History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume I, Part 1

Author: Mitchell, William Bell, 1843-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : H. S. Cooper
Number of Pages: 964


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Gc 977.601 St31m v. 1 1441172


GENEALOGY COLLECTION


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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01080 7607


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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center


http://www.archive.org/details/historyofstearns01mitc


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


MINNESOTA


-


BY WILLIAM BELL MITCHELL


ILLUSTRATED


V.1


VOLUME I


CHICAGO H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO. 1915


1441172


PREFACE.


1 While the lives of men and women who undertake the work of opening up a new country for the peaceful uses of husbandry may contain nothing that is thrilling and be devoid of romance, yet they contain lessons of forti- tude and self-denial which are fruitful for those who come after them and profit by their early endeavors. It is no small sacrifice to leave homes of comfort in well-settled localities to live the lives of the pioneer on the far frontier, where comparative isolation is added to the hardships and dis- comforts due to a lack of even the mere necessities of life, all for the hope of what the future may have in store as a recompense. The changes in conditions have been so great during the years which have passed since Stearns county knew only the tread of the Indian that it is difficult to realize what a settler's life in those earlier days really meant. It can be only ap- preciably understood when the facts of pioneers settlement are presented from the experience of those who took part in it. Unfortunately too often the gathering of these experiences is postponed to too late a date, until those who were first on the ground have passed away, their lips closed forever. Such is the case waswe present undertaking. Could the work have been done ten or even half a dozen years earlier, the results would have been much more satisfactory. During this interval many of the early settlers have gone to their last rest-to mention only Capt. J. E. West, H. C. Waite, J. L. Wilson, Judge L. W. Collins, John Schaefer and Casper Capser-men who had been the real pioneers in the county, having an intimate personal knowledge of the very beginning of things, and were themselves the makers of history.


The aim of this work has been to gather facts, as full and as reliable in their nature as possible, for permanent preservation. To this end the public records have been carefully examined, the files of local papers searched for matters of interest, a wide correspondence carried on and individual inter- views sought where general information or personal experiences could be obtained. I have made free use of such books and publications as contained suitable material for use in these pages, including the History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Minnesota in Three Centuries, Flandrau's History of Min- nesota, Folsom's Fifty Years in the Northwest, Geological and Natural His- tory Survey of Minnesota, Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars, the Min- nesota Historical Society's Collections, and the Papers and Proceedings of the Old Settlers' Association of Stearns and adjoining counties.


3 Acknowledgments are due to many persons who have rendered valuable assistance and to whom I feel indebted for much of whatever may be of in- terest in this History. I will first name Mr. Arthur M. Gorman, secretary to the Hon. C. A. Lindbergh, member of congress from the Sixth district, to


iii


iv


PREFACE.


whose persevering efforts are due the securing from the Post Office depart- ment the statistics from which the full and accurate history of the post offices of the county has been prepared. To the Commissioner of the General Land Office; to the Hon. J. A. O. Preus, state auditor; the Hon. W. J. Smith, state treasurer; the Hon. C. G. Schulz, superintendent of public instruction; Mr. Warren Upham, secretary of the Minnesota Historical Society; Dr. H. M. Bracken, secretary of the state board of health; Capt. J. R. Howard, superin- tendent of the Indian agency at White Earth; the officials at the general offices of the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Soo railway companies; C. H. Barnes, superintendent of schools at St. Cloud ; and the various county officers of Stearns county-and this by no means completes the list-I would express my indebtedness for courtesies shown and favors granted during the progress of this work.


Especial thanks are due the men who have prepared the general chapters. They have given to the gathering and preparation of the material much valu- able time, in many instances at the sacrifice of their personal and business affairs. The results are of exceeding value, representing a wealth of informa- tion and details which are of present as they will be of still greater future interest.


Acknowledgments are also due the writers of the history of their re- spective townships and villages, most of which are full, complete and credit- able. It is to be regretted, however, that in several of the townships and villages it was impossible, notwithstanding the most persistent efforts, to isecure from prominent residents of thy localities, of supposed public spirit and intelligence, the necessary information for satisfactory sketches, which will account for the meager character of those published.


Whatever shortcomings there may be in this History of Stearns county- and I am fully aware that there are many-may be charged at least in part to the difficulty of obtaining reliable first-hand information and in part to the local indifference referred to. I hope, however, that it will not wholly fail in preserving for years to come the memories of the good and true men and women who laid the foundation stones upon which Stearns county grew to be one of the best, most populous and most prosperous counties in the great state of Minnesota.


