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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBLALY
ASTOR, LANOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATISA) .
Franklyn Hype curtis Gadget.
HISTORY OF Goodhue County MINNESOTA
ILLUSTRATED
EDITOR IN CHIEF FRANKLYN CURTISS-WEDGE
ASSISTED BY
W. M. Sweney, M. D .; Jens K. Grondahl; C. A. Rasmussen; Julius Boraas, M. L .; F. W. Kalfahs; Edward W. Schmidt, M. A .; Mrs. Julia B. Nelson; E. Norelius, D. D .; George C. Wellner, M. D .; John C. Applegate; Ralph W. Holmes; Dwight C. Pierce; Henry Hal- vorson; Rev. James H. Gaughan; Henry R. Cobb; Edgar F. Davis and many others
CHICAGO H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO.
1909
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 376354B ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R 1946 L
TO THE STURDY PIONEERS OF GOODHUE COUNTY WHO, AMID INNUMERABLE HARDSHIPS, BLAZED THE WAY FOR THE PRESENT GENERATIONS, AND TO THEIR DESCENDANTS AND SUCCESSORS THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED BY ALL WHO HAVE ASSISTED IN ITS CONSTRUCTION.
PREFACE
It is with a feeling of considerable pride and pleasure that the publishers present this history for the approval of the people of Goodhue county. The undertaking has not been an easy one and the difficulties have been many, so many indeed that this work would not have been possible without the liberal assistance of the citizens of the county. The chief contributors have given freely of their time and talent ; business men, church officials, fra- ternity and association officers. manufacturers, professional men and bankers, often at great personal sacrifice, have laid aside their regular duties to write of their communities and special in- terests; edneators have written of the schools, and men and women of all walks of life have willingly given all the information at their command regarding themselves, their families, their inter- ests and their localities. To all of these the readers of this work owe a lasting debt of gratitude and to each and every one the publishers extend their heartfelt thanks.
The principal contributors are mentioned on the title page. Of these, W. M. Sweney, M. D., Jens K. Grondahl, C. A. Rasmussen, Julius Boraas, M. L., George C. Wellner, M. D., and others, aside from contributing chapters have generously given assistance in the general construction of the book. Many others have offered suggestions and some contributions have been made by those to whom credit is not given either in the body of the book or on the title page. The writings left by Col. William Colvill, Col. Hans Mattson, S. J. Willard, Dr. W. W. Sweney, Judge E. T. Wilder and others, have been freely drawn upon.
In planning for this work the publishers hoped to prepare a narrative which should tell the story of this rich and prosperous county from the time when it first became a geologie reality, through the years when the first explorers pushed their way up the river and into the wilderness, down to the present time when cities and villages dot the landscape and comfortable homes and fertile farms are seen on nearly every quarter section.
In handling the vast amount of material gathered for this work it has been the aim of the entire staff to select such matter as is authentic, reliable and interesting. Doubtless facts have been ineluded that many will deem of little moment, but these same facts to others may be of the deepest import. It may be. also, that some faets have been omitted that many of the readers would like to see included. To such readers we can only say that to publish every ineident of the life of the county would be to issue a work of many volumes, and in choosing sneh material as would come within the limits of one volume, we believe that the
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PREFACE
matter selected is that which will prove of greatest interest to the greatest number of readers, and also that which is most worthy of being handed down to future generations, who in this volume, in far distant years may read of their large-souled, rugged-bodied ancestors and predecessors who gave up the settled peace of older communities to brave the rigors of pioneer endeavor.
A few omissions may be due to the dereliction of some of the people of this county themselves, as in some instances, fortunately few, repeated requests for information has met with no response. In such cases, information gathered from other sources, though authentic, may have lacked copious detail.
In spelling, it has been the endeavor of the publishers to follow the generally accepted forms. with the exception of the word "Wacoota," in which case the publishers have chosen to follow the English spelling rather than the French rendition of "Wacouta."
