History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I, Part 1

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Jewett, Stephen
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, H. C. Cooper, Jr.
Number of Pages: 892


USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 1
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 1


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84


NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 08192363 7


.


م


Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation


http://www.archive.org/details/historyofriceste01curt


ALEXANDER FARIBAULT


HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES MINNESOTA


COMPILED BY FRANKLYN CURTISS-WEDGE


ASSISTED BY


Stephen Jewett, Esq .; George C. Tanner, D. D .; James Dobbin, D. D .; A. C. Rogers, M. D .; A. E. Haven, Esq .; M. M. Shields, Esq .; A. W. Mckinstry, Esq .; Hon. James Hunter; Prof. Harry E. Whitney; Hon. D. F. Kelley; Hon. J. C. Couper; Prof. Ilorace Goodhue; IIon. W. A. Sperry; B. E. Darby, Esq .; E. E. Bigelow, M. D .; Hon. F. A. Dunham; W. G. Clarkson, Esq .; Hon. John C. Brainerd; C. C. Campbell, Esq .; Virgil J. Temple, Esq .; Frank M. Kaisersott, Esq .; J. J. Rachac, Esq .; Dr. E. K. Clements; Frederick A. Davis, M. D .; Prof. J. H. Lewis; Prof. Philip J. Kuntz; H. F. Luers, Esq .; L. L. Bennett, M. D .; Hon. J. M. Diment; William Kaiser, Esq .; J. H Adair, M D; Hon. J. R. Morley, and many others.


Illustrated


VOL


CHICAGO H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO. 1910


TO THE STURDY PIONEERS OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES WHO, AMID INNUMERABLE HARDSHIPS, BLAZED THE WAY FOR


THE PRESENT GENERATIONS AND TO THEIR DESCENDANTS AND SUCCESSORS THIS WORK 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 Rice and Steele counties. 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 counties. The chief contributors have given freely of their time and talent ; business men, church officials, fraternity and associ- ation officers, manufacturers, professional men and bankers, often at great personal sacrifice, have laid aside their regular duties to write of their communities and special interests ; educators have written of the schools ; and men and women in all walks of life have willingly given the information at their command regarding themselves, their families, their interests 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.


Since this work was first proposed, it has been the plan of the publishers to prepare a narrative which would tell the story of this rich and prosperous vicinity from the time when it first became a geologic reality, through the years when the first explorers pushed their way 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 in- cluded 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 facts have been omitted that many readers would like to see included. To such readers, we can only say that to publish every incident in the life of the counties would be to issue a work of many volumes ; and in choosing such material as would come within the limits of two volumes, we believe that the matter selected is that which will prove of the greatest interest to the greatest number of readers, and also that which is the most worthy of being handed down to future gen. erations, who in these volumes 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 have been due to the dereliction of some of the people of the counties themselves, as in many instances repeated requests for information, especially in regard to the churches, have met with no response. In such cases, information gathered from other sources, though authentic, may have lacked copious detail.


viii


CONTENTS


PAGE


ington County in 1849-Under the Judicial Jurisdiction of Ramsey County in 1851-Attached to Dakota County in 1853-Rice and Steele Counties Included in the Fifth Judicial Distriet with Hon. N. M. Donaldson on the Bench 58


PART II


CHAPTER I.


NATURAL PHENOMENA.


Introduction-Situation and Advantages-Natural Drainage-Cannon River -Topography-Spill and Timber-The Bridgewater Kame-Minerals from the Drift-Mastodon Remains-Old Wells in Rice County-Arti- ficial Mounds-Material Resources-Building Stone, Bricks and Lime. 65


CHAPTER 11. THE FARIBAULTS.


The e Wapakootas-Early Explorations-Adventurers Who May Have Reached Rice County-Official Surveys-"After Eighty-four Years," an Interesting Paper by Stephen Jewett Relating to the Faribaults- Biography of Jean Baptiste Faribault-Biography of Alexander Fari- bault-He Begins Trading on the Cannon River in 1826-Settlement of Indians at Present Site of Faribault in 1834-First Buildings- Distinguished Services of Alexander Faribault-The Passing of the Red Men


77


CHAPTER III. EARLY SETTLEMENT.