W. B. MITCHELL.


INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES.


PAGE


PAGE


Abeles, David C.


655


Campbell, M. D., Joseph E. 388


Adams, Julius


658


Campbell, William 330


Adkins, Dr. Joul F.


405


Carter, Benjamin F. 668


Ahlers, Henry C.


658


Carter, John H. W.


700


Ahles, Paul


531


Carter, Wesley


699


Ahmann, John J. 373


Carver, O. F.


315


Akers, Rev. J. Milton. 660


Chute, Samuel S.


671


Albrecht, William F., Sr ..


661


Clark, Edward E.


6S


Albrecht, William F., Jr.


661


Clark, E. E.


68


Alden, Thomas Childs 656


Clark, Geo. R.


68


Alden, William H. 657


Clark, Lewis


69


Andrews, Christopher C. 190


Clark, Wm. T.


66


Atwood, Clarence L. 347


Clarke, Nehemiah P.


59


Atwood, Edwin H.


654


Cleveland, David


669


Atwood, Erwin W.


654


Cleveland, Mattison J.


669


Atwood, Mary Elizabeth 653


Coates, John


74


Avery, James P.


660


Colgrove, James 288


397


Bach, John


701


Collins, Loren W.


520


Barnes, Nathan F.


315


Collins, M. D., W. T.


406


Bauer, Joseph P.


210


Cook, Dr. Michael F.


405


Beaty, M. D., James H.


382


Couper, M. D., J. E.


398


Beebe, M. D., Warren L.


381


Crever, John C.


367


Bennett, George H.


668


Dam, Freeland H.


86


Bensen, J. Andrew


661


Daniel, Arnold J.


313


Bensen, John N.


345


Davis, C. F.


315


Benzie, James 330


662


Donohue, J. I.


535


Berlin, M. D., T. N.


398


Du Bois, M. D., Julian A.


384


Bettenburg, Frank


668


Dunnewold, Gerard H. 698 396


Block, Henry C., Sr.


680


Dunn, M. D., John B.


319


Bohmer, John


362


Edelbrock, Abbot Alexius


259


Bostrom, Ernest


667


Edelbrock, Henry


698


Bowing, Albert E.


666


Edelbrock, Joseph


319


Bowing, Harry C.


666


Edelbrock, Joseph F.


698


Bowing, Stacy B.


666


Emmel, John M. 302


Bradford, James F.


315


Emmel, Joseph 302


Braegelmann, Gerhard


371


Engel, Abbot Peter 264


Brick, Edward J.


665


Ervin, Sr., Harry C. 295


Brick, Leo P.


665


Evans, Hugh 702


Brick, Peter


535


Fandel, Frank 302


Bridgman, Charles 315


Feddema, William H. 696


308


Brigham, M. D., Geo. S.


395


Freeman, Ambrose


701


Brower, Claud D.


369


Freeman. Ambrose


319


Brower, Jacob Vradenberg 648


Freeman, Daniel H.


702


Bruener, Dr. Albert L. 405


Freeman, Willard S. 702


Bruner, Theodore 531


666


Fritz, Andrew 697


Buckley, Rolland C.


667


Fritz, Andrew E. 697


697


Caughren, J. A.


Fritz, John


696


Calhoun, David T.


528


Frost, Joseph 695


Frost, Levi 695


Campbell, Donald M.


670


Gale, Robert L. 695


Campbell, Eagleston


670


Garrison, Oscar E. 319


Campbell, Rev. Elay 89


Gilman, M. D., Albert O. 396


Campbell, John F.


330


Gilman, Charles A.


70


V


Branch, Paul


663


Ervin, Jr., Harry C. 295


Brigham, M. D., Charles F. 396


Ferschweider, John


Fisher, William M. 695


Buckman, John


Bunnell, Charles S.


667


Fritz, Frank


352


Callahan, James P. 699


de Marogna, Father Demetrius


252


Berg, Charles R.


Boehm, M. D., John C. 390


Eastman, Aloah


Bach, Frank J.


700


Coburn, M. D., Wm.


vi


INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES.


PAGE


Goetten, Andrew P.


694


Lahr, Jacob A. 297


Goetten, John P.