Before passing hasty judgment on apparent errors, one should consider carefully, not relying on tradition or memory. In many cases we have found that persons' memories are faulty and tradition erronious, when measured by the standard of of- ficial records, even in the case of comparatively recent events, while in many instances families are under the impression that their forebears arrived in the county long before it was possible for them to do so. In such cases, we have found it advisable to follow the records. An instance of faulty tradition is the some- what extensively accepted story that Barn Bluff is named from a man named Barnes when as a matter of fact Barn is merely the English form of La Grange, the cognomen applied to the bluff by the earliest French explorers on account of its fancied resemblance to the common type of small barn in the old coun- try. The name Barn is used by Pike in 1806, long before any man named Barnes could have settled at its base.
The publishers are indebted to the files of the Red Wing "Re- publican," which have been carefully perused and liberally copied; to the county, village and city records, and to the min- utes of various corporations and societies. In this connection it is but just that thanks should be extended to those courteous gentlemen who have these records. files and books in charge and who have freely assisted the editors in their researches. Other books consulted and in many instances quoted are : The History of Goodhue County. published in 1879; J. W. Hancock's History of Goodhue County: W. H. Mitchell's Geographical and Statis- tical Sketch of the Past and Present of Goodhue County; His- tory of St. Paul and Ramsay County by J. Fletcher Williams; the various publications of the Minnesota Historical Society; the Legislative Manual of the State of Minnesota; The History of Minnesota, by Edward W. Neill; Minnesota in Three Centuries, by L. F. Hubbard. William P. Murray, James H. Baker and Warren Upham; The History of Scandinavians in the United States, by O. N. Nelson; The Geological and Natural History Survey of Minnesota, by N. H. Winchell, assisted by Warren Upham; The Memoirs of Explorations in the Basin of the Mis- sissippi, by J. V. Brower; The Norsemen in America, by Martin Ulvestad; also various other standard historical, reference and biographical works, as well as many original manuscripts. .
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PREFACE
The biographies have all been gathered with care from those most interested, and with a few exceptions have been revised and corrected by the subject of the biography or by a relative or friend. This, however, refers to the dates, and sequence of events, all personal estimates being the work of the editors and inserted in biographies only after consultation with other mem- bers of the staff.
That this history is faultless we do not presume; it is prob- ably not within the power of man to arrange a work of this kind without mistakes of one sort or another; that it will meet with the unqualified approval of all, we dare not expect, but we trust that the merits of the history will overbalance any short- comings that may be discovered.
Our association with the people of Goodhue county has been . a most pleasant one. We have conscientiously performed our task and in placing the history in the hands of those whom it most concerns our hope is that we have done our work well.
H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. NATURAL PHENOMENA. PAGE
Location-Area-Water Courses-Surface Features-Ancient River Beds- Elevations-Soil-Forest Trees-Artesian Wells-Sources of Wealth- Native Animals. 1
CHAPTER II. GEOLOGIC AGES.
Formation of the Earth-Cooling of the Crust-The Various Periods as Outlined by Scholars-Appearance of Vegetation-First Animal Life -Geologic Formations of Goodhue County-Influence of These Dis- tance Periods on Modern Existence.
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CHAPTER III. EVIDENCE OF THE MOUNDS.
The First Human Inhabitants of Goodhue County-Indications That They Were Indians-Location and Shape of the Mounds-Their Purpose- What Excavation Has Revealed-Fort Sweney-Stone Cairns-The Lowland Mounds-Reign of the Sioux-By Edward W. Schmidt ..... 18
CHAPTER IV. EARLY DAYS.
Possession by Indians-The Dakotas-Traditions and Opinions-Col. Col- vill's Views-Origin of Name . Red Wing - The Raidss , n- Groseillers Allegations-No Proof That These Men Ever Saw Goodhue County-Hennepin Lands at Red Wing's Village-Duluth Passes the Village-LeSueur at Prairie Island-Fort Beauharnois and Its Suc- cessors-Carver Passes Through Wisconsin Channel-Pike and His Narrative-Meets Red Wing and Calls Him by His English Name- Leavenworth-First Steamers-Denton and Gavin-Aiton and Han- cock-Tribute to Rev. Hancock-Early Schooling-The Pioneers Arrive-By Dr. W. M. Sweney. 33
CHAPTER V. FORTS AT FRONTENAC.