Alexander Faribault Located in Rice County as a Trader-Induces In- dians to Settle Near the Confluence of the Straight and Cannon Rivers -Takes up His Own Residence on the Bluffs East of the River- Builds Trading Post and Log House in 1835-Sends Followers West of the River to Start a Farm-Entertains Many Friends-Peter Bush Arrives-Crump, Standish and Gekler Select a Claim-Luke Hulett, Mark Wells, Levi Nutting and Others Make Trip from Saint Paul- James Wells Takes a Claim-The First Winter at Faribault-First Frame House Built-Settlers Begin to Arrive in Larger Numbers- Experiences of the Pioneers. S9


CHAPTER IV.


ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARY LINES.


Rice County Created in 1853-Its Indefinite and Extensive Boundaries- Four Counties Cornering at the Confluence of the Straight and Cannon


ix


CONTENTS


PAGE


Rivers-Western Boundary of Goodhue Defined in 1854-Sibley Sent to the Legislature-Act Passed Defining New Boundaries-Rice County Organized by Governor Gorman-County Seat Established at Cannon City-Resentment by People of Faribault-Refusal to Pay Taxes- Election of Officers in Fall of 1855-Faribault Becomes County Seat -- Records Transcribed from Mendota Documents-Last Change of Boundary Made in 1857


102


CHAPTER V.


COUNTY GOVERNMENT.


Meeting of Appointed Commissioners Held at Cannon City-First Meeting of Elected Commissioners-School Districts Formed-Township Sys- tem-Commission System Again-Yearly Work of the Board-Poor Farm Planned-County Court House and Jail Erected-County Officers -County Poor Farm. 107


CHAPTER VI.


LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION.


Council Districts-Territorial Legislatures-Rice County iu the Seventh and Sixth Council Districts Successively-Constitutional Convention- Rice County Becomes a Part of the Fifth Legislative District of the New State-Rice County Constituted the Eighth District-Becomes the Eighteenth District-Becomes the Twentieth District-Assumes Its Present Designation of Twenty-eighth District iu 1897-Representa- tives in Congress. I19


CHAPTER VII.


TOWNSHIP HISTORY.


Fourteen Townships in Rice County Organized in May, 1858-Early Set- tlement-Early Incidents and First Supervisors of Each Township- Wells - Bridgewater - Wheeling - Richland - Walcott - Forest- Warsaw-Cannon City-Erin-Morristown-Northfield-Shieldsville- Wheatland-Webster 126


CHAPTER VIII.


ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS.


Election Precinets as Organized in 1856-Houston, Faribault, East Prairie, Cannon River and Forest-First Judges of Elections-New Precincts Created-Various Changes-Townships Assume Practically Present Form and Name in 1858-Warsaw Then Called Sargent-Faribault and Cannon City Divided.


191


x


CONTENTS


CHAPTER IX.


MILITARY HISTORY.


PAGE


Conditions at the Outbreak of the Struggle-First War Meeting-Items of Interest-Bounties and Drafts-Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society- Names of the Veterans from Rice County-First Infantry-Second Infantry-Third Infantry-Fourth Infantry-Fifth Infantry-Sixth Infantry-Seventh Infantry-Eighth Infantry-Tenth Infantry-Elev- enth Infantry-First Battalion Infantry-First Heavy Artillery- First Mounted Rangers-Brackett's Battalion-Independent Battalion -Second Cavalry-Other Companies and Regiments-Revised by Hon. James Hunter 196


CHAPTER X.


INCIDENTS AND EVENTS.


Important Happenings-Mostly in Faribault-The Years 1857-1879-Dis- asters, Deaths, Organizations, Churches and Celebrations. 214


CHAPTER XI. CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS.