694


Lahr, Michael


296


Goetten, Peter


693


Lahr, Nicholas


76


Grandelmeyer, Jacob


694


Lahr, Peter N.


300


Gray, M. D., Thomas J. 398


Grinols, Clinton D. 290


Gordon, Hanford L.


537


Landwehr, William H. 686


Lang, John 688


Gross, Dr. Leon G.


405


Lang, John, Sr. 688


Gruber, Andrew


694


Lavaque, Geo. N. 318


Haindl, Prior Benedict


255


Leonard, Dr. Lawrence P 403


Hall, Mathew


292


Lethert, Carl 659


393


Hanscom, David J.


290


Hanscom, Geo. E.


344


Ley, Peter H. 685


318


Harmon, Chandler 692


363


Locnika, Abbot Bernard. 262


Harris, James A.


657


Hasbrouch, Thomas K.


692


Lorinser, Frank J.


670


Hayward, Josiah E.


83


Loso, Martin


662


Heinen, Nicholas


691


McClure, Thomas C.


340


Heinen, Peter


692


McGenty, John M.


683


Henneman, Andrew


292


MeKelvy, James M.


530


Henneman, Gustave J.


654


McMasters, M. D., J. M. 391


301


Herschbach, Henry


389


Magnuson, George C.


664


Hilbe, Joseph J.


293


Marlatt, Silas


318


Hims], J. B.


536


Marshall, Samuel


290


Hoeschen, Moritz


364


Marty, Bishop Martin


206


Hohmann, Jacob L.


690


Maurin, Peter P.


361


Hohmann, Louis


690


Meagher, Edmund


684


Holden, Dr. Emmet C.


402


Meagher, Samuel F.


684


Holes, Samuel


331


Metzroth, Charles J.


307


Holes, William J.


331


Holifer, Henry H.


357


Metzrotlı, Otto F.


307


Hoyt, Dr. Freeland A.


402


Meyer, Rev. Carl


301


Huber, J. G.


318


Meyer, Ewald F.


302


Huhn, Rudolph


291


Miller, Stephen


324


Hunt, Nathaniel K.


294


Miner, George H.


303


Hunter, Dr. W. R. ..


401


Mitchell, Charles S. 318


326


Hurrle, Frank


691


Mitchell, William B.


327


Hurrle, John H.


318


Montgomery, Albertis 318


340


Hyde, C. W. 318


Moosbrugger, Louis A.


684


Jaques, Dr. E. K. 402


Moos, Dr. Wm. H.


405


Jenks, James E. 529


Mueller, Bertus


301


Jerrard, James Reeve 689


Mueller, Herman H.


301


Junk, M. D., Geo. A.


397


Muggli, Anton 358


Mund, William 675


398


Keller, Ernest


293


Naegeli, Franz G. 682


Kern, M. D., Max J.


395


Nagl, Edward J. 211


681


Klasen, Albert H. 536


Niskern, Walter N.


680


Kolb, John 353


Niven, Dr. Wm. 402


Kraemer, Nicholas 374


Nocl, M. P. 320


682


Kuck, Julius 689


386


Olson, Ralph O.


338


Kuhn, John W. 365


Owen, John H. 321


Ladner, Charles F. 295


Palmer, M. D., Benjamin R. 381


Lahr, Frank M. 296 Pattison, John B. 533


368


Hayward, Mary S.


85


Lueg, Charles


Henneman, Dr. Gustave J.


404


Macdonald, Colin F. 328


Henning, Nels E. 691


693


MacGregor, Alexander


Mackerell, Samuel


683


Hamlin, Amos M.


289


Lewis, M. D., C. B.


Lewis, M. D., E. J. 393


Hansen, Hubert


534


Levanseler, F. E.


Limperich, Henry J. 687


Harren, Nicholas J.


Lammersen, Bernard F. 685


Landwehr, Henry 686


Gorman, Patrick B.


532


Kraker, Joseph 354


Nuerenberg, Mathias


Olds, Charles S. 679


Kuhlmann, M. D., August


Murphy, Walter W.


297


Keough, James 688


387


Neide, Harold R.


Kirghis, M. D., A. J.


691


Molitor, Martin 325


Hussey, Allen E.


Hussey, Arthur A.


693


Moore, Edwin F.


Kaiser, P. E., A. M. 652


Kaufmann, John 689


381


Mitchell, Henry Z.


