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IVM (Renville Co) Curtis - Wedge
55-P.
Renville cœur L'unTue-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
LANOI AND TILDEN
Darwin S. Hall.
THE HISTORY
OF
RENVILLE COUNTY MINNESOTA'
COMPILED BY FRANKLYN CURTISS-WEDGE
Member of the Minnesota Historical Society, editor of the Histories of Winona, Wright, Fillmore, Freeborn, Mower, Dakota, Rice, Steele and Goodhue Counties, Minnesota.
ASSISTED BY
A LARGE CORPS OF LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS
UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF
HON. DARWIN S. HALL, HON. DAVID BENSON and COL. CHARLES H. HOPKINS,
Renville County Pioneer Association Committee. -
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
CHICAGO H. C. COOPER JR. & CO. 1916
"O NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R 1925 L
TO THE STURDY PIONEERS OF RENVILLE COUNTY WHO, AMID INNUMERABLE HARDSHIPS, BLAZED THE WAY FOR THE PRESENT GENERATIONS ; AND TO THEIR DESCENDANTS AND SUCCESSORS THESE VOLUMES ARE DEDICATED BY ALL WHO HAVE ASSISTED IN THEIR CONSTRUCTION
FOREWORD
It is with a feeling of considerable satisfaction and pleasure that the publishers present this history for the approval of the people of Renville county. The undertaking has not been an easy one, the difficulties 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 officers, municipal, township, fraternity, association and corporation officials, manufacturers, professional men and bankers, often at a great personal sacrifice, have laid aside their regular duties to tell of their communities and special interests : educators have written of their 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 localities. To all of these the readers of this work owe a lasting debt of gratitude, and to each 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 seleet such matter as is authentie, 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 he also that some facts have been omitted that many readers wonkt 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 these vol- umes, 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 cases information gathered from other sources, while authentic, may be lacking in copions detail.
Before passing hasty judgment on apparent errors, one should consider carefully. not relying on tradition or memory. In many rases we have found that persons' memories are faulty and tradi-
V
vi
FOREWORD
tion erroneons when measured by the standard of official 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. 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.
The biographies have been gathered with care from those most interested, and with a few exceptions have been revised and cor- reeted by the subject of the biography or by a relative or friend. As verification of all the details is impossible, the editors diselaim responsibility 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.
All available authorities have been consulted. Among such authorities whose works have been used and in many cases quoted copiously are: The History of the Minnesota Valley (1882) ; Minnesota in Three Centuries (1908) : the histories of sonthern and central 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 publications of the lowa. Wisconsin and Minnesota historical societies, and many other biographical, historical, and archeologieal works of reference. The files of the newspapers of this and neighboring counties have been carefully perused, as have the county, town- ship. village, city and church records. Hundreds of minute-books have been scanned and thousands of letters and original mann- seripts carefully examined. To all those who have extended us courtesies during our search of these records we extend our thanks.
In gathering material from so many sources, a paragraph from a newspaper in one place. a few lines from a pamphlet somewhere else, a hall a chapter From some other work. it has not been possible in every case to give credit for authorship. It should be stated, however, that much of the Indian Massacre material contained in this work is from the pen of Major Return T. Holeombe, in Minnesota in Three Centuries, edited somewhat. however, to suit the present purpose.
The board of revision for the present history has consisted of Darwin S. Hall, Charles H. Hopkins, David Benson, F. L. Puffer. M. D., Judge Richard T. Daly, M. J. Dowling. J. R. Landy, Judge C. N. Matson, Henry Dunsmore, W. E. Morris, H. W. Leindecker, Edward O'Connor, Timothy O'Connor. J. M. George. O. T. Ramsland. Frantz G. Nellermoe. William B. Strom, II. W.
vii
FOREWORD
Shoemaker, William Wichman, F. A. Schafer, Amalia M. Bengtson, Ole O. Enestvedt, A. T. Ellingboe, John G. Wordes, Nels O. Berge, John Bakke, Frank HI. Hopkins, Julius L. Jacobs, Peter P. Dustrud, John 1. Johnson and many others.
These people, and those whose names appear at the head of the various chapters, are but few of those who have assisted in making this work possible. We have taken advantage of every available source of information and have labored earnestly to secure conciseness and accuracy.