Incidents in the Life of the County from 1880 to 1910-Fires, Deaths, Marriages, Organizations, Churches, Crimes and Other Happenings in the Daily Routine of Rice County Progress-Culled from the News- paper Files.


CHAPTER XII.


HENRY BENJAMIN WHIPPLE, D. D., LL. D.


Birth, Ancestry and Education-Influence in Politics as a Young Man- Staff Colonel-Theological Training-Ordination-First Rectorship- Call to Chicago-His Work in the Parish of the Free Church of the Holy Communion-Conseerated Bishop of Minnesota-First Service in His New Diocese-First Service in Faribault-Pioneer Conditions -Beginning of the Bishop Seabury Mission Schools-Shattuck School -Seabury Divinity School-St. Mary's Hall-Work Among the In- dians-Service on Treaty Commission-"The Great Apostle of the Red Men"-Honors Abroad-Work in Cuba-Called to the Sandwich Islands-Work in the Southern States-Distinctions in England- Friend of the Black Man-Visit to Porto Rico-Growth of the Diocese -Domestic Life-Bishop Gilbert-Bishop Edsall-Summary of Ilis Life Work-Opinions and Appreciations by Eminent Men-Triumph- ant Closing of a Glorious Career-Memorials. 260


CHAPTER XIII. BISHOP SEABURY MISSION.


Bishop Whipple's Influenee-Rev. J. Lloyd Breck, Rev. Solon W. Man- ney, Rev. E. Steele Peake and Hon. R. A. Mott-Site Selected for


xi


CONTENTS


PAGE


Schools-Associate Mission-St. Columba Mission-Plans for Educa- tional Work-Beginning of the Work-Parish of the Good Shepherd -Work Among the Indians-Peace Between Sioux and Chippewas- Coming of Bishop Whipple-Episcopal Sea City of Minnesota-Sea- bury Divinity School-Growth of Episcopalian Influence-Mrs. Shum- way's Bequest-Officers of the Mission and Professors of the Divinity School-Endowments and Scholarships-Gifts of Hon. H. T. Welles, Hon. Isaac Atwater, Dr. E. C. Bill, Mrs. Augusta M. (Shumway) Huntington and Junius Morgan-Recapitulation and Authorities Quoted-By Rev. George C. Tanner, D. D .- Shattuck School-By Rev. James Dobbin, D. D .- St. Mary's School-St. James' School ... 291


CHAPTER XIV.


EARLY FARIBAULT.


Town Proprietors-Town Plat-Early Additions-First Buildings-Pioneer Events-Early Descriptions-Some Pioneers-Mystery of Metropolis- ville-Faribault Township-Faribault in 1872-Luke Hulett. . 319


CHAPTER XV. FRINK'S NARRATIVE.


Extraets from a "Brief History of Faribault"-Old Town Site-Appear- anee of Faribault in 1855-Early Manufacturing Interests-Location of the County Seat-First Church, School and Newspaper-Indian Seares-Denominational Coneord-Costly Fire-A Few Old Settlers .. 329


CHAPTER XVI.


FARIBAULT MUNICIPALITY.


Historie Meeting of 1870-City Charter Passed by Legislature and Ap- proved by the Governor, February 29, 1872-Election of April 2, 1882 -First Officers-Mayor Tower's Inaugural Address-List of City Officials 347


CHAPTER XVII. STATE INSTITUTIONS.


Advantages and Location-Minnesota School for the Deaf. Dumb and Blind-Minnesota School for Defectives-Minnesota School for the Deaf and Blind-School for the Blind-School for the Deaf-The Minnesota School for the Feeble Minded and Colony for Epilepties .. 352


CHAPTER XVIII.


THE ATHENS OF THE WEST.