Hunter, M. D., Wm. R.


Metzroth, John W.


306


Hilbert, M. D., Ferdinand


Long, Edwin P. 686


PAGE


Munger, M. D., L. H.


vii


INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES.


PAGE


Pattison, Dr. Thomas A.


403


Stone, M. D., Wm. T. 397


Pendergast, Solomon


351


Stratton, William


314


Pierz, Father F. X.


196


Streitz, Stephen 320


Pilon, M. D., P. C.


396


Streitz, William


320


Pinault, M. D., Herbert A.


Strobel, Simon 673


Pitzl, Mathew


375


Sullivan, John D. 533


Post, M. D., H. M.


397


Sutton, M. D., Charles S. 387


Putney, M. D., Geo. E.


393


Sweet, Milton F. 676


Ramsay, M. D., A. C. L.


383


Swisshelm, Jane G. 61


Rau, John P.


314


Taylor, Myrose D. 525


Tenwoode, Henry


322


Rengel, John


312


Rengel, Peter


313


Terhaar, Herman J.


374


Rieder, Joseph 679


Terwey, Bernard A.


671


Rieland, Frank 366


Thielman, Dr. Henry J.


405


Riley, Anthony L. 308


Thielman, Leonard


324


Rocholl, Lorenzo J


663


Thielman, Peter R. 323


673


Rosenberger, Henry J.


311


Thompson, Wm. H.


325


Rosenberger, John M. 310


311


Tolman, M. D., Moody C.


394


Sotory, Dr. Joseph


404


Trobee, Bishop James


208


Schaefer, Geo. M.


356


Tselumperlin, Alois


672


Scherfenberg, George G.


676


Scherfenberg, Henry


675


Turrittin, Albert H.


401


Schmid, William 677


677


Waite, Henry C.


523


Schoener, B. E.


678


Watson, M. D., Tolbert


395


Schroeder, Fred


321


Weber, M. D., Charles


398


Schulten, C.


322


Weber, M. D., Charles S.


397


Schultz, William E.


358


West, Josiah Elam


646


Schwab, Carl D.


348


Weyland, Nicholas


370


Searle, Dolson B.


515


Wheelock, M. D., J. D.


397


Seberger, Peter


85


Whiting, M. D. Arthur D.


391


Seberger, Peter J.


85


Whitman, Amos T.


703


Seidenbusch, Abbot Rupert


257


Whitney, Albert G.


80


Seidenbusch Bishop Rupert


201


Whitney, A. J. .


78


Senkler, M. D., A. E.


397


Whitney, Ephriam B.


79


Sherwood, M. D., Geo. E.


387


Whitney, Frederick H.


77


Shield, William 331


Whitney, . R.


78


Simmers, Alexander M.


332


Whitney, Sr., Geo. R.


79


Simonton, M. D., W. B.


397


Wilson, M. D., Charles 398


Smith, Joseph G.


336


Wilson, John L. 645


323


Spaniol, Peter 674


Wirz, Pior Othmar


256


Spicer, David H. 321


Wittmann, Father Cornelius


254


Sprague, Cassius M. 349


Wocken, Bernard J.


703


Stearns, Charles T. 322


Wocken, John


703


Stein, Fred V. 360


Wren, M. D., J. V. 397


Stephens, James F. 677


Zapp, John 342


Stewart, Geo. W. 526


Zardetti, Bishop Otto 204


Stock, John


368


Tschumperlin, A. J. 377


672


Schilplin, Fred


317


Upham, Dr. J. A.


Schilplin, Frederick 315


Van Cleve, M. D., Samuel H. 398


Volz, Joseph 319


Schmitt, Christ


Roeser, John A. 526


Thomey, Nicholas 672


Rosenberger, Balthasar 309


Thomey, Pierre


Tolman, Frank


539


Rosenberger, Joseph B.


Tenwoode, John W.


323


Tenwoode, Stephen


323


Reinhard, Bernard 306


Reis, George 678


393


PAGE


Smith, William W. 339


Wilson, Joseph P.


INDEX TO PORTRAITS.


PAGE


PAGE


Ahmann, John J. . 373


Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. 305


Atwood, Clarence L.


347


Maurin, Peter P. 361


Atwood, Edwin H. . 654


Mayer, Rev. Alfred


243


Beebe, M. D., Warren L. 381


Metzroth, Charles J. 307


Bensen, John N.


