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التاء
Gc 977.601 W93c v.1 1266785
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01077 1944
22.
.5
Flurtiss Lodge.
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY MINNESOTA
BY FRANKLYN CURTISS-WEDGE
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
CHICAGO H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO. 1915
04
1000005
TO THE STURDY PIONEERS OF WRIGHT COUNTY WIIO, AMID INNUMERABLE HARDSHIPS, BLAZED THE WAY FOR THE PRESENT GENERATIONS ; AND TO THEIR DESCENDANTS and SUCCESSORS THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED BY ALL WHO ILAVE ASSISTED IN ITS CONSTRUCTION
FOREWORD.
It is with a feeling of considerable pride and pleasure that the publishers present this history for the approval of the people of Wright county. The undertaking has not been an easy one and the dittieulties have been many, so many indeed that this publication would not have been possible without the liberal assistance of the citizens of the county. The chief contributors and editors have given freely of their time and talent : business men, church officials, fraternity, association and corporation officials, manufacturers, pro- fessional 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 given the information at their command, regarding themselves, their families. their activities and their locali- ties. 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.
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 an- thentie, reliable and interesting. Doubtless facts have been included 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 county 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 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 their homes in older communities to brave the rigors of pioneer endeavor.
A few omissions may be due to some of the people of the county, themselves, as in many instances repeated requests for information have met with no response. In such eases information gathered from other sources, while anthentie, may be lacking in copions detail. In other instances the indifference of persons who should have been interested has kept from us information which we have made strenu- ous efforts to secure and which we would have desired to include in this work.
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 erroneous when measured by the standard of official records, even in the ease 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. We have endeavored to follow a uniform system of the spelling of proper names. although various spellings of even the most familiar names appear in the newspapers and records.
V
vi
FOREWORD
The biographies have been gathered with eare 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. As veri- fication of all the details is impossible, the editors disclaim responsi- bility for any errors therein, the opportunity having been given the various families for making any corrections desired. This, however, refers to the dates, incidents and sequence of events; all personal estimates being the work of the editors and inserted in biographies only after consultation with the various members of the staff.
Among the authorities consulted and in many cases quoted eopi- ously are : History of the Upper Mississippi Valley; D. R. Farn- ham's Ilistory of Wright County published in the "Delano Eagle"; Minnesota in Three Centuries; the histories of southern Minnesota counties by the editor of the present work ; the various publications of the state of Minnesota and the United States government ; as well as the publieations of the lowa, Wiseonsin and Minnesota historical societies, and many other biographieal, historical, and archaeological works of reference. The files of the newspapers of this and neigh- boring counties have been carefully perused, as have the county, township, village, eity, and church records. Hundreds of minute- books have been scanned and thousands of letters and original manu- scripts carefully examined. To all those who have extended ns courtesies during our research of these records we extend our thanks. The gentlemen at the courthouse, Clerk of Court Edward C. Tuttle, Sheriff Angus II. Grant, Anditor John A. Berg, Treasurer Orson C. Chamberlain, Register of Deeds O. J. Peterson, Judge of Probate Henry Spindler, and County Attorney S. A. Johnson deserve special thanks, for in many cases the completeness of our information is dne to their untiring efforts in their desire that the history should be worthy of the county whose offieials they are. A. C. Heath has reviewed many of the proof sheets, and C. J. Buckley placed at the disposal of the editor the files of the "Delano Eagle." The names of those who have prepared articles for us appear in many instances at the head of the chapters and in inserted notes, but to name the hundreds who have assisted us would be impossible. Their reward will be the gratitude that future generations will feel that these facts have been gathered and preserved. We have taken advantage of every available source of information, and have labored earnestly to secure coneiseness and aeenracy. The usual extended stories of the ineidents of the early days have in some instances been omitted. the purpose of this history being to provide a ready book of refer- ence rather than a book of romanee dealing with pioneer adventures.
