witli despair depicted in every feature, and witnessed the destruction of their only means of subsistence for the coming year. Most of the settlers had spent their limited means in purchasing their lands and improving them, and were entirely dependent upon their growing crops for a supply of food. The crops on the bottom lands, nearly or quite one-half of the whole, were almost a total loss, while those on the highlands were badly injured. " Many gave up in despair, and, with what they had left, ' pulled up stakes ' and left the country. A general depression rested upon the whole country, and the succeeding year . was a season of ' hard times.' A whole chapter of incidents might be written of the hardships endured by the settlers during the winter of 1858-9 and the following spring. Manj"^ farmers lived for months on corn- bread, milk and butter ; some lived for weeks, in the spring, on milk and wild roots ; some lived on fish, and all suffered more or less deprivation. " During the spring many cattle died of starvation, and the people who lived here at that time are seldom heard to call the pres- ent ' hard times.' " Says Hon. William Brisbane, in speaking of hard times in early days : " Speaking of graham bread, I can assure you that twenty- eight years ago a loaf of graham bread or a corn dodger, with a very thin sprinkling of molasses, would have been thankfully re- ceived and no questions asked. Those were the days that tried men's stomachs as well as their souls, but we lived and hoped for better days, for we had faith in the resources of Waseca County. Thanks to the industri- ous energy of the people, our expectations have been fully realized ; as the good Book says : ' The rain is over and gone, and the time of the singing of birds has come ;' yet I never knew or saw a tragedy acted but there was always some comical or ludicrous scenes interlarded with it. . . . The following is a fact, although it smacks of the improbable : A family out in the Big Woods, be3'ond Janesville, were sorely pressed, for gaunt Famine was wagging his bony finger in their faces. Almost in de- spair they went into the woods and tried to find some roots, whereby they miglit satisfy the cravings of hunger. They were success- ful in unearthing the sought-for roots, but were afraid that they might be poisonous. Something must be done ; they would try an experiment. As luck would have it, there was a crazy sort of fellow in the family ; so they thought they would try it on him. If 430 HISTOKT OF WASECA COUNTY. he died it woidd be no great loss, and if he lived, why couldn't they. You see that they were excellent logicians. "Well, the crazy fellow lived, but you can bet that he never fared so well again as he did on the day the life or death experiment was tried." HISTORICAL ITEMS. The first birth in the county was that of a child born to Mr. and Mrs. Plunimer, in the township of Wilton, born in July, 1855. The first death is believed to have been that of the wife of Josiah Smith, of Bloom- ing Grove, who died in the fall of 1856. William Wells, of Wilton, had a child die in 1856, also, probably the second death in the county. The first marriage was that which united the destinies of a Mr. Ballard, of Mankato, and Louisa A. Gregory, of this county, which took place at the house of the bride's par- ents, on the 2d of January, 1856. It is re- corded of this interesting event, that great preparations had been made, and invitations issued to friends, both far and near, John Jenkins, the only justice of the peace, being duly secured to tie the hymeneal knot. On the evening in question the 'Squire, hiring a man to take him to the house of Mr. Gregoiy in a sleigh, started. The weather was in- tensely cold, the snow deep and badly drift- ed. They got along very well until the dark- ness overtook them, when they lost their way, and wandered around over the cold, bleak prairie the whole night, trying to reach the appointed place. About four o'clock in the morning they managed to return to the place from which they had started, where they soon warmed themselves up with hot coffee, hot cakes and fried pork, which restored their exhausted frames. Breakfast eaten, they again started for the scene of the wedding. In the meantime the folks at the house of Mr. Gregory had been waiting expectantlj^ for the arrival of the 'Squire ; the bride was ready, the groom on hand, each with his or her best friend to help them pass through the ordeal, but still no 'Squire appeared. Expectation grew into anxiety as the night wore on, and the question as to what was the matter, was bandied about among the waiting guests. All night the assembled company kept watch, but he came not. With the morninir came the 'Squire, but on his arrival he found that a party had sallied forth to look after him, so the ceremon^^ had to be deferred until they had returned. About dark the searchers returned, but it was so late that it was thought necessary to have supper be- fore proceeding to the business of the day. Many were the jokes and laughs about the first marriage ceremony to be performed by the bachelor justice. The supper over, the table was cleared away, the 'Squire called up the wedding party. Says our informant, '' the ceremony was short and to the ]ioint." After joining the hands of the young couple Squire Jenkins turning to the groom, asked " Mr. Ballard, do you take Miss Gregory to be your wife ? " The answer came prompt- ly, "Yes, sir." Then to the blushing bride, " Miss Gregory, do you take Mr. Ballard as your lawful husband ? " In a low tone came the expected answer, "Yes, sir." "All right," said the 'Squire, " then you're man and wife." This finished the ceremony, and the relieved company began to enter ujion the festivities usual at that time. The second marriage took place upon the 19th day of April, 1856. At that time James E. Child and Justina Krassin pledged themselves "to cleave unto one another until death do them part," before John Jenkins, justice of the peace. The first school was opened in what is now Blooming Grove Township, in 1857, and was taught by IVIrs. Lina Hughes. This was in what is now district No. 7, then No. 1. The fii-st religious services were held at the house of Christian Kemund, in Blooming Grove, by Rev. Mr. Groeciitenme^yer, in 1856. This was by the German Methodists and an organization was then effected that exists to this day. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 431 The first postoffice was established at Swaversey, in Blooming Grove Township, in 1857, with Mrs. William Gibbs as post- mistress, on section 5 of that town. ORIGIN OF THE COUNTy's NAME. In 1856, some Winona parties laid out a town in the southwestern part of Woodville Township, which they called Waseca, which is a Sioux word denoting rich, especialty in provisions. Lobbying in the Legislature to have a new county set off and their town made the county-seat, they failed to carry their point, but the euphony of the name seemed to strike those interested, and the county was thus christened. CHAPTER IV. EEMINISCENCES AND INCIDENTS. It is the intention to group under this he.ad the personal experiences of the pioneers and others of the county of "Waseca. Many of them are written b}^ the early settlers themselves, and others related and written up from their oral relation. In compiling, the editor has not attemjjted to change the style of the Avriter, it being the design to leave them as they were penned, a record not only of the facts narrated, but preserving the individuality of the writer and the view he took of the matter. These reminiscences are interesting and well worthy a perusal. BY JAMES E. CHILD. Thirty-three or four years ago the present county of Waseca was a portion of the ter- ritory known as Blue Earth County. Not a single white man then had a habitation with- in its borders. The solitude of nature was broken only occasionally by the hunter and trapper, or by wandering bands of Sioux In- dians. Buffalo, elk and deer had for ages roamed its prairies and woodlands. Fish basked undisturbed in its lakes and streams. The muskrat, the otter and the mink gamboled upon the ice in winter, with no one to molest or make them afraid. Ducks, geese and other aquatic fowl covered the waters in summer, and chattered and squawked in all their native glory. The prairie wolf howled upon each little hillock, and coward-like was always ready to pounce upon the weak and defenseless. Pocket gophers went on with their interminable mining operations, all unconscious of the inroads soon to be made upon their dominions by the husbandman. Grouse and prairie chicken crowed, drummed and strutted in all their pride, and the winds and blizzards and cyclones swept unheeded across its solitary waste. The autumnal prairie fires, in aU their terrible grandeur and beauty, lighted the heavens by night and clouded the sun by day. Age after age had added alluvial richness to the soil, and prepared it, as one of the richest fields in the world, for the abode of the husbandman and for the uses of civilized man. It furnishes food for reflection to the inquiring mind at times, that an overruling Providence should have sent the Pilgrim Fathers to the rock bound and stormy coast of New England and reserved the rich prairie lands of the west for their descendants and fol- lowers. In the month of June, 1854, Asa G. Sut- lief, his wife and three children, left Dodge County, Wis., in covered wagons, taking with them quite a drove of cattle and sheep, to seek a home in the land of " Laughing Waters." They passed over the Mississippi at La Crosse, and taking across the country in a westerly direction, struck the Minnesota River at Traverse or St. Peters, locating on a claim some five or six miles west of there. He had been there only a few days, how- ever, before he was offered $100 for his claim and accepted it. He then proceeded to Mankato, where he left his family, and sought a new location, " far from the haunts of men." After a thorough and extensive tour of inspection, he finally selected a portion of section 32 in what is now the town of Wil- ton, where most of his famih'^ still reside. He reached this place with the family in the «;i HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 433 month of August, and at once broke about two acres of land, and set about providing hay and shelter for his cattle and sheep. A "shanty" for himself and family was at once reared. It was a work of some magni- tude to prepare for winter, but his energy and industry overcame all obstacles, and by the latter part of November he was ready to return to Wisconsin with his family, leaving his cattle and premises in charge of Luther Barrett, formerly of Horicon, Wis. Mr. Sutlief and family made their return trip in a covered ox-wagon, arriving at Herman, Wis., in the early part of December, 1854. On the 9th of January, 1855, Mr. Sutlief and James E. Child left Herman for Minne- sota with three yoke of oxen, a wagon and a sled. At Fox Lake they were joined by S. P. Child, then a boy of nineteen, from Waupun, Wis., whose whole capital consisted of a trunk of clothes, three hogs and consid- erable " sand." He was to assist in driving the teams and hogs belonging to Mr. Sutlief, for his board while on the road. Nothing of striking importance occurred on the journey until their arrival at La Crosse. At this point they crossed the river in the dark and on ice which had formed since the January thaw. The act of cross- ing was a dangerous one and a less venture- some man than Mr. Sutlief would, at least, have taken daylight for the undertaking. About 9 o'clock in the evening they stopped at a small house on the west side of the Mississippi, occupied by a Mr. Plummer and his wife. Here a couple of days were spent while Mr. Plummer was getting ready to join the company. It took nearly all the first day after starting to get the loaded vehicles to the top of the river bluff, and the party returned to the shanty for the night. Early next morning all hands turned out, and the first rays of the sun found them on the trail, going westward. The day turned out cloudy and storni}'^, but the drive was short, and just before dark tkey stopped at a little frame house near the road, about five miles east of the site of the present vil- lage of St. Charles. The next morning an early start was made so as to reach Roches- ter, then called Zumbro Falls, that night. The day was pleasant, but the snow had drifted in many places, which made travel- ing very slow. It was necessary in some places to shovel out, or unhitch the teams and drive them back and forth through the drifts, before attempting to get through with the loads, and although the teams were urged forward as fast as shouting and whip- ping could do it, yet it was eleven o'clock at night before they reached a stopping- place. The night was cold, and Mr. Sutlief frosted his cheeks, ears, nose and feet, and Mr. Plummer and S. P. Child, their feet sUghtly. The house was filled with travel- ers ; the beds were all full ; the floor was nearly covered with sleepers, and there was no room for these last arrivals except in a log shanty "lean-to" with its Dutch fire- place. This afforded about the poorest pro- tection from cold that could well be imag- ined, even by a western man. The roof was made of oak shakes, the crevices were not plastered or daubed, and the prairie bliz- zard whistled through it with a lavish liber- ality altogether unpleasant. Our travelers made a huge fii"e, and passed the night in turning first one side, and then the other to it, after the old fashion of roasting spare ribs before the fire. The next morning the wind blew a gale, and the thermometer indicated twentj'-eight de- grees below zero, rendering travel across the prairies simply impossible. All parties were compelled to remain over during the day. There were over forty travelers thus de- tained. This place being on the stage road from Dubuque to St. Paul accounted for so many being there. Many a good story, and some not so good, were told that da}'^, and jokes passed among them in a manner pe- cuHar to the west. One fellow, a liquor peddler, was quite chagrined at finding his whiskey keg bottom end up, the bung-hole 434 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. open and its contents spread out on the snow. The crowd insisted that he had been on a spree, and had left the keg in that condi- tion himself, and as no one pretended to know anything to the contrary, he was obliged to smother his pent-up wrath, and make the best of the matter. His attempt at the retail business in the morning was, without doubt, the primary cause of his sad loss, at least some of the ladies intimated as much. The wind lulled during the night, and the next morning was bright and pleas- ant. Our " first settlers " "tackled up" early and started across the prairie for Mantor- ville. That village was then less than a year old and contained only three or four small, log cabins. This was the last settle- ment on the road of our travelers until they reached their destination. Did you ever see a treeless, uninhabited prairie in midwinter 595 William L. Banning, D. and G. B 817— 322 Lieutenant Governor. J. B. Wakefield, R 605 P. A. Jewell, P 488 A. A. Ames, D 800— 95 William Meighen, G. B 9 Secretary of State. John S. Irgens, R 630 M. T. Anderson, P 482 P. T. Lindholm, D 790— 170 A. E. Rice, G. B 6 State Treasurer. William Pfaender, R 655 J. F. Meagher, D 750— 95 W. W. Slocum, P 478 Isaac Staples, G. B 6 Attorney General. George P. Wilson, R 606 James B. Child, P 490 J. R. Jones, D 799— 193 S. L. Pierce, G. B 6 Railroad Commissioner. William R. Marshall, R 608 T. G. Carter, P 487 H. W. Hill, D 799— 192 E. Ayres, G. B 11 Representative to Legislature. Mark L. Devereaux, P 553 John F. Preston, P 590 J, R. Davison, R 280 ABishman, R 623 Fenton Keenan, D 800— 520 J. O. Chandler, D 935— 303 Register of Deeds. H. A. Mosher, R 1026— 437 Ed. Bennett, G. B 384 R. Jacoby, D 589 Judge of Probate. Caleb Hallack, P 706— 105 J. A. Canfield, R 601 H. C. Woodbury, D 584 County Attorney. J. E. Child, P 768 P. McGovern, D .1031— 263 Superintendent of Schools. H. G. Mosher, D. and P 1438— 961 George N. Annes, R 467 County Treasurer. Warren Smith, R. and P 1013— 150 William Leo, D 863 Surveyor. C. E. Crane, no opposition 1885 — 1885 Court Commissioner. F. A. Newell, R. and P '. 1066— 267 J. A. Roemer, D 799 Sheriff. M. Craven, P 495 S. W. Long, 1 458 H. Wilson, R 407 460 UISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. M. Keeley, D 547— 52 Coroner. L. D. Mcintosh. R 683 J. C. McMahan, D 1207—524 County Commissioners. William Burke 136— 55 A. J. .Jordan 61 Michael !Madigan 44 D. N. Ackerman Ill William Hoover 53 John Brady 135— 24 Election, Noverriber 5, 1878. Auditor of State. O. P. Whitcomb, K 670— 186 Mahlon Black, D 584 T. G. Carter, P '. 398 O. H. Page, G. B 270 Associate .Justice, Supreme Court. John M. Berry, K. and P 1074— .558 W. H. Mitchell, D 516 O. M. Mead, G. B 262 Scattering 4 Clerk Supreme Court. S. H. Nichols, R 665— 44 Dillon O'Brien, I) ... 621 William Copp, P 404 W. J. Webb, G. B 229 Scattering 6 .Judge, 5th Judicial District. Samuel Lord, li. and P 933— 397 I^afayette Emmett, D 361 Lewis Brownell, 1 536 Scattering. 2 Member of Congress. M. H. Dunnell, R .556 William Meighen, D. and G. B 743— 137 George H. Green, P 586 State Senator. S. B. William.s, P 729— 265 P. C. Bailey, R 464 Feuton Iveenan, D 443 W. D. Armstrong, G. B 274 Members of House of Representatives. John Thompson, R 553 H. P. Packard, R 488 H. C. Chase, D 531 M. Sheeran, D 485 John S. Abell, P 570 Ira D. Beeman, P 505 John Byron, G. B 503 Edward Bennett, G.I} 140 County Auditor. Edgar Cronkhite, D. and P 745— 231 H. J. Wadsworth, R 514 J. A. Roemer, 1 233 Jlartin E. Cogley, G. B 417 County Commissioners. Eri G. Wood 229 Thomas Bowe 300— 71 Hugh Wilson 22 Election, N&oember 1)., 1879. Governor. John S. Pillsbury, R*. 868 Edmund Rice, D 992— 124 W. W. Satterlee, P 481 Lieutenant Governor. Charles A. Gilman, R 878 E. P. Barnum, D 951— 73 S. B. Williams, P 512 Secretary of State. Fred. Von Baumbach, R 859 Felix A. Borer, D 1043— 184 I. C. Stearns, P 447 State Treasurer. Charles Kittleson, R 939 L. E. Cowdry, D 966— 27 J. M. Durnam, P 440 Attorney' General. Chas. M. Start, R 917 P. M. Babcock, D 982— 65 A. W. Bangs, P 450 Railroad Commissioner. W. R. Marshall, R 904 William Colville, D 987— 83 Charles Griswold. P 484 County Treasurer. H. K. Stearns, R 716 C. McKenna, D 969—245 Warren Smith, P 724 Sheriff. B. F. Roddle, R 496 Malhew Keeley, D 712—216 J. L. Claghorn, P 343 Oliver Peterson, 1 483 G. Buchler, 1 304 Register of Deeds. G. P. Johnson, R 684 Chas. San Galli, D 1047—361 C. E. Crane, P 686 County Attorney. ]\[. D. L. Collester, R 881—194 A. J. O'Grady, D 777 James E. Child, P 683 County Surveyor. O. L. Smith, R. and D 2087-2078 C. E. Crane 9 Clerk of the Court. Lewis Huge, R 451 J. B. Hayden, D 901—230 E. E. Verplank, P 671 Henry Murphy, 1 335 Judge of Probate. J. A. Canfleld, R 796 H. C. Woodbury, D .'. 1015—219 Caleb Hallack, P 528 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 461 Superintendent of Schools. F. D. Seaman, R 468 M. V. Hunt, D 723—118 E. W. Young, P 605 H. G. Mosher, I ,^47 Coroner. D. C. Cummings, D, and P 1840-1349 L. D. Mcintosh, R 491 County Commissioners. L. Wallace 108 Philip Purcell 256—113 August Minske 144 N. M. Nelson 274—105 Peter Echternach 169 J. W. Cleland 33 Wm. Brisbane 110 Amendment to Article 9 of the Constitution. Yes 1797-1786 No 11 Election, Movemher S, 1880. President. James A. Garfield, R 1381—418 Winfield S. Hancock, D 963 Congress. W. G. Ward, R 1366—882 M. H. Dunncll, R 484 H. R. Wells, D 467 Judge of District Court. Thomas S. Buckman 2347-2347 On the Text Book Act. For the Act 909 Against 883 State Senator. R. L. McCormick, R 1553— 771 R. O. Craig, D 781 B. C. McCormick 4 Members Hou.se of Representatives Christopher Wagner, R 1358— 413 D. J. Dodge, R 1398— 438 Thomas Barden, D 946 Joseph Schmid, D 960 County Auditor. C. E. Crane, R 1281— 313 E. Cronkhite, D 1068 Court Commissioner. F. A. Newell, R 1193— 264 H. C. Woodbury, D 928 County Commissioner. A. J. Jordan 109— 13 William Byron 97 G. G. Pride 78 H. A. Mosher 3 W. D. Armstrong 331— 103 Ernest Miller 119 Election, Novemher 8, 1881. Governor. Lucius F. Hubbard, R 1350— 504 R. W. Johnson, R 746 C. H. Roberts 8 I. C. Stearns 5 Lieutenant Governor. Charles A. Gilman, R 1173— 366 E. P. Barnum, D 806 Scattering 40 Secretary of State. Fred. Van Baumbach, R 1172— 366 A. J. Lamberton, D 806 Scattering 40 State Treasurer. Charles Kittelson, R 116")— 350 John F. Russell, D 815 Scattering 39 State Auditor. W. W. Braden, R 1174— 309 R. L. Lehmicke, D 805 Scattering 43 Attorney General. W. J. Hahn, R 1174— 339 G. N. Baxter, D 835 Scattering 11 Railroad Commissioner. James H. Baker, R '. 1168— 338 B. F. Cook, D 840 Scattering 13 Associate Justice, Supreme Court. Charles E. Vanderberg, D 1017 William Mitchell, R 1652— 635 D. A. Dickinson, R 1652— 865 Greenleaf Clark, D 787 Clerk of Supreme Court Samuel H. Nichol, R 1173— 339 J. J. Thornton, D 834 Scattering 11 County Treasurer. Charles McKenna, D 1321— 638 Robert Earl, R 683 Scattering 9 Register of Deeds. Charles San Galli, D 1111— 225 H. A. Mosher, R 886 Scattering 6 Sheriff. Hugh Wilson, R 843— 255 Fred. Bettner, D 588 M. Keeley, 1 864 D. Murphy, 1 314 Scattering 4 County Attorney. W. R. Kinder, R 995— 2 P. McGovern, D 993 Scattering 10 Judge of Probate. S. D. Crump, R 1038— 81 H. C. Woodbury, D 957 Scattering 13 County Surveyor. Orson L. Smith, R. and D 2020—2030 462 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Superintendent of Schools. D. S. Cummings, D 1100— 196 E. B. Collester, R 904 Scattering , 5 Coroner. R. O. Craig, D 1995—1983 M. V. Hunt 8 C. Cunniugluim 4 County Commissioners. G. W. Soule 126— 55 A. H. Brandt 67 Scattering 4 I. C. Trowbridge 183— 47 G. Bucliler 135 Election, November 7, 1882. Member of Congress. James B. Waliefleld, R 1048— 198 Felix A. Borer, D 850 Scattering 4 Chief Justice, Supreme Court. James GilfilUui, R. and D 1901—1901 Stale Senator. A. W. Jennison, R 683 R. O. Craig, D 1201— 519 Scattering 8 Members House of Representatives. Anthony Sampson, R 893 John C. White, D 986— 83 Scattering 6 County Auditor. C. E. Crane, R 1008—118 George Hofeldt, D 890 Coroner. H. J. Young, R 890— 57 Carroll Corson, D 833 County Commissioners. Phillip Purcell 244—109 A. P. Wilson 135 N. M. Nelson 237—106 Michael Murphy 131 Election, November 6, 1883. Governor. L. P. Hubbard, R 1044 A. Bierman, D 1347 C.B. Holt, P 13 Lieutenant Governor. Chas. A. Gilman, R 1305 R. L. Frazee, D 1082 C. B. Shore, P 12 Secretary of State. Fred. Van Baumbach, R 1236 J. J. Green, D 1061 E. G. Paine, P 13 State Treasurer. Chas. Kittelson, R 1310 John Ludwig, D 1074 C. M. Anderson, P 12 C. McKenna 1 Attorney General. W. J. Hahn, R 1219 J. W.Willis, D 1070 Francis Cadwell, P 12 Railroad Commissioner. James H. Baker, R 1315—133 A. Lindholm, D 1071 S. Meeker, P 13 On Amending Section 5, of the Constitution. Yes 377 No 888—611 County Treasurer. Charles McKenna, D 1399— .500 C. Wagner, U 899 Clerk of District Court. M. B. Keeley, D 1147— 31 A. J. Lohren, R 1136 Register of Deeds. Walter Glendenning, R 631 C. Mertons, D 325 H. A. Mosher, 1 663— 10 Charles San Galli, 1 6.53 Sheriff. Hugh Wilson, R 1288—388 D. Welch, D 1000 Judge of Probate. S. D. Crump, R 903—185 Josepli Finley , D 717 F. A. Newell, 1 395 H.C.Woodbury, 1 366 County Attorney. M. D. L. Collester, R 1060 P. McGovern, D 1198—138 W. R. Kinder 1 Court Commissioner. B A. Lowell 1155 H. P. Norton 816 W. G. Ward 69 C. E. Leslie 243 County Surveyor. O. L. Smith, R and D 1161—1160 W. G. Ward 1 Coroner. H. J. Young, R 1170—304 M. V. Hunt, D 966 Superintendent of Schools. J. B. Dye, R 987 D. S. Cummings, D 1343 County Commissioners. A. J. Jordan 168 C. Melchoir 13 G. W. Dunham Ill J. L. Shaw 89 M. F. Connor Ill Election, Novemher If., 188^.. President. .lames G. Blaine, R 1189—333 ay)onJ HISTORY OF W Grover Cleveland, D 867 John P. St. John, P 97 Benj. F. Butler, L 9 Belva Luckwood, W. S 1 Member of Congress. J. B. Wakefield, R 1197—312 J. J. Thornton, D 885 William Copp, P 70 Associate Justice, Supreme Court. .1. M. Berry, U ISfjo-loJ.") Jlember House of Representatives. M. 1). L. Collester, 11 1115— 2,i.^) Michael Shearan, D 860 Ebenezer Thompson, 1 144 County Auditor. S. Swenson, R 1361—368 Charles San (iaili. D 893 C. Mertens, 1 9 County Commissioners. Austin Vinton 176— 92 J. P. Wheelan 84 M. Craven 278— 74 U. 11. Helms 204 Mention, Noveinhev 2, 1886. Governor. A. R. jMcGill, R 938 A. A. Ames, D 1442—504 J. E. Child, P 431 Lieutenant Governor. A. E. Rice, D 1442— 56 John Frank, R 1386 J. P. Piukham, P 313 Secretary of State. Hans Mattson, R 1188 Lute Jager, D 1343—1.54 O. A. Pierce, P 241 State Treasurer. Joseph Bobletter, R 1189 Henry Poehler, D 1341—152 P. J." Kniss, P 281 State Auditor. W. W. Bradon, R 1189 A. G. L>mdburg, D 1342—153 H. W. Allen, P 274 Attorney General. M. E. Clapp 1190 J. N. Ives 1344—154 W. M. Hatch 279 Associate Justices, Supreme Court. William Jlitchell, R. and D 2531-2253 D. A. Dickinson, R. and D 2530-2252 C. E. Vanderburgh, R. and D. 2531-2253 C. E. Shearman, P 278 J. McKnight, P 278 J. W. Cochran, P 278 Clerk of Supreme Court. J. D. Jones, R 1189 T. O'Leary, D 1326— Kil ASECA COUNTY. 465 C. A. Fossnes, P 281 G. T. Gardner 3 Judge of District Court. T. S. Buckham, R 2584-2584 Menil)cr of Congress. John Liml, R 1195 A. H. Bullis, D 134.5-1.50 George J . Day, P 269 State Senator. W. G, Ward, R 1300—276 R. O. Craig, D 1024 Samuel Hawkes, P ■ . 450 II. Hawkes 1 Member House of Representatives. Sauuiel Hodgkins, R 1193 M. W. Ryan, D 1220— 27 County Auditor. S. Swenson, R 1816-1047 P. A. Lilly, D 769 County Treasurer. L. C. Remund, R 1037 ('has. McKenna, D 1733—695 Register of Deed^ A. F. Kruger, R 1762—993 R. Jacoby, D 769 S. H. Drum, P 181 Tarrant Putnam, 1 35 Clerk of District Court. Walter Child, R. and P 1074 M. B. Keelev, D 1 724-650 Sherifl'. W. J. Baker, R 1006 A. C. Kras.sin, D 1.598— .592 D. J. Bickford, P 176 Judge of Probate. W. C. Young, R 1559-648 J. Madden, D 911 W. H. Hover, P 309 Scattering 1 County Attorney. E. L. Maddox, R 1125 P. McGovern, D 1376—251 C. E. Leslie, P 279 W. E. Young 1 Superintendent of Schools. J. B. Dye. R. and P 1445— 7 D. S. Curamings, D 1438 Court Commissioner. G. R. Buckman, R 1247— 17 H. C. Woodbury, D 1230 B. A. Lowell, P 299 County Surveyor. O. L. Smith, R " 1968-1968 Coroner. M. V. Hunt, D 1306-118 H. J. Young, a 1188 N. C. Davis, P 294 County Commissioners. A. Vinton. R " 20.5—108 466 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Thos. McGuire, D . . 97 Adam Bishman, P C. G. Pride, R. and P 46 52 W. H. Kidney, R 235 271— 36 78 253—56 196 Philip Purcell, D A. -P. Wilson, P Jonas 0. Svinde, R A. J. Stensvad, D P. Champion, D James Conway, D John Wilkinson, R Clias. Deyling, D 155 159— 190 209- 4 79 CHAPTER VIT. OTHER OFFICIAL MATTERS. ROUPED together in this chapter will be found the various mat- ters gathered from the count}' records and various other sources, that fill no special place in his- tory, but which if left untold would mar the completeness of these annals. POPULATION. The census of 1885 gives Waseca County a total population of 13,343, which is divided as follows : Woodville Township 603 City of Waseca 2,513 Otisco Townsbip 876 Janesville Township .■ 839 Village of Janesville 1 ,054 Wilton Township 737 St. Mary Township 743 Freedom Township 964 Iosco Township 1,069 Blooming Grove 784 Alton Township 1,051 Vivian Townsliip 522 Byron Township 421 New Rifliland Township 710 New Richland Villasce 457 Total 13,343 In 1860, the county contained but 2,601 people, and by the census of 1870 it had in- creased to 7,854. In 1880, a close and accu- rate account made the number of inhabitants in Waseca County 12,385, with the increase in the succeeding five years as above given. SUBDIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY. The county of Waseca 'is divided into twelve civil townships, as follows: Janesville, embracing all of congressional township 108 north of range 24 west. Iosco, congressional township 108 north of range 23 west. rano-e 23 north of Blooming Grove, township 108 north of range 22 west. Alton, townsliip 107 north of range 24 west. Saint Mary, township 107 north of range 23 west. Woodville, township 107 north of range 22 west. Freedom, township 100 north of range 24 west. Wilton, township 106 north of range 23 west. Otisco, township 100 north of range 22 west. Vivian, township 105 north of range 24 west. Bvron, township 105 north ol west. New Richland, township 105 range 22 west. TOWN PI-.iTS. A list is lierewith given of the various town plats that have been recorded from time to time in the books of Waseca County, with the date of filing, names of original proprietors, etc. Waseca — laid out and established b}' Ira C. Trowbridge, in -Tuly, 1867; J. II. Jenkins, surveyor. First addition to Waseca — laid out by Ira C. Trowbridge and II. P. Norton in September, 1867. Barney's addition to Waseca — filed for record on the 21st of October, 1867. Lakeside addition to Waseca — laitl out by Nathaniel and Eri G. Wood, in October, 1868, C. E. Crane, surveyor. Bennett's addition to Waseca — laid out in January, 1872, by Edward Bennett; sur- 46T 468 HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. veyed by C. E. Crane. Subdivision of the same platted in July, 1875. McNamara's addition to Waseca — laid out in May, 1872, by Francis McNamara. It was surveyed by F. McNainara, and the plat acknowledged before F. B'oodgood, commis- sioner for Minnesota, at Milwaukee, Wis. Trowbridge's addition to Waseca — laid out by Ira C. Trowbridge in June, 1873. A subdivision was platted in September, the same year. Jenkins' addition to Waseca — laid out by J. II. Jenkins, who was also the surveyor, in August, 1875. Ward's addition to Waseca — laid out by William G.Ward in May, 1885; surveyed by O. L. Smith. South addition to Waseca — laid out by William G. Ward, in October, 1881 ; E. W. Fiske, surveyor. South side addition to Waseca — laid out in September, 1885, by Ira C. Trowbridge. Jenkins' second addition — laid out in May, 1885, by J. H. Jenkins. Clear Lake City — laid out by George W. Watkins in August, 1867. New Eichland — laid out in August, 1877, by Henry T. Wells. Zieger's addition to New Hichland — by Charles Zieger, April, 1 878. Wells' addition to New Eichland — by II. T. Wells in June, 1878. McClane's addition to New Eichland — laid out in Maj', 1882, by Jane McClane. Zieger's second addition to New Eichland — laid out by Charles Zieger, in May, 1886. St. Mary — was laid out and platted in February, 1857, by W. li. Chamberlain and others ; surveyed by H. W. Peck. Alma City— platted June, 1865, S. M. Lar- abee, proprietor; S. E. Stebbings, surveyor. East Janesville — laid out by J. W. Sprague, in August, 1869; S. II. Mott, surveyor. First addition to East Janesville — laid out by J. W. Spi'aguo in November, 1874. Allyn's addition to East Janesville — laid out in November, 187-1, by W. G. Allj'u. Allyn's second addition to East Janesville — laid out in October, 1875, W. G. Allyn, proprietor. Allyn's third addition to East Janesville — laid out l)y W. G. Allyn, in October, 1876. Allyn's fourth addition to East Janesville —laid out in October, 1877, by W. G. Allyn. Carjienter's first addition to East Janes- ville — laid out and platted by Adna Carpen- ter in September, 1875. Carpenter's second addition to East Janes- ville — laulout in March, 1878, by A. Carpen- ter. French's addition to East Janesville — was laid out in June, 1870. Gosper's addition to East Janesville — laid out by Edwin II. Gosper in November, 1877. Okaman — was laid out in May, 1857, the owners being W. V. Mathes, B. S. Hall, S. M. Cooley, F. E. Eoberts and G. H. Bishop. Eobert's addition to Okaman — laid out by Frederick E. and James Eoberts, and tlie plat filed for record May 26, 1857. Smitli's Mill — laid out by Angeline and B. II. Lane in May, 1885. Wilton — was laid out by John C. Ide in December, 1856, it then being in Steele County. AVilton addition to Wilton — laid out by J. D. Pattee and I. Wilcox in October, 1857. Mayfield — laid out in July, 1857 by Har- vey Abbott. Otisco — laid out and platted in July, 1857, by AVarren Bundy and S. S.Goodrich. Grigo-s and Obert's addition to Otisco — laid out June, 1858, by S. S. Griggs and W. W. Obert. These matters are treated at length in tlie township and village histories. MATRIMONIAL. The first marriages in Waseca County are not all recorded in the books of the county, and hence some may be missing in this record, but no efforts have been spared to make it complete. The first marriage took place on the 2d HISTOKV OF WASECA COUNTY. 469 of January, 1856, and was that of Mr. Bal- lard, of Mankato, and Louisa A. Gregory, John Jenkins, justice of the peace, officiat- ing. The second was that of James E. Child and Justina Krassin, which took pkice on the 19tli of April, 1856, John Jenkins, justice of the peace, performing the cere- mony. The first marriage recorded upon the books after the organization of Waseca Connty was that of Gottlieb Pfeifer and Magdalina Eemund, on the 17th of October, 1857, Rev. II. Eoth performing the cere- mony. Then follows that of George Nicholas and Janet Hagadorn, on October 31, 1857, Mathew S. Green, J. P., officiating. A few more are here given in their sequence to show that even in that early day there was "marrying and giving in mar- riage. " William F. Armstrong and 8araii F. Far- rington, who were united by Eev. Jolin l^uigiey, on the 2d of Jnly, 1858. George Gilmore and Emma Walker, July . 11, 1858, by P. C. Bailey, J. P., at the house of A. G. Sutlief. Baptist Rochsenlmck and Lisa Kammerer, by P. C. Bailey, J. P., July 2'.), 1858. Bastian Rochsenback and Johanna Metter, by P. C. Bailey, J. P., July 29, 1858. Simeon P. Child and Clarissa A. Northup, August 8, 1858, by J. B. Jackson, J. P. W. H. H. Jackson and Mary Eckert, by Daniel Riegle, J. P., August 8, 1858. • Alexander Miller and Margaret Gould, before 'Squire Bailey, September 30. 1858. L. Clark Wood and Cornelia C. Isaac, October 3, 1858, by Daniel Riegle, J. P. Thomas Johnson and Maria Oleson, before Daniel Riegle, J. P., November 4, 1858. Jens Olson and Brila Ivisslolfostlatter, October 17, 1858, by Lans Larun, a Lutheran minister. Jacob P. Lupher and Grace G. Goodrich, on the 30th of October, 1858, by P. C. Bailey, justice. The marriages for 1859 are as follows: John S. G. Ilosmer and Annette Greene, February 17, by H. P. Chamberlain, J. P. James Ruath and Emma Greene, February 17, by LI. P. Chamberlain, J. P. John A. Magiil and Margaret Magill, April 8, by Rev. S. M. Rogers, a Methodist Episcopal minister. Gothlul F. Knud and Albertine Welhel- mone Steller, June 14, bj^ Rev. Schmitt. Albert Taringson and Mary Ann Ander- son, August 1, by P. C. Bailey, J. P. Joseph Peasley and Cyntha Hanes, July 31, by Hubert P. Chamberlain, J. P. Andrew W. Hicks and Laura A. Scott, August 20, by A. Matson, deacon. John Peters and Caroline Larson, Novem- ber 6, by Sevenus Farrington, J. P. James A, Root and Hannah Brisbane, November 8, by J. B. Jackson, J. P. Wilhelm Brivoe and Emilia Auguste Brerhel, December 26, by Rev. John Schnell. The following table shows the number of marriages contracted from the year 1857 to 1886, inclusive : 1857 3 1873. 1858 10 1873. 1859 10 1874. 1860 18 1875. 65 58 73 65 18G1 21 1876 71 1863 20 1877 83 1863 18 1878 87 1864 39 1879 80 1865 33 1880 96 1866 40 1881 80 1867 40 1882 68 1868 61 1883 83 1869 67 1884 99 1870 45 1885 117 1871 54 1886 104 Total 1697 A glance at the foregoing figures shows that the market matrimonial has its rises and depressions the same as the monetary one. The state of the times is more or less re- flected in the number of marriages contracted. The Avar caused a large falling off from what 470 HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. it should have been, but in 1864, 1S65 and 1866, when the " boys in blue" " came march- ing home," then there is a large increase in the number of life partnerships. Some falling off is also noticed in 1873, ownig to the stringency of the money market. HE(;ISTEY OF DEEDS. As has alreaily been stated, before its or- ganization Waseca County was a portion of Steele County. The first transfers of land were, therefore, recorded in the books of that county, and were afterward transcribed into "Waseca County books. The first entry affecting land in this county, was the record of the location of a land warrant by Marcus T. C. Flowers, claiming title to the east half of the north- west quarter and the southw-est quarter of the northwest quarter of section 1, in town- ship 106, north of range 22 west, containing 120 acres. This was dated November 26, 1856. The date of filing for record, unfor- tunately, is not given. The first deed was tliat in which George W. Tremper aiul his wife, Matilda S. Trem- per. convey, for the consideration of $60(1, the northwest quarter of section 14, town- ship 106, north of range 23, to Henry C. Lowell, of "Wilton. This is acknowledged before Charles L. Lowell, a notary public, on the 30th of March, 1857. After the county of "Waseca \vas organ- ized, books were procured and records kept at "Wilton, Tarrant Putnam being the first register of deeds. There are now twenty-seven books of deed records, the register now using No. 1, having run through the alphabet, and then commenced with numbers. There are, also, twenty-two books of mortgages, that bearing the letter V being now in use. The whole number of record books in the office at present is seventy-two. auditok's report. The following is an abstract of the re]iort of the auditor in regard to the assessment in county' of "Waseca, for the year 1886 : Lands, e.xclusive of town property, value. . . $3,599,442 Town and village lots. 379,649 Value of personal property 585,991 Total assessed value $3,565,083 Total tax levied |64,156.19 The value of realty in the several towns of the county, as per the assessment of 1886, is as follows : Woodville |213,701 City of Waseca 216,535 Janesville 196,975 Village of Janesville 67,041 Iosco 334,311 Blooming Grove 339,856 Alton 214,053 St. Mary 245,908 Freedom 235,689 Otisco 233,030 Wilton 231,314 Vivian 172,418 Byron 161,371 New Richland 328,301 Villiige of New Richland 25,154 Cattle assessed in the county, 10,801, Value $147,416 Horses and Mules 5,895, " 301,563 Sheep 3,601, " 5,386 Swine 5,989, " 8,538 Valuation of live stock $462,903 treasurek's report. J]y t lie last report of C. McKenna, treas- luer of "Waseca County, the following is a summary of cash on hand for the county and credited to the various funds on the 1st of June, 1887, as follows : State Fund $4,613.18 County Current Fund 8,785.07 County Poor Fund 3,826.71 County Road and Bridges 3,300.90 County Commission Fund 103.22 Town of New Richland 1,345.55 Village of New Richland 96.18 Town of BjTon 363.13 Town of Vivian 359.54 Town of Otisco 60.75 Town of Wilton 549 46 Town of Freedom 315.18 Town of Woodville 335.14 Town of St. Mary 367..55 Town of Alton 384.57 Town of Blooming Grove 363.99 Town of Iosco 247.44 Town of Janesville 401.30 Village of Janesville 155.38 The several school districts 1,056.44 $36,035,58 CI-IAPTER VIII. STATE AND COUNTY REPEESENTATION. i|N all countries the men who hold the public offices are more or less looked upon merely as the repre- sentatives of the masses. This truism applies equally to the des- potic monarchies of the old world as well as to free America, for when they cease to truly repre- sent the people, they cease to ex- ist. In our laml and day where the office holder is merely the servant of the will of the people, wlio will dispute the right of the term i-epre- sentative, to such as figure in an official capacity? As a people we must give him the respect, in his official relations, that we owe to the will of the people, for he stands there the embodiment of their power. While in this connection it has been attempted to give some slight pen pictures of the many parties who have represented the citizens of Waseca County in official positions, many of them fall short of doing full justice to the subjects, inaccessibility of material being the chief of many reasons, and which should not, therefore, be laid at the door of tlie compilei'. CONGRESSIONAL. Under this head it is not necessary to en- ter into detail in this place, as most of the gentlemen who have served the people of this district in the halls of Congress, are men- tioned in the historj^ of Steele County. The first to represent this, tlie 1st Minne- sota district, was William Windom, elected in 1860, previous to this the State being represented bj' two members at large. He held this position until 1869, when he was succeeded bj^ Morton S. Wilkinson, then a resident of Mankato. He served the people as their representative one term, being suc- ceeded by Mark H. Dunnell, of Steele County. This latter gentleman was elected in the fall of 1870, and served as representative in the XLIId Congress. He was reelected his own successor, until 1882, thus having been a member of the XLIId, XLIIId, XLIA^th, XLYth. XLVIth and XLVIIth Congresses. A sketch at length of him is given in the history of Steele County, to which the reader is referred. J. B. Wakefield was tlie successor to Mr. Dunnell, being elected to represent the 2d Minnesota district in the XLVIIIth Con- gress, and was re-elected in 1884 by a handsome majority ; served his constitu- ents in the XLIX Congress. He was an old settler of Blue Earth County, and had been lieutenant governor of this State. As a lawyer he is quite an able man, and as a legislator, of considerable talent. In 1886 the people of this district chose John Lind to represent them in the Lth Congress. Mr. Lind is a resident of New Ulm, Brown County, an early settler of that part of the State, and was at one time con- nected with the United States land office. He has been quite prominent in politics, and is a representative man. LEGISLATIVE. On the adoption of the State constitution in 1857, the counties of Waseca and Steele, then constituting the 15th senatorial dis- trict was represented in the fii'st Legislature, which assembled December 2, 1857, by Sen- 471 472 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTV. ator Lewis McKune, and Representatives H. M. Sheetz, G. C. Pettie and Smith Joiinson. lion. Lewis McKune was born in Meriden, Sus(]nehanna County. Pa., July 22, 1821, and was reared and educated among the roclcs and hills of the " Old Keystone State," living there until he had reached the age of twenty -five 3'ears, wlien he started west in search of a home and fortune, and settled for a time in Illinois. Wiien the gold fever broke out in 1849 and '50, he, like many others, at that time, left the homes of civil- ization and sought tiie golden sands of Cali- fornia. Fortune, in his case, proving propi- tious, he, in 185-i, returned to Illinois with a fair amount of means, enough to give him a good start in life. In 1856 became to Waseca County, coming all the way from his home in the " Sucker State" by team, lie made a claim on tlie northeast quarter of section 2, and the west half of tlie northwest quai'ter of section 1. Wilton Township. He at once became one of tiie leaders and prominent men of this county, and was elected a mem- ber of the constitutional convention that drew up tlie fundamental law of this State. This convention met in July, 1857. In the first State Legislature which assendjled in Decemljer, 1857. Lewis McKune represented this district in the Senate. But it was not to be that he should live long enough to enjov his honors, and tiie competence he liad gained. The civil war breaking out in 1801, he en- listed in the old First Minnesota Infantry, and was commissioned captain of company F, and proceeding to the front, went down in the awful slaughter at Bull liun, July 21, 1861, being killed by a rebel bullet. A bet- ter hearted, more liberal, hospitable man it were hard to Hnd, and lie enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew him, an, he was united in marriage with Anna Thovsdatter, the officiating clerg\-nian being Rev. Romka, of the Lutheran Church. The bride was a native of Norway, born August 12, 1825. They left their native land May 15, 1853, and on landing in America at once proceeded to Rock County, Wis., where they arrived July 10 the same 3'ear. The}' re- mained there three years, and finally con- cluded to remove to Alinnesota. Eight families startetl together, as detailed in the history of New Richland Township, and overcoming all obstacles, reached the above town June 10, 1856, where Mr. Sampson took up a claim on section 14, where he now resides. Mr. and Airs. Samj)S()n are the parents of seven children, the two oldest of whom were born in Norway : So]ihia, born in the 3'ear 1847; Olave, February 14,1852; Carl A., November 22, 1854; Aliana, De- cember 17, 1856 ; Sinna, November 6, 1861 ; Andrew, Alarch 13, 1866, and Julian, De- cember 26, 1867. Air. Sampson's pioneer house, like many others, was built of logs, with a sod roof, and was Init 14x16 feet in HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 477 size, but he now lias good buildings on bis productive and well tilled farm of 120 acres of land. He represented this county in the Legislature in 18T7, as detailed above. In tbe XXth Legislature, which assem- bled January S, 1878, P. C. Bailey was still the senator from this county; and J. O. Chandler and Fenton Keenan were the representatives in the House. Hon. J. O. Chandler came to Waseca County in 1866. He located in the old town of Janesville, where he entered the mercantile trade. He was appointed postmaster there the ne.xt year (1867) and retained the office until 1870. When the new town of Janes- ville started, Mr. Chandler was the first to take advantage of the new location, and erected the first store in the town, moving his goods from the old village. He con- tinued in the general merchandise trade for two years after that. In 1873, in company with Dr. K. O. Craig, he put in a complete drug stock, which they have continued since that time. In February, Chandler & Craig purchased the interest of Henry Chase, of the firmofCiiase & Cordrey, general merchants, and since that time have been in that line of trade also. Mr. Chandler was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1876, serv- ing that winter and the following fall at the extra session. Mr. Chandler is a native of the State of JMaine, being born in Dexter, Penobscot Count}', September 21, 1837. His parents were John C. and Lucey B. Chandler. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Chandler went into the store of his father and uncle, who were partners in business, and two years later started for himself, running a peddler's wagon, which business he followed for a time. In 1857 he came to Minnesota and located in Pleasant Grove. In 1858 he went west to Idaho, but not liking it there, re- turned to Minnesota after a year's absence, settling in Winona, where he remained until 1863. Lie then entered the United States service as paymaster's clerk, and served as such until 1865, when he again returned to this State and went on the road as sales- man for J. D. Blake & Co., of Rochester. He came to Janesville one year later as already detailed. Since coming here Mr. Chandler has always taken an active interest in whatever would be of any advantage to the village or the interests of the people, and is to-day one of Janesville's most enter- prising and substantial men. January 7, 1879, the XXIst Legislature was convened. In the Senate, S. B. Will- iams, elected by the Prohibition party, rep- resented Waseca County, and in the House, John Thompson and J. S. Abell. Mr. Wil- liams was an old settler of the county of Steele, and had located at the village of Waseca among the first comers, where he en- gaged in the lumber business, and afterward in grain-buying. He is now a resident of Steele County. John Thompson, a pioneer of Waseca Count}', having settled here in 1856, was a farmer at the time of his elec- tion to the Legislature, living at that time in jSew Richland Township. Lie now re- sides near Albert Lea. Hon. John S. Abell is a. native of Oswego County, N. Y., born July 22, ISU. His father died in 1841, and John lived with his grandfather for a few years, when he had to get a living for himself. He remained in the county of his birth until 1856, when he came to Winona Count\% Minn., where he remained about two months and then came to Otisco Township, Waseca County, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Abell was married in Winona County August 11, 1859, to Miss Hannah Ilarshman, she being a resident of that county. They have had born to them eight children, six girls and two boys, as follows : Marie, Sarah, Permelia, Helena L., Emma and Jennie, the two latter being twins. The boys' names are John H. and Irving O. Sarah was born July 13, 1861; Permelia, born May 20, 1867; Irving O., born January 3, 1S72; Helena L., born April 23, 187-1 ; Emma and Jennie, born July 13, 1876, all of whom are living and at 478 HISTORY Of WASECA COUNTY. home with their parents except Marie and John H. Marie was married to Charles Scouton, November, 1878, and John H. died January 16, 1882. Mr. Abell's mother's maiden name was Per- melia Park, and she was man-ied to Harley O. Abell in October, 1838, and after her hus- band's death she married Joseph Gallop in 1843, and died in 1847. J. S. Abell has been town clerk for twenty j^ears, chairman supervisors, one year, assessor, two years, and has been elected justice of the peace twice, and now holds the office of justice of the peace, and was representative in the Leg- islature in 1879, being elected on the Prohi- bition ticket. He owns 240 acres of land, about all of which is under cultivation, has made the improvements himself, and has a fine grove, which surrounds the build- ings, that he started from seeds and slips or cuttings, and some of the trees are now over two feet in diameter. Mr. Abell's brother, Irving L., was born February 23, 1837, and was the first book-keeper in the penitentiary at Stillwater, in 1855, and was afterward clerk in the Stillwater postoffice. He went from tiiere to Michigan and was distributing clerk there about one year, wiien he was transferred to St. Louis and re- mained there till some time in 1864, when he went to Tennessee, and from there he went to Oakland, CaL, where he engaged in the publishing business for a few years and tlien went to Colfax, Whitman County, W. T., where he is now publishing the Colfax Commoner. His sister Jennie is now in Oakland, CaL, engaged in the poultry business, and is doing well. His brother, William H., came to Minnesota in 1860 and enlisted in First Minnesota Infantry, served four years and six months and died in AVinona in February, 1885. The widow and three children (two boj's and one girl) are still living in Winona. Hon. P. S. McCormick was tlie senator from this district, and Christoph Wagner and D. J. Dodge, the representatives in the XXIId Legislature, which met January, 1881. This was the first assembly un- der the biennial session clause. Senator McCormick came to the village of Waseca in its infancy, and was here engaged in the lumber business. After his term of office had expired he sold out his interests in this count}' and removed to Hayward, Wis. Hon. Christoph Wagner, of the firm of Wagner Brothers, of New Richland, is a na- tive of Prussia, Germany, and was born on the 7th day of November, 1842. Wlien he was but five years of age, his parents, Jacob and Margaret (Morton) Wagner, emi- grated to America, and settled in Sheboy- gan County, Wis. There he was reared and there received his education, remain- ing with his parents until 1861, when the dark cloud of war gathering over our fair land, he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, and served for three years and three months, and was discharged in December, 1864, and then returned totlie Badger State. On the 10th of December, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mary Zieger, while in Wisconsin. In 1869 he came to Waseca County, locating at that time on section 18, New Richland Town- sliip, on a farm, where he remained until January, 1885, when he bought out the in- terests of A. J. Newgard, in t]ieluml)er busi- ness. ]Mi'. Wagner was a member of the Legislature during the session of 1881 and the extra one of the same year. Hon. D. J. Dodge came to Waseca County in 1857 when he was twelve j'ears of age. His })arents, who were Samuel and Mai-iaA. (Zuba) Dodge, came from Tioga County, N. Y., and settled in the town of Wilton. The elder Mr. Dodge remained there until 1862, when, witli the familj', he moved to Steele County, and in 1S64 started for Missouri, but died on the way there. D. J. remained with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to Rochester, Minn., where he I'emained for a time. Later he went to Wabasha, where he stayed a little tllStORY OF WASECA COttHTY. 479 while, but soon returned to Steele Count}'. November 1, 18(53, he enlisted in Company C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and served in the army until November 17, 1865, when he was dischai'ged. After that he returned to Steele County, and in the spring of 18G6 went to learn the tinner's trade at Wilton, serving three j'ears apprenticeship. When the town of Janesville started in 1869, he came here and has been in the hardware busi- ness since that time. Mr. Dodge was elected to the Legislature in the fall of 1880, taking his seat in January, 1881, and serving at the extra session that was called the following fall. July 31, 1870, he was united in mar- riage with Flora L. Long. They are the parents of five children : Edith L., Ethel M., Myra A., Seth Edmund and Ilarley D., deceased. Under the apportionment act of 1881, Waseca was erected into the 11th district and given one senator and one representa- tive. In January, 1883, the Legislature met, at which time Dr. E. O. Craig, of Janesville, represented the district in the Senate. J. C. White was the member of the lower house. Dr. R. O. Craig came to the county of Waseca in 1866, and located in the old village of Janesville, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. AVhen the new town first started he came there, in the fall of 1869, and followed his profession for many years. In 1874, in company Avith J. O. Chandler, he started in the drug business, which he still continues. He is a native of New York State, born in 183-1, and is the son of John and Mary (Ballagh) Craig. The Doctor commenced the study of medicine at Ogdensburg, N. Y, when eighteen years of age, and graduated from Albanj' Med- ical College, in 1855. He entered into practice in the city of Albany, N. Y., and remained there until 1856, when he was appointed assistant surgeon in the United States army and served five years on the Pacific coast. This position he then resigned and went back East. He was later ou com- missioned surgeon of the Tenth New York Infantry, serving until the close of the war. In 1882 he was elected to the State Senate and represented this county for four years. He is one of the leading, substantial citizens of his town and county, and is doing his part toward the advancement of Janesville and the community, and merits the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and the people of the county in general. J. C. White came to Waseca in 1870 and engaged in the hardware business for about a year, and then sold a part interest to A. C. Krassin, and under the firm name of White & Krassin, they carried on the business until December, 1882, when he disposed of his remaining interest to Thos. Bouchei'. Mr. White has lately been devoting his attention to the manufacture of a patented article of his own invention. Mr. White was born in Ireland in 1837, and was brought to the United States when some four years old hj his parents, who settled in Wisconsin. In Jul\r, 1865, he came to Minnesota and located at Faribault. Shortly after that he removed to Owatonna, but in about a year went to Austin, from whence he came to Waseca. He was married in 1876, to Anna Tropejr, of Watertown, Wis., and the}' are the parents of two children, Anna and May. He was elected to the State Legislature, and served during the term for which he was chosen. In the XXIVth Assembly of the State Legislature, held in January and Febru- arv. 1885, E. O. Craig still continued to represent this county in the Senate. M. D. L. CoUester, then a prominent attorney' of the village of Waseca, represented this county in the House. The latter is mentioned in connection with the bar of the county, in the chapter devoted to that profession. William G. Ward took his seat in the XXVth Legislature, in January, 1887, as the Senator representing the 11th district. In the House, M. W. Eyan was 480 HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. intrusted with tiie interests of Waseca County. Hon. W. G. Ward, the present State Senator, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born December 27, 1830. He was reared upon a farm, attending a private school in Booneville, from which he graduated. He spent some eight years in the study of Greek and Latin, although mathematics was his favorite study, and in which he was, and is remarkaijiy ])roficient. He held a tutorship in this academy for some years, thus paying for his own tuition, by teaching the^younger scholars. When he had reached the age of seventeen years, he commenced his career as civil engineer, with S. B. Will- iams, on the Black River canal, remaining witli him, and his successor, D. C. Genney, for five years and three months, and was then dismissed on account of his politics, he being a Whig. He then formed an engage- ment with the Long Island Railroad, as chief engineer and road-master. In these and other capacities he remained two years, during which time he built two branches of the road, viz.: the Hempstead and thellicks- ''ille. He was then appointed superintend- ent of car and engine repairs for the whole road, with his office located at Brooklyn, although the shops were at Jamaica Plains. In December, 18.52, Mr. Ward was united in marriage with Martha E. Dodge, and they were the parents of two children : Clarence T., now of Redwood Falls, and Emma L., now Mrs. Hendrickson, of St. Paul. After two years spent by Mr. Ward as superintendent of the repair shops, he left this road and engacred with the Lake Ontario & Auburn Railroad, wliere he was first assistant engineer to his former em- ployer, S. B. Williams. About a year passed here, and then he transferred himself to the Utica & Black River Road, as first assistant engineer, under D. C. Genney, where he re- mained until 1856. Resigning on account of ill health, he came west, during that 3'ear, and took charo'e of tiie work as chief engineer on what was then known as the Watertowu & Madison Railroad, now a part of the Chi- cago, Milwauliee 6c St. Paul system. He then had charge of the construction of tiie Oconomowoc ct Columbus Railroad. Soon after this, the crisis of 1857 precipitating everything into linancial ruin, and in 1858 all i-ailroad work stopjiing, Mr. Ward seeing that for a time his business must be sus- pended, began the study of law with AVood & Blake, of JMadison, where he remained some six months. lie afterward pursued his studies with Geo. B. Smith, ]\[att. Car])enter and others, and was ad- mitted to the bar, Harlow S. Orton being judge and Lucius Fairchild clerk of the court. He then commenced the practice of his profession in JMadison, and was engaged in defending a client who had killed a man in a cranberry marsh, when the tocsin of war was sounded throughout our fair land. Sumter was fired on, and the court ad- journed to go to the front. The man was on trial when this occurred, and Mr. Ward's only plan was to get the man pardoned, which he did, thus ending his law practice. Late in 18C1 Mr. Ward was appointed chief clerk in the postoffice at Madison, under E. AV. Keyes, and held that position for three 3'ears. Recruiting men for all the batteries and. regiments sent from Wisconsin next oc- cupied his attention. At the close of the war, in company with Major Blake, he built and operated a sawmill on the Little Wolf River, which fourteen months later they sold to the Wisconsin Manufacturing Co. His wife having died in Jefferson, Wis., in November, 1865, he took his two children, Clarence and Anna, east, where he left them witli relatives, and came back west. On his arrival here he took charge of the construction of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad as chief engineer, and pushed it to a completion in 1868. December 14, 1867, he and Ella C. Trowbridge were united in marriage, and they are the parents of four children : Mattie E., Roscoe Percy, Florence ^4'^' -w^^^fw^j^ HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 483 T. and Earl W. Since his connection with the Winona & St. Peter road, Mr. Ward has made his home in Waseca, he being identi- fied with it from its first inception, being one of the original proprietors and pro- jectors, and having large real estate interests here. Through force of character and great native ability Mr. Ward has pushed him- self through adverse circumstances, until he stands to-day one of the leading citizens of this section of the State. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Ward was elected to a seat in the XVth and XVIth Legislatures as State Senator, and in 18S6 was again chosen to fill the same position and is now the incumbent of that office. In 1880 he was the candidate of the Republican party for Congress, but owing to a split in the party he faded of an election, although carrying Waseca County. Hon. Michael W. Ryan, the present mem- ber of the lower house, was born in North- field, Minn , May 1, 1802, and is the son of Michael Ryan, a native of Tipperary, Ireland. His father was born in 1826. and came to America in 18.51, and worked in several States on various railroads. In 18C3 the family came to Waseca County, and located in Byron Township, where the family now reside. The father was the parent of four children : Alice, born February 9, 1859 ; Thomas, born August 31, 1860; Michael W., born May 1, 1862, and Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 18, 1865. Michael W. has held the office of township clerk, and in the fail of 1886 was elected to the State Legislature, being the youngest member of the same in the assembly of 1887. He introduced some twelve bills, the most important of which was that compelling insurance companies to pay the full face of their policy in case of loss. He owns a good farm on section 8, in Byron Township. COUNTY AUDITORS. The first to occupy this office in the county of Waseca was S. J. Willis, who entered upon its duties January 1, 1860, and held it for three years. Mr. Willis was for some years connected with the office of clerk of the district coui't, and is mentioned in that connection. John C. Ide was the next to occupy this office, being appointed thereto in January, 1863, on the resignation of Mr. Willis, and entered upon the discharge of his duties at once. Colonel Ide, as he was called, was a New Yorker of New England parentage, and came to Minnesota in an early day. Previous to leaving the East he had been employed in teaching music and giving con- certs. He first located in Rice County, which he represented in the Vllth Terri- torial Legislature, in 1856. In the fall of that year he came to Wilton, having been appointed one of the commissioners to or- ganize this county. During this same year he was the candidate for the office of lieu- tenant governor on the Republican ticket, which was defeated. On account of his political prominence, he was made part owner of Wilton, and was instrumental in building up that village. He was very un- fortunate in his financial affairs, but every- where respected for his social qualities and accommodating disposition. He was an active and zealous member of the Episcopal Church, and contributed liberally toward the erec- tion of the church of that denomination in Wilton. In the fall of 1866 he died of heart disease while holding the office of auditor. On the death of Col. J. C. Ide, the board of county commissioners appointed C. C. Coraee to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. At the following election in Novem- ber, 1866, he was chosen by the people to fill the same office, and I'eelected his own suc- cesor for several terms, holding it until 1870. He was succeeded by Warren Smith, who was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Comee, and filled it for the balance of the term. Edgar Cronkhite was elected auditor at the election of 187o, and entered upon the 484 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. duties of the office, March 1, 1871. He was reelected in 1873, 1875, 1877 and 1879, thus holding the office for ten years, and was an active and able officer. Edgar Cronkhite is a son of George and Parraelia Cronkhite, and was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., January 20, 1826. He was fitted for college, after receiving his preliminary schooling at Glens Falls Acad- emy, and entered Williams College as fresh- man in the fall of 1845. After leaving col- lege he spent the following four years in the city of Washington and in travel in the South. In 1852 he returned home, and later in the year began the study of law in Buffalo and was duly admitted to the bar in that city in the fall of 1853. He then removed to Neenah, Wis., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession, and served as register of deeds in Winnebago County, Wis., at Oshkosh where he also was engaged in practice. He subsequently removed to Kochester, Minn., and hanging out his shingle, practiced law there. During his residence at that place he took part, as lieu- tenant of a cavalry company-, in the Sibley expedition after the Sioux Indians in 1862, and was adjutant at Forts Snelling and Eidgeley. In 1867 he came toWaseca County, where he has made his residence since. In 1870 he was elected county auditor and served ten years. He has retired from active business, except loaning his money and that of other parties, and is very comfortably fixed on one of his farms near Alma City, in Freedom Township. He is a talented man and a fine speaker, and in his boyhood days took the first prize for declamation at Williams College in 1846. He has delivered many public speeches since coming here, and is among the best known men in the county. C. E. Crane was the next to fill the office of auditor, being inducted into that office, January 1, 1881. In the fall of 1882 he was reelected and thus served the people of the county for four years. S. Swenson, the present auditor, was elected November 4, 1884, and reelected in 1886. S. Swenson, the present auditor, is a na- tive of Norwaj'^, born at Fredericksvoern, September 3, 1849. In the spring of 1864 he shipped as sailor on board of a vessel bound for Belfast, Ireland, and afterward made many voyages to various ports on the Atlantic and up the Mediterranean Sea. In 1868 he came to America, and worked as blacksmith and wagonmaker, until he came to Waseca in 1877, where he carried on the latter business until ISSl, when he became deputy auditor, and in 1884 became auditor. In 1882 he was married to Julia Anderson. They have one adopted child, Clara. REGISTER OF DEEDS. At the time when the organization of the county was oi'dered, the governor of the Territory appointed Tarrant Putnam to fiU the office of register of deeds until the elec- tion of a successor. He entered upon his du- ties in March, 1857, and held the office until June following, when he was succeeded by J. W. Crawford, who had been elected at the special election held in the latter month. Mr. Crawford was a Kew Englander, and, shortly' before the late war, left the county and located elsewhere in the State. He en- listed in the army during the late war, and after that settled in Chicago. January 1, 1858,E. A. Eice took possession of this office, and served the people two years. This gentleman had come to Waseca among the early settlers, and was quite pop- ular. On the organization of the Fifth Min- nesota Infantry, early during the late civil war he enlisted, became captain of Company G, of that regiment, and afterward rose to the rank of major in the United States ser- vice. He is now the county treasurer of Pipestone County, this State. He is a native of New Hampshire. Tarrant Putnam, being elected to fill the office of register of deeds in 1860, commenced HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 485 the duties of that office at the beginning of the following year, and filled it for four years. H. P. Norton succeeded Mr. Putnam in the duties of this office. He served during the years 1864 and 1865. H. P. Norton is a native of Yates County, N. Y., born May 26, 1823, removing with his parents the following year to Richford, Tioga County. He remained at home until he had reached the age of twenty-one years, learning the trade of his father, who was a blacksmith. On reaching his majority, he left home and for two years labored at this trade and then started West. Onarrivingat Woodstock, 111., about the Istof June, 1846, he went to work and remained there several years, then removed to Chicago. Being employed at that place and at Michigan City, Ind., in tlie railroad shops, he passed his time until 1856, when he came to Minnesota, arriving at Owatonna in July. He worked at the forge there for Joel Wilson until fall, when he removed to Wil- ton, and opened a shop on liis own account. In company with a younger brother, who joined him the next year, he ran tliis business until 1859, when he was elected clerk of the district court to fiU the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Thos. L. Paige, who had been elected to that office. After the expiratidn of this term he was appointed postmaster at Wilton, and held it for two years. In 1863 was elected register of deeds and for two years served in that capacity. During the first year he was made agent lor the American Express Company and held that position many years. On leaving his public office he entered the banking house of Baldwin & Kittredge, remaining with tliem, making abstracts of land, until he removed to the village of Waseca, since which he has devoted his attention to real estate. He was married at Woodstock, March 2, 1863, to Anna G. Kimball ; they have one son, Char- les N., now agent for American Express Co., at Tracy, Minn. Mr. Norton's father, Amzi, was born in Connecticut, February 12, 1783, h is mother being a native of the same State. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living. Mr. Norton was made a Mason in the Woodstock Lodge thirty -nine years ago, and is a prominent member of that fraternity. In 1884 he retired from act- ive business on account of ill health, and is passing his last 3'ears in a quiet way. On the 1st of January, 1866, Hiram A. Mosher, a one-armed ex-Union soldier, on be- ing duly qualified, entered the office as reg- ister of deeds, and serving the people of the county to their satisfaction was reelected several terms, performing the duties of the office until January 1, 1880, when he gave way to a successor. Chai'les San Galli was the next incumbent of this office, being elected thereto in the fall of 1879. On the 1st of January, 1880, he entered upon the duties of the office, and ful- filling them to the satisfaction of the people, was reelected in 1881, serving in all four years. Charles San Galli is a native of Prussia, Germany, born July 9, 1822. His parents were Carl and Henrietta (Lubcke) Sau Galli, natives of the same place, and who were the parents of six children : five bo^^s and one girl. Our Mr. San Galli began life for himself when about twenty -two years of age, first in the mercantile business in Prussia, and then came to the United States in the year 1849. On arriving here in the spring of that year he first located in New York City, where he remained for about twelve years, and then returned to his native land. Eight years later he returned to America, settling at Al- himy, N. Y. From there he came to Min- nesota and to Waseca County. This was in the year 1869. He located in Woodville Township, where he now lives. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Emily Shep- hard, a native of Albany, N. Y., who died in February, 1869. They were the parents of four children : Elizabeth, Theodore, Carl and Emily, all of whom are living at home. Mr. San Galli is a Democrat in politics and a 486 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Lutheran in religion. He is a widely known and highly respected citizen. At the beginning of the year 1884 H. A. Mosher again entered this office and served until November 13, the same year, when he died, leaving a vacancy. He was one of the old settlers of Otisco Township, having set- tled there in 1856. During the late war he enlisted in Company F, Tenth Minnesota In- fantry, and bravely gained for himself the name of an excellent soldier, and returning to his family, his empty sleeve showed that he, like others, had been compelled to leave his arm upon tiie field as his offering upon the altar of his country. On the death of Mr. Mosher the board ap- pointed August F. Kruger to fill the vacancy, although he had not solicited it. His pleas- ant manners and accommodating disposition being aj^preciated by the people, he was elected his own successor, and is the present incumbent of the office. Mr. Kruger is a native of Germany, born September 20, 1851. He remained at home in the fatherland until he had reached the age of sixteen, when, crossing the ocean, he came to America, first settling in Marquette County, Wis. After remaining there for about a year he removed to Hipon, the same State, where he entered a store as clerk and sales- man, and gained his first insight into mer- cantile affairs. Four years later he went to Eau Claire County, Wis., where he was en- gaged in the same business, and remained two years. In 1875 he came to Waseca County and located at the village of Janes- ville, where he entered the store of Chase & Condry. In November, 1884, on the death of H. A. Mosher, while Mr. Kruger was standing behind the counter engaged in business, without any solicitation on his part the board of county commissioners appointed him to the office of register of deeds. In the fall of 1886 he was reelected by the people to the same position. April 10, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Emelie Thiese, of New Ulm. COUNTY TKEASURER. At the first meeting of the board of com- missioners, on the 16th of March, 1857, they appointed W. S. Baker to the office of treas- urer of the county, who immediately entered upon the duties of the office, not very ardu- ous at that time, as the county treasury was empty as j'et. He, however, held the office until the beginning of 1858. He was a native of the State of Maine, where he was born April 28, 1808. In early life he emi- grated to Ohio, and while at Marion, that State, was united in marriage with Clarissa B. Mosher, December 30, 1841. He removed with his family to Dodge County, VV^is., in 1844, and was among the pioneers of that region. In 1856 he moved farther west, coming to Otisco. He was a man in delicate health in some respects, and by some of a hardier nature judged somewhat harslily. He was quite active in public affairs. He died at Waseca, March 6, 1887, in the sev- enty-ninth year of his age. It has been remarked of him : " It is safe to say that no man or woman ever went hungry from his door, when he had anything to spare." Jesse I. Stewart, elected at the fall election of 1857, was the next incumbent of the office, and was reelected in the fall of 1859, but havmg been, also, chosen as the member of the lower house of the State Legislature, at the same time, on the 11th of January, 1860, the county commissioners, after declar- inir it a violation of the law of the State for a man to hold both these offices, resolved that a vacancy existed in the office of county treasurer, and appointed J. S. Rice to fill the same. Mr. Stewart was one of the promi- nent men of the early days of this county and lived here for some years. He removed to Rice County from here many years ago, and in 1879 emigrated to the Sinslaw Val- ley, Ore. J. S. Rice was a native of Oliio, and came to this county in 1856 or 1857, and settled in what is now New Richland, close to the Otisco line, afterward removing to the vil- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 487 lage of Wilton. During the Avar he entered the service of the United States, and after gallantly serving his country, on his dis- charge moved to the State of Iowa. He held the office of Waseca county treasurer for two years. He was succeeded by George T. White in March, 1862. In August of the same year he enlisted, but the board of commissioners instead of declaring the office vacant by the books and records of the courthouse, seem to have allowed him to remain treas- urer, although absent, doing his work by deput}^. Mr. White was a native of New Hampshire, and came to Minnesota on at- taining his majority. He first settled in what is now St. Mary Township, and in the faU of 1859 was chosen to represent this county in the State Legislature, with Jesse I. Stewart. Enlisting in 1862, while county treasurer, he was chosen captain of Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry Regiment, and with his company was ordei-ed to the fron- tier to repel the Indian attacks of that year. The next season he, with a portion of his command, accom[)anieU General Sibley across the plains. Returning in the fall he was ordered South, and was in active service until the battle of Nashville, where he fell, pierced by many balls. His body now lies near his boyhood's happy home, among the granite hills of New Hampshire. A young man of ability and affable manners, he had many friends here among the old settlers. P. C. Bailey was the next incumbent of the office, entering upon the duties of the same at the beginning of the year 1864, and serving two years. He is stiU a resident of the county, engaged in the hardware business at Waseca, and is mentioned at length in this chapter under the head of Legislative Repre- sentation. With the beginning of the year 1806 George R. Buckman, now a resident of Waseca, entered upon the duties of this office. In 1867 and 1869 he was reelected to the same position. At the election of 1871 the official returns showed that Dr. R. O.. Craig had a majority of three, but on contesting the matter on account of some illegality in some votes, the court decided that G. R. Buckman was duly elected to the office of county treasurer, and he was accordingl', sworn in. He thus served the people eight years in this responsible position, to the entire satisfaction of the people of the county. George R. Buckman, one of the old set- tlers of Waseca County, is a native of Crown Point, N. Y., born December 23, 1832, and is the son of Silas and Huldah (Sisson) Buckman. He remained in the place of his birth until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Man- chester, N. H., where his time was employed in working in a stoi'e and attend- ing school alternately, for about four years. In 1855 he came west to Minnesota, locating at first at Winona. In 1S57 he came to Waseca County, and settled at St. Mary, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until May 23, 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, First Minnesota Infantry Regiment, the "Old First,'' as it is familiarly called, and with that famous body of men participated in all the bloody battles, from the first battle of Bull Run to Bristow Station, Va. He was mustered out with the regiment May 5, 1864, and returned to Minnesota. The same year he was nominated for the office of county auditor, but declined to serve. In 1865 he was elected to the position of county treasurer, which he retained for eight j'ears. On the expiration of his last term he entered into the real-estate business at Waseca, whither he had removed on the transfer to that place of the county-seat from Wilton. He was the founder of the People's Bank, of which he is the present cashier. He was united in marriage, March 12, 1867, with Isadore A. Wood, and they have been the parents of three children: Marion, Royal and Harley, who died January 23, 1869. 488 HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. Mr. Buckraan is a member of Tuscan Lode^e, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter No. 26, Eoyal Arch Masons ; Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, Knights Temp- lar, and of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Eepublic. Mr. Buckman was succeeded, in 1874, by Warren Smith, who held the office of county treasurer for four years. Mr. Smith is noticed at length under the legislative head- ing, he havnng served the county in the Xlth Legislature. Charles McKenna, the present county treasurer, was lirst elected to that office in the fall of 1879, and has held it ever since, being reelected twice. Charles McKenna, the present treasurer, is a native of Canada, having been born in 1837. He is the son of Daniel and Anna (Flanegan) McKenna. Eemaining at home until 1868, Mr. Mc- Kenna struck out for the West, coming to Faribault, Eice County, Minn., where he entered the store of L. Barber, as salesman. After a year's service he, in company with C. L. La Grave, established a business stand of their own, carrying a stock of general merchandise. Six years later he sold out, and coming to the city of Waseca formed the copartnership of Forbes & McKenna, dealers in general merchandise, which after about two years was dissolved, Mr. Mc- Kenna carrying on the business alone. This store he still operates. In the fall of 1879, such was his popularity that he was elected county treasurer, and has been re- elected his own successor. CLEEK OF THE DISTRICT COURT. At the first court held in Waseca County, in 1857, F. L. Paige acted as the clerk, but only acted a short time when he went back East and H. P. Norton was appointed to this office, and at the fall election of that year, H. P. Norton was duly elected to this office and held it for four years. H. P. West entered upon the duties of this office in 1862, and for that and the succeed- ing year filled it to the satisfaction of all. N. E. Strong was the next incumbent of the office of clerk of the court, taking posses- sion January 1, 1864. He was reelected and served in all four years. He was one of the early settlers in this county, locating in what was called Plum Valley in 1856. He was a native of Ohio, and is now a resident of the State of California. S. J. Willis was the successor of Mr. Strong as clerk of the court, serving four years. Mr. Willis came to this county in 1856 and located at Wilton, where he engaged in business. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and is now a resident of Washington, filling some clerical position in one of the depart- ments of the general government. James B. Hayden was the next to fill this important office. Entering upon its duties with the beginning of the year 1872, he was retained there by an appreciative people un- til the end of 1879. J. B. Hayden was born in Ireland Novem- ber 30, 1840, but left his native home when but two 3'ears of age and came to Canada with his parents, who'were Peter and Anna Hayden, where they remained until 1849. From there they moved to Portage City, Wis., at that time a new country, Mr. Hay- den coming from Milwaukee to his new home. He remained in Portage City some two 3'ears, when he removed to Marquette County. J B. Hayden lived with his parents until 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Col. J. L. Doran, and served for three years, be- ing mustered into service January 2, 1862, and receiving his discharge Ma}' 5, 1865. He was in a number of battles, among others the battle of Atlanta, where he was struck on the wrist by a spent minie ball, which caused the loss of the use of his arm. He still has the bul- let in his possession, and retains it as a valu- able relic of his arm}' life. On the 7th of June, 1865, Mr. Hayden came to Waseca County, and in July of the same year located in the town of Alton, where he farmed until BISTORT OF WASECA COUNTY. 489 January, 1872. He then took charge of the office of clerk of the district court, having been elected to the same the preceding fall, and re- tained possession for twelve successive years. In 1884 he went to California, but only re- mained a short time, retui'ning to Waseca. Since May 1, 1885, he has had charge of Amer- ican Express Company's business. M. B. Keeley, the present clerk of tlie court, was first elected in the fall of 1879, and has been reelected twice. He is a native of Ireland, born in 1852, who was brought in 1856 by his parents, who located in Can- ada. In 1866 he came to Rock County, Wis., where he remained until coming to Waseca in 1873, when he engaged in the grocery business which he still continues. He was married May 1, 1876, to Mary A. Dela- ney. They are the parents of five children : James W., Mary A., Lena C, Emma and Arthur H. All are members of the Catholic Church. SHERIFF. Nathaniel Garland, the first sheriff of Waseca County, was appointed by the Gov- ernor to act in that capacity during the or- ganization of the county, in the spring of 1857. At the special election, held in June of that year, he was elected to fill that office, and held it until the close of the year 1859. He, soon after the expiration of his term of office, removed to Iowa, where he engaged in raising sheep, but returned to Wilton in the spring of 1SG4, and engaged in the mercan- tile business with John Forest. In 1868 he sold out there, and together with J. A. Clag- horn, entered into tlie butcher business at the village of Waseca. He was united in marriage in 1863 with Miss L. D. Dodge. July 26, 1880, he was found dead under the waters of Clear Lake, drowned in less than five feet of water. In 1860 D. L. Wliipple succeeded to the office of sheriff of the county. He was re- elected, and served until the beginning of the year 1866. Mr. Whipple was a car- penter by trade, and worked at that both before and after his term in office. He was a prominent member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and a very popular man through- out the county. He died here February 4, 1872. E. M. Broughton, elected in the fall of 1865, entered upon the duties of the office of sheriff with the beginning of 1866, and served the people for two years. Seth W. Long was chosen by the people, at the election of 1867, to fill the office of sheriff, and was reelected in 1869, 1871, 1873 and 1875, serving in all ten years. He is still a resident of the county. Mathew Keeley served as sheriff from Jan- uary, 1878, until January, 1882. Mr. Keeley was succeeded in 1882 by Huffh Wilson, who retained the office until the 1st of January, 1886. At the fall election of 1885 A. C. Krassin was chosen by the people of Waseca County to represent them in the office of sheriff, and is the present occupant of that position. August C. Krassin, the present sheriff, is also one of the hardware firm of Krassin & Boucher, and is a son of Martin Krassin, one of the earliest settlers of this county. Au- gust was born in Wisconsin, and when he was but a small child was brought by his par- ents to this county in June, 1855. They lo- cated in what is now the township of St. Mary, where August was reared. In 1880 he came to Waseca City, where he engaged in business with J. C. White, but in 1882 Thomas Boucher purchased the interest of Ml". White and the present firm was formed. They carry all lines of hardware, and are very heavy dealers in agricultural imple- ments. JUDGES OF PROBATE COURT. The first to occupy this office was J. A. Canfield, who was elected at the fall election of 1857. He continued to hold this office until 1860, when he made way for a suc- cessor. Job A. Canfield was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 20, 1824, and July 27, 1845, 490 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. was maiTied, and came west to Dodge County, Wis., in October of the same year. He there took up a claim, but it was " jumped " by another party, and to avoid trouble, he left that part of the country and settled at Rolling Prairie, in the same State, where he located on eighty acres of school land, which he purchased. This he sold out in the spring of 1856, and came to this county, settling on section 3 of Otisco Township, taking up a claim of 1(30 acres of land. He afterwards purchased some sixty acres moi'e land on sections 3 and 4, August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Tentii Minnesota Infantry, and did excellent service in de- fense of his country and his country's flag, participating in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, and was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., Ma\^ 17, 1865, when he returned to this county. He held the office of judge of the probate court for many years in this county, and died here January 28, 1884. He and his wife, Mary A. Can- field, were the parents of seven children: Nancy B., born July 27, 1846, who was mar- ried January 2, 1875, to George W. Soule, of this county ; Henry O., born April 23, 1848, married January 21, 1877, to Joseph- ine L. McKinster, and is a resident of Wa- seca ; Viola A., born August 2, 1850, mar- ried December 25, 1876, to George A. Onn, now in Le Sueur County, Minn. ; John M., born December 10, 1852, married August 26, 1876, to Frances S. Morrison, resides in city of Waseca ; Lillie G., born August 6, 1855, died August 18, 1859; Eunice, born April 13, 1S58, died October 10, 1875, and Ida May, born April 30, 1861. The widow, Mrs. Mary A. Canfield, resides on the old homestead with her daughter,. Ida May, although she rents the farm to a tenant. She is a member of the Methodist Church. H. D. Baldwin filled the office of probate judge during the years 1860 to 1863 inclu- sive. A sketch of Mr. Baldwin occui's else- where. P. Brink Enos was the judge of probate during the years 1S64 and 1865. A slight sketch of this gentleman is given among the early attorneys of this county, further on, in its proper place. Mr. Enos was succeeded in 1866 by James E. Child, who held the office until the last of 1867, when he, too, " threw off the restraint of official life," and passed the office to liis successor, H. D. Baldwin, who again occupied the office until January 1, 1870, when he, in turn, was succeeded by J. A. Canfield. This second term of Judge Can- field lasted for eight years. At the beginning of the year 1878 Caleb Hallack entered upon the duties of this office, and served two years. In 1879 and 1880 S. D. Crump filled the position of probate judge. Mr. Crump is one of the leading attorne\^s of the county, a very talented man ; is noticed elsewhere. H. C. Woodbury was the successor of Mr. Crump in this office, and filled the position for one term of two years. Januarj^ 1, 1886, W. C. Young, the present judge of the probate court, entered upon the duties of his office, and fills it to the satisfac- tion of the people of the county. Hon. William C. Young came to the county of Waseca in 1866, and purchasing a farm in Woodville Township remained there but a short time, when he removed to the new village of Waseca, where he followed the occupation of contracting and building until January 1, 1876, when being appointed postmaster, he gave much of his time to that office, which he held for ten years. He is a native of Madison County, N. Y., born Au- gust 10, 1826, and is the son of Henry and Philena Young. In 1854 he came west, lo- cating at Fitch burg. Wis., where lie was engaged in building, and made that his home until 1861. When the dark cloud of civil war lowered over the heads of this na- tion, he raised a company of men for the service of the general government, wliich was mustered in as Company E. of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantrv, he receiving a commis- HISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. 