Landing of Count Frontenac-Building of Fort Beauharnois by Du Boucher in 1727-Work of the Jesuits-Disastrous Freshets-Capture of Father Guingas-Linetot's Stockade-St. Pierre and His Meeting With Washington-Abandonment of Stockade-Marin's Fort in 1750 -Final Evacuation by the French-Modern Evidences .. 62
CHAPTER VI. UNDER EUROPEAN KINGS.
French and English Claims-Spanish Rule-The Louisiana Purchase-A Part of Louisiana Territory-Under Successive Jurisdiction of Mis- souri. Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa-No Man's Land-General Sibley's Duties-Minnesota a Territory-In Statehood Days-A Full- Fledged County .
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CHAPTER VII. INDIAN TREATIES. PAGE
Prairie du Chien in 1825-Second Treaty in 1830-Treaty of 1837-Doty Treaty in 1841-Treaty of Mendota in 1851-Land Open to Settle- ment-Prairie Island Indians. 74
CHAPTER VIII. INDIAN TROUBLES.
Half-Breed Tract-The Location and Purpose-Issue of Scrip-Difficulties Which Ensued-Threats and Recourse to Washington Finally Settle the Matter-Spirit Lake Massacre-Investigation by Red Wing Men- Uprising of 1862 90
CHAPTER IX. BEGINNING OF THE COUNTY.
Boundary Lines Given-First Election-"Judge" Young and His Ballot Box-Imported Voters-County Officers Appointed-First Session of Board-Court House Resolution-School Districts-A Few Early Ses- sions-Court House Contract-1849-1858. 97
CHAPTER X. TOWNSHIP SYSTEM.
An Experiment in County Government-Members of First Board of Super- visors-Two Chairmen-Party Feeling High-Sheriff Preserves Order -Another Version-Court House Trouble-Meeting of Second Board -Resumption of County Commissioner System-History of Court House-County Poor Farm-Political History. 110
CHAPTER XI. DR. SWENEY'S NARRATIVE.
Denton and Gavin-Aiton and Hancock-Bush, Bullard, Post, Snow and Gould-Potter, Young and Day-Sweney, Freeborn and McGinnis- Friendliness of the Indians-First Winter-Arrival of the Scandi- navians-Digging Potatoes-Fishing in Stream and River-A Sporting Clergyman-Some of the Indian Braves-Farming in the Old Indian Cornfield-Squaws as Farmhands .. 120
CHAPTER XII. TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES.
Organization and Original Names-Belle Creek-Belvidere-Burnside- Cherry Grove-Central Point-Early Settlement. 142
CHAPTER XIII. CANNON FALLS.
First Settlement-Platting the Village-Village and City Incorporated- Water Power and Mills-Fraternities-Hotels-Newspaper-Modern Cannon Falls-Industries - Business Honses - Schools - Commercial Club-Banks-Cannon Falls Township-Early History-Veterans of the War
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CHAPTER XIV. TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES. PAGE
Featherstone - Florence - Frontenac - Goodhue Township and Village - Advantages and Growth-Holden-Kenyon Township and Village- Modern Progress-Leon-Minneola .. 169
CHAPTER XV. TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES.
Pine Island Township and Village-Progressive and Prosperous-Roscoe- Stanton - Vasa -Wacoota - Wanamingo - Wanamingo Village - Warsaw-Dennison Village-Welch. 206
CHAPTER XVI. ZUMBROTA.
Zumbrota Village-Its Situation and Advantages-Modern Zumbrota- Water, Sewer and Public Halls-Fire Department-Industries-Banks -Hotels-Mills and Elevators-Creamery-Fraternities-Village His- tory and Officers-T. P. Kellett's Speech-Military Company-Village Schools - Public Library - Zumbrota Township - Township Officers 234 Since Early Days-Soldiers from This Township.