That the history is faultless, we do not presume ; it is probably not within the power of man to arrange a work of this kind without minor mistakes of one sort or another; that it will meet with the unqualified approval of all, we dare not expeet; but we trust that the great merits of the work will overbalanee any shortcomings that may be discovered; and our forty years of experience in this work assures us that the history will increase in value year after year.
Our association with the people of Wright eounty 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 eon- verns, our hope is that we have done our work well.
H. C. COOPER JR. & CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
PAGE
Advantages-Location-Surface Features-Drainage-Lakes -Ice Formed Ridges-Topography-Soil and Timber- Geological Structure-Glacial and Modified Drift-The Moraine-Fossiliferous Beds-Boulders of the Drift- Lignite Deposits-Explorations for Coal . Typical Till Exposure-Waterpowers-Underground Waters-Yield of Water-Head of Water-Quality of the Water-Cre- taceous Rocks-Paleozoic and Older Formations-Water Supply in the Villages-Farm Water Supplies-Sum- mary and Analysis.
1
CIIAPTER II. PRE-HISTORIC INHABITANTS.
Nature's Paradise-The Coming of Man-The Eskimo-The Mound Builders-Purpose of the Mounds-Life and Habits of the Mound Builders-Location of the Mounds -Excavations and Discoveries-Relics. 26
CHAPTER III. INDIAN OCCUPANCY AND TREATIES.
The North American Indian-The Dakotas-Migrations- Occupancy of the Mille Lacs Region-The Ojibwas- The Ojibwa-Dakota Conflict-The Winnebagoes-The Sauks and Foxes-Indians in Wright County-Indian Treaties-Wright County Passes Into the Possession of the Whites-Coming of the Winnebagoes-Life of the Indian 39
CHAPTER IV. GOVERNMENTAL HISTORY.
Early Claims of Title-Spain, France and England-Treaties and Agreements-The Louisiana Purchase-Indiana- Louisiana District-Louisiana Territory-Missouri Ter-
vii
viii
CONTENTS
PAGE
ritory-Northwest Territory-Illinois Territory-Mich- igan Territory-Wisconsin Territory-lowa Territory- No Man's Land-Sibley in Congress-Minnesota Terri- tory-Minnesota State. 60
CHAPTER V. THE EXPLORERS.
Groseilliers and Radisson-Hennepin and Duluth-Le Sueur and Charville-Carver-Pike-Ft. Snelling Established -Cass and Schooleraft-Beltrami-Nicollet-Surveys- Chronology 77
CHAPTER VI.
FIRST SETTLEMENT.
Civilization Approaches Wright County-Frenehmen Winter on Wright County Islands in 1805-06-Settlements in Ad- jacent Counties-Edmund Brissett Establishes Trading Post in Wright County-His Historie Trail to Lake Pu- laski-Otsego and Monticello Settled-Early Census- Original Assessment Roll-Early Marriages. 90
CHAPTER VII. COUNTY REPRESENTATION.
Minnesota Becomes a Territory-Territorial Legislature- Seventh Council Distriet-Fifth Council District-Con- stitutional Convention-State Representation-Various Distriets That Have Included Wright County-Men Who Have Represented This County at St. Paul-Reappor- tionments-Congressional Representation. 97
CHAPTER VIII.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
Original Counties-Dakotah County-Cass County-Sibley County-Nicollet County-Wright County Created- Naming the County-First Officers-Early Precinets- Early County Commissioners-Supervisors-Commission System Again-Doings of the Successive Boards-Coun- ty Officers-County Property-Courthouse-County Farm
114
ix
CONTENTS
CHAPTER IX.
THE SIOUX UPRISING.
PAGE
Indians Take Revenge For the Wrongs of the Centuries- Summary of the Tragedy-Wright County Terrified by Reports-Big Woods Deserted-Preparations For De- fense at River Points-The Dustin Massacre-Indian Agent Takes His Own Life-An Indian Killed-Indians Pursued-Death of Little Crow 141
CHAPTER X. LAND OFFICE RECORDS.