That this 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 expect ; but we trust that the great merit of the work will overbalance any short- comings that may be discovered; and our forty years in this line of endeavor assures us that the history will increase in value year after year.
Our association with the people of Renville county has been a 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
PAGE Advantages-Situation and Area -Natural Drainage- Topography - Altitudes -Soil and Timber - Archean Rocks-Gneiss and Granite-Cretaceous Beds-Glacial and Modified Drift - Underground Waters - Natural Resources 1
CHAPTER II.
PRE-HISTORIC INHABITANTS.
Nature's Paradise-The Coming of Man-The Eskimo-The Mound Builders-Purpose of the Monnds-Life and Habits of the Mound Builders -- Location of the Mounds -Excavations and Discoveries. 20
CHAPTER IHI.
INDIAN OCCUPANCY AND TREATIES.
The Dakotas-Life, History and Habits-Wapetons-Sisse- tons-Treaties-Visit to Washington -- Treaties of Prairie du Chien - Doty Treaty - Preliminaries to the Final Session -- Treaty of Traverse Des Sioux-Ramsey Inves- tigation-Treaty of 1558- Agencies and Forts. 25
CHAPTER IN.
CLAIM OF TITLE.
Spain - France - England United States - . Louisiana Pur- chase-Louisiana District of Indiana -- Louisiana Terri- tory-Missouri Territory-Michigan Territory -Wiseon- sin Territory-lowa Territory-Minnesota Territory- Minnesota State 52
CHAPTER V.
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.
Grosseilliers and Radisson-Hennepin and Duluth-LeSueur -Carver-Long. Keating and Beltrami -- Pembina Ref- ugees -Catlin-Nicollet and Fremont=Allen -The Mis- sionaries-The Fur Traders-Chronology-Surveys. ... 64
ix
x
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI.
JOSEPH RENVILLE.
PAGE
Of French and Indian Blood-Educated in Canada --- Starts Life as a Courier-In War of 1812- Serves as British Captain-In the Fur Trade-Brings First Seed Corn to Minnesota-Literary Work-His Triumphant Death . . .. 82
CHAPTER VIL.
RIVER NAVIGATION.
Indian Days on the Minnesota-Mackinaw Boats-Early Voy- agers-Period of Steam Navigation-Names of Boats Which Reached the Upper Stretches of the River- Gradual Rednetion in River Traffic SS
CHAPTER VHI.
LAND OFFICE RECORDS.
Original Claimants to Renville County Land-Roll of Honor of Those Pioneers Who First Cleared the Land and Erected Cabins-Old Settlers Who Braved the Rigors of Pioneer Endeavor 98
CHAPTER IX.
CAUSES OF THE OUTBREAK.
Early Friendship - Dissatisfaction with Treaties - Unjust Treatment - Inkpadoota Massacre - Officials Demand that Indians Capture Renegades-Little Crow to the Rescue-Delayed Payments in 1862-Indians Starving - Stupidity of Agent - Indians Turbulent - Marsh and Sheehan to the Resone. 114
CHAPTER X.
THE SIOUX OUTBREAK.
Day Dawns Calm and Beautiful- Church Services-The Rice Creek Renegades Rob a Hen's Nest-Quarrel Among Braves as to Their Courage Killing Starts-Misereants Tell Their Story to the Chiefs-Little Crow Bows to the Inevitable and Reluctantly Consents to Lead Ilis Men to Battle-General Massacre Begins-Weeks of Horror- Battles and Murders - Indians Subdued - Little Crow Killed -- Peace
139
xi
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XI.
REDWOOD FERRY AMBUSCADE.
PAGE Captain Marsh and His Company Start on Expedition-Fugi- tives Met -- Ferry Reached-Parley with Indian-Con- cealed Indians Start Firing-Attempt to Swim River- Captain Marsh Drowned -- Casualties - Disastrous Re- sult 155
CHAPTER XII. BATTLE OF BIRCH COOLEY.
Second Expedition Sets Out-Encampment at Birch Cooley -Attacked by the Indians-Heroic Defense-Inaction of Resene Party-Relief by Sibley . 162
CHAPTER XIII. CAPTURED BY THE INDIANS.