Faribault as the City of Churches, Schools, Parks and Homes, by A. E. Haven-Its Many Advantages as a Place of Residence-Library and


xii


CONTENTS


PAGE


City Hall-County Court House and Jail-City Jail-Firemen's Hall -Central Park-Faribault Park-Railroads-St. Lucas Deaconess Hospital-City Lighting-Street Names-Waterworks-Sewer System -Bridges-City Market-Quarry-Telephone and Telegraph-Armory and Theater 362


CHAPTER XIX.


FARIBAULT INDUSTRIES.


Faribault as a Business Center-The Progressiveness of Its Leading Men -Advantages of Lifo in the City-History of the Leading Industries -Various Industrial Facts of Interest-Edited by M. M. Shields - Banks and Banking 377


CHAPTER FARIBAULT CHURCHES.


Episcopalian-Parish of the Good Shepherd-Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour-Shumway Memorial Chapel-Catholic Churches and Schools -Bethlehem Academy-School of the Immaculate Conception-Cath- olie Mission-Church of St. Lawrence-Church of the Sacred Heart- Congregational-First Congregational-Plymouth Congregational-The Congregational Church-Baptist-First Baptist-Free Will Baptist- Methodist-First Methodist-German Methodist-Lutheran-St. Lucas -Immanuel-Markers-Trinity-Zion 393


CHAPTER XXI.


FARIBAULT ORGANIZATIONS.


Masonie Orders by Prof. Harry E. Whitney-Patriotic Orders-Odd Fel- lows-Knights of Pythias-Elks-Eagles-Fraternal Insurance Indus- trial Unions-Faribault Commercial Club-Catholie Societies-Reere- ation Clubs-Literary Clubs. 409


CHAPTER XXII.


EARLY MILLING.


The North, Ames and Granger Mills at Northfield-Exciting Confliet Waged-Archibakl's Superior Flour-His Process-The La Croix Brothers at Faribault-Their Inventions Revolutionize the Flouring Business 120


CHAPTER XXIII.


NORTHFIELD BANK ROBBERY.


Younger and James Brothers Enter the State-Failure at Mankato-Ad- vance on Northfield-Hervie Defense by Allen, Wheeler and Manning


CONTENTS


xiid


PAGE


-Events Inside the Bank-Heroism and Death of Heywood-Bunker, Wounded, Eseapes-Death of Gustavson-Stacy Takes Part in the Battle-Stiles and Miller Killed-Pursuit-Bandits Captured-Police- man Accidentally Killed-Trial and Conviction-Petitions for Pardon -Bob Younger Dies-Release of James and Cole Younger-James Younger Suicides-Cole Younger Pardoned and Exiled. 434


CHAPTER XXIV.


EARLY NORTHFIELD.


Original Entries-Coming of John North-Platting of the Village-Be- ginning of Industry-Letter from John North-Early Events-First Deaths, Births and Marriages-The Red Men-Address of Mayor Scriver -- Early Days, by Capt. D. F. Kelley. 444


CHAPTER XXV.


MODERN NORTHFIELD.


Description-Old City Hall-City Hall and Fire House-Northfield Fire Department-Police Force-Carnegie Library-Northfield Park -- Ridge Square-Waterworks and Sewers-Electrie Lights-Northfield Commereial Club-Rice County Fair Association-Northfield Hospital Association-Ware Auditorium-Odd Fellows' Home-Young Men's Christian Association-Railroads-Cemeteries-Banks-Manufacturing Interests-Industries-Churches-Societies and Clubs. 457


CHAPTER XXVI. NORTHFIELD COLLEGES.


Story of Carleton College, Compiled by Horace E. Goodhue, with Bio- graphical Sketches by Members of the Faculty-Story of St. Olaf, Compiled from Artiele by O. G. Felland-Growth of Two Notable Institutions 480


CHAPTER XXVII.


POSTAL HISTORY.


Complete Story of the Growth of the Faribault Postoffice-Northfield- Morristown - Warsaw - Dundas - Veseli - Lonsdale - Webster - Nerstrand-Discontinued Postoffices-Wheatland-Moland-Riehland -Walcott-Fowlersville -- Lester-Union Lake-Hazelwood - Berg -- Troondjem - Tenod - Eklund - Wheeling - Shieldsville - Prai- rieville-Millersburg-Dean-Written by William Kaiser. 508


CHAPTER XXVIII.