The Pre-emption Act-The Ilomestead Law-The Railroad Grant-The Townsite Act-List of Those Who Obtained the Original Patents to Land in Wright County-The Roll of Ilonor of the Men Who First Broke and Devel- oped the Farms. 158
CHAPTER XI.
WRIGHT COUNTY WAR.
Wallace and Jackson Arrive in Wright County-Wallace Wealthy, Popular and Gifted-Jackson Poor and Morose -Settlers Find Dead Body of Wallaee-Suspicion Di- rected Toward Jackson-Jackson Arrested and Brought Before Justice-Declares Ilis Innocence-Prejudice Runs High-Jackson in Jail-Purported Confession From a Stranger-Jackson Tried Before District Court- Declared Innocent and Acquitted-Prisoner Discharged -Friends of Wallace Seek Revenge-Jackson Returns to County After Short Absence-Betrayed by the Civil Authorities and Lynched By a Mob While Wife Pleads For IIis Life-Protests Innocence to the Last-Moore Arrested-Delivered From Custody By a Mob-Gov- ernor Takes a Hand-Troops Arrive-Rioters Arrested By St. Paul Police-County Officials Agree to Punish the Real Offenders-Three Men Held-Grand Jury Fails to Indict-Excitement Subsides. 194
CHAPTER XII. PIONEER DEVELOPMENT.
Pioneer Discomforts-By Allen Reinmuth-Early Days at Rockford-By George W. Florida-Claim Seekers and Various Types of Early Arrivals-Ginseng-Grasshopper Plagues-The Famine of 1867 205
x
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIII.
COMING OF THE RAILROADS.
PAGE
Original Projeet-Minneapolis & St. Cloud-Land Grant Roads-Bond Issue-Minnesota & Pacifie-St. Paul & Paeifie-Railroad Reaches Wright County-St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba-Great Northern-"Soo Line" -Railroad Tax Fiaseo-Minneapolis and Central Minne- sota 222
CHAPTER XIV.
WRIGHT COUNTY HORTICULTURE.
Original Conditions-Wild Fruit and Nuts-Pioneer Nursery- men-Difficulties Encountered-Progress Made-Some Valuable Adviee-Wright County Members of the Min- nesota State Horticultural Society-Exhibitions and Prizes-Varieties Best Adapted to This County-Revised By W. Il. Eddy 229
CHAPTER XV.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
Early Difficulties-Present Advantages-A Farming Com- munity-Dawn of Prosperity-Farm Names-Statisties- -Assessment Rolls-Wealth of the Farmers-Crops and Live Stoek. 246
CHAPTER XVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.
Faets in the Early Career and Later Sueeess of People Who Have Helped Make Wright County-Founders and Pa- triots-Names Which Will Live Long in the Memory of Residents of This Vieinity-Stories of Well Known Families Who Have Led in Publie Life 263
INDEX TO PORTRAITS.