345


Metzroth, John W. 306


Block, Henry C., Sr.


680


Mitchell, W. B. Frontispiece


Boehm, M. D., John C.


390


Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Z. 327


Bruener, Theodore


531


Muggli, Anton and Family 358


Calhoun, David T.


529


Mund, Mr. and Mrs. William 675


Campbell, Rev. and Mrs. Elgy V


89


Murphy, Walter W. and Family 297


Campbell, M. D., Joseph E.


388


Olson, Ralph O. 338


Caughren, J. A. 353


Clark, Edward E. 68


Pendergast, Mr. and Mrs. Solomon 351


Clark, Lewis


69


Pinault, M. D., Herbert A. 393


Clarke, Nehemiah P.


59


Ramsay, M. D., A. C. L. 383


Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. T. 66


Rengel, Mr. and Mrs. John 312


231


Colgrove, Mr. and Mrs. James 288


Rocholl, Lorenzo J


663


Collins, Loren W. 520


Roeser, John A. 526


310


Daniel, Arnold J. 313


St. Benedict's College and Academy


275


Donohue, J. I .. 535


St. Benedict, Order of, Leaders.


252


Emmel, John M. 302


St. Boniface Church


231


Fandel, Frank 303


308


St. John's University 268


Fink, Rev. Luke


232


St. Mary's Convent and Hall 245


Gans, Rev. Leo .


239


St. Mary's School 242


Schaefer, Geo. M. 356


Gorman, Patrick B.


533


Scherfenberg, Geo. G. 676


317


Hanscom, Geo. E.


344


Searle, Dolson B. 515


Seberger, Peter J. 86


387


Hayward, Mary S.


85


Smith, Joseph 336


Smith, William W. 339


321


Hurrle, Frank and Family 691


Sprague, Cassius M. 349


Swisshelm, Jane J. 61


Taylor, Myron D. 525


323


Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Win. H.


325


Kaiser, P. E., A. M. 652


Trobee, Rt. Rev. Bishop James


208


Kraemer, Nicholas. 374


Turrittin, Albert H.


377


Kraker, Joseph 354


Volz, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph


319


Kuhlmann, M. D., August


386


Waite, Henry 523


West, Josiah E. 647


Lahr, Nicholas 76


Whitney, Albert G.


80


Lethert, Carl 659


Whitney, Frederick H.


77


McClure, Thomas C. 340


Whitney, Geo. R. 78


Macdonald, Colin F. 328


Wilson, John L. 645


Magnuson, Geo. G. 665


232


Immaculate Conception Church (St.


Cloud)


242


Jenks, James E. 530


Tolman, Frank.


539


Schwab, Carl D.


348


Hall, Mathew


292


Harris, James A.


657


Hayward, Josiah E.


83


Sherwood, M. D., Geo. E.


Hilbe, Joseph J. 293


Hunt, Nathaniel K. 294


Spicer, Mr. and Mrs. David H.


Gilman, Charles .


70


Grinols, Clinton D.


290


Schilplin, Fred


St. Boniface School and Rectory


230


Ferschweiler, John


Pierz, Father Franics X. 195


Coates, John


74


Richter, Rt. Rev. B.


Dam, Freeland H. 87


Rosenberger, John M.


Immaculate Conception Church (New


Munich )


Tenwoode, John W ..


Lahr, Mr. and Mrs. Michael


296


viii


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.


NATURAL PHENOMENA.


PAGE


Advantages-Situation and Area-Natural Drainage-Lakes-Topog- raphy-Altitudes-Soil and Timber-Geological Structure-Creta- ceous Beds-Glacial and Modified Drift-Material Resources- Waterpowers-Aboriginal Earthworks-Archaean Rocks. 1-18


CHAPTER II.


BEFORE THE WHITES CAME.


Nature's Paradise-Earliest Human Inhabitants-Era of the Eskimo -Reign of the Indian-Prehistoric Indians-Indian Tribes- Dakotas-Ojibways-Ojibway-Dakota Conflict-Social Organi- zation of the Ojibway-Origin of the Names Sank and Osakis in this Region-Winnebagoes-Life of the Indian-By P. M. Magnusson 18-26


CHAPTER III. COMING OF THE WHITES.