NEWSPAPER HISTORY.


Story of the Various Newspapers Which Have Sprung into Existence in Rice County, Their Struggle for Existence, Their Influence and Im-


xiv


CONTENTS


portance, and in Most Cases Their Final Discontinuance-Story of the Present Day Papers-The Faribault Republican-The Faribault Pilot -The Faribault Journal-The Faribault Democrat-The Morristown Press-The Northfield News-The Northfield Independent-The Nor- wegian American, Edited by A. W. Mckinstry 536


CHAPTER XXIX.


NATIONAL GUARD.


Company B, of Faribault, by Capt. Frederick U. Davis-The Governor's Guards-Faribault Guards-Company B in the Twelfth Infantry in Spanish-American War-Officers and Men-Company D, of Northfield -Its Organization, First and Present Officers. 545


CHAPTER XXX.


NERSTRAND VILLAGE.


Village Started by Osmund Osmundson-Coming of the Railroad-First Building-Village Government-General Description-Business and In- dustries-City Hall-Fire Protection-Fires-Telephones-Farmers' State Bank-Churches-Cemetery-Schools-Elevators-Creamery .... 550


CHAPTER XXXI.


WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP.


Location-Description-Early Settlement and History-First Town Meet- ing and Early Officers-Bohemians Assume Power-Wonderful Prog- ress-Name of Veseli from Veseli in Bohemia-Churches-Societies- Early Events-Cemeteries-Schools-Mercantile-Wheatland Village -Veseli-Lonsdale-Postoffices-Educational - Politieal - Summary -By F. M. Kaisersatt, Assisted by Joseph J. Rachac. 555


CHAPTER XXXIT.


MORRISTOWN VILLAGE.


Early Settlement-Municipal History and Improvements-Furious Cyelone -Schools - Cemetery - Industries - Railroad - Churches - Fra- ternities-Edited by Virgil J. Temple. 594


CHAPTER XXXIII.


DUNDAS.


Modern Activities-Early History-The Archibalds-Beginning of Indus- try-Schools-Churches-Old Mills. 608


XV


CONTENTS


CHAPTER XXXIV.


VILLAGES AND SETTLEMENTS.


PAGE


Shieldsville-Warsaw Village-Lake City-Millersburg-Cannon City- East Prairieville-Other Villages. 613


CHAPTER XXXV.


RICE COUNTY SCHOOLS.


Resume of Public Educational Work in the County by Superintendent John H. Lewis-Schools in the Rural Districts-Northfield -- Morris- town-Northfield and Duudas . 620


PART III-STEELE COUNTY


CHAPTER I.


NATURAL PHENOMENA.


Situation-Advantages-Watershed of Southeastern Minnesota-Native Trees-Mineral Springs-Paper by E. W. Hadley-Formation of the Earth-Surface Drift and Till-Margin of the Iee Cap of the Glacial Period-Morainic Area-Large Boulders-Strata at Central Park, Owatonna 633


CHAPTER II.


EARLY SETTLEMENT. PAGE


Coming of the White Men-Settlement in Medford in 1853-A. L. Wright, Chauncey Lull, Smitlı Johnson, Orlando Johnson and L. M. Howard- First Land Broken-First Cabin Built-First Woman Arrives-Influx of Settlement in 1854-Names of the Early Pioneers-Settlement in Townships 636


CHAPTER III.


ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARY LINES.


Wabasha, Dakota and Rice County Affiliations-Steele County Organized, 1855-Old Time Boundaries-Various Points Suggested as the County Seat-Annexations from Dodge County-Setting Off of Wabasha County -- Ogil's Narrative-Child's Narrative-Dodge County ... 640


xvi


CONTENTS


CHIAPTER IV.


COUNTY GOVERNMENT.