Reminiscence of Minnie Buce Carrigan-Pioneers Arrive- Dawn of Fatal August Morning-Parents Killed-Sisters Murdered-In the Indian Camp-Meeting Playmates- Scenes of Cruelty-Arrival of Soldiers-Release-Con- elusion 169
CHAPTER XIV. CAPTIVE AMONG THE SIOUX.
Experiences of Mrs. N. D. White, of Beaver Falls-Unrest Among the Indians-News of the Uprising-Desperate Flight-Capture-Wedge Killed-Henderson Injured- Mrs. Henderson and Children Burned-Seenes of Horror -Eugene White Killed-Boy of Twelve Escapes-Cap- tives Taken to Crow's Village-Life Among the Indians - Removal-Incidents of the March - Resene-Camp Release-Scenes of Delight-Reunion-Retrospection. .. 195
CHAPTER XV. EARLE'S REMINISCENCES.
Thrilling Experiences of a Boy During the Sioux Massacre --- Beaver Creek Settlement-Pioneer Ineidents-Trouble Brewing-Warned by Squaw-News of the Massacre- Flight for Safety-Surrounded by Indians-Woman, Chil- dren and Friend Killed-Women, Children and Wounded Abandoned by Whites-Brave Boy Gives Life for His Father- Party Separates -Rescue - Defense of Fort Ridgely-Cowardice of Some of the Citizens-Valor of Others -Expedition to Bury Bodies - Battle of Birch Cooley-Discharged
219
XI
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XVI.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
PAGE
Original Counties-Wabashaw-Dakotah-Pierce and Nicol- let-Renville-Changes in Boundaries-Lincoln-Elec- tion Legalized-County Commissioners-County Officers. 246
CHAPTER XVIL
COUNTY REPRESENTATION.
Territory Organized-Council Districts -- Territorial Legisla- ture-Renville in the Sixth, Seventh and Tenth Council Distriets-Constitutional Convention- State Legislature -Members Who Have Represented Renville County- Congressional Representation 262
CHAPTER XVIIL.
CREATION OF TOWNSHIPS.
Various Arts of the County Commissioners by Which the Townships of Renville County Have Assumed Their Present Boundaries-Dates of First Elections. . ... 277
CHAPTER NIX. PIONEER EXPERIENCES.
Stories of the Tribulations and Joys of Frontier Life Told by Men Who Underwent the Rigors of Early Settlement- Blizzards and Disasters Long Trips in Wintry Weather -Sod Houses and Ox Teams-Grasshoppers and Indians 283
CHAPTER XX.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.
Facts in the Early Career and Later Success of People Who Have Helped Make Renville County- Founders and Patriots- Names Which Will Live Long in the Memory of Residents of This Vicinity Stories of Well-Known Families Which Have Led in Public Life 307
CHAPTER XXL
HORTICULTURE.
Wild Berries and Fruits Early Difficulty with Tree Raising -Fruits Best Grown Here - Apples for Swine - The Orchard as an Asset The First Nursery-Growth of the Industry in Renville County - Present Nurseries - The Old Home with Fruits and Flowers-By Henry Duns- more 523
xiii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXI.
PROGRESSIVE ENTERPRISES.
PAGE
Urban and Rural Telephone Companies -Milling Companies Grain Companies-Agricultural Organizations-Fair Associations 533
CHAPTER XXIIL.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Nearby Stations-First Settlers in Renville County-La Croix at Birch Cooley-Cairo-Beaver Falls-Flora-Hawk Creek -Sacred Heart - Flight of Settlers-Pioneers Return and Modern Era Begins -An Ancient Atlas. ... 544
CHAPTER XXIV.
VILLAGES PLATTED AND INCORPORATED.
Thirteen Plats Recorded-Surveys, Locations and Owners- Incorporated Cities and Villages-Date of Incorporation -Village Limits . 561
CHAPTER XAV. POSTOFFICES.
Beginning of System- Early Offices in Renville County- History of Present Offices-Postmaster and Locations- Diseontinned Postoffices-Forgotten Names. 568
CHAPTER XXVI. OFFICIAL TRANSACTIONS.
Story of the Doings of the County Commissioners-The County Seat Fights and Successive Courthouses-Names of County Officials and What They Did While in Office- Estimate of Men and Motives Compiled from the Auditor's Records. 578
CHAPTER XXVII. FORT RIDGELY.