Groseilliers and Radisson-Le Sueur and Charleville-Fur Traders and Explorers-Zebulon M. Pike-His Account of Passing Stearns County-Lewis Cass-Expedition of 1832-J. N. Nicollet-Tide of Civilization Begins-By P. M. Magnusson. 26-31


CHAPTER IV. CHANGES IN SOVEREIGNTY.


European Monarchs Who Have Ruled Over Stearns County-State and County Affiliations-In the Columbian Empire of Spain-In French Louisiana-Again Spanish-Once More French-Under the Stars and Stripes-By P. M. Magnusson. 31-35


CHAPTER V.


INDIAN TREATIES.


Treatment of the Indian-Treaty of 1785-Dakota Treaty of 1837- Chippewa Treaty of 1847-Treaty of Traverse de Sioux-Treaty of Mendota-Other Indian Treaties-Reign of the Ren Men Ends and the County of Stearns Is Opened to Settlement-By P. M. Magnusson


35-38


ix


x


TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER VI.


DAWN OF CIVILIZATION.


PAGE


Sudden Transformation by Which the Arts of the White Took the Place of Centuries of Aboriginal Life-Stearns County's Share in the Evolution of Society-Completing Dr. P. M. Magnusson's Chapters on "The Realm of Stearns County Before Minnesota Was Minnesota" 38-39


CHAPTER VII. TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION.


Minnesota Admitted as a Territory-Ramsey Arrives and Perfects Preliminary Organization-Stearns County Included in Second Judicial District-In Sixth and Seventh Council Districts-Terri- torial Legislature Meets-Original Counties Created-Stearns in Dakotah and Wahnalta Counties-Attached to Ramsey County- Stearns in Cass County-Cass Attached to Benton for Judicial Pur- poses-Other Sessions of the Territorial Legislatures. 39-48


CHAPTER VIII. COUNTY REPRESENTATION.


Constitutional Convention-Minnesota Admitted as a State-Men Who Have Represented Stearns County in the Law-Making Bodies of the State-Congressmen Who Have Represented Stearns County in Washington-Boundary Lines of Legislative and Congressional Districts 48-59


CHAPTER IX.


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.


Important Incidents in the Lives of Several Men and Women Who Have Been Prominent in the History of Stearns County-Causes Which Have Contributed to Their Success-Family Genealogy .... 59-90


CHAPTER X. COUNTY GOVERNMENT.


Stearns County Created-First Commissioners Meet-Election Pre- cincts Established-Board of Supervisors-Government Again in Hands of Commissioners-Doings of the Successive Boards to the Present-Nearly Sixty Years of Official Life 90-158


CHAPTER XI. COURT HOUSE AND JAIL.


Early Efforts to Erect a Court House-Main Building Erected in 1864 -Additions and Alterations-Efforts at Securing a More Modern Building-Bond Issues-County Jail-Old Log Jail-Present Jail Erected in 1878-Title to Sitc. 158-166


xi


TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER XII.


PLATS, SITES AND NAMES.


PAGE


Complete Lists of All Plats Filed with the Register of Deeds-Loca- tions, Proprietors and Dates-Some Forgotten Names and Places- Townsite Mania-Indian Names Still Preserved in the Geography of Stearns County-Significance of Watab and Sank. 166-171


CHAPTER XIII. POLITICAL HISTORY.


Stearns Distinctly a Democratic County-Important Part Taken in Moves That Have Created the Government of the State and Nation -Statistics of the Various Elections-Men Who Have Been Placed in Office by Stearns County Votes-Interesting Side Lights on Political Events 171-181


CHAPTER XIV. IN THE EARLY DAYS.


General Christopher C. Andrews Tells of Pioncer Times in Minnesota -Youthful Ventures-Arrival at St. Paul-Stage Trip to Crow Wing-Settling at St. Cloud-Reminiscences of the Pioneers- Frontier Experiences-Social Diversions-Recruits Raised for Civil War-Biography 181-195


CHAPTER XV.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN STEARNS COUNTY.


The Catholic Pioneers-Noble Work of the Early Fathers-Arrival of the Benedictines-Diocese of St. Cloud-The Vicariate-The Right Reverend Bishops-Diocesan Officials-Present Status-Statistics -Institutions-By Rev. Alexins Hoffmann, O. S. B .. 195-217


CHAPTER XVI. CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN STEARNS COUNTY.