CHAPTER XVII. COUNTY SCHOOLS.
First School Taught-First District Organized-Anecdotes of the Early Days - Statistics - Summer Schools - Library Association - High Schools - Church Schools - City Superintendents - County Superin- tendents - Sunday School Work - Hamline University - Red Wing Seminary-Villa Marie-Lutheran Ladies' Seminary-Orphans' Home -State Training School-Business Colleges-By Prof. Julius Boraas. 271
CHAPTER XVIII. POSTAL HISTORY.
Red Wing-First Post Master-Stage Coach Days-Growth and Progress- Other County Officers-Discontinued County Officers-New Federal Building-Statistics 298
CHAPTER XIX. THE PHYSICIAN.
His Proud Achievements-His Solemn Oath-His Ethics-The True Physi- cian-His Reward-His Delicate Relation to the Human Family-His Inventions and Discoveries Free Gifts-The Pioneer Doctor-His Character-His Services-His Limitations-The March of Medicine- Biographies-A Roll of Honor-The Goodhue County Medical Society -The Twentieth Century-Preventive Medicine-The Physician as an Educator-By George C. Wellner, M. D. 315
CHAPTER XX. SONS OF THE VIKINGS.
Discovery of America-Modern Norwegian Immigration-Mathias Peder- sen Ringdahl-Early Settlers-Anecdotes-Officeholders-Newspapers -Norwegians as Pioneers-Their Present Status. ...
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CHAPTER XXI. SWEDISH SETTLEMENT. PAGE
Early Colonies-Coming to Minnesota-Mattson, Willard and Norelius- Story of the Early Swedes Tokdl by Dr. Norelius-The Churches at Red Wing and Vasa-Reminiscences by Early Settlers-Character- isties of the Swedes. .... . 340
CHAPTER XXII. THE GERMANS.
Origin of Race-Colonial Germans-Prominent Tentons-Germans in Good- hue County-Early Settlers in Various Townships-German Soldiers- German Officeholders-St. John's Hospital and Training School- German Industries-German Churches-Written by Prof. F. W. Kalfahs
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CHAPTER XXIII. LAND OFFICE RECORDS.
Government Records of Those Who Took Claims in Goodhue County Be- fore 1858-A List of Hardy Pioneers, Nearly All of Whom Are Now Dead-The Year and Month in Which They Came and the Section, Township and Range in Which They Settled-Many of Their Claims Still in the Possession of Their Families. 384
CHAPTER XXIV. GOODHUE COUNTY CHURCHES.
Religious Influence - Norwegian Lutheran - Norwegian Methodist - Swedish Lutheran - English Lutheran - Swedish Mission - German Churches-German Methodism-Swedish Methodists-Roman Catholic -Congregational-Presbyterian-Episcopal Baptis :- Swedish Baptist. 404
CHAPTER XXV. ANECDOTES AND ADVENTURES.
Address by Judge Wilder-Office Experiences-A New Setting to an Old Tale-Pleasures of the Early Days-On Thin Ice-C. J. F. Smith's Adventures-His Arrival-An Early Journey-Writings of the Rev. J. W. Hancock-Indians and Whisky-Difficulties of Travel-A Canoe Trip on Land-The Mysterious Wild Girl-Oil Wells in Red Wing- Coal and Gold Also Found. 458
CHAPTER XXVI. OFFICERS AND POPULATION.
List of Men Who Have Represented Goodhne County at St. Paul Since Territorial Days-List of County Officers-Men From This County Who Have Occupied Positions of Higher Trust and Honor-Popula- tion of the County by Nationality and Occupation, With List of Growth Since the Earliest Census. 478
CHAPTER XXVII. CALAMITIES.