Establishment -Notable Soldiers Stationed There - Vohin- teer Troops Arrive- Poorly Located Inadequate for Defense-Left Almost Deserted -- Indian Massacre Starts -Marsh Starts for Redwood Ferry-Disaster Refugees Swarm to the Fort-Shechan Returns-Renville Rangers Return-Preparations for Defense -- Attack of August 20 -Attack of August 22-Thrilling Tales of Danger and Daring-Indians Withdraw-Relief-The Story of De- T'ender Adam Ricko-Charles II. Hopkins and His Work Which Has Resulted in the Fort Ridgely State Park. ... GIG
xiv
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXVHI.
URBAN SCHOOLS.
PAGE Story of the Growth of the Educational Systems in Renville County's City and Village Schools-High School Courses -Associated Schools-Domestic Science-Manual Train- ing-Agriculture 654
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
Abrahamson, Charles (
Dahl, Amund. 448
Ahrens, Henry 495
Dann, August T. 504
Amstbauer, Frank I 369
Dav, Bert J. 49.1
Anderson, Andrew .I 478
Anderson, Angust B.
115
Dunsmore, Henry 150
Anderson, John .. 390
Drake, James
476
Armstrong, dames Il 441
Eggert, JJohn
313
Armstrong, Thomas A 492
Elstad, John HI
369
Avery, Delbert G.
385
Enger, Emil A.
353
Barfknecht, August } 325
Ericson, Elias Martin.
372
Bartkneeht, Albert W 326
Ericson, Halvor .. 378
Barnard, John. 504
Erickson, Andrew S
507
Baumann, Sr., Joseph 346
Erickson. John W.
110
Behrns, Edmund. 497
Farrar, Albert L.
591
Bengtson, Amalia M.
461
Farrell, Jeremiah.
49S
Bengtson, Rev. Andrew
46]
Farrenbach, Leonard. 507
Berg. Edward. 36%
Feeter, Joseph H.
469
Bergley, Andrew A. 366
Bertelsen. Christ.
37
Fensko, Angust E 350
Finley, William. 399
Firle, Charles H 349
Fischer, Fred .J 467
Fischer, John. 410
Follingstad, Louis M. 403
510
Bogema, Isaac. 036
456
Fox, Sr., Frederick .I.
481
Borden, John.
456
Frickson, Christian H
341
Boyum, Ole IT 362
Frickson, Henry.
341
Boyum, Ole .I. 50S
335
Funk, Robert IF.
108
Braun, Henry JJohn. 412
Breeke, Carl ( 488
Garske, Stephen.
4.50
Bregel Brothers. 353
Bregel, Edward. 352
Geray, Anton.
393
Bregel, William. 352
Brevig. O. L. 498
Briggs, Alonzo P 324
Brown. Anton 366
Brown, Edward H. 515
Brown, James 473
Brunner, John. 355
Bruss, Herman F. 398
Burggren, Perry August. 117
Burgstaller, August 396
Bush, John Henry. 414
Butler. Benjamin Jason 484
Butler. Edward J. 440
Byhoffer, Theodore. 323
Carrigan, Edward James
327
Carrigan, Harry 328
Carrigan, Hugh. 327
Carrigan, John H.
328
ITertel, Ernest .. 143
Hinderman, Jacob M. 351
ITipple, Henry . 499
Hodgdon, Amos E. 329
Hodgdon, Elmer Nathan 321
llodgdon, Orrin 318
ITogstad, John O 367
Coffin, Erwin T. 316
Hoimyr, Ole P' .. 337
Colby, Edgar h. 417 Hokanson, George E. 419
GeralI, Iver 429
Glesener, Charles 381
Grady. L. T. 499
Grasmon, Holm E. 347
Hable, Chester Henry 465
ITable, Lewis. 465
Ilaedt, William 400
338
Hager, Joseph. 419
lager, William .I.
Ilagestad, Mathias O 365
Hagevold, Ole .. 365
Hall, Mary Dunlop McLaren 310
Hall. Darwin Scott 307
Halverson, Henry 510
ITansehen, Henry W 475
Harrier, William M 314
Haubrich, Anthony \ 3.87
IFeikka, Michael. 340
Carrigan, Owen.