Story of the Organization, Growth and Progress of the Parishes- Devout Fathers Who Have Led a Worthy People Into the Higher Ways of Life-Privation and Sacrifice-Notable Results-Struc- tures Around Which Have Centered Many of the Activities of the County-By Rev. Alexins Hoffmann, O. S. B. 217-252


CHAPTER XVII. ST. JOHN'S ABBEY.


The Benedictine Order-Colony Founded in Stearns County-The Rothkopp Property-Congregations Established-Privations of the Fathers-Noble Souls Who Have Been in Charge of the Com- munity-Removal to St. Joseph-Establishment at St. Cloud- Permanent Location at Collegeville-Help from the Old World- Erection of the Buildings-Indian Work-Present Status of the Community-By Rev. Alexius Hoffmann, O. S. B. 252-268


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CHAPTER XVIII.


COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS.


PAGE


St. John's University-Story of the Struggles Which Made the Present Success Possible-The New St. John's-Present Courses Estab- lished-Distinguished Alumni-Student Activities-St. Benedict's Academy-Ideal Institution Prepared by the Sisters for Girls and Young Women-By Rev. Alexius Hoffmann, O. S. B .. 268-280


CHAPTER XIX.


ST. BENEDICT'S CONVENT.


Arrival of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Minnesota-Boarding School Opened-First Convent Erected-Removal to St. Joseph-Colonies Sent Out-Privations and Denials-Orphanages-Indian Mission Work-Hospitals Established-Home for the Aged-Present Activ- ities-By Rev. Alexius Hoffmann, O. S. B. 280-283


CHAPTER XX. CATHOLIC PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.


Catholics Inaugurate Educational Work in This County-Devoted Work of the Members of the Order of St. Benedict-Value of Christian Schooling-History of the Organization, Growth and Success of the Various Church Schools-By the Right Reverend James Trobec, Titular Bishop of Lycopolis, Egypt, and Former Bishop of St. Cloud 283-288


CHAPTER XXI.


BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.


Facts in the Early Career and Later Success of People Who Have Helped to Make Stearns County-Founders and Patriots-Names Which Will Live Long in the Memories of the Residents of This Vicinity-Stories of Well Known Families Who Have Led in Public Life 288-333


CHAPTER XXII. BANKS AND BANKING.


Story of the Organization and Growth of the Financial Institutions of Stearns County-Lives of the Men Upon Whom the Stability of These Banking Houses Depends-A Brief History Compiled by W. W. Smith, Vice-President and Cashier of the First National Bank of St. Cloud 333-378


CHAPTER XXIII. PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS.


The Pioneer Doctor-His Ethics, Work and Influence-Palmer and Hunter the First to Locate in This County-The Empirics-Medical Societies-Growth of the Profession-Sketches of the Men Who Have Practiced in Stearns County-By James H. Beaty, M. D ..... 378-400


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CHAPTER XXIV.


DENTISTS AND DENTISTRY.


PAGE


Importance of Dentistry-Pioneers in the Profession-First Dental College Opened-Ideals and Ethics-Anaesthetics-Historical Notes -Brief Biographies of the Men Who Have Practiced in Stearns County-By Lawrence P. Leonard, D. D. S. 400-406


CHAPTER XXV. OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.


Early Attempts at Organizing the Pioneers-The Present Administra- - tion-Record of the Officers and an Account of the Meetings- Thrilling Stories of Frontier Life Told by Those Who Lived Through the Privations of the Early Days-Reminiscences ..... 406-437


CHAPTER XXVI. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION.


Red River Carts-Pemmican-Transporting Furs and Supplies-Steam- boats-Stage and Express Lines-Roads-Legislature Establishes Territorial Thoroughfares-Romantic Adventures of the Surveyors -County Board Lays Out Roads-Bridges-Ferries-Licenses and Locations 437-452


CHAPTER XXVII.


RAILROAD DEVELOPMENT.


Land Grant Roads-Five Million Dollar Loan-William Crooks-James J. Hill-First Railroad to St. Cloud-Minneapolis & St. Cloud- St. Cloud & Willmar Branch-Removal of Headquarters-Railroad Strike-Northern Pacific-Crossing into St. Cloud-Brainerd Branch-Twin City and St. Cloud Connection-Agents-Statistics -Station-"Soo" Line-Other Proposed Roads. 452-478




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