Terrible Cyclone-Vasa the Greatest Sufferer-"Sea Wing" Disaster- List of Those Who Perished-The Survivors-Terrible Blow to the Whole County-"Galena" Burned at the Levee in Red Wing- Shooting of Chief Daily and Officer Peterson-Red Wing Fires in By- gone Days.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXVIII. MILITARY HISTORY. PAGE
First War Meeting-Colonel Colvill First Man to Enlist-Mustering in of First Companies-First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Volunteer Infantry-First, Second, Brackett's and Independent Cavalry-Heavy Artillery-Light Artillery-Colonel Hubbard's Bravery-Colonel Colvill's Charge-Spanish-American War -History of Local Company-Complete Roster of Soldiers and Offi- cers from Goodhue County in the Philippines. 507
CHAPTER XXIX. REW WING AS A HAMLET.
Origin of the Village-First Settlement-Rev. Hancock's Arrival-The Early Settlers-Claim Hunters-Incidents of Village Life-Great Events of Those Days-Burning the Indian Tepees-First Farming- First Stores-First Churches-Pioneer Politics-Principal Events from 1852 to 1859-Business Directory Published in 1869-Poem by Julia B. Nelson. 529
CHAPTER XXX. THROUGH FIFTY-TWO YEARS.
Principal Events in the Government of Red Wing Since Its Incorpora- tion-List of Mayors, Aldermen and Other Officers-Railroads, Tele- graph, Street Car and Other Franchises-Sewerage System-Water Works-Fire Department-Public Buildings-Bonds and Improve- ments-Memorials-Red Wing Township-Veterans. 550
CHAPTER XXXI. "THE DESIRABLE CITY."
Its Many Advantages-Desirability as a Home City-The Carnegie- Lawther Library-T. B. Sheldon Memorial Auditorium-Red Wing Civic League - Fire Department - Water Works - Ferries - Wagon Bridge-Associations and Clubs-Banks and Banking-Business and Professional-Red Wing Fraternities. 579
CHAPTER XXXII. RED WING INDUSTRIES.
Busy Manufacturing Plants That Furnish the Foundation for Red Wing's Prosperity-Pottery and Sewer Pipe Making-Malting Houses-Shoes and Shoe Paes-Hats-Furniture-Iron Works-Advertising Novelties -Lighting Facilities - Milling Concerns - Lime Burning - Linseed Products-Sand-Telephones-Job Printing-Utilizing the Forests- Brick Making-Other Concerns-Edited by Jens K. Grondahl. 616
CHAPTER XXXIII. MODERN RED WING.
Its Advantages, Opportunities and Wealth-Some of the Things Which Have Made It Famous-History of the Various Newspapers Which Have Been Published Here - Associations and Societies - Miscel- laneous 645
CHAPTER XXXIV. LIVES OF LEADING MEN.
Principal Events in the Careers of Pioneers Who Have Now Passed Away-Biographies of Men Who Are Still Active in Business, Pro- fessional and Commercial Interests-Gathered with Care from Various Sources, Carefully Compiled and Submitted for Approval. . . .
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THE VER FARE PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENWX AND TILDEN FOTKIATIONS
L
Im/ Savenay
HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY
CHAPTER I.
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
Location-Area-Water Courses-Surface Features-Ancient River Beds-Elevations-Soil-Forest Trees-Artesian Wells -Sources of Wealth-Native Animals.
On its splendid course from Itasca to the Gulf, the mighty Mississippi passes no fairer land than that which it touches from Prairie Island to Central Point, where, guarded on the north by towering bluffs and broken here and there by picturesque valleys, Goodhue county stretches to the southward in undulating prairies. Unusually blessed by nature with deep soil and abundant natural resources, and endowed with a wealth of prehistorie and historie lore, it is a fitting home for the sturdy people who have here made their dwelling place. Hard-working, progressive and pros- perous, they have appreciated the gifts which nature has spread for them, and have added their own toil to the work of the ele- ments, making the county one of the garden spots of the earth. On the hills graze cattle and sheep, while the level lands respond to the efforts of the spring-time sower and planter with a wealth of harvest in the summer and autumn. On nearly every quarter section is reared a comfortable home and commodious barns, while from every hill top are visable the churches and schools wherein the people worship the Giver of all Gifts and educate their children. The county seat city is known for its progres- siveness in all parts of the world, and the busy villages and hamlets have had their share in the growth of the county by furnishing a shipping and trading point for the product of the farms. Thus blessed by God and beloved by man, the county
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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY
today stands for all that is ideal in American life, and from year to year is forging ahead to still wider influence and more extended opportunity.