PAGE


First Meeting of Board of County Commissioners-Aets and Personnel of Succeeding Boards-County Officers-Register of Deeds-County Treasurer - County Auditor -County Sheriff - Superintendent of Schools-Judge of Probate-Clerk of Court-County Attorney- County Surveyor-County Coroner-Court Commissioner-Complete List of Officers Since 1887. 659-


CHAPTER V.


LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION.


Council Distriets-Territorial Legislatures-Steele County in the Seventh, Sixth and Tenth Council Districts Successively-Constitutional Conven- tion-Steele County Becomes a Part of the Fifteenth Legislative Dis- triet of the New State-Steele County Becomes Part of Sixteenth Distriet-Steele County Constituted the Twelfth Distriet-Assumes Its Present Designation of Eighth District in IS97-Representatives in Congress 674


CHAPTER VI.


TOWNSHIP HISTORY.


Organization and Original Boundaries of Steele County Townships-Med- ford Township-Clinton Falls Township-Owatonna Township-Ha- vana Township-Somerset Township-Merton Township-Deerfield Township-Meriden Township-Lemond Township-Berlin Township -Summit Township-Blooming Prairie Township-Aurora Township -First Settlement and Early Events-Present Officers. 683


CHAPTER VII.


THE LEGAL PROFESSION.


Biographies of All the Practitioners of Law in Steele County by the Hon. W. A. Sperry-The Bench-Hon. N. M. Donaldson-Hon. Samuel Lord -Hon. Thomas S. Buckham-Life, Education and Services of Seores of Distinguished Men. 716


CHAPTER VIII.


BANKS AND BANKING.


Floating Railroad Bonds-Owatonna Banks-First Bank of Owatonna- Second Bank of Owatonna-The First National Bank of Owatonna- The Farmers' National Bank of Owatonna-Its Beautiful Building Described by Carl K. Bennett-First State Bank of Owatonna, now


CONTENTS


xvii


PAGE


Security State Bank of Owatonna-Blooming Prairie Banks-Whitton and Haley-J. C. Brainard & Co .- The State Bank of Blooming Prairie-First National Bank of Blooming Prairie-Farmers and Mer- chants' State Bank of Blooming Prairie-Ellendale-The Seenrity State Bank of Ellendale. 736


CHAPTER IX. EARLY DAYS.


Reminiscences-Anecdotes and Adventures-Judge Allen C. Adsit-C. W. Hawley-A. B. Cornell-Judge G. W. Green-Watchman and Register -Ezra and John II. Abbott-Rev. William Thompson 749


CHAPTER X.


IMPORTANT EVENTS.


Resume of the Principal Happenings Arranged in Chronological Order- Chapter in Which the Reader May Live Again Through the Fueidents of Steele County Life from 1853 to 1888. 774


CHAPTER XI.


IMPORTANT EVENTS.


Deaths, Accidents, Crimes, Fires, and Thousands of Interesting Events Transpiring Between January, 1888, and June, 1910-Compiled from Newspaper Files. 809


CHAPTER XII.


DAIRY INTERESTS.


Early Attempts at Cheese Making-Individnal Ownership of Gathered Cream Plants-Introduction of the Co-operative Creamery Plan-Indi- vidual Ownership Vanishes-Number of Creameries Multiply-Impor- tance of the Industry-Volume of Ontput-Conclusions-By Hon. Jolın R. Morley 824


CHAPTER XIII.


EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.


State System Inaugurated-First School House Erected in Steele County -Other Schoolhouses Soon Built-Word Picture of Pioneer School- First County Superintendent Appointed-List of His Successors- Owatonna Schools-Early Meetings of the Board-Grammar School Established-High School Course-Modern Modifications and Addi- tions-Present Building, System and Officers-List of City Superin- tendents-Contributed by Professor Philip J. Kuntz


828


xviii


CONTENTS


CHAPTER XIV.


MILITARY HISTORY.