Abel, Jacob, and Family. 332
Anderson, S. A., and Family 374
Bannochie, Frank 305
Birkholz, August, and Family .. 469 Blume, Herman, and Family ... 502 Bredt, Robert, and Family ..... 300 Burkland, John L., and Family. 295 Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick ... 269 Covart, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R ... 297
Cowett, Staven, and Family .... 272 Crawford, R. O., and Family ... 535
Cronk, Samuel L., and Family .. 320 Cronk, William A. 409
Davis, Mr. and Mrs. David N .. 488
Demars, Louis, and Family. .. . 522
Desmond, Mr. and Mrs. Tim- othy 520
Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. James. ... 431
Doherty, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Pat-
rick 277
Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. O. L. 284
Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. S. N. 280
Elletson, Levi, and Family 335 Elsenpeter, Geo., and Family 370
Epple, John, and Family 447
Fellows, M. E., and Family 477
Ferrell, John, and Family 381
Flamant, Emil 33S
Geary, Mr. and Mrs. P. B. 350
Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. 356 Hlaffner, Anthony, and Family .. 434 Hahnke, Carl, and Family ..... 405 Hannon, Mr. and Mrs. Michael. 283 Harrington, Mr. and Mrs. Johiel 525 Harrington, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram 525 Haven, Mr. and Mrs. Joel N ... 458 Hayes, A. J., and Family 408
Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
B. 271
Indian Chief 39 James, Henry, and Family. 500 Jewett, Charles, and Family .. 439
Katilinek, Mr. and Mrs. Albert. 496
Kriedler, Mr. and Mrs. David C. 455
Lamson, Frank B. 310
Lee, W. 11., and Family 365
Little Crow 141
Log Cabins 77
Log Cabins 90
Longworth, Mr. and Mrs. O. 345
Lutz, Conrad, and Family. 433
MeAlpine, Michael 361
Me Eachern, Augen 391
Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Peter 290
Merz, Chas. F. 484
Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. Geo .. 426
Mooers, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Calvin 533 Murray, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. 492 Norberg, Andrew 383
Nugent, Sr., John C .. 326
O'Langhlin, Mr. and Mrs. James 361 Oelschlager, Mr. and Mrs. Emil. 275 Ojanpera, Jacob 379
Olson, John N. 317
Payne, Alexander and Family. 510
Payne, Sr., Louis, and Family .. 450 Pogreba, Andrew, and Family .. 388 Powers, James M. 541
Pranght, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. 530
Quinn, James 401
Raiche, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel ... 273
Rice, Willard, D., and Family. . 366
Schroder, Peter 438
Shattuck, C. D., and Family. 366
Sturman, Mr. and Mrs. Riley. 403 Sturman, Sr., Wm. 404
Svenson, Peter, and Family. 444
Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Edward .. 384 Thompson, Thor, and Family. .. 325 Varner, Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette 344 Walter, R. M. 3.94
Wedge, F. Curtiss. .Frontispiece Wells, Geo. E., Residence ...... 357 Zachmann, Joseph, and Family. 429 Zeidler, August, and Family .... 461
xi
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES.
Abel, Jacob 332
Abel, William 332
Carpenter, George C. 314
Aldrich, Charles 331
Chamberlin, Orson C. 138
Aldrich, John C. 331 Christopher, Isaac 377
Allen, Ilarry 268
Cochrane, James E 376
Ames, Aaron F. 299
Copeland, Samuel 410
Anderson, Charles 505
Anderson, John R 477
Covart, George R 297
Anderson, Mons 278
Covart, William 298
Anderson, S. A. 374
Covart, William H
298
Arnold, Emil C.
504
Cowett, George 372
Cowett, Isaae 371
Cowett, Staven 272
Cramer, George J 387
Baker, Joseph F. 510
Bannochie, Frank 305
Barrett, Nelson W. 363
Crawford, Richard 537
Baslough, Edward G. 297
Barthel, Mathias 425
Barthel, Mathias J.
435
Barthel, Nicholas 425
Cronk, Samuel L. 320
Cronk, William A. 409
Benner, Jefferson 523
Berg, John A. 137
Berthiaume, Franeis 375
Berthiaume, Francis 374
Berthiaume, James F 375
Beutner, John H 304
Biegert, Gottlieb 539
Birkholz, August H 469
Blume, Herman 502
Bland, Joseph
451
Bland, Martin
452
Bland, Sampson T .. 409
Borgstrom, Hjalmar Frithiof 372
Borngesser, Andrew
539
Borngesser, Andrew E. 540
Borthwick, Alfred E. 530
Bonley, Jerry 531
Bowman, Levi R 476
Brabee, Edward J
264
Brandes, Fred L.
389
Brasie, Rowe
487
Brasie, John A.
486
Duerr, Peter
435
Bratt, Swan E.