491 sion as captain. Participating in the for- tunes of that gallant regiment, he saw con- siderable service and was in many of the battles that took place in the southwest. He it was who took the only boat through the bayou and canal in the rear of Vicks- burg, that could be so forwarded, the water falling after its passage, not permitting any to follow. In July, 1864, he was commis- sioned major of his regiment, and in that ca- pacity served until the close of hostilities. He then returned to his Wisconsin home, where he remained until 1866, when he came to Waseca County, as detailed above. In the fall of 1869 he was elected to represent this district in the State Legislature, and oc- cupied a place in that august body in the Xllth Assembly. In the Xllltli Assembly he was in the Senate. In 1S85 he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court, of Waseca County, and is now filling that position. He is a member of Comee Lodge, No. 25, and of Golden Rule Encamp- ment, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic. July 12, 1816, he was united in marriage with Caro- line Kingsley, a native of Chautauqua, N.Y., and a sister of Bishop Kingsley. They are the parents of four children : William Henry, Eugene W. and Mabel A., living, and Luna E., deceased. COUNTY ATTORNEY. At the second meeting of the county com- missioners' court, held April 6, 1S5Y, John Bradish was appointed count3f attorney, with the munificent salary of $100 per year. He only held it for one year, when he made way for his successor. M. S. Green was elected to fill this office in the fall of 1857, and probably served a year. J. E. Child was county attorney in 1859 and 1860, and was succeeded by Hial D. Baldwin. Tlie latter held the office for three years, and then in turn gave way for Mr. Child, who again filled it for about three years. In 1867 W. T. Kittredge became county attorney, and for two years served the peo- ple in this office. B. S. Lewis entered upon this office Jan- uary', 1869, and continued therein, being reelected his own successor until the last of 1873. Peter McGovern was the incumbent of the office during the years 1874 and 1875, and was succeeded by M. D. L. Collester, who in 1882 gave way for W. R. Kinder. The lat- ter served two years. In 1884 Peter McGovern became the county attorney by the will of the people, and is the present incumbent of the office. Most of the gentlemen mentioned above are among the attorneys of the county, or have held more important official positions, and are mentioned in connection therewith. COUNTY SURVEYORS. The first surveyor of the county was H. W. Peck. This gentleman came to Waseca County in 1856, and was appointed one of the commissioners to organize the county, but resigned the same to accept the position of county surveyor, to which office he was appointed March 16, 1857. He held this po- sition until the first of 1858, when he rotated out of office. He shortly afterward returned to Ohio, whence he had come. He was succeeded by A. E. Smith. On the 1st of January, 1862, G. P John- son became the county surveyor. H. G. Mosher was the county surveyor from 1864 until the last of the j^ear 1865. Mr. Mosher has been noticed previous to this in this chapter. O. S. Canfield served two years as county surveyor from January 1, 1866. At the beginning of the year 1868, C. E. Crane commenced his long term of office as surveyor, which lasted until the first of 1881, when he entered the office of count}' auditor as already mentioned. He was succeeded by O. L. Smith, the present county surveyor. CHAPTER IX. COUNTY-SEAT CONTESTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. HE act of the Legislature that authorized the organization of Waseca County in 1857, or- dered that the people of the said county should determine by ballot upon the location of the seat of justice in and for said county, at a special election to be held for that purpose. Excitement ran riot, for three several towns within the limits of the new county as- pired to tlie honor of being the count j'-seat, Wilton, Empire and St. Mary. To quote from the peti of " The Oldest Settler," pub- ished in 1869 in the Weekly News: " Men from Faribault, O watonna and other parts of the then Territory, suddenly became permanent residents of Waseca County. Wilton, Empire and St. Mary attained large proportions some ten days before the elec- tion. Their streets literally swarmed with black coats, satin vests and plug hats. Money and promises were as plenty as house flies in August. There was ' hurrying to and fro,' among the paper city lots and town site spec- ulators. Loafing young men played euchre on the prairie green, or lounged upon the corners of imaginary magnificent future busi- ness blocks in the would-be cities heretofore mentioned. " Alas, poor human foresight. Man sow- eth, but God giveth the increase. In this case there was a sudden decrease immediately after the election. " The whole number of votes cast was T36. Was not that a fair sized election for a county of only two j'ears settlement ? " The precinct of Elysian cast 29 votes : 23 for Wilton, 4 for St. Marv and 2 for Em- pire. Empire cast 160 votes: 11 for Wilton, 49 for St. Mary and 100 for Empire. Swav- ersey cast 107 votes : 51 for Wilton, 33 for St. Mary and 23 for Empire. Wilton cast 309 votes: 189 for Wilton, 119 for St. Mary and 1 for Empire. The 'oldest settler' has never found out who that fellow was. Otisco cast 60 votes : 58 for Wilton and 2 for St. Mary. "Wilton therefore received 332 votes, St. Mary 207. and Empire 126." And as the village of Wilton had received but two less than a majority of the whole vote cast, it was declared the legal seat of justice for Waseca County, and so continued for many j^ears. After the advent of the railroad in Waseca County and the birth of the new town of Waseca in 1867, some talk was indulged in in regard to the re-location of the county- seat at the latter place. Nothing of any moment was done at that time ; but in the latter part of 1868 the subject being again agitated, it began to crystalize, and a pe- tition was sent to the Legislature for action autiiorizing the submission of the question to the people of the county. This was met by a remonstrance from the friends of Wilton. Nothing definite seems to have come of this. The remonstrance brought out, of course, attacks from the partisans of Waseca, and counter attacks from Wilton's friends. The war waxed warm and the people of the county were divided upon the issue. But Waseca having the railroad, and Wilton be- ing without that necessary adjunct, and the courthouse and vault at the last named jilace being miserabl\' unfit for the use to which they were put, Wilton had extreme difficulties to 492 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 493 overcome to compete with the newer town. Finally, to add to the discomfiture of the Wilton people, the old courthouse, a miser- able affair at the best, was destroyed by fire, about 8 o'clock Saturday morning, April 3, 1869. Fire was discovei'ed about that time in the courthouse, caused either by the overheating of a stovepipe, or by a prisoner confined at the time in the jail. When first discovered it had spread throughout the building between the ceiling and walls and had reached the roof. After brave exertions to save the building on the part of some present, and hard work in re- moving part of its contents, it was found that the edifice was doomed, and all hands turned to and carried out the county books, papers, records and furniture, and soon but little was left but the empty shell, which lasted but a short time. Several other build- ings in the same block suifered at the same time being all swallowed up by the flames. Immediately after the fire the county officers took up their quarters temporarily in a wagon shop, formerly occupied by B. Bundsho. On the 12th of the same month, a spe- cial session of the board of county commis- sioners was held at Wilton, for the purpose of providing a suitable place for the county offices and records, and in which to transact public business. There were present at this meeting : R. F. Stevens, chairman ; John S. McKune, Robert Earl, William Byron and John Buckhout. They appointed a com- mittee to rent a building for their use, but they reported that but one place could be rented, and that was one owned by G. P. Johnson, who wanted $250 per year for it. Thereupon the board appointed another com- mittee to see for what price they could pur- chase a building. This consisted of John Buckhout, Robert Earl and J. S. McKune. After a time they returned and reported that the building formerly occupied by John Win- ters could be bought for $.500, whereupon the chairman was empowered to complete the purchase of the same and pay for it out of the insurance money that would be re- ceived for the old courthouse. This was ac- cordingly done, and the old building fitted up for use until such time as the county could or would erect a proper edifice, and the county officers moved into it. This was in use when., in January, 1870, W. C. Young, the representative from this county in the State Legislature, presented a bill authorizing the voters of the village of Waseca to vote for or against the issue of bonds for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings for the use of the county. The act was passed and signed by the Governor in February, 1870. Under this act, the board of village trustees presented to the legal vot- ers of Waseca the following resolution, to be balloted on either for its acceptance or rejec- tion. Omitting the preamble it read thus : " That ... the bonds of the village of Waseca, with interest coupons attached, be issued for the purpose named in the act, in the sum of $5,000, and bearmg annual inter- est at the rate of 12 per centum. " That the denominations of such bonds, and the time or times when the same shall be payable, be such as this board may here- after direct. " Provided, that no bond shall be issued running more than ten years from the date thereof." Accordingly, at the March election the people of the villjige gave a hearty asserit to the matter, and the courthouse was built during that summer. During its erection considerable discussion went on about the new building, the enemies of the village say- ing that Waseca was only going to rent the building to the county, if the county-seat was changed there, and other remarks of that nature. But the people of the growing railroad town went on with their work, and in the fall of the same year it was completed. This being done the trustees of the village executed a warrantee deed of conveyance to the county, of the grounds and buildings, the only condition of the gift being that the 494 HISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. people of the county, at the fall election, would locate the county-seat at the village of "Waseca, and use the building as a courthouse. Then the fun began, Janesville entering the contest as an aspirant for the honor of being the shire town. Aspersions and def- amations were as freely bandied back and forth as if they were the most honied com- pliments. As a specimen of the literature of the times the following is quoted from a newspaper article, of that eventful summer : " Some fellows at Wilton got up an elec- tioneering document, which appeared at this place on Thursday last, which is remarkable mostly on account of its great length and breadth, and dearth of truth. It is not worth while to expend any time over the gramraarless jargon and senseless twaddle which it contains about the county-seat, but it contains one broad falsehood which it may be as well to simply deny ; namely, that the people of Waseca are trying to kill off the other villages of the county." After showing the folly of that course of proceed- ing, and disclaiming any intent at all in that direction, the article concludes thus : " But no sensible man wants to pull down any locality, and the soul that cannot desire the prosperity of the whole county, could easily find room inside a flea's bladder for a cotil- lion party." But any vituperation, abuse or chicanery could not alter the inevitable, and at the resu- lar election, iield on the Sth of jSTovember, 1870, the people of the county agreed to ac- cept the offer of the village of Waseca, take the courthouse and remove the county-seat to that town. The following is the vote : For the removal of the county-seat 870 Against the removal 6.53 Majority in favor of removal 217 It was hoped that on the decision of the majority for the re-location of the county- seat at Waseca, that the matter would end there, but it seems that some parties inter- ested in its retention at Wilton intended to contest the matter in the courts, and to save a long, bitter and expensive lawsuit, the people of Waseca, with the full cooperation of most of the county officers, took measures to learn the result of the election at an early hour. About 10 o'clock on the evening of the election the matter was def- initely known, and men and teams were started for Wilton to assist the officers in re- moving the county property to the new county -seat. Arriving there about 1 o'clock the records, books, papers and other prop- erty of the county Avas loaded at once on the wagons and taken to the new seat of justice, in the village of AVaseca. This was with the exception of the county auditor's office. Warren Smith, who had been ap- pointed auditor, refused to move the office in the night, but transferred it the next day to its new quarters. In its issue of November 9, 1870, the fol- fowing item appeared in the columns of the Waseca News, under the caption, " The County-seat Has Come :" " At an early hour this morning, the sound of music by the band and the huzzas of the people, aroused our slumbering (?) citizens and it was soon ascertained that the register of deeds, the clerk of the court, the sheriff and the treasurer had moved their books, papers and recoixls from the rotten old hulk at Wilton to the new county-seat of Waseca County, and ' set up shop ' at the new and elegant courthouse in this place. "The 'thing is did.' That big lawsuit over the removal of the county-seat will be held at Waseca — when it comes off. "Any one having business at the county- seat will find the 'machine' in full blast at the courthouse." Some of the more hasty of the partisans of Wilton, feeling aggrieved, both at the re-location of the county-seat and the hasty removal of the records, etc., to the new court- house, threatened a contest at law, but on due reflection gave it up, as it was useless to attempt to override the decision of so large a majority of the qualified electors of the HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 495 county, and the prosecution was abandoned. Considerable asperity was engendered be- tween the rival towns and their faction, but time, the great ameliorator of such disputes, has wiped it all away, most of the Wiltonites having removed to Waseca or Janesville. The present courthouse which was thus donated to the county, is a fine brick sti'uct- ure 40x50 feet in size on the ground, and two stories in height. The first floor contains four oflBces, two on each side of a corridor that extends through the entire building froni east to west. From the west end of this hall wa}' there extends a flight of stairs which leads to the courtroom in the second story. The building is a good specimen of the architecture of the present day, with but little ornamentation, but substantial in appearance. In the rear of the office occu- pied by the register of deeds is a capacious vault, that holds all the records, books and papers of the county. CODNTY JAIL. The board of county commissioners, on January 7, 1875, passed a resolution, asking the necessary authority to issue the bonds of the county, in a sum not to exceed $10,000, to raise the funds with which to build a jail, and to levy a tax to meet the payments on the said bonds. After some delay, the authority being granted, the auditor was, Jan- uary 4, 1878, by order of the board, author- ized to advertise for bids for the erection of the building. On March 20 the various bids were opened, and it was found that W. B. Craig & Co., whose bid was for $9,334, were the lowest and the contract was accordingly let to them, they agreeing to finish the building bj"^ October 1, 1878. Work was at once com- menced, and the building soon began to assume shape under the supervision of C. G. Maybury, of Winona, the architect. The jail was completed on time and accepted by the board of county commissioners, who were so Avell pleased that the}' passed the following resolution at a session held October 14, 1878: '•'■ Besolved, That C. G. Mayburj% architect, is entitled to the thanks of Waseca County for his ability and diligence displayed in drawing plans and specifications for, and in superintending the erection of, the jail build- ing in this county." CHAPTER X. JOURNALISM. ASECA County is well supplied with newspapers, and no county in the State has been more bene- fited by this means. It would be difficult to select a county in the Northwest more widely known than Waseca, and this fact can be directly attributed to its local papers, which have, week after week, month after month and year after year, continued to spread in- telligence and record events relating to this locality. The pioneer journal of Waseca County was THE HOME VIEWS. This paper, a small six-column folio, first made its appearance at Wilton, then the county seat, on the 13th of March, 1860. It was edited by J. W. Crawford, but was published by A. B. Cornell, of Owatonna. Thus it ran for awhile, but in the fall of the same year the publication of the paper was transferred to the office of the Central RepuUican, at Faribault. About this time W. T. Kittredge became associated with Mr. Crawford in the editorial manage- ment, and under their joint efforts it was kept running until the latter part of the year 1860, when it passed away into that land that has received so many journalistic ventures. THE WASECA HOME VIEWS. About the 1st of March, 1861, Alexander Johnston and S. J. Willis commenced the paper with the above iieading. It was a seven column folio, and printed on their own press at Wilton, really the first paper printed in the county. Here they ran the Home Views until in the fall of 1861, when they removed the press and material to Faribault, though still publishing the Home Views from that place. In the latter part of October, 1863, Alexander Johnston became the sole proprietor, and, removing it entirely to Faribault, changed its politics to Democratic. THE WASECA COUEIEE. A small paper with the above name was started in the town of Wilton, early in 1863, the initial number bearing date of January 21. It was a five column folio edited by John C. Ide, but printed at Owatonna, by Mrs. A. B. Cornell, at first, but later by L. H. Kelley. It had but a sickly existence at best, and about the first of December of the same year that saw its birth, it died. WILTON WEEKLY NEWS. About the beginning of November, 1863, the press and other material that had been used to print the Home Views, at Faribault, became the property of H. D. Baldwm, then a resident of Wilton, who determined to util- ize it. James Mowatt was employed as printer and publisher and James E. Child as editor. On the 8th day of December, 1863, the first issue of the Wilton WeeMy News made its appearance. It was a small, six column folio, and Republican in politics. At the close of a year, the press and outfit of the office were purchased by Mr. Child, the editor, who assumed entire control. On the 8th of March, 1866, the jJajjer was enlarged to a seven column folio, in which form itcon- tmued for many years. This journal continued to be published at Wilton, until the latter part 49ti HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 497 of October, 1867, when the office was re- moved to "Waseca, then a new town, laid out on the coming of the "Winona & St. Peter Railroad. On its arrival here the name was changed, and it made its appearance as the WASECA NEWS. Mr. Child continued the sole propi-ietor un- til in November, 1868, when "William J. Graham, formerly of Brownsville, Pa., pur- chased a half interest in the JVews, thus forming the firm of Child & Graham. The first issue under the new copartnership bears the date of November i, and contains a no- tice to the public of the change, signed by Mr. Child, marking out the future course of the paper, and formally introducing his part- ner to the patrons of the JVews. He concludes in the following words : " "We (i. e. ' Pat') are already a fixture of this section. You all know us — at least you know the hard side of us. You know, too, that we have made the Neivs live, notwith- standing hard times, and some pretty strong opposition. "We shall continue our efforts to make it one of the most reliable and spicy of the many good papers of the "West. "We shall continue to battle for the right, and against the wrong. We shall work for the building up of the whole country. "We shall work particularly for the advancement of the State of Minnesota, and forever herald forth the praises of "Waseca County, believ- ing, as we tlo, that God hath not made a better spot — all things considered — any- where on this great earth." Mr. Graham, in the same number, makes his salutatory to the people of the county, in a bold, manly style. In speaking of the political course of the paper, he said : " Eeared in the political faith of the Re- publican party, we shall give it an earnest and consistent support, recognizing its prin- ciples as being founded on truth and right, having for its ends the elevation of mankind, tlie perpetuity of the union on an enduring basis, and the fulfillment of all national obli- gations according to the spirit and letter of the law. "While we shall render true alle- giance to the great principles of the party, we claim the right to criticise the acts of our leaders, and to express freely and candidly our opinion on all questions of the day. ' "With malice toward none, with charity to- ward all,' we shall seek to do our dutj' at all times, ' unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.' As the sum of our political action we accept the Augustine maxim : ' In essen- tials, unity ; in non-essentials, liberty ; in all things, charity.' " In October, 1869, Mr. Graham assumed the greater burden of the editorial work of the office. On the 31st of May, 1871, he severed his connection with the News, which then passed into the hands of J. E. Child as sole proprietor. Just previous to the change the form of the paper was altered to that of a six column quarto. On the 1st of August, 1871, John F. Mur- phy became associated with Mr. Child in the News, and was connected with this journal until the 29th of May, 1872, when the name of Mr. Child appears alone at the head of the paper. This well-known gentleman con- tinned at the head of the News until Janu- ary 6, 1875, when he changed the name of the paper to that of the MINNESOTA RADICAL, and made it the organ of the temperance and prohibition movement. Its motto was " tem- perance, anti-monopoly, anti-corruption, and a new party — the Radical Reform party." The stated object of this change was to en- large the field of his paper, making it a State journal and making it the champion of the above causes. In the first number the editor thus speaks: " This paper will aim to be radically right on all questions of public policy and will advocate the truth about men, parties and principles. Some of the old ])arty papers will j^robably insist that the liadical is a 'crazy' sheet, but as that is the argument 498 HI8T0KT OF WASECA COUNTY. which has been used against every reform movement since tlie ^yorld began, our friends should not be alarmed." In May, 1878, Walter Child, a son of the proprietor, became associated in the publica- tion of the paper, the elder Mr. Child still havine: editorial control. In October, the same year, W. W. Satterlee, then candidate for governor on the temperance ticket, be- came joint editor of the Radical, although he had no pecuniary interest therein, it being brought about b}' the consolidation of the Liberty Blade, of Minneapolis, with the Radi- cal. The united papers were printed simul- taneously at Waseca and Minneapolis, and was the exponent of the temperance and anti- monopoly cause. Under these auspices the Radical and Liberty Blade continued until July, 1880, when it was purchased by William G. Ward, then a candidate for congressional honors, tie restored the old name of Min- nesota Radical, or rather cut off the name of Liberty Blade from it, and changed its politics to that of the Republican party. For a short time he continued to edit the paper himself, but afterward employed E. B. Collester as editor, who continued to occupy the editorial chair until August, 1881, when the paper was purchased by C. E. Graham, the present pro- prietor. About a year after becoming its owner, Mr. Graham cUanged the name to THE WASECA RADICAL, under which head it is now known. On the 9th day of September, 1885, the journal made its appearance as a six column quarto, in a new dress, and is a neat and tasty ex- hibition of the printer's skill. Clarence E. Graham, the editor and proprie- tor of the Waseca Radical, was born at Wind- sor, Broome County, N. Y., December 22, 1841, and is a son of John L. and Emma L. (Hermans) Graham. His father comes of a noted Scottish house, and his mother is of German descent. C. E. was reared in the county of his birth until February,18tJ0,when he went to Perryville, Perry County, Mo., where he engaged as carpenter onthe court house then building,and while there,saw what they termed Lincoln men ridden upon a rail for their opinion's sake. In the winter of 1860^61, he was taken sick and returned to New York, where he did a little work on the farm. In the spring of 1862, his father and brother came west to Minnesota, and he and his mother followed the same fall, all locat- ing in Houston Count}'. In 1863, he enlisted in Company D, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, known as Washburn's Cavalry, and remained in the service until December 12, 1865, when he was mustered out and came to Waseca County.- January 9, 1866, he settled on a farm in Freedom Township, where he re- mained until 1873. He then removed to the village of Janesville and established the Argus, and was made postmaster of the vil- lage. He continued at the head of this paper until 1881, when he disposed of it to J. A. Henry, the present owner, and came to Waseca, and in August of that year pur- chased the Radical and has been engaged in editing it ever since. January 3, 1869, he was united in marriage with Rocepha Helen Stone, a daughter of Hiram and Ann (Com- stock) Stone. They are the parents of four children : Aretas Earl, Frederick Comstock, Clarence Charles and George Stone. Mr. Graham is a member of McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic. As a writer Mr. Graham has an easy, graceful style, and conducts his paper in an able and business-like manner. WILTON COUEANT. After the removal of the JVews from Wil- ton to Waseca, in the fall of 1867, the county- seat was left without a newspaper, and so continued until the spring of 1869. On the 6th of March of that year the initial number of the Wilton Courant made its appearance, with the name of W. D. Palmer at its head as editor. After but two issues had been printed A. J. Clark's name was substituted, and under his editorial management the paper continued until with the number bear- ing date of August 17, 1869, the venture /Z^T-^^bM S. S4z^^ HISTORY OF WASECA CDUNTY. 501 came to an end. The outfit of the office was removed to Sherburne County, this State. LANTERN. An advertising sheet with the above name was issued at Janes ville, October 25, 1871, by H. P. Paclvard, of that village. It was not a newspaper in the true sense of the word, being printed for general distribution. Only a few numbers were issued. THE INDEPENDENT. A paper was established at the village of Jauesville during the spring of 1873, with the above name. The citizens of that place, desiring a journal of their own, ]Hirchased the press and material for an office, and sold the same to John L. Barlow, taking there- for, a chattel mortgage as security. After about twelve papers had been issued, the people becoming dissatisfied with the way it was conducted, closed the affair up under the mortgage and brought the paper to a stand-still. THE KECOKD. In the fall of 1873 a paper was published at the village of "Waseca, under the above title, the initial number bearing date of October 14, with "W. J. Graham as proprie- etor, and Graham & Carman editors. It was a three column folio, and neatly gotten up. On the 15th of November following, Mr Graham's name was taken from the head of the columns, A. H. Carman continuing to act as editor until the following spring, when it suspended. The material was sold to the Kasson Repuhlican and moved to that city. Mr. Carman is now engaged in preaching at St. Charles, Minn. JANESVILLE ARGUS. This venture in the newspaper world first saw the light in the fall of 1873. The Inde- ^endeni,then published at the village of Janes- ville, not meeting the expectations of those interested, C. E. Graham, although without in any previous knowledge of journalism, under- took to establish a paper at that point. Pur- chasing an outfit, on the 2d of November he issued the first number of the Argus. It was a neatly printed and well gotten up sheet, five-column quarto in size, and justly met the approbation of the people of the northwestern part of the county. Mr. Gra- ham continued to occupy the editorial chair and remained sole proprietor until August, 1881, when he purchased the "Waseca Radi- cal, and disposed of the Argus to John A. Henry, the present proprietor. J. A. Henry, the editor and proprietor of the Janesville Argus, is a native of Crawford County, Pa., born May 25, 1855, and is the son of J. N. and Diana (Merchant) Henry. When he was quite small his par- ents removed to the State of New York, where they remained until 1872, when they came to Blue Earth County, locating near Mankato. Mr. Henry, the elder, was both a graduate in medicine and a Methodist min- ister, and is now a resident of Anoka, Minn., where he is engaged solely in healing bodies. Before J. A. left New York, he attended the Griffith Institute at Springville for a term and after coming to Minnesota he attended the State normal school at Mankato for three terms. Later, he commenced the study of law with S. D. Crump, then of Janesville, meantime acting as clerk in the postoffice here, and absorbing aU the knowledge of local newspaper that he could from C. E. Graham, who was then postmaster and ed- itor of the Argus. "When the latter moved to Waseca in 1881, Mr. Henry purchased the paper and has since continued to manipulate the editorial pen, and control its entire machinery. In the fall of 1881 he was ap- pointed postmaster and held that office until March, 1887, when Mr. Tefft was appointed, although Mr. Henry still has charge of the office as deputy. Mr. ■Henry holds strictly to the Republican principles, but in local matters supports the man for the place, rather than party. 502 HISTORY or WASECA COIJNTT. WASECA LEADER. Early in the spring of 1876 T. F. Hollister came to the village of Waseca from Chip- pewa Falls, Wis., and instituted the paper with the above name. The first number Avas issued on the 8th of April, 1876. Mr. Hol- lister is said to have been a Democrat, but on coming here commenced the publication of a Republican sheet. This paper contin- ued in his hands until May 7, 1880, when it was sold to G. W. Morse and A. F. Booth, who consolidated it with the Herald, the material of the ofBce being removed to Sparta, Wis. WASECA HERALD. In the fall of 1877 Lem. Eeeves and A. J. Fullerton commenced the publication of this live paper. The initial number was issued October 5. It was a seven column folio, and straight Republican in politics. Reeves was a young man who had been reared at McGregor, Iowa, learning his trade as print- er in the office of tlie North Iowa Times of that place. For a year the paper was an "all at home printed" sheet, but on the 4th of October, 1878, the form was changed to that of an eight column folio with "patent inside." In December of the same year Mr. Fullerton retired from the firm, and the sole management fell upon Mr. Reeves. Becom- ing involved in some libel suits, on the 2d of May, 1879, he disposed of the paper and office to G. F. Booth, who on the 1st of July following associated with himself, in the control of the paper, H. F. Pond, for- merly of Trempealeau, Wis., and they, under the firm-name of Booth & Pond, carried on the journal until April 23, 1880, when by the retirement of Mr. Pond, Mr. Bootli again became sole owner. On tlie 7th of the fol- lowing month he purchased the subscrip- tion lists and good-will of the Leader, and consolidated it with his own paper, and at the same time forming a copartnership with G. W. Morse. The new firm was of but short duration, for with the next issue, that of May 14, 1880, is heralded a new firm, Mr. Booth selling his interest to S. M. Rose, late of Mantorville, the firm name being Rose & Morse. Under the management of these gentlemen the Herald was conducted until March 13, 1883, when Mr. Rose died. He was a native of New York, born in 1832, and had come to Minnesota in 1868, locating, at first, in Dodge County, where he was united in marriage with Abbie F. Bunker. He was a practical printer of ability, and was early in life connected with the journalism of this State. Noted for his energ}^, honesty of pur- pose, and general integrity, he left many friends. After his death his widow con- tinued with Mr. Morse as a partner, and the latter as editor, to conduct the paper until Decembei', 1883, when John F. Murphy pur- chased her interest, forming the new firm of Morse & Murphy. On the 15th of Octo- ber, 1885, James E. Child, the former well- known editor of the News, and later of the Radical, became the owner of the interest of Mr. Morse. Owing, however, to the fact that Mr. Child could not yet give his atten- tion to his editorial duties, Mr. Morse con- sented to act as such until such time as, for- mer businesses being settled, Mr. Child could again take up the " broken thread of life's duties" in the sanctum. In the issue of De- cember 4 following, we find this greeting to his friends, over the signature of the incoming- editor, and under the heading " Back Again ": "The vindersigned, having spent the last five years as a Jackson County granger, and made a fortune {^) by tilling the soil, returns to his 'first love' — the rich hunting-grounds of the Le Sueur Valley — and among his old friends and neighbors, and again takes up the editorial pencil for better or worse. The kind greeting and friendly words which meet him on every hand, encourage him to again commence the difficult task of editing a newspaper. The Herald^ so far as the writer shall be able to aid in its publication, will continue to be a first-class local news- paper, and will put forth every effort to ad- HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. 503 vance the local interests of this city and county. Politically it will be aboi;t as inde- pendent and outspoken as any newspaper in this newspaper land of ours. ' With charity for the erring, and malice toward none,' the writer invites the cooperation of every citi- zen to aid in making this paper the Herald of news, and the promoter of education, in- dustry and sobriety." Under the firm name of Child & Murphy the Herald has continued to flourish, and it has become one of the leading journals of this portion of the State of Minnesota. James E. Child, the veteran journalist of Waseca County, is the son of Zabina and Orilla (Rice) Child and was born in DeKalb, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., December 19, 1833. His father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at that and farming. In the spring of 1834 the family removed to Medina County, Ohio, where they remained some three years and then returned to St. Lawrence County, where the head of the familj' purchased a small farm on which they remained until about 1843, when they again returned to Ohio, but one year later emigrated to Dodge County, Wis., and were among the early settlers of that region. About 1854, the family removed to Outagamie County, Wis., near Appleton. James E. taught three terms of school in Wisconsin, following farming in the sum- mer. In September, 1864, he went to the pineries of the great Badger State, and return- ing from thence in December, shortly after- ward started with A.G. Sutlief for Minnesota, as detailed elsewhere, arriving in Waseca County, February 2, 1855. He came to take charge of the Sutlief farm and stock, which he did, taking up a claim for himself, how- ever, on section 24 and 25, putting up a shanty in the fall of 1855, in the latter section. He remained with Sutlief until November, 1855, breaking some land and cutting some hay on his own place that summer, however. He remained on this farm until the spring of 1863, when he rented it and moved to Wilton and commenced the practice of law. Shortly afterward he was appointed deput\' United States marshal, which office he held for about a year. In the fall of 1863 he commenced his labors as editor of the paper as above mentioned, and has been in the journalistic harness nearly all the time since. In the fall of 1867 he removed to Waseca, where he practiced law in addition to his editorial duties, and has held the offices of county attorney, court commissioner, superintendent of schools and justice of the peace, besides numerous minor offices. He \\'as elected to the Legislature in 1860, and took his seat in the Hid Legis- lature in January, 1861. In the XlVth Legislature, in 1872, this county was repre- sented in the Senate by Mr. Child, and in the lower house of the XVIth Assembly, in 1874, he was a member. He represented the district composed of Martin and Jack- son counties in the XXIIId Legislature — 1883. At the gubernatorial election held November 2, 1886, James E. Child was the Prohibition candidate for the office of gov- ernor. On April 19, 1856, Mr. Child and Justina Krassin were united in marriage, and they have been the parents of eight children : Walter, a resident of Waseca ; S. M., now in Jackson County, Minn.; Annie, now Mrs. F. A. Wood, of Waseca; Orilla, now Mrs. George H. Goodspeed, of the same place; Dora M., a teacher in Jackson County, this state; George E., at home, and Avery and Marcia, deceased. Mr. Child is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. His life has been a busy one, and while he has "of necessity" made some enemies, he has a host of warm friends. A keen and trenchant writer, he is extreme in all his views and does not fear to give utterance to his belief on all occasions. John Fiske Murphy, " the printer," is a son of William and Sophia (Fiske) Murphy, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 7, 1850. His father was a native of county Armagh, Ireland, who came to America 504 HISTORY OP WASECA COUNTY. when three yeai's old, and was a homeo- pathic 2)h\'sician, a graduate of the Hahne- mann College, of Philadelphia, and prac- ticed his profession in that city. In 1857 the family came to Minnesota and located at Wilton, after stopping a few months in Steele County. Dr. Murphy did not live 'long after coming here, dying May 14, 1859. John remained at Wilton until the fall of 1862, when he went to Iowa with Nathaniel Gai'land, and herded sheep for him. He was but a boy, but the oldest of the children, his elder brother having died, and he had to hustle to help support the family. In the fall of 1863 he returned to Wilton and entered the office of the Wilton A'ews, and remained until January, 1864, when he went to Philadel- phia. After a time he entered the office of the Daily JVews, of that cit}', edited b}' J. li. Flanegan, as proof -taker and copy- holder. Afterward he was employed as er- rand boy in the toy store of G. A. Schwartz, 1008 Chestnut street, of the same city. He came back to Wilton, July 15, 1865, and went to work again in the JVetos office, where he remained until 1869, when he went to Daven- port, Iowa, where he worked on the Gazette. From there he went to Monona County, Iowa, and took up a homestead in Grant Town- ship, but shortly after moved to Omaha, and was employed on the RejnihUcan. In 1870 he was in cliarge of the mechanical depart- ment of the Pilot, of Blair, Neb., during the summer, and from there returned to Omaha, where he ''held cases'' on the Tribune, and later was employed in a job office in that city. In 1871 he returned to AVilton, and, after a short time spent as part owner of the News in Waseca, put in a job office, the first in tliis county, he being the first to bring a job press to Waseca County. This was a Liberty, eighth medium. He then ran a Lib eral-Republicau-Democratic campaign sheet in tlie interest of Horace Greeley Democrats, and sold out the office in 1873 to W. J. Gra- ham, of the Record. For several years fol- lowing he worked at his trade in this place. and in January, 1878, went to Baltimore, and had charge of the mechanical department of the Presbyterian Weekly, of Baltimore. On March 5, 1879, came back here, and worked at his trade for W. G. Ward, who was running the Radical. In the fall of 1881 he rented the office, but, on finding that C. E. Graham wanted to buy it, canceled his lease and worked for Mr. Graham for a year. In De- cember, 1883, he purchased a half interest in the Herald, and has been connected with that paper ever since. November 15, 1871, he was united in marriage with Emma J. Ililler, daughter of Henry and Lydia Hiller, and they have one child, Martha Inez, born November 7, 1 872. Mr. Murphy is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Eoyal Arch Masons. CHEONICLE. A paper bearing the above name was estab- lished at New Eichland, in the fall of 1878, by E. P. Child, the paper being published in the office of the Radical, at Waseca. It was of but short life, lasting only some six months. THE TOWN TALK. On the 9th of October, 1879, a small, three column folio paper, under the above heading was issued at Waseca, with the name of T. White as editor. The second number bear- ins date of October 23, seems to have been the work of several hands, and this was the end of it. NEW RICHLAND REVIEW. An eight column folio paper was started in the fall of 1884, the initial number bear- ing date of September 24. It was published by Morse & Murphy, of the Herald, with L. M. Paschall as local editor, and, as its name of New Richland Review denotes, was a fair exponent of the business of that thriv- ing town. It was neatl}' and tastefully got- ten up, full of good advertisements and a credit to any village. The support it drew, however, was not consonant with the HISTORY OF WASECA COTJNTT. 505 wishes of the publishers, so they ceased its issue, on the 7th of October, 1885. THE NORTH STAR. February 4, 1886, witnessed the birth of the youngest of the newspapers of Waseca County. On that day, at the village of New Eichland. S. K. Gregg and M. E. Goodwin launched this paper upon the journalistic sea. In their salutatory they give their reasons for establishing the new ]iaper : " For the purpose of deriving some pecuniary ben- efit therefrom, and to aid, to the best ability in our possession, in the development and prosperity of the inhabitants of New Rich- land and the vicinity." The pajjer was a neatly gotten up five column quarto, a form which it still preserves. On the 15th of April, 1886, Mr. Goodwin retired from the firm, leaving S. K. Gregg the sole proprie- tor. In August, 1887, Mr. Gregg disposed of his interests in the North Star; to Bron- son & Holland, and with O. H. Bronson, in the chair editorial, it launches out on its new career, with renewed life and with every promise of a successful future. The first paper issued under the new administra- tion bore the date of Septembers, 1887. O. H. Bronson, the editor of the North Star, is a native of "West Monroe, Oswego County, N. Y., and was born September 17, 1853. In 1859 his parents removed to Watertown, Wis., where be was reared. He attended the usual district schools and the college at Ripon, Wis., for several terms. His father was interested in a saw, stave and heading mill with a man by the name of Sanford, and he remained with them in that business until he had 2-eached his majority. He then started out for himself and landed in Chicago , where he was a clerk in a store for five years, then was in business for a short time on his own account, but later went on the road selling goods for Leonard, Thompson & Bates, afterward C. T. Leon- ard, of Minneapolis. In March, 1887, he came to New Richland, and took charge of the Washburn House, one of the leading hotels, which he is still running. At Hen- derson, Minn., December 17, 1882, he and Lois M Stearns were united in matrimonial bonds. September 5, 1887, Mr. Bronson took charge of the North Star, in connection with Mr. Holland, and is the present editor. He is a son of Royal P. and Antoinette Eliza (Duerden) Bronson. NEW YEAR. An amateur journal bearing the name given above made its appearance at Waseca. January 1, 1877, edited by Carl and Cad Young. It was a small two column folio, well printed and neatly gotten up. It was furnished for 50 cents a year, published bi- weekly. It was of but a short life, however, not outlasting the cold weather. The senior editor is now the deputy auditor of Waseca Count}'. CHAPTER XI. BENCH AND BAR. HE fundamental principle under- lying all law has been recognized from the beginning of the world. The Divine command to our first parents, " In the day thou eatest thou shalt surely die," is as much a law with the penalty for its violation attached, as is a statute enacted by the Legisla- ture of a State, or the Confess of the United States. Man in a state of semi- barbarism had but httle need of written law, for his jrossessions were but few and the peo- ple so scattered as to make courts imprac- ticable. But with the first dawn of civiliza- tion, came a different state of aifairs. Trac- ing back through the dim corridors of time to the oldest civilization known, that of Egypt, we find them with a complete code of laws, and all the machinery of regularly appointed courts. And from thence uj) to the present time courts presided over b}' judges, and advocates to jirosecute or defend cases have always existed in almost every land and clime. Almost the first thine in this bright land of ours when a settlement is made; is the appointing of the proper law officers, that disputes may be adjusted, life and property be protected, and criminals be punished. In view of this fact, the framers of our State constitution instituted certain courts of justice, each with well defined powers. Changes have been constantly made in the laws, and some in the jurisdic- tion of the courts, from time to time, but the rights of all, be they high or be they low, have been carefully protected. Some of the ablest men in the State have adorned the bench from time to time. In many a court has been heard the brilliant pleading of some legal light for some wrong sustained by his client, or listened to the scathing, withering denunciation of some criminal act. A his- tory of the courts of a county, of its judges, and of its lawyers, is an important compo-, nent of the whole and should not be neglected. THE FIRST LAWSUIT IN WASECA COUNTY. The first lawsuit in what is now "Waseca County, took place in the summer of 1856. The history of the case was about as follows : Two brothers, William and John Jaques, came here from Iowa, some time in June, and made a pretense of looking for some government land. Their first camp was in the neighborhood of Mr. Sutlief's cabin. They were eternally asking questions about claims; who had preempted; who claimed more land than the law allowed ; who had claims to sell; who had lived up to the requirements of the law, and who had not; and numerous others of the same tenor. Passing along through the settlement they plied these questions to all they came in contact with. In what is now St. Mary Township thej^ thought the}' found just the case that suited them. It seems that a small German settlement had been made here in 1855, and among them, one Gotlieb Prechel, who had taken a farm about three-quarters of a mile below St. Mary village, on the line of the Win- nebago reservation. During the winter of 1855-C, he had entered his land and re- ceived his papers therefor. During the sum- mer he had erected a log cabin and broken up some five or ten acres. He had a crop in, and was fencing it, when these two broth- 506 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 507 ers came that way, and as it Avas not gener- ally known that Prechel had paid for the land, and judging from what they heard, they determined to jump this claim. Nobody but a Dutchman claimed it ; he could be driven or frightened off. There was a house ready to their hands, breaking and fencing begun ; there was a fine piece of land, prairie, timber and water ; why not enter into pos- session. They accordingly moved into the cabin, Mr. Prechel, on account of the proximity of the Indians and a natural timidity on the part of his family, not having yet occupied it, but boarded with ilartin Krassin, three miles distant. As soon as Prechel heard of the unwarrantable seizure of his place, in company with his brother-in-law, Krassin, took a team, and proceeding to the farm, commenced chopping and getting out fenc- ing. The Jaques boys heard the sound of the axe, and soon came to see about it, and ordered the Germans off the premises rather roughh'. Neither of the Teutons could speak or understand much English, but tried hard to make the intruders understand that the land was theirs, and that it had been paid for. This they would not believe, or failed to catch the meaning of, and again ordered them off. Prechel, being a timid man, kept quiet, and was for going away and taking counsel on the matter, but Martin was made of a sterner stuff, stood boldly to the front, and in turn ordered the intruders away, as they, Prechel and himself, had the best right there. This brought on hostilities, John Jaques immediately making an assault upon Krassin, and pounded the poor German about the face and eyes, that soon he was hardly able to see. The Germans then with- drew, and being quite indignant, started off to invoke the majesty of the law. John Jenkins, then justice of the peace, was dul3' consulted, -but as lawyers were then an unknown quantity in the new settlement, some difficulty was had; but after some study, an affidavit to the facts was made. and a warrant for the arrest of the aggres- sors placed in the hands of John G. Green- ing, then actmg constable, who, summoning a posse, started for the apprehension of the culprits, and found William alone, his brother being absent. Going to a neighbor's they caught sight of him, but he fled. They pur- sued him and he took refuge in the river. On one side of it stood the posse, on the other the constable. Being ordered to sur- render he refused, whereupon the officer drew a pistol, but Jaques threw a club which he had in his hand at his would-be captor, who shut his eyes and dodged. Taking advantage of this, Jaques jumped to the land,rushed past the constable, and took to the woods. After spending some time in search of him, the discomfited official started back, taking "William Jaques with him, and brought him before the court. But he being the wrong party, was discharged. Consid- erable search was made for John, but he could not be found. A suit was now brought for willful tres- pass upon the premises, as the brothers had considerable property with them, and Mr. McCarty was emploj'ed to jirosecute. "Wdl- iam Jaques was again arrested and i-equired to plead to the charge of trespass. He set up the plea of not guilty, and defended his own case ; but the prosecution was too much for him, and made out a clear case, and judgment for damages was rendered against him. John Jaques, in the meantime, was skulk- ing about the county to avoid arrest, but on the conclusion of the trial they did not want to settle in this county, so shook the dust off their feet and departed. They settled in Brown Countj^ on the Minnesota River, and became the terror of the people in that sec- tion of countr3\ They afterward made a trip to this county and stole a horse, but on being arrested settled with Mr. Patrick McCullough, the owner of the beast. DISTRICT COURTS. At the village of Wilton, then the seat of 508 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. justice of Waseca County, on the 12th daj^ of October, 1857, Hon. Charles E.Flandrau, at that time associate justice of the supreme court of the Territory of Minnesota, opened the first district court in this county. From the records it may be learned, that, on the first day of the court, " the grand jury being ab- sent, and no civil business appearing," the court adjourned until afternoon, when, on reassembling, the grand jury was impan- eled. After due deliberation, the grand jur}^ on the morning of the 14th, returned an indict- ment against William 11. Chamberlain, etal., on which the judge ordered that a bench war- rant be issued for the apprehension of the parties, and that they be held in the sum of $250 each, as bail. This was a trivial case, and at a subsequent tei'm the indictment was quashed. An indictment against Peter Farrell, for murder, was by the grand jury returned, and the court ordered that a bench warrant be issued for the apprehension of the guilty party. It seems that on the day previous, at an election held in the precinct of Em- pire, now Iosco, there was some kind of a drunken row. Peter Farrell having imbibed a large quantity of " corn juice," grew pug- nacious. A fracas occurred, during which Farrell stabbed Jacob Hagadorn, a neighbor, with whom he had been on the best of terms. Many stories are rife in regard to this, but it is generally believed that his intention was to kill some other person, but in his drunken fury mistook his man, or that, in the melee, could not distinguish friend from foe. In- dictments were also presented against John H. Wheeler and Richard Toner, as accesso- ries to the murder. Farrell was arrested and sent to Stillwater to be put in the jail, but managed to escape and left the country, and was never seen here again ; but it is reported that during the war some of the residents of this county saw and recognized him, at New Orleans. Wheeler and Toner were put upon trial, but were finally acquitted by the jury and discharged by order of the court. At this term of court, John Bradish ap- plied for admission to practice as an attor- ney in the courts of the Territory, and his suit was granted and his name enrolled as an attorney by the court. On the 2d of September, 1858, the second term was commenced, with Hon. N. M. Don- aldson, judge of the 5th judicial district, on the bench. At this session Alfred B. Web- ber and P. Brink Enos, on application were recognized as practicing attornej^s in the courts of this State. The first civil suit tried in Waseca County came before this court. It was that of Joseph T. Dexter vs. David A. Springer, a case of appeal from justice court. At the April term, Alexander John- ston and Hial D. Baldwin were admitted to the bar, as full-fledged lawyers. At the April term, 1859, the first petit jury was impaneled to try the case of Richard Toner, spoken of above. It consisted of the following names : A. J. Watton, John Mc- Cue, L. P. Stowell, Caleb Northup, Michael Kinney, Daniel Riggle, J. A. Wheeler, C. O. Norton, C. E. Williamson, F. Glover, J. M. Blivens and Ole Knutson. Hon. N. M. Donaldson, the first judge over the 5th judical district, of which Waseca County has always formed a part, held this position until 1872. At the February term, 1872, Hon. F. M. Crosby appeared at Waseca and held court ; but this was but temporary, for at the ses- sion held in May of the same year, Hon. Samuel Lord took the position of judge, and remained in that capacity until 1880. On the 16th of March, 1880, the court was opened with the new judge, Hon. Thomas Buckham, on the bench. Mathew Keeley was the sheriff and James B. Haj'den clerk. The judge has continued to occupy this ex- alted position until now, being the present incumbeni. A'n'ORNEYS. Probably the first resident lawyer in Waseca Countv was John Bradish, who was HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 509 duly admitted to practice in the courts of the Territory of Minnesota at the first term of the district court, held in October, 1 857, at Wilton. He is still a resident of the county, being engaged in the real-estate and insur- ance business at Janesville. Mr. Bradish was somewhat of a retiring disposition, and seldom if ever did much practice in the dis- trict court, confining his practice to justice courts. Alfred Webber and P. Brink Enos were the next lawyers, having been recognized as such at the September term of court, 1858. Webber was a resident of Faribault at the time and afterward. P. Brink Enos came to this county from Woodstock, 111., early in 1858, and located at Wilton. He was a talented man, full of fun but reckless, and soon got into bad hab- its. He left here and went to Nebraska, where he died. Hial D. Baldwin and Alexander Johnston applied to the court in April, 1859, for ad- mission to the bar, and upon motion the judge, Hon. N. M. Donaldson, appointed P. B. Enos, H. C. Lowell and A. J. Tanner a com- mittee of examination. The two latter gen- tlemen named were residents of Faribault, Rice County, at that time. They having re- turned a favorable report, the two applicants were brought into court and duly declared authorized to practice before' the courts of the State. H. D. Baldwin was officially connected with the county and mention of him is made in the chapter devoted to county representa- tion. Alexander Johnston came to this county with his father-in law, W. N. Buckhout, from New York State, in 1856, and settled for a time in Janesville. Later he removed to Wilton, and in company with S. J. Willis commenced the journal known as the Waseca Home Views in the spring of 1861. About a year or two later Mr. Johnston removed to Faribault, and from there to St. Paul, where he now lives. W. T. Kittredge was probably the next at- torney to locate in this county. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father was an eminent physician. He was considerable of a scholar, being a graduate of one of the leading colleges, and on attaining his major- ity, came west and located at Wilton. On the breaking out of the war, he entered the Fourth Minnesota Infantry as a lieutenant, and afterward rose to the rank of cap- tain, assistant adjutant general, and major. After the close of hostilities he returned to Wilton, and, in company with H. D. Bald- win, opened a law office and banking insti- tution, which they afterward removed to Waseca. There they failed, as is detailed in the annals of that city. He is now a resi- dent of the West. James E. Child, so long connected with the journalism of Waseca County, was admitted to the bar at the February term of court, 1863. A sketch of this gentleman is given in the chapter devoted to the history of the press of the county. At the August term, 1863, George La Dow was, on motion of H. D. Baldwin, admitted to practice in the courts of the State of Min- nesota. He had studied law with Judge Stroud, of Illinois, and, on being admitted to the bar, went to Waupaca, Wis., where he commenced practice. In the summer of 1863 he, in company with Edgar Cronkhite, came through Wilton, on their road to Mankato, where they calculated to open offices. Meet- ing H. P. Norton at Wilton, they were in- duced to stay here. Mr. La Dow was an ex- cellent speaker, good lawyer and excellent company, and, being quite portly, was the subject of many jokes. In 1867 he was in- terested in the town of Clear Lake City, which did not materialize to his satisfaction, so he left this county and went to Oregon, where he was elected to Congress, but died of heart disease before taking his seat. P. H. Swift, one of the first attorneys to locate in the rising town of Waseca, in February, 1868, entered into a partnership 510 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. with C. E. Lewis, but before May of the same year they dissolved. In the early part of 1870 Mr. Smith removed from here to Eenville County, which district he has since represented in the State Legislature. J. N. Powers, mentioned elsewhere, was a practicing attorney for a little while at Wilton in an early day. W. E. Young, a young and able attorney, for several years was in practice in Janesville, but in 1887 left tliere, going to Mankato, where he is one of the firm of Brown & Toung. M. D. L. CoUester, a practicing attorney, settled at Waseca in 1872, and remained in that city until 1885, when he moved to Mankato, where he is following his jirofes- sion. He was born in Marlboro, IST. H., in January, 1839. He fitted for college at Power's Institute, Bernardstown, Mass., graduated from Middlebury College, Ver- mont, in 1865, and read law at Newport, IST. H., where he was admitted to the bar. He came West in 1867, remaining for a while in Minneapolis, but during the following year moved to Faribault, where he was engaged in teaching in the Shattuck School, and from there came to the city of Waseca. W. R. Kinder came to this county about the year 1877, from Hamilton, Ohio, where his father was engaged in the practice of law. He first located at or near Janesville, but later came to Waseca, where he studied law with Lewis Brownell, and after a course or two at the Cincinnati Law School, was ad- mitted to the bar in tiiis county and prac- ticed here until 1884. On the 13th of Au- gust of that year he died. John Carmody practiced law for several years in Waseca, settling there about 1870. He is now a resident of Hillsboro, D. T. He was the first to occupy the office of munici- pal judge in Waseca. In the fall of 1884, the legal firm of Wash- burn & Maddox opened an office in Waseca, and practiced their profession. In June, 1887, the firm dissolved, Washburn removing to Austin, Minn., where he is the proprietor of the A ustm Transcrijyt. Maddox remained until the last of July, 1887, when he, too, left to look up a place in which to pursue his profession. James Quirk was among the attorneys of the county, having been located at Waseca for several j^ears. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Waterville, Minn. The present bar of Waseca County is rep- resented by the following named attorney's, who are all engaged in practice : P. Mc- Govern, W. G. Ward, E. B. CoUester, Lewis Brownell, B. S. Lewis, S. D. Crump, C. E. Leslie, W. D. Abbott and John Moonan, of Waseca, and A. J. O'Grady and L. D. Rogers of Janesville. Benedict S. Lewis was born in Cortland County, N. Y., December 20, 1839. His par- ents, in the year 1851, removed to Columbia County, Wis., and in the latter State, B. S. received the most of his education, although well grounded before he left his native State. He attended the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, and Union College, State of New York, graduating from the latter in 1864. After that he taught school for about two years, and then began the stud}' of law at Madison, Wis., with Gregory & Pinney, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. For about a year he practiced his profession at Lodi, Wis., but in 1868 came to the then young village of Waseca, and commenced the duties of his chosen profession, and has been identified with the history of the bar, of this county ever since. July 7, 1869, B. S. Lewis and Mary Eaton, a native of Wiscon- sin, were united in marriage, and they have been the parents of three children : Harlow E. ; Esther Irma and Mary E. In 1884, in addition to his otherwise large practice, Mr. Lewis was made attorney for the Minneapo- lis & St. Louis Railroad for this and several adjacent counties. He is a member of Tus- can Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Fi'ee and Accept- ed Masons, and of Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons. Close attention to HISTORY OF WASECA COITNTY. 511 his business and to tlie interests of his cli- ents, has won for him an enviable reputation, both as a man and as a lawyer, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of all. Eugene B. Collester was born in Gardner, Mass., December 20, 1847, and received his early education in the excellent schools of his native city. He entered Amherst College, from which he graduated with honors in 1873, and later moved to New London, Conn., where he became principal of Bulkeley high school, and remained in that capacity until 1880, when he came to the city of Waseca and entered upon the practice of law, he having read for that profession previously. April 6, 1875, he and Sarah Jane Hollande, a native of Connecticut, united their destinies in marriage, and they are the parents of one child, Alice M., born September 26, 1877. In the spring of 1887, Mr. Collester was elected mayor of the city of "Waseca, and now fills that onerous office. He is a member of Tus- can Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accept- ed Masons, and of Comee Lodge, No. 25, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. A compara- tively young man, blessed with a liberal education and great native talent and energy, he is one of the rising attorneys of this part of the State and has a bright future before him. W. D. Abbott, of the firm of Sawyer, Abbott & Sawyer, is one of the prominent attorneys of Waseca. He is a native of Clinton Falls, Steele County, Minn., and is the son of Asa J. and Mary (Piper) Abbott. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the district schools when his help was not required at home. Entering the Pillsbury Academy of Owatonna, he graduated there- from in 1879, and then attended the Carleton College. In September, 1883, he commenced reading law with Sawyer & Sawyer, of Owatonna, and applying himself diligently to his studies was duly admitted to the bar, in Steele County, June 5, 1884. He remained in that city until March, 1886, when became to Waseca, and opened the present office of the firm, the other members of which re- mained in Owatonna. October 7, 1886, he was united in marriage with Lorena M. Adams, of Kice County, this State. Mr. Abbott is a member of Waseca Lodge, No. 44, Knights of Pythias, of which he is the present chancellor commander. A. J. O'Grady, an attorney of Janesville, came to that village in May, 1878, opened an office and has remained there ever since. He is a native of Ireland, born in July, 1847, but came to this country with his grandpar- ents, in 1849. They located in the State of New York, where they lived until 1855, when they moved to Wayne County, Pa. In 1858, they came west and settled in St. Mary, Waseca County, where the old people died. A. J. resided with them until Janu- ary, 1864, when he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, under Col. J. H. Baker, and was with the corps commanded by Gen. A. J. Smith, until his discharge Ausjust 19, 1865. Then returned to Waseca County, and in 1876 commenced to read law, and March 23, 1878, was admitted to the bar, and then came to Janesville, hung out his shingle, and commenced the practice of his profession. CHAPTER XII. EDUCATIONAL- HEN upon that cold and stormy day in December, 1620, the noble band of pilgrims landed upon the bleak and desolate shore of New England, their first thought was of religious duty, the second of schools and academies. They came fleeing from the religious intolerance of the old world, to found a commonwealth of their own in the wilds of America. Scarce had they landed when all were assembled, and prayers and religious services were held, the echos of which still reverberate around the world ; for in their prayers they sought the Divine assistance to found a colony where freedom and education could go hand in hand ; and, if in after years their stern creed of morals and religious asceticism led them into intolerant acts towai'd their neighbors, still the general movement was toward the light of libert^y and education. There, on the stony soil of old Massachu- setts, these stern and rigid moralists first planted the seed of our grand system of educational facilities. There they originated the district school that has outlasted them and their other institutions, seen govern- ments wax old and pass away, and survived the throes of revolution, when these colonies revolted from the galling yoke of Britannia. In the land of its birth the system of district schools, with its board of selectmen, still survives, with but little change from that of the original plan that was planted two centu- ries and a half ago. The sons and daughters of New EnglantI, in their journey toward a home in the West, carried with them the precious seed, and planting it in fruitful soil It flourished and grew until it far overshad- owed the parent tree. In Minnesota such has been the fostering care of our ofovern- ment. it has reached the very acme of per- fection. In the constitution of the State is ' distinctly declared, that " The stability of a Kepublican foi'm- of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature to es- tablish a general and uniform system of pub- lic schools." In accordance with this, laws have been passed, amended, repealed, others passed, until the present school-law of the State stands unequaled in the world, a mon- ument to the care and labor bestowed upon it. When the county was first organized the system of a superintendent of town schools was in vogue, but that proving nnreliable and too cumbersome, it was soon changed to the present system of COUNTY SUPEBINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. The first to occup}' this important and re- sponsible position in Waseca County, was Rev. Elijah S. Smith, a Baptist clergyman, then laboring in the village of Wilton. He was appointed to the position on the 8th of March, 1864:, and was to receive for his ser- vices the sum of $100 jper annum. Mr. Smith had come to this county from Illinois in 1856 or 1857, and had built up a church, and now he wanted to try his hand at religion's twin-brother, education. He did his work well, and was succeeded in 1867 by James E. Child, who ably carried on the work of his ])redecessor. He held it for onl}'^ one year, liowever, his other business interests inter- fering with its successful advancement. .512 HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTT. 513 In the spring of 1868 Jesse Poland came into this office, but did not continue therein for any length of time, for in the month of September of the same year the board of commissioners, finding it vacant, appointed the Rev. S. T. Catlin, a Baptist clergyman, to the place, at a yearly salary of $300. On the expiration of the time for which he was appointed, in the fall of 1869, he was elected to this office, but declined to serve, although the board offered to raise the salary, so much had he pleased them and the people. He removed to Wisconsin. At their April session, 1870, the board of county commissioners seeing that Mr. Cat- lin refused to quality for the office, ap- pointed Dr. R. O. Craig to fill the vacancy, and he served until the expiration of the term. In 1871, at the regular election, Dr. M. S. Gove was chosen to fill this position, but de- clining to serve, the board appointed H. G. Mosher one of their number to the vacancy. This gentleman, filling the office to the sat- isfaction of the people of the county, was elected and reelected to the position, occu- pying it until 1880. Dr. M. Y. Hunt, one of the leading physicians of the county, was elected to the office of superintendent in the fall of 1879, and fulfilled the duties of that position through the years 1880 and 1881. In 1882 Dr. D. S. Cummings, another of the prominent members of the medical pro- fession of Waseca County, became the occu- pant of this responsible office, and served the people in the capacity of superintendent for four years. J. B. Dye, the present efficient superin- tendent of schools of Waseca County, entered upon the duties of his office with the begin- ning of the year 1886. He is a native of Mont- gomery County, N. Y., born July 13, 1834. He is a son of Rev. E. P. and Lovina (Bailey) Dye, both natives of the Empire State. Rev. E. P. Dye was the pastor of several Baptist Churches for a number of years in New York State, then in Hebron, Jefferson County, Wis., then in New York again. Rock County, Wis., Sheboygan, the same State, Steele and Dodge counties, Minn., were each the scene of his labors for Christ. He is now at Clinton Junction, Rock County, Wis. J. B. remained with his parents until he was sixteen years old, when he learned the trade of wagon-making at North Brookfield, Mad- ison County, N. Y. When his parents re- turned to Wisconsin he came with them, and for a time was in a store at Hebron. Not liking his situation he secured a place as school teacher and taught four months, and then decided to follow and fit himself for that profession. He then attended the Milton College, entering the teachers' class, and remained there several terms, teaching during the winter and going to school during the summer. In the spring of 1855 he came to Minnesota and bought a quarter section of land in Rice County, paying $200 for it. He returned to Wisconsin and resumed teaching, and in the following spring came back to Faribault. Selling his land in 1857 for some $900 more than he paid for it, he returned to Wisconsin and took chai'ge of the high school at Palmyra for one term. From there he moved to Centerville and re- mained there teaching until 1873, when he came to Waseca. He taught the school in the city for one year and then removed to Dodge County, where he taught school and carried on a farm he haVl purchased there. Four years later he sold out there and came back to Waseca, where he has since resided, teaching every year but one. In Novem- ber, 1886, he was elected county superin- tendent of schools. Mr. Dye and Georgianna Chesebro were united in marriage April 3, 1862, and they have four children : Alice L., born May 10, 1864 ; Burt U., born Janu- ary 18, 1868 ; Nellie G., born May 26, 1877, and John E., born April 6, 1880. The eld- est, Alice L., is the wife of John C. Young, of Waseca. Rev. E. P. Dye was born in Onondago County, N. Y., in November. 514 HISTORY OF WASEOA COUNTY. 1810. His wife died at Clinton Junction, "Wis., in September, 1878. THE DEVELOPMENT. From the time of the first settlement of the county, and the time of the organization of the 1st district, the number of school dis- tricts increased very rapidly, and educa- tional facilities became more and more ef- ficient. Every decade showed a marked contrast to the preceding one. The follow- ing abstract will show the status of educa- tional matters of the count}' in 1871, sixteen years after its first settlement, and just six- teen years ago : No. of school districts in the county 71 No. of children of school age in county 3,095 No. of pupils enrolled, winter 1,807 Average daily attendance, winter 1,039 No. of teachers, winter 64 Average wages, winter |33.28 No. pupils enrolled, summer 1,680 Average attendance, summer 840 No. of teachers, summer 59 Average wages, summer $22.81 No. of schoolhouses, frame 39 No. of schoolhouses, brick . 1 No. of schoolhouses, log 24 Value of all school buildings 125,335.00 Amt. of money rec'd from State ^ 4,109.08 Amt. of money rec'd from tax from district, $12,444.76 Amt. paid for .sclioolhouse property $ 4,712.74 Amt. paid teachers $11,576.57 Amt. contingent expenses $ 1,302.69 Amt. on hand , $ 1,715.14 One of the county superintendents of this count}' in his report, uses the following Ian. guage in speaking of the matters committed to his charge : " The most interesting feature of improve- ment is the fact that teachers are more fully awake in a common-sense matter, viz : That their pecuniary interests demand better qual- ification ; that demand is ever regulated by supply, and that the world is not indilTerent to the result of skilled labor ; and that the interest our school officers are evincing in our school work increases. "Where last spring one director said to me : ' She will do to teach our summer school ; we can get her cheap,' — the same man said to me this spring, ' Eecommend us a good teacher, money is no object.' And I am fully con- vinced that in man}' districts of this county a known poor teacher cannot get employ- ment at any price, while a known good and faithful one will be secured regardless of cost. This is progress ; the laborer is worthy of his hire, and in no department more than ours." PRESENT CONDITION. From the last statistical report a number of items have been collected, which will show conclusively the present condition of educa- tional matters in Waseca County : No. of scholars entitled to apportionment.. 3,740 No. of scholars not entitled to the same. . . . 137 No. enrolled, winter 2,452 No. enrolled, summer 3,389 Average attendance, winter 2,010 Average attendance, summer 1,866 Average length of school, months 5}^ No. of teachers employed, winter, males. . . 30 No. of teachers employed, winter, females. 86 No. of teachers emplo)'ed, summer, males. . ' 4 No. of teachersemployed, summer, females. 98 Average monthly wages, males . . $39.05 Average monthly wages, females $24.68 Teachers graduates of normal school 3 No. common school districts 89 No. independent districts 2 No . schoolhouses, frame 82 No. schoolhouses, brick 5 No. schoolhouses, log 6 Value of school houses and sites $75,235.00 Value of school fixtures, etc $7,620.00 SCHOOL FUND. Cash on hand at beginning of year $8,608.03 Rec'd from school fund, fines, estrays, etc. . 6,829.68 Rec'd from 1 mill tax, collected 3,947.81 Rec'd from special tax collected 22,656.53 Rec'd from bonds sold 1,750.00 Rec'd from other sources 2,517.88 Total $46,309.93 CONTRA . Paid for teachers' salary and board $22,699.25 Paid for wood and school supplies 3,980.40 Paid for repairs and improving grounds. . . . 3,933.22 Paid for new schoolhouses and sites 1,304.81 Paid for interest and paying bonds 3,485.29 Paid for other purposes 1,516.68 Cash on hand at end of year 10,484.28 Total $46,309.93 CHAPTER XIII. AGKICULTURE AND AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETIES. high HE count}' of Waseca is ranked among the most prosperous of the agricultural counties in the State. Its people are, as a rule, awake and keep step in the progressive march of the times. Its future possibilities may be in the bright galaxy of sister the golden diadem of Minne- set stars in sota. The early pioneers did not come loaded with wealth, in fact few had more than enough to barely get settled upon their lands ; but they came with that which was, in those days, equal to it, training in agri- cultural jnu'suits, brawny hands that were able and not ashamed to do hard work, and in connection with industrious habits, the energy and determination of success. The country was new, and there was no alterna- tive but that success must be wrought from the soil, which was their only wealth and their only hope. In spite of all the obstacles and hardships to be encountered, success has attended their efforts, and the transforma- tion from the primitive wilderness to the ])resent comfortable condition of affairs ac- complished. Nor is the end yet reached, for the county still has amine of agricultural wealth undeveloped, which, as years roll on, will grow moi'e and more valuable, and when a cycle of cultivated maturity shall dawn to transform the yet unsubdued lands, to wav- ing fields of nodding grain, Waseca County will occupy a place among the foremost ranks of Minnesota's banner counties. A little pamphet published by the Wilton Weekly Netos, in 1867, from the pen of the editor, gives a comprehensive view of the history of the agriculture of the county at that time, and the compiler of these annals is of the opinion that nothing can show the early condition of that branch of the county's history like the article in question, hence it is freely quoted from. Says the little book : " Wheat is the principal cereal raised in the county. Spring wheat is raised generally throughout this district, and winter wheat in the timbered portions. The writer has made considerable exertion to obtain facts and figures by which to make a statement of the amount produced per acre, on an aver- age, throughout the county each year, but has only been able to find reliable reports for the years 1859, 1860, 1862 and 1865. In 1859 the yield per acre was 20 bushels ; in 1860 22 bushels ; in 1862, 22|- bushels, and in 1865, 21 bushels. These figures are taken from the compiled reports, as found in the audi- tor's office, and are certainly low enough. The reports of the other years were never made out, or, at least, cannot be found. The writer, however, having been a resident of the county ever since its first settlement, is enabled to state, as his opinion, that the av- erage yield for the past seven years, has never been less than 18 bushels to the acre. A yield of 25 or 30 bushels to the acre is considered nothing very extraordinary. It should be borne in mind by the reader, that the average yields above given include all kinds of wheat growers, good, bad and mid- dling. " The superior quality of the wheat grown in this county is shown by its weight, when compared with the same in other localities. The wheat of this county, except that of 1866, weighs from 61 to 65 pounds to the bushel, whilst in Ohio and Pennsylvania it 515 516 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. only averages from 58 to 60, and in Illinois from 54 to 58 pounds to the bushel. As a wheat producing county it is not excelled. ' " Oats, so far, has only been cultivated for home consumption. The yield of this grain for the year 1862, as shown by the assessors' lists, was 35 bushels to the acre ; and for the year 1865, 40 bushels per acre. When sowed on high uplands, oats yield remarka- bly well ; but on low or wet lands they gen- erally lodge, do not fill, and turn out a failure. " Rye is not generally raised here, although a few crops grown by some of the Germans of the county have shown that it can be successfully raised here. " Barley up to this time has received but little attention in this county. The total amount raised in 1865, as appears by the assessors' lists, was only 3,366 bushels, at an average yield per acre of 27 bushels. " In regard to corn : the oft repeated ques- tion, 'Can you raise sound corn in Minne- sota?' has been emphatically answered in the affirmative by the experience of the farmers of Waseca County. It is true there have been seasons in which the corn crop failed ; but during the eleven years which have elapsed since the first settlement, there have been only two general failures of this crop : one in 1863, the other in 1866. The corn crop in this county for the year 1860 averaged 34 bushels to the acre; in 1861 and 1862,35 bushels ; and in 1865, 37 bushels to the acre. It should be borne in mind that this average is from the amount saved, which, as a rule, does not exceed four-fifths of the actual amount raised. " Potatoes are only raised here as yet for iiorae consumption, and are of superior qual- ity and excellence. The average yield per acre is about 140 bushels. " Sorghum has been quite extensively raised in this county, yielding from two to three hundred gallons per acre. Undoubt- edly its cultivation will be continued with more or less success, so long as sugars shall command their present high price. " The absence of the choice, cultivated fruit of the more eastern States is, in a measure, supplied by the variety and great abundance of wild fruits which abound in every thicket throughout the county. Crab apples are everywhere present ; and a species of wild l)lura, scarcely inferior to the cultivated fruit, abounds everywhere in the county. The wild grape-vine grows luxuriantly and yields pro- fusely, in every wooded glen. Strawberries grow and thrive on the prairies. Goose- berries and wild currants abound in the woodlands along the Le Sueur Eiver, and blackberries and red and black raspberries spring up in the outskirts of every grove and woodland. Numerous young apple-tree orchards have been planted in the county, two of which have already borne fruit. The gentlemen who have succeeded in rais- ing apples in the county are Philo Wood- ruff, of Blooming Grove, and W. G. AUyn, of Janesville. " In regard to vegetables, the annual vines, squashes, pumjtkins, etc., thrive remarkably well, and nowhere are finer melons to be found than in the patches which constitute a part of every garden and homestead in the country. The wild fruits, with the tomato and pie plant, form a good substitute for the apple and other fruits of the older States. " There is no other State or country which can excel Waseca County in raising turnips, rutabagas, beets, carrots, cabbages, parsnips, etc. The yield of these useful vegetables is so enormous as scarcely to be credited by those who have never witnessed it. Rutaba- gas are raised very extensively by some farm- ers for feeding stock. "There is no lack of native nutritious grasses in the county, both for pasture and for hay. Even the highest prairie can be mowed, yielding one ton of hay to the acre and often two, while the bottom lands along the streams frequently yield three and sometimes four tons to the acre. The prevailing grass in the county is what is called red-top blue- joint, a variety that is almost, if not quite, (o£CEAS£Oj HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 519 equal to the best varieties of cultivated grasses. Persons arriving here from the East any time in August with cattle to pro- vide for, will always find sufficient grass from which to make any needed quantity of hay, as the grass retains its nutriment until the frost strikes it. The county is already noted for being one of the best in the State for stock-raising. " The general excellence of the grasses of the county is manifested in the fine quality and general healthf ulness of all kinds of stock, whicli forms so large a portion of the farm- ing capital of the county. The number of horses in the county on the 1st day of June, 1866, was 1,473 ; assessed value, $78,091. The whole number of cattle on the same date was 4,985 : assessed value, $74,863. Official reports of dairy productions in the county show an average yield of 72 pounds to each cow, while in Iowa shows an average of only 47 pounds, and Illinois 42 pounds. " There are no better cattle raised, on an average, than are to be found among the native stock of Waseca County. " Quite a number of our farmers have turned their attention to sheep-raising. Ac- cording to official reports, the number of sheep in the county June 1, 1866, was 1,925 ; asessed value, $9,169. The average of wool per sheep is 4 pounds, which would give 23,700 pounds at a cash valuation of $11,850. The general dryness and healthfulness of the climate, the abundant supply of pure water, the vast extent and richness of free pastur- age, make this one of the finest locations in the world for raising sheep. "The number of hogs in the county, as reported in June, 1866, was 1,658, at an assessed value of $4,207. Hogs, like all other animals in Waseca County, are healthy and thrive well. Pork fattened here is peculiarly sweet and healthy." Since the data of the above, wonderful ad- vances have been made in the line of agri cultural productions, and the county has a large surplus of nearly every farm commodity 30 to ship to other markets. The State reports for 1886 show that there was raised in Wa- seca County the previous year, 651,566 bush- els of wheat on 46,681 aci'es, an average of nearly 14 bushels to the acre ; 382,690 bushels of oats on 11,333 acres, or an average of nearly 34 bushels to the acre; 279,727 bushels of corn on 8,791 acres of ground, or about an average of 32 bushels to the acre. There were raised the same year, 24,536 bushels of barley ; 3,030 of rye ; 55,065 of potatoes ; 80 bushels of beans ; 4,842 gallons of cane syrup ; 4,608 tons of cultivated hay ; 967 bushels of flax-seed ; 73,684 tons of wild hay; 656 bushels of timothy seed and 1,357 bushels of clover seed are reported for the same time ; and also 55,065 bushels of potatoes. Only some 634 pounds of grapes were raised, and 3,621 bushels of apples. Dairy products for the year 1885 aggregated : butter 332,030 pounds, and 100 pounds of cheese, from 4,586 cows ; while in 1886, 13,830 pounds of wool was shorn from 2,694 sheep, in the spring alone, although some 10,000 pounds came off the backs of the same animals the fall previous. There were in 1886, 1,523 farms in the county. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. Several efforts have been made to sustain agricultural societies, or those of a kindred nature previous to the formation of the pres- ent one, with variable success. The first effort in this line was in 1870. During the summer of that year an organization was formed known as the Waseca County Agri- cultural Society, with WiUiam Brisbane as president, and B. S. Lewis, secretary. At a meeting held on the 3d of Septem- ber, the same year, it was decided that a county fair should be held that fall under their auspices, and having determined the date, the society appointed E. Bennett, S. B. Williams, O. Powell, H. Vincent and P. Mc- Dermott as a committee to propose the general arrangements for the said fair. On 520 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. the 6th and 7th of October, 1870, the first county fair in Waseca County was held. There was a large attendance the second day, and considering the short time emplo\'ed in getting it up, and the extremely limited no- tice the people had to prepare articles for exhibition, it was a decided success. The ex- hibits were moderately numerous, except in the matter of cattle, which was rather slim. President Brisbane dehvered an address to the people in his usual happ}' vein, the usual speeding of horses took place, and the brass band, for whom conveyance thi'ough some mistake had been neglected, rode into the grounds on a one-ox wagon, and joy and pleasure beamed on every face. The following year a second fair was given, but the thing proved a failure and the association, growing discouraged, abandoned their further efforts in that line. A few of the members, however, some years later or- ganized farmers' fairs and farmers" societies, both with the idea of following the European fashion of having a fair or market day once a month, but somehow it never proved much of a success. Some yeai-s later a sort of agri cultural society was formed, but no fairs were held. In September, 1886, however, at a meeting held then, H. H. Corson being president, the name was changed to that of the Agricultural, Mechanical and Industrial Society of Waseca County. The member- ship fee was fixed at one dollar. At this time Charles San Galli was treasurer and Michael Sheeran secretary. On a motion made it was decided that stock of the associa- tion, should be issued in five dollar shares and a committee appointed to solicit sub- scriptions. On the 25th of September a meeting was held, and it was then decided to hold a county fair on the 13th and 14th of October follow- ing. Dr. H. J. Young and WiUiam Everett were appointed a committee to see to the construction of fence, stalls, sheds, etc. ; H. H. Corson and John McWade, as committee to arrange premium list; Edward Castor and I. C. Trowbridge, committee on track ; and the following ladies committee on floral hall : Mrs. Wilham Everett, Mrs. I. C. Trow- bridge, Mrs. E. E. Dun woody, Mrs. D J. Bick- ford and Mrs. J. 0. Chandler. John McWade, Obediah Powell and Austin Vinton were detailed as committee on privileges, and Thomas Bohen, Harry Bird and Charles McKenna on trotting. The fair was held as advertised and was a success, the attendance being quite encouraging, and the societ}' in- tend to repeat the experiment this year (1887) . Edward Bennett was superintendent of cattle and horses; Patrick Murray, of swine, sheep and poultry, and John S. AbeU, of farm machinery. ANTI-HOESE THIEF ASSOCIATION. The Waseca County Anti-Horse Thief As- ciation was organized in February, 1864, the meeting for that purpose being held at the courthouse, in Wilton, on the 16th of the month above named. William Brisbane was called to the chair, and E. A. Smith made secretary. Settling down to business, the chair appointed D. L. Whipple, B. A. Lowell and E. B. Stearns, a committee of three to draw up and present a constitution for the society. Shortly after the said com- mittee presented a draft of their labors, which was adopted with some slight amend- ment. Organization having thus been ef- fected they proceeded to an election of officers, which resulted as follows : Di\ M. S. Gove, president ; William Brisbane, vice- ])resident ; E. A. Smith, secretary. The first members of the association were Asa G. Sutlief, William Brisbane, George Brubaker, Noah Lincoln, B. A. Lowell, Eri G. Wood, J. A. Heath, William Roddle, W. H. Young Sr., Joseph Bird, D. L. Whipple, Henry Watkins, Myron Blackman, J. K. Myers, E. A. Smith and M. S. Gove. Dr. Gove was for many years the presi- dent of this society, and on his death the association passed the following resolutions : " In memory of Brother M. S. Gove, presi- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 521 dent of the Waseca Anti-Ilorse Thief Asso- ciation, who died December 1, 187i. His de- voted and unswerving attachment to our society during its entire existence has en- deared him to its members ; and in his deatii his estimable family have lost a loving hus- band and father, the community' and State a valuable, self-sacrificing, public spirited citi- zen, and our society one of its most influen- tial and leading members, and one who was loved most bv those who knew him best." CHAPTER XIV. WASECA COUXTY IN THE WAR. 1 se-.....^ "mmW duriner HE causes that led to the irrepres- sible civil war between the States in 1861 to 1865, inclusive, have been detailed at length in the histoiy of Steele County, in this volume, and it were but waste of valuable space to repeat it in this connection . Our only dut v is to fi-lean together the effects it had upon Waseca County, the action of the people, all loj'al to the core g, „„s nation's trial, and enroll the names of the defenders of the Union from Waseca, that posterity may know the heroes of that unholy rebellion against the best gov- ernment ever established on the face of the earth. Looking at Waseca County to-day we can scarcely realize the fact that, when the war broke upon the people of this country, array- ing more than a million of men in arms, and which made our ship of State reel and stag- ger as if smitten by thunderbolts and dashed upon the rocks, that this county had been set- tled but about seven 3'ears ; and Minnesota, as a State of the American Union, but in its in- fancy. But, notwithstanding its own soil had not been fully subjugated to man's use, aid was promptly offered in subduing the seced- ing States. The feeling throughout Minne- sota, although not quite as intense as in some of the older States, was universal that the Union must be preserved, and the sights and sounds that were so noticeable in every vil- lage and hamlet north of Mason and Dixon's line, were duplicated here, and men came for- ward to lay down their lives in defense of fi-eedom and freedom's flag freely, and pa- triotism throbbed in every bosom. As a county, Waseca was not called on in an offi- cial way to provide funds to encourage en- listments, but several of the town boards did levy a tax for that purpose, issuing bonds and borrowing raoiiey with which to give bounties to the volunteers. Meetings were held throughout the county, and money was i-aised to encourage enlistments and pledges made by private citizens to care for the fam- ilies of the soldiers in this county. With a population in 1860 'of only 2,601, Waseca County responded nobly to the call of the general government for men, furnish- ing fully her share toward the suppression of the Rebellion. Appended is a list of the gallant heroes who participated in the war. If any com- rade has been omitted from the list it has been done unintentionally, and rather the fault of defective muster rolls than that of the historian, than whom a more ardent admirer of the '' boys in blue " is not to be found. n oster. OLD FIRST MINNESOTA INFANTRY. Capt. Lewis McKune G. R. Buckman, Martin Healy, Ludwell J. Mosher, Neri Reed, E. E. Verplanck, C. C. Davis, Jolin M. Churchill, George Kline. COMPANY G. Sergt. Irvine W. Northup, Michael Harrusauer, Philo Hall, John JIcKinster, Walter S. Reed, Luman S. Wood, Norman B. Barron, Adam Areman. COMP.iJS'T I. Amos Canfield, O. H. Sutlief, Jens. T. Dahl. 5S3 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 523 FIRST MINNESOTA INFANTRY. COMPANY E. H. P. Chamberlain, Nathaniel Reed, Jonathan Hardy. COMPANY G. THIRD MINNESOTA INFANTRY. A. Davis. COMPANY n. Hugh Donaldson, S. M. Jones, TENTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY. George W. Peasley, C. A. Peasley. COMPANY P. C. W. Preston, James Broderick, Capt. George T. White, Lieut. Isaac Hamlin, W. H. H. Jackson, David Lilly, H. A. Mosher, C. W. Roberts, Hugh B. Withrow. David McDaniels, M. A. Francis, COMPANY I. John A. Wheeler, S. A. Goodwin, S. F. Wyman, H. B. Withrow. J. R. Whitman, Richard Ayers, Robert Beith, William Blivens, FOURTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY George E. Brubakei Edward Brossard, Lieut. W. F. Kittredge, adjutant; afterward captain Nels Bergosen, Samuel Gleason, and A. A. G. and major. Charles Grover, S. M. Grover, COMPANY D. James Glendening, A. D. Gregor, Captain S. T. Isaac. J. A. Canfield, Chas. Chadwick, George Dreever, Thomas Eldredge, COMPANY C. John Teas. Fred . Emery, James Gallagher, Knute Hanson, Christian Hatsaul, CO.MPANY H. G. W. Ives, H. A.Jones, Myron S. Sheldon, Charles Parvin, August Krieger, John King, Ebenezer M. Broughton. L. A. Lafayette, G. W. Lee. COMPANY I. M. M. Morgan, Jacob Newkirk, Capt. D. L. Wellman, Loren C. Wood, Charles Olebaugh, Hans Oleson, Augustus Pintler, Waldo Lyon, John Pickitt, Samuel Preston, S. T. Isaac, Samuel Alexander, J. S. Rice, M. V. B. Storer, Aaron Bragg, Orin Coates, Benjamin Swan, S. P. Satterly, James S. Camp, James L Conner, Martin Spankley, W. W. Taylor, Erastus Fish, N. T. Foster, Barney Vosburg, P. J. D.Wood, James Haines, Silas Hubbell, G. H. Woodbury, Ole Johnson, Jonathan Isaac, T. B. .lackson, William Brisbane, Henry Yarigan, ' S. A. Norris, Moses Norris, Hans Hanson, A. H. Coddington, J. N. Powers, Corwin W. Quiggle, Isaac Lyng, Robt. Quiggle, D. P. Stowell, Jonas Whitcomb. J. B. Hill, Francis Lincoln. COjrPANY D. FIFTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY. G. W. Ives, John King, Capt. E. A. Rice, Melmoth P. Ide, Alex. Wentworth, William Blaisdell, G. F. Rice, John Barden, Moses Camp, Edward Guise, William Harding, John Jenkins, S. M. Merrill, E. H. Stiles, B. F. Weed, P. Davis, Peter Oleson COMPANY p. Lieut. G. W. Johnson, G. R. Loveland, J. W. Pierce, G. H. Bishop, E. M. Atwood, Patrick Burns, S. W. Franklin, W. H. Gray, E. R. Horton, Harvey Lawrence, John Murphy, David Skinner, H. H. Wallace, William Douglas. COMPANY c. Christopher Sampson. CO.MPANY D. James E. Crook. Nathan Satterly, Frederick Emery, S. P. Satterly. Martin Spankley. FIRST MINNESOTA HEAVY ARTILLERY. COMPANY A. Granville Barnes, Josephus Blevins, George F. Long. Charles Christman, A.M. Roberts, COMPANY c. H. A. Christman. Fred. Rosenau. COMP.ANY G. William A. Flowers. COMPANY D. Joseph Davidson. COMPANY E. James Hand. 524 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. FIRST MINNESOTA MOUNTED RANGERS. SECOND MINNESOTA CAVALRY. COMPANY B. Major E. A. Rice. Lieut. T. F. West, J. H. Elliston, COMPANY A. S. P. Child, W.M. Fay, E. A. Erwin. John Cunningliam L. W. Krassin, COMPANY C. Gullecli Knuteson, .John Murphy, C. G. Scott. Egle Oleson, Jordan Smith. SECOND MINNESOTA BATTERY, LIGHT COMPANY H. ARTILLERY. L. F. Preston, A.J. Williams, James W. Clark. Austin Peck, Jonas Whitcomb. John O'Brien. BRACKETT'S CAVALRY BATTALION. THIRD MINNESOTA BATTERY, LIGHT COMPANY B. ARTILLERY. J. R. West, Fred. Prechel. Joshua Downing, I. W. Johnson. CHAPTER XV. THE INDIAN MASSACRE. HE following account of some thrilling personal experiences during the Indian massacre of 1862, portraj'ing in graphic lan- guage the suffering and trials of the early settlers on the frontier, is from the pen of the senior editor of the Waseca Herald. Many of the scenes and incidents were detailed to him b}^ William Everett, now a citizen of Waseca, a participant in, and eye-witness to them. It seems that in the fall of 1860 WiUiam Everett, his family, and a man by the name of Wright, made a set- tlement at the south end of Lake Shetek, where there were at that time but three or four other settlers. The families of Wright and Everett each consisted of a wife and two children. In the spring of 1861 Charles Hatch, a brother of Mrs. Everett, a single man, came to the lake and made a settle- ment there. In May, 1862, Messrs. Hurd and Jones, two of the settlers, concluded to visit the Big Sioux River and look over that section of country. Hurd told his wife that if they did not return by a certain time in June, she might know that something unusual had happened them. The time came, but Hurd and Jones came not. There was' considera- ble anxiety on their account in the settle- ment, and Everett, Wright, Duly, Smith and Eastlick took two horse teams and started to look for them. These parties drove as far as Split Rock Creek, and camped for the night. The next morning it was decided to leave Duly with the teams in the camp, while Everett and Wright should follow down the creek, and Smith and Eastlick should go in the opposite direction and search for the missing men, both parties agreeing to return to camp that night. Everett and Wright soon discovered a buffalo, shot and wounded him. They for- got all else in their desire to kill the buffalo, and chased him until late in the afternoon. They then began to think of returning, but having given no heed to the direction they had traveled, and night coming on, they soon discovered that they were lost. They camped in a slough, covering themselves with grass cut with their knives, the better to protect themselves from the swarms of mosquitoes and the chilly night air. They hoped to get their direction by the sun next morning, but when morning came there was a heavy fog, and thick clouds shut out the sun, so they were compelled to guess as to the proper course to travel. As usual under such circumstances, they traveled in the wrong direction. Not having anything to eat they felt weary, but were encouraged by coming onto the trail leading from Sioux Falls to Shetek. Again they took the wrong direction and traveled until they came in sight of the timber along the Sioux River. Then realizing that they were going wrong, they turned about and retraced their steps, reaching the Split Rock camp near night, to find it deserted. They found a piece of paper pinned to a post, on which was written : " We suppose Everett and Wright have been killed by Indians — we have gone home. " As they had had nothing to eat since the 5S5 526 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. day before, and were very much exhausted with traveling on foot, the outlook was dis- couraging. Just at night, however, they had the good fortune to shoot a duck, which they ate raw. They camped on the ground, in the shelter of some large rocks, for the night. They were awakened just before midnight by the sound of voices — at first supjiosing that Indians were coming upon them. They were gladly disappointed, how- ever, to find the voices proceeded from a squad of soldiers and the mail carrier. The soldiers had with them plenty of provisions, and, after a bountiful supper, all camped there during the remainder of the night. The next day they arrived at Lake Shetek, just as the settlers were getting read}'' to send men to the agency for soldiers to look them up. Hurd and Jones were never heard of after- ward, but at the time of the massacre, Mrs. Hurd saw one of Ilurd's horses, as she believed, ridden by one of the Indian savages. From that time to the time of the outbreak nothing occurred at the settlement to arouse any suspicion of danger. That settlement was so isolated from others that thev seldom heard from the larger towns. Everything was quiet and peaceful, and no one had a suspicion of the horrible scenes of bloodshed that were soon to follow. About the 17th of August, 1862, "Pawn" and five or six other Indians, with squaws and children, came to the lake and camped, not far from Everett's place. Nothing was thought of this, as roving bands often came that way, and especially as these were the Indians whom the settlers had feil the winter before, and were supposed to be friendly. Notwithstanding the fact that here and there a slight suspicion existed that the Indians were preparing for war, yet, as a rule, few, if any, believed that there was any I'eal danger. But on the 20th of August, 1862, the murderous assault commenced all along the line. Men, women and children, regardless of age or condition, were murdered, mangled and outraged in the most cold-blooded and barbarous manner. The people of the little settlement at Lake Shetek were industriously pursuing their avocations on that fatal da}', and were en- tirely unprepared for the murderous attack which commenced near the head of the lake at daybreak. The first outrage was at the -farm of Mj'ers, near the head of the lake. On ac- count of Mrs. Myei's' sickness, Myers arose at an early hour. As he went out of the house he discovered the Indians, who had torn down his fence and were riding through his corn, breaking it down and destroying it. He called to them saying he would whip them if they did not leave, and asked them if he had not always treated them well. They admitted that he had and finally rode away. They ]iroceeded at once to the farm of Mrs. Hurd, whose husband, with Jones, disaj)- peared in the spring. A German, named Voight, was working on the farm. When the Indians arrived Mrs. Hurd was milking cows, and on seeing them hastened into the house. The Indians followed her, and with pretended friendship asked for some tobacco. Voight gave them some, and they commenced to smoke. Mrs. Hurd's babe awoke and began to cry, when Voight took it up and walked out into the yard. Just as he was turning to go into the house again, one of the Indians stepped to the door, raised his gun and shot him through the breast, killing him almost instantly. They then plundered the house of all its contents, and told Mrs. Hurd that if she made any noise they would kill her also, but if she remained quiet they would permit her "to return to her mother." They destroyed nearly everything about the house and then ordered her to leave, telling her which way to go, and informing her that if she should attempt to go to one of the neigh- bors or make an outcry to wai-n them they would kill her. Mrs. Hurd was compelled to leave by an unfrequented path with her HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 527 two children, the elder about three years old and the younger less than a year old. We must now return to the lower or south end of the settlement. Early that morning Everett's brother-in-law, Charles Hatch, started on horseback to go to Kurd's place to get a yoke of oxen to put into a breaking team. It was about six miles between the two places. "When Hatch reached Cook's place he hitched his horse and went across a marsh, imjiassable for a horse, to save the time and trouble of going around the marsh or slough. When he reached Hurd's house, a horrid sight presented itself. Voight lay stark dead upon the ground, covered with blood ; everything about the house was broken and destroyed, and Mrs. Hurd was nowhere to be seen. The tracks at once dis- closed the fact that Indians had been there. Looking to the east, he saw the Indians mak- ing around the marsh. He started at once to retrace his steps and warn the settlers ; but the Indians arrived at Cook's place ahead of him. They found Mrs. Cook in the corn- field with her husband's gun, keeping birds from the corn, and Cook at the house. They divided, part going to the cornfield and part to the house. Those who went to the corn- field asked to see her gun. Not suspecting murdei', she let them take it. As soon as they got possession of the gun, they told her she might "go to her mother," for they were going to kill all the white men in the country. Those that went to the house asked for a drink of water. As there w\as none in the house, Cook took the pail to go totlie spring. He had proceeded but a few steps when one of those cowardly villains, without the least warning, shot him in the back, killing him at once. Hatch was in sight of the house when Cook was shot, and saw liis horse break loose and run off. Hatch managed to get past the place unperceived, while the Indians were plundering Cook's place, and went from house to house as fast as he could travel warning the settlers. When he reached Easthck's house he was nearly exhausted. Mrs. Eastlick, in her account of the massacre, says : " My husband and Rhodes had just sat down to breakfast, when my eldest boy, Merton, came to the door saying, ' Charley Hatch is coming, as fast as he can run.' Hatch was a young man living with his brother-in-law, Everett, and thinking that perhaps some one was sick or hurt, I went to the door. As soon as he came near enough to me I saw that he was very pale and out of breath. 