PAGE


Steele County in the War for the Preservation of the Union-First War Meeting Held-Company Marches to Faribault and Is Mustered in at St. Paul-Enlistments and Bounties-Military Distriets-War Record of Those First Enlisting-Names of the Soldiers from this County- Grand Army Organizations-Old No. 5 Post-McPherson Post-James A. Goodwin Post and Corps-By E. E. Bigelow, M. D 837


CHAPTER XVI.


OWATONNA AS A HAMLET.


First Settlement-Pettit and Cornell-First House Built-Influx of Popu- lation-Bridge Constructed-Hotel and Stores Opened-Activities of the Early Days-Business Houses of 1867 and ISS7-First Events. .. . 852


CHAPTER XVII.


MODERN OWATONNA.


"Beautiful Owatonna"-The City of Beautiful Homes-Ideal Situation- Publie Facilities-Educational Institutions-Parks and Trees-Side- walks-Business Advantages-Public Buildings-Contributed by Hon. F. A. Dunhamı 862


CHAPTER XVIII.


OWATONNA COMMERCIAL MEN.


Coming of the Railroads-Race for Supremacy-Owatonna Becomes a Pio- neer Distributing Point-Traveling Men Begin to Settle Here-Rea- sons for Their Choice-Social and Municipal Advantages-Owatonna Council, No. 85, United Commercial Travelers-First Officers-Promi- nent Members-Contributed by W. B. Clarkson-Owatonna Hotels- Old Winship House-Pioneer Hote. Central House-American House -Old Owatonna House-Norsk H( 1-Scandinavian Ilouse-German IIotel-Arnold House-Tremont II so-City Hotel-Peachey House -Robinson House-Merchants' He 1-Commercial Hotel-Church's


Hotel-Kaplan Ilouse-Owatonna Lionso-Smaller Hostelries. 867


CHAPTER XIX.


OWATONNA OFFICERS.


Incorporated as a City-Minutes of First Council Meeting-Changes in City Charter-City Limits-Officers of the City-City and School Bond Issues


877


xix


CONTENTS


CHIAPTER XX.


OWATONNA IMPROVEMENTS.


PAGE Parks-Central Park-Dartt's Park-Mineral Springs Park-Second Ward Park-Cemeteries-City Waterworks-Sewer System-City and Fire- men's Hall-Owatonna Library-City Hospital-Lighting and Heating System-Theater 895


CHAPTER XXI.


OWATONNA ORGANIZATIONS.


Masonie Orders-Pythian Societies-Odd Fellows' Lodges-Fraternal lusur- anee Lodges-Catholic Orders-Women's Clubs-Contributed by E. E. Bigelow, M. D .- Clubs and Organizations. 912


CHAPTER XXII.


PILLSBURY ACADEMY.


Location and Importance-Its Existence as the Minnesota Academy-Gifts of George A. Pillsbury - Buildings - Objeet - Societies - Officers - Biographies 939


CHAPTER XXIII.


ELLENDALE VILLAGE.


Location and Advantages-Origin-Business and Government-Fire De- partment-Cornet Band-Churches-Fraternal Societies-Creamery- Elevators-Schools-Beaver Lake 943


CHAPTER XXIV.


OWATONNA CHURCHES.


Baptist - Congregational - Episcopal - Universalist - Catholic - Meth- odist - German Methodist - Danish Lutheran - German Lutheran - Seventh Day Adventist. 957


CHAPTER XXV. STEELE COUNTY VILLAGES.


Bixby-Clinton Falls-Medford-Settlements and Hamlets-Anderson- Deerfield-Steel Center-Riverpoint-Merton-Berlin-Lemond-Meri- den-Havana-Pratt-Sago-Hope Station-Former Villages-Elni- wood-Dodge City-Adamsville-Somerset Village-Somerset Post- offiee-Elmira Village-Aurora Postoffice-Oak Glen-Aurora Station -Postoffices-Railroads


976


Xx


CONTENTS


CHAPTER XXVI.


POSTAL HISTORY.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.