303
Braun, John O. 532
Bredt, Robert 300
Bremer, Henry 452
Bremer, Louis W 453
Brenk, Oscar 436
Ekberg, Fred 502
Elletson, Levi 335
Elsenpeter, Edward Daniel. 368
Elsenpeter, George E. 370
Elsenpeter, William 370
Enghauser, Frank W 515
Engels, John K. 286
Enghouser, Joseph 368
Epple, Gottlieb 446
Epple, John 447
Eriekson, Andrew 467
Cantin, John
276
Erickson, Nels A. 448
Carlson, Carl M
376
Ertel, Steven J. .
517
xiii
Eastliek, John 506
Eekelberry, Levi 439
Brumfield, William Lee. 475
Brun, Claphase 282
Buckmaster, Amon Il.
506
Burges, Nicholas
425
295
Burrows, George W. 302
Bushnell, Orlando HI 310
Butler, James
270
Butler, Patrick 269
Doering, Anton 352
Doherty, Sr., Patrick 277
Doherty, Jr., Patrick 277
Dudley, Orestus L. 284
520
Direks, Peter J. 352
Dixon, James 431
Dixon, John 321
Dixon, William J. 535
Dodd, George Parsons 139
333
Denney, Willard 333
Denzel, Osear A .. 454
Desmond, George E 501
Desmond, Timothy
Davis, David N. 488
Davis, George Alfred 489
Davis, Orion L. 529
Davies, William 322
Dechane, Matt 501
Demars, Louis 522
Denney, Amos
Cramer, Joseph 387
Crandall, Kit Carson 538
Crawford, Robert W 537
Crawford, Rollin H. 407
Crawford, Rollin O. 535
Bengtson, Nels 542
Darrow, James E 537
Arnold, Henry G 504
Cotterell, Charles P 334
Aydt, Frank T. 427
Carlson, Nels 449
Burkland, John L.
Dunn, Sylvester N 280
Dyer, Norman 301
xiv
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
Fashant, John B 279
Katilinek, Albert 496
Fane, Louis R. . 427
Katilinek, George L. 518
Fellows, Martin E. 477
Kelly, D. D. S., Arthur J 308
Ferguson, John A 349
Kelsey, John Olif. 412
Ferrell, Arthur A. 380
Kiebel, William 506
Klatt, August 497
Ferrell, James Henry
380
Klemz, Albert W. 351
Ferrell, John
38I
Knickerbocker, Herman K. 364
Flamant, August C.
338
Knickerbocker,
William C. 364
Flamant, Emil
338
Knight, Austin 309
Furtney, Aaron W
323
Fyle, Sylvester 499
Koepke, Reinhold
281
Fyten, William II. 497
Koepke, Rudolph
269
Korb, William
293
Kriedler, Daniel
457
Geary, Matthew P
351
Geary, Patrick B.
350
Kriedler, George
456
Gehrenbeck, David A 481
Lambert, Jacob 267
Lammers, George 442
Lammers, Henry 442
Gilmer, Edward 468
Lamson, Frank B. 310
Larson, Andrew G. 295
336
Gordon, Samuel A 356
Larson, Peter
294
Gordon, William 355
Lee, Fayette 378
Gorman, John P 515
Lee, William H 365
Grant, Angus HI
135
Leeson, John 339
Guintire, Anthony
424
Leeson, Robert 339
Lewis, Josialı F. 485
313
Lind, Nels
471
Hackbartlı, Martin 271
Lindbom, Peter
499
Haefer, Louis 430
Lindgren, John A
493
Haefer, William L. 431
Haffner, Anthony 434
Jahnke, Carl J. 405
Hamlet, Milton T.
528
Longworth Resort 360
Hamlet, William D.
500
Hannon, Joseph P
275
Hannon, Michael
283
Hanson, Frank L. 495
MeAlpine, James 517
MeAlpine, Martin J 362
Harrington, Hiram Orville
525
Me Alpine, Michael 361
Haven, Joel Newton. ..
458
MeCardell, William 314
Hlayes, Andrew Jackson.
408
Me Eachern, Sr., Angus 391
Me Eachern, Randall C. 519
MeKinley, William 393
Me Veety, David 463
Henderson, Thomas 330
Mabus, Charles J.