328
Carrigan, William J 329
Carson, Hugh
348
Carson, Jonathan I. 350
Christianson, Anton 501
Clobes, Henry 413
320
Carrigan, Michael.
Fehr, ITenry 471
Bethke, Herman 368
Biehl, George 351
Bird. Charles. 498
Blad, August
377
Blad, Gustave.
372
Blad, John M 371
Forsyth, George.
Foss, John E. 513
Borden, Elwin Roy
Fritz, Rev. Emil G. 41-1
Brandjord, Jonas
Funk. Samuel IT 407
Ilage, Peter M
419
Doilge, Lorrin. 442
INDEN TO BIOGRAPHIES
Holm, Herman.
Nelson, Olof .. 500
Houck, Theodore. 170
Nelson, Peter G 131
Houck, Floyd .. 435
Vedson, William Adolph. 331
Hongly, Simon 497 Nenow, Gust .. 106
Isaacson, John Oscar .. 343
Nenow. Herman B. 106
Jacobus, Holger.
Nesburg, Andrew ( 361
Jensen, Frederick
512
Neshurg. Gunder () 360
Jensen, Hans.
513
Nesburg, Ole O
Jewell, Leonard Il. 3-2
Ness, Jens N.
Johnson, Alexander Michael
376
Nestande, John l'
Johnson, John L.
471
Nestande, Peter
Johnson, Justin. . 420
Vester, John
Johnson, Martin. .
430
Newholm, John P
Johnson, William 1
363
Newton, Otis W.
390
Jung. August E.
447
Kelly, Mathias E
336
Nordskog, Ole O.
311
Keitgen, William.
Olson Brothers
490
Kettner, Roy. Ludwig Herman
377
Olson, Lars ..
342
Kierker, Elmund
511
Olson, Peter B.
.: 92
Kierker, Reinhard T.
413 Olson, Peter (.
Kirwin, Enke 11 509
Olson, Peter P
370
Knott, Nicholas T 401
Paar, Martin W
Korsmo, Ole 1.
339
Palmer, Albert .
517
Kretsch. Frank .1
514
Palmer, Jacob P 349
Kuester, Henry
51%
Patton, J. P
4:49
Kurth, William. 330
Paulson, Ande P
359
Lambert, Leon E
391
Paulson, Nels ...
133
Lammers, Charles.
361
Peterson, Alfred II
3350
Lammers, William F
17%
Peterson, Guterus ..
344
Landsteiner, Henry .I
351
Peterson, O. F
199
Larson, Arthur.
50%
Phillips, Jr .. Xavier
420
Pierre, Sr., William S
175
Lenander, Peter
463
Prelwitz, August.
449
luz, Ferdinand.
517
Prelwitz, Sr .. August
449
Logan, Hugh IT ..
Quigley, Bartlet
199
Lund. August.
159
Raitz, Lovi .1
429
Lunder, Gustav O.
421
Reuher, Christian H
4.51
MeCall, Neil
397
Revier, Sr., Paul.
3-4
Me Ewen, Bowman C.
315
Renville, Mrs. Mary B.
499
M.Ewen. Charles Dwight
315
Rice, John 11 4×6
McGowan, James II.
393
Richards, Gibson 312
500
Mc Laren, Harley E ..
430
Rieke, Gustav 1
Rieke. Henry 11 359
30.7
Marlowe, Charles B
Rockman, Christian
374
Mathison, Martin. 139
Runke, John 11.
331
Mattson, Peter A.
Buona, Hjalmer
342
Maxwell. James Henry
Ruona, William S
516
Megquier, George IF
Saffert. George .J 153
Melwold, Anton E
Sansele, Fred W 102
Menz, John E
Mihm, Henry
153
Savela, Jr., John J 153
Monson, Nils L
500
Savela, Henry J 452
Mosher, Jacob
125
Savela, Louis .. 343
Schaffer, Charles 500
Murnan, James L
339
Schamndt, Martin ..
Minsil, Frank .I. 395
Schirmer, Franz .. 3.7
Varvestad, 0. 0 199
Selimnechel, Herman 496
Nejtzel. C. F
116
Schnichels, Mathias 446
Neitzel, Oscar A
147
Scott, Elias Evans 457
Nelson, John G
432
Sell, Reinhard E. 407
Nelson, Nels O
Sheppard, Benjamin F
150
Nixon, Charles II
464
Kelly, Ole E.