Goodhue county is situated on the Mississippi river and Lake Pepin. and is bounded on the northwest by Dakota county, on the west by Rice county, on the south by Dodge county and a small portion of Olmsted county. and on the east and southeast by Wabasha county. Its Wisconsin neighbor is Pierce county. The population in 1905 was 31,628, and this has probably been increased by several thousand since that date. It is a large and important county, ranking among the first in the state in wealth, size, population, education, progressiveness and prosperity. It contains twenty-three townships and Red Wing. which is outside of any township jurisdiction. Its total area is 784.79 square miles. or 502.265.62 acres : the water area being only 20.21 square miles, or 12.936.06 acres.
The surface waters of the county all reach the Mississippi river in an easterly or northeasterly course, descending from the height of 1.250 feet above the sea in Kenyon, to 665 feet in Lake Pepin, a drop of nearly 600 feet. The chief of these tributary streams are the Cannon, with its southern arm, the Little Cannon. and the north and north-middle branches of the Zumbro. Belle creek. another branch of the Cannon river, occupies an important valley, running northward from near the center of the county. Spring creek. Hay creek and Wells creek, though not large streams, are important agents in defining the topography of the county, and have subterranean sources of supply which keep them at a nearly uniform stage of water and afford valuable water powers. These water powers have in the past been utilized to a greater or less extent. and at the present time afford the motive power for many mills. Their use in generating electricity has also been considered.
The county has no lakes. There are a great many large springs issuing from the banks of the streams, giving clear, pure water, which are dependent on the impervious nature of the rocky strata. Some of the tributaries of Belle and of Wells creeks issue from the rock walls of the valley, having size sufficient, in some instances, to afford available water power for machinery.
The topography of the county has from time to time been made the subject of careful study. The high prairies in the cen- tral and southwestern portions present a strong contrast with the hilly tracts in the northern and eastern. The former are broad, undulating, and somewhat monotonous. The winds find no nat- ural obstacles, and the exposed traveler can retire to no sheltered nooks for protection. The latter are broken by frequent and abrupt hills. which rise, with some sheltering timber. from two to
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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY
five hundred feet above the adjoining valleys. The transition , between these extremes is gradual, and is due to a variety of causes. Some of the deep valleys of the northeastern part of the county penetrate, in their uppermost sources, far within the flat and monotonous areas of the county. Such are the valleys of the Little Cannon and of Belle Creek. The north fork of the Zumbro, which entirely crosses the county from west to cast, in its southern portion, introduces an agreeable diversity of surface westward from Zumbrota, which otherwise would be one of mere open and nearly level prairie. The north middle fork has the same effect near the southern border of the county, about six miles further south. The townships of Pine Island, Roscoe. Cherry Grove, Kenyon. the central portion of Holden, the northern half of Wanamingo and Minneola, and much of the area of Warsaw, Leon and Belle Creek, also some of Vasa. Featherston and Good- hue, are included in this higher portion of undulating prairie. The uplands of the most elevated portions of the county are from 1.150 to 1.250 feet above the sea. The streams in those portions are but little below that area. They gradually work to lower and lower levels, becoming larger by springs and territories, until they reach the level of Lake Pepin. which is 662 feet above the sea. At the same time the uplands that immediately adjoin these streams, even the Mississippi valley itself. do not partake of this gradual slope toward the Mississippi. The Mississippi bluffs are from 1,000 to 1,100 feet above the sea, or only about 150 feet lower than the average elevation in the southwestern part of the county.
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