421
Henneman, Anthony L. 346
Madigan, James
507
Marsh, Peter J 290
Martin, Philip 391
Mears, Frederick S. 354
Merz, Charles F. 484
Merz, Joseph 484
IToward, Samuel B.
271
Meyer, George 426
Middagh, Gilbert 340
Miller, George A. 516
Mitchell, Albert N. 487
495
James, Henry N. 500
Mitchell, Charles Fremont.
495
Jensen, Harry Ludwig. 307
Meland, Halvor T.
28S
Mooers, Sr., Calvin.
533
Jewett, Charles 438
Mooers, Nathaniel
532
Johnson, John Julius 306
Jolinson, John A. 464
Morrell, James W 524
Johnson, Jonas 465
Morrell, William J. 524
Johnson, Luther A. 499
Munstenteiger, Arthur F 372
Murphy, Ichabod 414
Johnson, William M. 498
432
HIorsch, Adam
388
ITorsch, Jacob
389
Hludek, Thomas 518
Hyatt, Orange 363
Lowe, D. D. S., Martin F 288
Lutz, Conrad 433
Harrington, Johiel 527
Hayes, Edmund W. 407
Hayward, John W 526
Heath, Arthur C .. 140
Helmer, Samuel O. 324
Me Veety, S. D. 462
Hillman, Andrew 282
Hillman, Nels A 422
Holzman, Jacob
Link, Conrad 337
Lippy, William A 486
Longworth, Octavius 345
Gehrenbeek, Ellis 482
Geiser, John 494
Goelz, John 513
Goetzke, Lindsay C 498
Larson, Andrew N.
Gnintire, Anthony, Jr 423
Gutzwiller Emil 428
Liederbach, Paul
Gee, Fred 483
Koepke, Martin 268
Geary, Frederick B. 351
Kriedler, David C. 455
James, Albert B 496
Mitehell, Alexander
Jewett, Adam A 263
Moores, Archie II 494
Ferrell, Charles H. 453
XV
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
Murphy, James 415
Murray, Ira C.
492
Rhodin, C. 462
Murray, William
492
Rhodin, John M 462
Rice, Willard D 366
Robasse, Anfred 446
Robasse, Beat 445
Richards, John 320
Roehrenbach, John B 514
Rousseau, Emil A 417
Rozenberg, Benne 347
Rudolph, Phineas S. 265
Nugent, Jr., John C .. 327
Nolan, James 461
Nolan, James Christopher 460
Northrup, Abel C. 534
Norberg, Andrew 383
O'Brien, Rev. Fr. F. C. 508
O'Loughlin, James
270
O'Loughlin, Patrick B. 418
O'Loughlin, Thomas
420
O'Loughlin, Thomas
420
O'Neil, Patrick IF 276
Oby, Ernest 491
Oelschlager, Emil F 275
Ojanpera, Jacob 379
Olson, John B. 355
Olson, John N. 317
Ordorff, Henry 341
Parker, George .I. 347
Payne, Alexander 510
Payne, Sr., Louis. 450
Perkins, Asa MI 492
Perra, Adrian
444
Perra, Moses 443
Perrault, Oliver L. 523
Peters, Frederick John 513
Peters, John B. 491
Pettis, Jay W 441
Pettis, Stephen
441
Pettis, Willis S. 440
Peterson, Elmer B. 327
Peterson, Jacob
327
Peterson, Olof
448
Peterson, Osear J. 138
Phillips, Andrew Jackson. 418
Pike, Allan Hale 485
Pogreba, Andrew 388
Powers, James Melville. 541
Praught, Angus P. 530
Prestidge, Bnrton 343
Prigge, Bernard Il. 47]
Prigge, Ilenry 466
Prigge, Ilerman J 465
Prohl, Frank T 466
Provo, Thomas 521
Quinn, James 401
Rader, Jacob 392
Rader, Washington 392
Raiche, Samnel 273
Raiche, John A 274
Ransom, Henry 348
Redman, Albert G. 285
Redman, William 457
Reems, Joseph 436
Reems, Samnel 437
Reid, David F .. 478
Reinmuth, Lewis 474
Rettke, Emil William 319
Schaefer, Henry N. 28]
Schaust, Sr., Mathias 411
Sehaust, Mathias 411
Scheyer, George M 358
Schmidt, Emil T. 315
Schmidt, Trangott
Schmidt, Henry 344