'Charley, what is tlie matter?' I asked. He shouted — ' The Indians are upon us.' ' It cannot be possible,' said I. ' It is so, ' said Charley, ' they have already shot Voight.' He then related the other facts he had witnessed, and asked for a horse that he might ride quickly to the lower end of the lake to warn the rest of the settlers. Rhodes let him have one of his horses. He asked us for a bridle several times, but we were all so horror-stricken and mute with fear and apprehension that we stood for some time like dumb persons. At last I seemed to awake as from a horrible dream and began to realiz,e the necessity of immediate and rapid flight. I sprang into the house and got the bridle for liiin, urging him to hurry away with all speed. He started oflf and bade us follow as fast as we could to Smith's house. Returning to Mrs. Cook, we learned that she remained concealed about the jiremises until the Indians, tired of plundering the house, departed. She then went to the house to find her husband murdered, and all her household goods destroyed. Notwithstand- ing her bereavement and the dangers sur- rounding her, she bravely resolved to warn the other settlers of what had transpired. After traveling on foot through brush and timljer, and wading in water along the shore of the lake, she reached the lower settle- ment the same day a little in advance of the murderous savages. Hatch had lost no time in notifying every settler of what had transpired. Every house was soon deserted, leaving cattle, horses, household gootls, every- 528 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. thing to be plundered by the merciless sav- ages, and the settlers all assembled at the house of Wright — being thirty-four in num- ber, "men, women and children. "Old Pawn" and his band who had camped there the Monday before, were at Wright's place and pretended great friend- ship for the whites. They even went so far as to help bring in Mesdames Ireland and Duly, with their children, who had been left behind in the flight. The men at once pre- pared Wright's house as well as they could, for defensive operations. They opened crevices here and there between the logs, as port-holes for their guns; and not having entire confidence in "Pawn" and his Indians, told them that they could take their stand in the stable. The women were armed with axes, hatchets and butcher- knives, and sent up-stairs with the children. These hasty preparations were not fully completed when the murderous savages, whooping and yelling like pandemonium, made their appearance at Smith's house, in full view of Wright's place where the set- tlers were assembled. One would suppose that the whites would have remained at the house and defended themselves to the last ; but when it is known that the only supply of water was some dis- tance from the house ; that they had no ])ro- visions for more than a day or two, and that they were surrounded by some two hundred Indians, we can easily understand that any chance of escape, however slim or dangerous, would be eagerly accepted. The murderous Indians had assembled at Smith's house and plundered it. From there they sallied forth in squads, mounted on ponies, firing guns and yelling like demons. Occasionally they would shoot a cow or an ox, and then ride back to Smith's house. After spending some time in this way, the}' advanced toward Wright's house. Everett noticed about this time one of Pawn's band skulking around to the Indians who were advancing. Pie held a short consultation and sneaked back again. Old Pawn, who pretended to be friendl}', said he would go and see them and find out what they wanted. He started out to meet them, and had only proceeded a short distance when several of the war party came riding toward him on a gallop. He soon halted. As soon as they noticed this, they also stopped and called to him. He then went to them and talked for some time, after which he came running back as though excited, and said there were 200 warriors coming, and if the whites would quietly go away the "braves" would not harm them ; but if not they would burn the house and kill them all. By this time, Everett and many of the others were satisfied that Pawn and his band, notwithstanding their pretended friendship, were in a conspiracy to murder the settlers. The men held a hurried consultation, and the majority decided to leave the building and take their chances. Khodes and Hatch were sent to Everett's place, half a mile away, to get a wagon for the conveyance of the women and children, and to get some flour, quilts, etc. Without waiting for the return of the team, the whole company started across the prairie on foot. Rhodes and Hatch overtook them with the Avagon by the time they had proceeded half a mile, and the women and children, except Mes- dames Wright and Eastlick, got into the wagon. Mrs. Wright bravely shouldered her husband's rifle, he being absent from the settlement, below Mankato, at the time of the outbreak. They had proceeded a little over a mile when they discovered the In- dians following them as fast as they could come, yelling like so many fiends. Old Pawn and his band, who had pretended to be friendly, had joined the others in the work of murder and plunder. All was terror and consternation among the settlers, and they attempted to urge the horses to a run, but the poor creatures were so loaded down that they could not go faster than a walk. On came the savages riding at full speed. All HI8T0EY OF WASECA COUNTY. 529 got out of the wagon that could run, and hurried on as fast as possible, but all to no purpose — the savages were soon upon them. The men marched at the head of the team, with their guns, in order to protect the women and children who were in advance. The men thought at first that perhaps all they wanted was the team, and for that reason sent the women and children ahead. As the Indians approached almost to within gunshot, they spread out in a long, single line, and came on yelling like demons. "When at long range they fired a volle}^ but no one was hurt. Two of the men, Rhodes and Smith, deserted the company, and ran for dear life, leaving the balance to their fate. They escaped without a scratch. One went to Dutch Charley's and warned his family, and the other went to the Walnut Grove settlement. As soon as the Indians fired the first round they rushed for the team, and one of them seized the horses by the bits and turned them around. At this juncture, some of the white men fired upon the Indians, and the one having hold of the team fell dead. It was now evident that there was to be a deadly conflict. The men directed the women and children to a slough nearby, and told them to conceal themselves as well as they could in the tall grass, the men cover- ing their retreat. All started amid a shower of shot from the Indian guns. Mrs. Eastlick received a ball in one heel ; Ireland's youngest child was shot through one leg ; Emma Duly received a wound in the arm, and "Willie Duly received a shot in the shoulder. They soon reached the slough, and although concealed from view, it afi'orded little protection. There were about two hundred Indians and only six white men left. For two hours the cowardly sav- ages, keeping out of sight as much as pos- sible, poured volley after volley into the slough. They would skulk behind the hills, crawl to the top, rise and fire, then drop out of sight. It was dangerous for one of the white men to fire his gun, for immediately there would be a volley fired into the grass where he was. One after another of the whites were wounded or killed. Eastlick, after doing brave work, was killed. Mrs. Eastlick received a scalp wound and another in the side. Mrs. Everett received a shot in her neck. Everett received a bullet in the thigh which struck the bone, followed around and lodged under the knee. Charles Hatch was wounded in the hand and arm, and Bentley in the arm. There was little chance for further resistance by the settlers. The firing ceased. Three of the skulking Indians, one of them old Pawn, then came forward and called upon the women to come out of the slough. Everett answered them. Pawn who knew the voice, commanded him to come, out of the slough. Everett told him he could not for he was wounded. Pawn said : " You lie ; you can walk if you want to." Two of the Indians then fired into the grass where Everett was, one of the bullets striking his arm near the elbow and shattering the bone and a buckshot entering his foot. Mrs. Everett, forgetting all fear, bravely arose and in the most piteous manner told them her husband was dead, and they had killed him. Pawn then told her that he would not hurt the rest of them, but that they must come out of the slough, for he wanted her and Mrs. "Wright for his squaws. Mrs. "Wright could speak the Sioux language, to some ex- tent, and under the advice of Everett, who was now helpless, the two women concluded to go out and confer with the Indians. "While this hurried conference was going on between Mrs. "Wright and Everett, Uncle Tommy Ireland, a short distance from them, arose out of the grass and begged of the Indians to spare the women and children. Two of the murderous Indians, onh'^ a few rods distant, fired upon liim, and he fell to the ground with a groan, saying : " Oh God ! I am killed ! " He received seven buckshot, 530 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. two of which passed through his left lung, one through his left arm, and others lodged in various parts of his body. Mesdames Wright and Everett, having been advised by Everett that perhaps by going out to the Indians they might be able afterward to make their escape, and that refusal would be certain death to all, ven- tured to go to the Indians. After a short talk with the villain, Pawn, they returned and reported that he said he would s]«ire all the women and children if they would come out of the slough. After a short consultation the women concluded to go forth with all the children. Ah, the sad parting ! Mrs. Eastlick's hus- band was dead. Mrs. Ireland bent over the prostrate form of her husband, whom she would never see again, to receive, as she supposed, his dying words, and husbands and fathers felt deep anguish as wives and children went forth to death or to a time of suffering worse than death. Many of the prisoners as they came forth were wounded. Mrs. Smith, whose husband fled at the first fire, was wounded in the hip. Next to the youngest of Mrs. Ireland's chil- di-en was shot through the bowels and died in a short time. Shortly after the surrender, the fiendish brutality and devilish cruelty of the Sioux were fully demonstrated. A little boy, five years old, son of Mrs. Eastlick, while follow- ing his mother, who was being led away by an Indian, was attacked by a squaw, beaten over the head with a club, and finally ri])ped open with a knife. Another of her children, Frank, was shot and murdered before her eyes. Mrs. Duly's boy, "Willie, was shot in her presence, and left in a suffering, dying condition on the prairie. Mrs. Ireland and Mrs. Smith were murdered in cold blood, and left near each other ; and near by was the corpse of Mrs. Eastlick's third child, Giles. Shortly after the Indians left the slough with their prisoners, one of the redskins shot Mrs. Everett's little boy, which so excited her that she broke loose from her captor, and was running back to her boy, when she was shot through the body and mortally wounded, dying during the night. Mrs. Eastlick in her account says : " The Indians sent Mrs. Wright back to the slough to gather up and bring out the guns. I found that I was quite lame and could hardly walk. . . The sky soon became overcast with heavy clouds, and a furious rain-storm, accompanied with thunder and lightning, was coming on. Soon the rain descended in torrents. The Indians caught their ponies, and made all preparations for starting away. We expected to be all taken along as pris- oners, but we were disappointed ; for, as it afterward proved, some were taken, while others were put to death, or left in a dying condition. Those of us who afterward escaped, were, for a long time, in such a plight that death seemed inevitably to stare us in the face." After giving an account of the death of three of her children, she continues : " Old Pawn came along with Mrs. Wright and her children. He brought along a horse which belonged to Charley Hatch, and ordered her to put her children on it, which she did. He then gave her the halter strap and sent her along, telling me to go along with her. . . I asked him what he intended to do with me, and if he meant to kill me? He replied in the negative, then stopped, leaned on his gun, and told- me to hurry on. . . I limped along at a rapid pace, but looking back I saw old Pawn standing where I had left him, loading his gun, and I instantly feared that, in spite of all his protestations, he was going to shoot me. I had a small slough to cross, and when about half way through it, some one, probably Pawn, shot me again, making four bullets which I had i-eceived that day, in all. The ball struck me in the small of the back, entering at the left side of the spine, and coming out at the right side, just above my hip — also passing HISTORY OF WASECA COtrNTY. 531 through my right arm, between the elbow and wrist, I fell to the ground upon my face, and lay there for some minutes, . . expecting the Indians would ride over me, as I had fallen in the trail. Finding that I could move I crawled about a rod from the trail, and laid down again on my face. In a few moments more I heard the step of an Indian, and held my breath, thinking he might pass me, supposing me dead. But I was sadly mistaken. He came close beside me, stood a moment, then commenced beat- ing me on the head with the butt of a gun. He struck me many times so hard that my head bounded up from the sod, and then gave me three severe blows across the riglit shoulder. I did not lose all presence of mind, although the blows fell heavy and fast. . . I was so nearljf smothered with my face beaten into the grass, tliat I caught my breath several times. He probably supposed me to be d3'ing, and threw down his gun. I thought he was preparing to scalp me. I expected every moment to feel his hand in my hair and the keen edge of the scalping- knife cutting around my head. But for once I was happily disappointed, for he went away, thinking no doubt I was dead. " I laid here some two or three hours, not daring to stir. . . The rain had continued to fall all of this time ; my clothes were wet through, and I was very cold and chilly. About 4 o'clock p. m., on trying to get up, I found that I was very weak, and that it required a great deal of painful effort to raise myself to a sitting posture. . . I then found that the blood had i-un down from my head and coagulated among my fingers ; hence I knew my head had bled quite freely, or the rain would have washed it away. . . I was insensible to pain, but by turning my head back and forth, I could plainly hear and feel the bones grate to- gether. 1 thought my skull must be broken, and this afterward proved to be true. My hair was very thick and long, and this, I think, saved my life by breaking somewhat the force of the blows. Here I sat, wet and cold, not daring to move from the spot. I had heard the cry of a child at intervals during the afternoon, and thought it Johnny (her son). I thought Merton (an elder son) must have taken him to the wounded men (in the slough) to stay with them. So I detei'mined to try and go to them, thinking we could, perhaps, keep warm better, for the rain was still falling fast, and the night was setting in cold and stormy I rose up on my feet and found that I could walk, but with great difficulty. I soon heard Willie Dulj^ whom I supposed dead long before this, cry out, ' Mother, mother ? ' but a few steps from me. . . Having to pass close by him as I left the slough, I stoi^ped and thought I would speak to him, but on re- flecting that I could not possibly help the poor boy, I passed him without speaking. He never moved again from the spot where I last saw him ; for when the soldiers went there to bury the dead, they found him in the same position, lying on his face, at the edge of the slough. I was guided to the place where my children and neighbors were murdered during the day, by the crying of a child, which I supposed to be Johnny ; but on reaching the spot where it lay, it proved to be Mrs. Everett's youngest child. Her eldest child, Lilly, aged six years, was lean- ing over him, to shield him from the cold storm. I called her by name. She knew my voice instantly, and said : ' Mrs. East- lick, the Indians liaven't killed us yet.' ' No, Lilly,' I said, ' not quite, but there are very few of us left.' Said she, ' Mrs. Eastlick, I wish you would take care of Charley.' I told her it was impossible, for my Johnny was somewhere on the prairie, and I feared he would die unless I could find him and keep him warm. She then begged me to give her a drink of water, but it was out of my power to give her even that, or to assist her in any way, and I told her so. She raised her eyes, and with a sad, thoughtful, hopeless look, asked, ' Is there any water in 532 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. heaven 'i ' • Lilly,' I replied, 'when you get to heaven you will never more suffer from thirst or pain.' On hearing this, the poor, little patient sufferer, only six years old, laid hei-self down again by her baby brother and seemed reconciled to her fate." Mrs. Eastlick then continued her search for her missing children far into the night, and then detennined to go to the settlements to procure the help she stood so much in need of. Mrs. Eastlick goes on to say : " I knew the road to be about two miles due east of this place. This night I kept the right direc- tion b}' the north star, but did not travel far, for I could go but a short distance before I was obliged to lie down and rest. Just at daybreak I reached the road, having made the distance of two miles in the whole night! This, I thought, was slow traveling, but I was quite encouraged now that I had found the road and was sure of going right. I lay down and slept until after sunrise; then, after eating some green corn, I started again. Often did fatigue force me to sit down and rest, and each time after resting I could scarceh^ put my foot to the ground. My heel, which had been shot through, was badly swelled and very sore, but I still pressed onward till I reached Buffalo Lake, at about 11 o'clock a. m. Here I found that I must cross the outlet of the lake on a pole, and when I trusted my weight upon it, over the middle of the stream, it broke and I fell into the water. After laborious and repeated efforts I got out and passed on, but I was soon obliged to stop and repair damages. I took off and wrung out some of my clothing and spread them in the sun to dry. I also laid the meat in the sun to dry, for it had become so slippery that I could not eat it. After this I lay down among the bushes that grew around the lake, and slept very soundly. I arose at length, put on my skirt, coat and apron, dressed my feet again, ate some corn and forced down some meat. Just as I finished mv lonely meal, a flock of ducks flew off the lake and soon a crane followed them. This was proof that something had disturbed them, and fearing that Indians were upon my track and close at hand I hid behind a tree and watched the road in the direction I had just come. " Presently the head of a horse was seen to rise over the hill near by. Indians, with- out doubt, thought I. and shrank down among the bushes, and watched to see a dozen or more savages file along before me ! " But oh ! what a change from fear to joy ! It proved to be the mail-carrier from Sioux Falls to New Ulm. I crept out of the brush and addressed him. He stopped his horse, and, staring at me in the utmost astonish- ment, asked, in the Indian tongue, if I was a squaw. I answered yes, not undei-standing him, and told him the Indians had killed all the white people at the lake. ' Why,' said he, ' you look too white to be a squaw." '' I am no squaw,' I replied, ' I am Mrs. Eastlick ; you have seen me several times at Mrs. Everett's house ; I am very badly wounded.' He then inquired as to the ex- tent of my wounds, and I showed him my wounded arm and the place where mv head was broken. He then helped me on to his sulky, and walked along leading the horse. " At about -i p. m. we came in sight of Dutch Charley's, when he drove the horse into a ravine away from the road, helped me to the ground, telling me to conceal myself in the grass, and he would go to the house and see if there had been anj' Indians about. He returned presentl}^ saying there had been none there : that the family had deserted the premises, but that there was an old man there who came from Lake Shetek. He helped me to mount the sulky again, and we were soon before the door. As soon as I had got to the ground, the man made his ap- pearance at the door, and, wonderful to tell, it was poor ' Uncle Tommy Ireland.' I hard- ly knew him, for he looked more like a corpse than a living being. His face was deathly HISTORT OF WASECA COUNTY. 533 pale, his eyes deeply sunk, and his voice re- duced to a whisper. I hurried to greet him, rejoiced to find, still living, my old friend and neighbor who had witnessed the same heart-rending sights with myself. He clasped his arm around me and we both wept like children at the sight of each other. " He told me that Merton had left the scene of the massacre on the same day, carry- ing little Johnny, and he thought, perhaps, they had reached the house before Dutch Charley's family had left and so gone along with them. I was filled with hope and joy to think that, perhaps, two of my children were spared." Mr. Ireland, after following Mrs. Eastlick's boj^s half a mile from the scene of the first massacre, laid down entirely exhausted, ex- pecting to die. He laid stretched upon the ground through all that rainy, stormy night, unable to turn over. All the next day and the next night he remained there without food or drink. The following morning, Fri- day, feeling a little better he made his way to Dutch Charley's, where the mail-carrier and Mrs. Eastlick found him on Saturday. So far he had been unable to get any food or drink. The mail-carrier furnished some water, and finally found a cheese which he fed to the wounded man and woman. After feeding the horse and resting a short time, the mail-carrier took Mrs. Eastlick on the sulk}', put some turnips and cheese aboard, and started east again, Mr. Ireland accom- panying them. At first, the wounded man made slow progress, but after awhile was able to walk as fast as the horse. After follow- ing the road about eight miles, they went about half a mile from it and camped for the night, eating turnips and cheese for sup- per. The mail-carrier had a quilt and an oil cloth blanket, and, notwithstanding a heavy rainstorm during the night, the parties did not suffer severely. At early dawn, Sunday morning, the par- ties again took the road and traveled east- ward. About noon they espied some persons a long distance ahead of them, and suspect- ing they were Indians, the mail-carrier went cautiously ahead to reconnoiter, his two com- panions slowly following After a while he discovered that the objects they had seen were a woman and two children, and, upon overtaking them, found them to be Mrs. Hurd and her two children. Mrs. Ilurd and children, and Merton and Johnny Eastlick had left Dutch Charley's place on Friday morning. Merton and John- ny were only a short distance ahead of Mrs. Hurd, and the mail-carrier and Mrs. Easthck, as may be well imagined, lost no time in overtaking them. Merton had then carried his little brother about fifty miles, with very little food or sleep. He looked like a skele- ton, while the babe was so sick that he did not know his mother. His face was a com- plete scab where the mosquites and flies had bitten him. The little company soon arrived at a Mr. Brown's place, found it deserted, and the door of the house fastened. The mail carrier crawled through a window into the house, where he found some bread on the table, brought it out and distributed it among the weary, hungry refugees. After feeding his horse, he started for New Ulm alone, advis- ing the parties to remain about the premises, and telling them he would send a team and men to bring them to New Ulm. The parties being afraid to stay about the house, went to the bank of the Cottonwood, some eighty rods from the house, and secreted themselves in a thicket till night. About sunset they returned to the house and crawled in through the window. Here they found bedding and clothing, some forty pounds of pork and a crock of lard. Mrs. Hurd gathered some potatoes and onions from the garden and cooked a meal, which was the first warm meal they had eaten since the Tuesday before. Here they remained in constant fear of Indians until Wednesday night, when the mail-carrier returned with sad news of the situation. 534 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. He reported tliat all the settlers on the Cottonwood River were driven away by the Indians or killed ; that he had gone in sight of 'New ITlm, on foot, leaving his horse hidden some miles behind ; that he could see the I'uins of many burnt houses there, and people of some kind walking about the streets, but could not determine whether they were Indians or whites ; that, as he was traveling along on foot, he suddenly came upon six Indians, two of whom fired upon and pursued him ; that he fled and concealed himself in a slough till his pursuers were tired of hunting for him and gave up the search. All felt that there was no safety in the house, and they again repaired to the thicket — taking with them bedding and clothing. The kind mail-carrier then shook hands with them all, bidding them good-by, saying that he would return to Sioux Falls and send soldiers to their rescue. When he reached Sioux Falls he found that the settlers had all been killed, and also all the soldiers but two, who managed to escape. After many hardships and dangers, he reached Fort Clark in safety. Mr. Ireland, the women and children, after great sufl'ering for two days and nights, from mosquitoes and flies, returned to the house, preferring the risk of discovery by Indians to their sufl'erings in the thicket We now return to the camp at Little Creek, where we left Mr. Everett and his companions. The next morning, they started as early as ])ossible. Mrs. Meyers was no better, and Everett, if possible, suffered more than the day before. They drove as far as Leavenworth that day. On ever}'^ hand there was evidence of the murderous foot- steps of the savages. The houses were all deserted and the fields laid waste. After looking at several houses they finally went to one a quarter of a mile from the road just at dusk, and took possession. They un- loaded Mrs. Meyers and the children, and had just dragged Everett into the house (for by this time he was almost totally helpless), when they heard loud talk not far off. Bentley and Hatch crept out through the corn field, and saw three Indians going past toward a house not far off, where the whites first thought of stopping. Bentley and Hatch then came back. The men took Mrs. Mej'ers and children, and hid in the brush some dis- tance from the house. Everett could not well be moved so far, so he crawled and dragged himself along through a fence, and out into a buckwheat field. He had only just laid down in a hollow when the three Indians came to that house, looked around, and finally sat down on the fence, not far from him, and in full view. They stayed around the house about three-quarters of an hour, and finally departed without discovering any of the whites. It was a very close call, however. All hands remained concealed during the night, Everett staying in the buckwheat patch. In the morning they started again, having nothing to eat except flour wet up with water and dried in the sun. They crossed the Cottonwood, and drove toward Mankato as rapidly as possible. During the forenoon they could hear the booming of cannon at New Ulm, which was the day of the battle there. At noon they stopped in a ravine out of sight of the road. They were not very far south of New Ulm, but the firing in that di- rection, and all the indications surrounding them, made them believe that the Indians were in possession of all the country around New Ulm, at least. Meyers decided to leave them there, and make his way to New Ulm, if possible, hoping to bring a party to their relief. He tokl them if he did not return or send relief, by the next day at noon, to drive on to Mankato. The situation was indeed critical. Bands of murderous Indians were prowling over the country in every direction. There was no safety anywhere. This little band of settlers was now entirely defenseless. The three men were all wounded, Everett so badly "=7^1^ /n/^<^>-L.c^tK:r HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 537 injured that he was almost entirely helpless. Mrs. Meyers was so very sick that there was little hope of her recovery. They had no food except a little raw corn and uncooked flour. They were worn out with constant watching and excitement. Tormented by an army of flies by day, and myriads of mos- quitoes by night, sleep was almost impossible. A few gopher knolls on a distant hill- side looked like a band of Indians — every rus- tle of the tall grass brought a startled glance for the cause — every clump of weeds and each little grove might cover the presence of a murderous foe. The situation was enough to bring terror to the strongest heart in a ro- bust man, and what must have been the feel- ings of persons half-starved, wounded, weak and worn out with constant watching and excitement, as they were compelled to wait and watch for twenty-four hours, with no assurance of relief even then ? After Meyers left for New Ulm the hours wore slowly away, and at noon the next day he had not returned or been heard from. There was no choice left, and the wounded and sick must reach Mankato or perish on the prairie. The oxen were put to the wagon ; Mrs. Meyers and William Everett were lifted into it, and again they started eastward. They drove till night and camped near a deserted house. Bentley and Hatch found some pota- toes, which were eaten raw, as they still feared to build a fire lest the Indians should discover them. As soon as daylight the next morning, they again started East, driving as rapidly as possible. When within eight or ten miles of Crystal Lake they discovered men in the distance, on horseback, whom they supposed to be Indians. The horsemen discovered them about the same time and came directly toward them. Bentley and Hatch at once drove to a slough of tall grass near bj% and hid Mrs. Meyers, her children and Mr. Everett in different places ; drove the oxen and wagon 31 some distance away and then secreted them- selves in the tall grass. Their fear of Indians overpowered every other feeling. They had no doubt whatever that the horsemen were Indians, and that if they were discovered they would be tortured and murdered. The horsemen came on rapidly and soon reached the place where the frightened, wounded and starved settlers were hidden. They searched the ground thoroughly and soon found one after another of the settlers until all were found except Charley Hatch. William Everett was so sick and weak that he could scarcely speak, but he urged Capt. Dane (for he it was with a squad of soldiers) to keep up the search for Hatch. They searched long and called often, but could not find him, and were finally compelled to go on to Lake Crystal without him. Poor Charley Hatch heard them plainly enough, but he believed them to be Indians and half-breeds who were calling him, seek- ing to murder him, and he refused to answer or stir from his hiding-place. He remained hidden in the grass all night. The next morning Everett prevailed upon tJie soldiers to renew their search for Hatch. They re- turned to the slough, and, after much time spent in looking and calling, finally rode on to his hiding-place. His joy at finding them friends instead of murderous savages quite overcame him. The wounded and nearly famished settlers from Shetek were at once removed to the hospital at Mankato. If we are correctly informed Mrs. Meyers died the day after her arrival at Mankato. Meyers finally reached Mankat© in safety. Bentley and Hatch soon recovered from their wounds and suffering, but Everett's life hung in the balance for a longtime. His wounded leg, by constant irritation, was fearfully swollen and terribly painful. His shattered arm was in an equally bad condition. Noth- ing short of an iron constitution could have brought him from death's door back to life and strength. He remained in the hospital at Mankato 538 HISTORY OP WASECA COtJNTT. until the following February, when he had SO far recovered that he could hobljle around on crutches, with his arm in a sling ; and in that condition he went to Arena, Iowa County, Wis., where he remained for some time. We must now return to follow briefly the history of those made captives at the time of the massacre. These were Mrs. Wright, her little boy and girl, Mrs. Duly and two chil- dren, Lillie Everett, two of Ireland's girls and Mrs. Cook. The prisoners were first taken from the camp on Cottonwood Eiver to Yellow Medicine, where they remained some time. At this place, Mrs. Wright's boy and other captives, including Mrs. Cook, were ransomed by Gen. Sibley. About that time, " Old Pawn " took the other Shetek prisoners and started across the country for tlie Missouri Eiver. The chil- dren, especially, were badly treated. An old hag of a squaw seemed to take particular delisrht in torturino^ them. On two or three occasions Lillie came near being killed by this old squaw. She pounded her with a club most brutally. They were finally taken into winter quarters on the Missouri River, some four hundred miles above Fort Randall. Their final release was somewhat remark- able. Early one morning Mrs. Wright was down at the bank of the Missouri, getting a pail of water, when she discovered two white men in a boat, going down the river. She hailed them and told them the story of her capture, and that of the others. She said there were two women and six children, and she implored them to rescue the captives. They hesitated some time, but finally con- cluded that it would be impossible for them to do so. They told her however, that they would make all haste to report the facts to the government officers. True to their word, tliey did so, and tlie result was pubhshed by the Fort Dodge (Iowa) Times some years ago. We learn from this report that an In- dian chief, Ma-to To-pa, Four Bear, who was friendly to the whites, was requested to go to the hostile camp and rescue the captives, either by force or treaty. He called a coun- cil of his braves, and it was determined that they would make an effort to rescue the cap- tives. He selected ten of his best braves, and with eight good horses started for the hostile camp. They took their rifles, bows and arrows, as if going to war. They started in November, 18()2, and traveled seven days — snow falling nearly every day. They at last reached the camp of the hostiles, near the moutli of Grand River. The next morn- ing the hostile Indians invited them to a council. They tied their eight horses close to the tepee and went in. Both parties were armed. Four Bear was asked what urgent business had brought him and his braves so far from home at that time of year. He replied that he had heard they had been on the war path and had taken some prisoners. He made quite a speech, and told them he and his party had come for the captives and would not return without them. One of tlie hostiles said : " You are all Indians, and belong to the same confedera- tion that we do, and instead of being friendly to the accursed pale face you should unite with us and help slay them as long as there is a Dakota on the face of the earth." Four Bear replied that he and his braves were friendly to the whites, and always would be — that they would never lift a hand against the women and children of the whites, and that the hostiles must give up the captives. The council was a stormy one, lasting all day ; but finally one of the hostiles said they had the captives and they were woi'th money, and nothing less than $1,000 in ponies would get them. Near niglit tliey finally agreed that the hostiles should exchange their eight prisoners for the eight horses and saddles. The exchange was made that night, and then they smoked the pipe of peace. The hostile band on their retreat from Minnesota, were so afraid of being overtaken by the whites that they took no time to hunt, HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 530 and in consequence the prisoners were nearly starved to death. The first square meal for some time was indulged in that night, and it consisted of venison and coffee. Four Bear was of the opinion that the women and children relished his cooking that night. The prisoners were so destitute of cloth- ing, that they were compelled to divide their wardrobe with them. The weather was in- tensely cold, but the homeward march be- gan. The six children had to be carried every step of the way, and the two women the greater part of it. Some of the Indians would go ahead and kill game, and get the camp ready at night when they arrived. In consequence of the great deptli of snow it was a slow, laborioils tramj). At Swan Lake they met some of their people and ti'aded some ammunition and blankets for sugar and coffee for the captives, and in the morning they all contributed everything they could spare for the use of a big horse to get home with. They made a "travoy," which is two long poles, one end of each fastened to the saddle, extending backward on each side of the horse with cross-pieces lashed on. The six children were bundled on this vehicle and they got along splendidly. They ar- rived at last at their camp, and the next day they took the captives across the river and turned them over to the officer in command, who gave Four Bear the following: Fort Pierre, D. T., Dec. 12, 1862. The bearer, Ma-to To-pa, is one of the eleven Indians that recovered Mrs. Julia "Wright, Mrs. Emma Duly and six children from the Ih-Sanu-Ta, near the Grand River, in November, 1862. He deserves to be kindly treated by aU. [Signed] John Pattee. Major 1st Iowa Cavalry Expedition in Search of Prisoners. In course of time the captives were sent down the Missouri River, and across the country to Fort Dodge, Iowa. "William Everett saw a report in the Chi- cago papers that the captives would soon be at Cedar Falls, Iowa. He left Arena, "Wis., on crutches, his wounded arm still useless, to meet them at Cedar Falls. He was doomed to disappointment, for on his arrival there he learned they had not yet arrived, and that he must go to Fort Dodge to meet them. He took the stage for that jilace, but on his arrival there could hear no news of them. There he was taken sick and confined to his bed for two weeks. In the meantime the captives arrived, and among tliem iiis child, Lillie. Wright also met his wife and little daughter at that place. Mr. Everett, as soon as he was able to travel, returned again to "Wisconsin with his little child. He remained at Arena until 1867. He lost all his propertj^ at Lake She- tek, amounting to $5,000, and only received' from the government for his loss $800. It will be remembered by our readers that the mail-carrier, after his failure to reach New Ulm, returned to Brown's house, where he left Mrs. Hurd and her two children, Mrs. Eastlick and two children, and "Uncle Tom- my Ireland." After the mail-carrier left, these parties remained at Brown's house for nine days, living upon the vegetables grow- ing on the farm. Thomas Ireland gradually recovered from his wounds, while Mrs, Eastlick was as yet unable to walk. Mr. Ireland proposed at last to make a trip to New Ulm, and get as- sistance to remove the women and children. During their stay there two large dogs had come to them and remained there. On Monday morning, the ninth day they had been there, Ireland, taking two cooked chickens as a supply of food, started for New Ulm, sajing that he should try and reach New Ulm that night, and would send relief on Tuesday. Mrs. Eastlick says : "All the afternoon of Tuesday we looked long and eagerly for some one to come to our relief, until after dark, when I retired and slept some hours. At about midnight we were awakened by the loud barking of the dogs. Mrs. Hurd arose and went to the 540 HISTORY OF WASECA CODNTY. window, but could see nothing. The dogs, however, barked more savagely than before, running out a short distance and then back to the door. This frightened us very much, as we thought it must be Indians, or the dogs woukl not act so. But, thought I, whether it be friends or enemies, I must arise and dress, though it may be the last time. So I began putting on my clothes, still ask- ing Mrs. Hurd if she saw anything, when, just as I was about dressed, she exclaimed, ' My God ! Cook, is that you ? ' Then I real- ized that it was some one whom she knew. It proved to be a young man named Cook, who lived at Lake Shetek, and some time before the outbreak had gone to Crystal Lake to work in harvest, and mj'^ neighbor, ■ "Wright, who was also gone at the time. They came into the house and greeted us with tears in their eyes, while Mrs. Hurd and I wept aloud for joy. They were ac- companied by a squad of soldiers, who also came into the house. The soldiers stationed guards about the house, to prevent a sur- prise. We now learned that ' Uncle Tom- my ' had succeeded in getting into New Ulm about noon on Tuesday, and at once made known our condition to Capt. Dane, who or- dered fourteen men under Lieut. Roberts to prepare to start as soon as possible to our re- lief. It was almost sunset before they were ready to start, when Wright and Cook came into town and, learning the facts, volunteered to attend them as guides. They reached our place at midnight, and fearful that the sight of them all at once would frighten us, Wright and Cook came on alone to rouse us. The soldiers brought some tea and crackers, killed some chickens, gathered some vegetaljles and prepared a good meal. At daylight they placed the feather bed, some quilts and a buffalo robe in a light, two-horse wagon. I was then helped in with Mrs. Hurd and our children. "When about five miles on the road, Lieut. Roberts rode back and ordered the driver to turn out of the road, pointing a little distance ahead of us. I looked in the direction he pointed, and beheld the body of a gray -haired man lying in the road. This was the body of Brown, who owned the house where we had stopped. We soon crossed a run where stood his wagon, the goods thrown out and scattered upon the ground. There were two feather beds which the soldiers took along. Near the wagon was the body of Mrs. Brown, with her head split open. As we started out in the morn- ing, one of the soldiers, Gilfiilan, tarried be- hind, got lost from the company and his body was found next day some six miles from New Ulm, shot through the breast and his head severed from his body." All along the route tlie houses had been plundered, and several dead bodies were found. These parties I'emained for some time in New Ulm and were kindly nursed and cared for. About the 5th of September they went to Mankato under escort. As soon as Mi's. Eastlick was able to travel she went to friends in Wisconsin. Mrs. Cook was taken with some of the other prisoners back to the settlement at Lake Shetek, to Ireland's house, where a large number of Indians were camped for the night. They held a big war dance that night, notwithstanding the storm. The In- dian who claimed her told her to stay in the "tepee" or the other Indians would kill her. They kept up the pow-wow nearly all night, and their chief having been killed during the day, they chose " Old Pawn " to succeed him. Next morning some of the Indians brought in Lillie Everett, so chilled and wet that she could hardly speak. Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Duly wrapped her in a shawl and sat her down close by the fire. This so enraged the savages that they fired at them, one bullet passing through the skirt of Mrs. Duly's dress, and another piercing the shawl worn by Mrs. Cook, just below her shoulders. Fortunately neither one of them was hurt. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 541 While returning to the lake Mrs. Cook was leading little Belle Duly, five years old, when the murderous old squaw that killed Fred. Eastlick came along, snatched the child away, whipped her over the face with a raw-hide, raised her as high as she could and threw her upon the gi'ound with all her force ; next, tied the child to a bush, stepped back a few paces, threw knives at her, hitting her in various parts of the body until life was extinct, while the mother was forced to behold the sight, with no power to shield her child. The Indians gathered together quite a drove of cattle, loaded several wagons with plunder, and compelled the women to drive the oxen that drew the wagons, and also the loose cattle. They went to the Cottonwood, and thence across the prairie to the Yellow Medicine country. Mrs. Cook was with the savages seven weeks. For three or four weeks she had plenty to eat, but was finally sold to an old Indian who was very good to her sometimes, and at other times very cruel. One day he told her he was going to another band of Indians at some distance, and some of the squaws told her that where they were going there was hardly anything to eat. He finally started off, compelling her to go with him. She made no resistance, but after go- ing some five miles, she offered to carry his gun for him. He gave it to her. She man- aged to take off the cap and throw it away, then spit in the tube to make sure the gun would not go off, and then told him she should go no farther with him. He seized his gun from her hands and told her to go on or he would shoot her, at the same time raising his gun. She boldh' told him to shoot for she would not go with him, and bared her breast as if to be instantly killed. He was amazed, and dropped the butt of his gun in astonishment. He probably thought her the bravest squaw he ever saw. At least he concluded to return with her. That night she intended to escape with a squaw who had married a white man, and who was also a prisoner ; but their plan was defeated by the sickness of the squaw's babe. The next morning the child was better, and all the Indians left the camp except the one who claimed to own Mrs. Cook. This was an opportunity not to be lost. Mrs. Cook stole away to the river unperceived, and the squaw rode a pony in the same direction, pretending to be going to water him. She let him go at the river and started with Mrs. Cook. They traveled as rapidly as pos- sible, crossed the Minnesota Kiver ten times that day in order to hide their trail if fol- lowed. They ti-aveled, they thought, about thirty miles, when they came upon " Ked Iron's" band of Indians, whom they joined. After remaining three or four days with this band they were surrendered, with a great many other captives, to Gen. Sibley's com- mand by Ked Iron. Mrs Cook afterward married and settled in Mankato. Thomas Ireland recovered from his wounds and has since lived in Mankato. He was married again some time ago. Both daugh- ters remained with him until recently one of them was married. Charley Hatch is married and lives in Faribault County. Mrs. Hurd was living at La Crosse at last accounts. Mr. Duly joined the Mounted Rangers and became captain of scouts. He it was Avho cut the drop that sent the thirty-eight condemned Indians into eternity on the 26th of December, 1862. The last heard of him he was in Iowa. Mrs. Geo. P. Keeney, nee Lillie Everett, resides with her husband in California. The young people of to-day, and the older people of the more eastern States, can have but a faint idea of the real situation of the ])eoj)le of this State at the time of the Indian outbreak. The State had then raised 5,000 troops for service in the war of the rebellion. The people were all pooi-, many of them in destitute circumstances. 542 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Men were without suitable arms, destitute of ammunition and entirely unorganized. The Indians came like a thief in the night, and before the settlers were aware of it they had murdered and plundered all the frontier set- tlements. To add to the general fear in this section, the Winnebago tribe of Indians was located on a reservation occupying portions of Blue Earth and Waseca counties, between Mankato and Wilton. The wildest stories were in circulation everywhere, and every- body believed them, more or less, because they had no means of knowing the contrary. Many people took teams and wagons, with a few household goods, perhaps, and fled, leaving cattle, crops and everything else to eo to destruction. The wildest excitement prevailed almost everywhere. At one time a strong guard was stationed on the bridge at Wilton to arrest the stampede of settlers, long after all danger was over. The loss of property and crops was immense tlirough- out the State, and the consequent suffering the ensuing year was wide-spread on the frontier. e>«k3 CHAPTER XVI. WILTON TOWNSHIP. ONGRESSIONAL township 106 north, range 23, constitutes what is known as Wilton. This is one of the most level, beautiful tracts of country in Waseca County. It is but very slightly undulating, the difference between the high- est and lowest portions of the sur- face, connected b}^ slopes from a quarter of a mile to a mile in lengtlj. is but from five to ten feet. The soil is rich, alluvial, clayey loam, enriched by decay of vegetation for countless centuries, and is peculiarly adapted for the wants of agriculture. All the small grains, corn, vegetables and small fruits do exceedingly well, and return a rich harvest to the industrious tiller of the soil. The Le Sueur River enters this township on the east side of section 36, and flowing in a general northerly direction, sometimes in this and sometimes in the adjoining town of Otisco, fully waters the eastern side of Wil- ton. In the western part lies Silver Lake, a superb sheet of water into which little runs and streamlets carry the drainage of the west- ern portion of the territory. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement in the county was in the township of Wilton. In August, 185J-, Asa G. Sutlief came to this place and made a settlement on section 35, as detailed at length in the history of the early settlement of the county in the former portion of this work. He remained here until November, when leaving his cattle, shanty and claim in charge of Luther Barrett, of Mankato, and taking his family into his wagon, he returned to Wisconsin. In January, 1855, he returned here and made this his residence, except about four years spent south, until his death, which occurred October 13, 1871. Byron CI. Sutlief, a son of Asa G. Sutlief, the first settler of this county, was born in the town of Wilton, Waseca County, Sep- tember 10, 1858, and still resides on the pioneer farm taken up by his father on the banks of the Le Sueur River, previous to the government survey of this part of the State, the surveying party wliile woi'king here boarding with A. G. Sutlief s family. On this farm was built the first house in Waseca County This was of primitive style, erected of loe:s, and stood about sixtv rods southeast of Byron Sutlief's present residence. The latter jrentleman owns 200 acres of excellent land, all situated in section 35, in Wilton Township. He was married December 18, 1884, to Lavenne Kerr, who was born in St. Mary Township, this county, October 1, 1864. Asa G. Sutlief, the father, was born in New York State and died in Wilton, October 13, 1871. The mother of Byron is a native of England, and is residing with her son on the old -homestead. In January, 1855, on the return of Mr. Sutlief to this county, James E. Child, his brother, S. P. Child, and a man by the name of Plummer. came with iiim. They made claims in Wilton Township and settled there, where they resided for years. J. E. Child is the senior editor of the Waseca Herald; S. P. Child is a resident of Faribault County and both are spoken of fully elsewhere. Plummer lived here only about ten months. 543 544 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. and then returned to Wisconsin, from whence he had come to this country. Christopher Scott and his family were the next to locate in this little settlement. They came here in Januar}^ 1855, and put up Avith Mr. Sutlief until they could get their cabin built, into which they then removed. Scott came here from what was then called the " Straight River Settlement,'' wnere he had been staying since the previous autumn. He took up a claim about a mile north of ilr. Sutlief s. He was a native of Pennsylvania. He died in Kansas, whither he removed after living here a few years. The spring of 1855 had scarceh' dawned when he was followed by his father and brother, Andrew and Charles D. Scott. An- drew took a claim on section 13, and opened up a farm where he dwelt for a few years, when he removed to Wilton where he died about 1865. Charles D. lived with his father until the removal of the latter, when he continued to farm on the old homestead. Finally he abandoned this, but is still a resident of the township. During the summer of the same year, David J. and John Jenkins came to this county and made claims in Wilton Town- ship. John Jenkins was the first justice of the peace in the new settlement, and performed the first marriage ceremony in the county, as related elsewhere. He was a native of the State of New York. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Minnesota Infantr}^ and while in the service of the United States died at luka, Miss., August 21, 1862, of disease brought on bv exposure and camp life. David Jenkins erected the first house in the immediate vicinity of the village of Wilton. He is still a resident of the county. In January, 1856, William Young and Am- brose Kellogg came here from Jackson Coun- ty, Iowa, and made claims. Young located on section 26, in this township, on the farm now occupied by George T. Dunn. He was a single man at that time, and remained here, off and on, for some five or six years, when he went to Fillmore County, where he was married. Afterward he removed to Iowa where he is still living. Kellogg was a doc- tor, but never practiced while here. He took up a claim on section 35, which he soon sold ; prospected around for coal, etc., and finally went back to Iowa, but is now in Kansas. Early in the spring of this year (1856), William Wells came here from Wisconsin, and took up a claim. He was unfortunate in his marriage relations, and his wife leaving him, he finally, after five or six years resi- dence, removed back to the Badger State. He was known throughout this region as " Nucky Wells." Benjamin F. Weed, at the present a resi- dent of the town of New Richland, made a settlement on section 23, in 1856, where he made his home for many years. A sketch of him is given in connection with the history of the township in which he is living. With him came Silas O. Kellogg, who remained but a short time ; he is now a I'esident of Jackson County, Iowa. E. A. Rice and Isaac Hamlin located claims here during the year 1856. Mr. Rice was identified with the official life of the county, and is noticed in that connection in Chapter VIII. Jesse I. Stewart came to this township in 1856, and located in the village of Wilton. He was a member of the Legislature of the State at the session commencing January. 1860, having served the county previous to that as treasurer for two years. Early in the "sixties," he removed to Morristown, and in 1879, emigrated to far away Oregon. Jacob Brubaker and his son G. E. came to this township and located upon section 28. Jacob Brubaker died in August, IS 78, at Waseca. Tarrant Putnam located at the village of Wilton in 1856, and was closely con- nected with the organization of the county HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 545 in 1857, being the first register of deeds. He is still living, dividing his time between this and Faribault County. H. P. Norton, now a resident of the city of Waseca, made a settlement in this town in 1856. He was prominently identified with the office of register of deeds, which he held in 186J: and 1865, and is mentioned in that connection. Nathaniel Garland, the first sherifl' of Waseca County, came to the little settle- ment in Wilton, in 1856, Avhere he located. He was, after holding office, engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Wilton, and afterward at Waseca, where he died. Col. John C. Ide in the fall of 1856 came to Wilton bringing with him a steam saw- mill, owned by himself and A. B. Cornell, of Owatonna. One of the leading men of his day, he was a recipient of the favor of the people and chosen to fill the office of county auditor. He is mentioned in that connection in the chapter devoted to State and County representation. In October, 1856, Michael O'Brien located a claim on a part of section 12, where he made a residence. He was and is a single man, and lives in Wilton Township, at this writing. Nathan Duane Baker made his appearance in the township in 1856. About the same time came Thomas L. Paige. Both these gentlemen are spoken of in connection with the village of Wilton, further on. Abraham Jaque made a settlement in Waseca County in 1856, also, and remained a resident until May, 1872, when he passed over to the land beyond the grave. Patrick Kenehan came to this township in 1856, and is still a resident. He was born in Ireland on St. Patrick's day, March 17, 1825. He lived in the Emerald Isle, until March 18, 1849, when he started for America, lantl- ing in New York on the 1st of May, 1849. He came to Geneva, Wis., and from there removed to Peoria, 111., and from there to Lacon, in the same State and from the latter place came to Waseca County in 1856, set- tling on section 9, this township. During the Indian troubles in 1862, Mr. Kenehan belonged to the home organization for pro- tection, and was one of three men detailed to visit the Winnebago agency to interview the agent, and found his house guarded by a company of soldiers and the Indians kept down through fear of the same. October 24, 1849, Mr. Kenehan and Bridget Martin were united in marriage at Geneva, Wis., by Rev. Father McKiernan. They have been the parents of nine children, of whom six are now living : James born August 31, 1850, died in 1851 ; John, born February 13, 1852 ; Margeret, born July 4, 1854, died October 27, 1860; Patrick Henry, born October 9, 1856 ; Michael, born December 3, 1858, died November 17, 1865 ; Elizabeth, born Decem- ber 4, 1860 ; Mary Ann, December 15, 1862 ; William Pius, January 15, 1865, and Agnes, March 7, 1867. Noah Lincoln was also one of the settlers of the same 3'ear. He was born in New York State, June 16, 1822, and came here from Cass County, Mich. He was united in marriage with Emma S. Davis, December 7. 1844. She was born December 19, 1826. They had a famih' of eight children : Maria W., born October 13, 1845 ; Francis M., born July 4, 1847, died in the army, at Mound City, 111., April 7, 1865 ; Charles F:, born September 9, 1849 ; Friend A., December 11, 1851, died August 28, 1852; Elva V., July 13, 1853 ; Louisa J., November 20, 1855, died July 8, 1887; Mina A., November 19, 1859, died March 30, 1862, and Ida V., born April 4, 1862. The family came through from Michigan with a team of oxen, consuming nine weeks on the way. During the winter of 1856-7 they were compelled to put up with many hardships, having to exist a greater part of the time on buckwheat ground in a coffee mill. Finally Mr. Lincoln bought a bushel and a half of corn for whicli he had to pay five dollars. On coming hei'e he took up a government claim, but soon 546 HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. sold out aud purchased nearly 219 acres on section 1, Wilton, and moved to the vil- lage of Wilton, where he died March 23, 1875. His son Charles F. carries on the farm. Charles F. Lincoln was born in Cass County, Mich., September 9, 1849, and is the son of Noah and Emma S. (Davis) Lincoln. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 1855, and to Wilton Township, Waseca County the year following. April 9, 1885, C. F. Lincoln and Mary Pomroy were united in marriage at Jackson,Mich.. She was born January 23, 1858. They have had one child which is now dead. Alexander Henderson was also an arrival of the year 1856. Early in the spring of 1857, several set- tlers made their appearance in this vicinity, among whom were George H. Woodbury, who settled on section 28 ; George Barclay, who located a claim on part of section 21 ; David Weaver, on section 11, and Eobert Gibson who " stuck his stakes " on the north- west quarter of section 29. Frank Hadley and Eugene A. Smith came to the township this year, also. Among the settlers of the year 1857, was Edwin E. Verplanck. Lithe spring of that year, he came to Wilton Township and took up a claihi southwest of the village, where he lived for a short time, then abandoned it and moved back to Faribault. After his dis- charge from the United States service, in Company G, First Minnesota Infantrj^ he came back to Waseca County and settled in New Richland, where he is at present a resident. M. F. Conner was born in Ireland, Decem- ber 24, 1846, and came with his parents to America when but a child. The family settled in the State of Illinois, in 1848. In 1857, they came to Waseca County, and settled in the town of Wilton. During the years 1866, 1867 and 1808, M. F. was in Montana Territory, where he was engaged in mining, but at the end of that time re- turned to this county. November 2, 1873, he was united in marriage with Alice Dolan and the}^ have been the parents of eight chil- dren : George F., born July 13, 1874 ; Nel- lie E., born November 11, 1876 ; Arthur E., born May 14, 1877 ; Charles M., born Janu- ary 29, 1879 ; William, born February 14, 1881; Gertrude, born November 13, 1883; Leo S., born April 13, 1885, and James Wal- ter, born August 8, 1887. Mr. Conner owns and cultivates a fine farm of 160 acres on section 16, Wilton Township, and is a promi- nent and representative citizen of the county. He has held the offices of county commis- sioner, township trustee and member of the school board. He and his family are mem- bers of the Catholic Church. On the 2d of November, 1857, William Murphy and his family left their home in Philadelphia, and journeyed toward Minne- sota, first stopping in Steele County, but in December of the same year changed his residence to the village of Wilton. While there he was connected with the seminary, as teacher, and died at that place Mav 14, 1859. C. O. Norton was among the settlers of 1857. He located in the village of Wilton, where he carried on the blacksmith trade. On the founding of the village of Waseca he removed there, where he died July 22, 1868. B. A. Lowell Sr., now a resident of Wa- seca, located in Wilton duringthej^ear 1858, among the early settlers. Thomas Bardon, Patrick Madden and Thomas Bowers are among the early settlers of Wilton Township that are still left in this locality. Jackson TurnaclifF, proprietor of "Town- Line Farm," was born in the State of New York, May 6, 1835, and while a child the family moved to Ohio, where he was reared until he was about twent}' yeai's of age, when he came to Iowa and settled in Jackson County, but only remained there a short time, when he started for Minnesota, walk- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 547 ing the whole distance, arriving in this State the last day of the year 1855. He took up a claim on section 7, in the town of Otisco. He subsequentl}^ purchased the land on section 12, "Wilton Township, where he now lives, in 1867, and has erected an exceed- ingly fine residence and barns. His farm contains 160 acres of land located on both sides of the Le Sueur Eiver. August 25, 1858, Mr. Turnacliff and Lucia Elvira Barber were married in Ohio. She was born in that State, February 6, 1839. They have been the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living : Minnie Dora, born June 6, 1859 ; Lolah Mina, born January 26, 1861 ; Elsa Lavern, October 26, 1863 ; Linna May, De- cember 6, 1865, died October 6, 1866; Laura Meria, August 9, 1867 ; Ferdinand, April 26, 1872; Walter D., May 1, 1876 ; Jay B., Sep- tember 5, 1880 ; Kill, May 1, 1885. Ferdinand Turnacliff, the father of Jack- son, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 11, 1813, and is now a resident of Waseca County, and one of its early settlers. His wife, Maria, was born in New York, April 4, 1812, and died December 6, 1862. They were the parents of five chil- dren : Amelia Ann, born January 2 1837 ; Delevan, September 30, 1838; Sally M., August 27, 1842, died June 13, 1860 ; Matilda, born March 16, 1848, and Seymour, boi'n May 8, 1851, died January 17, 1854. S. A. Farrington was born in Kennebec County, Me., August 27, 1826, and in an early day removed with his parents to what is now Green Lake County, Wis., where he remained until 1857, when he came to Waseca County, Minn., settling in Otisco Township, from whence he moved to Wood- ville Township, and in 1884 to this pres- ent location on section 15, in Wilton. No- vember 26, 1855, he was married to Mary Foster, who was born November 26, 1840. The young people shortly after their mar- riage, came with a colony of twelve families from Green Lake County by team, spending some five weeks on the trip. All these people settled within the radius of six miles, and Mr. and Mr. Farrington had to live in their wagon until they completed a house. This was a hard year for the new arrivals, and the first experience Mr. Farrington had was dividing the necessaries of life with their more needy neighbors. During the Indian troubles twelve neighboring families congregated at Mr. Farrington's houses, for he had two, and he generously provided them with shelter. All were badly fright- ened by a report of the coming of their savage foes, and hiding their most valua- ble articles in a stone jar, concealed it in a corn-field. Mr. and Mrs. Farrington have had born to them eight children, seven of whom are now living : Minnie E., born Sep- tember 7, 1857, died December 11, 1875; Howard S., born October 31, 1859;Kosetta S., born June 30, 1861 ; Sarah C, July 20, 1863; Warren A., October 11, 1866 ; Edith M., May 30, 1870 ; Frank W., February 5, 1875. and Guy A., October 18, 1878. Mr. Farrington's farm consists of 160 acres in Wilton Township and 40 acres near the town of Waseca. He has a herd of fine grade short-horn and Holstein cattle, and is giving considerable attention to stock- raising. P. Burns is a native of Ireland, born in the year 1837, who emigrated to the shores of America and settled in the State of Ohio in 1851. There he remained until 1856, when he came to Minnesota. In 1865 he moved to the farm which he now occupies. On the 11th of June, 1862, he was united in marriage with Ann How Ian, and they have eight children, all living ; Mary Elizabeth, born April 27, 1863; Margaret, December 20, 1864; George, December 18, 1866 ; Catherine Ann, April 5, 1869; Martha, July 4, 1871; Martin, July 29, 1873 ; Peter, November 30, 1878, and William, January 15, 1882. Mr. Burns is making a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle and has a herd of forty head of grades. In early times, like all old settlers, he had some tough experiences, but 548 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. by courage and perseverence got through them all and is now one of the most j^ros- perous farmers in the county. He has held the office of treasurer of the township. James A. Root, the proprietor of the " Willow Grove Farm," is a native of Jeffer- son, N". Y., born February 26, 1832. With his parents he removed to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, N". Y., where his mother died. In 1859 they removed to Minnesota, settling on the farm where James A. now lives, on section 34, in this township. His father, Joseph N. Eoot, came later and died here April 12, 1869, aged 68 years and eight months. James A. Eoot and Hannah Brisbane were united in marriage December 12, 1859. She is a daughterof Hon. William Brisbane and born August 18, 1840. They have been the parents of ten children of whom eight are now living; Charles E., born February 27, 1861, married to Ella M. Eoddle February 2, 1883, who was born in Wilton, January 12, 1863, and who is the mother of one child, Oren E., born February 4, 1884 ; William L., born Jan- uary 29, 1863; Joseph S., born April 16, 1865 ; Cora B., August 26, 1867; Hattie M., March 4, 1870; James A., May 22, 1872; Maggie J., May 31, 1873 ; Freddie, July 2, 1877, died August 24, 1877; Dora" E., born March 14, 1879, and Marvin L., born October 9, 1880, died February 22, 1882. Mr. Root's farm comprises some 270 acres of tine land and is well tilled, and his residence is surrounded by a thrifty plantation of fine trees containing nearly all the varieties that will grow in this climate. Besides, he lias a fine orchard of fruit trees and a garden of small fruit. John Doran was born in Ireland, June 20, 1829. On the 11th of December, 1851, he left the Emerald Isle and came to America, and for awhile after his arrival here drifted about the State of New York, but finally settled in Erie County, that State. From there he came west, and locating in Wis- consin, remained there about ten vears. coming to Waseca County in 1865 and set- tled on section 27, in this township. He sub- sequently removed to his present location in section 33. March 16, 1855, in the State of New York, John Doran and Catherine Kohl were united in marriage, and they have been the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are now living : Peter, born Feb- ruary 27, 1856; James and David, (twins) born and died in November, 1857; Annista- cia Mary, l^orn November 5, 1858 ; Mar- garette Ann, born March 28, 1861 ; James A., June 15, 1863 ; Mary C, June 27, 1865, died July 6, 1887; Catherine A., September 29, 1867 ; John M., January 8, 1869 ; George W., born March 28, 1871, died August 8, 1874 ; Agnes E., born June 26, 1874, died August 15, 1886; George William, March 2, 1877; Lurina M., November 7, 1880, and Nellie G., July 7, 1882. H. B. Allen is a native of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., born May 1, 1836. From there the family moved to Penn- sylvania and finally to Wisconsin. On the 16th of November, 1860, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ackerman, in Columbia County, Wis. The date of her birth was January 13, 1839. In June, 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Allen came to Minnesota, set- tling in Faribault County. While there Mr. Allen enlisted in Comjiany G, 1st Minne- sota Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being discharged at Washington, in April, 1864, viewing the body of the mur- dered president, Abraham Lincoln, as it lay in state in that city, while there. Mrs. Allen had four brothers in the service during the war, one of whom spent two years in the rebel jirison pens and endured hardships that no ijen can tell of or words portray. Mr. Allen has a fine farm and is extensively ena'a"'ed in stock-raising', having several tine short-horn cattle, full bloods. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had born to them the following children : Benjamin C, born September 12, 1861 ; Willie D. W., born October 25, 1867 ; Merritt H. C, born August 6, 1871 ; Josie HISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. 549 Gladys, boi'n July 30, 1873, and twins that died in infancy. They came to Waseca County in 1876 and settled on section 25, in this town, where they now live. R. Nelson was born in Crawford County, Pa., December 16, 1837. When he was twelve years of age his parents moved to he State of Wisconsin, where they lived for years. In 1857 Mr. Nelson made a tour of inspection through a part of Minnesota and then returned to the Badger State. On the 9th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry, and served one year, when he was discharged, in October, 1863, but remained at the front un- til some time in December in the same year, when he came to Wilton and mad§ a settle- ment. February 2, 1865, he reenlisted, this time in tlie First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and went to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he remained until the close of the war. March 18, 1866, he was united in marriage witli Rhoda A. Sutlief, a daughter of Asa G. Sutlief, the first settler of this county, born in Dodge County, Wis., September 18, 1818. They are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living : Lee B., born December 31, 1868 ; Rezin Jr., born February 15, 1871; Clarence W., born April 13, 1873; Mary, born January 22, 1876, who died Feb- ruary 22, 1882 ; Roy, born September 23, 1878; Volney F., born February 10, 1881, died Februaiy 5, 1882; Nellie D., born August 20, 1884, and Rex G., born March 5, 1887. Mr. Nelson settled upon his present place in 1871. E. M. Atwood was born at Littleton, N. H., December 24, 1839, and moved with his parents to Wisconsin in the fall of 1849. He resided in various places in the Badger State but finally, in 1859, left Grant County, that State, and came to Waseca County, first set- tling in the town of St. Mary. In 1866 he located in Wilton Township, where he at present resides. In 1862 he enlisted in com- pany F, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, and served three years, being discharged at Point Look- out, Md., January 25, 1865, and is a member of Lewis McKune Post No. 29, Grand Army of the Republic. March 11, 1869, Mr. Atwood and Mary Frances Reibeling, a native of Philadelphia, were united in marriage at Wilton, by Elder Smith. They are the parents of five children: Eva Valeria, born February 27, 1870, died January 13, 1877 ; Eliza Fran- ces, born December 26, 1871 ; Laura May, born January 2, 1873, died January 19,1877 ; George Edwin, born March 9, 1879, and Anna Lolah, born April 4, 1884. Mr. At- wood's father was born in New Hampshire, October 31, 1811. William Roddle is a native of England, born June 2, 1822, and came to America in 1840, first locating in Cayuga County, N. Y., From there he moved to Onondaga County, and finally to Tompkins County, in the same State. In 1844 he journe^'ed to Ohio, and from there subsequently to Kenosha County, Wis., where he remained imtil the fall of 1860, when he came to this county, and pur- chasing a farm on section 12 in this township, took up his residence in the village of Wilton, where he now lives. His place contains 120 • acres of finely cultivated land. In 1849, at Bristol, Wis., Mr. Roddle and Mary Green were united in marriage, and they wei'e the pai'ents of three children : William Henry, born December 28, 1850 ; B. F., born April 9, 1854, and Ella, born January 12, 1863. Mrs. Roddle died at Wilton, June 19, 1876. De- cember 17, 1879, Mr. Roddle and Emily A. Loder were united in marriage. She was born in Fond du Lac County, Wis., October 26, 1852. Her father, John W. Loder, enlist- ed in the army and died in the service of his country, in 1862 ; her mother is still living. Her brother, S. T., died in Steele County, Minn., May 17, 1864. George T. Dunn, proprietor of the River Side farm, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., February 7, 1845, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1856, where he was engaged in farming. In 1867 he removed to Waseca County, Minn. In the year 1881 550 HISTOKY OF WASECA OOUKTY. purchased his present farm of four hundred acres in sections 26 and 27, town of Wilton. Mr. Dunn is giving particular attention to raising Norman Perciieron horses, cattle and grain. His fann is well adapted to stock- raising, being located directly on the banks of Le Sueur River. Mr. Dunn's father, Thomas Dunn, was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, March S, 1813, and emigrated to America in the year 1839. He died in Lee County, III, September, 1862. Isabell Dunn, the mother of George T. and wife of Thomas Dunn, was born also in Dumfrieshire, Scot- land, June 25, 1812, and is still living, a member of Cleo. T. Dunn's family. FIRST ITEMS. The first birth in the township of "Wilton was that of a child of Mr. and Mrs. Pium- mer, born in July, 1855. The first death was that of a child of "William "Wells, that departed this life in the summer of 1856. The first marriage was that of James E. Child and Justina Krassin, April 19, 1856, John Jenkins, justice of the peace, perform- ing the ceremony. The first ground was broken by Asa G. Sutlief, who planted the first grain. The first sawmill put up in the county was probably that of Col. J. C. Ide and others, which was hardl}^ a success. The pioneer religious meeting was held in 1856 at the house of C. Northup, a Rev. Mr. Hicks conducting the services. The first schoolhouse was erected in 1858, at "Wilton, and Miss Angeline Krider was the pioneer teacher. ORGANIC. The first town meeting was held, as the records state, on the 11th of May, 1858, at the house of Joseph Doty. The assembly was called to order, with P. C. Bailey in the chair. The object of the meeting being- stated, Buel "Welsh was made modei-ator and T. L. Paige, clerk. On motion of A. J. "Woodbury, the name of the township was made that of "Wilton, and the following of- ficers chosen : "W. "W. Robinson, chairman, John Brand and A. J. "Woodbury, super- visors ; Tarrant Putnam, town clerk and col- lector ; L. Curtis, assessor ; J. B. Jackson and P. C. Bailey, justices of the peace ; A. Miller, overseer of the poor, and P. Van Dyke and L. Curtis, constables. The present officers of the town are as follows : G. Geher- ing, chairman, T. Bardon and A. Schulz, supervisors ; "William Brisbane, clerk ; Thos. Bowers, treasurer; Henry Buck, assessor; William Bi-isbane, justice of the peace. The Roman Catholics liave a church edifice on the southwest corner of section 31, which was erected by that denomination in 1881. Rev. Robert Hughes is the pastor here and attends to the spiritual wants of more than sixty families, or 350 members. The con- gregation live in all four townships, the church standing at the corner where Byron, Vivian, Freedom and Wilton join. VILLAGE OF WILTON. In the autumn of 1855 a village plat was surveyed and laid out by A. B. Cornell, J. H. Abbott and W. F. Pettit, of Owatonna, and James E. Child, John Jenkins and D. J. Jenkins, of this county. Shortl}' after, James Child and John Jenkins gave up their claim to the town site and others took their place. Says a local writer in speaking of these days, of which he is fully cognizant : "During the winters of 1855 and 1856, the first claim jumping commenced. The avarice of some of the town proprietors, and the land and town site fever of tliat time, caused some unprincijDled ones to trespass upon the just rights of some of the early set- tlers, and caused such a feeling of opposition to the town of Wilton, that for the first year after it was laid out, no building was com- pleted. " Like all other towns of that day, it was expected, like Jonah's gourd, to grow in a day, but unfortunately the prime movers of the enterprise so managed their affairs that HISTORY OF WASECA COTTN'fY. 551 the people of the county, even up to the boundary line of the village plat, refused to countenance the building of the new city, and even Avent so far as to oppose the erec- tion of buildings on the town plat by force and arms. " In the month of April, 1856, several house bodies made of logs, found standing in the village, were discovered one Sunday morning and razed to the ground. As to who did the evil deed, probably no one knows ex- cept those engaged in it. This occurrence, and the general opposition to the persons having control of the village, by the sur- rounding settlers, prevented any further growth during the summer." In the fall of 1856, John C. Lie and A. B. Cornell brought in a sawmill, and Mr. Ide becoming part owner of tlie town site, the difficulties between the proprietors and the settlers were adjusted and during that win- ter the place began to grow. During the coldest weather stores, shops, hotels and residences were put up, so that by spring it had the appearance of a verj^ fair village. Among those who came to the infant vil- lage during this year, 1857, may be men- tioned the following: Buel "Welsh, Alva B. Hough, A. T. Peck, Micajah C. Wright, Owen C. "Waters, "W. B. Burbank, L. Curtiss, Lorenzo P. Stowell, Alva C. "Walker, Smith Lapham, Newell Morse, A. B. "Wattles, E. F. Lawton, Byron F. Clarke, H. P. West, Asa Wait, George W. Watkins and others. Buel Welsh, came to the State in 1855, and located at Faribault, pursuing his trade of carpenter. He came there from Wiscon- sin. In the fall of 1856, he removed to Wil- ton, where he remained for many years. He was a kind-hearted man of but little educa- tion, but had picked up considerable knowl- edge of law and other subjects, and had practiced for about twenty-five years in the various justices' courts. On Saturday, April 24, 1886, he fell dead in a neighbor's wagon, while going from Alma City to his home in Freedom Township. Dr. M. S. Gove, one of the pioneer physi- cians, came to Wilton in 1858, from his native State, "Vermont, and remained in practice in Waseca County until December 1, 1874, when he passed to " that land from whose bourne no traveler ever returns," in the very prime of life. A. J. Woodbury came to Wilton in 1856 and put up a hotel which he called the Wash- ington. This place he ran for man^' years, up to 1882, except some six or eight months when it was rented and operated by Joseph Doty. He is a native of Beverley, Mass., born in 1808. In 1855, he came west, after having been to Texas, New Orleans, etc., and in the spring of 1856 came to Wilton as alreadj' detailed. About 1830 he married Elizabeth Stratton, by whom he had two children : Henry C. and George H. both of whom came with their father. All three have been identified with the history of the county since. George H., however, is now a resident of Jamestown, D. T. Henry C. is the municipal judge of the city of Waseca, and his father, A. J. lives in the same city. Another hotel, afterward called the Globe was put up and run by E. A. Eice, about this same time. Welsh and Smith were the next proprietors of the tavern, and were then succeeded by Tyrrell. Hall, Long and Gray all in turn played the part of host in this hotel, which was one of the institutions of Wilton, but, alas, the old building stands in forlorn loneliness, in the almost deserted village. The first store was opened by Paige & Baker, in a small log shanty, in the winter of 1855-6. They came here about this time from Oswego, N. Y. Thomas L. Paige acted as the first clerk of the court, but about 1858 sold out and I'eturned to York State. His partner, Nathan Duane Baker, stayed but little longer, when he, too, re- turned east. Both are now among the dead. About the same time a Scotchman, by the name of McLauren, built a one-story store, and opened a saloon and grocery establish- 552 HISTORY OF WASECA ConNTT. ment. John C. Hunter who came to Wilton about this time, afterward was in partner- ship with him. They sold out to Isaac Ham- lin, who ran it until the war broke out. A. E. Smith put up a store building next, and opened a stock of general merchandise. This store was afterward run by Luther & Chase. N. E. Strong ran a drug store here in an early day, as did J. D. Andrews. P. C. Bailey opened up in the hardware business in 1857, and ran the same for some years alone, when J. H. "Wightman went in with him, but his interest was finalh* pur- chased by George Watkins, and the firm of Bailey & "Watkins formed. This was afterward moved to Waseca, where it is con- tinued to-day. J. W. Johnson & Co. opened a store here about 1858, which continued for many years and finally removed to Waseca. J. W. Clapp in the fall of 1857 put in a stock of goods, but within a year sold out and quit. John C. Hunter was in business here, also, in 1858. The first blacksmith shop was put up and operated by H. P. Norton, in 1856. The first wagon maker was A. T. Peck, who commenced business here in the spring of 1857. Many other stores were started after that, many changes were made in the ownership of those mentioned, but to-day there is not one store left. At one time there were some twenty stores and saloons in the place, but the glory of the place has departed. On the foundation of the city of Waseca, many of* the inhabitants of Wilton removed thither, and when the seat of justice was transferred to the former place, the rest of the merchants moved there too, and the village of Wilton relapsed into an apathy that is premonit.ory of its real demise. Silence reigns in its streets where once resounded the noise of busy commerce, and desolation broods over it. A Masonic lodge was organized at the village of Wilton under dispensation granted June 1, 1857, with the following officers : Jesse I. Stewart, W. M.; J. C. Ide, S. W.; H. P. Norton, J. W.; E. A. Bice, T.; H. S. Edmondson, S.;T. L. Paige, S.D.;Buel Welsh, J. I), and John Magill, Tyler. For the after history of this lodge in full detail the reader is referred to the annals of Alma City, where it was transferred, under dispensation, No- vember 21, 1883, and where it now is located. It is one of the oldest lodges in the State, being known as Wilton, No. 24. Waseca Lodge No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized atW ilton, in 1866 or 1867, and continued for many years. In 1883 it was consolidated with Comee Lodge of Waseca, most of the members hav- ing removed thither. The first bridge built in the county was put up by James E. and S. P. Child, in this township, for which they received the enor- mous sum of $5, and it was not much of a bridge, either. About the year 1862, a Presbyterian Church was organized, and lingered along for several years, when it naturally died out. Rev. William McClelland was the last pastor. The Methodists and Baptists both have houses of worship in the village, and both hold services therein. (deceased) CHAPTER XVII. ST. MAEY TOWNSHIP. HE subdivision of the county bearing the appellation of St. Mary embraces all of congress- ional township 107 north of range 23 west, and contains about 33,000 acres of fine land. Some of the best arable soil in this county is found here. The sur- face of the country is gently undulating, some of the swells rising almost to the altitude of hills, but the long and gentle slope destroy- ing any idea of height. This township is well watered, the Le Sueur River entering it on the southern line of section 36, and in its westward course ti'av- ersing sections 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 36, and this with its affluent, a creek having its source on sections 16 and 22, afford ample drainage to this territory. The soil is a rich, black loam that is unexcelled for fertil- ity and productiveness. Small grain, corn and vegetables bear an uncommon yield, and the native indigenous grasses on the un- broken sod affoi'ds pasturage for the many herds of cattle. The people of St. Mary are entirely agricultural, there being no village within its limits, although the north half of it is traversed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The pioneer settlers of the j^recinct of St. Mary came here in the spring and summer of 1855, and were : Abraham and Joseph Bird, John White, Gottlieb Sr., Martin and John Fred Krassin, Fred Prechel, Bernard Gregory and Fred Wubschall. Of these, Abraham Bird died here February 12, 1869 ; 33 566 Joseph removed to far away Oregon ; Martin and Gottlieb Krassin Sr., have " crossed tlie dark river to a better land beyond ; " Ber- nard Gregory passed away also about the year 1877, and John White is now a resident of Iosco Township. All these old settlers have been mentioned at length al- ready in the chapter on the early settlement of the county. Gottlieb and Fred. Prechel and Fred. Wub- schall are still residents of the township. John Bailey came to this precinct in 1856, and located for a time, but, with Mr. Cham- berlain, purchased the town site of St. Mary, and was for some time connected with the growth of that place as well as interested in the mill. He is now a resident of Medford, Steele County, and a biographical sketch of him will be found in that department of this volume. Christian and Gottlieb Krassin Jr. came here in the summer of 1856. Christian died here April 22, 1876 ; Gottlieb is still a resident of the township. Johan Gottlieb Krassin is a son of Gottlieb Krassin Jr. and Augusta (Sommer) Krassin, his wife, who were among the earliest settlers in Waseca County. Johan Gottlieb Krassin was born in Marquette County, Wis., Sep. tember 6, 1855, and came to Waseca County an infant in his mother's arms. The family have been largely identified with the growth of St. Mary Township, and are extensive farmers and stock-raisei-s. Gottlieb Krassin is as yet unmarried. He owns some 480 acres of land, and cultivates a large share of it. He is engaged also in raising short-horn Durham cattle, and Norman Pei-cheron horses. His farm, of which he is justly 556 HISTORY OF WASECA COtrNTT. proud, is located on section 27. In 1880 Mr. Krassin was elected to the office of scliool director, and held tiie same for three years. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church. John Woixlen came to this precinct also in 1856, purchasing a farm, where he lived for a few years. He sold out here finally and removed to Iosco, where he bought a place and lived until death called him away. His son, Henry, is now a resident of Iosco. Joseph Mantie was among the earliest set- tlers of St. Mary, coming here August 5, 1856, and settling on section 27, where he now lives. He is a native of Prussia, and came to tiie United States in the year 1853, first lo- cating at Princeton, Wis., where he followed tiie blacksmith trade, after which he came to Waseca County, wliere he did the first work in that line within its limits. In December, 1855, he was united in marriage with Minnie Krassin, daughter of Gottlieb and Augusta Krassin, a native of Prussia, born March 29, 1841. They are the parents of nme children: Samuel, married to Matilda Buke, a native of Prussia, July i, 1 883 ; Henrj', John, Will- iam, Frank, Mena, married Frank Zickerick, June 2 1879; Melia, married Fred King, October 3, 1883 ; Emma; and Elizabeth mar- ried Amel Martin, November 16, 1886. Mr. Mantie is a Republican, has held many town- ship and school district offices, and is one of the representative men of the township. He is a member of the Catholic Church. John Jordan came to this town in the year 1856, and located on section 16, where he has since resided. He was born in Ireland, June 4, 1835, and is the son of James and Mary (Malia) Jordan. His parents raised a family of seven children : Michael, Martin, Mary, John, Ann, Austin and Thomas, all of whom are living but one. The family came to America in 1849, landing at St. Johns, N. B., but after a short staj' there, moved to Clin- tonville, Mass., where they remained one year. Their next place of residence was in New York State, where they dwelt some seven years. Both of the old people are now dead. John Jordan was engaged in running a canal boat in New York for a few years, and then came to Waseca County. He is a Democrat in politics and a Catholic in religion. Anthony Gorman was also a settler of the year 1856 in this township. He is a native of Ireland, and is the son of Charles and Mary Gorman, both of whom are now dead. They were the parents of nine children, five boys and four girls. Anthony Gorman came to the United States in 1848, landing in New York City. From there he went to Orange County, in the same State, and remained there a short time, when he went to Illinois ; but a few months later came to Minnesota, stop- ping a short time in Wabasha County ; from there to Hastings and then to St. Mary in 1856. He located on section 28, where he has since resided. He is a single mail, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. He has held the office of chairman of tlie town board for ten years, justice of the peace for nine years, and other town offices, and is a representative man of the township. Michael McGonagie, one of the pioneers of the year 1856, still resides on the old homestead established b}^ him in those early daj's. He is a native of Ireland, born Sep- tember 10, 1825, and is the son of Neil and Mary (O'Donnell) McGonagie, who had three children : Hugh, Michael and Neil. The subject of this sketch has one of the finest places in Waseca County, on section 15, where lie follows genei-al farming and stock- raising. October 10, 1855, he and Margeret Gill, the latter a native of Ireland, were united in marriage and they have been the parents of nine children : Michael, Mary Ann, Katie, Neil, Maggie, Hugh, John, Will- iam and Lizzie. Michael was married to Bridget McBride, a native of Ireland, in 1881, and they have five children ; Maggie was married in 1886 to Daniel Murray, of Iosco, and Hugh was married in April, 1887, HISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. 557 to Katie Kelley and lives on section 16, this township. Mr. McGonagle is a Democrat in politics and has held some of the more important oflSces connected with the educa- tional department of the town government, and is a representative man of this part of the county. He is a member of the Catholic Church. George H. Reibeling Sr. came to this township in 1S56, and settled on section 10, where he died, aijd where the family still reside. G. H. Keibehng is a native of Ger- man}', born November 18, 1854, and is the son of George H. and Eliza (Nebhul) Eeib- eling, natives of the same empire, who had a famil}' of eight children : May, Anna, George H., Caroline, Theodore, Katie, Cor- nelius and Laura. Caroline died June 26, 1865, and Laura May the 31st of July, 1866. The family came to this county in 1856. The elder Mr. Keibeling died and the mother was again married November 20, 1867, to William Harding, and is the mother of three more children : William, Everhardt and Isa- bella, all living at home on section 10, this township. George H. is a single man and own 120 acres of land on the same section. He is a Republican in politics. Holder S. Loveland, in 1856, made a settle- ment on part of section 25. He afterward sold out the farm which he had taken and re- moved from the count}'. His son George was in the army during the late rebellion, and died September 29, 1863, at Black River bridge. Charles W. Johnston and family were among the pioneers of the year 1857. Mrs. Jane C. Johnston is the daughter of Samuel and Louisa (Clark) Scrilmer, the former a native of Washington County, N. H., and the latter of Orange County, Vt. They had a family of five children, as fol- lows : Charles, who married Emma Horn, in 1855, living at Lowell, Mass.; George F., who married Abbie Chapman, now living in Massachusetts; Alzoa married S. D. Oster- hout, living at Lowell, Mass.; Mary A. and Jane C. The latter was born at Chelsea, Vt., February 5, 1833, and was united in marriage April 5, 1857, with Charles W. Johnston, a native of Montpelier, Vt., born March 9th, 1834. They were the par- ents of five children : Nellie M. L., born August 7, 1858; Alma S., May 22, 1860; Charles F., April 17, 1863 ; Willard C, June 29, 1866, and George S., May 28, 1869. Charles F. died Mai;ch 25 and George March 31, 1873, of scarlet fever and diphtheria, and are buried in Waseca cemetery. Mrs. John- ston and her family came here in 1857 and settled on the place on section 13 where she now lives. Her son Willard carries on the farm. August Priebe was born in St. Mary Town- ship, Waseca Count}', July 31, 1864, and is the son of John and Caroline (Vondrie) Priebe, natives of Prussia, who came to this county in an early day, being among the first settlers of St. Mary. John Priebe was a farmer and settled on section 10, where he died August 25, 1872; his wife died in 1880 ; both are buried in Iosco Township. August commenced life for himself on his farm on section 10 in the spring of 1887, he having 282 acres from his father's estate, where he carries on farming and stock-raising. June 16, 1887, he was United in marriage with Molvena Krienke, also a native of this county, Ijorn September 7, 1868, and a daughter of August and Henrietta Krienke, farmers in this town. August Priebe has a sister and a brother living ; Amelia, the sister, is the wife of Julius Mittelstadt ; married April 4, 1883; lives in losca ; the brother, WilMam, works for August. August and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. OTHEKS. The following are a few more of the lead- ing representative people of St. Mary Town- ship who deserve a place in history : S. S. Phelps (deceased), was a native of the State of New York, and was born April 5, 1840. He was the son of John and Nancy 558 HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. (Woodruff) Phelps, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of New Yorli. John Phelps was a farmer all his life, and died in 1877; the mother still survives. They raised a family of four children, three boys and one girl, in the spring of ISfiS S. S. Phelps came to Waseca County from Portage Count}', Wis., and purchased a farm on sec- tion 11, St. Mary Township, where his fam- ily reside, but that year spent part of the time in Owatonna and the balance in Por- tage County, whither he had returned. In the spring of 1866 he built a house on this place on the site of the present splendid man- sion. The first house was but 12x14 feet in size, and in this the family lived, two small additions being built in the meantime, until their new residence was built. This latter was erected by Mr. Phelps during the year 1869, and is one of the finest in the county, having cost $11,000. It is a brick-veneered structure, 40x47 feet on the ground, two stories and a half with the foundation and trimmings of cut Kasota stone, and is fitted with all the modern conveniences. The same year he put up a residence on a place he owned in Blue Earth County, near Eagle Lake, at a cost of $1,400 and another near Janesville at a cost of $1,000. Mr. Phelps was a large land-holder, at one time owning some 2,200 acres of land in this and Blue Earth Counties. In 1867 when the railroad had reached Waseca, Mr. Phelps took a con- tract to haul all the freight from that point to St. Peter, Mankato and New Ulm, and this he held until the road had reached those points, having from four to ten teams en- ffat'ed. He had also a contract with the railroad company to distribute ties along the roadbed from Waseca to Janesville. In 1869 he entered into a contract with the rail- road company to furnish them with 60,000 cords of wood, and purchased machinery to saw it with, which business he pursued for seven years. He fitted up seven small saws run by horse power and one large one which cost $1,200, run bv steam. These with the boarding car were arranged to move along the track and operated all the way from Madison, Wis., to St. Peter and New Ulm. After his large expense tiie company began burning coal, so that Mr. Phelps sustained heavy losses, having to sell his machinery at a great sacrifice. Mr. Phelps was one of the enterprising men that have so materially helped to build up Waseca County, and a man that united great energy of character with rare business ability. October 13, 1861, Mr. Phelps and Elspa Sutherland were united in marriage. She is a native of New Brunswick, born July 8, 1842. They were the parents of six children : Ellen E., born February 15,1864; Nancy H., born April 5, 1868: Sethie J., born December 31, 1870; George P., born January 8, 1873; Jessie E., born February 4, 1875, and Joseph D., born June 27, 1877. Sethie died October 16, 1880. Ellen married Carl S. Fitch, Decem- ber 31, 1885, and is living in Dakota. All the rest of the family are at home with their mother. Mr. Phelps met his death on the evening of the 11th of March, 1884, while crossing the railroad track about a mile west of Waseca. He was driving his team home, and while on the track was struck by the engine and instantly killed. His body lies in Waseca cemetery. Thus was cut off in the prime of life one of the most active busi- ness men of this county. A portrait of Mr. Phelps will be found elsewhere in this vol- ume. Daniel T. Ballard Avas born in England, October 16, 1839, and is the son of Samuel and Mary (Ashb}') Ballard, who had a fami- ly of five children : Ann Eliza beth, Elizabeth, Isaac, John, and Daniel T. The last named came to the United States in 1856, with two brothers, landing in New York City, and worked in Crawford County, Pa., farming in the summer, and in the winter following, doing chores for his board, and went to school. The next summer he went to Ohio, but in that fall came to Waseca County. This was in 1858. He located at fii'st in HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 559 Iosco. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Eig-hth Minnesota, but was dis- charged the same year at Fort Snelling. He then went to Dakota Countj% this State, where he lived three years, and from there he returned to Iosco Township, Waseca County. In May, 1866, lie and D. A. Erwin started for Montana with ox teams, and joined a train going that direction, which consisted of fifty-three wagons and about three hun- dred persons. He returned in November, 1872, to this county, where he has since re- mained. June 17, 1873, he was united in marriage with Josephine Brossard, a native of Wisconsin. They are the parents of three children : Sylvester E., born February 22, 1874 ; Ida B., born April 26, 1883, and Wes- ley E., born February 26, 1885. Mr. Bal- lard is a Republican in politics. Isaac Ballard came to Waseca County in 1856. First located in Iosco, where he re- mained for about ten years. Then purchased a farm on section 1, St. Mary, where he still lives. Mr. Ballard is a native of England, born December 16, 1834, where he lived un- til 22 years of age, and then sailed for America. His first stop was in Pennsylvania, where he remained but a short time, and then came on to Illinois, where he remained but a few weeks, and then came to Waseca County, in the fall of 1856. On October 6, 1864, was united in marriage to Carrie Er- win, daughter of P. A. and Jane Erwin, natives of New York State. She was born January 11, 1836. They are the parents of eight chilch'en : Arthur, Clifton, Carrie, Wal- ter, Marshall, Sidney and Maud. Six are still at home, one, Arthur, in Minneapolis working for a glass firm. Mr. Ballard is a Republican in politics. He also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Hans Paulson came to AYaseca County in the spring of 1869, and at that time pur- chased 160 acres of land in this township, to which he has added eighty acres, now hav- ing 240 acres on section 11. He gives his attention to genei'al farming and raising short-horn cattle and blooded horses. He is ■a native of Norway, born January 27, 1833. His father and family came to the United States in 1868, and located in Fillmore County, this State, where he died at the age of seventy years. Hans came to this coun- try in 1856, and for four years thereafter was a resident of Iowa. He then removed to Fillraofe County, Minn., where he lived until coming here in 1869. April 5, 1862, he was united in marriage with Osse Fin- gerson, a native of Norway, boi'ii February 16, 1845. Iler parents came to the United States in 1852, and settled in Wisconsin. In a few years they removed to Fillmore Coun- ty, Minn., and in 1865. to Waseca County, locating in Blooming Grove, where her fath- er remained until his death in 1873. The mother is still a resident of the same town. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson have a family of eight children : C. William, Alfred, Oliver, Aus- tin, Eddie, Carl, Anna and Tilda. Mr. Paulson and family are members of the Lutheran Church. William Mittelsteadt, is an enterprising farmer on section 9, where he carries on quite an extensive business in general farm- ing and stock-raising. He came to Waseca County in 1867, settling where he now lives. He is a native of Prussia, born February 15, 1848, and is the son of Gottfried and Gus- tiva Mittelsteadt, who were the parents of eight children, seven boys and one girl. Gottfried died in the old country. William came to the United States in 1867, and came directly here, as already detailed, his mother, who lives with him, coming in his companj'. Mr. Mittelsteadt has been thrice married. December 26, 1872, he was united in mar- riage with Caroline Priebe, born in Prussia, in 1848, and who died June 19, 1880, leaving two children : Gustof, born December 12, 1876, and Emma, born December 7, 1878. January 13, 1881, he was married to Augusta Fisher, a native of Prussia, who died March 20, 1884, leaving one child, Martha, born Mav 11, 1883. He was married to Willimena 560 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Leeck, September 12, 1884, and they are the parents of three children : Freddie, born June 12, 1885 ; Eddie, born June 8, 1886, and Herman, born August 18, 1887. Mr. Mittelsteadt is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of town supervisor for three terms. Charles Gorman is a native of Ireland, born May 11, 1836, and lived in that country until 1852, when he came to the United States. Landing in Boston he proceeded to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he remained some three yeai'S, after which he came to Aurora, 111., and made that his home for about one year. He then came to Winona County, Minn., where he made a stay of about three years, when he went to Mem- phis, Tenn., and remained until 1861. He again came to Minnesota, locating in Waseca County, purchasing a farm in St. Mary Township, where he has since made his home and it is a most pleasant one. Mr. Gorman has a fine farm on section 20, with good buildings, and his land in a high state of cul- tivation. May 12, 186i, he was united in marriage to Bridget McNickle, also a native of Ireland, who died October 10, 1869. She was mother of three children, all of whom died in infancy. He was married again Oc- tober 10, 1876, to Catherine Gallagher, a native of Ireland. She is also deceased. They had a family of eight children : Mary, Bridget, Winford, Johannah, Thomas and Anthony, and two died in infancy. Mr. Gorman is a Democrat in politics, and be- longs to the Catholic Church with his fam- iiy. D. A. Erwin, who resides on section 2, where he has a fine farm, was born August 4, 1839, in New York State, and is the son of P. A. and Jane Erwin, tlie former a native of Vermont, the latter of Ireland. Mr. Erwin the elder was born in 1797, and was in the service of his country during the war with Great Britain in 1812-15, and is stiU living in this county with his son, D. A. Mrs. Jane Erwin died here in September, 1867. In Septem- ber 1862, D. A. Erwin enlisted in Company D, Ninety-eighth New York Infantry, and served until May, 1863, when he was dis- charged for disability. He then returned to New York State and engaged in farming for about a year, when he came west to Waseca County in 1864, joining his parents, who had located here about a 3'ear previous. In 1865 the gold fever seized upon Mr. Erwin and he crossed the plains to Montana, in search of the precious metal ; but fortune proving but a fickle goddess, was not propi- tious, and after three years' efforts there he returned to this county, where he has made his home ever since. He was united in marriage with Orrilla Ketcham, a native of Wisconsin, and they have been the parents of seven children : Sidney, born September 15, 1871, died October 11, 1873; Claude, born March 26, 1873; Stanley, born May 1, 1875; Grant, April 26, 1877 ; Eoland, January 27, 1879; Eugene, January 17, 1882, and an infant boy, born November 29, 1886, not named. In politics Mr. Erwin aflfiliates with the Republican party. Patrick Farley, a leading farmer and stock- I'aiser, living on section 2, where he has 160 acres of fine land, is a native of Ireland, and was born March 16, 1836. He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Garrett) Farley. His mother died in 1847, leaving a family of eight children, five boys and three girls. Patrick came to America in 1855, and for the first year lived at Albany, N. Y. From there he moved to Wisconsin, where he re- mained until 1865, when he came to Waseca County, first locating in Alton Township. He lived there for twenty-one years, but in the spring of 1887 came to St. Mary, and bought his present place of E. Bros- sard. February 2, 1870, he was married to Mary Ann Hagearty, a native of Wiscon- sin, ])orn in November, 1848, and a daughter of Richard and Mar}^ Hagearty, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Massachu- setts. Mr. and Mrs. Farley are the parents of eight children : Emma May, born Novem- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 561 ber 26, 1870 ; Thomas P., born December 9, 1873 ; William H., November 24, 1875 ; Ed- ward, January 5, 1877 ; Nellie J., August 5, 1879 ; Katie, August 6,1882; James, De- cember, 1884, and Sarah, January 5, 1887. Mr. Farley is a Democrat politically, and the family are members of the Catholic Church. Julius Papke, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 26, this town- ship, was born in Prussia, September 1, 1838. He is a son of Michael and Ellaura (Block) Papke, who had but two children. Julius came to the United States m 1861, and for four years lived in Wisconsin, and then came to this county, locating on the section where he now lives. February 15, 1857, he and Eliza Boscho were united in marriage. She was born in Prussia, December 19, 1837. They are the parents of eleven children : Adolph, Melia, Augusta, Fred, John, Julius, Sarah, Mary, Edward, Lewis and Elia. Adolph married Maggie Criptner, December 22, 1884, and lives in Blooming Grove ; Melia married A. A. Robinson, December 1, 1884, and lives in Freel^orn County, this State, and Augusta married Lewis Priebe, February 12, 1885, and lives in Woodville. Mr. Papke was elected township assessor in 1882 and held that office for two years. Is school director for district No. 44, and has held that position since 1881, a,nd has been school treasurer and clerk of the same district. Michael Gallagher was born in Marquette County, Wis., February 22, 1858, and is the son of Michael and Maria (Foley) Gallagher, both natives of Ireland. His parents came to America in 1847, and re- mained for the first seven years in New York State, and then moved to Marquette County, Wis. They remained there until 1863, when they came to Waseca County and the 1st of July located upon the northwest quarter of section 22, where the elder Mr. Gallagher followed farming until 1886, when he re- moved to the city of Waseca, where he now lives a retired life. He and his wife had a family of six children : Bernard, Eose Ann, John, Michael, Maria and Celia. The last named was burned to death when eleven years old, at the time her father's house was destroyed by fire ; the rest of the children are married. In 1886 Michael began life for himself, farming on the old homestead, hav- ing been married on the 20th of October, 1886, to Ellen Lynch, a native of this county, born January 16. 1861. Her family were among the first settlers of this township and county. They are both members of the Catholic Church. Poger Geraghty, one of the prominent and representative citizens of St. Mary, is a native of Ireland, born July 4, 1833, and is the son of Peter and Mary Geraghty, both natives of Ireland. The latter raised a family of six children, named as follows : Poger, Thomas, Peter, Mary, Bridget and Julia. During the year 1849 Roger Geraghty came to America, and for two years remained in Marquette County, Wis., whither he had gone on landing. From there he went south, where he remained until 1865, when he came to Waseca County and settled upon the farm on section 32, this township, where he now lives. November 16, 1856, he was united in marriage with Catherine Madden, daughter of Thomas and Honora Madden, a native of Ireland, born August 5, 1833, and who had come to the United States in 1849, the same time Mr. Geraghty had. Their married life has been blessed with a family of five children : Peter, Thomas, Mary, Honora and Kate. Peter died March 23, 1884, and Kate, March 11, 1874 ; the rest are living at home. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Geraghty is a Democrat in politics and has held the offices of town clerk, school clerk and treasurer of school district 15. HISTORIC CRCMBS. The first marriage in the township was at the house of Bernard Gregory on the 2d of January, 1856. when Louisa Gregory was united with Mr. Ballard, of Mankato, in the holy bonds['of matrimony. 562 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. VILLAGE OF ST. MAEY. In the montli of February, 1857, a village was laid out on the west half of section 33, by Chamberlarin. Bailey & Co., which at one time was quite an important point, vy- ing with Empire and Wilton for the honor of being the county seat of AVaseca County, in 1857. Patrick McCartliy was the original proprietor of the land upon which the village was platted, but sold it in May of the above year to the firm mentioned. His house was the pioneer building of the new town. Other settlers who were also among the first to locate at the new village may be men- tioned : Amos H. Morris, W. H. Chamber- lain, John Bailey, George T. White, T. C. McClure, James F. Elliott, Edward Lang, G. E. Buckman, H. B. Morrison, Harvey Bailey Mr. Clark, and Dennis McCarthy. Amos H. Morris was a notarj^ public at this place in 1857. lie came up here to make out papers, bringing his family, but only remained three months, going to Has- tings, Minn. W. H. Chamberlain settled in this village in May, 1856. Pie was one of the proprietors of the town site. He remained in this place for some years. While here his Avife died, about 1859 or 1860, and he then sold out and moved to New York. John Bailej"^ moved here in the spring of 1857. He is now a resident of Steele County. Capt. George T. White was connected with the official life of the county, and is noticed in that connection in the chapter entitled State and County Eepresentation. Edward Lang came here from Lowell, Mass., and put up a house south of the vil- lage, across the river, where he lived about a year, and then returned to the "Old Bay State." He is remembei-ed bv his by-word, "By fire." G. E. Buckman is now identified with the city of Waseca, and is noticed at length else- where. Dennis McCarthy was of Irish birth, and came to this place and opened a saloon. He was in the habit of freely indulging in his own whiskey, and making himself obnoxious to tiie citizens generally on such occasions. One daj' a number of the boys, led by James Plummer, took possession of the place, and finding about two barrels of " the ardent " emptied it upon the ground. The sheriif soon arrested about twent\'-five of those im- plicated, and they were taken to Wilton for trial. The case was adjourned from term to term, until in the end Isaac Price, acting as their attorney, got them cleared at an ex- pense to each one of about seven ty-five cents. McCarthy some time previous to this had frozen . both his feet, while laboring under too great a load of " benzine," and was made a cripple for life. Whitney AVheeler came to St. Mary about 1850, and was interested in the sawmill, being head sawyer. He died in Wilton about 1809. He ran a farm wiiile liere, and prac- ticed a little as farrier. His widow is still a resident of the county. Warren Smith was also a new comer of the year 1857. He was elected by the peo- ple, in after 3' ears, to fill the office of county treasurer, and has been already mentioned in that connection. J. William Jolinson, now of Waseca, set- tled in St. Mar}' in 1857, and entered into mercantile business with Warren Smith. Later they removed to Wilton, where they remained in trade until the removal of the county-seat to Waseca, when they removed to that place. Smith afterward retired from business, and the firm now is Johnson & Claghorn. George Johnson came to this village about the same time, with the sawmill of which he was part owner. After the establishment of Wilton, business declined at this point, and he removed to Wilton, where he entered into the mercantile business as a member of tlie firm of Johnson Brothers & Smith. He died at Waseca. Charles Hale, A. M. Dickey, N. B. Barron, HISTORY OF WASECA CODNTY. 563 Charles Davis, Mr. Parker, Mr. Palmer and Frank Danforth should also be mentioned in connection with the early history of the village. Soon after the laying out of the village, a man by the name of Grossman opened a boarding-house, the first house of entertain- ment in the place. He ran it but a few months, for he died before the settlement of the place. His death was caused bj^ expos- ure while duck-hunting. The first frame building in the village was erected by W. H. Chamberlain, in the spring of 1857, and is now in the city of Waseca, having been removed thither about the year 1877, and is owned by J. E. Cragin. During the fall of 1856 the proprietors of the town site started the erection of a saw- mill, with which they did sawing all the fol- lowing summer, but did not complete until the winter of 1857 8. This mill was of great utility to all the surrounding country, such establishments being rare in southern Min- nesota at that date. It was afterward moved down to the river, and a shingle and flouring mill attached, and continued in oper- ation until about 1862 or 1863, when it was destroyetl by fire. The pioneer store was opened by Warren .Smith in 1857 in a building which he erected for the purpose, carrying a stock of general merchandise. Shortly after this a copart- nership was formed between Smith and the Johnsons as related elsewhere. This firm carried on Imsiness here for a few years and then removed to Wilton. A man by the name of Wright opened a drug store here in the spring of 1857. After continuing this business for a few years he closed up and removed from the county. The first cemetery was laid out by the lioman Catholic Church at St. Mary Village about the year 1857. The first burial was that of Crossman, who died about the time of the laying out of the cemeter}', from consumption. Tlie first religious service was held at the house of Latin Fitzgerald by a Catholic priest from Mankato, in the year 1857. After the location of the seat of justice at Wilton, St. Mary ceased to grow and soon it began to decay and pass away. Like Auburn it soon became a " Deserted Vil- lage," and one by one the buildings were removed to other places, and on the 5th of October, 1873, the site was vacated by a decree of the district court and the ground reverted to its original condition of farm land. St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Father Kellei-, of Faribault, in the year 1856. The first religious services of this denomination of Christians, and doubt- less the first in the townshi]), were held at the dwelling of Andrew Lynch, and after that in the schoolhouse in the vicinity. The church edifice was erected in 1858, but with the lapse of years this building becoming too small for the growing congregation, they erected a large, fine church in 1880 at a total cost of $12,000. The building was 44x86 feet upon the ground and 26 feet high, and was a most beautiful edifice. On the afternoon of Sunday, December 20, 1885, the entire structure was destroyed by tire, but very little of its contents being saved. A fine statue of St. Joseph, presented to the church but two months previous by Peter Burns and Christie Heiferan, and the figure of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary, were taken out of the burning building comparatively unhurt. The chalices and some of the altar furniture were also saved through the instrumentality of Thomas Geraghty and James Byron. The church had an insurance upon it of $7,000, divided be- tween the Continental and Ilekla companies. A contract for the rebuilding of the church edifice has been let the summer of this year, (1887) to J. T. Lee, and a contract for the erection of a parsonage to Thomas Flynn. Rev. Father R. Hughes is the present pastor in charge. The membership embraces about 420 individuals. CHAPTER XVIII. IOSCO TOWNSHIP. IIEN Waseca County was lirst oi- ganized, in 1857, the territory now called Iosco was, together with about all of Janesville, known as the precinct of Empire ; and at the first election, which took place in June, 1857, the polling place was fixed at the hotel of John H. Wheeler, in the village of Empire. N. E. Strong, C. R. Miller and James Haynes were the judges of election. M. S. Green was the first justice of the peace. At a meeting of the board of county com- missioners held April 5, 1858, congressional township 108 north, range 23 west, was set off and organized into the town of Iosco. The place of holding the election was at the house of Daniel Tripp, in the village of Empire, and H. W. Peck, George L. Leonard and David Smith were the election judges. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The pioneer settlers in what is now Iosco township, were Luke Osgood, Daniel Mc- Daniels and John II. Wheeler. These gentle- men came to Waseca County early in the summer of 1855. In July of that year Mr. Osgood, who had his family with him, erect- ed the first shanty in the town. It was made of rough logs and covered with shakes ; a doorway was cut, but no door was swung in the opening, nor were there any Avindows or floor. His family resided in this until fall, and having lived in a canvas-covered wagon, found it a very comfortable change. Before cold weather set in, however, he put up a better cabin, into which he moved. He sold out some years afterward and moved back east, where he died about 1SS3. Daniel McDaniels removed to the State of Missouri, where he is now living. John H. Wheeler is a resident of Nebras- ka, whither he removed in the year 1886. His first settlement was on section 29, and there he resided until he sold out, as above stated, to Julius Mittelstadt. Buell Welsh located in this township in August following, but did not remain here long, going to St. Mary. David Wood was the next to settle here after Osgood, McDaniels and Wheeler, com- mg here in 1855, and is still a resident of section 2, where he first located. David Wood was born in Sutherland, Scotland, in 1820, and came to America in 1818, having spent the time up to that period in the land of his nativity. He landed at Quebec, and from there went through to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. During that sum- mer he was employed on the American Mail Packet Company's steamers, between Og- densburg and Lewiston, on Lake Ontario. He then journeyed to New Orleans, from there he returned to northern country, and was employed on the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, laying track, and for four years was section boss. Taking a contract to build some two miles of road on the Pitts- burg, Fort AVayne & Chicago Railroad, he was seized with the ague and came to Min- nesota, locating on the land he now lives on, preempting the same. He came all the way by ox team, being six weeks on the road. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Susan Somerville, formerly of Virginia, who has Ijeen the mother of five children : David W., now living at home; Mary Ann, now ]\Irs. O'Leary, of Waterville ; Victor R. and .564 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 565 Horatio S., both at home, and Alvin, who died August 28, 1868. David W. Avas the first child born in the township, as is told elsewhere. Mr. Wood has held the position of chair- man of the town supervisors for about twenty years, and various school-district offices, assisting in organizing the district, and has always taken a prominent part in the town's historJ^ Aaron Hanes came to this county and se- lected a claim in 1855. He died here in 1859, leaving a wife and four children. James, the eldest son, lives in Le Sueur County; John died many years ago; the younger girl, Charlotte, died about 1884. The other daugh- ter, Elizabeth, was married when they came here. Joseph Madrew also settled here in 1855, but did not remain very long, selling his claim and returning to "Wisconsin, whence he had come. Jacob Conrad was a German lad who worked for J. H. Wheeler. He took up a claim, but in 1858 sold it to J. H. Wheeler, and left. His parents resided in Ohio, from whence he had come. J. W. Hosmer, now of the village of Janes- ville, came to Waseca County in 1855 and settled in this township, but the following year removed to the adjoining township west. Hubert P. Chamberlain came to Iosco in March, 1856, and making a settlement, has remained a resitlent ever since. H. P. Cliam berlain was born in Sparta, Livingston Coun- ty, N. Y., April 13, 1833. His parents emi- grated from there to Florence, Erie Count}^ Ohio, when he was but a year old. When he was but nine years of age he started for himself. He worked out by the month and day in Ohio until he was about twenty years of age, when he went to Grand Island, Lake Superior, where he worked about one year. He also worked in the Michigan pineries one winter, and started for Minne- sota early in the spring of 1855. He came through from Michigan accompanied by his brother Orlando, arriving at what is now the city of Eochester, Olmsted Count}", April 13, 1855. His personal pi'operty consisted of one horse and a small amount of money for his expenses. He made a claim south of Eochester, near Eoot Eiver, put up a cabin, and eight days afterward sold his claim and improvements for $200 to a man named Wilson. Then in company with several others he came to Le Sueur County and lo- cated about a mile north of Okaraan, taking a claim. Mr. Chamberlain was married in February, 1857, to Sarah E. Hatch, daughter of Curtis Hatch, one of the pioneers of Blooming Grove. They have had born to them nine children : Alma, born February, 22, 1858; Adelia, August 29, 1860; Eosia, February 15, 1861; Effie, February 18,1864; Angeline, November 5, 1866; William, De- cember 15, 1868 ; Lafayette, March 4, 1871 ; Edgar, March 24, 1875 ; Edward, November 9, 1880, aU of whom are living, six being residents of this county. John F. Allen made a settlement in Iosco on the 16th of June, 1856. William Lee is one of the pioneers of this portion of the county, making his first ap- pearance here in March, 1856. He came here from Hastings, Minn., hunting land. Shortly after this, making a second trip, he found what he wanted and settled here, locating upon the portion of section 6 where he now lives. He is a native of County Wexford, Ireland, born October 15, 1831, and resided in that " beautiful isle of the sea," until 1851, when he left his home for the United States. Landing in New York on the 17th day of March, he only remained in that vicinity about two months and then came west to Milwaukee, and spent about a year in that neighborhood, engaged in farm- ing, railroading and blacksmithing. From there he drifted to Chicago, where he still followed the railroad business. Next we find him at Eockford, 111., where he was employed running stationary engme. 566 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. which he followed for eight months. In August, 1854, he was united in marriage with Catharine Beahan at Freeport, 111., after which event he came to Minnesota. This was in the fall of 1855. He remained at Hastings all that winter, coming here in the spring as mentioned above. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been the parents of eight children : Mary Ann, single, at home, en- gaged in teaching ; Catherine, single, en- gaged as dressmaker ; Ellen J., now Mrs. Truman, lives at Hector, this State; John, section foreman Cannon Valley Railroad, lives at P>elle Creek, Goodhue County ; Mag- gie, Susan, James and Emma, at home. Mr. Lee was county commissioner for three years, town clerk, assessor, town supervisor and held several school district offices, now serv- ing as clerk of district 27. He is also trustee of the Catholic Church of Iosco, and a mem- ber of the Farmer's Alliance of the county. John Minske, with his two sons, August and Fred., located here in 1856. The elder Mr. Minske died a resident of this town in 1862, after a long and painful illness, brought on no doubt by the exposure and hardship incident to a new settlement, and to which he was not accustomed in early life. His sons are still living in the town- shiji. With the Minskes came Gottfried Kanne, his three sons, Fred., August and Gottlieb, and his son-in-law, William Martzahn. These all settled in the northeastern part of the town. Mr. Kanne the elder, died here in 1886, the balance are still living. They reached this place on the 25th of May, 1856, and at once broke some sixty acres, twenty on each of the three claims. Fred. F. Kanne is a native of Germany, born February 10, 1846. When he was but eleven years of age he lost his mother, and the father, with his little family consisting of four children, left the fatherland to come to the shores of the great republic, in 1856, landing at Baltimore after a passage of seven weeks and two days. They came right through to Minnesota, locating near Water- ville, Le Sueur County, where the old gen- tleman took up a claim, and where Fred. lived for ten years. On the 21st of July, 1865, Fred. F. Kanne and Augusta M. Richter, were joined in wedlock, and some time later came to Iosco Township, settling upon section 1, where he now resides. Mrs. Kanne's father and brother were killed by the Indians in the outbreak of 1862 ; her mother is also dead. Mr. Kanne has a large farm of 270 acres of fine land, good buildings and is one of the thrifty and prosperous farmers of whom any county may well feel proud. He has held the office of town super- visor and various others in the school district. He is the inventor of a patent collar pad for horses, which received honorable mention at the New Orleans exposition in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Kanne are the parents of eleven chil- dren : Albert J., Otto F., Anton, deceased; Emma L., Anna M., Lydia M., Theodore E., Martha A., Wesle}' B., George G. and Karl II. Albert is at Waterville and is a clerk in the bank. AU the others live at home ex- cept Emma, who is attending school and lives with her grandfather in Waterville. David Hutchinson, Thomas Bishop and Thomas Gibson made settlements within this precinct in 1856. Mr. Hutchinson is now a citizen of Red Wing, this State ; Mr. Gibson, who located on section 28, after liv- ino- there for a few years moved back to Illinois, where he died. Mr. Bishop emi- grated to Colorado. John Reed, after whom Reed's Lake in this township was named, was a veteran of the war of 1812-15, who came here in 1856. He was the father of seventeen children by two wives, five boys of whom were in the service during the late war. He died at Morristown not many years since. John F. and William Allen located claims, which they improved, in 1856 ; the former is now living in Nebraska, the latter in Mis- souri. John G. and Silas Ward were, also, among HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 567 the pioneers of this year. John died in Mis- souri, where he had moved in 1872, and Silas returned to Illinois, where he is now living. John J. Fell, still a resident of Iosco, set- tled on section 33, in 1856. Richard Toner settled on section 16, in the fall of 1856. He was mixed up in the Hagadorn case, but there being.no evidence against him the jury acquitted him. He was born about 1813. On the 27th of August, 1878, his house was burned to the ground, and in spite of the strenuous efforts made by his son and others, he could not be rescued, and miserably perished in the flames. A daugh- ter of William Kanne was also burned at tlie same time. She was a young girl and was living there at the time as a domestic. During- this year (1856) quite a number of settlers arrived in this part of the county, among whom were H. W. Peck, George L. Leonard, Daniel Tripp, H. D. Baldwin, Benja- min W. Gifford, A. A. Gotten, Nelson and Henry Thwing, William Long and his sons, Seth W. and George; M. S. Green, Alnieran Wilsey, James Chad wick and Spencer J. AVillis. Henry Peck, who was the fii'st to hold the office of county surveyor, was interested in the town site of tlie embryo village of Em- pire, but after the failure of that place to secure the seat of justice for the county and its subsequent downfall, Mr. Peck went back East. George W. Leonard was a resident of the village of Empire. About the year 1860 he returned to Ohio. Daniel Tripp, who ran tlie hotel at Empire, removed to liice County after some years. Benjamin Giff'ord was also one of the pro- prietors of the town site of Empire. He Anally went back to Wisconsin. Later he returned to this county and remained a short time, tlien moving to Elysian, Rice County, where he died about 1885. A. A. Gotten was one of the leading spirits in the village of Empire town site, he doing the larger part of the selling, no small job, for this was quite an extensive town on paper. On the collapse of the enterprise he left the county. Henry Thwing after a few years' residence here removed to the western part of the State, where he is now living. Nelson Thwing is a i^esident of Janesville Town- ship now. M. S. Green owaed a farm adjoining the town site of Empire, and resided there for many years. Later he sold out and moved to Iowa, where he died. Spencer J. Willis lived at the village of Empire working at his trade, that of carpen- ter. He afterward removed to Wilton, and for four years filled the office of clerk of the court. Some j'ears ago he removed to Washington, where he has been in one of the depai'tments as clerk ever since. Jacob Hagadorn, the victim of the first murder in the county, came here in tlie fall of 1856 and settled in the village of Empire. After his death, in October, 1857, his family moved away. Peter Farrell, the murderer of Hagadorn, came here in the spring of 1856. He was a man given to drink, and, when full of the intoxicating fluid, apt to grow boisterous. At the election of 1857, being full of whiske}'^ and frenzy, he killed Mr. Hagadorn, a quiet against whom he It was said at the time that it was his intention to slay some one else, and that, blinded by drink, he made a mistake. He was arrested, sent to Stillwater for security until he could be tried, but broke jail and left the country. He was seen or thought to have been seen at New Orleans, during the war. It is tliought now that he is a resident of Chicago, and has been for some time. David Coddington and his son A. H. came to this township from New York State, in 1857, and took up claims, and remained here until 1861, when they moved over into Janesville. David Coddington died a resi- and inoffensive neighbor had no grudge 568 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. dent of that township in 1878; A. II. is a resident of Ehndale, Chase County, Kan. G. Wash. Mathews and Fred. E. Koberts made settlements in 1S57. on section fi, where they remained but a sliort time, returning to Le Sueur County. Charles Green made a claim on section 30, whei'e he lived for many years, finally emi- grating to Missouri. liiamsel Giles made a settlement in the same year, on section 1, and James Babcock on section 30. Jane Babcock located a claim on section 2, where she still lives. Myron S. Sheldon came to this township in 1857. He was born in Monroe, Vt., in 1831, and was united in marriage at North Adams, Mass., Decemljer 25, 1855, with Mary E. Babcock. They were the parents of four children ; Inez, tlied in infancy ; Ed- win II., also deceased ; Ida B. and Arthur M., living at home with their mother. Mr. Sheldon lived here from the time he made his settlement until 1S64-, when he enlisted in Company H, Third Minnesota Infantry, and went to Fort Snelling. From there they were ordered south, and at Little Ilock, Ark., was taken sick, came home on furlough and died at Waterville, January 21, 1865. His son, Arthur M., is second lieutenant of Hancock Camp, No. 20, Sons of Veterans. Martin Miller is also among the settlers of the year 1857, coming to this township, where his father preempted some land, where Martin now lives. Martin Miller was born in Prussia, April 7, 1837. In 1856, the family, consisting of the father and four children, the mother having died years pre- vious, left the old home beyond the sea, and came to America, to make a new home in " the land of the free." They landed at New York but came straight west as far as Chicago. Martin worked for one year in Lake County, Ind., and then the family came to Minnesota, and to Waseca. In 1864 Martin Miller and Mary Kaplisky were united in marriage. She was a native of the empire of Bohemia. They have had eleven children : Barbara, Joseph, Lizzie, Mary, IVIollie. Anna, Henry, Charles, Clara, John and Ellen, all of whom are at home exce])t the eldest, who lives at Faribault. His father died in Indiana, July 23, 1883; his brother Jose])h lives near by him, and all of his sisters have left here, one being in German3% one in Chicago and one in Indiana. His daughters are liberally educated, Mary having attended the central high school at Faribault. Hugh Ilealey came to this township in 1857, and made a settlement on section 7. He is a native of County Mayo, Ireland, born in September, 1821. He lived in that island with his parents for some twenty-eight years on a small farm, Ijut in 1849 he left his na- tive shcn-es ami came to America, landing in New York, March 31 of that year. Fi'om that port he \vent to Pike, Luzerne and Wayne counties, Pa., where he lived sev- eral years. December 14, 1852, at Hones- dale, Wayne Count}', he was united in mar- riage with Sarah Coleman, whose parents were natives of Ireland. From the last named place he came to this countv, and settled in this town as detailed above, in April, 1857. After living on the piece of land on section 7, he sold it, and bought his present place on sections 15 and 16. He has l)een closely identified with the educational interests of the district in which he lives, having held man\' of the school offices, and was town treasurer for two years. He has a fine farm of 160 acres of land, 100 of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Healey are the parents of eleven chil- dren : Thomas, living in Dakota ; John, at home ; Mary, J[rs. Dreever, living in this town; Catherine, Mrs. Lansing, of Waseca; Sarah, at home ; Fi-ancis, at La Crosse, Wis.; Josephine and Sidney at home ; Luke died 1871 ; Elizabeth, died 1873, and Maggie, who who is home. REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. The following ai-eafew of the leading agri- HISTORY OF WASECA COTTNTT. 569 culturists of Iosco Township, given to show the class of people who make up this part of the county : Philip Purcell, the present chairman of the board of county commissioners, is a native of Ireland, born in the County Tipperai'y, De- cember 15, 1840. Six years later the family, consisting of his parents, two brothers, two sisters and himself, left the " Emerald Isle," and came to the United States. Landing at New York, they came right through to Mil- waukee, in the county of which name in Wis- consin the elder Mr. Purcell made a settle- ment, where his wife died in 1856, and where the old gentleman still resides. Philip was reared in that county on a farm, receiving his education at the usual educational insti- tutions, and later in life taught school there for some ten or twelve years. February, 1870, he and Mary A. Flynn were united in marriage, and shortly after came to Waseca County, where he has since lived, and been closely identified with the official life of the county, serving eight years on the board of commissioners, six of them as chairman. He has also held the office of town supervis- or for several years, and is the present clerk of the school district in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are the parents of three children : Mary Agnes, born May 11, 1874 ; Ellen Theresa, February 14, 1870, and Anna Margaret, November 15, 1879, all living at home. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. Samuel A. Minor was born in Coleraine, Mass., February 8, 1843, and j'esided in the " Old Bay State " for twenty -three years, when he came west, locating at Waterville, Le Sueur County. He was united in marriage at Wilton, with Mrs. Maiy E. Sheldon, widow of Myron S. Sheldon, one of the old set- tlers of Iosco, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. There have been no children by this marriage, which took place Febi-uary 23, 1869. His father is still living in Cole- I'aine, where his mother died in 1876. His brothers were : Everett W., married and lives at Turner's Falls, Mass.; Cyrus H., died in 1863 ; William H., now of Waterville, Minn.; James B. and Joseph C, residing in Massachusetts; Winfield S. , at Waterville, Minn.; Uriah D. of Starke, Fla., and Charles D. on the homestead, Massachusetts. His sisters were: Sarah E., died 1870; Fannie E., Mrs. Martin, of Massachusetts. Septem- ber 2, 1862, Mr. Minor enlisted in Company B, Fifty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and served his country in the ranks of her noble defenders. He was in the siege of Port Hudson, and was held in re- serve in front of that place twenty-seven days, but was in no open battle. He is a member of N. B. Barron Post, No. 93, Grand Armj' Republic, of Waterville. He taught school in 1866, in the same town, and was the clerk of the First Baptist Church of that village. He has 270 acres of land under line culture, and owns considerable fine graded stock, and has a fine residence. Martin Plath was born in Germany, De- cember 29, 1825, and resided in that country until he had attained the age of thirty-five years. When he was twenty -three years old he and Caroline Batke were united in mar- riage, and they have been the parents of nine children : Edward, Charles, Bertha, Pauline, Herman, Otelia and Mollie, twins; Martin and Alvina, all of whom were born in Ger- many except Alvina, who was born in Waseca County. His parents are both dead, and he was an only child. Mr. Plath and family sailed for America in 1865, landing in Quebec. While crossing the long bridge across the St. Lawrence River, at Montreal, the draw being open to permit the passage of a vessel, the train ran through the opening and Mrs. Plath was severely injured, having her jaw bone broken, and their child, Martin, then but nine months olil, was killed. They came to Wisconsin ami settled in Marquette Count}', where they remained three years and then came to Waseca County, when he purchased the farm on section 26, in this township, where they now reside. 570 HISTORY OK WASKCA CO0NTY. Christiiin Koester is a native of Alsace, France, born July 31, 1832. He remained a resident of "J.a Belle France" until he had reached his majority, in 1853, when he emi- grated to the United States, his father having died when he was but eight years of age. On landing in this country he pro- ceeded to Fhiladelphia, and after some stay there and in the vicinity, came west as far as Milwaukee. From there he went to Muske- gon, Mich., where he worked for a short time in the first sawmill erected in that place. Soon after we find him on a farm near Water- town, Wis., but ten months later he went to Columbia County, in the same State, and rented a farm and finally bought forty acres of land and lived on it for about si.Y years, when he sold out and came to this county, and in 1864 purchased his present farm on section 29, where he now owns 2fi0 acres of land, 150 of which are under cultivation. He has a good and commodious dwelling and other farm buildings. Mr. Koester was married in 1858 to Catherine Eppingler, who died March 9, 1873, leaving five chil- dren : Louis, Laura (now Mrs. Pingel), Frank, Willis and Clara. On March 22, 1874, he was married to Anna Rudolph, who is the mother of three children : Eddie, William and Emil, all of whom are at home. Ludwig Walter is a native of Schwerin Mecklenburg, Germany, and was born August 10, 1832. He remained in the land of his nativity until his mai'i'iage. In 1854 the young couple embarked for the far- away shores of America. Arriving at New Vork he went at once to Detroit, Mich., and from there went into the pineries and labored the following winter. In the spring he went to Milwaukee, Wis., to see his parents, who had followed their son across the ocean. From there he moved to Wau- kesha, Wis., and from thei'e to Appleton, and from the latter place came to Owatonna, where he rented a farm in the vicinity and engaged in agricultural pursuits for a year, when he purchased eighty acres of land in the town of Meriden, Steele County, where he remained until 1875, when he purchased the farm on section 21, Iosco, in this county, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are the parents of twelve children : Albert, married and living near; Emma, Mrs. Wendland ; Ida, Mrs. Frederick; William, Sophia, Minnie, Martha, Hannah, Sarah, L3'dia, Ella and Lewis, the latter of whom is dead. Mr. Walter has three brothers, all farmers of the town of Meriden, Steele (Jounty : Frederick, John and Henry ; his sister Minnie, Mrs. Peter, is the wife of the pastor of the Evangelical Society of the same place ; the other sister, Sophia, Mrs. Hensel, lives at Sleepy Eye. His father died at Meriden in 1871, but his mother still lives there. His wife's family consisted of two brothers, John and Christian, and two sisters. Mar}', Mrs. Jarcho, and Minnie, Mrs. Walter. Mr. Walter has a fine farm and a handsome residence, with pleasant surround- ings to make him happy. John McWade came to Iosco Township in 1856, and making a claim on section 25, re- mained there, proved up and still resides on the old homestead. He is a native of Ire- land, born in County Tyrone, December 25, 1829, and remained there until twentj' years of age. Then with his sister Ella, set sail from ihe green shores of the Emerald Isle for America, and after seven Aveeks and three days spent on the passage, landed at Boston. He remained in that city and at Lowell, Mass., for about five years, when he came to this place. In 1855, at Lowell, he was united in marriage with Ann Lynch, whose parents had also come from Ire- land. They have been the parents of five children : Frank, living at home ; Margaret, Mrs. James Bowe, living near Waseca; Catherine, deceased ; Theresa, died in in- fancy, and Mary A., at home. Mr. McWade has filled the offices of town supervisor, town clerk, justice of the peace and all the various ortices of the school district. He has a farm of 280 acres of land and a fine residence. He HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 573 gives considei'able attention to fine stock, running to graded cattle, Poland-Cliina and Victoria hogs, etc. Mrs. Ann McWade is the daughter of Patrick and Ellen Lynch, who were the parents of six children : Mary, Hannah, Ann, Alice, Kate and John, all of whom are living in Massachusetts ex- cept John, who is in the Soldiers' Home at Logus, Me., and Ann, who is the wife of John McWade, of this township. John Lynch enlisted at Lowell, Mass., in October, 1861, in Company B, Twenty-sixth Massa- chusetts Infantry, and fought bravely in many of the battles of the late war, especially at that of Cedar Creek in 1804, in the Shenan- doah Valle\^ He reenlisted on the expira- tion of his term of service, serving to tlie end of the war, and was honorably dis- charged. August Bathke and his family settled in Waseca County in 1864, on section 22, Iosco Township, where Mr. Bathke now has 210 acres of tine land. He is a native of Ger- many, born May 25, 1825. He resided in the country of his birth for many years, and there he was united in marriage with Caro- line Roesky, and they have had born to them eleven children : Charles, August, William, Gusta, Albert, Herman, Fred, Ame- lia, Martha and Lydia. Fred, is now dead, dying in Minnesota. When they came to America they landed at Quebec, Canada, and from there proceeded to Detroit, where they stayed only two days and then went to Princeton, Wis., where he worked on a farm that summer, and then bought a farm of s xty-five acres of land, and lived there five years. Selling out at the end of that time, he came to Minnesota, and after spending six months at New Ulm, came to thi.s county. James E. Jones is a native of England, born in the parish of Minsterworth, Glouces- tershire, May 20, 1827. Beginning life for himself at the early age of twelve years, his time has been filled with many adventures. Having a longing for tlie sea that girts his 33 native land, he shipped on board of a vessel as ship's l)oy, and followed a sailors life for nearly a quarter of a century, making many voyages ; at one time was pressed into the service of the British P]ast India Company, and served in the military contingent in Hindoostan for four years. In 18fiO he came to America to stay, and located at Milwaukee, which he made his home, being engaged in the duties of seaman on the lakes. Shortly afterward he came to Iosco, Waseca County,where he still resides. June 11, 1863, Mr. Jones and Mrs. Louisa Lafayette were united in marriage. Mrs. Lafayette, who was a widow, had at that time two children : Edgar Lafayette, now at Casselton, D. T., and Minnie L., now Mrs. Brossard. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had nine children : Fayette, born June 3, 1865, and died at the age of four years; Alice A., born Sep- tember 3, 1867, and died at the age of six- teen months; Fayette, born May 20, 1869; Wesley, September 3, 1871; Frank, October 6, 1873; AHce, January 14, 1875; George, February 17, 1878; Willie, July 27, 1880, and Roy, February 27, 1882. James E. Jones purchased the place where he now lives, in 1860. It is very pleasantly situated and under a high state of cultivation. Notwith- standing his early education as a seaman, he has made a success of farming, and has achieved a competency. Henry S. Ballard is a native of Iosco Township, Waseca County, Minn., born Sep- tember 10, 1862, and has been a resident nearly all the time ever since. Determined to get an education, he attended the Wesleyan Methodist Seminary, at Wasioja, Dodge County, for nearly eight terms, working there at whatever he found to do to pay his tuition and keep, and attending the school when- ever he could. He was away from home thus most of the time, from the time he was eighteen until he was twenty -four years old ; but August 31, 1886, his father was hurt by his horse running away, by which he received such injuries that he died after six weeks of 574 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTT. suffering. Henry then came home and took full charge of the farm. He has delivered a number of public lectures, including one on the" use of tobacco and six on the prohibi- tion question. His mother, Huldah A. (Wright) Ballard was united in marriage with John Eallard, his father, August 31, 1861. They had a family' of eleven children: Henry S., Mary A., Charles B.,Emma M., David L., Chandler J., Lovell A., deceased; Benjamin L., NelJie Mae and Ellie J. (twins) and Anna H. Mary Newman was born in Milwaidvce, Wis., December 6, 1845, where she lived with her parents until twenty-six years of age ; in 18Y1 was united in marriage to John New- man, a native of Germany, born May 7, 1831. Soon after their marriage they came to Waseca County, Mrs. Newman's parents bav- ins: come some time before. Mr. Newman died November 4, 1885. They had born to them eight children : Fred, Anna, William, Gustave and Herman, all living and at home, and three died in infancy. August Kaiser is a native of Germany, born November 4, 1849. He came to Amer- ica when nineteen years of age, landing at New York City, and from there went to Wisconsin and worked in Green Lake County about one year; then came to Waseca County, Minn., and worked out for a few years. In 1874 he purchased the farm on which he now resides. The same year he was united in marriage with Augusta Wunderliech in Rice County. They have had born to them six children : George, Ilachel, Adolf, Almon, Eddie and Orlando. Mr. Kaiser has about 315 acres of land, of which 150 is under cul- tivation. He has four brothers and two sisters living in Minnesota. His farm is in a high state of cultivation and has fine buildings. James Slattery was born in Montreal, Canada, October 4, 1833, where he lived for many years. In 1878 he settled in Iosco Township, Waseca County, Minn., where he purchased a farm on section 20. In 1863 he was united in marriage to ilary Murphy, also a native of Canada. Thej^ have had born to them four children : Lizzie, Katie, Bridget and Mary A. Mr. Slattery has a brother, a resident of Iosco ; a sister, now Mrs. Blanchfield, lives in Moorhead, Minn. His father and mother both died in Canada some years ago. Mrs. Slattery's parents are both dead. She has two brothers, Henr}' and Thomas, neither of whom are residents of Waseca County, however. August Wendland came to Waseca Countv in 1868 and located on section 21, where he now resides. He is one of the prosperous farmers of Iosco, and has a fine farm under good cultivation. He is a native of Prussia, born March 4, 1826, and was reared in that countr\'. Like most youths of Germany, he served in the army of his fatherland. January 3, 1850, he was united in marriage with Justina Wendland, by whom he had seven children: Julius, deceased ; Herman, deceased ; August, born December 27, 1857, married to Emma Walter and resides in this town ; Henrietta, born May 27, 1860, now Mrs. Keiser, also of Iosco; Amelia, deceased; John, born December 6, 1862, and Mary, born November 14, 1864, now Mrs. Draham, of Waseca. In 1853, in company with his wife and one child, Herman, he left his native land and came to the United States, and for some years made his home in Wisconsin ; coming to Waseca Count}^ in 1868, he has made it his residence ever since. His first wife died in 1868 ; he was again married to Justina Block, of Mai'quette, Wis., who bore him one child, Henrv, Septem- ber 8, 1869, who is stiU at home. Both his parents and those of his wife are dead, having died in the old country. FIRST THINGS. The first school in district No. 12 was held at the house of John M. Minske, during the winter of 1858-9. Sallie Norcott was the teacher. The first religious services were held at the HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 575 house of J. M. Minske in the spring of 1857, by the German Methodists. RELIGIOUS. The German Methodist congregration of Iosco Townslii]) is a part of the church at Waseca, but hold independent meetings at the residence of August Minske, who usually presides. This class was initiated at a series of meetings held at the house of John Minske, in the spring of 1857. No society was formed at that time, they belonging to the church organization in Blooming Grove, but in 1876 this was set off and called Wa- seca Mission. The class at Mr. Minske's numbers about twenty-five. Sunday school was instituted in 1865 and now has about thirty members. St. Jarlath Roman Catholic Church is located on section 17, and was erected in 1868, at a cost of about $1,800, but has since been remodeled and finished until it repre- sents a cost of $4,000. It is a very pretty specimen of church architecture and reflects credit upon the community that put it up. The first meeting of the Catholics of Iosco was held at Okaman, in 1858, mass being celebrated by Rev. Father Somerising. This was at the house of John Bradish. The peo- ple of this township attended mass at Ely- sian for the most part, going there to their duties. In 1865 meetings were held at the Murray schoolhouse on section 9. Missionary services were held from this time on until 1868 when the church here was built. At that time the church had some 140 members taking in a part of the Waseca, Janesville and Waterville missions, but now has but about forty members. Rev. Father P. J. O'Neil comes here from Janesville twice a month to attend to the spiritual wants of the community and celebrate mass. The cemetery in connection with this church was laid out in 1868. The first interment here was that of John Oaks, in the winter of 1868- 9 ; the second, that of John Haley, in April, 1869. There is a German Methodist Church on section 13, that was built in 1880-81. The first meeting of this societ}' was held at the house of Gottfried G. Kanne, on section 12, in the year 1858. This and subsequent services were held by Rev. Goechtenmier, at various houses, and the society organized. In 1872, when the schoolhouse was built, meetings were held in that until the build- ing of the church. VILLAGE OF EMPIRE. In the spring of 1856 N. E. Strong, George L. Leonard, Daniel Tripp, Benjamin W. Gif- ford and A. A. Gotten, conceiving that a town in this part of the county would be a good thing, laid out the village of Empire, on the southeast quarter of section 20. II. W. Peck, afterward county surveyor, laid it out and platted it. High hopes were indulged in regard to the new village, and anticipations of having the county seat located there daz- zled the eyes of the owners and residents ; but when the seat of justice was located at the rival village of Wilton, Empire gradi\ally lost its prestige and waned and melted away into nothingness. In the language of a local writer, " It rose, reached its zenith and faded away all in the course of two years." Where once the imagination of its partisans expected to see rise stately buildings filled with mer- chandise, hear busy factories make the air throb with beat of machinery, naught now is seen but nodding grain or bending corn ; streets they hoped to have seen pressed by the feet of huriying multitudes, now resound to the tread of cud-chewing cattle or whis- tling ploughmen. The first hotel in this embryo village was built by John H. Wheeler, in the spring of 1856. It was a log building, two stories high and thirty feet square on the ground. Mr. Long, the father of Seth W., the ex- sheriflf, brought a sawmill to this village, which was ver}' useful and a great accommodation to the settlers. It remained here for many years, finally being removed to Janesville 576 H18TUBY OF WA8K0A tXJUNTY. Townwliip. Mr. Long, the; older, died here al>out two ycai'H al'lcr his Hetllciiicnt. 'J'hornas Tripp came to this village from Fiinliaiilt, in IHr<7, and erected another hotel, wliieli was run |)artly \ty himself and partly by Daniel 'i'ripp. The lirst store huilding was erected by Ilial D. I'aldwin, who ran it about a year and then closed it out. Alrneran Wilsey ran a blacksmith shop here which he put uj) in 185*!. A year later he tore dcjwn the building and took up a claim. li CHAPTER XIX. liLOOMINU (4 MOVE TOWNSHIP. fllK town of I 'looming Grove coni- pi'isos all ol' congressional tovvn- sliip 1(18 nortii, range 22 west. It is l)oun(l(!(l <;n the nortli by Ilice (bounty, on the east by Steele (bounty, and on the south and west by th(! townships of Wood- vilUi and Iosco. Some of the 11 nest portions of the county arc included in its limits. It is well drained by the snniJl ci'(!clh took a claim on 8, and is now in Wilmot, D. T.; Albert on section 9, and is still in the county. The elder located on the claim of Rudolph. Samuel Remund, one of the pioneers of Waseca County and one of the representa- tive citizens, is a native of Canton Berne, Oberamt, Switzerland. He was born Janu- ary 26, 1833, at Laupen, Miihlberg, Butten- reid, and resided among those Alpine heights until April, 1855, when he and his wife emi- grated to the shores of the United States, in company with his father's family, landing in New York on Christmas day. From the lat- ter point they journeyed to Dubuque, by way of Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and re- mained there until al)out the 15th of January. Leaving there by sleigh, when they reached Dunleith Mr. Remund was taken sick, and he and his wife remained at that place until February, when they finished the journey, reached the point for which they had made their long journey, as before mentioned, in February, 1856, and located a claim on sec- tion 9, where he now resides. When they came here this part of Minnesota was a wil- derness, only one frame house standing in Far- ibault, the hotel — and nothing but log and pole cabins in Owatonna, and but five or six 580 HISTORY OK WASECA COUNTY. settlers were in this town, and Indians abounded in this section of country. Before starting for this country, Mr. lieraund, on the 21st of July, 1856, was united in mar- riage with Anna Jiine, by wlioni he had four cliildren; Samuel, who died at the age of six years; Lana, now Mrs. David Newhart, of St. Paul; Anna, now Mrs. Andrew Brooker, of Colorado, and Rosina, now Mrs. Davison, of Waseca. His first wife dying in 1861, he was again united in marriage with Elizabeth New- hart, in the fall of 1861. They had six chil- dren: Samuel, Lizzie, Henry, David, Mar}' and Eddie. Again, in 1874, Mr. Remund was bereft of his wife, and in the summer of 1874, was married to Mrs. Orsala Rover, by whom he had no family. Mr. Remund has lield the office of town assessor and clerk of school district, and was elected town super- visor, but declined to serve. He is one of tiie leading farmers of the town, owning 450 acres of land, 220 of which are in a iiigh state of cultivation. He has also a fine lot of cattle. Albert Remund, another brother, was born in Canton Berne, Oberamt, Laupen, Mlihl- berg, Buttenreid. in July, 1836, and came to America with the family, asabove mentioned, in 1855. On coming to Waseca County he took a claim, as was the custom in tliosedays, on section 9, and proved up on the same. In June, 1859, he was united in marriage with Frances Winter, a native of Gei-many, born March 26, 1844, and moved on the place on section 9, where he now lives. They are the parents of eleven children: Emma L., born June 3, 1869; William, August 13, 1874; Louisa, January 23, 1877; Sarah, September 1, 1880; Laura, July 12, 1883; Mabel, May 13, 18S6; Philip, who is dead, and four who died in infancy. His wife is the daughter of P'red. and Louisa Winter, who both died in Iowa. Thev have several children vet livins: besides Mrs. Remund : Edward, who lives in Iowa; Henrietta, now Mrs. Rief, on a farm near Des Moines, and Augusta, Mrs. Flack- nuin, whose husband is connected with the police force of Burlington, in the same State. Mr. Remund for twenty 3'ears has held the of- fice of clerk of tliis town, and at present (1887) is justice of the peace and school director. He has 110 acres of very fine land, 80 of wJiich is under a high state of cultivation, and has some very fine stock, chiefly short- horn cattle and Victoria swine. James Hand was born February 22, 1835. and is the son of Cornelius and Rebecca Hand. His grandfather, Cornelius, also a native of New Jersey, was a soldier of the war of 1812-15, who later in life removed to Ohio. The father of James, who was born February 27, 1812, resided in Holmes Coun- ty, Ohio, when James was born. In 1840 the family removed to Kosciusko Coun- ty, Ind., settling on a farm, where the mother and Elizabeth, one of the daughters, died. In 1855 the family came to Minnesota and spent one winterj and in the spring of 1856 came to Waseca County and located on east half of the northeast quarter of section 5, this township, where James now lives. August 24, 1856, James Hand and Lydia Ann Sprague were united in marriage, and they are the parents of three children : Ella, now Mrs. M. E. Milieu ; Stephen T., living in the township, and Manerva, de- ceased. In Novemljer. 1864, Mr. Hand en- listed in Company E, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was ordered to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he was engaged in provost duty until September 25, 1865, when he was mustered out. He has a good farm in ex- cellent state of culture. He has been hon- ored by his fellow citizens by having con- ferred upon liim the office of town supervi- sor for three different terms, and has held school district oifices besides. Kj^es Swift was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., where he lived until two years of age. While he was quite young his father died, and he was thrown upon his own resources, and through hard labor and steady habits he has accumulated a fair amount of tliis world's ffoods and a fine home. He came to Waseca HISTORY OF WASECA OOUTNTY. 581 Coimty in 1856, and at that time the Indian trail passed near his door. Five imndred Indians have been at his well at one time for water. Mr. Swift's father was a native of New York State. His mother died in Catta- raugus County, that State, in 1865. At Mor- ristown, Minn., July 3, 1874, Mr. Swift was married, and is the parent of three children : Clara A,, born April 28,1875; Clarence C, June 26, 1878, and Homer J., November 4, 1883, who died March 22, 1884. Mrs. Margeret Hackett, whose maiden name was Phelan, is a native of County Tip- perary, 'Ireland, and resided in that county until she attained her twenty-seventh year. One year previous to that she had been united in marriage with John Hackett. They sailed for America about a 3'ear after marriage, landing at New York City, and from there went to Milwaukee, but after a residence there of six months moved to Kock- ford. 111., whei'e they remained some eight years, he working by the day at any work that he and his team could find to do. In 1856 they came to "Waseca County, settling on the place on section 13, where they now live. They have had ten children born to them : Martin, Pierce, Julia, Patrick, Will- iam, John, James,Mary, Maggie and William. Five of the children are living and five are numbered with the dead. Two boys are in St. Paul, Julia lives near Hastings, this State, and two are at home with their parents. Knut Ericksen, sometimes called Saltvold, a native of Norway, came to this townsliip in June, 1856, and made a settlement. He was a resident of this township until his death in 1869. His widow and children are residents here still. Gullick Knutsen was born at Roldat, Ber- genstift, Norway, May 25, 1840, and came to America, with his parents, Knut Erick- sen Saltvold, and liagnhild (GuUicksdatter Berge), in the spring of 1 851, settling near Marsliall, Dane Count}'. Wis. After remain- ing there five years, they removed to Minne- sota, and in the latter part of June, 1856, settled in Blooming Grove Township, this county. In the fall of 1862, during the Sioux war, Gullick enlisted m Company B, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, under Capt. Horace Austin, which were with the Sibley expedition in the summer of 1863, participating in several engagements with the Indians. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling, November 9, 1863, on account of expiration of term of service. In 1866 he returned to Wisconsin, and while there, June 25, 1866, he was united in marriage with Martha Johnson, of Lodi, Columbia County, Wis., who was a native of Haugs, Bergen- stift, Norwaj% born August 20, 1844, and who had come to America with her parents in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Knutsen are the parents of eight children : Regina, now Mrs. John Knutsen, of Waseca; Valetha, now Mrs. O. T. Hagen ; Cora J., Jennie O., Alice S., Martha J., Joseph K. and Emma R. The last named died at the age of eighteen months, in 1883. After his marriage Mj'. Knutsen returned to Minnesota, and settled in Iosco Township, and remained there until 1878, when he sold his farm there and removed to Blooming Grove, on section 18, where he now lives. His father died here in 1869 as stated elsewhere ; his mother is still a resident of the township. Mr. Knut- sen has held the office of town supervisor one year, town treasurer three years, town clerk, in Iosco, for four or five years, and is now clerk of the school district in which he lives. His farm consists of 120 acres of land, eighty of whicii is under a high state of cultivation, and his improvements in the shape of buildings are fine. He has also considerable good stock. Joseph Churchill in the summer of 1857, located on section 30, where he made a long residence, finally removing to Renville County, this State, where he died several years ago. Among the settlers of 1857 was James Isaac, who purchased a farm and remained on it about five years, and then sold out and 582 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. a short time later moved to Missouri. Samuel Isaac, who came here with his father, James, i-emained at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the Fourth Minnesota Infantry, and served during the war. He was promoted to the position of captain sometime before he received his discharge. His brother Jonathan, who enlisted at the same time, was killed at the battle of Altoona Pass. Andrew Nelson was born in Sweden, Au- gust 29, 1829, and made that country his home until he was twenty-four years old, when he came alone to America, landins' at Quebec, Canada. From there he went to Moline, 111., where he remained until fall, and spent the winter in Albany, the same State. In the spring of 18.55 he came to Eed "Wing, Minn., where he was employed some two years. In 1857 he came to this county and settled where he now lives, hav- ing preempted and proved up his claim the same year. In 1861 he was united in mar- riage with Christena Evanson, and they had five children : Anna Sophia, born August 6, 1863; Nels, born March 22, 1866; Betsy, born September 9, 1866 ; Charles, born July 1-1, 1868, and Rebecca, born May i, 1870. His first wife dying in 1872, he married Anna Jameson, by whom he has had six children: Tilda C., born June 23, 1874:; William Oscar, born May 21, 1876 ; Joseph M., born September 4, 1878 ; Henry C, born January 17, 1882; Minnie J., born May 24, 1885, and Xellie L., born May 17, 1887. Mr. Nelson is the son of Nels and Anna Nel- son who both died in Sweden as did three of his brothers. He lias one brother and three sisters still living in their native land. Mr. Nelson is one of the early settlers of this county, and was quite prominent in the organization of this township. He has a very fine farm of 340 acres of excellent land under a good state of cultivation, and well stocked. He has been town supervisor and is and has been for many years, treasurer of the school district. Carl Johnson came to Blooming Grove Township and took up a claim on section 19, on the 17th of May, 1857, and is still a resi- dent of the same. He is a native of Sweden, born September 22. 1825. In 1853, when he was about twenty-eight years of age, he determined to emigrate to America, and crossing the ocean, arrived at New York, October 22, of that year, where they had to endure some days' quarantine on account of the cholera on board their vessel, some twenty-one having died durmg the passage over. From New York he went to Mil- waukee, and from there to Rockforii. 111., remaining two years at the latter place, employed in railroad work. Being there laid up by a long sickness, on liis recovery he went to the "Wisconsin pineries, where he remained two 3'ears longer, and then came to "Waseca County, as above mentioned. In 1859 he went back to "Wisconsin for a short time, and also, in 1860, made a trip to Ai'kansas, and remained there until the breaking out of the war. Returning to his home in this town, he was united in mar- riage with Julia Johnson, on the 16th of Jul\% 1862, and they are the parents of two children : John C. and Christina. Mr. Johnson has held the office of town super- visor, and is school treasurer, director and clerk. He has 160 acres of land, eighty of which is under cultivation, and owns some fine stock. Mrs. Johnson was born in Nor- way, in February, 1825, and came to Amer- ica in 1853, landing in New York. From there she proceeded by canal to Buffalo, and from there by boat to Sheboygan. Pro- ceeding b^' team to Fond du Lac, "Wis., she remained there until 1858, when she came to Vivian Townsiiip, this county, by team with her brother-in-law. From tjiere she went afoot to Faribault, wiiere she worked for sometime. In 1S62 she was married. She has never yet ridden on the cars. Thomas B. Jackson settled in this town- ship in Maj', 1858, with his three sons, W. H. H., Caleb and Thomas B. Jr. The elder HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 583 Mr. Jackson purchased a farm of Mr. Walker, which he afterward sold and removed to Morristown, Rice County, where he died in 1877. Caleb, his son, was a member of Capt. McKune's company, First Minnesota In- fantry, and after his discharge from the service removed to Morristown, Minn., where he now resides. Thomas B. Jackson en- listed in the Fourth Minnesota Infantry, and was wounded at the battle of Altoona. Pass, and died of the effects thereof in 1864. W. H. H. Jackson is still a resident of the township. "VV. H. H. Jackson, the son of Thomas B. and Margaret Ann Jackson, was born inCen- terville, Warren County, Ind., March 23, 1840. When he was about two yeai'S of age the family moved to Tipton County, in the same State, on a farm, where they resided until 1855, when they removed to Webster County, Iowa, but two years later, or to be exact, in May, 1858, they came to this town and bought of James Walker eighty acres of land on section 4, the place of residence of W. H. H. Jackson. Here the latter has re- sided ever since, except during a part of the civil war, he having enlisted in 1863, in Com- pany H., Third Minnesota Infantr}'^, and saw considerable service, and was mustered out at the close of the war in 1865, when he returned to this county. August 8, 1858, Mr. Jackson and Mary Ann Eckert, daughter of Peter and Mary Eckert, were united in marriage, and are the parents of six children : J. W., who is a merchant at Morristown ; Florence Emma, now Mrs. Kev. Robertson, of Morris, Minn.; William E., Linda E., Har- mon F. and Erwin E. J. W. and Florence E. both attended Hamlin University. The father of Mrs. Jackson, who was a native of Pennsylvania, died about 1881, but her mother resides with her, a remarkably well preserved old lady of eighty -four years. Mr. Jackson now has the old homestead of eighty on section 4, and an adjoining eighty in Rice Count\\ William Reinhardt was born in Berlin, Germany, February 10, 1850, where he lived until 1855, when his people, consisting of father, mother, two brothers and two sis- ters, sailed for America, landing at New York City. From there they went to Illi- nois, where they remained two years, after which the}^ came to Waseca County, and pur- chased the farm on section 12, where AV"ill- iam still resides. Mr. Reinhardt's father died in 1876, in Blooming Grove. His mother is living with her son, Justus. The two sis- ters, Amelia and Mary, are both married. Mr. Reinhardt was united in the holy bonds of matrimony, in 1878, to Caroline Kruger. They have been blessed with five children : Benjamin W., born Januar}'^ 12, 1880; Emma B., January 12, 1882 ; Estella, October 29, 1883 ; Ervin F., June 4, 1885, and George, January 19, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Kruger, the parents of Mrs. Reinhardt, are residents of Deerfield Township, Steele County. Justus, a brother, is also a resident of same town ; Carl, the other brother, is not a resident of this section of country. Justus Reinhardt is a native of Henry County, 111., born October 12, 1857, but when he was but about one year old, the family emi- grated to the great and growing State of Minnesota, and settled on a farm on section 12, Blooming Grove, where Justus was reared. He resided with his parents until his father died in 1876, and then was one of the remaining stays of his mother, remain- ing with her until 1883, when he was united in marriage with Helen Fehmer, and pur- chased the farm on section 14 where he now lives, when his mother came to live with him and is still an inmate of his house. Mrs. Reinhardt is the daughter of John and Sophia Fehmer, of Deerfield Township, Steele County, where they are now living. ]\Ir. Reinhardt has one of the finest farms in the town; it contains some 240 acres of land, seventy of which is well tilled and cultivated. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt are the parents of two children : Louis Henr\% born July 28, 1884, and Mabel Anna, born October 19, 584 HISTOKT OF WASECA COUNTY. 1886. He is the present town supervisor, and holds the oflSce of clerk of the district scliDol board. FIKST ITEMS. The first birth in the township was that of Lovica, daughter of Alfred C. Smith, who was born October 15, 1855. She is living in "Woodville Township, this county, and is the wife of H. N. Carlton. The fii'st death was that of Mrs. Josiah Smith, who died in the fall of 1856, and was buried in what is known as the Old Settlers' cemetery, the first to be interred therein. The next deaths to occur were those of John and Martin Hand, of this township, who died in Eice County, in the fall of 1856, where they were at work. Maklen Riegle died also in this township in 1856. Another death in the township under peculiar circum- stances was that of Henry Howell, a brother of Jonathan, in the winter of 1858. He was returning from Faribault, where he had been stopping in company with his brother, in a sleigh, and getting out to warm himself b}^ walking, his brother drove on to Hersh's mill, a short distance away, where he remained for a time. Not knowing of his stopping, Henry passed right on, and not arriving at his desti- nation search was instituted, and after some trouble and difficulty found his body. He had fi'ozen to death. The first furrow was ploughed by Johnson Bell, Wyman and Howell, in 1855. As near as can be ascertained AV. H. H. Jackson and Mary Eckert were the first to assume the marriage vows in Bloomino- Grove Township, on August 8, 1858, Daniel Eiegle, justice of the peace, officiating. On his first election to this office, he had given it out that the first parties married by him should get off without any fee ; but as cir- cumstances alter cases, when called upon it was too hard times and the little fee was very acceptable, nor did Mr. Jackson be- grudge the little amount on that occasion. A school building was erected in the sprmg of 1857, in this part of the district, which comprised a portion of the two townships of Woodville and Blooming Grove, then known as No. 1. It was put up on the subscription plan, each man hauling so many logs and contributing some money to purchase nails, glass, etc. When all the materials were on the ground, a bee was made which put up the structure. That summer a twelve-week school was taught by Mrs. Lin a Hughes. This is now district No. 7, but was the first district organized in the county. Tlie schoolhouse in district No. 3 was erected in 1857, of logs, the whole district taking a part in building it. Nails, glass, etc., were procured by subscription. This building was in use until 1875, when it was rebuilt and enlarged to its present capacity, and now has two rooms, being a graded school with two teachers. The fii'st reliffious oi-jjanization was made by the German Methodist Episcopal Society in 1856. The first services were held at the house of Christian Eemund by Eev. Mr. G roechtenmey er. The cemeterj'^ adjoining on the north was instituted in 1860, and the first burial there was that of the body of Samuel T. Eemund. The first postoffice in the township was that known as Swaversey, established about 1857, with Mrs. William Gibbs as postmis- tress. It was located on the land of William Gibbs, at his residence on section 5. Mr. Gibbs was carrier of the mails. The office jmssed finally into the hands of James David- son, who removed it to his residence, and the name changed to Blooming Grove. It was discontinued in 1880. ORGANIC. What is now Blooming Grove was organ- ized with a portion of Woodville, in the early part of 1857, under the name of Swaversey precinct. The first election was held at the house of Ole Knutson, and Patrick Healey, Lewis McKune and Ole Knutson were the judges of election. HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. 585 In April, 1858, the board of county com- missioners set off what is now included in the township, and ordered its organization under the name of Blooming Grove. Elec- tion took place at the house of Patrick Healey, and that gentleman and James Isaac and J. M. Bhvens were the judges of election. RELIGIOUS. The German Methodist Church located on section 9 was put up by that congregation in 1885, at a cost of $3,000. This society is the outgrowth of the first religious services held in the township at the house of Chris- tian Remund, in 1856. They held services at that place until 1860, when they erected a church on the site of the present large one. The various pastors that have ministered here were : Revs. Groechtenme_yer, Henry Boettcher, Frederick Hermsmeier, Henry Schuittker, F. W. Bucholz, George Hoerger, William Rottert, Adam Miiller, Charles HoUman, William Pagenart, Daniel Pfaff, John Spiker and J. C. Jahn, the present one. The German Methodist Church on section 1 was erected in 1873, and was then a brick- veneered structure. This remained for some years, but finally began to break off and crumble down ; so in 1885 it was remodeled and altered into a frame building. It is 32x48 feet in size with a fine spire about 75 feet high. Previous to the building of the church the society held services at the resi- dence of John L. Saufferer, and continued to do so for some eight years. After this they held meetings in the schoolhouse until the erection of the church. The society was organized in 1858. The pastors have been the same as the above church, both being one charge. The Norwegian Lutheran Church, on sec- tion 19, was erected by this congregation in 1864. At that time the frame was gotten up and the building enclosed and finished at a later date. The first meeting in the town- ship held by the Lutherans was at the house of Alex. Herlugsen, on the 17th of October, 1858, and a society was organized at that time. Then there were some twenty-seven families connected with the chui-ch. Rev. Lauer Larsen was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. B. J. Muus, and he by Quammen. Rev. O. A. Mellby, of New Rich- land, is the present pastor. PROMINENT CITIZENS. Among other representative citizens of this township who have helped to develop its resources, are the following mentioned : Weston Mosher was born in Genesee County, N. Y., and with his parents resided there until he was nine years of age, when they removed to Erie County in the same State. While there he was united in marriage with Lucy Bishop, and later removed to Ohio. After this he came west, living some time in Illinois, m Kenosha, Wis., and again in Lake County, 111. He at that time followed black- smithing and wagonmaking. He j'emoved from there to Fillmore County, Minn., where he practiced medicine for several years, when he came to his present location, on section 6, and took up agricultural pursuits. In 1855, in Fillmore County, his wife died, leav- ing ten children : Orpha, Iva, Juliette, George, Lauretta, Marietta, Lucy, Weston, Austin and Emily. In 1859 he again en- tered the marriage state with Adelia Yar- rington, and they are the parents of six chil- dren : Adelia, Alice, Ellen, Ida, Edwin and Cora. Mr. Mosher has a farm of some fifty acres of land. Francis Brossard is the son of Augustus and Agatha Besoncon, of French ancestry. He was born at Lennox, Mass., November 18, 1833, and resided there until he had reached the age of eighteen, when the whole family removed to Fall River, Columbia County, Wis., but after a residence of eight years there, they came to Waseca County. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Brossard were the parents of ten children : Francis, Augustus, Edward, Charles, Joseph, Julia, now Mrs. 0. James, of Waterville ; Adele, Mrs. Constant Bross- 586 UTSTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. ard, of "Wisconsin ; Eosalie, Mrs. O. P. Smith, of Tennessee ; Louise, Mrs. J. E. Jones, of Iosco, and Josephine, Mrs. D. T. Ballard. "When the Brossards came to this county, in 1859, this was a new country, and the}' can give some very pathetic ancedotes in regard to the liardships of the early pioneers. On the 4th of May, 1863, Francis Brossard and Mary E. Brossard were united in marriage, in Blooming Grove. They are the parents of one child, Florentine E., who was married February 1, 1886, to Minnie L. Lafayette, and they are the parents of one cliikl, Mabel A. Jens T. Dahle, a native of Norway, was born on a farm, March 25, 1839, and lived with his parents until he had reached the age of fourteen, and then worked for other parties for about four years. In 1858 he em- igrated to America, landing at Quebec, Can- ada. From there he made his way to Rice County, Minn., where he worked for various parties, usually at extremely low wages. January 22, 1862, he enlisted in the second company Minnesota Sharpshooters, who were attached to Col. Berdan's command. "With them he participated in the engage- ment at Hanover Courthouse, after which he was transferred to the First Minnesota Infantry, joining them at Fair Oaks in June. He participated in all the bloody battles of the Chickahominy swamps, and in all others in which the famous First Minnesota was engaged, except Antietam and Fredericks- burg, up to the time he was taken prisoner at Ream's Station, August 24, 1864. He was also in the battles of the "Wilderness, Spots- sylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom and Petersburg. He was an inmate of the rebel prison pens of Libby and Belle Isle, Va., and Salisbury, N. C.,and was then taken back to Richmond and paroled, reaching the Federal lines March 13, 1865, nearly three months after his time of enlist- ment had expired. He was then in a shock- ing state of health, and was sent to Annap- olis, Md., to the parole camp, and from there to Columbus and St. Louis in a box car. There getting a furlough he came as far as Chicago, where he became much worse in health, entered the hospital and lay there very low. Recovering to some extent he reached St. Paul, where he received his dis- charge. For two years succeeding the war he was engaged in the grocery business at Faribault, Minn., and then came to this county and engaged in farming, he having lately purchased the farm of Philo "Wood- raff, and now has 160 acres of land, fifty of which is under cultivation. February 7, 1886, he was united in marriage with Anna Olena Seim, whose parents are natives of Norwa}'. They are the parents of one child, Theodore, born March 22, 1887. E. J. "Wolf was born in AVheeling, Cook County, 111., April 5, 1858, and resided thei'e until he was some four j'ears old, when his parents removed to Goodhue County, Minn., settling upon a farm, where his father still lives, the mother dying December 20, 1886. In 1879 E. J. "Wolf went to Lincoln County, this State, and took up a claim of 160 acres of land, which he afterward sold and then came to Waseca County and purchased the farm on section 2, where he now lives. In March, 1883, he was united in marriage with Barbara Bollenbach, born in Rice County, Minn., August 5, 1859. They have had born to them one child, Alice, now two yeai's of age. Mr. "Wolf has seven brothers and two sisters living, and his wife six brothers and five sisters. Her parents are still living in Rice Count}^ both liaving passed their half century in age. Mr. "Wolf has a most excel- lent farm, and thoroughly understands hand- ling it to attain the best results. i Julius Schuette was born in Prussia, Ger- * many, November 26, 1848, and resided in his native land until he was some five years 1 1 of age, when the family came to America, and for a time lived in "Warsaw, Minn., and then came to Blooming Grove Township. The mother of Julius died here in 1868, the father in 1883, and they are buried in the HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 587 cemetery of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, together with two of their children : Augusta, who died in 1870, and Charles, who was killed in 1885 by a load of timber falling on him. Rev. Edward Schuette, a brother of Julius, was ordained a minister at the early age of twenty, and is now in charge of the German Episcopal Church at Charles City, Iowa. In 1878, at the residence of the bride's father, Hon. John L. Saufferer, Julius Schuette and Henrietta Saufferer, the eldest daughter, were united in holy matrimony, and they are the parents of two children : Arthur and Mabel, deceased. They have a very pleasant farm, and the land evinces a high state of cultivation. Rev. J. C. Jahn was born in Prussia, July 1, 1839. At the age of seventeen he came to America, landing at Baltimore. From there he went to St. Paul, Minn., and engaged in a general store as salesman, which occupation he followed for several years. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Minnesota Cavalry, and was ordered from Fort Snelling to St. Louis. This regiment acted as bod}' -guard to Gen. Halleck, and participated in tlie battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donaldson, Shiloh and Granville, in the latter of which he was wounded by a saber-cut on the left leg and taken prisoner. Was taken to Jackson, Miss., and Corinth, and there paroled. He was discharged in July, 1863. He then engaged again as salesman, and worked one year. In 1864 he was married to Christina Hartung, and for a few years thereafter followed farming. He then studied for the ministry, and was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Clnirch in 1870, and took the Blooming Grove charge in 1886, after labors elsewhere. He is a graduate of the Erfurt high school and military school of Gernlany. Mr. and Mrs. Jahn are the parents of ten children, six of whom are living, they having lost the other four in one winter, by diphtheria. Henry Behne was born on a farm in Han over, Germany, April 29, 1839, and resided in the country of his birth until 1853, when he and his sister, Mena Lotweizer, and her husband started across the ocean for Amer- ica's shore. Landing in New York, they proceeded to Will County, 111., where Mr. Behne worked out for two years, and then came to Minnesota and was employed at several places in the vicinity of Faribault. March 28, 1860, he and Hannah Mtiller were united in matrimony, and immediately after he rented a farm and tilled the soil thereof for two years, and then purchased the farm on section 15, in this town, where he now lives. Mrs. Behne is the daughter of Fred- erick and Minnie Miiller, both of whom died in the fatherland. Mr. Behne has a fine farm of 280 acres of land, and has fine buildings, making his surroundings very pleasant and agreeable, and, being only six miles from the city of Waseca, is quite convenient to market and store. Mr. and Mrs. Behne are the parents of eight children: Henry W., Emma, now Mrs. Henry Beck ; George, August, Mary, Ida, Willie and Louis. The last named died at the age of eleven years. Mr. Belme's parents, William and Sophia Behne, came to America in 1855, and located in Will County, III., but later came to Steele County, where the father died in 1876, and where the mother is still living with her youngest son, August. Henry Singenstrue was born in Oelber, Germany, November 16, 1821, where he lived until 1852, when he sailed for America, landing in New Orleans. From there he went to Cincinnati, and stayed about six months, then to Newport, Ky., where he re- mained one year. In 1854 he came to Red Wing, Minn., and bought a claim that had been taken up, and remained on this, making improvements, for about two years. He then rented it for two years, he having ob- tained the appointment as misionary of the German Methodist Episco2)al Society. This latter he followed for sixteen years, his work calling him part of the time to Wisconsin, and as far north in Minnesota as the Indian 588 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. agencj', which was at that time near what is now the village of Kedwood Falls. Mr. Sin- genstrue was married in September, 1861, to Salome Eider, a native of Switzerland. They have had born to them three children : Amelia born September 11, 1862 ; Berta, who died at the age of eleven months, and Lydia, born November 23, 1866. Amelia and Lydia are still at home. Mr. S. during the summer of 1857 assisted Kev. Groechtenmeyer in his labors in the vicinity. C. W. Knauss is the son of Christian and Margaret (Popp) Knauss, and was born in Cook County, 111., March 25, 1867. His father was a native of Alsace, France, born May 28, 1834. The parents of Christian Sr. were engaged in the culture of grapes and making of wine in France, but about 1846 they emigrated to America, settling in Cook County, 111., where they died. Christian Sr. came to Minnesota about 1881. He was the father of nine children : John, Charles, Christian W., Henry, William, Bertha, Car- rie, died in Illinois ; Benjamin and Edward. John, the eldest son, was married to Anna Wolf in 1884, and they have one child, Esther ; Charles is a blacksmith in St. Paul ; C. W. has the general management of the home farm, and resides with his father and mother in a fine brick residence built in 1876, and suri'ounded by a fine barn and other farm buildings. The\' have 280 acres of land, ISO of which are under cultivation. Christian Sutter, an enterprising agri- culturist who owns some two hundred and nine acres of fine land on section 8, Blooming Grove Township, was born in the village of Bergen, in the can- ton of Berne Oberamt, Arrsberg, Switz- erland, May 6, 1842. In 1851 the family, consisting of the father, mother and six chil- dren, came to the United States, landing in New York. From there they came west as far as Joliet, 111., where they settled and where the old folks died, the father in 1852, tlie mother in 1872. Christian remained at home until August 13, 1862, when he en- listed under Capt. H. P. Goddard in Com- pany H, One Hundreth Illinois Infantry, and participated in all the marching and engagements of that celebrated regiment. Among the latter may be mentioned those of Stone River bridge, Chattanooga, Chicka mauga. Lookout Mountain, Hatchie Eiver, Missionary Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He was mustered out at Nashville, June 12, 1865, and at Chi- cago, 111., on the 3d of July following, re- ceived his pay and final discharge, and re- turned to Will County, 111., where he fol- lowed farming for a year, and in 1866 came to Waseca Count}'. March 16, 1868, he was married to Caroline F. A. Canne, who was born March 16, 1849, by whom he has had ten children : Ida A., born April 28, 1871 ; Charles F., born June 2, 1872.; Emma H., born September 21, 1873; Albert J., born February 6, 1875 ; Edward O., October 19, 1876; Christian B., born June 27, 1878; Clara L., born March 26, 1880 ; Amelia P., born January 6, 1882; Benjamin F., Janu- ary 7, 1884, and Caroline, born December 30, 1885. John Leonard Bahr was born in Saxony, (-rermany, August 18, 1847, where he lived until 1853, when he, with his parents and two sisters, sailed for America and located in Waukesha County, Wis., where they lived until 1867, when they immigrated to Minne- sota, locating in Deerfield Township, Steele Count}', his father purchasing a farm on section 18 of that town. John L. remained at home until 1873. March 26, 1872, he married Julia Reineke, the ceremony tak- ing place at the residence of Henry Reineke, the bride's brother. After leaving home in 1873, Mr. Bahr jiurchased a farm on section 18, in Deerfield Township, where he lived four years and then purchased the 160-acre farm on section 15, Blooming Grove Town- ship, Waseca County, where he still resides. They have had born to them six children : Matilda, born February 17, 1873 ; Henrietta, c.-'Jco:^-^ L^!^^.:^?/^^^^?-^'^-^^^ foECEASEOj HISTORY OF WASECA COIINTT. 591 born March 7, 1875 ; George, born October 8, 1876 ; Lydia, born September 21, 1878 : Carl, born February 12, 1881, and Amanda, born February 20,1885, all of whom are living. "While on the road from New York City to Waukesha County, Mr. Nicholas Bahr, father of John, on the train had the misfor- tune of losing by death a small daughter two and one-half j'ears old. When the officers of the road found that the child was dead they stopped the train, after they had left Detroit about five miles, and insisted on his leaving the train with the child, which he did, carrying the dead body to Detroit, and there buried it the next day. Mr. J. L. Bahr's parents are both living and are residents of Deerfield, Steele County, on the farm where they first located. Mr. Bahr had two sisters, and one brother who was born in Waukesha County, Wis., April 7, 1858, and who is now a resident of section 18, Deerfield Township, Steele County. The remaining sister is also a resident of Deer- field, now the wife of Geo. Gleichmann. Mrs. John L. Bahr has three brothers living ; two are residents of Deerfield and the other is living in Morristown, Rice County. Her mother lives with the brother in Morris- town. The father died in Deerfield in 1862, and is buried in the Methodist Episcopal cemetery at Blooming Grove. Ernest Nordmier is a native of Hesse, Germany, born March 2, 1843. He resided in the country of his birth until he was fifteen years old, when in company with his sister Mena, now Mrs. Christopher Eommal, of Iowa, he came to America. His mother died in Germany in 1860, and is buried at Bassingfeld. The father came to America and died in Lake County, 111., in 1864, and is buried there. Mr. Nordmier has three broth- ers still in the old country, as is also one sis- ter ; two brothers, William and Fred., live in Big Stone County, this State ; another brother, Henry, lives in Lake County, 111. Mr. Nordmier was married in 1868 to Gottlieben Oehler, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, and they have been the parents of eight cliildren : Ernest, Willie, Lydia, Bertha, Amelia, Mena, Louisa, Emma, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Nordmier has a fine farm of 180 acres of land, 100 of which is under cultivation. He is also the owner of some fine grade stock, and is nicely fixed. Louis Beisner was born in Hesse, Germany, January 25, 1837, where he lived until sev- enteen years of age. Then he and his brother Henr}'^ and two sisters sailed for America. Landing in New York, they came to Cook County, 111., where they did a farming busi- ness for ten or twelve years. During this time, in the3'ear 1861, he was united in mar- riage with Minnie Roper. In 1866, he and his family moved overland to Waseca County, locating in Blooming Grove Town- ship, purchasing a farm on section 11, where he still resides. They have had born to them eight children : Henry, born February 9, 1863 ; Charles, November 30, 1864, died June 2, 1880; Louis, born June 13, 1868, died May 19, 1880 ; Emar, born March 13, died April 11, 1867 ; Mena, April 11, 1871, died May 12, 1880 ; Emma, born November 25, 1873, died May 9, 1880; Willie, born May 24, 1876, died May 18, 1880, and Eddie, born May 1, 1880. Mr. Beisner's father died in Germany. He has two brothers in Kansas ; one sister, Mrs. Mena Kruger, in Cook County, 111., and one sister died in Illinois, at the age of twenty-two. 34 CHAPTER XX. OTISCO TOWNSHIP. JHE territory embraced in the township of Otisco is designated on the survey plats as township 106 north, range 22 west. It lies upon the eastern line of the county, the second from the south edge. The most of the surface of this portion of the county is mod- erately rolling, although it some- times becomes quite hilly. Scattered drift hills and mounds of the morainic belt are largel}'^ predominant througliout a portion, and in part these tracts are pretty well sprinkled with boulders, remains of the gla- cial period. The soil, the rich, dark loam of southern Minnesota, yields abundantlj' to a generous cultivation, and some of the finest land in this part of the State is to be found here. "Well drained by the Le Sueur Kiver and its tributaries, ample facilities are also afforded by these streams and the smaller affluents for the purpose of watering stock. Groves of timber dot its surface and follow the course of the rivers and creeks, diversifying the view and adding materially to the wealth and natural resources of Otisco. EARLY SETfLKMENT. In April, 1S55, two brothers, William and George Kobbins by name, came to the little settlement in this county, and took up claims on the east side of the Le Sueur River, oppo- site tiie site of the village of Wilton, but in this township. These were the first settlers in Otisco. In the summer of 1856 they sold their claims to Watters and Chamberlain. In a short time after this they removed west to the Blue Earth County, where one of them still lives. Michael Anderson settled in what is now Otisco, in July, 1855. Mr. Anderson was a native of Norway, a fine man, and a leader among his countrymen here. About eight years ago he left here and is now in Clay County. Burgiff Oleson was the next to make a settlement in the territory now known as Otisco, coming here in the fall of 1855, and settling on section 32, where he preempted 160 acres of land, where he now lives. He has added many improvements to the place in the way of a fine residence, good out-build- ings and an excellent barn 46x6-1 feet in size. He is a native of Norway, born February 21, 1828, and came to America in May, 1851. Settling in Dodge County, Wis., at first, he was there married, September 16, 1855, to Julia Anderson, who was born in Norway, March 14-, 1837. They then came to this count}' as above stated. They have lived here ever since, and have been the parents of twelve children : Ole, born July 6, 1856 ; Andrew, born November 19, 1858, died Octo- ber 7, 1861 ; Christian, born March 6, 1865, died March 12, 1865 ; Julia, born February 4, 1861, died February 6, 1861; Christian, born April 22, 1866, died March 8, 1874. Andrew, born August 29, 1862 ; Sarah, November 9, 1868 ; Julia, September 4, 1870 ; Mary, October 19, 1873 ; Christian, Novem- ber 4, 1876; Sophia, October 10, 1879, and Julius, June 16, 1883. The first year Mr. Oleson spent in this county, his shanty, which was covered with a hay roof, was burned down a bitter cold day in the middle of that cold winter, and his wife froze her hands severely in going to her neighbor, Michael Anderson's. During the war Mr. Oleson 593 HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. 