Schneider, Frank 359
Schroder, Peter 438
Schultz, Charles Fred. 406
Shattuck, Curtis D. 365
Shierts, Frank J. 489
Smithson, Thomas 330
Sook, William 543
Southerland, Charles L .. 504
Southerland, Edwin John. 505
Spindler, Henry 138
Sternberg, Fritz 288
Stenberg, John Albert 463
Stengelin, Conrad S. 490
Stengelin, Jr., Jacob J. 490
Stewart, Calvin 415
Streeter, Levi W 409
Stuhr, Albert
36S
Stuhr, Herman
367
Sturman, Clark
402
Sturman, Riley
403
Sturman, Robert
405
Sturman, Sr., William. 404
Sturman, Jr., William 405
Svenson, Peter S. 444
Swanberg, Angust MI. 383
Swanberg Magnus 383
Swanson, John C. 543
Swarthout, Kramer 454
Taft, Ilenry A. 482
Taylor, Edward 384
Thayer, Albert A. 266
Thompson, Andrew 479
Thompson, Louis C. 416
Thompson, Raymond S. 481
325
Thompson, William J 480
Tomlinson, Joseph 470
Tomlinson, Marion D 470
Townsend, Frank A 490
Tuberty, John 520
Tuelle, Henry M. 360
Turngren, John O. 401
Tuttle, Edward Clark. 136
Varner, Henry 312
Varner, Sr., John. 287
Varner, Lafayette 344
Vorse, Charles H. 316
Vorse, William 316
Walker, Henry T.
296
Walter, Rollando M.
394
Naaktgeboren, Arie 353
Nagel, Eberhardt F. 328
Nagel, Edward M. 329
Nagel, Herman 289
Nellis, Conrad N.
531
Nugent, James G.
512
Nugent, Sr., John C
326
343
Rettke, Gustave 319
Thompson, Thor
xvi
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
Walters, George
264
Welton, William 369
Wandersee, Emil
411
Whipple, Harry S. 483
Wandersee, Fred W
410
Woolley, Garrett F 292
Ward, John
511
Wren, Joseph R. 507
Washburn, Edson
525
Wright, Clark A 397
Washburn, Edson D.
524
Wright, George M. 460
Washburn, William W
439
Wright, William Hudson. 459
Watson, Sr., John C. 386
Watson, John C. 386
Ziebarth, William 398
Watson, Leander
472
Zachmann, Joseph
429
Welker, Atwood
396
Zeidler, Albert 473
Welker, Peter
395
Zeidler, August 461
Wells, George E.
357
Zeidler, John Frederick 473
CHAPTER I.
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
Advantages - Location - Surface Features - Drainage - Lakes -Ice Formed Ridges-Topography-Soil and Timber-Geo- logical Structure-Glacial and Modified Drift-The Moraine -Fossiliferous Beds-Boulders of the Drift-Lignite Deposits -Explorations for Coal-Typical Till Exposure-Waterpow- ers-Underground Waters-Yield of Water-Head of Water -Quality of the Water-Cretaceous Rocks-Paleozoic and Older Formations-Water Supply in the Villages-Farm Water Supplies-Summary and Analysis.
On its splendid course from Itasca to the Gulf, the mighty Mississippi passes no fairer land than that which it touches in the central part of Minnesota, where, well tilled and populous, Wright eounty stretches away in sightly prospects.
A fertile country of rich black soil, its surface divided into hills and rolling land and prairie, beautified by meandering streams and sparkling lakes, and interspersed with natural and domestic groves, the county has advantages of location and sur- face which have made it one of the best agricultural and dairy counties in the state.
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