593 was drafted into the arra^^but the town rais- ing the requisite number of men by substi- tutes, he was not compelled to go to the front. The next to make a settlement here were Robert and Hugh McDougal, who came here in the fall of ISoo, and took up their claims on the northwest quarter of section 6, where they put up a cabin and kept " bach." Robert McDougal was born amid the high- lands of Scotland, March 26, 1821, but when he was as yet but a small boy, his parents left their native home and settled in Canada, near where the present town of Guelph now stands. In this vast wilderness Robert was reared and inured to the hardships of a pioneer life. In 1854 he and his brother Hugh came to Iowa, and in the fall oi 1855 to this place. Each entered a claim where the present McDougal farm now is, and commenced baching, for they were both un- married. They, as well as their neighbors, the Robbins boys, had filed their claims without thinking of declaring their inten- tions of becoming naturalized citizens of the United States, believing that it could as well be done at the time of proving up their claim. But this was not strictly legal, so some parties proceeded to jump their claim, Avitli the result, as is related elsewhere at length, of being compelled to quit, them- selves. A few years aftei- this they proved up their claims and Hugh returned to Can- ada, where he still resides. Robert, packing up his traps, and with a horse and wagon started for the western mountain mines. He spent a year at the mines at the head of the Saskatchawan River, then crossed over the Rocky Mountains into Washington Terri- tory, whei'e lie remained until about 1860. After a short visit here he returned to Can- ada, where he remained several years. On the 6th of April, 1866, he was united in mar- riage with Annie McKersie, at Toronto, and immediately afterward came to their farm in this county. They were the parents of nine children : Catherine L., born December 7, 1866 ; Annie R., July 22, 1868, married Frank Erfurth, January 1, 1886, and is the mother of one child, Anna M., born March 10, 1887; Jeannette C, March 26, 1870; William W., August 12, 1872 ; Robert B., June 15, 1874 ; Maggie G., May 6, 1876 ; Bessie C, March 1,1878; Isabella M., No- vember i, 1880, and Hugh P., April 27, 1882. Mr. McDougal gave his name to one of the creeks of this county. On the 15th of Jan- uaiy, 1S87, he was called by death to his re- ward beyond the grave, and his remains lie buried in Wilton cemetery. His wife has a fine farm of some two hundred acres, about seventy of which are under cultivation. Ferdinand Turnacliff and his sons, Jackson and Delevan, came to Waseca County in 1855, and settled in this township. All are still residents of the county, living in Wilton Township. G. Goetzenberger settled on section 21 in this township, in November, 1855, bringing his family with him from Galena, 111. He was a native of Wittemburg, Germany, born in 1814, and came to the United States in 1853. He is now a resident of the city of Waseca. Bernard Bunchell, now in Portland, Ore., came to this place in 1855, and remained many years. J. G. Greening made a settlement here in 1855, and remained here until his death. Austin Abell, a native of New York, came to this township in September, 1855, and made a claim. During the war he was a member of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He took up his claim on section 11, the place now owned by his cousin, John S. Abell. He is now a resident of Winona. On the 9th of June, 1856, H. A. Mosher landed in Otisco, where he took up a claim. He was afterward identified with the offi- cial life of the county, and a sketch of him is given in the chapter relating to the office of register of deeds, which he filled for many years, dying while an incumbent of the same in 1884. 594 HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. E. E. Stearns came to this township in 1856 and made a settlement, and is still a resident. Ebenezer B. Stearns, one of Waseca County's successful farmers, is a native of Eeedsboro, Vt., born October 1, 1812. In February, 1817, the family removed to On- ondaga County, ]Sr. Y., wliere he was reared. When he had attained manhood he adopted the trade of carpenter and joiner and built several mills and other buildings while in New York State. In 18-17 he went to Belleville, Canada where he was engaged in erecting a mill. In June, 1853, he came with his father's family to Fond du Lac, Wis., and from there came to Minnesota in 1856, ar- riving here on the 5th of August. He settled on 160 acres of land on section 29 and lived thei'B for ten years, when he sold his farm to J. B. Chapman, and moved to Lemond Town- ship, Steele County, but after one year's resi- dence there, returned to this town and pur- chased 210 acres of land, on section 19, where he now lives. He has since added eighty acres to his farm, and now has 290 acres in all. August 2, 1851, he was united in marriage with Emily Garrett, who was born in Albany County, N. Y., September 7, 1829. They have had six children as fol- lows : Susan Ellen, born September 5, 1852, Avho married Frank W. Weed, January 7, 1878, and died October 13, 1883 ; George B., born December 26, 1854, married Jennie R. Weed, July 18, 1877; William H., born May 26, 1859, married Sarah Arraitage, a native of Yorkshire, England, IVCay 14, 1884, born December 17, 1857, and came to the United States in 1882 ; Mary E., born July 9, 1862, married Rev. Melvin R. Baldridge, July 11, 1882 ; Cora Isabel, born April 2, 1865, and Charles Albert, born May 11, 1878. Mr. Stearns has held the office of county com- missioner three terms, that of town supervisor for three terms, and justice of the peace three terms. He is a strong Prohibitionist. J. A. Canfield came to Waseca County in 1856, and settled in Otisco. He came here from Dodge County, Wis., and arrived on the 9th of June. He served for many years as judge of the probate court of this county, but died in Januar}', 1884, and is noticed at length in the chapter relating to State and County Representation. Silas Grover came to what is now the town of Otisco in 1856, and taking up a claim, settled there and remained a resident for many years. April 12, 1870, in Waseca, he passed over to the land beyond the grave, at the advanced age of seventy-seven j'ears. William Smith, now a citizen of Dixon, 111., came here in the fall of 1856, and lived here some years. W. S. Baker, afterward the first treasurer of the county, settled in Otisco on coming to Waseca County, in 1856. A sketch of liim is given in Chapter VIII. Harlow Williams and James Wells, two young men and unmarried, came here in 1856 and took up claims, and after proving up the same, sold out and left tiiis county. Mr. Flowers, the father of Mark D. Flow- ers, the State adjutant-general, was a settler here in 1856. He resided here but a short time, when he removed to Meriden, Steele County, and later to St. Paul. Parselus Young came here in 1856 and made a claim, but moved away a few years later. During- the war he enlisted among the " brave boys in blue," and rose to the rank of colonel of a colored regiment. H. G. Mosher made his first appearance on the stage of Waseca County on the 10th of October, 1856. Mr. Mosher resided here for many years, filling several important public offices, and is mentioned at length in that connection. The first winter after Mi\ Abell brought his family here, H. G. Moshei", his wife and two children lived in the cabin of J. S. Abell, who also liad a wife and two children. This cabin was but 16x20 feet in size and was considerably crowded. AdamBishman, still residing here, located in Otisco in 1856. He is a native of Ger- many, born March 27, 1824, and came to this country in 1846. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 595 Benjamin, John and George Northup came to Otisco in 1S56, and for many years resided here. Zachariah Ilolbrook made a settlement here in 1856. He was a native of western New York. He was one of the few men who although comparatively uneducated was a most excellent financier. He died in this township in March, 1886. Ole Peterson, a native of Norway, made a settlement here in 1856, and is now a resi- dent of the township. Charles Johnson was another of the Nor- wegian emigrants that founded, a home in Otisco Township in 1856, and is still a resi- dent here. John S. Abell, came to Otisco Township in January, 1857, and made a claim. He, how- ever, went liack to Winona, and came here again in the spring of 1858, and made a per- manent settlement. He was a native of New York State, and represented this dis- trict in the State Legislature, under which head a sketch of him in detail is given. Edward Smith came here in the spring of 1857, and made a settlement. On the 10th of May, 1857, a party con- sisting of S. A. Farrington and wife, his father, mother and sister, Franklin Farring- ton, Mrs. Lincoln, a widow with five children, Volney DeWitt and wife and Michael Quig- gle, a young man, a blacksmith by trade, left Green Lake County, Wis., for the wilds of southern Minnesota. This little comjsany of emigrants were embarked in five wagons drawn l:)y nine yoke of oxen, and drove with them some cows and other cattle. Traveling westward through the western part of the " Badger State," near La Crosse, they fell in with another band of wayfarers, who joined company with them. These latter were Daniel Styles and wife, and their son Elijah and his wife. After a hard and laborious trip they all reached Otisco safely on the 14th of June, and at once commenced to occupy the land. S. A. Farrington settled on section 25, where he resided for many years. He is living in Wilton Township at the present writing. Franklin Farrington located on section 24 and opened up a farm. He is now a resi- dent of Minneapolis. Their father is still living in Owatonna. Volney DeWitt put up a cabin on a por- tion of section 24, but afterward removed to Iowa, where he now lives. Michael Quiggle ])ut up a blacksmith shop on section 26, the first in the township. Elijah Styles settled down to a farmer's life on his claim on section 15, and lived here until, during the war, he enlisted among our nation's defenders, and fills a soldier's grave 'neath the green sod of the Sunny South, djang February 16, 1863. Daniel Styles, his father, died in 1879, and his body rests peacefully in the Otisco cemetery. During the same spring of 1857 Philip Quiggle, the father of Michael, heretofore mentioned, came here from Wisconsin to go to work in the shop of his son, for he, too, was a blacksmith by trade. The next year the shop caught fire and burned to the ground. The old man, who had but limited means, thought it best to g'o to Owatonna to work at his trade, which he did, and the next year moved back to Wisconsin. Owen Salisbury located here in 1857. He was an old and feeble man, and did not attempt to do any farming, but kept the postoffice at Otisco. About the year 1860 he removed to Warsaw, Minn., where he kept a hotel. Later he moved to Wabasha County, where he died. Ole Anderson came to Otisco Township at an early day, and preempted 160 acres of land on section 35, and afterward purchased eighty acres more on the same section. He is a native of Norway, born May 16, 1832, and came to the United States, bringing his mother with him, in 1853. He first settled in Wisconsin, whei'e he remained until com- ing here. In 1863 he was married in New Iiichland Townshi)) to Marj'^ Knutson, who was born in ]Sorway, August 13, 1843, and 596 HISTOET OF WASECA COITNTY. came to America in 1853. They have been the parents of thirteen children : Ernest, born March 15, IStil, married to Barbara Knutson ; Julia, February 26, 1865, married Bank Evenson ; Knute. born Octol)er 1, 1866; Betsey, July 29, 1868; Ole, February 25, 1870 ; Sarah, February 24, 1872, died in infancy ; Severt, January 7, 1873, died in infancy; Severt, June 11, 1874 ; Nina, May 7, 1876, died aged ten months ; Olena, January 1,1878 ; Elbert, March 23, 1880 ; Clara, July 19, 1882, and Minnie, September 13, 1885. Mr. Anderson and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics. John Peterson came to the town of Otisco in the spring of 1857, where he purchased eighty acres of land and homesteaded forty more. In addition to this he has bought forty acres and now has a farm of 160 acres, all on section 28. He is a native of Sweden, born February 6, 1828, and came to America in 1853. For the first six months after land- ing he was doing genei^al work in Chicago, and from there he went to Indiana, where he remained until he came to Waseca County, Minn. Our sul)ject was united in marriage in Otisco Township witli Caroline Larson, a native of Sweden, born March 11, 1843, and came to America with her parents in the spring of 1853. Mr. Peterson's parents died in the old country previous to his leaving there ; Mrs. Peterson's parents live in this township. Mr. and ]\[rs. Peterson have been the parents of nine children: Victor Ed- ward, born November 3, I860, and died July 14, 1861 ; Carl L., April 22, 1862; Mary A., October 8, 1865 ; P. Victor, July 22, 1867 ; John August, April 5, 1871; Helena Sophia, March 3, 1874; Oscar Theodore and Otto Herman, June 23, 1876 ; and Lief, August 18, 1879. Mr. Peterson is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of supervisor, assessor and treasurer, the last two for many years. lie had the misfortune to lose his right arm in a thrashing-machine in October. 1875, but manages to carry on his extensive farming operations successfully nevertheless. John Anderson came to Otisco in the year 1857, and made a settlement on section 16. He is a native of Sweden, born Novem- ber 6, 1831. He came to the United States in 1853, and settled in Indiana, where, March 29,1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Peterson, by whom he had one child, Albert, born January 10, 1856. The next year after the birth of his son, he came to AVaseca County. In 1863 he went to Roch- ester, and enlisted in Company D, First Min- nesota Heavy Artillery. He was with the regiment until October, 1865, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and was discharged at Fort Snelling. December 28, 1881, his wife died, and on the first Sunday in October, 1884, he was again married, this time to Anna Johnson. He belongs to the Lutheran Mission Church. Moses Johnson came to Otisco in 1857, and bought 120 acres of land on section 27, where he now lives. He was born near Stockholm, Sweden, December 14, 1831, and came to the United States in August, 1855. He at first located at Lafayette, Ind., where he remained until coming to this place. In December, 1860, he was united in marriage with Christina Larson, daughter of Lars Ilogenson, of this township. She was born in Sweden, June 10, 1840. They have been the parents of the following children : Carl Otto, born August 26, 1861 ; Tina, Septem- ber 15, 1863; Lars Edward, March 1, 1866; John Alfred, September 17, 1869; Emma Matilda, January 26, 1872; Herman Theo- dore, December 15, 1874, and Oscar Ren- halt, June 12, 1880. Mr. Johnson has held the offices of town supervisor and road mas- ter. He is a Republican in politics, and in religion a Lutheran. He carries on his farm now, but for some thirteen seasons ran a thrashing machine, which business he has turned over to his eldest son. Otto. Orrin and Warren Bundy came to this township in tlie earh^ part of 1857, and in July of the same year, in company with S. HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. 597 S. Goodrich, laid out the town site of Otisco. Orrin enlisted during the war, and died in the service. S. S. Goodrich and his two brothers came here in 1857, and in July of that year S. S. was one of the parties engaged in laying out the village of Otisco. They were also con- nected with the store in the village, but removed from liere to Lyons County, Minn. A man by the name of Yosberg settled here in 1857, and while here married a Miss Goodrich, and when his father-in-law re- moved to Lyon County, went with him. Among the others who came to this town- ship in 1857 was a man by the name of Wy- man, who resided here but a few years, when he removed to McLeod County. William Ashley Jones, a South Carolinian, took up a claim on section 5, at a ver}' early da3% but never made any improvements, and soon removed to Winona. Two Germans by the name of Michael Wanka and Wilhelm Wilke, came here in 1857, and purchased land on section 16, where they lived some years. They are both now in Olmsted County. Peter Lindsay took up some land in this town in 1857, but his residence was erected in Woodville. S. S. Griggs was one of the pioneers of the year 1858. He, in connection with Obert, at one time owned the sawmill at Otisco. About the year 1861 he removed to Kasota. He never was a farmer while here, being en- gaged only in the lumbering business. John Nelson came to this township in 1858 and settled on section 28, on which he now lives. He is a native of Sweden, born March 6, 1830. He came to the United States in 1853, and remained in Indiana for some years, working among the farmers of that State. From there he came to Cannon Falls, Minn., where he arrived May 25, 1858, and remaining in that place until the 24th of the following October, he then came here, taking up eighty acres of land with a land warrant, to which he has added forty acres more on section 21, purchased of the railroad company. He was married in Sweden, in the year 1852, to Annie John- son, and they were the parents of one child, Hattie, born April 27, 1853, now the wife of Frank Lombard, living in this town. On the 1st of February, 1854, his wife depart- ing this life, he lived alone until October, 1856, when he and Charlotte Peterson were united in marriage. They have had born to them the following children : P. August, born in 1863 ; Charles, born April 1, 1871, died February 6, 1873; Caroline, born 1873, and William in 1874 . Joseph Minges made a settlement in this township m 1858, and is still a resident of the same. He is noticed at length in Chapter VIII of this work. J. D. Andrews came to Waseca Countj^ in 1858, and on the 3d of July of that year settled in Otisco. Some time after this he en- tered into the drug business at Wilton, buying the E. A. Smith store. In later years he was engaged in the drug business in Duluth, but he came back to this county and was in the same line in Janesville, among the pioneer merchants of the new town of that name. He died at Madison, D. T., June 11, 1887, having removed to that Territo- ry in the fall of 1878. Edwin S. Weed, who does a general farm- ing and stock-raising business on the eighty acres of land which he owns on section 31, in this township, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Fond du Lac County, September 20, 1858, and came to this county with his parents the same year, when but an infant six weeks old. He has remained in this county ever since. Hei'e he was reared, here he was educated, and hei-e, March 16, 1885, he was married to Lida Kellogg, and here their child Jennie Laura was born. Mrs. Weed was born in Jackson County, Iowa, April 18, 1857. Mr. Weed is a Eepub- lican in politics, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. Albert Anderson, who has a a fine farm of 598 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 160 acres of land on section 11, is a native of Indiana, born January 10, 1857. His parents were both born in Sweden, the father in December, 1830, and the naotlier in January of the same year. When Albert was but two or three years of age the family came to Otisco Township, and here he grew to manliood.. In the year 1878, he was united in marriage with Ida Christine Johnson, who was born in Sweden, July 8, 1859. They are the parents of three children : Joseph Ali)iia, born May 5, 1879 ; Arnst Walford, October 19, 1880, and Johanna Maria, April (i, 1882. They belong to the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics. Moses Plummer, whose sketch is given below, nuule a settlement here in the sjiring of 1860. Moses Plummer (deceased), one of the early settlers of this township, and one of the indus- trious, intelligent and thrifty farmers who have done so much to develop the resources of the county, was born among the granite hills of New Iliunpshire, in the town of Sanborn- ton, Belknap County. The date of his birth was December 23, 1817. He was reared in that county, farming part of the time in his native town, and part of the time in the ad- joining one of Meredith. On November 11, IS-t-l-, he was united in marriage with Matilda S. Gate, a native of Meredith, N. H. Shortly after their marriage they moved to a farm near Saubornton, where they resided a few years and then removetl to another place near by, where they livoil until 1859. Mr. Plummer then sold out there and moved to Minnesota and located at first in Clinton, Steele County, whore tliey remained that winter, in order to allow their son George to attend school. In March, 1860, they came to Otisco Township, this county, where Mr. Plummer purchased the farm on sections 3 and 4, where Mrs. Plummer now resides, and which contains 180 acres. In 1850 Mr. Plummer was in the town hall at Meredith, N. II., when part of the floor gave way, pre- cipitating a part of the 300 people present into the abyss, killing several and injuring many, among the latter Mr. Plummer, who then received injuries that eventually killed him. For some live years previous to his death he was completely paralyzed and totally helpless, until released from suffering by death on the 20th of September, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer were the parents of three children : George C, born October 17, 1845, who died March 17, 1865; Charles M., born March 1, 1866, and died November 21, 1866, and Georgia born Januray 20, 1870, now in Owatonna attending scliool. Mr. Plum- mer's death was sadly mourned b\' not only the family, but a large circle of acquaint- ances. He was a man of high moral char- acter, and patiently bore sutl'erings which would have shaken the faith of other men. In his day he was an active and influential citizen, and in his affliction the county lost the services of a worthy man. Knud Hanson was also one of the set- tlers of the year 1860. He is a native of Norway, born August 24, 1824. He re- sided in the land of his birth until he was thirty-six years old. March 15, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary Tollif- son, and the 29th of the following July sailed for America and came direct to Otisco Township and settled, as above stated, and bought 160 acres of land on section 35, where he now lives. In 1862 Mr. Hanson enlisted in Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, and participated in the Sibley ex- pedition. During the winter of 1862-3 the}' were stationed at the Winnebago agency, and in the spring started after the Indians, defeating them five times. In October he, with the regiment, went to St. Louis to guard prisoners, and from there to the front, where Mr. Hanson participated in the battles of Guntown, Miss., and Nashville, Tenn. After the last battle he was taken sick, contract- ing rheumatism, which troubles him much to the present time, and was confined to the hospital until he was discharged, when he HI8T0EY OF WASECA COUNTY. 699 came back home. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson had born to them nine children: Hans, married in June, 1882, to Anna Hanson; Peter, Mar^^ Barbara, Annie, CaroHne (de- ceased,) Matilda, Caroline and Tollef M. Bar- bara was married December 3, 1886, to Ernest Oleson. Mrs. Hanson died May 22, 1886. Mr. Hanson is a Republican in politics. Halvor Thorson was also a settler of 1860. HISTORIC ITEMS. The first birth in the township was that of a child of Michael Anderson, born in July, 1856. The first marriage was that of William F. Armstrong and Sarah F. Farrington, which took place July 2, 1858. The first death was that of Lillie J. Can- field, who died August 18, 1859. ORGANIC At the first organization of the county, in the spring of 1857, all the territory now embraced in the townships of New Richland, Byron anil Vivian, together with the south one-third of what is now AVilton and Otisco, was oro-anized into one civil town under the name of Otisco, but on the 5th of April, 1858, what now constitutes the town was set off and retained the name it bears. The first election was held at the house of Owen Salisbury, and that gentleman, H. G. Mosher and S. S. Griggs were the judges of the election. WATEKLYNN. Early in the summer of 1856, Watters and Chamberlain, taking advantage of the trouble between the settlers and the proprietors of the town of Wilton, purchased the claims of William and George Robbins, on the east side of the river, and there laid out a town wiiich they christened b}' the above name. This was right opposite the site of Wilton and tiie owners expected it would prove a formidable rival to the prospective town above named. A store and a hotel were erected that summer, the latter part frame and part log. But it never amounted to anj'thing ; the hotel was burned down in 1858, while occupied as a residence of Wil- liam Murphy, and a fine farm is now found upon the site of this embryo town. VILLAGE OF OTISCO. A village of the above name wp.s laid out in July, 1857, by Warren Bundy and S. S. Goodrich, but it never amounted to very much. Although, doubtless, the proprietors indulged in golden di'eams of the prospective importance and business prosperity of the place, its history can be summed up in a few words. Where once they hoped to hear the busy whir of machinery, or the ceaseless hum of commercial activity, now I'esounds only to the low of kine or whistle of the plow- boy at his work, and is covered with nod- ding corn or bending grain. In its infancy it was nothing, and at its prime it had but the sawmill, a store and the postoffice. The sawmill was erected in the fall of 1857 by Daniel and Gould Grover, two sons of Silas Grover, who ran it but a short time, when it was purchased by Griggs & Obert. After a time it again passed into the hands of Gould Grover, who was killed in the mill, when it became the proi)erty of Eno & Beatty, but they becoming unpopular left it, and the dam going out, the mill fell into de- cay and went to pieces. A small store, the stock consisting of gro- ceries, clothing, etc., was started by the Goodriches, at Otisco, in the latter part of 1857. It was but a small affair and did not last any length of time. The postoffice was established in 1857, and Owen Salisbury was the first postmaster. PROMINENT PEOPLE. Sketches of some of the more prominent representative people of Otisco Township are given here as indicative of the general popu- lation. Roger B. Wood, one of the enterprising and intelligent agriculturists of this township, 600 HISTORY OF WASECA COrNTT. resides on section 31, on the farm, part of which he purchased in 1869, and which con- tains 354 acres, he having sold some six acres to the railroad company. He is a native of Stormont County, Ontario, born June 1, 1842, and was reared in the country of his birth. In 1862, he came to the United States, and for two years remained in Eiga, Monroe County, N. Y. From there he re- moved to Oil City, Pa., where he was en- gaged in the blacksmith trade for some two years, when he came west and worked at his trade in Owatonna, for Philip Shuester, but only staved one month, coming to Waseca Village where he opened a blacksmith shop of his own and there lived until April 1, 1871, when he moved on his farm. Decem- ber 15, 1869, he was united in marriage with Parmelia Smith, in Byron Township. She was born at Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wis., February 1, 1852, and came to Minnesota Avith her parents in 1866. The family settled in Goodhue County, but a year later came to Byron Townsiiip, this county, where the father died in February, 1881 ; the mother lives near Alma City. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been the parents of the following chil- dren : Jessie J., born August 27, 1871 ; Ben- jamin W., born January 19, 1873; James A., January 13, 1875 ; John W., born Octo- ber 26, 1881, died November 12, 1883 ; Roger G., born March 28, 1878 ; Edna Jennie Grace, July 1, 1883, and Robert A., December 7, 1885. Mr. Wood is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Church, and are ardent prohibitionists. Samuel Leslie, one of the leading farmers of this town, is a native of Essex County, N. Y., born September 9, 1837. He came to Minnesota in November, 1866, and helped plat the city of Waseca in the spring and summer of 1867, and lived in that beautiful city until about 1870, when he moved to Otisco Township, on section 4, where he now resides, and where he has 240 acres of ver}^ fine land. His buildings are first class, and are surrounded with a fine grove and orchard. All this jjrosperity is the result of his own industry, he having settled here on the wild prairie, and by labor and perseverance he has made a beautiful home. He was married September 23, 1860, to Mar}' E. Sisson, and the}' have been the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living : Jennie M., born December 6, 1861, married to C. G. Mosher, February 10, 1886, and has one child, Ruth F., born in December, 1886 ; Frank J., born October 6, 1863; Herbert J.. February 7, 1866; Ptalph B., Apnl 7, 1869; Mark P., June 6, 1871, and Ella, July 12, 1S75. Joseph T. Dunn, who resides on his highly cultivated farm on section 4 in this township, is a native of Park County, Ind., born No- vember 21, 1855. He is the son of Will- iam and Mary J. (Baird) Dunn, both natives of Ireland, the former born March 31, 1823, and died March 20, 1884; the latter born in 1819, and died in September, 1871. When Joseph was but one year old the family came to this county, settling on section 35, Wood- ville Township, where they were among the earliest settlers. In this county he was reared, and he remained at home with his parents until after the death of his mother, when he commenced life for himself. March 21, 1877, he and Lena Beck were united in marriage, at Owatonna. The following sum- mer he rented a farm in Wilton Township, where he raised one crop, and then bought eighty acres of land in Woodville Township, where he lived until the spring of 1881. He then purchased 120 acres on section 24, Otisco, but five years later he bought the place where he now lives, selling the farm on section 24 to James M. Dunn. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are the parents of three children : Joseph II.. born January 9, 1878; Anna, December 31, 1879, and Martha, November 2, 1SS3. Mr. Dunn does a general farming and stock-raising business, and owns a fine horse of the Norman Percheron breed. H. O. Robbins was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., April 15, 1844, and re- * HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 601 sided with his parents until he was twenty- one years of age, when he moved to Wiscon- sin, but after five years' residence there he came to Wilton, Minn., where he spent about eighteen months. From there he went to the city of Waseca, where he remained two years and a half. The next three years were spent on his father's farm on section IG, this township. He then removed to Meriden, Steele County, but two years later came back to the farm, which he is now working for his father on shares. He is doing a general farming and stock-raising business, and has a herd of some twelve head of cattle, two horses, besides other stock. He was united in marriage July 20, 1871, in Waseca with Sarah Ellis, who was born November 21, 1852. They have been the parents of three children: Oora A., born April 19, 1872; Edwin II., October 4, 1873, and Erskine A., August 14, 1882. Mr. Robbins has filled the offices of school director and clerk, and con- stable and road overseer, and is a Prohibi- tionist. Asa Robbins, father of H. O. Robbins, was born in the State of New York in 1811. On the 5th of February, 1838, he was married to Hulda A. Chapman. She was born January 9, 1815, and died on the 10th of December, 1885. William Kugath waS born in Germany, April 27,1857, and came to the United States in 1873. He came to Chicago on first land- ing, and there he remained for six years, and then came to Waseca County, and worked for different parties inOtisco Townsliip until 1883, when he purchased 160 acres of land on section 12, in this town, where he now lives. His parents came to this country in 1881, and are now keeping house for him. He was a poor man when he came here but lie now has a good farm, well improved and well stocked, and is in good shape financially. He is a Republican in politics and a Luth- eran in religion. Gustaf Johnson was born in Sweden, November 25, 1831, and lived in that coun- try until coming to the United States. He was united in marriage with Johanna John- son, a native of Sweden, born in 1831. They came direct from their native land to Otisco Township, where Mr. Johnson pur- chased eighty acres of land on section 2, where he now lives. They are the parents of six children : Christina, born July 6, 1859; Charles, born April 24, 1861; Oscar, born January 28, 1864 ; Hilda, born August 21, 1866; John, born February 5, 1871, and Edwin, born December 15, 1872. All are living in this township except Oscar, who is in Idaho. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican in poli- tics. Otto Hanson was born in Norway, March 16, 1850, and came to the United States with his parents in 1867. His father died here October 1, 18S5, his mother in 1869, and both are buried in Otisco cemetery. He was married in Wisconsin, March 15, 1874, to Ellen Thompson, when he moved to eighty acres of land on section 24, that he had previously bought. He lived there awhile and then sold it and purchased 360 acres on sections 14 and 23, on which he has put up a fine house and a barn 32x88 -feet in size, with a wing to it 16x24 and granary and other outbuildings. When he came here he was a poor man, having nothing and owing $35 for his passage over the water, but he went to work for a farmer and worked three weeks for $5. He then hired out to work through haying and harvest for $13 per month, and from that on up until he is now in good comfortable circumstances, brought about mainly by his own industry and thrift. He and Mrs. Hanson are the parents of five children : Martin, born July 7, 1875; Helena Sophia, born September 27, 1876; Emil, born May 19, 1878; Mena, born January 16, 1880, and Henry Oscar, born January 13, 1884. lie and his family belong to the Lutheran Church. James Irwin was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in May, 1828, and came to the 602 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. United States for the fii-st time, in 184-9. He worked on a farm in New Jerse\', near Had- donfield, for five years, and then returned to" Ireland, but one year Later came back, and came west to "Wisconsin, where he bought a farm of John G. Pease, at La Prairie, south of Janesville. April 31, 1860, he was mar- ried at Watertown, Wis., to Sarah Fitz- patrick, and moved to his farm, where he had built a house and sunk a well eighty-one feet deep. He lived there awhile when he sold out and purchased eighty acres of land near Watertown, where he lived for a number of years. He enlisted in the Sixteenth Illi- nois Infantry and went to the front. While at Chickasaw, Ala., they lost fifty-two men by the close fire of the rebels, but he escaped scot-free. He was discharged in April, 1865, and having no money Capt. Warren of his regiment took his discharge and an order on the paymaster, and let him have the money, jjromising to send liis discharge, which he has failed j'et to do. He came home, arriv- ing there about a week before the assassina- tion of President Lincoln. He remained on his farm in Wisconsin until 1870, when he came to this county, arriving here April IS, and purchased the northwest quarter of section 25, this town. Tliey have had five children born to them : George, born May 3, 1861; William John, born February 20, 1863 ; Mary Ann, born October 8, 1865, died July 29, 1880 ; James, born January 28, 1868, and Patrick Thomas, born March 14, 1870. These were all born in Wisconsin. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat politically. Johnny Larson was born in Sweden, April 2, 1849, and came to the United States with his parents in 1853. They remained for a short time at West Point, Ind., and then removed to Attica, in the same State. From the latter place they moved to this county, where the father purchased some forty acres of land on section 21, this town- ship. Here Johnny Larson lived with his father, working on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was mai'- ried to Clara Matilda Johnson, and pur- chased 160 acres of land Avhere he now lives. At that time the place was but little im- proved, but he now has nearly ninety aci-es under cultivation, with a good house, barn, granar}', etc., and the buildings are sur- rounded by a fine grove. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have one child, Charles Arvid, born March 14, 1871. Mr. and ]\Irs. Larson are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican. C. Bauman who has a fine farm of 200 acres on sections 19 and 20. this township, is a native of West Prussia, Germany, born August 12, 1833. He lived in the land of his nativity for many years, and there, July 2, 1860, he was united in marriage with Wilhelmina Tesch, who was born in the same part oT Europe, February 7, 1837. They immigrated to America in 1871, and came at once to Waseca County, and rented a farm for some three years, when he bought his present place. When they came over to this country, many of the passengers had cholera, and some eight3'-five of them died, three of their children, John, Anna and Mary, among them. Mrs. Bauman died June 3, 1885, leaving six children : Otto, born December 2, 1861 ; Frank, born October 4, 1863 ; Carl, born March 4, 1873; Elizabeth, born Jul}' 2, 1876 ; Clara Augusta, born August 2, 1878, and Gustave, born Septem- ber 2, 1886. Mrs. Christine Spoonburg, widow, whose maiden name was Johnson, was born in Sweden, February 4:, 1837. She came to America in 1869, with her brother and sis- ter, tlie former of whom lives in Davenport, Iowa, and the latter in Waseca. Christine Johnson was mai-ried to John Spoonburg, in New Richland. He, also, was a native of Sweden, born October 12, 1838, and came to this country in 1869, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 34, where his widow still resides. They had born to them six children: Abbie Althie, born September 17, HISTOEY OP WASECA COUNTY. 603 1871 ; John Andrew, born February 21, 1873 ; Ellen, born October 12, 1871, died April 6, 1882 ; Caroline Virginia, born July 17,1876; Oscar Emil, born March 1,1878, died June 6, 1882, and Herman L., born March 21, 1880. Mrs. Spoonburg is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. John A. Tolin was born in Sweden, April 29, 1859, and came to the United States in 1881, coming directly to Waseca County, on landing on the shores of this great republic. He remained in the city of Waseca, about a week, and then went to St. Peter where he remained two years, and then came to this township and bought eighty acres of land on sections 1 and 2, and built him a house on tlie last named. Mr. Tolin was united in marriage with Hilda Johnson, and they have one child, Hannah. Mr. Tolin carries on his farm and works at the trade of carpenter, when there is a demand for that kind of labor. Fi'ederick Lundquist was born in Sweden, July 3, 1837, where his parents died. He came to the United States in 1806, and for the first year made his residence in Illinois, after which he came to Otisco Township, this county, and purchased 125 acres of land on section 2, where he now lives. January 3, 1869, he and Sophia Maria Larson were united in marriage, and they are the parents of four children : Ida Melvina, born February 21,1870; Simon Ludwig, January 1, 1872 ; Adla Lyustina, November 3, 1876 ; Hannah Albertina, September 17, 1881. Simon Lud- wig died November 4, 1882. When Mr. Lundquist came to America he was a poor man, but by industry and energy he has ac- quired a fine property, and is on the high road to an easy competency. He is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church, and a Repub- lican. John Youngberg was born in Sweden, October 5, 1811, and -when, in 1866, he immi- grated to America, he came direct to Otisco Township, Waseca County, and worked as a farm hand for different parties until 1868, when he bought 120 acres of land on section 27. He has since sold eighty acres of this, but purchased the same amount, and still owns 120 acres, on which he now carries on farming operations. Mr. Youngberg was married to Mary Hanson, who was born in Norway, June 15, 1852, and came to this country with her parents. They have had a family of twelve cliildren : August John, born June 12, 1870, deceased ; Alfred, born April 1, 1871 ; Hulda Christina, born Februar}' 23, 1873 ; Agnes Josephine, born February 19, 1875 ; Carl Oscar, born May 12, 1877 ; Lud- wig, born December 13, 1879, deceased ; Otto Larson, born December 19, 1880, de- ceased ; Lena, born December 13, 1881 ; Samuel, born February 9, 1882, deceased; Tena, born May 10, 1883, deceased ; Theo- dore, born July 6, 1885, and Victor, born October 9, 1886, deceased. Mr. Youngberg's parents ai'e still living in the old country. Their name is Larson, but Mr. Youngberg changed his name owing to there being so many of the name of Larson in the vicinity, and the confusion in mail and other matters. He has three brothers and one sister in America, August J., in Nebraska, the others in the Black liills, Dakota. Their names are Gabriel, Otto and Mary. Mrs. Louisa Peterson, widow, whose maid- en name was Anderson, was born in Sweden, October 16, 1827. During the year 1856 she was united in marriage with John P. Peter- son, a native of that country, born in 1828. In 1857, they, in company with Mrs. Peter- son's mother, came to the United States, setthng in Princeton, 111., where they lived for seven j'ears, Mr. Peterson bemg engaged in working on farms for others. They then came to this county and settled on section 28, where he bought eighty acres of land, afterward addinji' 160 acres to it. In De- cember, 1867, their Iiouse was burned down, so they dug a hole in the ground, in which they lived some six years, then built a good house, in which she now lives with two of her children, and carries on her farm, her hus- 604 HISTORY OF WASECA COITNTY. band having been killed by the cars in Feb- ruaiy, 1883, close to his home. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were the parents of seven children : Andrew Oscar, born in Sweden, January 27, 1857, married and lives in this county ; Mary Louisa, born in Illinois, January 6, 1859, married ; Carl, born in Illinois, October 10, 1861, died in Princetown, July, 1857 ; Frank Victor, born October 2, 1862, married, and lives in Minneapolis ; Emma Sophia, born in Minnesota, October 1, 1865 ; Charles Lean- der, born December 6, 1867, and Anna Charlotte, born June 10, 1871, married. Chai'les Gustafson was born in Sweden, April 17, 1845, and came to the United States in 1868. The same year he came to Waseca County and worked for different parties at farm work, which he followed for two or three years, when he purchased 120 acres of land on section .35, in Woodville township, on wbicli he built a house, barn, etc., and where he lived for a time. He then sold part of this and purchased eighty acres in section 2, of this township, where he now lives. His father died in this town in June, 1876, but the mother is still living hei'e. Mrs. Gustafson is also a native of Sweden and they have a family of seven children : Charles Emil, born April 10, 1876 ; Emma Otilla, born April 19, 1877; Alfred Theodore, born December 2, 1878 ; Joseph F., born June 27, 1880 ; Johanna Christine, born February 4, 1882 ; Fi'ank Ludwig, born November 21, 1884, and Oscar Simon, born January 5, 18S7. Mr. Gustafson is a Ee- publican in politics and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Frederick ZeU and his brother Louis have a very fine farm of some 240 acres of land in this township, and although they were poor men when they came here, yet by per- severance and industrj" they have acquired property worth about $8,000. Frederick was born in Prussia, January 12, 1846, and with with his brother came to America in 1872. For a year they remained in New York, and then came to this county, settling in Otisco Township. The}^ are Eepublicans in poli- tics and are members of the Lutheran Church. Louis was married in the faU of 1884, to Otilda Piatt, and they are the parents of one child, Elfrida, born September 15, 1885. The brothers carry on farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale, and they deserve to be ranked among the wealthy farmers of "Waseca County. Lars Peterson was born in Sweden, Sep- tember 28, 1S30, and lived in that country until he was some thirty-six years old. April 9, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Oleson, and the following children were born to them in their native land : Sophia, born January 14, 1856 ; Alfred, April 23, 1858; Hadvig, May 13, 1860; Christina, March 27, 1802, and Halga, February 7, 1865. In 1866 Mr. Peterson and his family crossed the ocean to America, and all came direct to this place and settled on section 28, where he owns 160 acres of excellent land. Since coming to this country they have been the parents of four children : August, born Sep- tember 25, 1869 ; Ida, December 10, 1872 ; Leonard, August 4, 1874, and Hildur, De- cember 18, 1875. Sophia, their eldest child, married John Melvin, April 1, 1877, and resides in Swift County, this State. Mr. Peterson is a Kepublican in politics. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, the mission church building of that denom- ination standing on his farm not ten rods from his dwelling-. CHAPTER XXI. JANESVILLE TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. [IE township of Janesville is in the northwestern corner of the county, antl embraces all of congressional township 108 north, range 2i west. It contains the least amount of tillable land of any in Waseca County, a large proportion of its surface being covered by the waters of Lake El^'sian, a beauti- ful sheet some five miles long, and in some places a mile and a half wide. The land is fertile and produc- tive, yielding a rich return to the enterpris- ing husbandman. The soil is the rich, dark mold characteristic of this portion of the State and apparently inexhaustible. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad crosses the town from east to west, affording ample facilities for the transportation of produce and of travel. Janesville Village, a flourish- ing place, lies within its bordei's and is the trade center of the precinct. The several small creeks and streamlets that flow into the lakes afford ample drainage to the countr\', and the large amount of timber, primeval in its source, that still covers a great portion of its surface, supplies an almost inexhaustible amount of fuel, both for home consumption and for sale abroad. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The land of Janesville Township lay bask- ing beneath the blazing sun of summer or clothed with the snowy mantle of winter, in pristine beauty and loveliness, until the year 1855. Roamed over by parties of the red- men of the north, in search of the game that abounded in its forests or the fish in its lakes, its soil lay unfilled by the hand of the white man until the year spoken of, when the tide of emigration that at that time flowed over this fair land, came this way and seekers after locations finding that the land was fair to look upon began to take up claims and make a home. Probably the first to make a settlement here was John Douglas, who in the summer of 1855 made a claim and opened up a little farm. Fi'om this he removed to Elysian, and from there to Nebraska. With him came a man by the name of Hughes. Early in 1855 John Davis and Alfred Hol- stein came to this part of the county and located claims, Davis on part of section 28, and Holstein on portion of section 27. These two men were traders and sold goods, especially whiskey, to the Indians then on the reservation. Davis is said to have been a peculiarly truthful man, never exaggerating anything, and in telling a story, even if it reflected upon himself, he would tell it just as it was. He was a great hunter, and approached in that line the Indians, — a genuine backwoodsman. He lived here for some yeai'S until his folks sent him tickets to come home with, they having sent him money several times before for that purpose, which he spent for drink, and he finally left here for one of the Carolinas. Alfred Holstein was a partner of John Davis, and they were engaged in a store in Janesville. Holstein was deemed a straight- forward, honest man, and was well liked by all the settlers. But in their log store buildina: they sold goods to the Indians, trusting many of them, expecting to get their pay when the eo6 606 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. annuities were paid from the paymaster, which they did for several times ; but an or- der was issued that only authorized traders on the reservation should have their money held back this way, and the non-payment of this debt broke the firm up. Sometime after this the government gave the Indians a lot of horses, and Holstein in company with a man from Missouri, to get even with the Indians, put up a scheme and stole the horses, some forty or fifty head, and made off south safely and disposed of them. But through the influence of his friend, he was induced to help steal some more, and was caught, and languished in prison for the offense. John Rowley made a settlement in 1855 on section 9, west of the lake, where he lived many 3'ears. Jerry Hogan came from the State of Ken- tucky in the year 1855, and made a settle- ment on section 21. He lived here for many years, but a few summers ago he was found dead in his house, having died from heart disease wiiile alone. James, Thomas and John Hogan, also came at the same time, all of whom are still resident in Waseca County, Thomas in Alton, and James in Janesville. John re- turned to Kentucky, but after a time retui'ned here and is now a citizen of this town. Patrick Moonan, now a resident of the city of Waseca, came here in 1855, and made a settlement near the lake. John, James and Patrick McCue came to tiiis locality in 1855, and " stuck their stakes." James died in 1885, and Patrick is a resi- dent of Parker's Prairie, this State. John removed to Missouri, and has grown quite wealthy. He was a very peculiar and wliimsical man, always wanting to be ad- dressed as Mr. McCue, and gave them all to understand that he was not poor, Init a wealthy farmer. George Merrill, now an inhabitant of Alton, came to Janesville in 1855, and lived here many years. John Cunningham made a settlement in this township on section 29, in the year 1855, where he resided until his death, which occurred August 30, 1870. October 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, First Min- nesota Mounted Rangers, and did excellent service in the Sibley campaign against the Sioux Indians, until the expiration of his term of service, and was discharged Novem- ber 9, 1863. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Crawford, the widow of W. II. Crawford, one of the earl}' settlers of this township, who was murdered in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham were the parents of two children : James and Maud. Mrs. Cun- ningham resides on the farm made by Mr. Cunningham in early days. Early in January, 1856, W. G. Allyn came to this part of Waseca, and took up a claim on section 24. He is now a resident of the village of Janesville. and owner of some four additions to the town site thereof. W. G. Allyn is a native of Martinsburgh, Lewis County, N". Y., born June 13, 1822, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Greene) Allyn. In 1851 the family removed to Otsego, Columbia County, Wis., where W. G. remained until the fall of 1855, when he started from there with a team and drove to Faribault, Rice Count}', this State, arriv- ing there December 2, being some three weeks on the road. Making his home for a time with a Mr. Haines, who lived about four miles south of that town, he got up a house on his claim on section 24, m this county, where he removed in January, 1856. This house was of rough logs, and the roof composed of the covering of his two wagons, with a quilt hung up for a door. Neither had it any windows, or any floor other than mother earth. He remained on the original claim some eighteen years, and then purchased 120 acres of land adjoining the town site of Janesville, on sections 33 and 34, and there laid out a portion of it into what is known as Allyn's first addition to the town of Janesville. Since that time he has laid out three more additions. Of late HISTORY OF WASKCA COUNTY. 609 years he has attended to his farm, and the sale of his lots, but for one year was in busi- ness in the village. He was united in mar- riage with Laura A. Williams, and they have three children : William Henry, George W. and Fannie J. Mr. and Mrs. AUyn are act- ive members of the Methodist Church, hav- ing been members of the same for over forty years. Paul Wandrie and his son Charles, came to this township in 1856, and took up claims. Both of them are now dead. With them came William and Martin Stanke, who also took up claims, and lived here some time. They afterward removed to Blue Earth County where they are living now. These all settled at the old town of Janes- ville, and were the first real settlers of that place when the town was started. It is told of Martin Stanke, that, during the war, he enlisted in the service, but could not learn to march or keep step, even if tried in an awkward squad of two or three, and after trying for some time he was discharged as incompetent for a soldier. Michael Silkey, a German by birth, came soon afterward, in the same year, and made a settlement at the old town also. In 1856 J. AV. Ilosmer, the present com- modore of the Lake Elysian fleet, made a settlement at the old village of Janesville, then but a town on paper, and became half owner thereof. J. W. Hosmer came to this county in 1856, and located in what is now the town of Iosco, opening a store there, where he re- mained but a short time, when he came to this town and purchased the half interest in the old town site of Janesville as mentioned. He there built a large sawmill, which was of great utilitv to the settlers. He after- ward was engaged in the mercantile trade at that point, and traded some with the In- dians, of whom there were ])lenty around here in those days. After the new village was laid out and the business removed there Mr. Hosmer remained on the old place and ran the mill until it was burned, and then devoted his attention to bee culture, produc- ing one season some nine tons of honey. He is now engaged, principally, in stock-raising and during the summer months in runnino- his steamboat on the lovely waters of Lake Elysian, or hauling sand from its banks in his sand-barge, from whence he derives his nickname of " Commodoi-e." He is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born May 19, 1824-, and is the son of Elisha and Clarissa (Rowley) Hosmer. About the year 1826, the famih' removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where J. W. was raised, and wiiere he lived until he was some eighteen years of age, when he went to Wisconsin and re- mained there until coming here. W. G. Mathes came to Okaman in 1856. He was one of the owners of the town site of that village and resided there for some years, when he moved to Minneapolis, where his death occurred some years afterward. N. E. Strong, now of California, came here from Iosco in 1856. He remained here for some time, interested in the sawmill at Janes- ville, and was identified with the official life of the county, and the business interests of Waseca, before he left the county. John Put made a settlement in 1856. Thomas McHugo was among the hardy pioneers of the year 1856, he having come from the State of Ohio to a new-found home in Minnesota. He is still a resident of the township, living just east of the village of Janesville. CtBsar DeRegan, a Frenchman, made his appearance here in 1856, and located a claim on what was afterward the site of old Janes- ville. He laid out a town site, part of it on the ice of Lake Elysian, which was sold to non-residents, and taxes were paid on those " water lots " for some years. It was at his house that the polls for the southern part of the township were fixed at the first election on the organization of the town. DeRegan left here shortiv after the starting of the 33 610 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. town, but later returned but made no ex- tended visit, owing to some transactions he was mixed up in. W. H. Crawford came to Waseca County in 1856 and settled on the west bank of Lake Elysian, where he remained two years, when he removed to Texas. At that time the feeling against Northerners was quite strong, and upon some one examining Mr. Craw- ford's mail and finding therein a Waseca County paper which advocated Ilepublican principles, the self-styled vigilance commit- tee called upon Mr. Crawford, without warn- ing, and killed him in sight of his wife with- out compunction, nor had she anj"^ recourse, lie was a native of Bath, Me., and in 1852 was united in marriage with Mary Furfey. They were the parents of three children : Will- iam, John and Jennie. After his death Mrs. Crawford returned to Wilton, where she remained one year, and then returned to her people in Maine. In 1866 she returned to Waseca County and was united in marriage with John Cunningham, an early settler of this township, whose history has al- ready been given. She is still living on the Cunningliam homestead, where her husband died in 1870. Shortly after these came quite a number of others, prominent among which were the following: William Wind, now dead ; John Bradish. who occujtied the position of count}' attorney in an early day, and is still a resident of Janesville; Eichard Dreever, who after- ward removed to Iosco Township, where he died in 1885, and George Dreever, still a resident of the town. Thomas Cahill came to this township in 1857, and settled where he now lives. He was born in Ireland in November, 1825, and remained in his native land un- til 1847, when he came to America. On arriving here he first settled in Ken- tucky, but from there moved to Webster County, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, but only remained a short time, when he came to this locality, and on April 9, 1857, took up a claim on section 27, and where he now owns on that and adjoining sections 795 acres of most magniticent land, all lo- cated near Lake Elysian, well sup]ilied with timber, and is one of the best adapted for stock farming of any in the count3\ In March, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Harney, at New Albany. She was born in Ireland, August 15, 1831. They have had a famil}' of five children, one of whom is dead. Those living are: John, born June 22, 1859 ; Bridget, June 8, 1861 ; William K., November 6, 1862, and Thomas Edward, June 8, 1864. The family are members of the Catholic Church. James Roberts, one of the owners of Okaman, located there in 1857, and resided in that place for about two or three years. R. C. Wilkins was another early settler. In a few years he removed from here to Northfield, where he lives at the present. John Hrown .settled here about the year 1857. In a drunken frolic at Elysian, whither he had gone, he killed a man and was sent to the ])enitentiary, and having served out his term, is now a resident of St. Paul. B. S. Hall, a son-in-law of John Buckhout, came to Okaman in 1857 with that, gentle- man, and was concerned in the planting of that village. He resided at the village for some years, and then went to St. Paul. George H. Bisliop, also an owner of the town of Okaman, settled at the village in 1857. He entered the army during the late war, and died at the siege of Yicksburg in 1863. Frederick Roberts lived at Okaman for a time. He was interested in the town, but left here about 1859 or 1860. He settled here in 1857. Nicholas Allen made a settlement here in 1857. He was an Irishman by birth. He finally started for California, and it was rumored perished with his family during the horrible massacre at Mountain Meadow, but it is believed that the report is not true. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 611 J. W. Crawfoi'd, G. M. Bernard and Charles Colestock came here during the year 1857. Crawford settled on section 10, but removed from this county in a very early day ; Bernard did not remain long, nor did Colestock. Among others who located here in 1857 were : E.. Brown, Alexander Johnston, John Buckhoiit, Frank Johnson, Gottlieb Grams, James Heming, James and David Colledge and Patrick Hackett. Alexander Johnston was connected with the early history of the press in tliis county, and is noticeil in that connection. John Buckhout, an old conductor on the New York ife Erie Railroad, came to what was afterward Okaman, and put up a saw and grist mill, which became quite famous afterward as one of the best gristmills in the county. When he died, October 21, 1881, the mill ceased running and is now idle. Frank Johnson is still a resident of Janes- ville village. Gottlieb Grams came to this township in the fall of 1857, and made a settlement on section 8, where he still resides. He is a native of Prussia, Germany, born September 7, 1828. He was reared in that country, and there received his education. When he had attained the age of manhood, he was called upon to serve in the army, and during the two years and a half that he spent thus, saw some active service. In 1853 he immi- grated to America, locating at first in Mil- waukee, Wis. He resided there for some four years, and then came to this county. He has a fine farm of 173 acres of land ; the fine brick residence where he lives is upon the banks of Lake Lily. His home is a most pleasant one. October 16, 1855, Mr. Grams and Louisa Wandrie were united in mar- riage. She is a native of Prussia, also a daughter of one of the old settlers of this township, and was born in 1843. They have a family of four children, born as follows : Charles, born June 22, 1863; Ottila, born July 4, 1865; Eliza, born March 15, 1868, and Pauline, who was born August 2, 1873. James and David Colledge did not remain here long, removing to a more southern lo- calitA'. ORGANIC. The most of the territory now embraced within the limits of the township of Janes- ville was included in that of Empire, organ- ized in March, 1857, and it continued to form a part of that precinct for about a year. In May, 1857, however, that portion of the town lying west of the lake was organized into a separate precinct, under the name of Elysian. On the 5th of April, 1858, the county commissioners, however, organized the present township and gave it the name of Okaman. At this time the board appointed two polling places, on account, no doubt, of the distance from one settlement in the town to the other, and the rivalry between the two parts of the town. The one at Okaman, at the house of H. Tattle, where Alexander Johnston, G.H. Bishop and W. N. Buckhout presided as judges of election ; the one at Janesville, at the residence of Caesar De- Regan. Here the judges were R. Brown, John Cunningham and C. DeRegan. By some misunderstanding the two rival towns, both of which then expected to become large places, each elected a full set of offi- cers, but this being declared illegal, those chosen in the north half of the town never qualified. The first oflicers of the township were ; John Davis, chairman, and Thomas Cahill and Gottlieb Grams, supervisors ; M. S. Green, clerk; J. W. Hosmer, treasurer; Richard Dreever and John Bradish, justices of the peace ; James Heming and Alfred Holstein, constables. Richard Dreever, when he attempted to try his first suit, became disgusted, and resigning his oflBce, J. W. Hosmer was appointed justice in his place. OTHERS. Follow^ing are given sketches of many of the representative men of the township, biography being the pith of history. 612 HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. C. Hover is a native of Chemung County, N. Y., born February 21, 1831. He lived in that State until 1864, when he came to Minne- sota," locating on section 29, Janesville Town- ship, this county, where he stiU resides. His place is on the west bank of that beautiful sheet of water, Lake Elysian, across whose pellucid waters the view extends from his house. The buildings on his farm are com- modious and even elegant, and are among the finest in the county. October 21, 1852, Mr. Hover and Maria English were united in the bonds of matrimony. She is a native of Bradford County, Pa., born April 5, 1833. They are the parents of one son, N. D., who was born October 10, 1854, and who, on the 1st of January, 1873, took unto himself a wife in the person of Anna IVIorse, and they have a family of four children : Cora I., born December 12, 1875 ; Clarence I., born March 16, 1877; Earl C, born August 25, 1879, and WiUiam D., April 30, 1881. N. D. Hover lives on section 28, this township. Joseph Warner is a native of Northamp- tonshire, England, born February 9, 1847. He came to the shores of America with his parents in 1855, and they settled in Coluifi- bia. Wis., where he remained until 1865. That 3'ear the family removed to Le Sueur County, this State, where he made his home until 1873, the date of his coming to Waseca County. He purchased the farm on section 4, where he still resides, at that time, The same year, in July, he was married to Evaline Swann, who was born in 1851, and who died in 1879, leaving two children : Blanche, born January 19, 1876, and Thomas, born July 23, 1878. Mr. Warner's father, Thomas, was born in England in 1812, and died in Le Sueur County, this State, in 1872 ; his mother, Martha, is now living with her son. She is also a native of England, born in 1812. Joseph Warner's place comprises some 216 acres of land in this and Le Sueur counties, and on it he has a fine sugar bush of some three hundred trees. W. Talmadge was born in Grant Countv, Wis., December 31, 1857. He hved there until 1872, when he came to Minnesota, lo- cating in Watonwan County, and remained there about four years. He then went to Le Sueur and engaged in the drug business, which he continued for about two years. In 1887 he came to Waseca County, locating in Janesville Township. On July 23, 1877, he was united in marriage with Nellie Jewison, a native of the Badger State, born December 19, I860. They have two children : Myrette Ella, born August 9, 1879, and Grace E., born October 19, 1882. Mr. and Mr. Tal- madge are both members of the Episcopal Church. A. Willis, one of the old settlers, was born in Connecticut, August 15, 1816, where he lived for manj'^ years. For twenty-two years he worked in a woolen factory in the State of New York, after which he came to Illi- nois, where he lived for several years. He then came to Waseca County, Minn., locat- ing in Janesville Township, taking a claim on section 8. Here he remained and made improvements, then moved his family to the homestead, where he now lives. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Hulda Treat, who died in 1842. June 5, 1847, he was united in marriage with Hannah Allen, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born April 22, 1824. They are the parents of ten chil- dren: Emily A., born October 24, 1848; An- nette, born March 6, 1851, died in June, 1854 ; Ellen, born March 10, 1852, died Au- gust 31, 1880; Eliza, born November 24, 1853; Mary J., born February 14, 1856 ; Ed- ward, born April 20, 1857 ; Anna E., born May 19, 1860; John A., born January 12, 1862, and Frank and Fred., twins, born Sep- tember 20, 1863. When Mr. Willis came to the county they had their household goods shipped from Illinois, but as railroads were things of the East instead of the West, by some means or another all these goods were lost. Edward Willis, the si.xth child of A. and Hulda (Treat) Wilhs, was born in Iowa, HISTOET OF WASECA COUNTY. 813 April 20, 1857, while his parents were on their journey from Illinois to this place. Com- ing to Waseca, an infant in arms, he has been reared and educated among the familiar scenes that first awakened his childish ideas. Here he attended the rough log schoolhouse, around whose hallowed walls fond memory throws so many halcyon thoughts. Here on the 26th of December, 1880, he and Emma Record took upon themselves the marital vows. Here have been born to the couple : Bessie May, born October 11, 1881 ; Arthur Adrian, born March 23, 1883 ; Herbert Allen, December 19, 1884, and John Sherwood, January 13, 1887. Here with his young family growing up around him, in the quiet and beautiful modern cottage which he has erected near his father, on the same piece of land, he lives happ}^ and contented. The farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, lies on the banks of beautiful Lake Willis, a charming situation, and most excellent land.* Mrs. Willis is a member of the Baptist Church, and a sincere Christian woman. Floj'd Martin came to this part of Waseca County in 1862, and carried on the cooper ti-ade, until October, 1886, when he retired from that business and purchasing a farm on section 29, near the site of the old village of Janesville, took up the " trade " of farmer. He is a native of Antwerp, Jefferson County, N. Y., born June 30, 1843. He was united in marriage, January 13, 1878, with Maggie Haubrles, a native of Kenosha County, Wis., born July 28, 1855, and a daughter of Hubert Haubrles, one of the early settlers of the county. They are the parents of two chil- dren : Hubert, born January 9, 1879, and George E., born September 29, 1885. Mr. Martin is the son of John Preston Martin and his wife. The former was born in Jef- ferson County, N. Y., December 10, 1818. Mrs. Martin's father, Hubert Haubries, was born in Germany, June 18, 1831, and came to this county in an early day, and reared a fam- ily of fifteen children, all of whom are living. Thomas Savage came to the township of Janesville in the year 1866, and settled where he now lives, on section 15. He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, December 9, 1841, and remained in his native land until 1855, when he came to the United States, locating for the time near Oconomowoc, Wis., where he remained until coming to this county. He has a fine farm of 160 acres of land, on sections 10, 11, 14 and 15. His residence stands upon the east bank of the beautiful Lake Elysian. In Mapleton, Wis., November 11, 1868, he and Elizabeth Hicks were united in marriage. She is a native of Devonshire, England, born October 11, 1844, and came to this country, with her parents, when but a small child. They have been the parents of four children, all living : Thomas H., born October 3, 1869 ; Mary E., November 19, 1872; William W., August 24, 1874, and Emma Alice, October 17, 1876. When Mr. Savage settled hei-e this land was extremely wild, but with his own hands he has cleared it up and now has a fine farm, one that is always productive. Mrs. Savage, who is quite artistic in her tastes, gave considerable attention to painting in her younger days, and distinguished herself in that line, and from an inspection of her work one is com- pelled to regret her neglect of its pursuit, as artists of her ability are far from plentiful. S. F. Shephard came to Waseca County in 1874, and settling in the village of Janes- ville, entered into the grain business, which he continued for the succeeding ten years, when he purchased the interest of A. W. Jennison, in the firm of Miner & Jennison, general merchants, of Janesville, and in com- pany with F. H. Miner, carried on that business until 1886, when he sold out to his partner, and removed to the farm where he now resides, on section 36, just across the line in Blue Earth County, the road lying between his place and this county. He is a native of New Hampshire, born among its granite hills, November 23, 1837. In 1860 he went to the Eocky Mountains, where he re- (il4 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. nicained some eleven years. "While there he Avas engaged in mining and stock-raising, and, in 1868, was the first to winter cattle in the Wind Eiver Valle3',Wyo. T. Coming back he located at "Worthington, Minn., in 1871, where he was one of the very first settlers. He ran a feed store there until 1874, when he came to Waseca County. August 2, 1876, he was united in marriage with Helen Comstock, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. They are tlie parents of five children : Helen, George, John, May and an infant. Mr. Shephard is a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 12-4, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Eoyal Arch Masons, and Mankato Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. William Jewison is a native of Yorkshire, England, born January 1, 1846. In 1848 the family immigrated to America, and settled at Mapleton, Waukesha County, Wis., where William was reared and educated, also at- tending- theschoolsat Ajipleton and Horicon, in that State, fitting himself for a teacher, which profession he followed for some years. In 1865, he went to the Lake Superior re- gions, where he remained some tliree years, and in 1868 came to this county. Wlien he was but nine years of age, he had the mis- fortune to lose a leg, but notwithstanding that, has labored so diligently that he has ac- quired a fine property, and an excellent home. November 14, 1870, he was united in mar- riage with Ellen Hughes, of Mapleton, where she was born, April 18, 1848. They are tlie parents of five children : Olive, who died when quite young ; Grace S., born Septem- ber 12, 1872; Pearl, born July 4, 1879. died January 2, 1883 ; Fannie M., born October 12, 1883, and William, born January 2, 1886. G. W. Fanglit was born in Indiana. April 28, 1821. He remained in that State until 1863, when he came to Minnesota, settling in this county. He has a beautiful place on the west bank of crystal Lake Elysian, where he devotes his time to the cultivation of sorghum^cane, and the manufacture of sy- rup from the same ; the quality of the latter being extremely fine, and in which he takes a just pride. January 28, 1842, he was uni- ted in marriage witii Miss Lloyd, a native of Kentucky, born September 19, 1828. They were the parents of eleven children : Eliza J., born November 14. 1844 ; Taylor, ]\Iarcli 18, 1847, died December 21, 1847 ; Aurelius, December 8, 1848, died June 4, 1886 ; Elijah, May 27, 1851, died June 11, 1851 ; Mary E., May 20, 1852 ; John H., Marcli 15, 1855 ; George W., July 12, 1858 ; Lenora, February 11, 1861, died December 14,1881; Abraham L., born October 1, 1863; Laura F., Decem- ber 19, 1865, and Isabel, September 28. 1869. William Burnett is a native of the Do- minion of Canada, born in 1842. He is the son of Henr\' and Annie Burnett. When he had attained the age of fifteen years he thought to start in the world for himself, commenced farming and has followed that line of occupation ever since. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Charlotte Raven, wlio was also a native of Canada, and they were the parents of four cliildren. In 1865 tiiey came to Waseca County and located in tiie old village of Janesville, where they lived about three years, when, in 1869, he j)urchased the farm on section 31, wiiere he now resides. After the death of his wife in 1882, he returned to his Canada home, where he spent two years, and then returned to this place, and took up his residence on his homestead, where he has a pleasant place. THE <1LD VILLAGE OF .JANESVILLE. During the year 1854 a government sur- veyoi'. tlien employed in his vocation in this portion of the State, laid out the plat of a town on section 28 for Father La Valdo, a French Catholic priest, which the owner called Beopolis. This was on the north half of what was afterward the town site of old Janesville. According to the custom of the day Father La Valdo advertised his town in Eastern pajjcrs to some extent and sold some lots, but the place never had an inhabitant, HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 615 except wild animals. Like many others in that time of mad speculation in real estate that helped bring on the financial crisis of 1857, it was but a town on paper, and was a prototype of those so graphically drawn by Dickens, and which were the theme of many writers of that day. In lS5t), Ctesav DeRegan, a Frenchman, who at that time came here, laid out a town site upon the ground occupied by the old village of Janesville, and upon the waters of Lake Elysian, which, at first, he called St. Cjesar's but changed the name afterward to New Albany. Shortlj^ after this J. W. Hosmer came here and purchased a half interest in the town site, and in a short time a new name, Janesville, was given it by Mr. Ilosmer, after the town of the same name in Wisconsin, from which he had come. The village was located upon the west half of section 28, in a beautiful situation on the banks of Lake Elysian. Here quite a village sprang into existence and flourished for years. Previous to the time when Mr. Hosmer took hold of the place, but one building was upon the town site, and that was but a pole shant}' placed there by the owner to hold the claim, and in which he lived. In 1858 Mr. Hosmer built a store building and a res- idence. This was the pioneer business house of the town. In the winter of 1861-2 Mr. Homer and N. E. Strong put up a steam saw mill, which was the only one " for many miles around," and settlers came often from tift}^ to seventy-five miles after lumber. As an instance of the lack of sawmills it is told that, on the opening of the Winnebago reservation in 1863 or 1864, a man hastened there, staked out his claim, and leaving his family in his wagon-box upon the ground, covered only by its canvas, tent-like covering, started off for lumber to put up a cabin. He first went to Mankato, then on up to Faribault, and from thence to other places, but could not even hear of any lumber to be had, and when finally he did reach Hosmer & Strong's mill, he had been nearly two weeks on the hunt, and had not secured a single board. He filled up his wagon and started for his claim, which he found all right, and his family patiently awaiting his return. This mill was a very large one for the time and the country, being 32x60 feet in size, and two stories in height, besides the basement. They had finished the upper floor for a hall, and in it were held the first religious services in the village. These were conducted by a man by the name of W. G. Alexander. On the day in question, there being a large sugar camp in operation run by Mr. Alexan- der, and the saj) running freely, the dishes and troughs soon filled, and as it was neces- sary to gather it or lose a large amount of the sugar-making sap, the settlers, I'ather than have him sustain the loss of his sugar, to induce him to work on Sunday told him that they would not go to church until they had collected the sweet, and although he was a man very rigid in his religious ideas, he was compelled tosuspend the service until that was accomplished or have no congrega- tion ; so making a merit of the necessity, he gracefully gave in, and the sap was gathered When that was finished, all filed into th( Iniildinir and tlie church service held, with a full attendance. So strict was Mr. Alexan- der in his ideas of the observance of the Sabbath, that a story was current that he had shut up his bees in their hives on that day, that they might not violate the com- mandment against working. The first store in the village was ])ut up by J. W. Hosmer, as has been already re- lated. Shortly after this, a merchant of Waterville, by the name of Tidball, put in a branch store of the general character usual in new settlements, where the " store " sold nearly every thing from a needle to a crow- bar, sugar, calico, whiskey, quinine, etcet- era, particularly the latter. "Elder" Perkins was the manager of this enii)orium. Davis & Holstein were the next merchants, deal- 616 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. ing largely with the Indians as already related. Several saloons were started, and at one time this branch had as many as eighteen representatives in existence. J. O. Chandler opened a general store there in 1866, whicli was the most extensive the town ever had, up to that time. Dr. E. O. Craig was the pioneer physician of the village, " hanoino- out his shingle " at that place in 1866. Besides the sawmill spoken of, another was erected west of the bridge just over the hill. by a man by the name of Waterburv. This was afterward bought by James Cummins and his brother, who ran it for some time. It was destroyed by fire, as was the Hosmer mill. J. W. Hosmer was the postmaster here for many years, but in 1867 J. O. Chandlei- held that office, and in 1869 removed it to the new village that has just spi-ung into existence. In 1869 and 1870, the whole of the little hamlet removed to the present village of Janesville, the presence of the railroad at that )>oint drawing trade there, and the old site is left in loneliness now. OKAMAX. The now extinct village that bore the name of Okaman was laid out on the north- east quarter of section 1. The site of the town was laid out by W. P. Mathes, B. S. Hall, S. M. Cooley, F. E. Koberts and G. H. Bishop, in May 1857. F. E. and James Roberts laid out an addition to the town site the same month. ]\Iuch was expected of the new town at that time, but it, alas, has passed away, and is numbered with the things that were. ELYSIAN. A small part of the village of Elysian lies on a portion of the northwest quarter of section 2. Nearl}"- all the town lies in La Sueur Count}', but little of it lying in Wa- seca. A histoi'v of that village will be found in the annals of the county in wliicb it lies. trast ^anesVill e, or the new town of Janesville, is situated on the east half of section 3.3 and the west half of section .34, and was laid out originally by J. W. Sprague, general managei' of the Winona & St.Peter Railroad, inAugust, 1869, S. H. Mott being the surve^'or. Nine additions to the town plat have been made since by J. W. Sprague, W. G. Allyn, Adna Carpenter E. II. Gosper and George French. This is official and taken from the records of tlie county. On the foundation of this town, at the time of the building- of the railroad througli here, most of the business men of the old town moved to this point. The first building was erected by H. D. Baldwin, inAugust, 1869, the first load of lumber for which was hauled by J. AV. Cum- mins. Tliis building, in an unfinished condi- tion, was used as a boarding-house and a hotel by the " Judge" for a year or two, when it was purchased by Frank Johnson, who finished it, made considerable additions and improvements, and after its remodeling opened it as a hotel with the name of the Jolmson House displayed, a name that it bore until it was destro\'ed b^ lire in 1887. Mr. Johnson leased the building afterward to James Fisher, who was landlord until suc- ceeded by B. II. Hanaford. W. W. Day was the next host of this hostelry, and was succeeded by John Church, the genial pro- prietor of the DeGraff House, who was the occupant of the old hotel at the time of its destruction. J. O. Chandler came to the new town in the fall of 1869, and, putting up a building, removed his stock of goods from the old town and adding to it opened the first store in the town. This stock was of the miscella- neous character that is known by the name of general merchandise. The second was put up by A. W. Jennison and F. H. Miner. D. J. Dodge & Co., J. D Andrews and Denzil Vai's were among the pioneer busi- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 617 ness houses of the town. D. J. Dodge & Co. dealt in hardware and goods of that description ; J. D. Andrews dispensed drugs, medicines, paints, oils, etc.; and Denzil Vars ran a butcher shop. These were the pioneers in their respective lines. All, or nearly all, of the buildings in the old village were removed to the new one during the winter of 1869-70, and when spring had come, in the latter year, the place had already put on the looks of a thriving village, and promised a good healthy gro-\vth. From that time on it has gradually increased both in size and business importance, until to-day it ranks only second to the city of Waseca, in the county. In 1885, by the census then taken, it had a population of 1,051, and has probably added another hun- dred to that since that time. With the spring of 1870 building com- menced, and rapidly, as if by magic, edifices of all kinds sprang into being ; although lots were, by the good judgment of the proprie- tors kept at reasonable figures, still the town had a " boom," to use a current expression. Dr. K. O. Craig was the first physician in the village of Janesville. Dr. M. J. Taylor is the present leading physician, R. O. Craig no longer practicing his profession. John Bradish was the pioneer attorney of the town. This profession is represented at present by A. J. O'Grady and L. D. Rogers, both of whom are mentioned in the chapter devoted to bench and bar of the county, in this volume. The present business interests of the town of Janesville are represented by the follow- ing firms, who nearly, if not quite all, are doing a flourishing business : J. F. Cordry & Co., F. H. Miner, Chase & Day and Finley Bros., in general merchandise ; Bailey & Watkins and F. L. Hagen, hardware; Craig *fe Chandler and Emerson & Emerson, drugs ; J. G. Smith and W. Merrill, jewelry ; il. D. Cameron, furniture ; E. Dieudonne, J. A. Tyrholm and Carpenter & Morrill, deal- ers in agricultural implements, etc. ; F. M. Long and the Laird-Norton Co., lumber ; Gutfleisch & Britton, clothing and gents' furnishing goods and custom tailoring ; H. J. Cummins, grocery ; E. H. Gosper, meat market ; F. A. Selover and J. F. Gilday, restaurant. F. H. Miner came to this county in the fall of 1 863, and for the first four years was a citizen of New Richland, but at the expir- ation removed to the then new village of Waseca, where he was engaged in the wheat trade and the sale of agricultural machinery for some two years. On the laying out of the new village of Janesville, he came hither, and entering into partnership with A. W. Jennison, put up the second store building in the town, and put in a general stock of merchandise, under the firm name of Jenni- son & Miner. They remained together for fourteen \^ears, when Jennison sold his interest to S. F. Shephard, and the firm of Miner & Shephard carried on the business for two 3'ears, since which time Mr. Miner has been carrying on the business alone. Mr. Miner is a native of the State of New York, born in 1810. When quite young the family removed to Vermont, where they re- sided but about two years, and then moved to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1863, when he came to Minnesota as above men- tioned. He married Addie Wookey in 1869. Charles Gutfleisch, of the firm of Gutfleisch & Britton, is a native of Germany, born in 1856. When about seventeen years of age he emigrated to America, and came direct to the city of Waseca, where he worked at the tailor's trade from 1872 until 1878, when he removed to the village of Janesville and opened a tailor shop for himself, being one of the sufl'erei's by the fire of 1887. He shortly afterward formed a partnership with R. L. H. Britton, and they erected the brick building where they carr^f on the clothing and men's furnishing goods trade, Mr. Gutfleisch having charge of the merchant tailoring department. 618 HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. R. L. H. Britten came to this county November 18, 1871, witli his father, who located on section 16, Alton Township. He remained with him until the spring of 1886, when he came to the village of Janesville and engaged in the sale of agricultural im- plements, which business he continued until the spring of 1887, when the present firm of Gutfleisch & Britton was formed. Mr. Britton is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born February 24, 1854. When he was about a year old the family removed to Kentucky, on Hunter's Bottom, opposite Madison, Ind., where they lived five years, and then re- turned to Hamilton County, Ohio, whei-e they resided until coming here. His mother died there February 13, 1879. She was a native of Long Island, born in February 18(19. His father is a native of New Jersey, born January 20, 1803, now living in Alton. James Cummins was born in Bristol, Kenoslia County, Wis., March 5, 1840. He remained in that locality until 1857, when he came here, and for a time was backward and forward between this and Blue Earth coun- ties. In 1858 he had a government contract to break 100 acres of land on the reservation for the Indians, part in each county. He then came to the old town of Janesville, and for a time worked in Hosmer & Strong's sawmill, and later, with his brother, bought another mill, just west of the former, and ran that for a while. He has been entensively engaged in railroad contract work, getting out timber and ties, and other work. In 1876 he came to the new village of Janes- ville and entered in the meat-market business. Later he ran a hardware store, but is now in the grocery trade witli its accompaniments. June 19, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss H. J. Coddington. Henry Chase came to the county of Waseca in the year 1863, and settled in the town of Freedom, on section 33. On the starting of the village of Janesville he came liere and for a time ran a dray line, and later opened a livery stable which he carried on for a time. He then sold out and went East, but in 1875 returned here, and in com- pany with J. E. Cordrey, went into the general merchandise trade. In 1SS4 he sold out his interest there to Chandler & Craig, and the same season, in partnership with Fred. Williams, opened another store in the same line. In the fall of 1887 the present firm of Chase & Day was formed. Mr. Chase is a native of Vermont, born in 1842, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Morse) Chase, both born in Vermont. He remained with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Vermont Infantry under Col. Stannard, but in the first engage ment, at Winchester, Va., he was taken prisoner, and after four montlis in Libby prison, was released on parole. He received his discharge in Februar\% 1863, and the same year came to Minnesota. W. W. Day came to Waseca County in 1878, settling in the village of Janesville, buy- ing out the livery business of Hubbard tt Cum- mins, and five years later the stable of Chan- dler Bros., combining the two into one. This he ran until March, 1887, when he sold out the same, together with his dray line, to J. C. and P. J. Murphy, and, building a neat brick building on the west side of the main street, formed the copartnership with Henry Chase, and under the firm name of Chase A: Day opened a general merchandise stoi-e. Mr. Day is a native of Michigan, born in July, 1856, and is the son of W. C. and Alma L. Day. He remained with them until com- ing to Minnesota. March 19, 1875, he was united in marriage with Lois J. Lobdell, a native of Buffalo, N. Y. They have two children : Arthur and Mabel. E. H. Gosper came to the county of Waseca in 1869, and located in the then new village of Janesville, where for a time he had charge of a lumber yard and a sawmill in. the old village. In connection with these businesses he had charge of the sale of the town lots here, and had the control of them until 1873. In 1872 he opened a general HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 619 merchandise store and continued in that line until 18S2. In 1883 he opened the meat- market which he is at present running. E. H. Gosper is a native of the State of New York, born in 1842. He is the owner of a farm, which he carries on in connection with his other business. Josejjh Davidson came to Waseca County in 1862, locating in Byron Township. Later he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Battery D, and served in the war under General Thomas, until September, 1865, when he received his discharge at Chattanooga, Tenn. He then returned to "Waseca County. When the village of Janes- ville started, in 1869, he came to this place and helped to erect some of the first build- ings. Joseph Davidson is the son of James and Ella Davidson. He was born in the State of New York in 1834, and there he re- mained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Green Lake County, Wis., and worked at carpentering, being a contractor and builder. There he remained until he came to Waseca County in 1862. James C. Murphy is a native of Dodge County, Wis., born July 14, 1861. When he was some four years of age, in 1865, his par- ents, Patrick and Ellen (Campbell) Murph}^ came to Waseca County and they purchasetl a farm on sections 21 and 22, Alton Town- ship, where they still reside. There James was reared and educated. He taught school for some three winters in district No. 66, working on the farm in the summers. In the spring of 1887 he and his brother, Patrick J., purchased the livery business of W. W. Day, of Janes ville, and are now running the same, James having chai'ge. James C. Mur- phy and Margeret L. Callahan were united in mari'iage. May 25, 1887. She was born near Montello, Marquette County, Wis., and came with her jiarents to St. Mary, this county, where they now live. Patrick J. Murphy was born in Dodge County, Wis., December 20, 1864, and came with his parents to this county in November, 1865, and now resides with them on the farm in Alton Township, although engaged with his brother James in the livery business. The first bank in the village was estab- lished b}^ Hill Bros, in 1879, and continued by them for about three years. It was then purchased by O. P. Smith, who managed it until 1884, when it passed into the hands of Jennison Bros. & Co. The latter firm were burned out in the great fire of April 12, 1887, and for a time carried on their bank- ing business at the office of the mill. They are now the occupants of a neat and tasty brick building, erected by themselves in the summer of 1887, on the east side of Main street. It is quite commodious and fitted up with counter, safes, etc., in excel- lent shape. John W. Jennison is cashier. A. W. Jennison, one of the firm of Jenni- son Bros., bankers, millers, etc., is a native of the State of Vermont; born in 1839, and is the son of Jason H. and Lydia (Gage) Jennson. He remained in the Green Mountain State until 1860 when he came west and located in Green Lake County, Wis., where he purchased a farm and oper- ated that until 1866, when he removed into the village of Kingston and entered into mercantile trade. In 1868 his store was burned out, he meeting with a loss of some $5,000. The fall of that year he came to the village of Waseca, where he remained until October, 1869, when he removed to the rising village of Janesville, and, in company with F. H. Miner, put up a store building, the second in the place, and putting in a stock of merchandise, continued a member of the firm of Jennison & Miner until 1883, when he sold out. Previous to this, however, he had taken charge of the lumber yard of Laird, Norton & Co., and had the management of that until 1886. In 1883 he purchased ft,n interest in the Banner flouring mill, and since that time has devoted his time to the mill and banking business as already related. The Banner Hourin«' mill was erected in 620 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 1873 by the firm of Stokes, Kimball & Co., who operated it for some time, when it passed into the hands of Stokes Bros. & Co. In 1886, the latter tirm disjjosed of it to Jenni- son Bros., the present owners. The Diadem flouring mill was removed to Janes vi lie from Taopi, Mower Count\', this State, by Ilarn, Snyder & Co., about the year 1877, and rebuilt in a substantial man- ner. After operating it here for about two years, misfortune overtook them, and failing in business, the mill was allowed to stand idle for about three years, when it came into the possession of Hillyer & Tillotson, who ran it for some eighteen months, and then disposed of it to J. S. Sutcliffe, who is now in Minneapolis engaged in the grain commis- sion business. December, 1886, it was pur- chased by the present owners, Jenuison Bros., who now oi)erate both mills. These two manufacturing enterprises ' under one management are turning out about 4.50 barrels of flour per day, which they ship to eastern markets. They are both fully equipped with roller machinery; with all the necessary adjuncts that go to make up first- class mills, and are a credit to the business enterprise of the able firm of Jennison Bros. J. M. Gordon, the miller of the Banner flouring mill, came to Waseca County with his parents in 1867. They settled about half a mile .south of the village of Janesville on section 5, where they still live. J. M. remained at home with them until he was al)out fifteen years of age, when he went to Dodge County, this State, where he worked on a farm. Later he was employed in a brickyard at Mankato, but in October, 1881, came into the Banner mill, then operated by Stokes Bros., where he has since re- mained, taking charge of the same as head miller and superintendent in October, 1886. He is the son of William and Mary Gordon ; was born June 6, 1860, and was married Oc- tober 1, 1881, to Eudora Clark, a daughter of Joel and Lavina Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are the parents of two children : Guy and Vern. A gristmiU was put up at this place in 1876-7 by Waterbury & Wagoner, who ran it for a time, when A. Carpenter purchased the interest of Mr. Waterbury. The new firm of Carpenter & Wagoner repaired it and remodeled it and operated it for a short time, when it became the property of A. Carpenter, who managed it a little while by himself, but in 1880 it was destroyed by fire. It is said to have been a very fine little mill and well equipped with excellent machinery. About the year 1872 Hurd Bros., erected a sawmill at this point and ran it for a time. One of the proprietors being killed by an accident it was sold to II. P. Pack- ard, now of Redfield, D. T., who added a stave factory to it. It was afterward sold to Jennison Bros., and finally swept out of existence by fire. On its site Mills Gil- more erected a sawmill and wood-bending works. He sold it to Kichard Ash, the pres- ent owner. Hosmer, Gosper & Packard at one time ran a mill for the manufacture of broom- handles, oak staves and clothes pins, but they discontinued the business, and the buildings went to rack and ruin. A barrel and tub factory was put up by L. V. B. Welch, who ran it for awhile, when he was succeeded in the business by S. C. L. Moore, but in the course of time it became again the property of Mr. Welch, who finally closed it up. The building is now useil as the cooper shop connected with the rtourmills. The upright part of the elevator was erected by the Winona 5 north, range 22 west, and contains 22,653.47 acres of lanti, most of which is capable of use for agriculture and 7,925 acres of which is now improved. None of the land is too level, and in the east two ranges of sec- tions, being included in what is called the morainic belt, is mostly covered with mounds, swells and hills, thirty to fifty feet above the intervening hollows. The western part is gently undulating, with prolonged, smooth swells, the highest of them being ten to thirty feet above the neighboring sloughs and lakes. The Le Sueur Riv^er intersecting this township, with its tributaries, affords ample drainage, which is largely assisted b\' the contour of the ground. Tiie soil is the black, unctuous, alluvial loam so common to southern Minnesota, which under favorable circumstances yields such a large return to the laboring agriculturist. Some of the best land in the county is found in this township, the rich lands ofthe valley of the Le Sueur having became almost proverbial. EAKLY SETrLEMENT. On the fith of May, 1856, a band of Nor- wegian emigrants left Rock Count\', Wis., bound for the North Star State and new homes in the, then, wilderness. These were Anthony Sampson, H. H. Sunde, K. O. Rotegard, H. T. Handgrud, Ole Iv. Hagen, W. Anderson, Christian Knudson and E. O. I Strenge. They had all left their home in Norway for a home in the " land of the free," and had settled in Rock County, but at the above date started out anew. They had with them twelve yoke of cattle, thirty cows, about fifty head of young cattle, and about $600 in gold. Slowly toiling on, on the 10th of June they came, after a tiresome journey, to what is now the town of New Richland, then an uninhabited land. Only a few In- dians hunting the game that abounded were to be seen. They at once commenced their labors toward a permanent occupation of the ter- ritory, each taking up 160 acres of land, and making up two breaking teams of working cattle each consisting of four yoke, began bi'eaking up the virgin sod. In this manner four acres were prepared for each family, which they immediately planted with flint corn, but when it had come uj) the gojihers and blackbirds took it nearly all. For two years the}' had a hard time, for they could raise but little and flour was $11 a barrel, and then they had to go seventy-five miles after it. But still they persevered and suc- ceeded in establishing themselves. One of the mainstays of life among them was the fish that abounded in the lake and river, and had it not been for this food supplj', living- had been almost impossible for a time. Of tliis colony it may be said that they never had any great dissension amono- them. Whenever there chanced to arise an}' difi'ei'- ence among any of them, two or three Avould get together and settle the matter satisfac- torily to all concerned. There never has been one of them in a lawsuit in this county. 834 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 63.5 Ole C. Knudson is a native of the town of New Kichland, "Waseca County, Minn., born November 12, 1857. He is unmarried, and lives on his farm on sections 13 and 15, where he has about 115 acres of land. His father, Christian Knudson, was born in Norwa}'', but came to America in 1853, and was one of the party who made the first settlement in this township in 1856, as given. He took up a claim on sections 13 and 2i. He died here, October 11, 1888. Ole's mother is now Mrs. Margaret Christianson, wife of Nels Chris- tianson. The children of Mr. and ]\Irs. Chris- tian Knudson were as follows : Betsy Soren- son, born October 11, 1845 ; Knudt Chris- tianson, born in 1852, died in 1881 ; Julia Oleson, born in 1855 ; Ole C, born in 1857 ; Christian, born in 1859, now deceased ; Mary born in 1863; Gustaf, born March 2, 1865 ; Nena, in 1868, and Teena in 1871, died in December, 1886. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Ole Oleson Hagen is a native of this town- ship, having been born on the farm where he now lives, on section 2, October 29, 1858. His father, Ole K. Hagen, a native of Nor- way, came to this county in 1856, as stated, and settled on this, the well known Pioneer Farm, putting up one of the first houses in the township. The farm now comprises some 240 acres of land on sections 2 and 3, on both sides of the Le Sueur River, and includes some 20 acres of fine timber. His house is a good comfortable modern cottage, and his barn is an immense one, with good stone basement. Grain, cattle and horses are tlie principal products of the place. July 16, 1880, Ole Oleson Hagen and Ingeberg Chris- tofson were united in marriage. She w.is born in Norway, January 29, 1853. They have a family of five children : Sielie, born May 24, 18S1 ; Bereth Oienia, May 19, 1S82 ; Clai"a, January 22, 1884; Marit, June 6, 1885, and Olda Emilia, February 22, 1887. They are members of the Lutheran Churcli. N. C. Koffstad, Martin Anderson and August Miller came to this county about two weeks after the arrival of the Sampson colony. Koff'stad is still a resident of the townshi)) ; Miller, after a residence here of five years, removed to Berlin, Steele County, where he now lives ; Anderson migrated to Albert Lea, after living here about seven years. Knute Christenson came here in the fall of 1856, and resided here until September 1, 1871, when he died. Nels Christenson was also a settler of this year. Nels Christenson was born in Norway, September 16, 1828, and emigrated to America in ] 853. He settled in Illinois, near Chicago, where he remained until 1856, when he came to this township, and took up a claim on government land, where he still re- sides. He now has, besides his farm, about thirty acres of good timber land, and has a never failing spring of excellent water. He has a herd of about sixty head of cattle, and eight horses, and is one of the county's solid farmers. He has also a fine residence, and spacious barn, with excellent surroundings. He has been twice married, his first wife being Miss E. Johnson, who was born in Nor- way, June 15, 1843, to wliom lie was married in 1859. She died in 1876, having been the mother of eleven children, three dying in in- fancy, and eight are now living, whose names are: Christiannia, bornMa}'^ 11, 1861 ; John, May 28, 1863; Randine, December 29, 1864 ; Eline, November 19, 1865; Peter, February 18, 1867 ; Mary, March 4, 1870 ; Otto, March 28, 1871, and Nena, April 1, 1875. Mr. Christianson's second wife was Mary Knud- son, born in Norway, January 10, 1826, to whom he was married July 29, 1885. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. In the spring of 1857, Halleck Peterson settled near by, and continued there until 1862, when he removed from the county. April 1, 1857, Hans O. Sunde came to New Richland Township, and made this his home until December 16, 1874, when he died of old age, being ninety-two years old. 636 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. J. S. Rice was a settler of the year 1857, also. He at first located in this town, but afterwai'd removed to the village of Wilton, about 1860. He was about that time ap- pointed county treasui'er, and served two years. On the expiration of histei'm of office, he entered the service of the general govern- ment, to aid in suppressing the rebellion, and on his discharge, settled in Iowa. In 1858 Ole Hogaas made a settlement in this township, and lived here until his death, in June, 1885. John Benson is a native of Norway, born in March, 1S33. He came to the United States in 1853, and settled in Rock County, Wis., where he remained until 1858, when he came to this county and settled Avhere he now lives, on section 26, where he has most excellent improvements in the way of resi- dence, barns, granary and a fine grove. He was united in marriage with Marie Olson in 1855. She was born in Norway, December 26, 1833. They have been the parents of six children : Peter, born January 22, 1856 ; Anna Marie, March 22, 1860 ; Henry, No- vember 7, 1863 ; Martin, August 1, 1866 ; Theodore, April 6, 1868, and Betsy Oline, June 21, 1881. Mr. Benson now owns and cultivates one of the finest farms in this sec- tion of the county, having 400 acres of land. He is giving much attention to stock-raising, having some forty head of cattle, eleven horses and eighty sheep. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Nels Tyrholm, now a resident of the vil- lage of New Richland, came here in 1858 and settled on a farm, the place now owned by E. E. Verplank. He is the present fur- niture dealer of the village. Torkel Lund and Ole H. Sunde, both still residing here, made their settlement in ] 858. H. J. Hanson came to this township in 1858 with his parents, who settled on section 1 1 , near the Lutheran Church. He is a native of Norway, born September 27, 1848. In 1856 his father brought the family to Amer- ica, and for two years thereafter they re- sided in Rock County, Wis., and then came here. Mr. Hanson bought part of the farm where he lives, on section 32, in 1868, but now owns land in all three sections — 32, 33 and 29. May 2, LS69, he was united in marriage with Anna F. Hedenstadt, who was born in Norway, February 10, 1848. They have been the parents of nine children, only four of whom are living : Paulina Amelia, Alfred Julian, Paulina Sophia, Olave, Carl Oliver, Peter, Carl Martin, Gearhard and one that died in extreme infancy. His father, Ole H. Sunde, was born in Norway in Novem- ber, 1816, and is still living in this county. Mr. Hanson enlisted in Company L, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was in active service until the close of the war, par- ticipating in many battles, and was dis- charged October 9, 1866, at Nashville. lie had three comrades who enlisted with him, and of the four he only survived. Mr. Han- son has an excellent place, good dwelling, barn, etc., surrounded with a thrifty grove. He has twentj'-four head of cattle, four horses, besides over thirty swine. S. W. Franklin was among the pioneers of New Richland, coming here in 1857. He is still a resident of this town. He is a native of Essex County, N. J., born Febru ary 18, 1823. He was reared in Pennsylva- nia, and came here from Illinois, and set- tled on section 5, of this township. Novem- ber 19, 1866, he married Eva Melissa Free- love, of Manchester, Iowa. David Skinner, one of the pioneers of this settlement, located in New Richland Town- shi]i during the year 1858. He resided here until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Minnesota In- fantr}', and while in the service, died at St Louis, Januarj' 13, 1863. John Thompson made a settlement in New Richland Township in 1858, and resided here until about 1880, when he removed to Albert Lea. He represented this district in the Legislature two terms. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 637 In the fall of 1858 came Eric Christianson, A. N. Berg, A. J. Stensvad and Ole John- son. Tlie latter died here on his farm in 1870. J. E. Christianson was born in New Eich- land Township, on section 28, on the 27th of August, 1858, and was reared here. He was united in marriage, June 21, 1879, with Otilda Peterson, who was also a native of this county, born June 18, 1860, but who died July 21, 1883, leaving one child, Joseph- ena Cecelia, born August 9, 1880. Mr. Christianson is by trade a mason and plas- terer, doing all kinds of work in that line in all their various branches, and is an adept at it. He is a consistent member of the Luth- eran Church, like many others in this town- ship, and is a straightforward business man. Andrew N. Berg, the proprietor of Oak Hill Farm, is a native of Norway, born No- vember 12, 1835. He came to the United States in 1855, and settled in Rock County, Wis., and from there removed to Fillmore County, this State. Later he came here and made a permanent settlement, and now has a magnificent farm of 710 acres of land under excellent cultivation, and with an elegant residence, fine spacious barns and other fine buildings, all located in a beautiful grove. He has 110 head of fair grade cattle, and twenty-one head of horses, and is in excellent circumstances in every way. April 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Isabell John- son, who was also born in Norway, June 12, 1S13. They are the parents of fourteen children : Anna Jorgine, born February 1, 1862 ; Ingeborg Sophie, July 10, 1863; An- drew, December 23, 1864 ; Inge Maria, April 21, 1866 ; Ly verine Matkea, January 3, 1868 ; Elise Nicohne, July 3, 1870; Syvert, March 10, 1872; Otto, May 11,1873; Nils Edward, February 5, 1875; Martin, September 21, 1878 ; Ingoburg Allette, February 13, 1879, Thea Johanne, September 2, 1881 ; Darthea Elizabeth, May 13, 1884, and Christian August, September 11, 1886. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. PEOMINENT CITIZENS. Sketches, more or less biographical, are given here of some of the leading citizens of this town, they being good representatives of the population of the same. J. H. "Wightman is a native of the State of New York, born February 3, 1822, and is the son of Rufus and Mary (Potter) "Wight- man. His father died when J. H. was about S. She was born in Wisconsin May 16, 1851. Mr. Breilein [runs a thrash- ing machine in season, and also owns and operates a feedmill in the village of New Richland. He is a member of the Christian Church. Paul O. Qverna was born in Norway, October 22, 1 849, and worked in the silver mines and on his father's farm in that country until he had reached tlie age of seventeen years, when he emigrated to America, landing in this country in 1867, and coming direct to Waseca County. From here he went to Olmsted County where he remained some four years and then returned here and purchased 120 acres of land on sections 15 and 16, building his residence on the latter. July 28, 1875, he was united in marriage with Sophia J. Nelson, of Yellow Medicine County, who was born in Norwaj', October 1, 1851. They have a family of three boys: John Olaf, born May 1, 1876 ; Carl, born August 18, 1877, and Rudolph, born February 1, 1879. His father, Ole Sornson, worked in the silver mines for the govei'uraent in Norway for forty-nine years and now enjoys a pension in his retirement. Mr. Qverna has a fine herd of twenty head of graded cattle, and six head of horses, and has one of the finest farms in the town- ship. John Peterson was born in Sweden, May Kl, 1845, and came to America in 1859, settling in Wabash County, Ind. He remained there about four years, and then came to Red Wing, Minn., and from there to this county, and set- tled upon section 4, of this township, in 1863, on government land. His mother resided witli him while he was perfecting his title. In tlie year 1859 he was united in marriage with Anna Lawson, and they are the parents of thi'ee children : Charles Alfred, born May 24, 1860; Edwin Walford, born June 12, 1866, and Hulda Lucetta, born November 14, 1880. During the Indian outbreak he was a member of the Independent Company of Volunteers who went to Fort Ridgeley, and where they passed through many excit- ing experiences, and while on this trip saw and picked up many crippled and mutilated people and many more that were dead. He has a fine farm of 240 acres of land undei" excellent cultivation. He and family are Lutherans. Nels J. Anderson, one of the solid farmers of New Richland Township, has a fine place of some two hundred acres of land on sec- tion 2, of which he has over one hundred acres in grain and forty acres of grass, be- sides twenty-five acres of fine natural timber. He is giving some attention to stock-raising, having a herd of twenty head of cattle, all good strains, and eight head of fine horses. UISTOKY OF WASECA COUNUT. 639 He is a native of Sweden, born April 6, 1842, and was reared and educated in his native land, living there until the ye&v 1869, when he came to the United States, and on first arriving, settled at Albert Lea, Freeborn County, this State. In 1882 he purchased the place where he now lives, and moved to it in tlie year 1885, and has made it his resi- dence ever since. This is one of the best farms in this locality. E. E. Verplank was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., October 22, 1835, and was reared in that locality. In his early man- hood he worked in a woolen factory there, but in 1855 came west to Bradford, Iowa, but in the fall of the same year came to Minnesota, locating at Faribault, where he was engaged in the trade of painting. While a resident there, April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, First Minnesota Infantr}', and was mustered into the service at Fort Snelling. The regiment being ordered to the front, he was struck down with a sun- stroke near Washington, and on the 14th of July, 1861, he was discharged for disability and returned home. October 22, 1864, he was united in marriage with Sophia Hanson Sunde, who was born in Norway, August 1, 1844. They have been the parents of seven children, six of whom are alive : Edwin, born August 18, 1865, died September 10, 1865 ; Edwin, October 20, 1866;Leida Olevia, February 6, 1869 ; Willie, October 23, 1871 ; Hannah Maria, May 29, 1874,. Oscar, June 5, 1877, and Albert Martin, September 12, 1883. Mr. Verplank made a claim in this county in 1856, but abandoned it and re- turned to Faribault. He now owns some eighty acres of land where he now resides. Joseph 1). Young is a native of Holland, born February 17, 1845. In 1853 the family came to the Uuited States and settled in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1873, when he removed to this State, and in 1875 came to Waseca County, and now has a good farm on section 18, where he moved in 1880. January 14, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Anna Dietling, formerly Anna Lauder, who was born in Wisconsin, July 15, 1845, and who had married John Dietling, October 15, 1868, and whose husband had died December 27, 1879, leaving her with a family of six children, one having died. Their names are : Theresa S., born Jul\' 31, 1869; Mary Catherine, July 21, 1871; John, November 17, 1872 ; Jacob, August, 1874, died August, 1875 ; Caroline, August 19, 1877, and Elizabeth, April 2, 1879. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Young- are the parents of four children : Joseph, born October 14, 1881 ; Peter J., March 11, 1883 ; Agnes Mary, July 4, 1885, died May 14, 1887, and Georgie, August 12, 1887. ' Ole Knudson Eekke is a native of Norway, born April 14, 1839. He came to America in 1852 with his parents, who settled at Spring Valley, Rock County, Wis., where they remained until 1856, Avhen they came to this county and township. March 2, 1863, he was united in marriage with Margeret Knudson Hagen, who was born in Novem- ber, 1838. The same year they moved to the farm on section 2, where they now reside, and where Mr. Rekke owns 160 acres of good land, and where he carries on general farm- ing and stock-raising, having sixteen head of cattle and six head of horses. Mr. and Mrs. Rekke are the parents of two children : Carra, born November 26, 1863, and Knud, October 31, 1865. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Thomas Lajord is a native of Norway, born February 26, 1842. He was educated for a teacher, and being a Lutheran, was confirmed at Hamarstiff in 1857, and that year attended school to complete his educa- tion for his life work as teacher. He began his career in his native land January 10, 1859, and followed teaching there until April 4, 1870, when he immigi'ated to America and landed at New York. Ten days after his arrival he came to Goodhue County, this State, aiul from there to Dakota County, 6-±f) HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. where he occupied his time in teaching until 1875, when he came to this count}' and pur- cliased forty acres of land on section 12, New Tiiclilund Township, where he still resides, lie held the position of teacher and choir leader in the church here until 1885, when some of the members thinking that he was too outspoken in his manner in regard to his views as to the way Christian people should live, and dissensions creeping into the church, he resigned his stewardship. June 26, 1869, Thomas Lajord and Maren Kattvold were united in mari'iage, and they have been the parents of four children : Thorstein, born October 27, 1876; Ingeborg, June 6,1879; Clara, July 8, 1882, and Hannah, March 3, 1887. Mrs. Lajord is a native of Norway, born December 24, 1850, and with her hus- band is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lajord was the doorkeeper in the Legislature at the session of 1887. He is an upright Christian and a worthy citizen. Knudt Olson Hagen was born in Norway, September 12, 1851. In Jul}', 1852, his par- ents brought him to this country, and settled at Rock Prairie, Wis., but four 3'ears later moved to Minnesota, among the old settlers of this township, and located on section 3, where jMr. Hagen now lives. Here he was raised and educated, and hei'e, November 19, 1874, be was united in marriage with Ella Tollefson, who was born in Norway, Decem- ber 14, 1853. They were the parents of three children: Salma Mary, born August 31, 1875 ; Henry Otto, born October 22, 1876, and Tena Cecilia, born in July, 1877, died same month. Mrs. Hagen died November 15, 1883. On the 25th of June, 1887, he was again united in marriage, this time with Marreth Swenson, who was born in Norway, May 29, 1861. His farm consists of 240 acres of land under high state of culture, with good house, barn and other buildings, and he has a herd of some forty head of fine grade cattle. Tiie family are members of the Lutheran Church. Torkel Lund \vas born in Norwaj'', Decem- ber 7, 1829. He immigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Eock County, Wis., where he remained four years, then removed to Fillmore Count}', this State, and after four years spent there, came to this town- ship and county, and settled on section 22, where he now lives. Before leaving his native land, in 1850, he was united in mar- riage with Gerete Berg, who was born on December 25, 1830. They have had a fami- ly of nine children : Tidman, born January 2, 1851, died three weeks later; Andrew, born in 1852, deceased ; Tidman, born June 4, 1853; Amelia, born October 1857, died February, 1863; Alfred, born November 15, 1860 ; Martin, born October 5, 1862 ; Sophia, born December 15, 1864; Amelia, born Octo- ber 19, 1867, and Emma, born November 17, 1869, died May 12, 1886. Mr. Lund owns, in connection with his sons, 320 acres of land under a good state of cultivation. They have some fifty head of cattle and five horses. The family are members of the Lutheran Cliurch. Ole O. Bommengen is a native of Norway, born August 8, 1834, and came to America in 1867, coming direct to this county and town, settling on section 23, where he now lives, and where he owns a fine farm of 200 acres of land under a good state of cultiva- tion, fifty -four head of cattle, eight horses, Ijesides other stock. He was married in Nor- way, in 1855, to Cari'ie Mary Hanson, by whom he had three children; Louis Olson, born in Norway, May 1, 1859; Cassa, bornin Norway, February 11, 1865, and Edwin, born in Minnesota, March 25, 1871. He married his second wife, Martha Oleson, February 20, 1877. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the good, substantial fanners of this township, and is striving to achieve, what he merits by his industr}' and energy, an easy competence. Eev. O. A. Mellby was born in Aurdal, Norway, January 9, 1843. He received his education in his native land, graduating from the university of Christiana in 1872, HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 641 and was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church by the Bishop of Christiana, in Octo- ber of that year. He started immediately for the scene of his hibors in New Eichland, having had a call from this parish while yet a student. He landed in New York on the 15th of December, 1S72, and a few days later was installed as pastor of the New Richland Church, and is the present incum- bent of that position. January 9, 1867, he was united in marriage with Sigrid Grundt, who was born in Norway, February 18, 1839. The}' have had seven children : Carl August, born January 5, 1869, now at the college, Decorah, Iowa, class of 1888 ; Agnes Theodora, born September 25, 1870, now at Northfield College ; Oscar Michael and Marie Eliza, born April 23, 1873, and died September 1, 1873 ; Marie Elizabeth, born November 5, 1875 ; Oscar Frederick, born May 11, 1876, and Gisle Bernhard born May 24, 1879. Mr. Mellby has im- proved the parsonage farm since coming here, setting out a fine grove of ijOOO trees and cultivating the land highly. N. M. Nelson was born in Sweden tn the year 1848, and came to the United States in 1868, settling in this county at that time, and for the last twelve years has been a con- tinual resident here. He located on a farm of 160 acres in section 9, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and has a good comfortable dwelling and good outbuildings. He has held the office of county commissioner for seven years and enjoys the confidence of all. He was mar- ried to Lottie Johnson, in Waseca County, March 9, 1884. She was born in Indiana, and died January 8, 1885, leaving one child who was born January 2, 1885. Mr. Nelson carries on general farming and stock-raising and is in good, comfortable circumstances. Edward C. Sybilrud is the son of Christian C. Sybilrud, who was born in Norway, De- cember 1, 1817, and Anna Mary, his wife, who is a native of the same country, born January 8, 1822, and both of whom reside with their son, Edward, who has a fine farm of 240 acres of land on section 25. He has a fine modern cottage, where he resides sur- rounded by a fine natural grove some seven or eight acres in extent. He is a native of Norway, born July 1, 1851, and came to America in the year 1870, settling where he now lives. December 25, 1877, he was united in marriage with Renegarde Burtnes, who was also born in Norway, December 25, 1861. They have been the parents of five children : Anna Mary, born February 25, 1879; Christian, born October 27, 1880; Thea Carrenia, born October 23, 1882, who died January 20, 1883 ; Oscar, born Decem- ber 11, 1883, and Theo Knute, born Febru- ary 2, 1886. The family are active members of the Lutheran Church. Olave Anderson owns 160 acres of land on section 36, this township, and 175 acres in the adjoining county of Freeborn. He has about twenty head of cattle, including eleven milch cows and eleven horses. He is giving much attention to grading up his stock, and has among them some full-blood short-horns. His horses are one-half or better of Norman, or Clyde stock. He also owns and operates a steam thrashing machine. He is a native of Norway, born April 20, 1847. He left the country of his birth for the United States in 1867, and on his arrival came to Fillmore County, this State, and settling there remained for two years, and then removed to the farm where he now lives, in the year 1869. June 8, 1872, he was mar- ried to Lora Olson, Avho was born in Nor- way, July 1, 1852. They have had born to them five children : Anton, born January' 24, 1877; Nena, born October 14, 1879; Netka, born January 12, 1881 ; Emma, born August 2'2, 1884, and Ida, born August 24, ISSO. Mr. Anderson's mother, Mrs. Mary Anderson, lives with him. She was born in Norway, in 1815. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Henry Schwenke, a thrifty intelligent fanner, who has an excellent farm of 160 642 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. acres of land on section 21, is a native of Germany. He was born September 10, 1850, and remained in the fatlierland until 1873, when he immigrated to the United States, and for a time lived in Wisconsin. In 1874 he was married to Mary Steinhaus, a native of Wisconsin, born July 22, 1853. Later he removed to this county. He had learned the trade of miller in the old country, and for a year after coming to America he followed that occupation. He has a fine place, with excellent buildings and good stock. Mr. and Mrs. Schwenke are the parents of five children : Emil, Ida, Henry, Mada and Row- land. Carl Kotegard was born in New Richland Township, Waseca County, Minn., on the place where he now lives, on section 12, July 27, 1863. His father, Knudt Oleson Rote- gard, was a native of Norway, born April 14, 1813, died here November 19, 1878. His mother, Barbara (Oleson) Rotegard, was also a native of Norway, born September 7, 1820, and still resides on the old homestead. Carl was reared here, and on the 29th of October, 1883, was united in marriage with Hannah Kittelson, who was born in Nor- way, August 13, 1861. They have one child, Christian Olaf, born October 18, 1885. Carl has a farm of eighty acres of land which he cultivates. The family are mem- l)ers of the Lutheran Church. Julius A. R. Kruger was born in Germany, December 18, 1852, and was brought to America by his parents in 1856. They set- tled at (irst in Jefferson County, Wis., where they remained until 1861, when they moved to Freeborn County, this State, where his parents still live. Mr. Kruger came to tlie place where he now lives, on section 34, in 1884. March 11, 1885, he was married to Mary Goertz, a native of Germany, born December 1, 1864. They have been the par- ents of two children : Martha Louisa, born March 22, 1886, and died April 9, 1886, and Louis Robert August, born May 22, 1887. Mr. Kri'ger's father, Frank Kruger, was liorn in Prussia, May 22, 1823, and his mother in the same principality, November 15, 1833. Part of the father's farm of 430 acres is in this and part in Freeborn County. Julius owns 160 acres where he lives, has a good new dwelling in modern style, surrounded by a grove of young, thrifty trees. FIRST ITEMS. The first birth was that of a daughter of Ole K. Llagen, in July, 1856. She is now the wife of Even Tostenson, a resident of the village. The first death was that of Samuel S. Sampson, who died August 22, 1861. The first school district was organized in 1860. John Larson was the first clerk of the district ; Anthony Sampson director, and T. Tidmauson Lund, treasurer. The first school meeting in the township was held at the residence of Nels T^^rholm. In 1862 the first schoolhouse was erected of logs, on a half acre of ground donated for that purpose by Anthony Sampson. Miss Northup was the first teacher. A spe- cial meeting of the district was held Julj- 6, 1861, which voted a tax of $100 to build this house, which was on the southwest corner of section 14, on Sampson's land. The first church organized was of the Lutheran denomination, in 1861. The Norwegian Lutheran Church on sec- tion 11, of this township, was built during the years 1875 and 1876, at a cost of about $5,000. It is 36x60 feet in size upon the ground, and 2(i feet high. An addition upon the rear is 20x20 feet in dimension. The sjiire is 16 feet square at the base, and has an altitude of 96 feet. The edifice has a seating capacity of 550. The society was organized in the spring of 1861, and in 1862 a place of worship was erected of logs. This was 20x26 feet in size. Rev. B. Muse, the pastor of a Goodhue County congregation, was the first to minis- ter to these people. After about two years, he was succeeded by Rev. N. A. Qvame, who HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 645 officiated for seven years. In 1872 the Kev. O. A. Mellby was called from his far- away home in Norwa}% and is the present pastor. The first trustees were PI. Halvor- sen, Anthony Sampson and H. Taraldson. The society own a fine parsonage on section 13 ; witli it is a fine farm of eighty aci'es of land, the land and building costing some $1,800. The first meeting of this society was held at the house of Ole Arneson, on section 2, in the spring of 1858, by Eev. Laurs Larson. The same people held meetings in different places until the organization. ORGANIZATION. At the first meeting of the board of county commissioners on the 16th of March, 1857, the three townships of New Richland, Byron and Vivian, and the south one-third of Otisco Township, as constituted to-day, were thrown into one precinct and called Otisco. But on the 2d of IS^ovember, 1858, the board set off and organized congressional town- ship 108 north, range 22 west, into a civil town under the name of Norway, but that was afterward changed to Richland, the New being added subsequently. The first town meeting for the purpose of organizing the township, was held on the 5th of April, 1859, at the house of John Larson. John Thompson was chairman, and on the meeting being called to order J. S. Rice was chosen moderator and S. "W. Franklin, clerk. The polls were duly opened at 10 o'clock. The first officers chosen were the following- named : John Thompson, chairman ; J. S. Rice and David Skinner, supervisors ; S. "W". Franklin, clerk ; Anthony Sampson, assessor ; Nels Christianson, collector ; J. S. Rice and John Larson, justices of the peace ; George W. Legg and Andrew Johnson, constables, and Ole Johnson, overseer of the poor. The present officers are as follows : W. F. Discher, chairman, and E. C. Sybilrud and E. O. Rotegard, supervisors ; Christof Wag- ner, clerk ; T. T. Lund, assessor ; J. O. Sunde, 3! treasurer ; E. E. Yerplank and W. F. Discher, justices of the peace, and George Flagman and Fred Heckes, constables. COESONDALE STOCK FARM. No annals of this town would be com- plete without some reference to the noted stock farm owned by Messrs. Dunwoody & Corson, the enterprising owners of the model roller mill in the village of New Richland. This farm, one of the important factors in the development of this town- ship, is composed of 880 acres of land, em- bracing the south half of section 20, the north half of section 29, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 29, and the northwest quarter of section 32, all in this township. Their farm buildings are located on the eastern part of this tract, about one mile due south of this village, upon a beau- tiful site, and were built with special atten- tion to the care and comfort of their fine Norman horses and thriving herds of thor- oughbred short-horns, Jerseys, grades and other stock. At the time this farm passed into the hands of Dunwoody & Corson it was compara- tively wild prairie land, but since that time it has been improved and cultivated, and is now divided into fields which are enclosed with strong wire fences. What portion is not required for the raising of feed for the stock (for no produce is marketed from this place) is seeded to clover and other tame grasses, which thrive exceedingly well in this country, the soil being peculiarly adapted to the growing of such. This noted farm was opened up in 1882 and stocked in 1883 at an outlay of from $30,000 to $40,000. Their original purchase of short-horns was forty head ; since that time (less than three years) they have sold eighteen head for $3,000, and now have on hand sixty-five head of as fine looking thoroughbred short- horns as can be found in any herd in the Northwest, besides a large number of valu- 646 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. ble grades, crosses with their common stock and their imported Baron Glencoe. In 1883 they placed on theirfann six half- blood Norman and two common mares, and since that time each of them have raised colts from Bon Homme, their imported stallion. They also have two fine carriage horses bred to DeGraff's Alexander. In the past year they have sold three colts for $-l-50 and now have sixteen grade colts of both sexes, one half blood and one three-quarter blood Norman stallion, besides several colts of a recent purchase. Among these colts is an exceedingly promising trotter sired by Commodore Kittson's Blackwood Jr., dam, Mary Lane. » The house and barns are large, roomy and commodious, and are ^vell adapted for the convenience of George Stearns, the superin- tendent, his help and their four-footed charges. On this place Messrs. Dunwoody & Cor- son have their imported Norman stalhon, Bon Homme, brought from France by them in 1882, and weighing 1,750 pounds, and other fine horses; Baron Glencoe, an imported short-horn bull, than whom there is none better in this country, and many mares, cows, Poland China and Jersey Red hogs and Ply- mouth Rock chickens, and in fact a large quantity of high grade animals of all kinds and descriptions. Among some of the most noted cows on this model farm, are Orange Blossom of Cedar 2nd ; Tuberose of Browns- dale ; several representatives of Miss Wiley of Brownsdale ; Arabella, and many others, be- sides about twent}' thoroughbred Jersey cows and grades, among them Sunny Sister and Sunny Morn. To Messrs. Dunwoody & Corson, too much praise can hardly be given for their efforts in improving the stock in this part of the State, and anyone can at a glance see the incalculable value a few such model farms throughout the State would be to the rest of the farming community. The magnificent farm is well worth a visit. fi age of JNIeW Kichland. The thriving village that bears the name of New Richland lies upon the southeast quarter of section 17, and was laid out and platted in August, 1877, by Henry T. Wells. Four additions to the town plat have been laid out subsequently bv Charles Zieger, H. T Wells and Jane McClane. The village is beau- tifully situated, and neatly and well kept, and is a OTOwing and thrivino- village. With abundant forethought, many of the resi- dences are deeply embowered in trees, which lend beauty to the aspect of the place, and help shelter them from the icy blasts of winter. The first building in the new town was put up by a man by the name of Buncho, in July, 1877, who opened up a saloon in it and ran it for about eight months, and then sold the building to James Murphy, who converted it into a residence and about a year later sold it to M. Murphy, who rented it to other parties a few years, and then disposed of it to Fred. Laudert, who uses it for a dwelling. Thomas Lynch put up a building in the fall of 1877, which he rented. In it a saloon was opened, and during that winter was continued. The building is now occupied by Mrs. M. P. Lofty, as a millinery establish- ment. In the fall of the same year J. H. Wight- man erected a store building, and putting in a stock of hardware, ran it for about eight years, when he sold out to A. J. Newgard, the present proprietor, who carries a stock of general hardwai'e, pumps, barbed wire and Summit washing machines, and does a large and growing business. A. J. Newgard was born in Gjovik, Nor- way, February 10, 18-t4, and is the son of Gorgenson G. and Agneta (Gulbranson) Newgard. Rearetl among the scenes of his childhood, the free spirit that dwells in the hearts of all mountaineers led him in 1S69 to leave his home and seek a new one in free America. For about a year after coming here HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 64:7 he remained in Chicago, and then came to "Waseca County, locating in this township on a farm belonging to A. J. Stensvad, where he remained some two months. He then took a farm, which he worked on shares for a year, after which he purchased some im- provements on some railroad lands of Anton Ciiristianson, of Steele Countj^ where he spent some eighteen months, selling out at tlie end of that time, and working at the carpenter's trade some eighteen months. He then removed to Owatonna, Steele County, where he was engaged in the lumber trade, as salesman for Thomas Kelh', for six months, and other emplovment in that line, and working at the carpenter or tinner's trade. In the fall of 1877 he came to the newly started village and opened up the lumber yard as detailed elsewhere, and con- tinued in that line until 1S85, when he sold out and took a pleasure trip to Europe, to visit the scenes of his happy childhood's days, and to live over once more tiie old life. After spending some six months in this way, he returned to New Richland, purchased the hardware stock and business of J. H. Wightman, commenced trade in that line, in which he is now engaged. During the year 1865 he was united in marriage with Marie L. Steuseth. They have been the parents of the following children : Ingulf, born July 29, 1866; Carl, March 10, 1868 ; Gulbran, born January 2, 1872, died the 22d of the same month ; An- drew, born April 21, 1874 ; Emma, June 29, 1876; Lars, April 15, 1879, and Georgine. July 26, 1883. The same year (1877) C. H. Hooper put in a stock of drugs and medicines and operated it for a few years, when the goods were closed out, and about 1880 the building was sold to Henry Jaehning, who is engaged in the furniture business and sale of undertak- ing goods. The same autumn a store building was moved to this town from Wilton, by Hugh Wilson, who rented it to Mee Bros., from Faribault, who put in a stock of general mer- chandise. They continued this business but a short time, when they closed out the stock. The building was occupied for several months with machinery, but in the fall of 1878 H. K. Stearns purchased the building and put in a well assorted stock of general merchandise, commencing business here January 1, 1879, and still continues in the same old stand, doing a lucrative business, and drawing trade from a large scope of countr^^ Ilalvor K. Stearns came to Waseca Count)' in 1862, and settled on a farm, on section 15, on the Le Sueur River, about two miles east of the present village of New Richland. He is a native of Nomedal, Norway, born De- cember 25, 1836. He remained in his fatherland until he had passed the age of seventeen years, when he came to this coun- tr}^ and settled in Rock County, Wis. This was in 185-t. While a citizen of that place, be was united in marriage April 20, 1860, at Rock Prairie, Rock County, Wis., with Betsy Sevets, who was born in Norway, June 10, 1840. Three years before coming to this county he had purchased the farm where he made his first settlement, and when he was ready to come to this State he took a team and wagon and drove the whole distance, tak- ing some six weeks to make the trip. He had his wife and one child, all his his family at that time, with him, and on his arrival here about the 1st of June, settled at once on the farm. He did some plowing that sum- mer and fall but did not raise any crops that season. He remained on his farm until March, 1880, when he removed to the vil- lage of New Richland, having opened a gen- eral merchandise store there in January pre- vious, and has remained in that line of busi- ness ever since. Mr. Stearns served the county on the board of commissioners from January, 1874, until December, 1879, and always with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. Among the foremost businessmen of New Richland, he is a true representative of her better class of 648 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are the par- entsof six children : Knudt,born Ma>' 7, 1861, at Rock Prairie, Wis., died November 28, 1882, in New Richland ; Sophia, born in New Richland, Aug-ust 19, 1868; Martin, born June 12, 1871 ; Gustav, born March 23, 1874 ; Henrj^ born February 25, 1878, died August 22, 1883 : Kaia Henrj'etta, born Sep- tember 16, 1885. Johnson & Murphy started in the hard- ware business in September, 1877, and are still engaged in that line, in the same build- ing. They are handling all the lines of goods that go to make uj) a tirst-class hardware stock, and their business has grown to goodly proportions by strict attention to business. The firm of Murphy & Johnson was formed in the summer of 1877, before there was any building in New Richland, or the railroad track had reached here. Anticipat- ing the wants of those about to settle in the future village, they ordei'ed a stock of build- ing hardware, which they hauled from Waseca by team. Not having any building in which to set up store, they opened shop on a lumber pile, weighing out nails in a market basket, on an old-fashioned steel- yard. When night had come they laid down by their stock to protect it from marauders. Soon, however, they got up a building and from their small beginning have by energy and ability worked up a fine trade. They also carry on an extensive business in farm machinery, coal, wire, pumps, etc. They have also an establishment of the same kind at Hartland, Minn. Michael Murphy was born October 1, 1849, in Davis County, Ind., and is the son of Patrick and Margaret Murphy. He remain- ed in the Hoosier State until July, 1855, when, with his parents, he came to Waseca, settling in Blooming Grove Township. In this county he was reared, and approaching manhood he learned the trade of tinner' which he followed as journeyman until he came to this place and opened up this busi- ness, except during the years 1872 and 1873 when he was engaged in civil engineering on the Northwestern Railroad. May 1, 1872, he was united in marriage with Lizzie De- laney, a native of Toronto, Canada, born Oc- tober 1, 1849. They are the parents of six children: Lettie, born March 14, 1873; Elain, July 5, 1875; Irean, December 25, 1879 ; William, Januar}' 1, 1877 ; Georgia, May 19, 1882. Nels Johnson, who was born on a farm in Denmark, August 26, 1843, resided in the country of his birth until 1865, when he came to America. He is the son of John and Maggie Johnson. On landing in the United States he came to Minnesota, locating at Faribault, Rice County, where he re- mained until 1874, when he came to Wa- seca County. For about three years he was engaged in the hardware business at Waseca, when he came here. On September 27, 1869, he was married to Mary Erickson, a native of Norway, born on a farm there in 1848. They ai'e the parents of six children: Minnie, born May 21, 1871 ; Henry, June 11, 1874; Albert, February 20, 1876; Nellie, October 7, 1880; Freddie, May 25, 1884, and an infant, born August 26, 1887. In the same month — September, 1877 — C. H. Brossard put up a store building, and putting in a general stock, continued in that line of trade for about two years, when he closed out the stock at publfc sale. The building was then sold to F. G. Schneider, who had come here from Dodge County, Wis., and who opened up a harness-making shop, therein. It is now occupied by F. G. Schnei- der & Co., a new firm formed in 1887, com- posed of Mr. Schneider and John Kreuzer. They handle harness, boots and shoes, trunks, etc., and are building up a fine business by attention to the wants of their customers. About the same time the firm of Clark & Swann put up a building and filled it with a finely assorted stock of drugs, medicines, fancy toilet articles, etc., and still continue to cater to the wants of the public in that line. J. R. Swann is the managing partner, HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 649 Mr. Chu'k being a druggist at St. Paul, Minn. John li. Swann is a native of Sweden, born January 13, 1853, and came to the United States with his parents when he was eleven years of age. They settled in St. Paul, but are now residents of Chisago County, Minn. John R. lived with them until he was some sixteen years of age, when he entered the drug store of H. "W. Robin- son, of St. Paul, where he remained almost three years. From there he went to Wil- mar, this State, and was in the employ of his present partner for about five years, when he bought an interest in the concern. One year later they removed to this place. De- cember 1, 1877, he was united in marriage with Sophia B. Quale, of Hudson, Wis. They have a family of four children : Ella, Rich- ard, Sarah and Walter. Nels Tyrholm & Son put up a building at about the same time in 1877, which they immediately stocked with furniture, and are engaged in the same line of business at the present. The same fall (of 1877) a building was erected by John Larsen, who opened in it a stock of general merchandise. In this store was kept the postoffice, Mr. Larsen being the first postmaster. He continued in this building for about eight years, when, having erected the new brick store on the west side of the street, the goods were moved into that, and is now occupied by his son, M. C. Larsen, who carries on a general merchan- dise business. The old building formerly occupied by John Larsen was sold to M. A. Larsen, a barber, who put in a stock of general mer- chandise. He runs the barber shop in con- nection with the store. M. A. Larsen came to Waseca County in 1873, settling on section 1.5, this town, where he remained until 1878, when he purchased a farm in Berlin Township, Steele County, where he moved. After one year's residence there he came to the village of New Rich- land and opened a barber shop, which he ran for about three years, and then removed to Minneapolis, where he spent a year, and then returned to this place and reopened his barber shop. He afterward, in con- nection with it, put in a stock of confec- tionery. He now has a stock of general merchandise, as related above. He is also local agent for six large steamship lines plying between this country and Europe, supplying tickets, drafts on Europe, etc., having been in that line of business since 1873. He was born in Christiania, Norway, Februarj' 22, 1846, and came to the United States in 187:i. He was married March 21, 1877, to Anna S. Mork, a native of Soleur, Norway, who died July 17, 1882, leaving one child, Guia Adina. The same fall (of 1877) a building was put up by Fenton Keenan, which he rented to W. Blake & Son, who put in a stock of ready- made clothing. These parties ran it but a short time, when they moved the stock to Waseca. From this time for several years it was used as a saloon by different parties. It then passed into the hands of the present owner, who rents it to Peterson & Peterson, general merchants, and who have the post- office. About the year 1881 Peterson Bros, put up a brick building in which they opened up their saloon. This is now owned and occupied for the same purpose by Peter Peterson. I. Sorenson, about the same time, put up a building, and put in a stock of groceries and crockery, and for a short time continued the business, finally closing out. The village afterward purchased the building, and now uses it for an engine house for the fire de- partment. Joseph Smith & Co. put up a building in the latter part of 1877, and opened a stock of dry goods, clothing, groceries, etc., and continued in business for about seven years, when they moved the stock to Red Lake Falls. This building is now occupied by Johnson & Sunde, as detailed elsewhere. 650 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTS'. E. E. Ellifson put up a building in 1877 also, in which he carried on the tailoring bus- iness for five or six years, when the building was-sold. It is now the property of Emma Bettner, who carries on the harness-mating business, the mechanical work being under the management of her father. Fred. Bett- ner. A building was put up by Hunt Bros, in the fall of 1877, and it was used as a saloon for about a year, when it passed into the hands of Fred. Bettner, who uses it at present as a residence and ice cream parlor. Fred. Bettner erected a building on the east side of the town, and ran a saloon in it for a while, finally removing the buildinff on to the main street. He used it for a residence for a time, when he sold it to Gill Gorgan, who uses it as a residence and grocery store. About the year 1875, J. Torgerson & Co. opened a store for the sale of general mer- chandise, on section 1, of this township. This firm continued in business for about sixteen months, when C. B. Johnson purchased an interest of one of the partners, and the busi- ness was thereafter carried on. until the starting of the New Richland, by the firm of Torgerson & Johnson. In October, 1877. they removed both building and stock to tliis place. In the following spring, Torger- son sold his intei-est to Paul O. Sunde. and the firm name changed to its present one of Johnson it Sunde. A few years later they made additions to the old building they oc- cupied and remained there until the spring of 1885, when they purchased the store building of Joseph Smith & Co., and are now the occupants of that edifice. They carry on a general merchandise trade, which draws a liberal support from the surround- ing country. Charles B. Johnson is a native of Sandsvar, Norway, born September 5, 1852, and came to this country with his parents when he was but eighteen months old. The family set- tled in Wisconsin, where they remained for three vears and then removed to Berlin Township, Steele County. Charles remained with his parents, growing to manhood there, until he started for himself on a farm of his own in Steele County. In 1875 he started the store on section 1 with James Torgerson. as already mentioned. He was united in marriage October 8, 1877. with Tena Sunde. They have a family of three children : Olaf, William and Selmer. Mr. Johnson is one of the leading business men of the village, and is also one of the most popular mer- chants, owing to his steady adherence to strict integrity in dealing with all his cus- tomers and his invariable good nature. Paul O. Sunde is a native of Norway, born July 25. 1851. but when he was but five vears of age was brought to this country bv his parents, O. H. and Annie M. Sunde, in 1856. AVhen they came here they settled in Rock Count}', Wis., where they remained for about two years, and in 1858 came to this county, locating upon section 11, of New Richland Township, where the father still lives. The mother died there in May, 1886. P. O. Sunde began life for himself in 1874, woi'king at the carpenters trade in summer and spending the winter in school. This he followed the next year, and then was em- ployed in a lumber yard. In 1878 he was in the firm of Torgerson &. Johnson, dealers in general merchandise, and is now one of the firm of Johnson &: Sunde, among the leading merchants of the village. February 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Lizzie C. Tyrholm, and they have a family of four children : Minnie, Harry, Cora and Ella. Mr. Sunde was town clerk of New Richland for seven yeai-s, recorder of the village two years, and is the president of the village board this year, 1887. In October. 1877, a lumber yard was opened by Randall. Botter & Co.. A. J. Newgard being the '•company." The latter being the resident partner, had the manage- ment of the business at this point. Six months later the interests of Randall & Botter were purchased by Charles Zeigei', HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 651 and the firm name changed to ISTewgard & Zeiger, who continued in the business for about sixteen months, when Mr. Zieger died. Four months from then A. J. Newgard pur- chased his deceased partner's interest, and continued the business alone for about one year. About 1880 the lumber yard then run by C. D. Haven & Co. was consolidated with his, and the new firm formed, which was known by the style of A. J. Newgard & Co. This continued until about eighteen months had passed, when Mr. Newgard pur- chased the interests of his partners, and for two years ran it alone, when he associated with himself C. A. Wagner, and they re- mained in the business about two years, when he sold to his partner the entire busmess. in- cluding all the real estate in that vicinity, and the latter associating with himself his brother Christoph, formed the present firm of Wagner Bros. They do an extensive business in this line, handling lumber, sash, doors, blinds, etc. They have also a yard at Hartland, Minn., under the management of J. C. Sybilrud. In the latter part of 1877, also, a lumber yard was started by Isaac Lincoln & Co., who continued the business about six months, when they sold out to A. J. Stensvad, who eighteen months later sold out to C. D. Haven & Co., who ran it until its consolidation with the yard and business of A. J. New- gard, as already stated. The first and only bank in the town was initiated by Dunwoody & Corson in the au- tumn of 18SU, in their office at the mill, where they do a general banking business. On the 5th of July, 1877, O. P. Olson started a blacksmith shop on the farm of Peter Ecternock, in this township, and con- tinued at that place until the village was laid out in the fall, when he removed thither and opened the first smithy in the place. He ran this for about five years, when he sold it to John Kreuzer. Olson then re- moved to Preston. Fillmore County, but three years afterward returned here and purchased his old stand, where he is now carrying on the business. T. Thompson, in the fall of 1877, opened a blacksmith shop in the new village. This was in what was known as Zeiger's addition. About eight years he carried on the business, when he sold out to John Ilestvedt, who immediately formed a partnership with Alexander Blyhl, which firm is now carry- ing on the business. At the time of the foundation of the village, in 1877, P. A. Holt started a wagon- making shop, and continued in that line until 1884, when he closed out all his material, and forming a partnership with others, under the firm name of Holt, Ander- son & Co., opened a small lumber yard. This firm added to their business a sash and door factory, and continued together for about six months, when Anderson sold his in- terest to G. N. Husely. The firm of Holt, Husely & Co. continued together for about a year, when Mr. Husely sold out to his part- ners. P. A. Holt & Co., the present firm, are doing quite an extensive business in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and " Favorite " washing machines. They have never handled lumber very extensively, but are able to fill all orders on short notice. P. A. Holt is a native of Norway, born May 8, 1847, and came to America in June, 1861; came at once to New Richland Town- ship, where he went on a farm. From here he went to Decorah, Iowa, and then back to Owatonna, where he learned the carriage- making trade. In 1877 he came to the vil- lage of New Richland and started a wagon- shop and carried on that business untd 1885, when the present business was inaugurated. He enlisted in November, 1863, in Company G, Twelfth Iowa Infantry, and saw consid- erable service with that gallant regiment. He was married November 23, 1875, to Carrie Olson. They have two children: Emma and Anna. Ole S. Bokke is a native of Norway, born October 21, 1854. He came to America in 652 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 1876 in compam' with his brother George, locating at first in Faribault, Eice County, this State, where he attended school for about a year, and afterward was emplo^'ed as clerk in a hardware store. He came to New Richland in 1877 and opened a boot and shoe store, remaining in that line for six years. After that he was engaged in selling farm machinery for about a year. When the firm of P. A. Holt & Co. was formed he was one of the company, and has since con- tinued in this business. He was united in marriage with Mary Larsen in New Eich- land, December 25, 1878. She is a daughter of John and Petrie Larsen. They have two children : Oscar Henry, born October 11, 1879, and Anna Helena, October 21, 1882. Mr. Bokke is the present village recorder, having been elected to that office March, 1887. The pioneer jeweby establishment was opened in the fall of 1877, by O. A. Tififany & Bro., Avho did all kinds of repairing in that line, in connection with a general stock they had. The present business in this line is re]3re- sented by A. S. Boice, who established the stand in May, 1887. The Washburn House was built in the latter part of 1877 by N. J. Eobbins. who ran it about a year and then disjjosed of it to J. O. Culver. This gentleman continued in the hotel business in this building for about six years, when it was sold to Alex. Brisbane, who, after but a few montlis' hotel-keeping, rented it to Thomas Eice. This party kept it for about eighteen months, wlien Brisbane sold it to its present owner, Sophronia Wil- son. The Washburn House is kept in a most excellent manner by the present landlord, O. H. Bronson. What is known as the Commercial House was erected in the latter part of 1877, by Ole Johnson Moe, who ran it for a few years as a hotel. It was then sold to F. B. Hanks, who kept it open for three or four years, when he disposed of it to Christian Hanson, but after a short time this landlord sold it to its present proprietor, Patrick Kelley. The American House was built by Charles Brunell in the fall of 1877, who rented it to Goldsmith & Johnson, who opened and ran a saloon in it for about a year, and to others afterward. It was sold finally to Mrs. Gib- son, the present owner, and is occupied as a residence. New Richland, also, has a neatly printed and ably conducted weekly newspaper, known as the JVo?-f/i Star, a history of which is given in connection with the annals of the journals of the county in this volume. One of the leading institutions of the vil- lage, and one that first strikes the eye of a visitor, is the Model EoUer Mill. This, which is one of the finest in this part of the State, was erected by the present proprietors. Dun- woody ed. Heckes, living now in New Eichland Township ; Morris, born May 28, 1869 ; Viola, born October 1, 1872, and Dora, born August 15, 1877. Mr. Sutliff has now a fine farm and a fine mod- ern cottage, in which he lives, and excellent surroundings. Benaiah Parvin, a native of New Jersey, made a claim in this township, on section 33, and settled here in 1860. He drove the stage, and carried the mail from Alma City to Janesville for a number of years. Charles Parvin, a son of his, was a member of the Fourth Minnesota Infantry during the war, and died in the service. Benaiah emigrated to Arkansas a few years ago and died there. Mrs. D. C. Davis is a daughter of his. Jesse R. Weed was born in Angelica, Alle- gany County, N. Y., May 23, 1819, and came to Waseca County, in October, 1860, settling on the northwest quarter of section 34, in this town, which he purchased pre- vious to coming here, on which he still lives. The north part of his house, one of the first built in this neighborhood, is the only one of the old buildings left. Mr. Weed has also eighty acres of land on section 27. When he was nineteen years of age, he started out in the world for himself, engaging in farming, which occupation he has followed ever since June 7, 1838, he was united in marriage with Clarinda Maxon, and they have been the parents of five children, born as follows : Lorenzo, August 29, 1843, died October 12, the same year ; Henry Spencer, May 31, 1845 ; Lucy, June 30, 1847, died July 7, the same year; Harriet, March 31, 1850, died July 11, 1850 ; Susan L., May 27, 1854, died January 30, 1883. Mr. Weed is the son of James and Susan (Rogers) Weed, the father a native of New York, the mother of Con- necticut. Mr. Weed was here during the Indian troubles of 1862, and went to the Winnebago agency, and helped guard that place, and both nights he was there the sav- ages had a war dance. ORGANIC. In 1857 when the first board of county commissioners were districting the county for the first time, what is now Byron Town- ship was made a part of Otisco, and so re- mained until November 1, 1858, when the board ordered the organization of it as a separate civil town. The first officers elected, according to the best recollections of the oldest inhabitants, there being no records accessible, were : J. H. Wightraan, chairman of board of town supervisors; John Mc- Grath, side supervisor, and David Beavins, clerk. The present officers are: Christie McGrath, chairman , Garret Hope and Michael Heffernan, supervisors ; C. S. Weed, clerk. REPRESENTATIVE PEOPLE. Sketches of some of the most )irominent and enterprising people of this town are given here, as an index of the people who inhabit Byron. Mrs. Calista J. Wilson was born in Madison County, N. Y., December 11, 1831, and with her parents, whose names were Campbell, moved to Rock County, Wis., where, Decem- ber 11, 1849, she was united in marriage with Edwin A. Crumb. They remained there about eight years, and then removed to Winnesheik County, Iowa, but after three years' residence there, they came to this township and took up a homestead of 160 acres of land, the northeast quarter of sec- tion 32. Since coming here thev lived some 670 HISTORY OK WASECA COCNTY. time in the village of "Wilton, where Mrs. Crumb carried on a millinerv establishment, and her husband a wagon-making shop. After three j'ears spent there the}' returned to Wisconsin for Mr. Crumb's health, which was failing. Eig-hteen months later thev returned here, and on the 20th of Januar}', 1878, death claimed her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Crumb were the parents of five chil- dren: Xevonia A., born May 15, 1851, married Truman Davis in 1870, and now re- sides at Cartright, Wis.; John M., born De- cember 3, 1853, married Ada Cummings, and now lives in Freeborn Count}', Minn.; Lovell A., born February 12, 1857, died October 12, 1877; Carloss H., born March 8, 1858, mar- ried Elizabeth Erb, and lives in this town, and Mary A. born October 12, 1864. Wlien they came to Byron Township, in 1864, Mr. Crumb was drafted, and as he had no shelter for his family but a rough shanty, and noth- ing to cover his teams, his distress was great, but on examination he was pronounced un- fit for the service, and returned here. After her husband's death, she remained on the farm with those of her children that were unmarried, and carried on the business. On the 28th of February, 1880, she was united in marriage with John N. Wilson, who was born in Canada, September 1, 1833, who, when he was twenty-one years of age, came to " the States," and settled in Rock County, Wis., where he engaged in farming. From there he removed to Colorado, where he en- listed in Company G, First Colorado Regi- ment, and served to the end of the war. At the time of his marriage with Mrs. Crumb, he was a widower with two children : Claude S., born February 19, 1869, and John M., born April 2, 1872. In December, 1881, the family removed to Dodge Centei', this State, in order to send the daughter. JNIary, to school, but she being taken sick, they brought her back, as she was anxious to see her old home once more, and here she died, April 24, 1882. Zalmon M. Partridge is a native of Berk- shire County, Mass., born January 15, 1834. He remained at home with his parents among the hills of his native place, where he was reared until lie was fourteen years of age, when he commenced life for himself. In 1857 he came to Minnesota, locating in Dakota County, where he worked at farming and carpentering for about three years. He then removed to Virginia, where he fol- lowed the occupation of brick molder until August, 1S61, when he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Loyal Virginia Infantry, and served a little over three years, and ^vas mustered out in 1864. On the 2d day of November, 1864, he was married to Narcis- sus Samples in Kenawha County, W. Va. He remained in that State for two years, and then removed to Dakota County, Minn., where he resided until 1870, when he came to this county and settled on the 160 acres of land on section 36, of this township, that he had purchased the year previous, where he is now living. At the time of his coming here the land was without improvement, but he has now a fine residence and other build- ings, and has 115 acres of land under culti- vation. Mr. and Mrs. Partridge have been the parents of five children : William S., born in Virginia, July 28, 1865 ; John Henry, born March 18, 1867, died April 3, 1867, and is buried at Castle Rock, Minn. : Ulysses, born May 30, 1868 ; Philip S., born March 9, 1S70, and Mary V., born December 14, 1875. Harvey Cummings was born in Bureau County, 111., September 20, 1834. He re- mained a resident of the Sucker State until 1870, when he removed to Farmington, Dakota County, IMinn., where he rented a farm and resided there until 1874, when he came to Waseca County, and purchased 160 acres of land, the southeast quarter of sec- tion 31, Byron Township. At that time he did not build any house on his land, but renting the adjoining farm, which had a house on it. cultivated both places. In 1876 the grasshoppers came here in great nuni- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 671 bers, and besides devastating- the land, deposited their eggs in the ground in such numbers that Mr. Cummings, fearing that there would be no crops the next year, re- turned to Illinois, where he remained until 1880, when, returning here, he built his resi- dence and other buildings, and has made this his home ever since. June 29, 1856, he was married to Mary Donaldson, and they have had a family of eleven children, all of whom are living, except one : Ada, born in Illinois, April 10, 185Y, married J.M. Crumb, m 1877, and lives a near neighbor ; Francis, born January 12, 1859 ; Lilian, born October 14, 1860, married \yarren Ladd in 1882, and lives in Nebraska ; Viola, born March 16, 1863, and died the following September; William Henry, born January 6, 1865 ; Charles Henry, born November 8, 1866; Clara, born October 31, 1868; Melvin Ells- worth, born in Dakota County, Minn., Feb- ruary 19, 1871 ; Rilla Mabel, born December 27, 1872; Edna, born December 22, 1874, and Pearl Evalina, born in Illinois, October 17, 1879. Mrs. Cummings is a native of Mason County, Ky., born April 2, 1834. Peter Bumgerten was boi-n in Prussia, June 27, 1832, and lived in his German home until 1857, when he came to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming for twelve years. He then came to Waseca County, and purchas- ing eighty acres of land in St. Mary Town- ship, lived there for about six years, and then purchased 160 acres of land on section 16, Byron Township, where he now lives. He has since added to his farm, 160 acres on section 20, and has now a fine place of 320 acres well improved and well stocked, and has a fine frame barn 28x48 feet in size, 16 feet studding, which was the first frame one in the town. When he came to this country he was almost penniless, but by energy, in- dustry and thrift, he has accumulated quite a fine property. In the early days of his struggle with the world he cradled and thrashed grain for twenty-five cents per day, and in the winter worked for his board. December 13, 1864, he was married to Mary Schultz, and they have had a family of eight children : Peter, born September 17, 1866 ; Lena, born December 5, 1867; Tena, May 5, 1868 ; Michael, June 24, 1870 ; John, Feb- ruary 14, 1872; Meda, January 10, 1874; Maggie, August 14, 1882, and William, Jan- uary 20, 1885. Lawrence W. Concanon was born in Ire- land, July 20, 1827, and came to the United States in 1851. He landed in New Orleans, where he remained until the following spring, and then went up the river to the State of Illinois, where he was engaged in farming some twenty-four years. In 1877 he came to Waseca County, locating in St. Mary Township, but three years later he removed to Byron Township, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 19, where he has a good house, and a well improved fai-m, and a beautiful grove of cottonwood, maple, willow and box-elder trees. He does a gen- eral farming and stock-raising business and is one of the solid men of the town. He was united in marriage, April 11, 1856, with Bridget Broderick, and they have been the parents of eight children : Mary, born July 4, 1858; William, born October 11, 1859 ; Catherine, born March 27, 1861, died March 18, 1868 ; Lawrence, born February 15, 1863 ; Bridget, born April 9, 1865 ; Ellen, born May 11, 1867 ; Margeret, born Ma}'^ 10, 1869, and Honora, born A])ril 9, 1871. His daughter INIargeret is a school-teacher and Honora is fitting herself for the same profession. Mr. Concanon being a great believer in education, has given his children every advantage he could in that direction. John Dinneen was born in Ireland, in June, 1828, and lived in the country of his birth until 1850, when he came to the United States. He remained in the State of New York, where he worked on the railroad for a time, and then purchased a farm, which he tilled until 1875, when he sold out there and came to Waseca Countv, and took a home- 672 HISTORY OF WASECA COITNTT. stead of 160 acres on section 20, where he is still living. He has purchased since then 320 acres of land on sections 20 and 29, and has -a fine farm of 480 acres, where he car- ries on general farming and stock-raising, giving considerable attention to the breeding and rearing of fine cattle. He has a fine cottage and several convenient buildings in which to shelter his horses and cattle, and fine machinery sheds. In February, 1856, he was united in marriage witli Mary Burke. They have been the parents of nine chil- dren : Maggie, born December 25, 1856, who died June 1,1860 ; EUen, born June 15, 1858, who died June 1, 1860 ; James, born May 15, 1862; Timothy, born January 7, 1864, died January 22, 1879; Daniel, born October 31, 1865; John, born January 7, 1867; Nicho- las, born November 31, 1869 ; Mary E., born February 8, 1873, and Catharine, born March 23, 1876. Mr. Dinneen has held the office of chairman of the town supervisors one year, side supervisor three or four years, school director ten years and school treasurer ten years. Peter Obrine was born in Ireland, June 29, 1837, and remained a resident of the Emerald Isle until 1863, when he came to the United States, and after a few months' residence in Wisconsin, in 1864 came to Waseca County, and settled on the north- east quarter of section 17, in this town, where he now lives. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret Dwyer, nee Ryan, who was the widow of Thomas Dwyer, and had at the time of this last marriage two chil- dren : Alice, wife of Thomas Ryan, living in Waseca, and Honora, born April 10, 1847, wife of Barney Agnew. Mr. and Mrs. Obrine have but two children living: Cath- erine, born November 25, 1859, now the wife of Emmons Smith, of Waseca City, and Mary, married November 22, 1868, to Frank Smith, but who, having separated from her husband by divorce, resides with her parents with her two children : George Edward, born August 26, 1881, and Maggie, born August 29, 1883. In the Avinter of 1864, Mrs. Obrine started to visit a neigh- bor distant about four miles, and was caught in a snow storm and got lost on the ])rairie. She wandered around from Wednesday until Friday evening, when she arrived at her sister's house. She was so badly frozen and so exhausted that she could not get into the house without help. She lost about one-half of each one of her feet, and was injured otherwise. CHAPTER XXVI. ALTON TOWNSHIP. jLTON Township embnices all of congressional township 107, north of range 24 west, and con- tains the usual 23,040 acres of land. The surface is gently un- dulating, and exceedingly fertile is the soil, a deep, rich, warm loam, that, with intelligent cul- tui'e, is practically inexhaustible. This portion of the county is well drained, the Le Sueur Eiver trav- ersing sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 25, besides slightly touching several others. Buffalo Lake, cov- ering nearly all of section 21, and parts of sections 16, 17, 20 and 28, with its affluent creeks and runs, make up the drain- age system of the central and northern part of the town. A large part of the township was originally covered with timber, much of which remains here to day. EARLY SETTLEMENT. Lucius Kyes, now of the city of Waseca, was probably the pioneer settler in this town- ship, coming to this part of the county dur- ing September, 1863, and taking up a claim on section 32, where he lived until 1871. He is now a resident of the city of Waseca, he having gone there from his farm, and is en- gaged in carpentering and building. He was born in Medina County, Ohio, in 1837. William Wager, in 1863, came to Waseca County and located in the town of Alton, on section 32, and when tiie land came into market bought it of the government, and re- sided there until 1873, when he removed to Freedom, where he now lives. Elijah Hills came at the same time and took a claim on what is now the northeast corner of Alma City, and when that village was laid out it received its name from his daughter. Alma HilJs. When these two families came here there were but two fam- ihes within a radius of six miles. Both these two families of Wager and Hills spent the winter in one cabin, 14x16 feet in size, and built of poles and bark taken from the old Indian tepees and some basswood boards. Morris Lamb came to this township in 1864, and located on section 36, where his son, M. H. Lamb, now lives. Mr. Lamb was one of the unfortunate Union refugees, who, at the time of the breaking out of the war, had to leave their " sunny southern home " for their opinion's sake. He resided in Cum- berland County, Tenn., and on the 17th of June, 1861, was compelled to seek more con- genial quarters. He therefore packed all he could on three wagons and fled for the Ohio Eiver, his port of safety. He came to Min- nesota in 1861, and in 1864 to this county and township. He died here December 31, 1869. He was a native of Vermont. A sketch of him is given in connection with his son in Chapter VIII. Morris H. Lamb, a native of Ohio, whose sketch is given in detail in connection with legislative representation in Chapter VIII, came to Alton Township in 1864 with his father and made a settlement, and still re- mains one of the leading citizens of Alton. Perhaps it would be as well to mention in this connection that Mr. Lamb is one of the largest dairy farmers in this county, and the first one to appreciate the merits of the 673 674 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. ensilage method of preparing fodder for win- tering his stock. He has a large barn, second only in size to that on the De Graff place in the township, 42x90 feet in size, capable of holding a large quantity of hay and three silos of a total capacity of 350 tons, besides his large herd of cattle. Mrs. Lamb is famed throughout the county as being one of the best, if not the best butter maker in the State. Their dairy produced in 1886 the enormous amount of 6,535 pounds of butter, which was sold for $1,601.35. The quality is unsurpassed and readilj' finds a market. Mathew Casey came here in 1864, and made a settlement on section 2, but shortly after removed to section 15, which latter piece of land he sold the following year to August Kruger, after breaking some of it, and removed to section 26. He after this removed to Janesville, and from there to Tracy, Minn. Patrick Hayden made a settlement here, on section 13, in 1864, and is still a resident of the township. A man of the name of Hert came to this settlement among those who located here in 1864. He died here in the fall of 1885. In the spring of 1864, Jefferson Davis made a settlement on section 34, this town, where he lived for several years, and finally removed to Alma City, and put in a general stock of merchandise in what is now the Ked front store, which was called Jeff Davis' Headquarters. There he remained a few years, and then moved to Vivian, and re- mained about three years, thence to Amboy, where he now runs a hotel and livery. C. M. Campion, Avith his two sons, John and Patrick, myde a settlement in Alton, in 1864. The elder Mr. Campion located upon the southeast quarter of section 13, where he resided until his death ; John took a claim on the northeast quarter of tlie same sec- tion, and Patrick on the northeast of section 24. Both of the latter still reside on their original claims. Col. Chas. Long made a claim on sections 15 and 22, in 1864, where he resided for a time, and then returned to Ohio, where he now lives. " Uncle Sam " Larabee came to this town- ship in the fall of 1864. He was the owner of the town site of Alma City, and is men- tioned in that connection. William Maloney, who drove the stage through this country in an early day, made a claim here in 1864. He is now a resident of Janesville. Terence Lilly, who had come to Waseca County from Illinois some years previous, in 1864 removed to this township, and located on section 1, where he now lives. In 1864 M. L. Devereaux made a settle- ment on section 34, and resided in this town for some time and then removed to the north part of this State. Later he came back here and lived in Alton until his death. He was a member of one of the Minnesota regiments during the late civil war. H. A. Clark purchased a farm on section 9, this town, in 1865, and proceeded to make a settlement as detailed below. He came to what is now Alton Township, in 1865, and bought the farm on section 9, where he now lives, of Willard & Barney, of Mankato, and made a settlement. He is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born January 26, 1826. He is a son of Herman and Martha (Warner) Clark, of English and Welsh descent, but both natives of the State of Connecticut, and who had a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are still living. H. A. came west in an early day, settling in Walworth County, AVis., where he remained some twelve years engaged in farming and carpentering. From there he went to California, where he made a stay of three years, and then made the voyage to China, and after a stay there re- turned by way of England, having com- pletely circumnavigated the globe when he 2ot back to his old home in Wisconsin. After a few years spent in roving about, he came to this township and has been here ever since, engaged in farming and stock-raising. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 675 November 2, 1865, he was united in marriage Avith Harriet Bennett, who was born in New York, July 22, 1830. Timothy Colby came in the fall of 1864, and resided in this town until 1886, when he was removed by death. M. Powers made a settlement on section 22, in 1865, and lived here until his death. He was an Irishman, who came to this place from Waterloo, Wis. He died here about 1879. Patrick Farley, now a resident of St. Mary town, was one of the settlers of Alton in 1865. He resided here until 1886, when he removed to his present location. Kichard Haggerty, in the spring of 1865, came to this place from Dodge County, Wis. He was a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and died in this township, on his farm on section 12, in the latter part of 1882. His wife died in 1881. Michael Lang in 1865 settled on section 1, on the place where he now lives. Michael Kearney in 1865 made a settle- ment on section 13. He afterward removed to Faribault, where he is now living. Charles Lockwood came to Waseca County in September, 1865, from Wisconsin and made a settlement on section 15, this town- ship, where he now resides. He is a native of Fairfield County, Conn., born December 2, 1821:. He is the son of Ephi'aim and Mary (Hendi'ickson) Lockwood, natives of Connect icut, also, both of whom are now dead. They had raised a family of seven children : Sarah Ann, Aaron, Charles, Jane, Melvina, Frank and Samantha. When Charles was seventeen years, he commenced a seafaring life, which he followed for ten years, and then relinquished that, and moving to Dodge County, Wis., began farming, which vocation he has followed ever since. He made his home in the last named place for about ten years and then came here, as above men- tioned, where he is devoting his attention to general farmingand raising short-horn cattle, in which he is very successful. September 3, 1855, he was united in marriage with Louisa Merrill, who was born in Erie Coun- ty, N. Y., May 9, 1832, and is a daughter of Samuel and Rachel Merrill, natives of New Hampshire and New York, who had raised a family of six children. Her parents had settled in Wisconsin in an early day, where they lived some twelve years, and came to Waseca County in 1859, where the mother died, January 28, 1875 ; the father resides with his daughter, Mrs. Lockwood. Mr. Lockwood has been a member of the town board for four years, and director of school district No. i)Q, for eight years, and is one of the prominent farmers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood are the parents of four children : Mary, born June 10, 1857, who wedded Fred. Dickenson in 1878, and lives in Janesville Township ; Frances, born October 30, 1860, married to Frank Dicken- son, and lives in the village of Janesville; Aaron, born September 3, 1872, at home, and Laura, born August 11, 1874, also at home. Mr. Lockwood is an Independent in political matters and has taken a prominent part in public afifairs of the township. Terence McBride made a claim on section 12, on coming here in 1865, where he still lives. Jeremiah Vaughn came from the neigh- borhood of Montello , Marquette County, Wis., in 1865, and settled on a farm on sec tion 14. This place he afterward sold to his brother, James A., who still owns it. Jere- miah removed to Rock Island, 111., and from there back to Montello, Marquette County, Wis., where he is now living. E. H. Skilling was also among the settlers of the year 1865. He was a native of Port- land, Me. When he came here, he made a claim on section 20. He is still a resident of the township. Patrick Murphy, William Stewart and L. C. Bonner were among the settlers of the year 1865. William Stewart located on sec- tion 15, where he lived many years, but is now in the western part of the State. L. C. 676 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Bonner's place was a part of section 19 ; lie moved from here to Nebraska. Patrick Murphy is stiU a resident here. Emerson Gates came to Waseca County in 1866, and entered into mercantile pursuits at the village of Alma City, at first by him- self, but in a short time formed a i)artnership with W. E. Lockwood, and continued in busi- ness there until 1881, when he sold out to his partner and moved to his farm, on section 32, forty acres of which he had purchased of E. G. Pierce, in 1874. He now has 160 acres of land, including some ten or eleven acres of timber, and his residence and barns, which are of a high class, are located about eighty rods west of Alma City. Emerson Gates is a na- tive of Erie County, N. Y., born February 27, 1842. He is the son of Abel and IMary (Peabody) Gates, both natives of Massachu- setts. His father was a chairraaker by trade and followed that business all his life. The parents had a family of six children, three boys and three girls. Emerson began life for himself when nineteen years of age, by en- rolling himself among the nation's defenders, enlisting October 7, 1862, in Company A, One Hundredth New York Infantry, and participated in the battles of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, and other's of the Chickahominy campaign, siege of Charles- ton, S. C, and of Fort Wagner, battles of Fort Walthal Junction, Drury's Bluff and siege of Petersburg, Va., and many others. He entered the service as a private, and was mus- tered out of it as sergeant, at Buffalo, N. Y., Januaiy 30, 1S65. He then came west to La Crosse, Wis., and the next year to this town- ship, as related. February 5, 1865, he was united in marriage with Emma J. Gray, a native of Erie County, N. Y., born February 5, 1844. They have been the parents of six children : Caspar A., born November 18, 1865, died in 1875 ; Clarence L., born De- cember 19, 1807, died in July, 1875 ; Edith, born February 20, 1876 ; Alice, born July 25, 1878 ; Laura E., born November 22, 1880, and Cassius E., born April 26, 1886. George W. Dunham came here in 1866, and made a settlement on section 23, pui'- chasing the place of Daniel Shellock. He is still a resident of this place. He is a native of Fairfield County, Conn., born November 24, 1837, and is the son of Peter and Maria (Peck) Dunhaui. His father was a hatter by trade, and died in 1839; the mother is living in Wisconsin with a daughter. They had a family of five children, viz: Mary, who mar- ried Joseph Hooker, but died at the age of twenty-two ; Bessie Maria, now Mrs. C. A. Lockwood, living in Wisconsin; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Oliver Wood, of New Jersey ; Mar- tha, now Mrs. Ezra G. Wildman, and George W., the topic of this biography. When he was but nine years of age, on account of the death of his father he commenced struggling against the world, working out on a farm, and liking that business, has ever since fol- lowed it. September 23, 1857, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Lyon, who was born in Massachusetts in 1836. Her parents were natives of New England, but had come west to Wisconsin in an early day, where Mr. Dunham and she were married, he having moved there from his native State. They are the parents of six children, born as fol- lows : George Harrison, August 9, 1859 ; William D., February 22, 1862 ; Oliver, April 18, 1864 ; Charles, March 4, 1866 ; Bessie J., January 21, 1870, and Nellie Mary, March 4, 1882. All of them are living at home. Mr. Dunham is a Democrat in politics, and is a representative man of Alton Town. He has held the office of town assessor, supervisor of the town and clerk of the school district, and is the present town clerk. Terence Hammel first made his appearance in this county in 1864, but did not locate here until 1866, which latter is the date of his set- tlement. He is a native of Ireland, born in 1845, and is the son of James and Alice (McCue) Hammel, who came to America in 1850, remaining in New Jersey some eight years, then, in the year 1859, coming to Le Sueur County, Minn., where the mother died HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 677 March 26, 1887, and where the father still lives. Terence commenced life for himself in Le Sueur County, at farming, which voca- tion he has always followed. June 2, 1865, he and Mar}' Smith were united in marriage. She was a native of Ireland, born in 1847, whose parents had settled in Le Sueur County in 1858, where they remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel liave had a family of ten children, born as follows : William, January 17, 1868 ; James, August 26, 1869; Mary, January 9, 1873; Alice, March 15, 1874 ; Rosella, December 25, 1876 ; Anna, July, 1878 ; Grace, December, 1880 ; Jennie, November, 1882 ; Gertrude, May, 1883 ; Varonica, October, 1885. All are single and living at home. Mr. Hammel is the pres- ent town assessor, having been elected in 1885. William Burke came to Waseca County in the year 1867, and settled on section 34, Al- ton Township, where he purchased eighty acres of William Lambert. He lives at pres- ent on section 23, in the same town, where he has a fine farm and modern style dwel- ling. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., February 15, 1844. He is the son of Michael and Catherine (Kelly) Burke, both natives of County Boscommon, Ireland, both of whom are now dead. The}' raised a famil}' of ten children : Patrick, John, Mary, Mich- ael, William, Edward, Kate, Maggie, James and Timothy. At the age of seventeen, Will- iam Burke enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry. This was in 1861. He was discharged in June, 1862, on account of disability, but on recovering from his illness, he reenlisted in the same regiment and par- ticipated m all of the battles in wliich that regiment made such a glorious record, among which were : Shiloh, siege of Atlanta, Jones- boro, Dalton, Besaca and Corinth. He was finally discharged July 16, 1865. He then went to Wisconsin, where he remained but a short time, and then went South, but in 1867 returned to the northern country and settled in Alton Township, where he has since re- mained. January 28, 1867, he was united in marriage with Joanna Quirk, a native of Middletown, Conn., born Nov. 25, 1845. Her parents were natives of Cork and West Meath, Ireland, who came from Connecticut to Wisconsin in an early day. Her father was a member of Company D, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, and died in the hospital at St. Louis ; her mother died in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have been the parents of seven children, born as follows: Thomas, May 24, 1869 ; Anna, April 18, 1871 ; Will- iam, February 1, 1873 ; Mary, February 16, 1875; Bose, July 9, 1877; Agnes, May 27, 1879, and Josie, August 1, 1884. Mr. Burke was elected chairman of the board of super- visors and served three years ; in 1877 was chosen county commissioner and held that office for six years, and has held the positions of town assessor for one year, and director of school district No. 61, for eleven years. He is one of the leading prominent men of the town, and is a Democrat in politics. Patrick Markham came to Waseca County about the year 1867, and settled where he now lives, on section 34, Alton Township, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising. After these twenty years of good, steady work, Mr. Markhan has accumu- lated quite a competence, and can now re- tire from the more active part of farm life and enjoy the comforts of living, which his energy and ambition have honestly won him. Mr. Markham is a native of Ireland, born De- cember 25, 1805, and when but a young man came to America, first locating in Canada, and from there removed to the State of Massachusetts, where he spent a number of years. While there he was united in mar- riage with Dorcas Bliss, a native of Massa- chusetts, who died after about seventeen years of married life. In 1857 he was again united in marriage. He is the parent of three children : John, James and Jane. James died in 1882 ; Jane married John Murphy, and John married Nellie Dojde, and lives in this town. The family are members of the Catho- 678 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. lie Church, and Mr. Markham is a Democrat in politics. M. S. Hopkins, and his wife, Ahna (Nor- ton) Hopkins, with their family came to the town of Alton in 1867, and settled on section 25. They were natives of the State of New York and Vermont, who had emigrated to Ohio, from whence they had come here. Mr. and Mrs. Hoj^kins resided here until their death, which occurred, Mr. Hopkins, September 25, 1871, and Mrs. Hopkins, the 3d of June, 1882. Both are buried at Ped- dler's Grove. They were the parents of six cliildren : George R., born in Summit County, Ohio, December 27, 1840, died December 1-1-, 1863 ; Mary E., born in the same place, Sep- tember 9, 18-12, who married Albert Chapel about 186B, and has three children; they live at Farmington this State : Helen L., born in the same place, January' 30, 1844, living in Alton Township, and is unmarried ; H. M. whose sketch follows this ; Gertrude, born in Ohio also, October 10, 1854, married J. lian- daU in 1875, and lives in Minneapolis, where he is a machinist ; and Sarah E., born in Ohio. August 9, 1857. H. M. Hopkins, whose father's sketch is given above, was born in Summit County, Ohio, November 15, 1845, and came to this county with the family in 1866. He has fol- lowed the vocation of farmer ever since he was old enough to do anything in that line, and understands it thoroughly in all its branches. Since his father's death he has been the main one to carry on the farm, and is the chief maintenance of his two unmar- ried sisters and a sister of his mother, who lives with them. He is one of the represen- tative men of tlie township, and has held the office of town clerk therein. He is a Repub- lican in politics. Patrick Seymour came to the county of Waseca in 1856, and is therefore one of the oldest of settlers. He was born in Ireland, Marcii 20, 1840, and is the son of Patrick and Joanna (Ryan) Seymour, who had a family of six children, two boys and four girls. His parents died in the old country, and Pat- rick came to this country in early youth, first settling in New Jersey, where he remained about a year, and then came west, spending three years in Chicago, and then coming to this county, as above stated, where he has since remamed. He was married to Mary Hederman, a native of New York, born in 1847, by whom he has had six chil- dren, all of whom are at home with their par- ents. Mr. Seymour is one of the soUd farm- ers of this section of the county, having a fine farm on section 13, where he is residing. At an early day. Dr. Morrison located at Peddler's Grove. He was an eclectic physi- cian. The lands now embraced within the limits of Alton Township were, until 1863, a part of the "Winnebago agency, and on their being- thrown open to settlement, or shortly after, the people from all parts of the country flocked in and took up claims. The number in 1864 and 1865 probablj'^ equaled the entire population of the township at present, hence it is imposible to give all of the early settlers. Among others who came here early, not mentioned before, were : W. B. Morris, George Watson. C. G. Pride, B. F. Crump, O. P. Sat- terlee. BIOGKAPHICAL. The annals of Alton would be incomplete witliout some mention being made of other citizens, who have been so largely instru- mental in developing and building up this part of the countr}^, so sketches of some of them are inserted here. Andrew De Graff is a native of Schen- ectady County, N. Y., and was born October 21, 1811. He is the son of Nicholas and Nellie (Thomas) De Graff, who were botli natives of the Empire State, the father be- ing engaged in farming there until called to his reward. Since 1832 Andrew De Graff has been more or less engaged in the con- struction of railroads, both in the eastern, middle and western States. In 1857 he had i HISTOKY OF WASKCA COUNTY. 681 a contract to build the Winona & St. Peter Railroad, and had commenced operations when the great financial panic of that year came on and swept like a tidal wave over the land, and compelled the cessation of all work of that kind. Hardly had the financial crisis spent its force when Col. De Graff again commenced work and fini.s]ied it, and since that time he has carried on that busi- ness with his late son, Charles A. De Graff. Col. De Graff married Rachel Pomeroy, who was a native of Massachusetts. They were the parents of thi'ee children : Minnie, now Mrs. John A. Berkey, living in St. Paul, where her husband is engaged in mercantile and banking business ; Frankie, a single man who died in 1875, at the age of twenty- one years, living at home with his parents at the time of his death, and Charles A., whose sketch follows this. Col. De Graff, by the energy of his nature and the ability with which he is gifted, has raised himself until he now stands one of the most prominent figures in the historj' of railroad construction and financial undertakings in this great re- public. Charles A. De Graff (deceased) was the son of Col. Andrew and Rachel (Pomeroy) De Graff, and first saw the light in Alexan- der, N. Y., l^ovember 20, 184r3, and died at St. Paul, July 20, 1887. He was truly one of the representative men of the United States. When but a boy he came with his father to Minnesota, and shortly after they engaged in railroad construction, which re- sulted in tlie accumulation of a large and handsome fortune. In 1864 he served in the Union army for the salvation of our country. Like many other wealthy men throughout the Union, he became fascinated with the breeding problem, and the amusement of his life was his splendid Lake Elysian stock farm. Here he loved to retire from the busy hum of commerce, and surrounded by his champion herd of Jerseys, or in the pad- docks of his excellently bred trotters, spend many peaceful days. Mr. De Graff was_ a 39 member of the National Short-Horn Associa- tion of America, a director of the Southern Minnesota fair, a director in the Breeders' Association of Trotting and Pacing Horses, and at one time vice-president and member of the board of managers of the State Agricul- tural Society. He was also a member of the Winona Commandery of Knights Tem- plar. His large circle of friends will ever keep his memory green, as a man of the highest personal character, a generous and faithful friend, an honorable and briUiant business man, and one who was always first and foremost in every good work and deed. In regard to Mr. De Graff's place, it is unsurpassed by any in the United States, and the buildings which have been erected by Mr. De Graff 's untiring ambition gives it the appearance of a little town of a couple of hundred inhabitants. The hundreds of beautiful trees which have been set out by his own hands afford abundance of shade, and make it the handsomest grove in the Northwest. The barns which stand on the place are enormous, one of them being 60x120 feet, and several more nearly as large ; two fine and handsome tenement houses, and many buildings which are too numerous to mention. The farm, which lies in one body, covers 2,400 acres of land. It numbers from 125 to 160 head of horses, a great many of which are imported stock, and their record competes with any in the Northwest, Mr. De Graff paying for some as high as $3,000 apiece. The herd of cattle which are kept within the boundaries of this large farm numbers about two or three hun- dred of the finest Jersey and short-horn stock which can be produced. The following beautiful tribute to the memory of Charles A. De Graff, written by Bishop Whipple, sums up the lovable traits in the character of his deceased friend, and fitiingly closest his eulogium upon the dead : "May I bring a few fiowers to lay on the new-made grave of our friend Charles De Graff. I have known him almost a quarter 682 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. of a century, and loved him as one of the truest friends. Others can speak better than I of his business life — of the benefits he conferred on the im.poverished wheat-grow- ers by showing them the marvelous adapta tion of our fair State to the growth of stock. He was the first to introduce the Kentucky blue grass, and from the day he left railway i)uilding he was a model farmer and stock- Iji'ceder. I loved him for the tender sym- pathy which ^vas always given in sorrow. His heart was as gentle as a woman's and yet strong and manly, true as steel. I never knew one more ready to respond to the calls of duty. In every walk of life he had learned ' to do justly and to love mercy.' As a son, a brother, a friend, he loved with his whole heart. I never knew a son with deeper filial love. It was his devotion to his mother which first won my admiration and regard. No lover ever watched and waited to anticipate its loved one's unspoken wishes more than he his father's. He knew men. His friends were of the best. With him it Avas a law, 'If he cheats me once, he is to blame; if he cheats me twice, I am to blame.' When I saw him on his beautiful farm, looking so lovingly into the faces of his dumb friends, I thought of Webster's advice to John Taylor: 'Look into their large eyes and kindly faces and be an honest man.' " E. F. Nettleton was bom in Oneida County, N. Y., July 7, 1830, and is the son of Lemon and Nancy (Rose) Nettleton. The former of these was a farmer and attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years before he died; his wife died at the age of eighty-three. They had a family of fifteen children, seven boys and eight girls. In 18.57 E. F. Nettleton c^ame to Minnesota and settled in Le Sueur County, where he en- gaged in farming. In August, 1862, he en- listed in Company G, Tenth Minnesota In- fantry, and participated in all the hardships and battles with that famous regiment ; was in the battles of Tupelo and Spanish Fort, and served until August 19, 1865, when he was discharged and returned to Le Sueur County, where he lived until 1874, when he removed to tliis town and county. When he first returned he was under the physi- cian's hands for some time for a sunstroke received in the army. lie lives on section 32, whei'e he settled on first coming here. March 29, 18.51, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Stone, who was born in New York State, October 19, 1832. They have been the parents of four children : William, born November 29, 1854; Theron S., born in April, 1858, mar- ried Mary Gates, and is a harness maker in Alma City ; George, born March 19, 1859, married Emma Hodge and is a professor of penmanship in St. Louis ; Luella, born in September, 1850, married Joel Southwick, a carpenter of Alma City. William Thompson is one of the old settlers of Blue Earth County, this State, his parents locating in 1855 about a mile from what is now Garden City, when there was not a house in that village. Lie is a native of Waukesha County, Wis., born October 1(», 1844, and is the son of William R. and Anna (Brown) Thompson, natives of New York and Vermont, who had come west to Wis- consin in 1844, and in 1855 to this State, as above stated, where they remained until tiieir deaths. When William was but thir- teen years of age, he commenced work on his father's farm, and has always followed farming. September 26, 1867, he was united in marriage with Henrietta Killmer, a native of Upper Canada, born December 3, 1846. Her parents were also natives of Canada, who came to Wisconsin in 1854, and remained there ten years, then moved to Blue Earth County, Minn., where her mother died in 1866,. the father lieing still a resident there. They had a family of eight children in their family. Mr. and Mrs. Thomi)son are the parents of nine children, born as follows : William Freeman, May 2, 1868 ; John C. March 19, 1871; Lois Ann. May 2.3, 1874; HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 683 George Curtis, November 17, 1873 ; James R., November 20, 1875 ; Raymond, January 21, 1877 ; Lee Coleman, February 1, 1879 ; Frank Ellis, January 18, 1881, and Jevena Pearl, February 12, 1885. Andrew Ilogan is a native of Ireland, born in 1835, and came to the United States in the 3'ear 1856, and for some nine months remained in New York City, and then proceeded to Ohio, but in 1S58 came to Waseca County and settled on section 29, of Janesville Township, where he lived until 1874, and tlien removed to section 3, this town, wiiere he still lives. In tlie year 1S60 he was married to Mary Hander- han, a native of the Emerald Isle. They are the parents of six children, three boys and three girls. One of the latter is married to Patrick Mulcahy, a farmer of Alton Town- ship ; the rest live at home with their parents. James A. Yaughan was born in Ii'eland in 1831, and is the son of Edward and Mary Yaughan, who were farmers in the old coun- try and who had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are dead. The parents came to the United States in 1838, bringing their family with them, and for some three years remained in New York City. From there they moved to McHenry County, 111., where they resided until called away by death, the mother in 1861. the father in 1866. James A. Yaughan came to "Waseca County in 1873, and settled on section 14, Alton Town- ship, where he still lives, carrying on his farming pursuits. He is a Democrat in politics, but seeks no public preferment. In 1859 he was united in the holy bonds of marriage with Catherine O'Locklin, daugh- ter of John and Honora (Clarj') O'Locklin, who was born July 26, 1843, in Ireland. Her parents came to this country in 1863, but both are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Yaughan are the parents of eight children : Hannah, James, John, Mary Jane, Agnes, Eddie, Sylvester and Katie. ORGANIC. Alton, until the spring of 1863 a portion of the Winnebago Indian agency, was or- ganized in May, 1864, as a part of the town of Freedom. It remained thus until April 27, 1866, when it was ordered by the board of county commissioners that it be organized as a separate civil township, under the name of Alton, under the township organization act of the State, approved February 21, 1860. The first election was held at the house of M. L. Devercaux. Alma G'ity. In June, 1865, as the townships of Alton and Freedom filled up with an enterprising- class of agriculturists. S. M. Larabee pro- ceeded to lay out a town site with the assis- tance of S. E. Stel)bings, as surveyor, to which he gave the name of Alma Cit^y. ■On this site he put up a hotel known then as the Larabee House. " Uncle Sam " and his wife, " Aunt Patty " Larabee, kept this hotel for many years. He was rather an eccentric genius, and was somewhat deaf, but it is said of him that he could always hear even a whisper, if it concerned money or a horse trade. " Aunt Patty " was killed in 1885 by being thrown out of a buggy; "Uncle Sam" resides with a daughter in Blue Earth County. In the fall of 1865 Chase tfe Ames, of Rochester, Minn., erected the first store building here. The people of this vicinity gave them a lot, where now the store of Smith & Hofeld stands, on which they put up the building. In this they opened up a stock of general merchandise. After re- maining about a year the stock was removed to Peddler's Grove. Mary Ann Johnson, about the same time, opened up a small stock of the same char- actei'. A. H. Davis was the next merchant, open- ing in what is now the red front building, in the spring of 1866. In the same spring O. P. Smith opened a stock of general merchandise in the store 684: HISTORY OF WASECA COtJNTT. building now occupied by Smith & Hofeld. Rineerson & Morton were the first black- smiths in tlie village of Alma City, opening their smithy in the latter part of 1865. The business of this thriving little burg is now represented 1)V the following firms: Smith & Hofeld, Gates, Crump & Co. and Lau Bros, in general merchandise ; D. D. Smith, drugs ; Baldwin Bros., furniture ; Theron S. Nettleton, harness; D.J. Bickford and Iver Moen, blacksmiths ; J. Benjamin and "Warren Gates, wagon-makers. Tlie Runnells House, formerly the Larabee House, is now kept by Thomas Donahue. George Hofeld was born in Germany, March 4, 1838, and resided in that country until he had finished his education. In 1854 he came to tlie United States and remained until fall in the State of Ohio, and then moved to Indiana. In 1856 he removed to Michigan, and remained there until 1863, when he first came to Minnesota. He re- turned to Indiana that fall, but in 1865 came to this county, and purchased a farm in Freedom Township in tlie month of June, 1866, but did not settle down on it until August, 1868. He resided on it until the fall of 1877, when he sold his place and moved to Alma City, where, January 7, 1878, he entered into the mercantile trade, where he now has a general stock of merchandise. He taught school for thirteen winters in Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota, working at farm work during the summers of those years. He has held the offices of chairman of town board five years ; town assesscjr, two years ; town clerk, two years ; notary public, eight years, and postmaster, three years, the last two of which he holds now. He wasmari'ied July 5, 1868, in Michigan, to Anna Huff. They are the parents of five children: Henry, born May 7, 1869; Carl, April 24, 1870; Frank, January 21, 1872, died September 26, 1874; Maud, August 24, 1877, and Edna, September 2, 1884. Warren Gates came to Waseca County in the fall of 1865, locating at Alma City, and is the oldest residentof that place. He engaged in the wagon-making business on first coming here, and still continues in thatline. In 1869 and 1870 he was engaged in the manufacture of pumps here, but closed out that branch of his business. He is a native of Bennington County, Vt., born January 31, 1828, and is the son of Abel and Mary (Peabody) Gates. Tlie father was a cabinet-maker by trade, and died in 1872, the mother died in 1880. They had a family of six children. Warren beo'an the business of wagon-making- in 1849, in Erie County, N. V., where he remained many years, and came to La Ci-osse, Wis., in the spring of 1864, where he engaged in farming. He remained there until he came to this county, as already mentioned. April 25, 1852, he was united in nuirriage with Helen M. Canfield, who was born January 1, 1832, in Erie County, N. Y. They have had a family of six children : Lawrence E., who married in 1882, and is engaged in the mercantile business at Elgin, Minn.; Mary, the wife of T. S. Nettleton, married in 1877, and Carrie, Susan, Blanche and Emma, all single and living at home. During the years 1870 to 1873, inclusive, Mr. Gates car- ried the mail from this place to Janesville. The mill at Alma Cit}' is in the hands of a stock company composed of Kelsey Curtis, J. D. Morris E. S. Taylor, John Markham, John Wilkinson and Frank R. Field. Mr. Field has the general management and superintendency of the mill, which turns out an excellent quality of flour, and is noted throughout this part of the country. The mill was built by John T. Fisher in 1875, and after running it for some time he sold it to W. H. Ketzback, and for nine years he ran it, part of the time in com- pany with otliers, among whom were Frank Field and Smith it Hofekl. In February, 1886, the present company was formed and have run it ever since. The mill is well eijuipped with all modern machinery, has three sets of stones, five sets of rollers, excel- lent engine, and all necessary adjuncts that go to make up a first-class mill. It has a HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 685 capacity of turning out some seventy-five barrels of excellent Hour per day. Frank Field was born in Rockford, 111., November 1, 1855, and is the son of John H. and Rosie Woodberry. His father was born in North Bridgewater, Mass., March 19, 1834. His mother was a native of Pennsyl- vania. They came west in 1853, first stop" ping in Illinois, from there to Mower County' this State, and then to Rochester, Olmsted County, were the next moves. June 6, 1864, they came to this county and settled in Freedom Township, where they still reside. They had a family of thirteen children, six boys and seven girls, four of whom are now dead. Their son Frank, in 1876, entered the Banner mill at Janesville, where he got his first insight in the milling business, and re" mained there one winter. A short time was spent in the same line in Madelia, and then he came to Alma City and entered the employ- ment of W. H. Ketzeback & Co., who were running the mill, and remained with them two years. He then engaged with his brother under the firm name of Field Bros, in the hardware business in the same place. Eighteen months later he formed a partner- ship with William Altenburg to carry on the same line of trade, and still continues a mem- ber of that firm. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Field was instrumental in forming the stock com- pany who purchased the mill of Smith & Hofeld and are running it as mentioned above. In the year 1880 Frank Field and Martha A. Boston were united in marriage. She is a native of Racine County, Wis., born Febru- ary 23, 1850. D. P; Young was born in Massachusetts, May 11, 1838. In 1850 he went with the family to Erie County, N. Y., where he remained several years, and then removed to Dodge County, Wis. In 1864 he came to this county, and located in Freedom Town- ship, among the first settlers in that part of Waseca County. He took up farm there, and followed the vocation of farmer until 1875, when he removed to Alma City, where, in company with Fisher and Wilkinson, he built the flouring mill and ran it for about two years and then disposed of it. He then went into partnership with W. E. Lockwood, in the mercantile business and has fol- lowed that ever since. May 27, 1858 he was united in marriage with Ruth Lockwood, daughter of Hezekiah and Caroline Lock- wood, who was born October 8, 1838. They have been the parents of two children : William, born in 1861, now an attorney of Mankato, who attended the law school at Iowa City, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar at Waseca when but twenty-one years of age. He is married to Nettie Shingler, and has one child, John Paul. The other son, Arthur Young, was born in 1871. Mr. Y'oung's father was a native of Massachu- setts, and a carpenter by trade, but now dead ; his mother, who is living with him, was born in Connecticut. C. W . Remington came to Waseca County in 1882, from Blue Earth County, where he had been living for some years, and settled on a farm in Freedom Township, where he remained until 1886, when he removed to Alma City, where he now resides. He was born in Vermont, December 11, 1828, and is the son of William and Beersheba (Packard) Remington, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont. His father was a large manu- facturer of shoes in New England. C. W. is a carpenter and joiner by trade, although he no longer follows it, but in his time had few superiors in that line of business, as many of the finest edifices in New England can attest, he having been employed in their erection. For the past eighteen or twenty years Mr. Remington has given his atten- tion to the improvement of horses in this and adjoining counties, and is now the owner of three of the best imjiorted Norman Per- cheron horses in this section of the country : Victor Hugo, Blackhawk and Success. Mr. Remington's wife, Mary Jane (Wright) Remington, in a native of the State of New York. They have two children : Charles I., 686 HISTORY OF WASECA CODNTT. mentioned elsewhere, and Emma, now Mrs. Daniel Mandigo, of Freedom. Dr. C. I. Remington was born in Buffalo, N. Y.,-May 7. 1853, and is the son of C. W. and Mary Jane (Wright) Eemington, both natives of the Empire State. Dr. Reming- ton received a classical education in his 3'outh, and in 1876 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. E. J. Davis, of Mankato, with whom he remained three years, aftei- which he attended lectures at the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, for two years, and finding himself well fitted for the pro- fession, in 1879 commenced practice at Alma City, where he has since remained. Febru- ary 14, 1882, he was united in marriage with Lury Clark, a daughter of Archibald and Margeret Clark, born in Winona County, Minn., October 6, 1860. Her parents are Scotch, the mother having been born in Paisley, Scotland, the father being of Scot- tish descent also. The latter was a hard- ware merchant and farmer until his death in 1866, he falling from a load of hay and striking a jjitchfork that was standing against the load, resulting fatally. Dr. and Mrs. Remington are the happy parents of one child, Everett C, born December 18, 1882. The Doctor has a large and increas- ing practice, and is ranked high in his chosen profession. Milo Baldwin was born in Litchfield Count}^ Conn., March 22, 1818, and is the son of John and Lucy (Strong) Baldwin, both natives of the same State. Thev were of English origin, and had but two children. Flora and Milo, the former born in 1829, and married in 1852 to W. W. Ramsey, now of Lake Benton, this State. When Milo had reached his majority, he engaged in the painting business in New York, and while there was united in marriage with Rosetta AV right, September 12, 1839, who was a native of New York, born February 26. 1816. They had a family of three children : Mai-y Eliza, born July 3, 1810, married to Abram T. Borden, a merchant ; John W., born Jan- uary 10, 1842, who enlisted March 1861, in Company D, Eighth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and died of wounds received at Port Hudson, July 31, 1863; and George W., born June 28, 1843, who enlisted inCom- panjr G, Fifth Infantry, and is now a resident of Washington Territory'. Mr. Milo Baldwin was engaged in the painting business but a short time, when he went to Medina County, Ohio, where he followed farming for six years, and then removed to Indiana, where he was engaged both in farming and cabi- net-making. His first wife dying, he was mar- ried to his second wife, Joanna Taylor, May 27, 1849. She was born April 27, 1824. They were the parents of four children : Lucy, who married John Rush, a farmer of Janesville, October 9, 1870; WiUiam, who is the Methodist minister at Mapleton, Minn., having begun his ministry in 1883, and who married Mary Cooley in 1870, who died in 1874, and in 1882 William married Abbie Dunham, who was born in Winnebago City, this State, August 11, 1861 ; Orlo, who was born May 11, 1856, now in the mill at Alma City, and Robert, an insurance agent, born May 22, 1858. Mrs. Baldwin died February 20, 1860. Mr. Baldwin's third wife was Mrs. Amy L. Moore, who was born in New York State, Decemljer 11, 1822, and who was a widow with three children, as follows : Eber L., born in 1849, married to Mary May- nard, now at Motley, Minn. ; George W., born March 23, 1844, enlisted in 1861 in Company D, Tenth Wisconsin Infantry, and died in the service March, 25, 1862 ; and Olivia v., born September 27, 1845, married to George Smith in September 1865, and now living at Germania, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have had by the present mar- riage three children : Elmore Y., born De- cember 1, 1862 ; Milton J., born January 1, 1865, and married January 1, 1886, to Martha Larrabee, who was born in Minne- sota, August 16, 1864, and is engaged in bus- iness in Alma City, and Homer E., born May 24, 1861. Mr. Milo Baldwin is a Pro- HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 681 hibitionist in politics, and is a leading mem- ber of the United Brethren Church, of Alma City. Christopher Mertens, Esq., is a native of South Germany, born February 13, 1843. He came to the United States in 1867, and settled in Dunkirlc, N. Y., where he was en- gasred in the manufacture of boots and shoes for about one year, and then removed to Two Rivers, Wis., where he followed the same line of trade. Fi'om there, two years later, he removed to the vicinity of Algona, Kossuth County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, and remained there six years. He then came to Minnesota, and locating in Blue Earth Countj% engaged in the insurance business. In 1878 he removed to Alma City, where he now resides. He was elected justice of the peace shortly after coming here and has held the same ever since. In addi- tion to his official duties, he is the principal insurance and collection agent in this part of the country. He was united in marriage with Genevieve Geiger, July 16, 1868. They have been the parents of five children : John, born July 18, 1869 ; Elizabeth, born August 20, 1871, died February 20, 1872 ; Clara, born July 17, 1873 ; Emma, born March 11, 187.5 ; Louise, born February 17, 1877. He repre- sents some of the best insurance companies in the United States, including the ^tna, of Hartford, Conn.; Phoenix, of Hartford; State, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Live Stock, of St. Paul. He belongs to -the collection agencies of Dunn, of St. Paul, Wilbur, of Chicago, and Northwestern, of Crookston. William Orcutt, veterinary surgeon, was born in Ohio, March 17, 1840, and is the son of Caleb and Helen Orcutt. He commenced to do business for himself at the early age of twelve years, his first venture being to buy two yoke of oxen, paying for one and get- ting time on the other, and commenced team- ing, Avhich he followed for about three years. He was then variously employed until June 29, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Second Minnesota Infantry, and served three years, being always with the company ex- cept three months in the hospital, he having been wounded. He was mustered out of the service in June, 1864, and returned to Dodge County, Minn., where he had been living. In the fall of that year he was married to Sophia Donaldson, by whom he had two children : Lula, born September 25, 1865, and James, born December 19, 1867. Sep- tember 26, 1865, he removed to this county and made a claim on a part of section 12, Freedom, where he now owns about 150 acres of good, well-improved land. In 1873 his wife died, and in 1877 he gave up farm- ing and moved to a fine residence he owns in Alma City, where he practices as a vet- erinary surgeon. June 15, 1875, he was mar- ried to Louise Connor, and they have had born to them two children : Dora Belle, born April 31, 1876, and Anna Louise, born May 1, 1878. Iver A. Moen is a native of Norway, and immigrated to the United States in 1866, and settled in Dane County, Wis., where he was engaged for about nine years in farming. He then commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, serving there as apprentice for two years and then came to Mankato, Minn., where he finished his trade. From there he moved to Medo, Blue Earth County, where he opened a blacksmith shop, and remained there three years. In August, 1881, he moved to Alma City, where he is at the present. He has an excellent trade, as he is a good mechanic, and has all the work he can attend to. He owns his shop, which is well supplied with tools, and has a nice comforta- ble dwelling. July 9, 1879, he was married to Johanna Lee, and they have had four chil- dren : Maritte, born June 13, 1880 ; George Elmer, May 30, 1882 ; Benedict, March 25, 1884, and Stephen Leon, February 11, 18S6. Wilton Lodge, No. 24, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is one of the oldest in the State. It was organized at Wilton, in the upper story of the mill of John C. Ide, under dispensation June 1, 1857. HISTOEY OF WASECA COUNTY. with the following officers : Jesse I. Stew- art, W. M.; John C. Ide, S. W.; H. P. Norton, J. W.; E. A. Rice, T.; H. S. Ed- raondson, S.; T. L. Paige, S. D.; Buel Welch, J. D., and John Magill, tyler. ■ The charter was granted to this lodge, and a number as- signed it, January 8, 1858, when the follow- ing brethren were elected to the respective offices and duly installed : John C. Ide, W. M.; Thomas Paige, S. W.; Euel Welch, J. W.; P. C. Bailey, T.; H. P. West, S.; J. C. Price, S. D., and D. D. Stevens, tyler. Vov man}' years this was one of the most pi-os- perous lodges in this part of the State, and when the lodge in Owatonna w'as about to be organized. Dr. Morehouse and others of that city came over to Wilton to he made Masons, that they might have enough to form their lodge. After the decline of Wil- ton, and the removal of so many of the brethren of the "mystic tie" to Waseca, Janesville and Alma City, the lodge declined until November 21, 1883, when, under a dis- pensation signed by C. H. Benton, G. M. and A. T. C. Pierson, G. S., the lodge was removed to Alma Citj^and received new ac- cessions to its membership and is once more in flourishing condition. The following is a list of the present officers : George Hofeld, W. M.; F. R. Field, S. W.; W. E. Lockwood, J. W.: D. D. Smith, S.; F. D. Seaman, T.; John Wagoner, S. D.; William Orcutt, J. D.; Samuel Hodgkins, S. S.; Fred. Dow, J. S., and D. J. Bickford, tyler. They have a very neat hall, where they hold their meetings, and the members all take an interest in the masonic work. There is but one church organization in the village, and that is of the United Brethren. It was in.stituted in the fall of 1864 by Rev. Joel Steiner, who was a very able and energetic nuin and who proba- bly did more for the upbuilding of this church than any other man. He was pastor for the first two 3'ears, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Daniel Reed, who served two years ; Rev. Joel Steiner again served two years, then Rev. Mr. Nield for one year, and Rev. O. O. Rundle for two years, to be again succeeded by Rev. Joel Steiner. Rev. E. Clow, one year; Rev. Samuel Kemerer, one year ; Rev. J. M. Tresenriter, one year ; Rev. E. Clow, two years ; Rev. H. J. Hind- man, one year ; Rev. Joel Steiner, one year ; Rev. Mr. Kerr, one year ; Rev. S. George, one 3' ear ; Rev. E. Carter, one year, and Rev. A. Fairchild, one year, succeeded to the pas- toral labors here. A year ago Rev. I. N. English, the present pastor, came here and is building up the church. The church has a membership of about a hundred souls, and is in a very prosperous condition. The neat, tasty and commodious church edifice was built in 1874, and the spii'C contains a fine bell, to call the wor.shipers to service. CHAPTER XXVII. FREEDOM TOWNSHIP. HE subdivision of the county of Waseca known as Freedom, em- braces all of congressional town- ship 106 north of range 24, and contains 36 square miles or 23,040 acres. Its surface, generally speaking, is quite level. The State geological report says, that : " The difference in eleva- tion between the highest and lowest portions of the surface, connected by slopes from a quarter of a mile to a mile in length, is only five to ten feet." It is well drained however by the Little Cobb River and Bull Run, both of which cross its entire Avidth from east to west, passing into Blue Earth County, the former on section 31, the latter on 18. Settlement in this township was consider- ably later than in other parts of the county owing to the fact, that, at the time the settlers were taking up their claims in the other town- ships, the territory now embraced in this, to- gether with that of the town of Alton, and parts of St. Mary, Wilton and Janesville was then comprised within the Winnebago Indian reservation. This line tract of land remained in the hands of the nomad savages until the summer of 1863, when they were all removed and the land thrown open to white settlers, to the evident satisfaction of those who had located in other parts of the county, who, after the outbreak of 1862, dreaded the near neighborhood of the Indians. Luke Chase was the first settler in this townshij), taking up a claim and locating thereon, in the fall of 1863. resident of the county. He is still a Edward Steele and Stephen Robinson came next. The latter settled on the north half of section 3, and from his avocation of peddler the hamlet that sprang up north of there took its name of Peddler's Grove. He is now a resident of Mendon, Neb. Three brothers by the name of Bean came here in the spring of 186-1-, bringing with them some six hundred head of sheep, and one of the brothers remained here some time, but linall}' returned to Iowa. Henry Chase, now a merchant in the vil- lage of Janesville, came to this township during the year 1864, and resided here until 1869, when he removed to his present loca- tion. His settlement was on section 33. Fletcher D. Seaman settled in this town- ship in April, 1864, taking up a claim where he now lives. He is the oldest remaining resident. Fletcher D. Seaman, one of the leading agriculturists of this town, is the son of Buckland K. and Charlotte (Meade) Seaman, and was born in Essex County, N. Y., Sep- tember 8, 1843. He remained a resident of the Empire State until 1855, when he came west, locating at Appleton, Wis., where he followed the trade of iron molder for about a year, and other employment. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company G, First Wisconsin Cavalry, and served for about a vear, when he was discharged for disabiUty, and returned to Wisconsin, where he taught school that winter. In the spring of 1863 he came to this State, anil worked on a farm that summer and taught school in the winter in Hennepin County. April 1, 1864, he came to this countv, and settled on section 68'.) 690 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 18, Freedom Township, a portion of which he preempted. In the fall of 1864 he again enlisted, this time in Company A, Second Minnesota Infantr}'', and participated in the march to the sea with General Sherman, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 1], 1865, and returned to his farm, where he has made his home ever since, ex- cept two years spent in Dakota. September 23, 1868, he was united in marriage with Phoebe Chase, who was born in Orleans County, N. Y., September 24, 1849. They have had a family of eight children : Maud C, Meade T., Fletcher "W., Ernest B., P. May, Charlotte H., Susan and DoUie, all of whom are living at home except DoUie, who died April 20, 1886. Mr. Seaman was the first town clerk of Freedom and has been promi- nently identified with the develojiment of this part of the county. On the loth of May, 1885, Mr. Seaman was. in a short half hour, stripped by lire of house, fui'niturc, barn, gram antl everything but his family, the clothes they had on, his land and stock. But he was not without friends, and good warm ones at that, Mr. Rollins taking in the family and keeping them until they could get up a new house. Neighbors by the score flocked here without a word and helped Mr. Seaman rebuild his house, and grain and other necessaries were poured in on him by sympathizing friends. lie can- not express his feelings when speaking of this unwonted kindness, but feels it all the more deeply. D. P. Young, now a resident of Alton Township, came here in 1864, one of the first to settle on these lands. He remained until 1875, when he removed to his present resi- dence. William Davidson Jr., still living in the town, came here and made a settlement in 1864. William Davidson Jr., son of William and Mary Davidson, was born in Thompsonville, Conn., July 18, 1838. His father, William Davidson Sr., was born in Musselburgh, Scotland, October 22, 1810 and his mother, Mary (Stevenson) Davidson, was born in the parish of Denny, Scotland, January 25, 1805. In 1850 William moved to Iowa with his parents, and there remained until 1858, when he removed to Winona County, Minn. He remained there until 1859, when he went to California, and soon after removed to Nevada, where he was engaged in mining until September, 1863. He then came back to Minnesota, and, in the course of a year, purchased the southeast quarter of section 19, in Freedom Township. Waseca County. He has since that time spent most of his time there, carrying on general farming and stock-raising. William was mai-ried Decem- ber 1, 186Y, to Miss Mary E. Vars, of Blue Earth County, Minn. She was the daughter of John W. Vars, who was born October lO, 1821, and Livinia (Brown) Yars, born Feb- ruary 8, 182(1. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have been Ijlessed with live children : Rolla B., born October 23, 1868; William G., born June 26, 1870; Traca A., born March 8, 1874, and died September, 1887 ; Ralph D., born August 22, 1876, and Livinia, born March 7, 1878. Willet Tolles made a settlement in this part of the county in 1864 with his father and brother. He is no longer a resident of the county, however, living now in Mankato. O. S. Canfield, now of Janesville, came here in 1864. Daniel Pierce, S. C. Brooks, Amos Waring, William Reed, Mr. Moon, Luther Ackerman, Ira Abell and a man by the name of Hois- ington came into this township during the year 1864. Daniel Pierce is now a resident of the city of Waseca ; S. C. Brooks is in Mapleton; Amos Waring is in Dakota; William Reed moved to California; Mr. Moon and his five or six sons have all left the county ; Luther Ackerman emigrated to Colorado ; Ira Abell about a dozen years ago moved back to the New England States, and Mr. Iloisington died here some years ago. A man bv the name of McDowell came HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. fiOl here in 1864 and made this his residence until his death. Simon Sackett, now of Janesville, came here in 186-1 and located a claim, and lived here for years. John H. Fields made a settlement upon the northeast quarter of section 9, the same year. He is a native of Massachusetts, who first came west in 1853, and settled in Mower County, this State, and from there moved to Olmsted County, and then here. He is the father of Frank Field, of Alma City, and a sketch of him is included in the mention of the latter. Harry Scoville, a keen, nervous, ambitious man from the State of New York, located here. He has since died, and the family has removed from the county. Just as soon as the grass had come in 1864, a tide of emigration swept over this part of the county and filled up nearly every part of it. So great was their number that it is an almost impossible task to mention all of them. The many that are named are all that could be remembered bj' the old settlers. Many stayed but a short time, but those that remained here have nearly all pi'ospered, and have become well off in tiiis world's goods. Many of the first settlers were young men, unmarried, who has just come out of the army, and who returning to their old homes had found their places filled by others, and pushed out in search of a new home. W. D. Armstrong took up land on section 1, of this town, where he moved his family two years later, and where he lived until 1883, when he moved to Waseca, where he now lives. In October, 1865, John J. "VVilkins, with his family, settled here and has remained a citi- zen ever since. John J. "Wilkins is a native of the State of New Jersey, born July 13, 1827, and is the son of James and Hannah (Ferguson) Wil- kins. He lived with iiis parents until he was about twenty years of age, when he came to Wisconsin, and worked in the pineries dur- ing the winters and on fai-msin the summers until December 9, 1849, when his mar- riage with Zilpha M. Borst took place, when he bought a farm in Green Lake County, Wis., where they remained until October, 1865, when he came to this town and county and settled on section 26. In 1862 he enlisted in company H, Fifth Wisconsin In- fantry and served three years with that fa- mous regiment throughout all the bloody cam- paigns which the army of the Potomac was called to endure. Antietam, Frederickburg, Chancellorsville,Getty sburg and a great many others are inscribed on the flag of the gal- lant Fifth. Mr. Wilkins was mustered out at Hall's Hill, Va., June 22, 1865, and received his discharge July 8, following, and returned home. He is the parent of four children: Eichard S., born April 1, 1851: Charles H., born June 24, 1852 ; Charlotte J., born April 16, 1854, and Ernest G., born June 5, 1868. Mr. Wilkins has held the office of chairman of the town supervisors, town assessor, justice of the peace and clerk of the school district. William Orcutt, whose sketch is given in connection with Alma City came to Waseca County in September, 1865, and made a set- tlement in this township. Darling Welch, made a settlement in this town in 1865. He is now a resident of Waseca. John L. Graham, a native of the State of New York, came to this township in 1865 and made a settlement. He had been a can- vasser in his early days in New York and Pennsylvania. He is the father of Clarence E. Graham, of the Waseca Radical, and Ar- thur Graham, of this town. He is a resident of Janesville at the present writing. Arthur Graham, his son, made a settlement in Freedom in 1865. Artliur is a native of New York, born September 12, 1845. He came to Waseca County with his parents in 1865, and settled on tlie southwest quarter of section 6, Fi'eedom Township. He after- ward purchased the farm of his father, who 692 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. now resides in Janesville. He was united in marriage in Waseca County, October 20, 1869, to Miss Barbara Elmore, born in Wisconsin, July 27, 1850. Her father died May 21, 1883, and was buried in Alma City cemetery. Her mother now lives in Janes- ville. They have had four children : Byron, born September 13, 1870 ; John, born De- cember 16, 1871 ; Arthur, born June 8, 1875, and Emma, born April 7. 1878. Robert Earl, now a resident of Alton Township, settled in Freedom in 1865. He is a native of Crawford County, Pa. Among the other settlers of the year 1865 may be mentioned : Joseph Griffiths, now in the township; Isaac Westover, in Hlinois at this writing, William Oldlield, who returned to New York State, and Nelson Witts, now a resident here. Nelson Witts is the son of Nelson and Catherine Witts, and was born in England, February 6, 1832. He came to the United States in 1855, and settled in Green County, Wis., where he remained a year, and then moved to Kansas. Four years and a half Avere spent there, when, returning to Wiscon- sin, he lived there two years and then came to Minnesota, and a little later to Waseca County. He settled where he now lives, and at present has some -180 acres of rich land. He has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and ever since he has been here has made large quantities of sorghum syrup, he having fitted up a factory for that purpose, which is a success financially. He has invented and patented an evaporating pan for this jnu'pose, which has proven, also, a wonderful thing, large numbers of them having been sold and alwa^'s proved satis- factory. He has also secured a patent for a railroad snow-plow. He is indebted to him- self and his own exertions for the wealth he has, as he was quite a poor iiian when he came here. He was married in Wisconsin. November 2, 1862, to Esther Flanegan, who was born in Canada, in 1833. They have been the parents of four children : Frank, born May 9, 1864 ; Nettie, born De- cember 2, 1866, died April 3, 1874 ; William Grant, born May 19, 1872, and Samuel N., born April 24, 1876. Among the settlers of the year 1866 were, Samuel S. Eollins, Franklin W. Bromaghin, John Wilkinson, John Davis, Clarence E. Graham. Samuel S. Eollins is a native of New Hampshire, born May 1, 1836, and the son of Reuben and Lavina Rollins. When he was about eighteen j'ears of age he com- menced work in a bobbin factory in his native State, where he remained until 1855, when he came to Minnesota, and, purchasing a farm in Houston County, settled in that place. In 1866 he came to this town and county, and purchasing a farm on section 8, lived there until 1878. Avhen he removed to the farm on section 7, where he now resides. November 8, 1860, he was united in marriage with Martha M. Elmore, who was born Octo- ber 31, 1843. They are the parents of six children : Martha Lavina, born August 16, 1861, died January IS, 1864; Edith A., born May 22, 1865 ; Henry C, born December 1, 1866; Lillian Grace, born December 5, 1871, and Nora May, born July 21, 1876. Edith A. is married to John Harmon, of A'ivian Township. The others are with their par ents yet. Mr. Rollins is one of the represen- tative New Englanders that have made their impress upon all the West, men of sterling worth, indomitable perseverence and unsur- passed ability. He has held a few town offices hei'e, not that he craved political pref- erment, but as the duty of an American citizen. Among others, he held that of school treasurer for over eighteen years. Franklin W. Bromaghin was born in St. Lawrence County. N. Y., June 29, 1820. He came to Waseca County in 1866, and settled on section 8 of this township, where he lived for some five or six years before he could ])ay for it. When he came he had a very sick wife, a feeble old father and eight chil- dren, and had no house or shelter for them HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 693 and only $19 in money with which to buy lumber and live on, and flour $18 per barrel, potatoes $1 per bushel and butter 50 cents per pound. He finally bought a little board shanty of a man for $50, on time, tore it down and moved it to his claim and there ret'rected it. He hud served in the Union army prior to coming here, having enlisted Fe])ruary 27, 1864, in Company D, Thirty- seventh Wisconsin Infantry, and served until July 27, 1865, when he was mustered out and discharged, having particijiated in several battles. He, as second duty ser- geant, had the command of the company, the officers of whiSli were absent. Januar\' 8, 1843, he was married to Sarah M. Taplin, who was born March 2, 1827. They are the parents of eight children : George W., born August 4, 1844, married Angeline Benjamin, and lives in Alma City ; Mary Jane, born February 16, 1848, married and living in Wisconsin ; Sarah Ann, born April 22, 1850, married and living in town of Alton; Mar- tin J., born March 8, 1852, married Dora Carr, living in this town ; William H., born May 11, 1854, married Eva Johnson, lives in Alton ; Ella F., born April 19, 1856, married N. O. Can field, now in Mood}' County, D. T. ; Emer M., born October 11, 1858, mar- ried William Tew, lives in Alton, and Jolm A., born October 3, 1860, now in Dakota. John Wilkinson was born in the State of Wisconsin, February 28, 1846. In 1866 he came to Waseca County, where he has buried both father and mother. He bought a farm on section 4, Freedom Township, which he sold the same year. He then took up a claim on the southeast quarter of section 5, and is still residing there engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is also a stockholder of the steam flouring mill at Alma City, which has a capacity of 125 barrels per day. Mr. Wilkinson was married June 1, 1869, to Miss Mary Morrinson, who was born August 1, 1851, and daughter of John and Parmelia Morrinson, both of whom died in Wisconsin. They have had four children : Lydia, born May 19, 1870, and died Decem- ber 22, 1874; Musey, born July 15, 1874; Emma, born May 11, 1879, and Everett, born November 25, 1886. Mrs. Maria Davis, widow of the late John Davis, is a daughter of William and Cather- ine Cora. She was united in marriage with John Davis, December 27, 1853, and in the year 1S66. they removed to this county, first settling about three miles east of Peddler's Grove, where they made their home for many years. In 1877 they sold out this place and purchased a farm on section 25, in this township, where she now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of seven children: Charles T., born May 29, 1855, now in St. Cloud, Minn., selling agricultural implements; Helen Eliza, born April 12, 1856, wife of Augustus Bakkedahl, and a resident of Colnum, D. T., Adelia, born December 18, 1858, wife of David Powers, of Colman, D. T., Estella, born October 21, 1861 ; Frederick, born May 3, 1867 ; Burton, born March 5, 1870, and Frank, born April 26, 1872. The last named four are at home with their mother. Mr. Davis was called from this world January 2, 1886, The widow and children have a very fine home, the farm being well improved and well stocked. Sanford Hydorn was born in Morristown, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., July 24, 1841, and resided among the hills of his native land until he was of age, when, August 5, 1862, he enhsted in Company B, One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry, and participated in all the engagements in which that regi- ment was found, until July 9, 1864, when at the battle of Monocacy Junction he was wounded, and Avhen he had recovered from that was transferred to the Eighteenth Vet- eran Corps. On his discharge he returned to his home in New York, but in the spring of 1866 he came to Minnesota, and for about two years remained in Goodhue County, and then came to this town and county, settling on a farm, the northwest quarter of section 30, which he had purchased previously. fi94 HISTORY OK WASEt'A GOUNTV. He is now living on the old homestead, and has a iine home. When he first came here, like all new settlers he had to put up with many hardships, and was thankful tliat they were no worse. Dry bread and sour milk was often his noonday meal while breaking the prairie sod, for he came here before he brought his wife to the farm, and }>oarded out, but provisions were scarce and money more so. January 3, 1869, he was united in marriage with Abbie Woodward, and they have been the parents of four chil- dren: Fred., born July 2, 1871 ; Millie, born September 18, 1873, and died November 2, 1874; Mabel, born September iS, 1881, and Lura, born November 23, 1882. Mr. Hydorn is one of the representative men of the town- ship. He IS the son of Adam and Margaret (Bonesteel) Hydorn, the former of whom died in October, 1808 ; the latter is living on the old homestead, in New York State. Henry Converse was born in the State of Connecticut, July 31, 1825, and is the son of Benjamin and Hannah Converse. When he was about nineteen years old he commenced work in the foundry at Stafford Hollow, Conn., where he remained some three or four years. From there he moved to Worcester, Mass., where he followed the profession of molder for some ten years. At the expira- tion of that time he came west, and took up a claim in Winona Count}\ where he com- menced farming. There he remained some four years, when he moved to the city of Winona, and resumed his old trade. Smith it Dean, the foundrymen of La Crosse, Wis., then wanted him, so he moved to that city, and was foreman of their foundry for four years. He next kept a billiard hall in North La Crosse, but two years later came to this town and county. This was in November, 1868. He then bought the farm on section 27, where he now lives. Mr. Converse was first married in 1844, to Caroline Ona, by whom he had two children : Julia, who after- ward died in Washington Territory, and Clarence W., living in Janesville, thiscoimtv. His second marriage took place in Februar}'^, 1863, with Mrs. Mary (Haley) Hayden, who had one child by her former marriage, Katie, born June 16, 1861, and died in Januaiy, 1863. Mrs. Converse had an experience dur- ing the Indian troubles in 1862 that is well worth hearing her repeat. It seems that she and her husband, Hayden, lived in Renville County at that time, and hearing that the savages were murdering people within five miles of them, they all fled from the house, and their neighbors from theirs. When they had gone but a short distance, Mr. Hayden returned to the house for something or other, but was killed by the reef fiends, who had just come up. She and the neighbors pushed on, but were overtaken by the Indians, the men with them butchered, the women taken prisoners, but she. leaping from the wagon with her child in her arms, hid in the woods till night, then walked to Fort Ridgelej', eighteen miles distant. Mr. and IVIr. Con- verse have had three children born to them, viz.: Hattie Belle, born October 16, 1865; Mark Wallace, born November 16, 1868, and Mildred Elizabeth, born October 16, 1874. John Oien is a native of Norway, born December 11, 1838. He remained in the country of his birth until he was seventeen years of age, and, in 1855, came to America, and settled in Kewaunee County, Wis., where he was engaged in farming for some thirteen years. He was married there to Anna Christiansen March 13, 1862, and there their four children were born, as fol- lows: Ole. December 26. 1862 ; Morris, May 10, 1865 ; Carl, October 20, 1866, and Min- nie (Jaroline, July 2, 1868, but died Novem- ber 14, 1868. In the fall of the last nametl year he came to Minnesota and spent the winter, and the following spring moved to his farm, the southwest quarter of section 32, where he now lives. In 1881 he })ut up a store building and carries it on, in jiartner- ship with Charles Dedrick. They have a full line of general merchandise. Mr. Oien lias been postmaster here for nine or ten HISTORY OF WASECA OOtTNTY. 695 years. September 7, 1886, Mrs. Oien was taken from her family by death, and is deeply regi-etted not only by them but by the whole neighborhood, as she was i most esti- mable lady. She acted as assistant postmas- ter until her death, and her son Carl succeeds her in that ])lace. Charles Dedrick was born in Kewaunee County, "Wis., April 13, 1856. In his boyhood daj's he attended school in winter and during the summer months worked on the farm with his father. At fifteen years of age he started out into the world for him- self. Most of his time was engaged in working in sawmills until he came to Free- dom Township and was employed by his uncle, John Oien, who has been in the mer- cantile business since 1881. Mr. Oien, find- ing his health failing, wanted an honest and trustworthy partner to take charge of his business, so prevailed on Mr. Dedrick to take an interest in the concern. At the present they carry a full line of goods such as is generally kept in this line of business, and have a growing and prosperous trade. ORGANIC. In March, 1864, the board of count}' com- missioners ordered that townships 106 and 107, range 24, be organized as a civil township, and it was made a part of the order that the people, at the first town meeting, should select a name for the same, with the under- standing that when it should be divided town 106 should retain the name chosen at this time. The first election was held in May following. F. D. Seaman and Messrs. Robinson and Bean were chosen a committee to name the town, and two having each a name left it to Mr. Seaman, who decided to call it Freedom. CHURCHES. Pursuant to public notice a meeting was held at the house of Rev. R. S. Armstrong, November 3, 1878, for the purpose of organ- izing a Congregational Church. The meet- ing was called to order by Rev. R. S. Arm- strong, and S. O. Garlick was chosen scribe. The expediency of forming a church in this place was then stated by Rev. Armstrong, when the following resolution was presented for adoption : " Hesohed, That we, the respective mem- bers of the First Congregational Church of McPherson, having letters of dismission from said church, with a view of becoming members of a Congregational Church to be formed at the county line do hereb}' consti- tute ourselves a Congregational Church, to be known as and by the name of the Con- gregational Church of Freedom." After deliberate consideration the afore- said resolution was unanimouslv adopted and signed by the following named persons : S. O. Garlick, Alice Garlick, Lizzie Garlick, Rob- ert Fields, Wm. Fields, Thomas Fields, John E. Gearv, Eliza Geary, Rachel Wallace, R. S. Armstrong, Harriette E. Armstrong.- J. E. Gearjr was chosen deacon, and S. O. Gar- lick, clerk. , On motion, the following resolution was adopted : "Hesolved, That we invite a council of Con- gregational Churches to convene at the county line schoolhouse on the 12th day of November, 1878, at 2 o'clock p. m. to receive our action and recognize us as a Congrega- tional Church." Robert S. Armstrong, the first pastoi", was installed November 12. 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph S. Rounce, and he by Rev. Wilbur Fisk. March 21, 1887, at a church meeting it was decided to locate the site of their church edifice on section 18, and the erection of the building was commenced Jul}' 9, 1887. A meeting was held at the county line schoolhouse, February 22, 1887, for the purpose of organizing the First Congrega- tional Society as a body corporate. The meeting was called to order by Rev. W. Fisk, and A. P. Runnells was elected chair- man and G. B. Wallace, clerk. The German Evangelical Lutheran Church, fi9fi HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. Immanuel, which stands on the northeast quarter of section 16, was erected in 187-t, under the ministry of Rev. Andrew Mueller, who has charge at the present time. Rev. Andrew Mueller is a native of Ger- many, born July 13, 1S50. He came to the United States in 1864 with his father, who settled at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where An- drew remained until 1873, when he entered the theological college at Springfield, Ills., graduating therefrom in the year 1879. He labored in the cause of Christ in southern Dakota, in the home mission field, for about six years, when he received a call from his present congregation, and came to this por- tion of the Lord's vineyard, where he has done much good work. May 13, 1880, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ottilie Krumbholz, and they have been the parents of four children, born as follows : Alwine, October 9, 1881 ; Andrew, May 21, 1883; John, April 5, 1885, and Ottilie, July 13, 1887. Uis father and brother now reside in lovva. OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. In addition to the parties who have already been noticed at length, we here present bi- ographies of a number of prominent citizens who should receive notice in the annals of Freedom. John E. Geary was born in Scotland. July 28, 181:0, and was brought to the United States in 1842 by his parents, who settled in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he remained until August 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hun- dred and Forty-second New York Infantry, and served in the front some three years, and was discharged at Albany, N. Y., June 15, 1865, when he returned to his parents' home. He remained there until November, 1877, when he came to Freedom Township and purchasing a farm of 120 acres, on sec- tion 18, where he now lives, settled down as a farmer and stock-raiser. March 14, 1867, he was united in marriage with Eliza Fields, and they have had a family of six children : George Edgar, born April 15, 1868 ; Albert James, February 13, 1872; Myron Fields, October 10, 1874 ; Lilian May, July 1, 1880; Anna Luella, September 4, 1882, and Stella, June 17, 1886. Charles Cunningham was born in Vermil- lion County, Canada, July 14, 1820. Ho was left an orphan at an early age and drifted from one occupation to another until 1836, when he came to Chicago, where he followed the occupations of peddler, mail carrier and often Indian trader. From there he went to "Wisconsin, where he chopped wood in the fall and winter of 1838. In the following year he drove a stage in Indiana, and in 1840 followed the same vocation in Ohio. A few years later we find him in the lead mines at Galena, lU., but from there he drifted back to Milwaukee, where he ran a dray line for some time. This he sold out and then went to work for Levi Blossom, of the Eagle brewer}', and who, as he had no education, sent him to the high school at Paris, 111. When he returned from there he sold beer for the brewery all daj', and attended school during the evening. In this way lie obtained considerable education, and being qualified for the position, was made traveling agent for the brewer}', and con- tinued in that capacity for several years. He then was a member of the police force, and also kept an eating-house for several years. After this acted as deputy United States marshal. During the war was engaged in the South as government cotton and cane gatherer, and for other parties raised cotton, bought mules, etc. In 1865 he purchased a farm in Racine County, Wis., where he lived until 1870, when he removed to this town and county, where he has a fine large farm of 439 acres of well improved land. July 2, 1850, he was married to Bridget Hanly, and they have now living seven children : Sarah Jane, Mar\', Charles H., John R., Anna, Frank and James A. Mr. Cunning- ham is a director in the proposed Alton, Mankato & St. Cloud Railroad. ,lji"„ f>' zjjr^^^^4_^' HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 699 Ole O. Oien was born in Norwaj', Octo- ber 3, 1837. On coming to America he settled in Wisconsin, where he engaged in fishing for two years and tlien worlied on a farm one year. He then removed to Min- nesota and spent seven weeks in looking around and trying to find a suitable place to live. He at last settled on the nortlieast quarter of section 32, this township, where he now has a large house beautifully situ- ated on his farm, and carries on farming and stock-raising. Mr. Oien was united in mar- riage, October 7, 1874, to Torbgoer Torger- son, who died June 11, 1883. They were the parents of two children : Oscar Olson, born February 11, 1878, and Ida Bardine, born December 10, 1881. Abner E. Comstock was born in New York State, July 2, 1852 and is the son of Orsini and Martha Comstock. He was reared and educated in the old Empire State, and resided there until he was seventeen years old. His father died there February 2, 1861, and in 1869 Abner came to Minnesota, bringing with him his mother, and settled in Blue Earth County, where he lived until 1879, when he removed to a farm on section 7, in this town, which he had purchased in 1873 of his brother Hiram. In 1886 he added to this farm some eighty acres, and now has a fine farm of 220 acres, well im- proved and thoroughly stocked. He has been quite successful in his farming opera- tions, for intelligent tillage in Minnesota always brings a full reward. May 21, 1871, he was united in marriage with Sarah Earl, and they have been the parents of five chil- dren : Lena Earl, born January 17, 1876, died January 18 ; Deward E., born March 21:, 1878 ; Henry B., October 2, 1882 ; Daisy L., born May 30, 1883 ; Ray F., born May 9, 1885. Samuel Hodgkins was born in the State of New York, June 15, 1839, and is the son of William and Almira Hodgkins. He re- inained at home with his parents until May 1, 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, 40 Eighteenth New Y^ork Infantry, and served until May 28, 1863, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to his father's house, where he remained until the 7th of August of the same year, when he reen- listed in Company C, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, and while in that regiment received injuries from which he will never recover. He received his final discharge in Se]3tember, 1865, when he again returned home. December 28, 1S()5, he was united in marriage with Lucretia Ackerman, and then rented liis father's farm, where he remained some four j'ears. Selling what he had he then came to this town and county, arriving here April 7, 1870. He purchased an eightj'-acre piece of wild land for $500. He rented a farm the first year, but his crop was a total failure, and it is said of him that the sum of his earnings for eighteen months was about $2.00. He has now a finely cultivated, well improved farm of 320 acres of land, all paid for and free from any incumbrance. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkins are the parents of seven children, born as fol- lows : Smitii, April 23, 1867 ; Charles, Au- gust U, 1869 ; Milo, August 15, 1871 ; Samuel, August 19, 1874 ; David, July 10, 1876 ; an infant in March 1878, died the next month, and Nelly J., February 11, 1873. Jeremiah Macke^' is a native of County Clare, Ireland, born in 1813. He lived in the land of his birth until 1841, when he crossed the ocean to America, and, on land- ing here, remained in New York for a couple of months, and then went to Boston, Mass., where he kept a grocery store and ran a job wagon for some fourteen years. He then came west, locating at Watertown, Wis., where he worked on the railroad until the year 1874, when he came to Waseca County, and settled on the farm on section 29, in this township, which he had purchased previous to his moving here. He has now one of the finest places in the town, with excellent buildings, all surrounded with fine groves. He was married in 1843 to Cathei'ine Man- 700 HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. ning, and thej- have been the parents of four children : Mary Ann, deceased ; John, mar- ried to Mar}^ O'Leary, living in this town ; Michael and Catherine (deceased). Daniel N. Mandigo was born in Canada, July 15, 1840. lie came to the United States in lSfi2, and settled at Medo, Blue Earth County, this State, where he preempted land on section 1-1 of that town. In 1809 he sold out there and came to this county, settling on section 30, where he now lives. When he came to this State he had §ll as the sum of his earthly possessions, but by earnest work and thrift he has acquired a line property. In 1863 he enlisted in Com- pany F, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was in active service until the fall of 1865, when he was discharged. On return- ing to this State he ran rafts on the Mississippi River for about two years, and then freighted provisions to Fort Thompson for the Indians. He was fired on several times by the savages, but was lucky enough to escape unhurt. November 10, 1867, he was united in mar- riage with Janet Remington, who was born May 25, 1850. They have a family of six children : Geneva, born August 9, 1869 ; Lettie, born October 29, 1871 ; Clara, Au- gust 23, 1873 ; Mary Jane, March 14, 1882 ; Charles, November 2, 1885, and Guy, June 17, 1887. CHAPTER XXVIII. CITY OF WASECA. IIE cit}' of "Waseca, the seat of justice of the county, and the largest and most important town within its hmits,liesin Woodville Township, on sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, the greater part in the last two named. On the coming of tlie Winona & St. Peter Raih'oad to this part of the State in 1867, Ira C. Trowbridge laid out and plat- ted a portion of land on sections 17 and 18, known as the Myers farm, into town lots, giving it the name of Waseca. The survey of this was made in July of the above-named year by Joseph H. Jenkins, surveyor. In September following, Mr. Trowbridge, in company with Mr. H. P. Norton, laid out what is known as the First addition on the northern part of the east half of the northwest quarter of section 17, north of the railroad. H. G. Mosher was the sur- veyor. In October, 1867, J. H. Jenkins, a sur- veyor, laid out and platted what is known as Barney's addition. In August of the same year, however, George W. Watkins laid out the site of a town south of the track, which he called Clear Lake City, on section 18. H. G. Mosher was the surveyor. This is now a part of Waseca, the greater having absorbed the less. Lakeside addition, on section 17, was sui-- veyed April 17 and 18, 1868, by C. E. Crane, for Nathaniel and Eri G. Wood ; and Ben- nett's addition was placed on record January 27, 1872, Edward Bennett being proprietor, and C. E. Crane the surveyor. McNamara's addition, laid out in April, 1873 ; Trowbridge's addition, surveyed in June of the same year ; Jenkins' addition, in August, 1875 ; Ward's addition, in May, 1885 ; South addition, by W. G. Ward, October, 1885 ; South Side ad- dition, by I. C. Trowbridge, in September, 1885 ; and Watkins' Second addition in May, 1885, with several smaller ones, go to make up the present incorporated city of Waseca. It lies upon a beautiful slope of ground between the two lakes, Clear and Loon, both charming sheets of pellucid water, and is embosomed in trees and groves. No more lovely spot for a town could be desired, and the pride the citizens have in theh* lovely city is plainly evinced by the care taken of their surroundings, their dwellings and grounds. But few old buildings appear, nor tumbled-down i-ookeries give an air of in- solvency to the place ; all is neat as paint and care can make them. The class of buildings is far in advance of towns of a like population in this or other States, and the people are cultivated, intelligent, and above all, public spirited. Prior to the laying out of the town in the fall of 1866, William McVeigh opened a store near where the brewery now stands, and there dispensetl from a stock of general merchandise. After the commencement of the new town he removed thither, where he erected a store building and opened business. About a year subsequently he sold out and removed from here. Almost as if by magic the town sprang into being ; house after house, several of them at a time, were raised, stores were 701 702 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. opened, and although the first edifice was commenced in the hitter part of July, before snow flew quite a respectable village had gathered at this point. The following, quoted from the News, under date of December 6, 1S67, will give a very graphic picture of the sudden growth of the embryo cit}'. Remember, this was written when the place was only about four months old : "On the north side of the track, the orig- inal Waseca, there are eighty-two buildings ; on the south side there are twenty, in all 102, built in the short space of four months. Of those north of the elevator there are some twenty-five, two stories high; one, two and a half stories high ; five, one and a half stories high, and the others are smaller buildings. "There are about eleven mercantile estab- lishments, eight liquor dealers, four hotels, two livery stables, two cabinet and furniture rooms, two harness shops, two shoemaker shops, two banks, two real estate offices and several carpenter shops, blacksmith shoi>s and meat markets. . . . " It is almost incredible that so much work could have been done in so short a time, and still there are many who are yet engaged in building. . . . We doubt if any village in the State can show such a rapid and sub- stantial growth as this." Let us try and trace the rise of the town and its present status, giving the first insti- tutions of each kind and the present state of that line of trade, interwoven with the personal history of prominent business men. To begin with, then: About the first of August, 1807, William Everett erected a store building, the pioneer business house of the town, which was occu- pied by Loi'd, Addison ct Co. with a stock of general merchandise. These ))arties con- tinued in business for a few years, when the firm name was changed to Addison & Everett, who operated it until 1875, when they were succeeded b}' Everett & Ecken- beck. This firm, composed of William Everett and S. C. Eckenbeck, is still in existence, doing business in a fine large brick block on the main business street. In 1867 an establishment known as the "Norwegian Store" was opened by C. Son- steby and ran for some years. II. S. Swift & Co. opened a stock of gen- eral merchandise in the fall of 1867, in a building put up by Williams & AVashburn. In June, 1808, this establishment passed into the hands of W. G. Ward, they having made an assignment. Mr. Ward ran it about a year, when he removed the stock to a supply store at old Janesville, where he was en- gaged in railroad work. This line, dry goods, groceries, etc., is now represented by McLoughlin Bros., C. McKenna, F. Voigt, A. E. Jay & Co., A. M. Johnson, S. C. Eckenbeck & Co. and R. Miller. Some of these, however, are exclu- sively engaged in the sale of dr^' goods. T. F. McLoughlin, the junior partner in the firm of McLoughlin Bros., was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1860, and was brought to Minnesota b}' his parents in 1803. They settled at Cannon City, where he was reared. He came to Waseca in 1881, and entered into. partnership with his brother Dennis, the present postmaster, and has con- tinued ever since a member of the firm, and is a prominent business man. lie is a mem- ber of the Ronum Catholic Church of this city. In the fall of 1867 a clothing establishment was opened by Samuel Friend, with John Mollin as manager, in the building put up and used by II. P. Norton as an express office. This store, however, was not of long- duration, closing out about the first of Feb- ruary, 1868. This line of trade has the following firms as its exponents, in 1887: W. II. Gillis, G. Buchler, Bird Bros., Shubeine & Meinstein, Nicholas Ott and John Shea. The first furniture store was opened by A. Grapp in the summer of 1867. The building HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 703 that he occupied at that time was on the lot just north of the fine brick store which he erected in 1875, and where he now transacts the same line of trade. Comee & Young's furniture rooms were put up and opened but a few days after that of Mr. Grapp. A full history of this insti- tution is given furtlier on in connection with that of the Waseca Furniture Company, into which it has grown. This line of trade is represented by the following firms: A. Grapp, Thomas Flynn, and the Waseca Furniture Company. A. Grapp, the pioneer furniture dealer of Waseca, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born June 26, 1841, and is the son of A. F. and Lena (Wineke) Grapp, natives of the same country. He remained at home at- tending school until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he commenced to learn his trade. After serving and work- ing as an apprenticeship of three years, as is customary in the fatherland, he carried on the business for himself for about eighteen months, when he entered the German army, taking part in the Schleswig-Holstein cam- paign between Prussia and Denmark. He l)articipated in the attack on the forts at Diebel, on the 22d of December, 186-1, and in the battle at the village of Diebel, in which engagements the loss Avas something like 4,000 men. In December, 1865, he was discharged, and shortly after emigrated to America, arriving in Wisconsin August 8, 1866. For a little time he remained in that State, and then came to Owatonna. In the summer of 1867 he came to Waseca, as de- tailed elsewhere, and entered into his present business. December 14, 1870, he was united in marriage with Libbeline Wresloo, a native of Indiana. They liave been the parents of the following children : Willie, Otto, Albert, Freddie, Lydia, John and an infant not named. Freddie died in April, 1885. Hon. O. I). Sawin came to Waseca in tlie spring of 1883, and helped form the Waseca Manufacturing Co., of which he was secretary and treasurer until the present company was formed, and became the successor of the old company. He was then elected to the same offices in the furniture company, and now has charge of the company's store. He was born at Gardner, AVorcester County, Mass., April IS, 1834, and is the son of Joseph D. and Marcia M. (Scribner) Sawin. He started in the dry goods and grocery trade in Bald wins vi lie, Mass., where he remained in trade for a number of years. He was also president of the Templeton Savings Bank for some nine years, taking the first deposit ever paid in there. In 18S1 he was elected to the State Legislature of Massachu- setts, from his native county, and took his seat therein in January, 1882, and also served his constituents at the extra session in the fall of that year. In February, 1881, his establishment was destroyed by fire, but he did not replace his business there upon its footing, but came west in the spring of 1883, as already stated. August 19, 1858, he was united in marriage with Martha Comee. Thomas Flynn established his furniture store in the fall of 1886, in connection with Mr. Lansing, and they carried on the busi- ness until June, 1887, when Mr. Flynn be- came the sole proprietor. Mr. Flynn is a native of Waukesha County, Wis., born in 1851. He is the son of Michael and Johanna Flynn. Thomas lived with his parents until about seventeen years of age, and then went to Milwaukee, where he worked at the car- penter's trade for four years. He then went to Chicago, where he remained one year. From there he went to Little Rock, Ark., where he stayed two more years, still follow- ing the same trade. After a short stay in Milwaukee he commenced building and con- tracting in his native countj^ where he remained until 1877, when he came to Wa- seca. Since then he has done considerable building throughout tiie county, and still contracts in that line. He was united in 704- HISTORY OF WASECA COHNTV. marriage in the fall of 1880, with Almira G. Healy, of Waseca. They have two children ; Robert and Leo. Baile}^ & Watkins were the pioneers in the hardware line of business, opening their store in the building now occupied by P. C. Bailey, and erected by him in August, 1867. This Arm continued until 1876, when J. M. Robertson & Co. bought in, and the above firm name was ado))ted. On the death of Mr. Robertson, in Januar}', 1885, P. C. Bailey, purchasing all the otlier interests, became the sole owner of the store. Hardware and its various adjuncts is rep- resented (1887) by the following named firms : P. C. Bailey, Trowbridge & Dale, Pugh & Goodman and Krassin ife Boucher. The pioneer drug store in the new village was started in the fall of 1867 by Strong & Wilsey, who removed here from "Wilton as soon as the town commenced. After run- ning for several years, Fred. Kittredge pur- chased the interest of Mr. Wilsey, thus forming the firm of Strong & Kittredge, wliich lasted until the death of the latter, whic!; occurred Januar}'^ i, 1875. He was a native of Ohio, born in 18iO, and came to this State in 1860. His interest was pur- chased by C. A. Wright, and the firm of Strong & Wright operated the business until April, 1885, when Mr. Wright acquired the in terest of his partner and has continued the business ever since. The building which he now occupies was the original one where Strong & Wilsey first opened the stand. In 1868 a drug store was established Ijy Knappen & Eddy, but in the early part of that year Mr. Eddy I'etired from the firm and it was run by P. L. Knappen alone until January, 1869, when E. P. Latham became a partner. On the 1st of January, 1870, Mr. Latham bought out his partner and con- tinued the business until the year 1876, when he disposed of it to Hall & Curamings. John Lock purchased the interest of Edward Cummings, and the firm of Hall & Lock for some time handled the establishment. After this Lock purchased the interest of his part- ner and ran it until 1885, when he died, when Dr. D. S. Cummings ran it about a year, as administrator, when it was sold to W. D. Belden. the present proprietor. In 1876 Middaugh & Tarbell initiated a drug store which they continued until April, 1878, when it was purchased by the present proprietors, Sudduth & Preston. The build- ing they occupied at that time was located opposite the Waseca County bank, but they moved into their present quarters in the fall of 1886. This firm, composed of H. H. Sud- duth and S. H. Preston, carry on quite an extensive business in drugs, medicines, fancy goods, etc. S. H. Preston, of the drug firm of Sudduth & Preston, is a native of Vermont, born Sep- tember 11, 18-12, and is the son of Lucius and Rebecca H. Preston. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in company G, Fifth Vermont In- fantry, under Col. Smalley, and served with that gallant band of heroes, through the cam- paigns of the army of the Potomac. Septem- ber 2i, 1864, he received his discharge, but re- enlisted in the First Regiment, of Hancock's First Veteran Reserve Corps, and participat- ing in all the engagements with that body of picked men until the close of the war, receiving his final discharge January 24, 1866. The same j'ear he went to Sheboygan, Wis., where he engaged in the drug trade, and where he remained one year. He then came to tliis county and located in the town of Woodville. Five years later he moved into Waseca, and has since been a resident, engaged in the drug business. October 8, 1866, he was united in marriage in Sheboy- gan, with Emily Durkee. They have a family of two children : Josie E. and Lutie, both at home. A lumber yard was opened by W. W. John- son, in 1867, the first in this line. Mr. John- son remained in business here for a few years, when he sold out to Laii'd, Norton & Co., of Winona, the present proprietors. HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 705 Charles Eckenbeck opened a depot for the sale of coal, salt and lumber, in the fall of 1867, near the depot. Williams & Washburn were also among the pioneers in the lumber business here, locating in the fall of 1867. At present the lumber trade is in the hands of the following firms : Winona Lumber Co., under the management of EUing Johnson ; Laird, Norton & Co., under the superinten- dency of A. D. Goodman, and the Waseca Lumber Co., E. W. Fiske, manager The Winona Lumber Company's lumber yard was started by J. J. Elliott when Wa- seca was but a small village, and was operated by him until 1877, when he failed and Will Johnson became the proprietor thereof. Five years later he sold out to the present pro- prietors, who put it under the present man- agement. EUing Johnson, manager of the Winona Lumber Company's yard at Waseca, is a na- tive of Norway, who was bcu-n in 184:0. He came to the United States when a youth of about sixteen and settled in McHenry County, 111., where he remained some four years, working as a mechanic, and then }noved to Dodge County, Minn., where, in 1861:, he enlisted in Company H, of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, under Col. James B. Gilfillan, and served for one year, receiving his discharge at Gallatin, Tenn., June 26, 1865. He then returned to Dodge County, where for seven years he followed farming. In 1876 he took charge of the lumber yartl of llorton & Hamilton, at Kas- son, that county, and remained there for six years, and then moved to this place as above stated. He was married while in McHenry County, 111., to Miss G. Anderson. E. W. Fiske, the manager of the Waseca Lumber Company's interests, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., March 8, 1851, and is the son of John and Elizabeth A. Fiske. He remained until he had reached his major- ity, and then started west. This was in the spring of 1872. lie remained here but a short time, going with an engineer corps of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad west, and remained two years. He then returned to Waseca, and engaged in the wheat trade, and afterward as book-keeper for the flour- ing mill, then operated by W. G. Ward. Minneapolis was the next place he went to, but only remained there a short time, when he returned here and took charge of the mill and continued therein some two years. He relinquished that and went to the Rocky Mountains on an expedition, and while there helped to build Fort Custer. Returning to Waseca, he took up the business of build- ing and contracting, which he followed here until 1884, when he removed to Athol, D. T., where he was engaged in the same business. He then took charge of the Da- kota Central Railroad station and express business, which he held for about a year, and then coming back to Waseca, became manager of Robinson & Co.'s lumber yard, and when they sold out to the present com pany, was continued in the same position. December 21, 1880, he was united in mar- riage with Kate I. Bailey. They are the parents of two children : Avis and Kennith. Boots and shoes are sold at present by A. Ilayward and several of the general mer- chandise dealers. Devannah & Reynolds were the pioneer livei-ymen of the town, starting here in the fall of 1867. J. R. Whitman almost immediately after opened a stable of the same character. The two livery stables are kept at the present by George L. Arentsen and Thomas Connelly. George L. Arentsen, proprietor of one of the livery, sale and boai'ding stables, and of the omnibus line, is a native of Sheboygan County, Wis., born March 16, 1851. He is the son of George W. and Lucretia E. (Camp- bell) Arentsen, who came to Waseca County in 1869, and locating in Woodville Town- ship, remained here until 1880, when they removed to Jackson County'-, this State. In 706 HISTOKY OF \VASE(^A COUNTY. 1887 they returned to this county and are now residents of this city. George L. lived with his parents until 1875, when he started for .himself and followed farming for two years, when he moved to Waseca in the fall of 1880 and set up a dray line, and in 1885 purchased the livery and omnibus business of Widger & Knowles. February 28, 1875, he was married to Ellen A. Wood. They have been the parents of five children : Edith M., Guy, Grace E., Roy and Ruth. Edith and Ruth are living, but the other three died in infancy. Thomas Connelly, proprietor of one of the livery, boarding and sale stables of AVa- seca, is a native of Ireland. He came to America in 1850, and for six or seven years thereafter, resided in McHenry County, 111. From there he removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he lived until about 1870, when he moved to the State of Nebraska. Six years later he returned to Iowa, and located in Palo Alto County, where he was engaged in the hotel and livery business for four years. He came to Waseca, December 9, 1885, and opened the livery stable which he now owns and operates. He was married while in Fort Dodge to Kate Owens. They are the parents of three children : Joseph W., Emelia A. and Zeta. Hans J. Lund was the first to embark in the jewelry trade in Waseca, opening in the building next to the postoffice, in February, 1868. The jewelry trade is well represented by Ed. Castor, Oliver Peterson and E. Preston. The last named is also engaged in the sale of organs and sewing machines. A. E. Dearborn was the pioneer of the meat-market business in Waseca, setting up his establishment there in the autumn of 1867. This line of business is now in the hands of Smith & Myers, C. Fischer and C. Nitschke. Among those who are identified with the grocery and provision business are the fol- lowing firms: Johnson & Claghorn. Joseph Gatzman, Mr. Simons, Jerome Madden Sr., M. B. Keeley and P. J. Dean. John W. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson & Claghorn, retail grocers and provision dealers, was born in Provmcetown, Barn- stable County, Mass., March 31, 1832. On the sea-girt peninsula of Cape Cod, he grew to manhood, and in 1856 he started west to Chicago, and from there went to Blooming- ton, 111., where he was engaged in various pursuits until the fall of that year, when he came to Minnesota and located at Faribault, where he was employed as a clerk by Fuller & Smith. In the spring of 1857 he came to the village of St. Mary, in this county, and entered into the mercantile trade under the firm name of J. W. Johnson & Co. In 1858 they removed to Wilton, then the county- seat, where they erected a new store build- ing and opened their stock of goods. There Mr. Johnson remained until 1868, when he removed to Waseca, where he has since remained. In 1871 the partnership between him and his brother George was dissolved and some time afterward the present firm was foi'med. Mr. Johnson was united in marriage, June 27, 1866, with Mary A. Mars- ton, a native of the " Old Bay State " also. They are the parents of two children : Edward P. and William M. Mr. Johnson is a member of Tuscan lodge, No. 77, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, and Cyrene Comraandery, No. 9, Knights Tem- jilar. Joseph Gatzman came to the city of Wa- seca early in 1868 and opened a grocery store and saloon on the site of his present building. He is a native of Baden, Germany, born May 1, 1837. He remained in the old countiT until 1857, when he came to the United States, first locating in Scott County, Minn., where he remained until 1861, when he removed to Faribault, Rice County. While there, in October, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, undei' Col. Sanborn, and served for four HISTORY OF WASECA COtTNTY. 707 years and nine months. He was in fourteen pitched battles, and at Mission Ridge was wounded and sent to the hospital. He was discharged at Santa Fe, N. Max., and returned to Fariljault, where he resided until coming to "Waseca in 1868. On the 14th of March, 1868, he was married to ]\Iiss G. Resslier, a native of Michigan City, Ind., and they are the parents of three children : Emma, Edith and Kate. Mr. Gatzman is a member of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic, and of Comee Lodge, No. 25, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the latter of which he is the present Vice-Grand. H. P. Norton established the first real estate office in the village in the fall of 1867, coming from Wilton here for that purpose. The pioneer dealers in agricultural imple- ments and farm tools were Allen Mary E. Moran, and they have a family of four children : Guy, Gertrude. Addie and John. HANKS. The pioneer banking institution in the city of Waseca was that of Mills & Follett, who occupied a two-story building on Second street, put up and owned by George L. Tar- bell. They came here and commenced oper- ation in the fall of 1867, but in January, 1868, discontinued the business and removed to other climes. About the same time that they removed from Waseca, Baldwin & Kittredge brought their bank from Wilton to this place, and commenced business. Everything seemed prosperous until on the 29th of January, 1869, it became known that the firm was bankrupt. William Everett was made assignee (jf the assets of the defunct firm, and did the best he could for the interests of the creditors. The building occupied b}' Bald- win & Kittredge was the small one now used as an office by Hawkes & Clement, but which at that time stood on the site of the present Bank of Waseca building. A bank was next opened by Kinyon Bros, at this place on the 2-J:th of August, 1870. The bank was broken into b^' bui'.glars, who blew open the safe by means of gunjiowder and rifled it of about $3,000. Some little time after this the firm wound up its busi- ness at this point. This bank was located in a one-story building which stood where the People's Bank now stands. George W. Newell, of Faribault, and his brother, Frank A. Newell, who had been in Waseca about a year, on the 28th of Febru- ary, 1872, opened a banking establishment in the building north of the courthouse, on Second street. This continued until January, 1875, when it was merged into the corpora- tion known as the Waseca County Bank, an institution organized under the laws and chartered as a State bank with a capital of $25,000. The incorporators were the fol- lowing named individuals : P. C. Bailey, G. W. Watkins, J. W. Johnson, William Everett, R. M. Addison, Charles Ecken- beck, G. P. Johnson, Lewis Brownell, W. H. Young Sr., C. A. Wright, Edward Bennett, J. E. Child, G. W. Comee, J. A. Claghorn, N. Garland, N. E. Strong, H. A. Mosher, E. G. Wood, H. Vincent, Josepii Gatzraan, S. S. Phelps. E. H. Gosper, Kelsey Curtis and F. A. Newell, all of Waseca County, and L. Emmet, L. R. Weld, K. B. Braley, F. A. Berry, H. Wilson, T. B. Clem- ent, A. Renslow, J. W. Parmeter, H. M. Matteson, AV. B. Brown, and G. W. Newell, of Faribault. G. W. Newell was elected president ; F. A. Newell, cashier ; II. M. Mat- teson, W. B. Brown, L. Emmet, P. C. Bailey J. W. Johnson, R. M. Addison, S. S. Phelps, J. A. Claghorn and E. G. Wood, directors. The bank built the edifice now occupied by the People's Bank, on Second street, into which they moved on its completion. It continued in successful operation until the summer of 1885, when it went into liquida- tion, and winding up its business, surren- HISTdKT OF WASECA COUNTY. 713 dered its charter on the 1st of Janiuuy, 1886. The building was sold at that time to "W. G. Ward, who is still the owner. The People's Bank was organized in Decem- ber, 1880, with the following named stock- holders: W. G. Ward, C. II. Smith, A. F. Kelly, I. A. Buckman, Mrs. W. G. Ward, E. B. Collester, M. Madden, E. M. Broughton, W. J. Jemeson, M. A. Green and C. M. Starr. The first officers were : G. R. Buckman, president ; A. F. Kelly, vice-president ; C. H. Smith, cashier , and A. F. Kelly, W. G. Ward, G. R. Buckman, E. M. Broughton and C. H. Smith, directors. The building occu- pied by them at fii'st was about the center of the block, near where they are now lo- cated. The capital was at that time |25,000, but, in 1881, this sum was increased to $40,000. The present stockholders are as follows : G. R. Buckman, C. Taylor, Mary E. Mathews, Joseph Clayton, C. M. Starr, C. H. Parker, M. Madden, O. D. Sawin, Joseph Haight, H. H. Sudduth, M. A. Green, E. B. Collester, W. G. Ward, L. L. Wood, C. E. Graham, I. A. Buckman, Willard Baker, M. A. Wilson, G. W. Fish, Mrs. W. G. Ward, John Byron, J. H. Jenkins and A. F. Kelly. The present officers are : W. G. Ward, president ; O. D. Sawin, vice-president, and George R. Buckman, cashier. The Bank of Waseca was founded by C. Hardin & Sons, in June, 1874, in a building that at that time occupied the site of the pres- ent one, with A. P. Jamison asmanager, com- ing here from Kasson, Dodge County, Minn. The firm at present consists of C. Hardin, president of the Second National Bank at Monmouth, 111.; C. D. Hardin, J. D. K. Smith, who is manager of the City Bank at Eldora, Iowa, also belonging to this firm, and A. P. Jamison. The individual respon- sibility of the members of the firm reaches the enormous sum of $600,000. The build- ing now occupied by them was erected in 1882, by W. G. Ward. A. P. Jamison is a native of Henderson County, 111., and is the son of William R. and Margaret (Giles) Jamison. He first attended the Madison College at Antrim, Ohio, after receiving his preliminar)' education at home. Later he attended the Knox College at Gales- burg, 111., but graduated from Monmouth College, Monmouth, 111. When he was twenty-three years of age he entered the hardware store of C. Hardin & Sons, at Monmouth, and remained with them some five years, and then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was the secretary and treasurer of the Missouri Granite Company for one year, and then returned to Monmouth. The year following he came to Waseca and started the present bank, where he now is. Mr. Jamison was married in Henderson County, 111., Sep- tember 18, 1860, to Miss A. Hardin. They have a family of eight children : Harry, Hattie, Arthur C, Flora M., William R., Nellie, Earl P. and RoscoeC. Hattie is now the wife of Charles E. Hasey and lives in Minneapolis, the others live with their par- ents. POSTOFFICE. The mail facilities are among the first things to be attended to in anv new com- munity, and especially so if it is a mercan tile or commercial one. Hardly had Waseca started before the postoffice was established with G. N. Taylor as postmaster. He con- tinued in office until 1876, when he was succeeded by Maj. W. C. Young, the pres- ent probate judge of the county, who held the position until March, 1886, when he gave way to his successor, Dennis McLoughlin, the present efficient and genial incumbent of the office. His commission is dated March 29, 1886, and bears the signature of the present president of the United States. This was made a money order office in July, 1879, the first order drawn bearing the date of the 14th of that montli. It was issued to W. W. Satterlee, of Waseca, for $17.45, and made payable to I. F. A. Stud- dart, of St. Paul. Dennis McLoughlin, the present post- master of Waseca, and senior member of the 714 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. firm of McLoughlin Bros., general mer- chants, came to this city in the spring of 1878, and, purcliasing the interest of A. E. Dearborn, in the firm of Dearborn & Haley, formed the new firm of Haley & McLough- lin. Two years later he purchased the interest of his partner, and carried on tlie business alone until 1884, when he sold a one-tiiird interest in the same to his brother, Tiiomas F., and the present firm formed. He is a native of Ireland, born about 1850 and was brought to this country by his parents, Dennis and Judith McLoughlin, when but about eighteen months old. The family first settled in Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., where they lived until Sep- tember, 1802, when tliey came to Minnesota, locating in Faribault, Rice County, for a time, and then removed to Cannon City, in the same county, where they still live. He lived witli his parents, and acquired an edu- cation by going to school during the winters and worked on his father's farm in summers from 1867 to 1870. In January, 1871, he entered the hardware store of J. W. Wood, of Faribault, where he remained a year. After that he followed teaching in the winter months and acting: as clerk durin»- the summers until 1877, when he was united in marriage with Emily Haley, of Waseca, and a year later came here as told above. May 3, 1881, at the first election iield under tiie city charter, Mr. McLoughlin was elected alderman from the second ward. In March, 188C, he was ajipointed to his present office of postmaster, he being a stanch Democrat in politics, always voting the straight ticket. Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin are the parents of four children, all girls : Annie, Katie, Ger- trude and Emma. OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS AND BUSINESS MEN. The Winona & St; Peter Railroad round- iiouse and repair shops were erected at Waseca in the fall of 1881, at a cost to the company of some $80,000. They are situ- ated west of the city, near the south bank of Loon Lake and witliin the city limits. The round-house is quite large and commodious, having stalls for twenty engines. The re- pair shops are well equipped to do all the light repairing that is sent to this point, al- though much might yet be added in machin- ery to make it complete. Fifty men are given steady employment here in this line. In connection with the shops the railroad company has here very extensive wood and coal yards, supplying all engines running be- tween Winona and Tracy. The old round- house, built at the time of the first coming iiere of the railroad, is in the eastern part of the city, and is now used as a car. repair shop. The pay roll at tiie various shops here averages about $3,000 monthly. H. J. Gerlicher is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, born in 1859, and is the son of J. F. and Eva Gerlicher, who were both natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1855, and resided in Cleveland until about 1865, when they removed to Winona, Minn., where the father was employed as general foreman in the shops of the Winona , school was opened in the new edifice, with Prof. A. H. Carman and Miss Lizzie Smith as teachers. The building is a two-story one, 2-1x40 feet in size, with a schoolroom 72« HISTOKY OK WASECA COUNTY. on oacli floor, and is located a few rods back from tlie sidewalk on Wood street. An addition to this was erected some two years later, whicli was nearly of the same size. The buildings used for educational pur- poses growing too confined, in the fall of 1878 it was concluded to Ijuild a large and handsome schoolhouse on the site of the other. Accordingly the old building was removed, and a contract let for the erection of a new brick edifice on the site of the old one. This contract was dated August 2n, 1878, W. B. Craig being the builder and the price agreed upon was $7,535. On the 30th of April, 1881, at a school meeting, it was decided by a vote of 76 to 1 that the district should issue its bonds to raise money to build additional school room, the bonds to run ten years and draw t) per cent, interest. Accordingly, money was so raised, and the contract for building the same let to W. B. Craig, of Mankato, (t, R. Maybury, of Winona, being the architect. The building was finished in the early winter of that year, and is one of the linest in the State, costing nearly $2(),(»(iO in all. It is located on a half block of ground, which is well laid out with fine wallcs and l)hinte(l with shade trees. The building is the shape of the letter IT, and is 102x70 in size on the ground. The first story con- tains live rooms anil four halls, the second, three rooms, including the high-school room in the south section, which is 3-1x70 feet in size. ( )n this floor are also two apparatus rooms, and by glass sash a recitation room can be cut oflF from the high-school room 1(5x3-1 feet feet in size. The entire building is built of cream colored brick, trimmed with cut stone, the windows having inside blinds, and the doors covei'ed with hoods. All the finishing of the building is in first-class style, the flooi's being hard wood, and great blackboards four and a half feet high encirclintr each room. It took some 500,000 brick, 145 cords of rough stone, 2,0oo feet of cut stone, 150,000 feet of lumber, two and a half tons of nails, 500 yards of sand and 800 barrels of lime to complete it. Among the appa- ratus it would be well to mention a very fine telescope, solar microscope, air pump, elec- trical battery, etc., all of which cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 or more. The citi- zens of the town may well feel j)roud of the building. RKIJGIOUS. Tlie lii'st religious services were held in the summer of 1807 in the building now occu- ]iied l)y P. C. Bailey as a hardware store. The building was about finished, but the front was not in, when Mr. Bailey started for Chicago to buy goods, leaving carpenters to put up shelves, etc. The first stock to ar- rive was some boxes of glass. A Presbyte- rian clerg^auan by the name of Lyon used it for a Sunday to hold services in, and the people sitting on the bo.xes played some havoc with the glass. The Congregational Church was organ- ized at a meeting held at the Presbyterian Church on the 11th of May, 1869, at which Ezra AVood acted as chairman, and A. E. Dearborn as secretary. Kev. E. II. Alden was pastor, and A. Vinton, J. H. Stevens, L. Ihuniston, E. Bennett and C. A. Bowland were chosen the first trustees. Meetings were held for a time in the building now occujiied by Sudduth ik Preston, but in the fall of ISOlt the church edifice was built from plans drawn by May berry, of Winona, but not dedicated until March 30. 1871. Tli(> building is of the following dimensions: Main struc- ture, 30x50 feet ; extreme length, including projection of tower in front, 57^ feet; ex- treme width, 32 feet ; height of tower, 80 feet. D. L. Whipi)le had charge of the build- ing. AVhen the society was organized it had but about fifteen members, but now numbers about 156. There have been seven pastors in charge of this church : Revs. E. II. Alden, T. A. Wadsworth, E. C. Starr, L. Loring, C. W. Merrill, L. W. Chancy and J. A. Stenian, the present occupant of the HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 727 pulpit. The original members were the fol- lowing: Frederick Stevens, L. Hummiston, W. H. Vinton, G. Henshaw, Mrs. Lucy P. Stevens, Mi's. Lydia II. Vinton, Mrs. Eliza IJummiston, Miss Julia Hummiston, Samuel Hawkes, Mrs. C. M. Hawkes, Wilfred Vin- ton, Edward Bennett, Mrs. Edward Bennett, Ezra Wood and Mrs. C. G. Wood. The Sunday school was organized February 13, 1870. The Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch is one of the oldest societies in Waseca. Before the village was a year old Rev. W. W. Satterlee, made a survey of the prospect of organizing a church of this denomination there. At that time Rev. A. G. Perkins was presiding elder. After a year's work Mr. Satterlee found that he could report some sixty -eight mem- bers for Waseca, Wilton and South Wilton, and an organization was effected. The en- rollment of this society in Waseca Village was but twelve. The first meeting was held at the residence of Eri G. Wood, and after- ward at a schoolhouse near Clear Lake. Be- fore the erection of any church edifice, wor- ship was held at various ))laces, among them were the Zeller building, Philbrick's Hall and the Baptist Church. In 1874 a church building was erected at a cost of $5,000. It was 36x52 feet on the ground. I. C. Trow- bridge donated a lot on which to put it up. It was dedicated as a place of woi'ship dur- ing the winter of 1875-6, Bishop Merrill, Rev. J. E. Chaffee, Rev. G. W. T. Wright and Rev. Alfred Cressey officiating. This building was destroyed by fire on tiie SHth of December, 1879, only the organ, pulpit chairs and a few other things being saved. The origin of the fire is unknown. On the night following the fire, when scarcely the building had ceased to fiame and while the embers were still hot, a meeting was hold and subscriptions to the amount of $l,(lO(i were raised with which to erect anew build- ing. There was an insurance on the burned bulling of $2,000 in the Phct'nix Insurance Co., which was promptly paid. For some time afterward, meetings were held wherever con- venient in other churches. But all this time the new edifice was being put up. This is one of the handsomest in the town and cost above $5,000. A spire KtO feet high sur- mounts the building. The following have been the pastors since the organization: Revs. W. W. Satterlee, S. T. Richardson, F. A. Reggin, E. S. Bowdish, Alfred Cressey, Robert Forbes, M. D. Terwilligei', Robert Forbes, second term ; Levi Gilbert, II. C. Jennings, H. Frank and R. M. Carter, the present one, whose term expires in October, 1887. The present membership is 121. The first services of the Catholic Church were held in 1869. At that time mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Bowman, in the vacant Madden store. In 1870 Rev. Father A. Hurley attended to the spiritual wants of the Roman Catholics of AVaseca, and organized the present parish, and under his administration was tiie church of the Sacred Heart built. Among those who took an active part in the first meetings, were : Jerome Madden Sr., John Collins, Thonuis White and G. Buchler. In 1872 Father Wisler took charge here, and in 187-1 was succeeded by Father Herman. Father Pry- bil was next, taking charge in 1876, and was succeeded by Rev. Father A. Christie, the first resident pastor and the present priest. The church numbers nearly one thousand members at this time. The convent and academy of the sisters of the Holy Child Jesus was commenced in 1886, at which time the west wing was erected. This is •10x70 feet in size and well constructed of brick. The centei- of tiie edifice was built during the summer of 1887, and is 30x60 feet in size, and is surmounted by a handsome belfrv. It is the intention to complete the building in 1888, with a wing the exact counterpart of the other. The academy is in charge of the sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, an English order, of which there are only four or five communities in the United States. The church has also a fine parson- 728 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. age, where Father Christie resides at pres- ent. Rev. Father A. Christie, pastor of the church of the Sacred Heart, is a native of Franklin County. Vt., born in 1851. He received his early education in the schools of Adams Count}', Wis., whither his parents had moved when he was yet a child. In 1866 the family came to Minnesota and lo- cated at Austin, Mower County, where he pursued his studies, and later attended the college at St. Joseph, near St. Cloud, Stearns County, this State, but finished his educa- tion at Montreal, Canada. He was ordained and set apart for the ministry, December 22, 1877, and then came to Waseca and took charge of this parish. Father Christie has a large congregation, which is still increasing, and he is highly ])opular with all. The Swedish Lutheran Church was organ- ized May 4, ISSo. At the first meeting the following were present and enrolled them- selves as members : E. M. Oleson, C. V. Hanson, Andrew Hanson, John Holmburg, A. Lind, Samuel Anderson, A. Helgren, C. Engstrom, A. M. Johnson and T. W. John- son. John Holmbui'g and Samuel Ander- son were chosen the first trustees. Ivev. Samuel Anderson was the first pastoi-, and still administers to the s])iritual wants of this flock. Before the organization, meetings were held at ])rivate houses and occasionally at the Ba])tist Chuix-li. Their own church edifice was erected in the fall of 1885. St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized August 10, 1885, at a meeting where there were the following present: Robert Chandler, chairman ; AVil- helm Slicht, secretary ; Charles Fink, Chris- tian Slicht, Peter Stearns, C. Neidt, C. Weber, Adolf Ciegslski. AV. L. Herbst and Gottlieb Wiland. The following were chosen as first trustees : A. Ciegslski, AV. L. Herbst and G. Wiland. Rev. Mr. Schoolen- berg was the jiastor at the time of organiza- tion. Previous to tin's, for three or four years they had held services, occasionally, at various places. The church edifice was built in 1885, and completed September 15, that year. Rev. Mr. Staling is the present pastor. Calvary Episcopal Church originated from a meeting held at the residence of Ira C. Trowbridge early in the spring of 1868, the Rev II. B. Whipple officiating. Other meetings were held in halls or vacant build- ings for a time. Rev. George C. Tanner, of Owatonna, conducting service. On the evening of March 7, 1868, a meeting was held at the house of II. S. Teall for the pur- pose of organizing an Episcopal Mite Society for the purpose of furnishing aid toward fit- ting u]) a church at this ])lace. H. D. P.ald- win was chairman. After some pi-eliminar}' business the following officers were chosen : Mrs. H. S. Teall, president; Mrs. P. L. Knappen, vice-president ; Mrs. E.P.Latham, secretary, and Mi's. H. D. P>aldwin, treas- urer. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth. Mr. Teft, Miss Hall, Mrs. Bailey and Mr. P. Smith were appointed a committee on entertain- ments. Some twenty members joined the society the first evening. Religious services from this time out were held with consider- able regularitj'. Most of the members of the church, some thirty, had been connected with the church at Wilton, and on removing here wished to enjoy the services of the church of their predilections. Rev. Mr. Tanner, Ge(M'ge AV. Dubois and E. C. Bill officiated at these meetings. The latter was a young man in the ministry, not yet or- dained, sent into this field as a missionary. The first service held by him was in the Congregational Church. In 1875 the church edifice was erected and dedicated December 12, the same year, with appropriate ceremo- nies, Rev. Mr. Bill appearing for the first time as a regularly ordained ministei*. Serv- ices for some time after this were held once a month, with one or two exceptions, until June 3, 1877, when with the assistance of Rev. G. C. Tanner, of Owatonna, and Rev. M. T. Pise, of Faribault, thev manageil to HISTORY OF WASECA COtJNTY, 729 hold weekly services for a time, but that was soon abandoned. In 1878 a Sabbath school was organized in connection with the church. The society owned a church building at Wil- ton, which they sold in the fall of 1880. The following is a list of the clergymen of this denomination of Christians who have oiR- ciated at this point, from first to last, as near as can be ascertained : Revs. H. B. Whipple, Geo. C. Tanner, G. W. Dubois, E. C. Bill, M. T. Pise, B. T. Hall, D. Knicker- bocker, E. G. Hunter, Mr. Irvine, W. R. Powell, W. B. Hamilton and R. E. Metcalf, the present rector. The. church has a mem- bership of about 30. The Baptist Church was organized June 6, 1868, with the following members, who signed the articles of faith and covenant : G. N. Taylor, S. H. Talbut, W. J. Burner, Mrs. H. Buckman, Mrs. H. Vincent, Mrs. A. L. Taylor, Miss Hattie Jones, Miss Olive Fos- ter, Mrs. G. H. Talbut and Mrs. Haines. G. N. Taylor was elected clerk, and S. H. Talbut, deacon. The first baptism tliat took place in the infant church, according to the records, was that of S. W. Burns. The first received into the church by letter were, on the authority of the same, Lucius Taylor and Orvis Child. The church edifice whei-e they worship was erected by the Presbyte- rian societj', which disbanded in 1873, and sold the building at that time to the Baptist. Rev. S. T. Catlin, the founder of tliiscliurcii, came here eai'ly in June. 18G8, and com- menced his ministry. He continued his spiritual counsel and work here until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Wiscon- sin. He was succeeded by Rev. E. Thomp- son, and he by Rev. G. N. Annes. The next to fill the pulpit was A. H. Carman, who had formerly been the principal of the public school and at this time was. conduct- ing a private educational institution. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Cox, and on the e.xpiration of the term for which he was em- ployed, the church was for some time witliout any regular pastor, services being held when- ever convenient ; the Sunday school was kept up without intermission, however. Fol- lowing this interregnum came Rev. H. S. Davis, who was succeeded by A. M. Torbet. In the summer of 188C A. H. Ballard, a student at Morgan Park Baptist Seminary, filled the puljiit for three months. Septem- ber 1, 188G, Rev. W. D. Athearn became pastor and is the present shepherd of the flock, which consists of about sixty-five mem- bei's. The German Methodist is part of a society organized as early as 1857 in tlie three pre- cincts of Iosco, Blooming Grove and Wood- ville. In 1875 the church here was formed with some thirty-five members, under the ministration of Rev. W. F.- Buckholz, their first pastor. This gentleman laboi'ed in this vine^'ard for tliree years and was suc- ceeded by Rev. F. Hermsmeier, who remained two years. Rev. Charles Schoenheider was the next to preach here, and after three years' service, was followed b^ Rev. G. Reihle, who stayed only one year. Three years ago the present pastor. Rev. F. Hogrefe, took charge. They have a membershi]i at present of some seventy, twenty-five of wiiom belong to the Minske class in Iosco. FIKE DEPARTMENT. The Waseca fire department was organ- ized by an oi'dinance of the city council, approved December 3U. 1881. On the 26th of January, 1882, the engine company met for organization witii the following members : Jesse Reese, John Loi'tis, Peter Coles, E. Morrison, II. V. Davis, Sumner Wood, Charles Piatt, C. Ebbinghausen, John Ro- land, Allan Goodspeed, S. Swenson, John Maloney, Walter Child, Samuel Strohmier, C. Christopherson, E. Goodspeed, E. B. Col- lester, G. W. Smith, J. M. Robertson, W. Aughenbaugh, Thomas Breen, William Schlicht, M. D. L. Collester, Fred. Clayton, Gus. Staak, C. M. Oster, D. McLoughlin, W. Kritzer, A. J. Lohren, J. A. Lilly, William Miller, J. F. Murphy and M. V. Hunt. On 730 HISTOKY OF WASECA COUNTY. organizing they elected the following officers : Jesse Keese, engineer ; J. M. Robertson, first assistant engineer; Peter Stearns, second assistant engineer ; Walter Child, secretary ; H. V. Davis, treasurer, and E. B. Collester, Charles Barr and M. Y. Hunt, finance com- mittee. The city purchased the engine in Winona, and it arrived here and was housed on the 11th of February, 1882, and was tested on the 8th of March following, and proved entirely satisfactory. The officers in 1887 were as follows : Nicholas Jacobs, en- gineer; August Smith, first assistant en- gineer ; P. H. Kenehan, second assistant engineer ; G. E. Child, secretary ; W. Herbst, treasurer, and John Mayer, wardi'obian. The hose company was organized at a meeting held on the 24:th of January, 1882, with the following members : John Locke, E. Rarasdale, Edward Forbes, Edward Cum mings, Edward Goetzenberger, E. L. Fiske, A Schildknecht, E. W. Fiske, J. E. Madden, H. E. Strong, D. S. Cummings, C. D. Ward, J. Neibles, M. O. Forbes and Ed. Castor. H. E. Strong was elected first foi'eman ; August Schildknecht, first assistant fore- man ; Max Forbes, second assistant foreman ; Ed. Castor, secretary ; Ed. Cummings, treas- urer, and E. Ramsdale, wardrobian. The present officers are : E. W. Fiske, foreman; Charles Grant, £1*81 assistant; William Blowers, second assistant; E. L. Fisk and C. A. Hark, tipmen; D. Devine, secretary ; Ed. Castor, treasurer, and Fi'ank Forrest, wardrobian. A hook and ladder company was organized March 4, 1884, with Ed. Goetzenberger as foreman, but wliicii was suspended from the department in 1887, while Dr. Christie was foreman. The entire fire department is in a very satisfactory condition, and is under the com- mand of a chief engineer and a fire warden from each ward. Tlie present officers are: Ed. Goetzenberger, chief engineer; B. S. Lewis, fire warden from tlie First ward ; W. G. Ward, Second ward ; Henry Murphy, Third ward ; J. W. Aughenbaugh, Fourth ward, and W. T. Cronkhite, Fifth ward. SOCIETIES. Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accejjted Masons, was organized under char- ter bearingdate of January 14, 1869, although meetings were held previous to this, under dispensation, being organized under dispen- sation, on December 9, 1868. The following is the list of the charter members : W. G. Ward, Lewis Brownell, B. S. Lewis, Philo C. Bailey, H. P. Norton, N. E. Strong, W^T. Kit- tredge, J. O. Chandler, James E. Child, H. D. Baldwin, Eri G. Wood, E. M. Broughton. Jonatlian Shaw, Frank Miner, O. T. Roice, J. W. Tefft and H. Willyard. The first officers given on tlie charter were : W, T. Kittredge, W. M. ; E. M. Broughton, S. W. and N. E. Strong, J. W. and James E. Child, Sec. The lodge is in a highly prosperous con- dition in every particular, and has a large membershi]). The following are the officers in 1887: M. O'Brien, W. M. ; N. S. Gordon. S. W. ; E. A. White, J. W. ; George Webb- S. D. ; Harry Britten, J, D. ; G. R. Buck- man, T. ; E. B. Collester, S. ; William Tyson- S. S. ; Frank Wood, J. S., and H. O. "^Can- field, tyler. AVaseca Chapter, No. 26, Roj^al Arch Ma- sons, was duly organized under dispensation, December 12, 1873, with the following named members : P. C. Bailey, E. A. Jordan, J. A. Claghorn, B. S. Lewis, E. M. Broughton, G. W. Comee, G. P. Johnson, H. W. Zeller, S. T. Lewis, J. W. Johnson, N. E. Strong and H. P. Norton. On the 4th of November, 1874, a charter was granted them, and they have been working under that ever since. P. C. Bailey was the first High Priest, and contin- ued in that office until 1876, when he was succeeded by R. L. McCormick, who reigned three j'ears. B. S. Lewis was the next, and was followed by L. Z. Rogers, and he by E. G. Wood, the present one. The chapter is ill a most healthy condition, with everything HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. 731 in its favor, and its work is pronounced most excellently " good and true." It has a present membership of fifty -four brothers. The offi- cers for 18S7 are : Eri G. Wood, M. E. H. P. ; J. A.Claghorn.E. K. ; G.ll. Buckman, S. E. ; M. O'Brien, C. H. ; S. S. Washburn, P. S. ; N. S. Gordon, K. A. C. ; J. W. Johnson, T. ; J. L. Claghorn, S. ; George Webb, G. M. T. V. ; John F. Murphy, G. M. S. V. ; Theo- dore Brown, G. M. F. V. and G. W. Comee, Sent. Comee Lodge, No. 25, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at a meeting- held in what was called the Radical building, then just south of whei'e the Grant House now stands, "December 8, 1868, with the fol- lowing charter members : W. C. Young, G. W. Comee, H. D. Baldwin, L. E. Wallace, and H. P. Norton. The first officers, installed Tuesday, January 14, 1869, were : II. D. Baldwin, N. G. ; Warren Smith, V. G. ; II. A. Mosher, S. ; W. C. Young, T. The present officers are : N. J. Leavitt, N. G. ; Joseph Gatzman,V. G. ; S. Swenson, P. G. ; A. J. Lohren, S.; O. Powell, T. ; V. Butsch, W. ; E. B. Collester, C. ; L. Larson, I. G., and J, Gutfleisch, O. G. They have now a member- ship of fifty-one, and, jointly with the Ma- sonic Lodge, rent a hall in which to hold meetings. Financial condition is most excel- lent, and the lodge is doing much good in this community. Golden Rule Encampment, No. 13, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized under charter, October 27, 1873, with the following charter members : P. V. Smith, G. W. Comee, H. C. Woodbury, R. F. Stevens, J. S. Abell, Joseph Miller, M. S. Collins, John G. Greening, S. F. Phelps and John Craven. The first officers chosen were the following : G. W. Comee, C. P. ; R. F. Stev- ens, H. P. ; H. C. Woodbury, S. W. ; John S. Abell, J. W ; John Craven, S. ; P. V. Smith, T. and Jos. Miller, Sent. Besides the charter members, there were present the night of organization, Brothers W. C. Young, y. Butsch, Edward Bennett, S. S. Comee, and W. H. Young Sr. The camp, which is in quite a fiourishing condition, has a present membership of twenty-four, and has a beautiful hall, which is rented jointly be- tween the Masonic and Oddfellow fraterni- ties. The present officers are : O. Powell, C. P. ; H. Myers, H. P. ; G. W. Comee, S. W. ; E. P. Latham, J. W. ; H. C. Woodbury, S. ; W. C. Young, T. ; V. Butsch, I. S. ; Edward Bennett, F. W. ; A. J. Lee, S. W. and John S. Abell, G. A post of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic was organized on Monday, March 16, 1868, with the following officers: W. T. Kittredge, P. C. ; P. II. Swift, S. V. C. ; H. A. Mosher, J. V. C. ; A. H. Wellman, Q. M. ; Dr. H. J. Young, Surg. ; A. E. Dearborn, S. M. ; Rev. Mr. Starr, Chap. Among the members not included among the above named officers were : Edward Bennett, M. H. Helms, Joseph Gatzman. Benjamin Philbrick, Henry Zeller and Jonas Whitcomb. The post ran for about one year, and then, so many of its members removing, it was allowed to die out. Lewis McKune Post. No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at a meeting of the veterans of the civil war, held at the courthouse, April 9, 1883, when the follow- ing officers were chosen : C. C. Comee, P. C. ; J. A. Canfield, S. V. C. ; J. A. Smith, J. V. C. ; C. E. Graham, A. ; G. R. Buckman, Q. M. ; Dr. H. J. Young, S. ; Edward Ben- nett, C. ; J. B. Ilayden, O. D. ; W. H. Helms, O. G. ; George White, S. M. and M. Craven, Q. M. S. The post is in excellent condition financially and otherwise, and the meetings held on the first and third Satur- day evenings of each month are well at- tended. They always have money in the re- lief fund on hand, and carry out all the pre- cepts of the order in a fraternal manner. There have been some eighty comrades mus- tered in, in this post, and the membership is now about sixty-two. The pi'esent officers are: M. H. Helms, P. C. ; J. B. Hayden, S. Y32 HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. V. C. ; Preston Martin. J. \. C. ; G. A. Smith, A. ; J. H. Murphy, Q. M. ; Edward Bennett, S. ; J. L. Claghorn, C. ; L. E. Whee- lock, O. D. ; M. E. D. Whitted, O. G. ; Geo. White, S. M. ; H. Van Buren, Q. M. S. Catholic Knights of Waseca have a lodge here, oi-ganized January, 1886, with Thomas Coleman, president ; Thomas Flynn, vice- president ; John ]\[oonan, secretary ; P. A. Bowe, treasurer; E. W. Lansing, Thomas McLaughlin and William Swift, executive committee, and Pev. A. Christie, spiritual director. The officers for 1887 were: Thomas Coleman, P. ; Thomas Flynn, V. P. ; Francis Maloney, S. ; P. A. Bowe, T. ; Thomas Flynn. Thomas Connolly and E. W. Lansing, execu- tive committee ; J. T. Lee, sergeant at arms ; and Rev. Father Christie, spiritual director. The Young Men's Christian Association was organized March 4, 1887, with a mem. bership of forty-eight, in the hall of tlie Good Templars. The officers cliosen on or- ganization were : W. D. Belden, president ; Dr. A. M. Hutchinson, first vice-president ; M. E. Parmalee, second vice-president ; II. E. Smith, secretary' ; M. M. Davidson, treas- urer ; H. H. Suddeth, H. C. Monroe, W. C. Stegner. E. W. Fiske, F. A. Wood and A. E. Jay, directors. These officers are the pres- ent ones, except that J. L. Claghorn has taken the place of W. C. Stegner on the board of directoi'S. The society has a very tine hall, over the Bank of Waseca, which tliey rent of the owner, W. G. Ward. Waseca Lodge, No. -ii, Knights of Pythias, was organized Friday evening, September 30, 1887, with the following charter mem- bers : K. A. Holbrook, II. H. Sudduth, F. A. Swartwood, W. D. Abbott, B. U. Dye, H. P. Bird, Charles Smith, E. A. Everett, S. E. Panney, D. A. Kinney, D. E. Tenney, Harry A. Read, John Evans, E. M. Helms, Frank Tripp, C. H. Lippett, J. W. Veness and 11. F. Gilson. The following officers were chosen : W. D. Abbott, C. C. ; K. A. Holbrook, V. C. ; F. A. Swartwood, P. C. ; H. H. Sudduth, M. of E. ; II. P. Bird, M. of F. ; E. A. Everett, P. ; B. U. Dye, K. of R. and S. ; Charles Smith, I. G. ; S. E. Ranney, O. G. Fort Ridgely Lodge, No. 65, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, was organized at Sleepy Eye, in June, 1880, and moved from that place to Waseca in October, 1883. The first officers were as follows : Thomas Burke, master ; W. W. Williams, secretary ; John Boyle, financier. The lodge is in quite a flourishing condition, with a present mem- bership of seventy-two. The officers at pres- ent are: J. B. Newcomer, master; II. H. Richardson, secretary ; W. D. Grimes, col- lector ; Jolm A. Robinson, receiver. There is also in the city a division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a lodge of railroad conductors, a lodge of brake- men and an assembly of the Knights of Labor, all of which are quite prosperous societies. Waseca Lodge, No. 128, Independent Or- der of Good Templars, was organized Febru- ar}^ 15, 1868, with the following officers: W. W. Satterlee, W. C. T.; Mrs. L. A. Hicks, W. V. T.; A. E. Dearborn, W. S.; William McVeigh, W. F. S.; John F. Murphy, W. M.; Etta Taylor, W. D. M.; Mary Douglas, W. L G.; N. W. Scott. W. O. G.; G. N. Taylor, W. C. and E. G. Wood, P. W. C. T. The above was the first lodge of the kiiul in the city. The order has had varying suc- cess in this community, lodges being started, running a few years, then dying out, only to stai't again shortly after. Company A, Third Regiment Minnesota National Guards, was organized at Waseca, August 5, 1886, with about thirty members, and alread}^ manifest considerable efficiency in the drill and manual, principally owing to the excellence of the material upon which able officers have to work. The company is officered as follows : 11. A. Leavitt, captain ; D. Devine, first lieutenant ; Carl H. Young, second lieutenant, and H. A. Smith, ortlerly sergeant. MAPLEWOOD PARK. This is one of the attractive features of HISTORY OF WASKCA COUNTY. r33 the beautiful scenery that suri'ounds the city of Waseca. Located upon a lovely wooded peninsula that juts boldly out into the crys- tal waters of Clear Lake, it is one of the favored spots on earth. Standing among tiie lofty trees, Avhose trunks stand like col- umns in the grand aisle in some noble cathe- dral, through the leafy covering that sweeps down to the water's edge, we catch here and there the diamond sparkle of the lambent waves when the sunlight plays upon the surface of the lake, or when the quieter light of the moon plays over its tranquil bosom, gather rest to our souls in the quiet enjoyment of its beauties. It is largely due to the energy of two men, Messrs. Jamison and Quirk, that Waseca is the possessor of such a lovely spot. In 1882 the place was the wood-lot of Moses Flummer, who sold it to A. P. Jamison and James Quirk, who employed T. P. A. Howe, a civil engi- neer of St. Paul, to lay it out into lots and blocks. Accordingly on the 19th of Novem- ber, 1883, he did so, and under their manage- ment and the auspices of the Methodist con- ference, it was carried on until July, 1886, when it was disposed of to the Maplewood Park Association, a society just organized. Ilei'e, yearly, meets the Chautauqua Assem- blj', that " feast of reason and flow of soul," where meet many of the intellectual people of the southern part of Minnesota, and enjoy the delights of culture amid the works of nature. The Maplewood Park Association was in- corporated August 13, 1883, with the follow- ing members : C. A. Van Anda, C. K. Stow- ers, Caleb Hallack, F. II. Tubbs, J. P. (3akey, C. M. Smith, C. A. Wright, E. G. Wood, N. S. Gordon, Hugh Wilson, E. M. Broughton, J. H. Parker, William Everett, I. C. Trowbridge, A. P. Jamison, H. C. Jennings, James Quirk, R. W. Peebe and John Staffoi'd. These gentlemen incorpo- rated themselves for the purpose of fitting up the park, and for the purpose of holding grove or camp meetings, Sunday-school as- semblies, meetings for religious instruction or worship, or mutual improvement in moral, literary or social culture. The capital stock of the association was, by the articles of in- corporation, fixed at $10,000 divided into 1,000 shares of $10 each, and the indebted- ness of the same was limited to $3,000. The first officers were : C. A. Van Anda, of Min- meapolis, president ; C N. Stowers, of Fari- bault, vice president ; H. C. Jennings, of Waseca, secretary ; A. P. Jamison, of Wa- seca, treasurer ; and Robert Forbes, of Min- neapolis ; John Stafford, of Rochester ; Wil- liam Everett, of Waseca ; E. A. Knowlton, of Rochester ; James Quirk, of Waseca ; R. W. Beebe, of Mankato, and J. II. Parker, of Albert Lea, were directors. A daily paper called tlie Daily Chautau- qua^ during the time of assembly each sum- mer, which gives all the news of the same. Rev. H. C. Jennings is the editor. The present officers are : Rev. J. F. Chaffee, D. D., president ; William Everett, vice-president; Rev. II. C. Jennings, secre- tary ; A. P. Jamison, treasurer, and a board of direction consisting of the following par- ties : Rev. R. Forbes, D. D., E. A. Knowl- ton, George B. Arnold, G. R. Buckman, J. Quirk, J. A. Pugh and Rev. A. II. Gillet, D. D. 42 HISTORY ^MINNESOTA> HISTORY OF MIJSTNESOTA. CHAPTER I. LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND GENERAL REMARKS. INNESOTA is located in the geographical center of the con- tinent of North America — mid- wa.y between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and also midway between Hudson's Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It embraces territor}' extending from latitude 43 degrees 50 minutes, to 49 de- grees, and from 89 degrees 29 minutes to 97 degrees 5 minutes west longitude. As to its area, it can only be estimated, as portions of the State are as yet unsurveyed ; but as near as can be arrived at, the area is 85,531 square miles, or about 53,760,000 acres. In size Minnesota is the fourth State in the Union. From its southern boundary to the northern is about 400 miles, and from the most east- ern to the extreme western point about 354 miles. In altitude it appears to be one of the highest j)ortions of the continent, as the headwaters of the three great river systems are found in its limits — those of streams flowing northward to Hudson's Bay, east- ward to the Atlantic Ocean, and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly three-quarters of the surface of the State is made up of rolling prairie, inter- spersed with frequent groves, oak openings and belts of hard-wood timber, watered by numerous lakes and streams, and covered with a warm, dark soil of great fertilitj'. The balance, embracing the elevated district immediately west of Lake Superior, consists mainly of the rich mineral ranges on its shores, and of the pine forests which extend over the upper Mississippi country, afl'ording extensive supplies of timber. But a very small portion is broken, rocky or worthless land ; nearly all is arable. But few States are so well watered as Minnesota, and the numerous rivers and water-courses give ex- cellent drainage. A number of the rivers — the Mississippi, the Minnesota, the St. Croix, the St. Louis, the Red and the Red Lake riv- ers — are navigable, and nearly all of the balance afford water power. The lakes of Minnesota are among its principal phj^sical characteristics. The estimate of 10,000 lakes in the State is not an unreasonable one. With all these natui'al advantages, favor- able climate and rich soil, Minnesota- has become one of the most successful agricult- ural States in the Union, and stock-raising and dairying is rapidly becoming a leading industry. Lumbering is also carried on very extensively, and the manufacturing branch is rapidly becoming large. While at first it was supposed that this State was destitute of valuable minerals, recent discoveries prove to the contrary. Inexhaustible quantities of the best iron ore exist, and is now being mined and exported in large quantities. Sil- ver veins have also been found near the boundary line ; copper oi*e has also been found, and it is known that plumbago and gold quartz exist. Building material, gran- 737 738 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. ite, brownstone, limestone, sandstone and brick and potter's clay are abundant. A few words as to railroads and history relating to their construction will also be interesting. Twenty-five years ago (1862), there were only ten miles of railway in operation in the State. At the close of 1885 there were 6,721 miles in operation. The general government has granted to railroads within this State 12,151,527 acres of land, and the State has given 1,811,750 acres of swamp and other lands, making a total of 13,933,277 acres of land within the State given to railroads, valued on the average at $5 per acre, making $69,666,385 thus given. In addition, local, county and State bonds have been given them amounting to over $6,680,000, making in lands and cash a total gift of $76,496,385, or about $19,345 for every mile completed. There is material in these facts for an extended political essay, and they certainly furnish food for thought. In concluding these general remarks it may justly be said that the outlook for the State is most gratifying. Its population is rapidly increasing, and its taxable wealth increasing in similar ratio. Every year sees an enormous area of its rich soil brought under cultivation, while there are still mill- ions of acres awaiting the plow of the set- tler. The following table of census returns will show the growth of the State as to popula- tion: 1850, population 6,077; 1860, popula- tion 172,023 ; 1865, population 250.099 ; 1870, population 439,706; 1875, population 597, 407; 1880, population 780,773, and in 1885 he population was 1,117,798. CHAPTER II. HISTORY OF MINNESOTA — FROM 1660 TO 1887. edge of HE lirst exploration b}' whites of the territory which now com- prises the State of Minnesota dates back early into the seven- teenth century. It is claimed by good authority that Jean Nicolet (pronounced Nicolay), one of Champlain's interpreters, was the first to spread knowl- the country west of Lake Michigan. As early as 1635 he set foot upon the western shores of Lake Michigan, and traded near Green Bay, also roaming over various portions of Wisconsin at about that time. In December of the same year he returned to Canada. It is very doubtful whether Nicolet ever set foot on Minnesota soil, although it is certain that his visit to the country west of Lake Michigan was the means of spreading knowledge of this country, and of the aborigines of Minnesota. It was said of him that he penetrated far distant countries, and in a letter bearing date of 1640, it is stated that "if he had proceeded three days more on a river which flows from that lake (Green Bay), he would have found the sea." The death of this explorer occurred at Three Rivers in 1640. After Nicolet's visit to Wisconsin, for a quarter of a century history brings no trace of any explorations concerning this region. At the end of this time, in 1660, the first white men of whom there is any reliable record, set foot on Minnesota soil. They were Medard Chouart, called Groselliers, and Pierre d'Esprit, who was known as Sieur Radisson. Both were Frenchmen who had come to Canada when young men to engage in the fur trade. About the middle of that century several important changes had been made in the location of Indian tribes. The Hurons and their allies, the Ottawas, after successive battles, had drifted to the west of Lake Michigan. In former times they had been located in the St. Lawrence region. Finally reaching the Mississippi they found the Iowa River. Later, returning to the Mississippi, the settled upon an island in the river near where the city of Hastings is now located ; but becoming involved in battles with the Sioux, we finally find the Hurons located about the headwaters of the Chippeway, and the Ottawas on the shores of Lake Superior, near where Bay- field is now situated. It was to trade with the Indians that the two Frenchmen men- tioned, GroseUiers and Radisson, made their trip to this wild region. They passed the winter of 16.59-60 among the Sioux villages in the Mille Lacs country, and the following spring and summer was spent in the region of Lake Superior. In August, 1660, they returned to Montreal, and their report of the country they had visited created much ex- citement. Within a few weeks an exploring and trading party was formed, and accom- panied by six Frenchmen and two priests, one of whom was the Jesuit, Rene Menard, they again started westward, and on the 15th of October, 1660, they reached the Ottawa settlement on the shores of Lake Superior. The objects of this party were various, some bent on exploration, others on trading, while Father Menard went as a missionary. Groselliers (pronounced Gro- say-ya) and Radisson, accompanied by others, 739 7-ii) HISTOKY OF MINIVESOTA. pushed on through the country to the northwest of Lake Superior and at length reached Hudson's Bay. They returned to Montreal in May, 1662. The names of all the members of this party have not been preserved. Groselliers and Rad- isson proceeded to Paris, thence to Lon- don, where they were well received by the nobility and scientific men. A vessel was fitted out and placed at their disposal, in the hope of finding a northwest passage to Asia. Li June, 1668, they left England and made an extended vo^'age, reaching a tributary of Hudson's Bay and returning to England, where, in 1670, the famous trading corporation, the " Hudson's Bay Company," was chartered. Now to return to the venerable Father Menard, who had been left among the Ottawa Indians on the shores of Lake Superior in October, 1660. For nearly a year he lived there in a cabin built of fir branches. In the summer of 1661 he decided to visit the Hurons, who had fled eastward from the Sioux of Minnesota and were located among the woods of northern Wisconsin, as stated. He was accompanied by one Frenchman, whose name has been lost in the mist of years. They became separated, and Father Menard was lost, as Perrot says, "in the labyrinth of trees." This was the last ever positively known of him, although his brevi- ary and cassock were said afterward to have been found among the Sioux Indians. AVhether this good and venerable man starved or was murdered or captured by the Indians will forever be shrouded in mj'stery. These were the earliest explorations of the Northwest of which any record has been left, but after that period this region was visited by various parties at long intervals, and many interesting documents have been pre- served giving accounts of their journeys and discoveries. About the year 1665 several French trad- ers and the Jesuit, Allouez, visited the coun- try off the western shore of Lake Superior. Early in 1679 we find Daniel G. Du Luth west of Lake Michigan, and it is believed he planted the French arms on Minnesota soil. His records state that " on July 2d he caused his Majesty's arms to be planted in the great village of the Nadousioux, called Kathio, and at Songaskicous and Houetbatons, one hundred and twenty leagues distant from the former." Rev. E. D. Neill in his thorough work relating to early explorers of Minnesota, locates this as being "one hun- dred and twenty leagues beyond Mille Lacs." Du Luth states that at one point on Minnesota soil he found upon a tree this legend : " Arms of the King cut on this tree in the year 1679." He established several posts, carried on trading with the Indians, and was probably the most prominent of the early explorers. Later he was stationed near Lake Erie and died in 1710. His reports furnish much interesting information regarding the early explorations in the Northwest. La Salle was given a commission by the King of France in 1678 to "explore the West," and do limited trading. He visited various parts of the Northwest. His jeal- ousy of Du Luth appears to form a consider- able portion of his official reports, but it is stated on good authority that he wrote the first description of the upper Mississippi Valley, August 22. 1682, some months before the publication of Father Henne])in's first work, "Description de la Louisiane." He must, however, have obtained his information from one of Hennepin's men. Father Louis Hennepin's explorations and adventures through the Northwest form an interesting chapter in the earlier history of this region. He was a native of Ath, an in- land town of the Netherlands, and had early assumed the robes of priesthood. In 1676 he came to Canada, and two years later was ordered to join the La Salle exploring expe- dition. A ship was rigged, and on August 7th, 1679, its sails caught the breezes of Lake Erie — the first European vessel HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. 741 launched on the great lakes. La Salle con- ducted his expedition to Green Bay, thence along the coast of Lake Michigan, and about the middle of January, 1680, landed it on an eminence near Lake Peoria, on the Illinois River, where he commenced the erection of J"'ort Crevecoeur. On the last of February of the same year, Father Hennepin, in company with Michael Accault (Ako) and Angelle, left the fort to ascend the Mississippi River. On the 11th of April, 1680, after having reached a point north of the Chippewa River, they were met and taken charge of by a party of over a hundred Sioux Indians. They then proceeded with the Indians to their villages, nearly sixty leagues north of St. An- thony falls. Thej' remained with the Indians some time, being well treated, and on the 25th of July, 1680, they were met by Du Luth, who was accompanied by his interpi-e- ter, Faffart, and several French soldiers. They then proceeded to Mille Lacs, arriving, according to Father's Hennepin writings, on the 11th of August, 1680. In the latter part of September they started to return to the French settlement, passing by St. Anthony falls. Father Hennepin published two works relating to his discoveries, the first, " De- scription de la Louisiane," in 1836; the sec- ond, " The New Discovery," in 1697. These works called forth much criticism, as there can be no doubt Hennepin greatly magnified his own importance, and exaggerated his services and discoveries. For instance, he claims to have descended the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, before proceed- ing northward, then returned and proceeded on to the St. Anthony falls. This in the face of his own stated facts — leaving Fort Creve- coeur the last of February, he claims to have made this wonderful trip, and arrived two miles south of where the city of St. Paul is now located, late in April, giving the 11th of April as the date of their capture by the Indians. However this may be, Father Hennepin's work was not in vain, and his memory is entitled to the credit for that which he did. His publications hastened and facilitated exploration, and his failing — if such it was — should be treated with charity. La Salle speaks of him highly, but charitably says, " it was his failing to magnify those adventures which concerned him." During 1684, Nicholas Perrot and Le Sueur visited Lake Pepin, and the following winter the French traded with the Indians on Minnesota soil. Perrot had been ap- pointed by the governor of Canada as the commandant for the West, and was accom- panied by twenty men. Upon his arrival he caused a stockade to be built on the east bank of Lake Pepin, which bore his name for many years. He discovered a number of lead mines, and his name figures conspicu- ously in the history of the early French ex- plorations and frontier work. Perrot re- mained for some time after building the fort, then, in 1686, returned to Green Bay. He passed much time in collecting allies for the expedition against the Iroquois in New York, and in the spring of 1687, was with Du Luth and Tonty with the French and Indian allies in the expedition against the Senecas of the Genesee Valley in New York. The follow- ing year he was sent with a company of Frenchmen to reoccupy the post on Lake Pepin, in Minnesota, and it was in 1689 that Perrot, in the presence of Father Joseph James Marest, a Jesuit, Boisguiblot, a trader on the Wisconsin and Mississippi, and Le Seur, made a formal record of taking posses- sion of the Sioux country in the name of the King of France. Le Sueur, who accompanied Perrot in his first trip to Lake Pepin in 1684, was inti- mately connected with that explorer's move- ments. In 1692 Le Sueur was sent by Gov. Frontenac, of Canada, to the extremity of Lake Superior to maintain peace between the Indian tribes. Entering the Sioux country, in 1694, he established a post upon a prairie island, nine miles below where Hast- ings is now located. He was accompanied by Penicaut and others. Here they estab- 742 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. lished a fort and storehouse and passed the winter, as game was verj'^ abundant. On July 15, 1695, Le Sueur went back to Mon- treal accompanied by a part}- of Ojibways, and the first Dakotah brave that ever visited Canada. Le Sueur then visited France, and in 1697 received a license to open certain mines that were supposed to exist in Minne- sota. The ship in which he was returning was captured by the English, and he was taken to England ; when released he returned to France and secured a new commission, but it was afterward suspended. Fortunatelv, D'llberville, a kinsman of Le Sueur, was ap- pointed governor of the new territory of Louisiana, and in December, 1699, Le Sueur arrived from France with thirty workmen to proceed to the mines. During the next year he ascended the Minnesota Eiver with his expedition, and in October, 1700, built a fort on the Blue Earth Eiver, which he named L'Huillier. This was occupied by Le Sueur's men until 1702, when it was abandoned because of the hostility of the Indians. Charlevoix, who visited the val- ley of the lower Mississippi in 1722, says that " Le Sueur spent at least one winter in his fort on the banks of the Blue Earth, and that in the following April he went up to the mine, aboitt a mile above, and in twenty-two days they obtained more than 30,000 pounds of the substance — lead." Le Sueur estimated the Sioux Indians at that time as beinsr four thousand families. In 1703 a little volume was published in France and England b\' Baron La Hon- tan, giving an account of his " travels," in which he claimed to have penetrated and pursued explorations through the territory which now forms Minnesota, farther than any of his predecessors. He states that he found a river tributary to the Mississippi, and describes a journey of 500 miles up this stream, which he named Long Eiver. His wonderful story was believed at the time and the river was placed upon the early maps; but in later years it was discredited and is now by the closest students and ablest historians treated as fabulous. In September, 1727, Fort Beauharnois was erected and a French post established on the shores of Lake Pepin, under the directions of Sieur de la Perriere. An extensive trade was carried on with the Indians here, and it was occupied for a number of years. In 1728 Veranderie, who had been placed in com- mand of a post on Lake NepigOn, began lay- ing plans for finding a communication with the Pacific Ocean. An expedition was fitted out which left Montreal in 1731, under the management of his sons and a nephew, De la Jemeraye, he not joining the party until 1733. A fourth son joined the expedition in 1735. In the autumn of 1731, the party reached Eainy Lake, at the foot of which a post, called Fort St. Pierre, was erected. The next year they reached Lake of the Woods, and established Fort St. Charles on its southwest bank. A few miles from Lake Winnepeg they established a post on the Assinaboine, and a fort was established on the Maurepas (Winnepeg) Eiver. In June. 1736, while twenty -one of the expedition were encamped on an isle in the Lake of the Woods, they were surprised by a band of Sioux Indians hostile to the French allies, and all were killed. The island on this ac- count is called Massacre Island. The ?e- maining portion of the expedition pro- gressed as best they could. October 3, 1738, they built an advanced post called Fort la Eeine on the Assinaboine Eiver. They came in sight of the Eocky Mountains on the 1st of January, 1743, and, on the 12th, ascended them. In 1744, after plant- ing a leaden plate of the arms of France in the upper Missouri countrv, they returned, reaching Minnesota soil late in June, and after establishing several posts in the ex- treme northern frontier country they finally returned to Montreal. Expeditions were afterward fitted out, one of which again reached the Eocky Mountains, but the clash of arms between France and England put HISTOBT OF MINNESOTA. 743 an end to the explorations so far as the French were concerned. In 1763, by the treaty of Versailles, France ceded Minnesota east of the Mississippi to England and west of it to Spain. In 1766 Capt. Jonathan Carver, the first British sub- ject, although a native of Connecticut, visited the Falls of St. Anthony. He spent some three years among the different tribes of Indians in the upper Mississippi country ; found the Indian nations at war and suc- ceeded in making peace between them. As a reward for his good offices, it is claimed that two chiefs of the Sioux, acting for their nation, at a council held with Carver at a great cave, now within the corporate limits of St. Paul, deeded to Carver a vast tract of land on the Mississippi Eiver, extending from the Falls of St. Anthony to the foot of Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi, thence east one hundred miles ; thence north one hundred and twenty miles ; thence west to the place of beginning. This ]M'etended grant, how- ever, was examined by our government and totally ignored. At the beginning of the present century there were no white men in Minnesota, except the few engaged in the fur trade, and the posts Avere chiefly held by the Northwest Com- pany, which corporation in 1794 erected a stockade at Sandy Lake. In 1802 we find William Morrison trading at Leech Lake, and two years later at Itasca. In the meantime, in 1796, the laws of the ordinance of 1787 had been extended over the Northwest, and on May 7, 1800, that part of Minnesota east of the Mississippi had become a part of In- diana by the division of Ohio. On the 20th of December, 1803, that part of Minnesota west of the Mississippi, for forty years in the possession of Spain as a part of Louisiana, was ceded to the United States by Napoleon Bonaparte, who had just obtained it from Spain. In 1804 Upper Louisiana Territory was constituted. During the following year the United States for the first time sent an officer to Minnesota, in the person of Lieut. Z. M. Pike, who established government re- lations and obtained the Fort Snelling reser- vation from the Dakotahs. He remained here for some time, but the war of 1812 coming on postponed the military occupa- tion of the upper Mississippi by the United States for several years. Pike afterward fell in battle at York, in Upper Canada. In 1817 the Earl of Selkirk, a nobleman, visited the Scotch colony on the Red River, established in 1812, and created quite an ex- citement on the part of some of the United States authorities. The same year Mayor Stephen H. Long, of the United States En- gineer Corps, visited Minnesota and made a report recommending the bluff at the junc- tion of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers as a site for a fort. In 1819 Minnesota east of the Mississippi River became a part of Crawford County, J\[ich. During the same year Fort Snell- ing was established and the site of Mendota was occupied by the United States troops, under Col. Leavenworth. Major Taliaferro was appointed Indian agent. During the year 1820 much of interest transpired on Minnesota soil. Early in the spring Jean Baptiste Faribault brought Leavenworth's horses from Prairie duChien. On the 5th of May Col. Leavenworth estab- lished summer quarters at Camp Cold water, (Hennepin County). In July Gov. Cass, of Michigan, visited the camps. In August Col. Joshia Snelling succeeded Leavenworth in command, and on the 20th of September tlie corner-stone of Fort Snelling (then Fort St. Anthony) was laid. On the 15th of April the superintendent of farming for Earl Sel- kirk left Prairie du Chien, having purchased seed wheat; he ascended the Minnesota River to Big Stone Lake, where the boats were placed on rollers, dragged a short dis- tance to Lake Traverse, and reached Pembina June 3. This year the first marriage in Minnesota occurred, Lieut. Green to a daughter of Capt. Gooding. The first birth of a white child in the State occurred this 744 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. year, a daughter to Col. Snelling ; died the following year. In 1821 Fort St. Anthony (Snelling) was sufficiently completed to be occupied by troops. During this year a sawmill was constructed at St. Anthony Falls for the use of the garrison under the supervision of Lieut. McCabe. Nothing of particular interest transpired during 1822. In 1823, however, the first steamboat, the Virginia, arrived at the mouth of the Minnesota Eiver on the 10th of May, and created consternation among the Indians. Beltrami, the Italian, during the same year explored the northernmost sources of the Mississipjii, and Maj. Long, of the United States armj^, visited the northern boundary by way of the Minnesota and Eed rivers. Millstones for grinding flour were sent to St. Anthony to be placed in the sawmill. In 1824 Gen. Winfield Scott visited Fort St. Anthony, and at his suggestion the name was changed to Fort Snelling. After this time events crowd rapidly one after the other to till in the time. From 1825 on, the arrival of steamboats became more frequent. During this year a heavy flood visited the Eed Eiver, and a portion of the colony were driven to Minnesota and settled near Fort Snelling. In 1832 Schoolcraft explored the sources of the Mississippi Eiver, and during the fol- lowing year Eev. W. T. Boutwell established the first mission among the Ojibways on Leech Lake. About the same time E. F. Ely opened a mission school at Atkins, a trading post on Sandy Lake. That portion of Minnesota lying west of the Mississippi Eiver was attached to lilichi- gan in 1834. During this year Gen. H. II. Sibley settled at Mendota as agent for the fur company, and Samuel W. and Gideon H. Pond, missionaries among the Sioux, ar- rived. They were followed tlie next year by T. S. Williamson. J. D. Stevens and Alex- ander G. Huggins, and in June, 1835, a Presbyterian Church was organized at Fort Snelling. Late the same year Maj. J. L. Bean, in accordance with the treaty of 1825, surveyed the Sioux and Chippeway bound- ary line as far as Otter Tail Lake. In 1836 the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, embracing all of Minnesota east of the Mississippi Eiver; that territory west of the river being attached to Iowa. A number of steamboats arrived during this year, a passenger on one of them being the distinguished French astronomer, Jean N. Nicollet. In 1837 Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin, made a treaty at Fort Snelling with the Ojib- ways, by which the latter ceded all their pine lands on the St. Croix and its tributaries ; a treaty was also effected at Washington with a deputation of Dakotahs for their pine lands east of the Mississippi. These treaties led the way to the first actual settlements in the State. The treaty was ratified by Con- gress in 1838. At about this time Franklin Steele made a claim at St. Anthony Falls ; Pierre Parrant took a claim and built a cabin on the present site of St. Paul ; Jeremiah Eussell and L. W. Stratton made the first claim at Marine in the St. Croix Valley. During the year 1838 a steamboat arrived at Fort Snelling with J. N. Nicollet and J. C. Fremont on a scientific expedition. Develop- ment begins in the St. Croix Valley. The next year the chapel of "St. Paul" was built and consecrated, s^ivino- the name to the capital of the State. Henry M. Eice arrived at Fort Snelling in 1840, others came and in November, 1841, St. Croix County was established with " Dakotah " designated as the county -seat. On the 10th of October, 1843. a settlement was commenced on the present site of the city of Stillwater, and the erection of a saw- mill was immediately commenced. The names of the town proprietors were : John McKusick, from Maine ; Calvin Leach, from Vermont ; Elam Greeley, from Maine and Elias McKeane. from Pennsylvania. Dr. E. D. Neill in his '' Explorers and Pio- HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. 745 neers of Minnesota," says that in 184:6 " the site of St. Paul was chiefly occupied by a few shanties, owned by ' certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,' who sold rum to the sol- diers and Indians." On the Gth of August, 1846, the Wisconsin enabling act was passed. In 1847 St. Croix County was detached from Crawford Count}', Wis., and reorgan- ized for civil and judicial purposes with Still- water as the county-seat. The town of St. Paul was surveyed and platted, and recorded in .St. Croix County. During this year the Wisconsin constitutional convention was held. On the 29th of May, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union, leaving Minnesota (with its present boundaries) without a gov- ernment, and on the 26th of tlie following August a convention was held at Stillwater to take measures foi- a separate territorial or- ganization. On the 30th of October, 1848, Henry H. Sibley was elected delegate to Congress, and he was admitted to a seat January 15, 1849. Marcli 3d, 1849, a bill was passed organizing Minnesota Territory, and on the 19th of the same month territo- rial officers were appointed. June 1st Gov. Ramsey issued a proclamation declaring the teri'itory organized, and on September 3d the first territorial Legislature assembled. In 1851 the capital of the State was permanent- ly located, as was also the penitentiary. In June, 1854, the first line of railway was com- pleted to St. Paul. On the 23d of February, 1857, an act passed the United States Senate, to author- ize the ])eople of Minnesota to form a consti- tution, preparatory to their admission to tlie Union. In June a constitutional convention was held, and the State constitution was framed. This was adopted on tlie 13th of October, 1857, and a fuU fist of State officers was elected. On the lltli of May, 1858, the President approved of the bill admitting the State, and Minnesota was fully recognized as one of the United States of America. The first State officers were sworn in on the 24tli of Mav. From this time on we can only briefly re- view the most important events that have transpired. A great tide of immigration had set in early in the " fifties," which rapidly filled up portions of the State, until in 1857 a census gave the State a total population of 150,037. During that year, however, real estate speculation reached a climax, and the terrible financial panic occurred, which great- l.y retarded the settlement. In 1858 the State loan of $250,000 was negotiated ; five million loan bill was passed, being voted on April 15; great strin- gency in money market. During 1859 the hard times continued to intensify. "Wright Count}' War" oc- curred ; " Glencoe " and " Owatonna" money was issued ; work on the land grant roads ceased ; collapse of the five million scheme ; first export of grain tliat fall ; hard political struggle, in whicli the Republicans tri- umphed. Anotlier warm political canvass occurred in 1800 ; the census talventhis j'ear gave the State a total population of 172,123. In 1861 war cast its gloom over tlie coun- tiy ; on April 13th the President's proclama- tion for troops was received ; the first regi- ment recruited at once, and June 22d it em- barked at Fort Snelling for the seat of Avar. In 1862 occurred the memorable Sioux outbreak ; August 17tli, massacre at Acton ; August 18th, outbreak at Lower Sioux Agency ; 19th, New Ulm attacked ; 20th, Fort Ridgely attacked ; 25th, second attack on New Ulm ; 30th, Fort Abercrombie be- sieged ; September 1st, the blood}' affair at Birch Coolie ; 19th, first railroad in Minne- sota in o]ieration, between St. Paul and Minneai)olis; 22d, battle of Wood Lake; 26tli, captives surrendered by the Indians at Camp Release; military commission tried 321 Indians for murder, 303 condemned to die ; December 26th, thirty-eight hung at Mankato. In 1863 Gen. Sibley conducted an expedi- tion to the Missouri River ; July 3d, Little 746 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. Crow was killed ; July 24th, battle of Big Mound ; 26th, battle of Dead Buffalo Lake : July 28th, battle of Stony Lake. I-n 1864 the civil war was still in progress, and large levies for troops were made in Minnesota ; expedition to Missouri Eiver, un- der Sully ; inflation of money market ; occa- sional Indian raids. In 1865 the war closed and peace returns ; Minnesota regiments return and are dis- banded ; in all, 25,052 troops were furnished by the State ; census showed 250,000 inhabi- tants. After the close of the war, and from 1866 until 1872, " good times " prevailed ; immigra- tion was very heavy, and real estate and all values were inflated. The western por- tion of the State received many settlers. Railway construction was very active. In 1873 the famous grasshopper raid began throughout the western part of the State, and continued about five seasons. January 7-8-9 of this year, a terrible storm swept over the State, in which seventy persons per- ished. In September of the same year, the financial " panic of 1873 " began. In 1874 and 1875 nothing of especial im- portance occurred. On the 7th of September, 1876, an attack was made on the Bank of Northfield by a gang of armed outlaws from Missouri ; three of the latter were killed, and three were capt- ured. In 1877 biennial sessions amendment was adopted. In 1878 (May 2), three flouring mills at Minneapolis exploded, and eighteen lives lost. On November 15th. 1880, a portion of the hospital for the insane, at St. Peter, was de- stroyed by fire; eighteen inmates were burned to death, seven died subsequently of injuries and fright, and six were missing. Total loss was $150,000. In 1881 the State capitol at St. Paul was destroj'ed by fire- In 1884 the State prison, located at Still- water, was partly burned. In 1886 (April 14), a cyclone swept over St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids, demolishing scores of buildings, and killing about seventy people. CHAPTER III. THE INDIAN MASSACEE. IhE outbreak of the Indians in 1S62 furnishes one of the most interesting chapters in Minneso- ta's history. At the time of this sad tragedy there were scat- tered tliroughout the State vari- ous bands of Sioux Indians, a powerful and wariike nation. They included the Medawakontons (or Village of the Spirit Lake) ; Wapatons, (or Village of the Leaves) ; Sissetons (or Village of the Marsh), and "Wapakutas (or Leaf Shooters). These four tribes, numbering about six thou- sand and two hundred persons, comprised the entire annuity Sioux of Minnesota. All these Indians had from time to time, from the 19th of July, 1S15, to the date of the massacre in 1862, received presents from the government, by virtue of various treaties of amity and friendship. From the time of the treaty of St. Louis in 1S16, these tribes had remained friendly to the whites, and had by treaty stipulations parted with all the lands to which they claimed title in Iowa ; all on the east side of the Mississippi River, and all on the Minnesota Eiver in Minnesota, except certain reservations. One of these reservations lay upon both sides of the Minnesota ten miles on either side of that stream, from Hawk River on the north to Yellow Medicine River on the south side, thence westerly to the head of Big Stone Lake and Lake Traverse, a distance of about one hundred miles. Another of these reserva- tions commenced at Little Rock River on the east and a line running due south from its mouth, and extending up the river westerly to the eastern line of the reserva- tion first named, at the Hawk and Yellow Medicine rivers. The last also had a width of ten miles on each side of the Minnesota River. Early in 1858 a scheme was devised by the authorities at Washington for the civili- zation of these annuity Indians. A civiliza- tion fund was provided, to be taken from their annuities and expended in improving the lands of such as should abandon their tribal relations and adopt the habits and modes of life of the whites. To all such, lands were assigned in severalty, eighty acres to the head of each family, on which should be erected the necessary farm buildings, and farming implements and cattle furnished him. At the time of the outbreak about one hundred and seventy-five Indians had taken advantage of the provisions of this treaty and become " farmer Indians." A great majority of the Indians, however, disliked the idea of taking any portion of their gen- eral fund to carry out the civilization scheme. Those who retained the blanket, called "blanket Indians," denounced tlie measure as a fraud, as it was slowly but surely destroying what was, to them, their God- given right to the chase. The result, in brief, of this civilization scheme was this : After the chase was over the " blanket Indians " would pitch their tents about tlie homes of the "farmer Indians" and proceed to eat them out of house and home, and when the ruin was complete, the " farmer " witli his wife and children, driven by necessity, would again seek temporary subsistence in the chase. During their absence the " blanket Indians" would commit whatever destruc- 717 748 HISTOKY OF MINNESOTA. tion of fences or tenements their desires or necessities would suggest. In this way the an- nual process continued, so that when the "farmer Indian" returned to his desolate home in the spring to prepare again for a crop, he looked forward to no different re- sults for the coming winter. It will thus be seen that the civilization scheme was an ut- ter failure. The treaty referred to, of 1858, had opened for settlement a vast frontier country of the most attractive character in the valley of the Minnesota River, and on the streams put- ting into the Minnesota on either side, such as Beaver Creek, Sacred Heart, Hawk and Chippewa rivers, and some other small streams, there were flourishing settlements of white families. Within this ceded tract, ten miles wide, were the scattered settle- ments of Birch Coolie, Patterson Rapids, and others as far up as the upper agency at Yellow Medicine, in Renville Count\'. The county of Brown adjoined the reservation, and was at that time settled mostly by Ger- mans. Here was also the flourishing town of New Uhn, and further on was a thriving settlement on the Big Cottonwood and Watonwan. Other counties. Blue Earth, Nicollet, Sibley, Meeker, McLeod, Kandiyohi, Monongalia and Murray, together with others somewliat removed from the direct attack of the Indians, as Wright, Stearns and Jackson, and even reaching on the north to Fort Abercrombie, thus extending from Iowa to the valley of the Red River of the North, were severally involved in the consequences of the warfare of 1862. This extended area had a population estimated at over fift_y thousand. Early in the fifties complaints began to be made by the Indians, and dissatisfaction be- gan to be manifest. By the treaty of Trav- erse des Sioux, dated July 23, 1851, between the United States and the Sissetons and Wapatons, $275,000 was to be paid their chiefs, and a further sum of $30,000 was to be expended for their benefit in Indian im- provements. By the treaty of Mendota, dated August 5, 1851, the Medawakantons and Wapakutas were to receive the sum of $200,000, to be paid to their chief, and a fur- ther sum of $30,000. These several sums amounting in the aggregate to $550,000, these Indians, to whom they were payable, claim they were never paid, except perhaps a small portion expended in improvements. This led to great dissatisfaction, of which the government was fully apprised. Several parties were at different times sent out by the Indian department of the government to in- vestigate into the causes, but the rascality of the agents and officers who had defrauded the Indians had been carefully covered up, and as usual in such cases the guilty parties were exculpated. This was one of the leatl- ing and most important causes which led to the massacre of 1862. Another cause of irritation among these annuity Sioux arose out of the Spirit Lake massacre of 1857 — known as the Inkpadutah massacre. Inkpadutah was an outlaw of the Wapakuta band of Sioux Indians, and his acts were entirely disclaimed by the " an- nuity Sioux."' He had committed murder in his own tribe some twenty years previous, and since had led a wandering and marautling life about the headwaters of the Ues Moines River and westward to Dakota. Finality his outrages reached aclimax, when early in 1857 with a few of his followers, he proceeded to murder every family in the little settlement about Spirit Lake, Iowa, except four women whom they bore away captives. From there they went to the Springfield settlement (on thepresentsiteof Jackson, Minn.), whei'ethe\' murdered seventeen people, making a total of forty seven persons killed. They then re- treated westward. Shortly after the mas- sacre at Springfield (now Jackson) a com- pany of regular soldiers under Capt. Bee was stationed at that place, and had the officer been a zealous or capable one might easiW have overtaken and punished them. As stated the " annuitv Sioux " disclaimed the HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. 7-i9 acts of this outlaw ; but for a time the gov- ernment refused to pay the annuities until they should deliver up the murderers. In a short time, however, the government let the matter drop, and continued to pay the an- nuities as before. Some thought that this was a great error, and that the Indians mis- took it for a sign of weakness. However that may be, as time went on the Indians became more and more insolent, and Little Crow, together with a few leaders among the annuity Sioux, from the time the government ceased its efforts to punish Ink- padutah, began to agitate and plan the great conspiracy to drive the whites from the State of Minnesota. Little Crow was one of the " farmer Indians," whose headquarters was a short distance above the Lower Agency, who is credited with being the leadei" in the outbreak against the whites. The antecedent exciting causes of this massacre are numerous. The displaced agents and traders find the cause in the er- roneous action of the government, resulting in their removal from office. The statesman and the philosopher may unite in tracing the cause to improper theories as to the mode of acquiring the right to Indian lands. The former may locate the evil in our s^'stem of treaties, and the latter in our theories of gov- ernment. The philanthropist may find the cause in the absence of justice which we ex- hibit in all our intercourse with the Indian races. The poet and the lovers of romance in human character find the true cause, as they believe, in the total absence of all ap- preciation of the noble, generous, confiding traits peculiar to the native Indian. The Christian teacher finds apologies for acts of Indian atrocities in the deficient sj'stems of mental and moral culture. Each of these different classes are satisfied that the great massacre of August, 1S62, had its origin in some way intimately connected with his favorite theory. Maj. Thomas Galbraith, Sioux agent, says, in writing of the causes which led to 43 the massacre : " The radical, moving cause of the outbreak is, I am satisfied, the in- grained anil fixed hostility of the savage bar- barian to reform and civilization. As in all barbarous communities in the history of the world, the same people have, for the most part, resisted the encroachments of civiliza- tion upon their ancient customs, so it is in the case before us. Nor does it matter ma- terially in what shape civilization makes its attack. Hostile, opposing forces meet in conflict, and a war of social elements is the result — civilization is aggressive, and bar- barism stubbornly resistant. Sometimes, indeed, civilization has achieved a bloodless victory, but generally it has been otherwise. Christianit}', itself, the true basis of civiliza- tion, has, in most instances, waded to success through seas of blood. . . . Having stated thus much, I state, as a settled fact in my mind, that the encroachments of Christianity, and its handmaid, civilization, upon the habits and customs of the Sioux Indians, is the cause of the late terrible Sioux outbreak. There were, it is true, many im- mediate inciting causes, which will be allud- ed to and stated hereafter, but they are sub- sidiary to, and developments of, or incident to, the great cause set forth. . . . But that the recent Sioux outbreak would have happened at any rate, as a result, a fair con- sequence of the cause here stated, I have no doubt. " Now as to the existing or immediate causes of the outbreak : By my predecessor a new and radical system was inaugurated ; practically, and in its inauguration, he was aided by the Christian missionaries and by the government. The treaties of 1858 were ostensibl}' made to carry this new system into effect. The theory, in substance, was to break up the community system which obtained among the Sioux, weaken and de- stroy their tribal relations, and individualize them, by giving them each a separate home. On the 1st day of June, A. D. 1861, when I entered upon the duties of my 750 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. office, I found that the system had just been inaugurated. Some hundred families of the annuity Sioux had become novitiates, and their relatives and friends seemed to be favorably disposed to the new order of things. But I also found that, against these were arrayed over five thousand 'annuit}' Sioux,' besides at least three thousand Yank- tonais, all inflamed hy the most bitter, re- lentless and devilish hostility. " I saw, to some extent, the difficulty of the situation, but I determined to continue, if in m}' power, the civilization system. To favor it, to aid and build it up by every fair means, I advised, encouraged, and assisted the farmer novitiates ; in short I sustained the policy inaugurated by my predecessor, and sustained and recommended by the gov- ernment. I soon discovered that the system cuuld not be successful without a sufficient force to protect the ' farmer ' from the hos- tility of the ' blanket' Indians. " During my term, and up to the time of the outbreak, about 175 had their hair cut and had adopted the habits and customs of the white men. " For a time, indeed, my hopes were strong that civilization would soon be in the as- cendant. But the increase in the civilization party and their evident prosperity, only tended to exasperate the Indians of the ' an- cient customs,' and to widen the breach. But while these are to be enumerated, it may be permitted me to hope tliat the radical cause will not be forgotten or overlooked ; and I am bold to express this desire, because, ever since the outbreak, the public journals of the country, religious and secular, have teemed with editorials by and communications from 'reliable individuals,' ])oliticians, philanthro- pists, philosophers and iiired ' penny-a-liners,' mostly mistaken and sometimes willfully and grossly false, giving the cause of the Indian raid." Maj. Galbraith enumerates a variety of other exciting causes of the massacre, which our limit will not allow us to insert in this volume. Among other causes, . . that the United States was itself at war, and that Washington was taken by the negroes. . . But none of these were, in his opinion, the cause of the outbreak. The Major then adds : " Grievances such as have been related, and numberless others akin to them, were spoken of, recited, and chanted at their councils, dances and feasts, to such an extent that, in their excitement, in June, 1862, a secret organization known as the 'Soldiers' Lodge ' was founded by the young men and soldiers of the lower Sioux, with the object, as far as I was able to learn through spies and informers, of preventing the ' traders ' from going to the pay-tables, as had been their custom. Since the outbreak I have become satisfied that the real object of this ' Lodge ' was to adopt measures to ' clean out ' all the white people at the end of the payment." Whatever may have been the cause of the fearful and bloody tragedy, it is certain that the manner of the execution of the infernal deed was a deep-laid conspiracj', long cher- ished by Little Crow, taking form under the guise of the " Soldiers" Lodge," and matured in secret Indian councils. In all these secret movements Little Crow was the moving spirit. Now the opportune moment seemed to have come. Only thirty soldiers were sta- tioned at Fort Ridgely. Some thirty were all that Fort Ripley could muster, and at Fort Abercrombie, one company under Capt. Van Der Hork was all the whites could depend upon to repel any attack in that quarter. The whole effective force for the defense of the entire frontier, from Pembina to the Iowa line, did not exceed 200 men. The annuity money was daily expected, and no troops except about one hundred men at Yellow Medicine, had been detailed, as usual, to attend the anticipated payment. Here was a glittering prize to be paraded before the minds of the excited savages. The HI8TOBT OF JIINNESoTA. 751 whites were weak ; they were engaged in a terrible war among themselves ; their atten- tion was now directed toward the great straggle in the South. At such a time, offer- ing so many chances for rapine and plunder, it would be easy to unite at least all the annuity Indians in one common movement. Little Crow knew full well that the Indians could easily be made to believe that now was a favorable time to make a grand attack upon the border settlements. A memorable council convened at Little Crow's village, near the lower agency, on Sunday night, August 3, previous to the attack on Fort Ridgely, and precisely two weeks before the massacres at Acton. Little Crow was at this council, and he was not wanting in ability to meet the greatness of the occasion. The proceedings of this council, of course, were secret. The council matured the details of the conspiracy. It appears that the, next day, August 4, a party of ninety-six Indians in war paint and fully ai'med, rode up to Fort Ridgely and re- quested permission to hold a dance and feast in the fort. They were allowed to hold the dance outside the fort, but Sergeant Jones, with singular foresight, mounted a howitzer charged with shell and canister-shot and guarded the entrance, having it pointed toward the Indians. After finishing the dance the red-skins left without making the attack, which had undoubtedly been medi- tated. Only thirty soldiers occupied the post at Fort Ridgely, and this was deemed ampl3' sufficient for times of peace. On the same day a great many Indians were encamped about the Upper Agency. They were afraid they would not get their annuity money, which had not arrived as yet. They had been -complaining bitterly of starvation, and on this day made an attack on the warehouse, carrying off a great deal of flour and other provisions. The matter, however, was finalh" adjusted, and the agent issued rations, promising to distribute their money as soon as it should arrive. None of the Indians, however, were punished for their attack on the supply house. "We now come to the massacre itself, the first blow of which fell upon the town of Acton, in Meeker County, about thirty-five miles northeast of the Lower Sioux Agency. On Sunday, August 17, 1862, six Sioux In- dians brutally murdered a man named Jones, with his wife and a daughter, and a man named Webster and Howard Baker. On the next day, Monday, the massacre at the Lower Agency occurred, where many were killed and fearfully mutilated. A few escaped and made their way to the eastern settlements. The Indians declared it to be their intention to kill or drive off all the whites to the east of the Mississippi River, and to spare none. All that day the work of plunder went on at the lower agency, and when the stores and dwellings had been emptied, they were fired. So complete was the surprise and so sudden and unexpected the terrible blow that not a single one of the host of savages was slain. In thirty min- utes from the time the first gun was fired not a white person was left alive. All were either weltering in their gore or had fled in fear and terror from that ])lace of death. It seems that hundreds of the In- dians had gathered here and then dispersed through the scattered settlements for their murderous work. On the same morning — of August IS — the massacre began on the north side of the Minnesota River, from Birch Coolie to Beaver Creek and beyond, and the region was strewn with the mutilated bodies of the dead and dN'ing men, women and children. So the terrible warfare continued, murder- ing and burning ; none wei'e allowed to es- cape who could possibly be discovered. The outbreak extended over a vast scope of conn- try, and the Indians numbered well up into the thousands. The entire length of the Minnesota and its tributaries, and out into Dakota, together with all the western part T52 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. of this State was the scene ever3'where of a carnival of blood. The counties affected have already been named. On the 18th of August the Indians at- tacked New Ulm, and after several battles and skirmishes were defeated. A few days later the whites evacuated the town and moved toward Mankato. On the 18th of August the battle at Lower Agency Ferry was fouglit. On the 20th, seeing they were foiled in their attack on New Ulm, they made a furious assault on Fort Ridgely. A number of whites were killed and wounded, but the Indians were defeated. The attack was re- newed on the 22d and another severe battle occurred, which was ended by night coming on. Numerous engagements were also fouglit in the nortiiern part of the State. Throughout all the Minnesota River coun- tiy many women and children were taken prisoners. In the meantime companies had been raised and were everywhere following up the Indians and guarding the various posts at which the settlers had gathered. These various companies had also picked up a great many wounded found on the prairies, and also buried the dead. On the 1st of September, Companjr A, Sixth Regiment Minnesota Vol- unteers, under Capt. H. P. Grant, fought the battle of Birch Coolie, a most terrible and bloody engagement. The noble little band of soldiers were relieved on September 3, by an advance movement of Col. Sibley's forces at Fort Ridgeh'. The signal defeat of Little Crow at this battle, in effect, ended the efforts of the Indians in subduinof the whites on the border. After this battle all of the Indian forces under Little Crow be- gan a retreat up the valley of the Minnesota toward Yellow Medicine; and on Septem- ber 16, Col. Sibley, with his whole column, moved in pursuit of the fleeing foe, and on the 23d they came up with the Indians and defeated them in the battle of Wood Lake. This put an end to the hopes of Little Crow. On the same day as the battle of Wood Lake, the Wapeton band of Indians surrendered later and turned over to Col. Sibley all the captives — 107 whites and 162 half-breeds. This place has since been known as " Camp Release." After tlie disaster at Wood Lake, Little Crow retreated in the direction of Big Stone Lake, with those who remained with him. The chief was never captured, but is said to have been killed at Scattered Lake in 1863. Col. Sibley continued to pursue the deserting Indians, and demanded the surrender of all bands. By the 8th of October, 1862, prison- ers had come in and surrendered to the num- ber of 2,000. Scouting parties were sent over various parts of the West, and, until all danger of further depredations was past, soldiers were stationed at all of the frontier posts and settlements. A military commission was soon after inaugurated to try the parties charged with murder of white persons. On the 5th of November, 1862, 321 Indians and their allies were found guilty, and 303 were recom- mended for capital punishment, and the others for imprisonment. They were im- mediately removed under a guard of 1,500 men to South Bend, on the Minnesota River, to await further orders from the govern- ment. The final decision of the President was rendered on the ITthof December, 1862, ordering that forty of these be hung on Fri- day, December 26. One of these died a short time before the day set, and one other, a half breed, had his sentence commuted to imprisonment for life just before the fatal da}'. As to the other thirty -eight the sen- tence was executed at Mankato on the day set. On the 16th of February, 1863, the trea- ties before that time existing between the United States and these '•annuity Indians" were abrogated and annulled, and all lands and rights of occupanc}', and all annuities and claims then existing in favor of said Indians, were declared forfeited. Thus ended the saddest chapter of Minnesota's history. CHAPTER IV. TEERITOEIAL AND STATE OFFICEES. TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. HE first governor of the Terri- tory of Minnesota was Alexander Ramsey, who served from Jnne 1, IS-iii to May 15, 1S53. AYillis A. Gorman succeeded him, and held the office until April 23, 1857. Samuel Medary was the next territorial governor, and held the office until the State officers were sworn in, May 24, 1858. The first secretary of the Territory was Charles K. Smith, who served from June 1, 1849, until October 23, 1851, when Alexander "Wilkin qualified and held the office until May 15, 1853. Joseph Travis Rosser was the next, and served until April 28, 1857. Charles L. Chase, the last territorial sec- retary, qualified on the date last named and served until succeeded by the newly chosen secretary of state, May 21:, 1858. The office of territorial treasurer was first filled by Calvin A. Tuttle, who served from November 3, 18-49, to July 2, 1853. George W. Prescott came next and retained the position until February 24, 1854. Succeed- ing him Charles E. Leonard served until May 7, 1857, when George W. Armstrong was appointed and served until the State officers qualified. May 24, 1858. J. E. McKusick was the first territorial auditor, qualifying November 3, 1849, and serving until November 3(), 1852. A. Van Vorhees succeeded him and held the office until the 15th of May, 1853, when Socrates Nelson qualified. January 17, 1854, Julius Georgii took charge of the office and served until succeeded by the State auditor. May 24, 1858. During the existence of the Territory of Minnesota, Lorenzo A. Babcock and then Lafayette Emmett were the only ones to hold the office of attorney general. Tlie first named served from June 1, 1849, until May 15, 1853, and the latter from 1853 until May 24, 1858. In territorial times there were no district judges, but the justices of the supreme court attended to all judicial matters now within the jurisdiction of the district bench. The first chief justice of the territorial supreme court was Aaron Goodrich, who served from June 1, 1849, to November 13, 1851, when Jerome Fuller was ajjpointed and presided until December 16, 1852. Henry Z. Hayner was next a]ipointed, but never presided at a term of court. William H. Welch was ap- pointed April 7, 1853, and served until May 24, 1858. David Cooper and Bradley B. Meeker were the first associate justices, and served from June 1, 1849, until April 7, 1853. Their successors were Andrew G. Chatfield and Moses G. Sherburne, who retained the ])ositions until Aiiril, 1857, and were fol- lowed by R. R. Nelson and Charles E. Flandrau, who served until the State officers qualified. The clerks of the territorial supreme court were : James K. Humphrey. Andrew J. Whit- ney and George W. Prescott, in the order named. The reporters were: William Hol- linshead, Isaac Atwater, John B. Brisbin, M. E. Ames and Harvej' Officer. Henry H. Sibley was the first delegate from the Territory to Congress, serving from January 15, 1849, to March 4, 1853. Henry 753 764 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. M. Rice was the second, serving from De- cember 5, 1853, to March 4, 1857, when he was succeeded by W. W. Kingsbury, who qualified December 7, 1857, and whose term expired May 11, 1858. STATE OFFICERS. The governors of the State of Minnesota, in their order have been as follows : Henry II. Sibley, from May 24, 1858, to January 2, 1860 ; Alexander Ramsey, to July 10, 1863 ; Henry A. Swift, to January 11, 1864; Stephen Miller, during 186-1-5 ; William R. Marshall, during 1866-7-8-9 ; Horace Aus- tin, during 1870-1-2-3 ; Cushman K. Davis, during 187J-5 ; John S. Pillsbury, during 1876-7-8-9-80-81 ; Lucius F. Hubbard, dur- ing 1882-3-4-5-6, and A. R. IMcGill, the present governor, who assumed the duties of the office January 5, 1887. The lieutenant governors since the organ- ization of the State have been as follows : William Holcomb, from May 24, 1858, to January 2, 1860; Ignatius Donnelly, to March 3, 1863 ; Henry A. Swift, to July 10, 1863; Charles D. Sherwood, during 1864-6; Thomas H. Armstrong, during 1866-7-8-9 ; William H. Yale, during 1870-1-2-3; Al- l)honzo Barto, during 1874-5 ; James B. Wakefield, during 1876-7-8-9 ; C. A. Gill- man, during 1880-1-2-3-4-5-6, and A. E. Rice, who qualified January 4, 1887. The office of secretary of State has been filled successively' by the following gen- tlemen: Francis Baasen, from May 24, 1858, to January 2, 1860 ; James H. Baker, to November 17, 1862 ; David Blakely,to Janu- ary 8, 1866 ; Henry C. Rogers, during the years 1866-7-8-9 ; Hans Mattson, during 1870-1 ; S. P. Jennison, during 1872-3-4-5 ; John S. Irgens, during 1876-7-S-9; Fred. Von Baumbach, during 1880-1-2-3-4-5-6, and Hans Mattson, during 1887-8. The State treasurers have been as follows : George W. Armstrong, from May 24, 1858 to January 2, 1860 ; Charles Scheffer, during 1860-1-2-3-4-5-6-7 ; Einil Munch, during 1868-9-70-1 ; William Seeger, from January 5, 1872, to February 7, 1873 ; Edwin W. Dyke, to January 7, 1876 ; William Pfaender, dur- ing 1876-7-8-9 ; Charles Kittelson, during 1880-1-2-3-4-5-6, and Joseph Bobleter, the present treasurer, who was elected for 1887-8. The auditors of State have been as fol- lows : W. F. Dunbar, from May 24, 1868, to Januaiy 1, 1861 ; Charles Mcllrath to January 13, 1873 ; O. P. Whitcomb, to Jan- uary 10, 1882, and W. W. Braden, who is the present incumbent of the office. The office of attorney general has been filled as follows : Charles H. Berry, served from Mav 24, 1858, to January 2, 1860 ; Gor- don E. Cole, served during 1860-1-2-3-4-5 ; William Colville, during 1866-7; F. R. E. Cornell, during 1868-9-70-1-2-3 ; George P. Wilson, during 1874-6-6-7-8-9 ; Charles M. Start, from January 10, 1880, to March 11, 1881 ; W. J. Hahn, to January 5, 1887, and Moses E. Clapp, the present attorney general. The present board of railroad commission- ers is made up of Horace Austin, John L. Gibbs and George L. Becker. Those who have composed the board in the past were : A. J. Edgerton, W. R. Marshall, J. J. Ran- dall, J. H. Baker and S. S. Murdock. Edward D. Neill was the first superintend- ent of public instruction for Minnesota. He was appointed in March, 1860, and on the 1st of July, 1861, was succeeded by B. F. Crary. From 1862 to 1867 the secretary of State was e.c-qffjci'o superintendent, but on April 1, 1867, M. H. Dunnell was appointed superintendent, and served until August, 1870, when he was succeeded by H. B. Wil- son. April 3, 1875, David Burt was ap- pointed superintendent, and retained the office until succeeded by the present incum- bent, D. L. Kiehl, who was appointed Sep- tember 1, 1881. The office of insurance commissioner has been held in turn by Pennock Pusey, A. R. McGill and Charles Shandrew ; the last named gentleman having been appointed HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. 755 January 6, 1887, is the present commissioner. The commissioners of statistics have been as follows : J. A. Wheelock, Pennock Pusev, C. F. Solberg, J. B. Phillips, T. M. Metcalf, J. P. Jacobson, F. Sneedorff, Oscar Malmros, A. F. Nordin, Victor Hjortsberg and Her- man Stockenstrom. The following is a list of the gentlemen who have filled the office of adjutant-gen- eral : Alex. C. Jones, "W. H. Acker, John B. Sanborn, Oscar Malmros, John Peller, H. P. Van Cleve, M. D. Flower, H. A. Castle, H. P. Van Cleve, A. C. Hawley, C. M. McCar- thy and F. W. Seeley. .JUDICIARY. The first chief justice of the supreme court of the State was Lafayette Eramett, who was sworn in May 24, 1858, and served until January 10, 1865. Thomas Wilson suc- ceeded him and served until July 14, 1869, when he was succeeded by James Gilfillan. Christopher G. Riplej' was the next, holding the position from January Y, 1870, until April 7, 1874, when he was followed by S. J. R. McMillan, who served until March 10, 1875. At that time James Gilfillan became chief justice, and is the present incumbent. The following statements will show the associate justices, together with the date of qualification of each : Charles E. Flandrau and Isaac Atwater served from May 24, 1858, to July 6, 1864; S. J. R. McMillan from July 6, 1864, to April 7, 1874; Thomas Wilson from July 6, 1864, to January 10, 1865 ; George B. Young from April 16, 1874, to January 11, 1875 ; F. R. E. Cornell from January 11, 1875, to May 23, 1881, and Greenleaf Clark from March 14, 1881, to January 12, 1882. The present associate justices are John M. Berry, who first quali- fied January 10, 1865 ; D. A. Dickinson, since June 27, 1881; William Mitchell, since March 14, 1881, and C. E. Vanderburgh, since January 12, 1882. As to districts courts, the State is now divided into thirteen districts. CHAPTER V. REPRESENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, AND THE CREATION OF COUNTIES. ENATORS. The firstUnited States Senators from Minnesota were James Shields and Henry M. Rice, who took the oath of office May 11, 1858. The former was suc- ceeded on March 4th, 1860, by Morton S. Wilkinson, who served the full term. Daniel S. Norton was sworn in to succeed Wilkin- son, March 4, 1867, and died while in office, July 14, 1870. O. P. Stearns was appointed, and served out the few weeks left of the term. William Win- dom came next, and retained the office until March 12, 1881, when he was succeeded by A. J. Edgerton, who resigned, however, in October of the same year, and William Win- dom was again chosen, serving until suc- ceeded by one of the present Senators, D. M Sabin, March 4, 188.3. Henry M. Rice, who was mentioned as a colleague of James Shields, served as United States Senator from May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1863, when Alexander Ramsey succeeded him, and retained the position until Marcli 4, 1875. S. J. R. McMillan became United States Senator on the day last named, and occupied the position for two full terms — twelve years — being succeeded March 4, 1887, by Cushman K. Davis, one of the present Senators. REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. The territorial delegates have already been spoken of. When the State of Minnesota was organized, it was entitled to two represen- tatives in the House of Representatives of ^ 756 HISTORY OF MINNESOTA. the United States. This state of affairs con- tinued until 1871, when a reapportionment was made, and the State was allowed three members of the House. At that time the State was divided into three congressional districts — No. 1, embracing the southern, No. 2 the central, and No. 3 the northern portion of the State. In 1881 another ap- portionment was made, by which the State secured live Representatives. This is the present status of the representation. The State is divided into five congressional dis- tricts, as follows : Tlie first district includes Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Freeborn, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona and "Wabasha counties ; the second district includes Fari- bault, Blue Earth, Waseca, Watonwan, Mar- tin, Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Rock, Pipestone, Lincoln, Lj'^on, Redwood, Brown, Nicollet, Yellow Medicine, Lac qui Parle, Sibley and Le Sueur counties ; the third district embraces Goodhue, Rice, Swift, Dakota, Scott, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Renville and Chippewa counties ; the fourth district includes Washington, Ramsey, Hennepin, Wright, Pine, Kanabec, Anoka, Chisago, Isanti and Sherburne coun- ties, and the fifth district includes Mille Lacs, Benton, Morrison, Stearns, Pope, Douglas, Stevens, Big Stone, Traverse, Grant, Todd, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton, Wadena, Otter Tail, Wilkin, Cass, Becker, Clay, Polk, Bel- trami, Marshall, Hubbard, Kittson, Itasca. St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties. The following is a list of the various gen- tlemen who have represented Minnesota in the lower house of Congress, with the years during which they served. With one or two exceptions, the term of office began and closed March ith. W. W. Phelps, 1858-9 ; J. M. Cavenaugh, 1858 ; William Windoin, 1860-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 ; Cyrus Aldrich, 1860-1-2; Ignatius Donnelly, 1864-5-6-7-8; M. S. Wilkinson, 1869-70; E. M. Wilson, 1869-70 ; John T. Averiil, 1871-2- 3-4 ; M. H. Dunnell, from 1871 to 1883 ; H. William S. King; B. Straight, 1S74-5-6-7-S : 1876; J. H. Stewart, 1878; Henry Poehler, 1879-80; H. B. Straight, 1881-2-3-4-5-6; W. D. Washburn, 1879-80-1-2-3-4 ; Milo White, 188.3-4-5-6; J. B. Wakefield, 1883-4-5-6; Knute Nelson, 1883-4-5-6-7-8 ; J. B. GilHllan, 1885-6; Thomas Wilson, 1887-8; John Lind, 1887-8 ; John L. McDonald, 1887-8 ; Edmund Rice, 1887-8. OKEATION OF COUNTIES. In this connection we present a list of tlie counties of Minnesota, together with the date on which they were ci-eated by the terri- torial 01' State Legislatures, viz.: Aitkin, May 23, 1857, Anoka, May 33, 1857, Becker, March 18, 1858, Beltrami, F'bru'ry 28, 1866, Benton, October 27, 1849, Big Stone, F'br'ry 20, 1862, Blue Earth, March 5, 1853, Brown, February 20, 1855, Carlton, May 23, 1857, Carver, February 20, 1855, Cass, September 1, 1851, Chippewa, F'br'ry 20, 1862, Chisago, September 1, 1851, Clay, March 2, 1862, Cook, March 9, 1874, Cottonwood, May 23,1857, Crow Wing, May 23, 1857, Dakota, October 37, 1849, Dodge, February 20, 1855, Douglas, March 8, 1858, Faribault, F'br'ry 20, 1855, Fillmore, March 5, 1853, Freeborn, F'br'ry, 20, 1855, Goodhue, March 5, 1853, Grant, March 6, 1868, Hennepin, March 6, 1852, Houston, Feb'ry 23, 1854, Hubbard, Feb'y 26, 1883. Isanti, February 13, 18.57, Itasca. October 29, 1849, .lackson, May 23, 1857, Kanabec, March 13, 1858, Kandiyohi, March 20, 1858, Kittson, February 25, 1879, Lac qui Parle, Nov. 3, 1871, Lake, March 1, 1856, Le Sueur, March 5, 1853, Lincoln, March 6,1873, L3-on, November 2, 1868, McLeod, March 1, 1856, Marshall, February 25, 1879, Martin, May 23, 1857, Meeker, February 23. 1856, Mille Lacs, May 23, 1857, Morrison, Febr'ry 35, 18.58, Mower, February 30, 18.55, Murray, May 23, 1857, Nicollet, March 5, 1853, Nobles, May 23, 1857, Norman, Nov'mb'r29, 1881, Olmsted, February 20, 18.55, Otter Tail. March 18, 1858, Pine, March 31, 18.56, Pipestone, May 23, 1857, Polk, .July 20, 1858, Pope, February 20, 1862, Ramsey, October 27, 1849, Redwood, February 6, 1862, Renville, February 20, 1855, Rice, March 5, 1853, Rock, March 23, 1857, St. Louis, March 1, 1S56, Scott, March 5, 1858, Sherburne, Feb'y 25, 1856, Sibley, March 5, 1853, Stearns, February 20, 1855, Steele, February 30, 1855, Stevens, February 20, 1860, Swift, March 4, 1870, Todd, February 20, 1863, Travers, February 20, 1863, Wabasha, October 27, 1849, Wadena, .July 11, 1858, Waseca, February 27, 1857, Washington, Oct. 27, 1849, Watonwan, Nov. 6, 1860, Wilkin, March 6, 1868, Winona. February 23, 1849, Wright, February 20, 1855, Yellow Medicine, Novem- bers, 1871. «1> -iT" h r" t .ft 1~ .o .-v^- - ■ A <^ '^• -V' o " " . <^^ . ^. - . , .^^.'' ^'^'S ^*^^*-' /%' 1 • • r, _^ •if -^ ...0-- u a I j,0 ^. - V. , ^" ^^ ^ ., ' ^V ^^ * * ^ * Deacidtfied using the Bookkeeper process. ' t^ ^ o *. ki *y ^^ Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide <^ % * * ' ' O «'**** *^ Treatment Date: Oxide 1998 IBBKKEEPER .SERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. Tl-.iim^nn r^ik Hrn/p SEP f/i5R-\h' * a" ^>^ • «(k/^'ySr\jfr • ♦.^ ^^ ^ PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. '«> • » * /V ^. ' ••« -0 ^ "\\^ Cfanberrv Townsti^. PA 16066 ,"&• o""", ^ O^ .>■'•« ''^-^ (724)779.2111 a. * f . y ' o.~ O . * o » o ' . O 'Vo. ^^. V < DOaBS BROS. ■ V iwwwv aiHDiHa 5. °o'' ST. AUGUSTINE -^ "^ *. • ..^, FLA. ^ ■'^o' .V -ov^^ ..^IBRARY OF CONGRESS i iillll llllil lllll 005 378 094 5 II III! Ill