334
Okins. James P
Kern, John M
Olson. John M
Olson, Nels .]
Kiecker, Otto W.
Lee, Halvor ..
499
Poetschat, George.
Powers, William.
Lenander, Nels
Lund, Christian P
511
Rebstock, Ernest W
McGowan, William D
499
Rieke, Angus \'
Mahlke, Gustav
Manthei, Julius .. 1110
Ricke, William F
Marquardt. Charles 141
Rovainen, Isane W 335
Savela. Carl 343
Miller. John ..
472 Savela, Sr., John J 452
Mumdahl, Hans 1
340
Leasman. George 11
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
xvii
Sheppard, Ira S .. 317
UIrick, William.
435
Shoemaker, Henry W
404
Voeks. Herman .
545
Simmons, Robert E
395
Voelz, Emil .1
403
Simmons, Thomas
379
Voltin, Joseph.
357
Sing, Henry B
400
Wagner, Jacob (
509
Stasson, Frank ..
506
Wallace, Asa M. 500
Stewart, Lewis .J.
353
Warner. John ..
454
Strom, Nels H.
334
Wellner, Charles 345
Thompson, Christopher
521
Wenz. Charles. 136
Thompson, Engebret
503
Wopplo, Peter .I.
Thompson, John.
455
White, Nathan D
500
Toole, Patrick E
Wichmann, Diedrich.
502
Tinnes, Heury O
466
Wichr, August.
Tisdell, Thomas II
3$6
Wichr, Robert
374
Tollifson, Bringel.
Windhorst, William
495
Tompkins, James II
441
Wisman, George
137
Torhenson, Thomas.
421
Wolff, Edwin B
176
Torbert, Charles F
435
Wolff, Robert
177
Torbert, James G
434
Wood, James
1 ×7
ANTOR. LENOX AND TILDEN YOUNDATIONS
INDEX TO PORTRAITS
Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. An- drow .J ..
Avery, Delbert G., and family. . 355 Bethke, Mr. and Mrs. Herman. . 36%
Boyam, Ole J., and family. 508
Bush, Mr. and Mrs. John Henry 114 Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J .. 440 Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Jason
Byhoffer, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore 323 Christianson, Mr. and Mrs. Anton 50]
V'oflin, Mr. and Mrs. Erwin T. . 316
Colby. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar L. 417
County Court
Dahl, Amund 44×
Drake, Mr. and Mrs. James 170
Dunsmore. Henry and Family 159
Elstad, Mr. and Mrs. John IE. 369
Fehr, Henry, and family. 174
Field, Dans.
Firle, Charles H.
Fischer, John, and family. 410
Fox, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Fred erick .J.
Glesener, Charles, and family
Hall. Darwin S. .
. Frontispiece Steel Engraving
Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Darwin S. . 307
Haubrich, Anthony
family
linderman, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M.
Ilogstad, John O., stock farm .. :67 Hoimyr, Ole P., and family 337 Houck, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd. 135
Houck, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore 470 Indian Chiet. 25
Jensen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans. 513
Johnson, Justin, and family 120
Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Martin. . 430
Johnson, William A., and family 363
Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. William 3\7 Kern, John M., and family .. 347 Kettner, Rev. Ludwig Herman, and family. 377
Leasman, George W. 120 Lenander, Mr. and Mrs. Peter. .
Lund, Mr. and Mrs. Christian P. 511
Many Years Ago
Manthei, Julius, and family
Monz, John E., and family
Mihm, Henry, and family 453
Musil, Frank .1 395
Neitzel, C. F. 446
Nelson, Peter G., and family. 431
Nesburg, Andrew O., and family 361 Nesburg, Mr. and Mrs. Ole O ... 360 Ness, Mr. and Mrs. Jens S. 343 Nestande, John P .. and family. 520
Nestando, Peter 33
Nixon, Charles I] 16-4
Okins, Mr. and Mrs. James P 311
Old Log Cabin 289
Olson, Nels J., and family
Olson, John M 400
Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. 392
Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Poter ().
Ox Team.
Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Gunerns. 311
Prelwitz, Mr. and Mrs. August. . 419
Raitz, Mr. and Mrs. Lovi A. 172
Rebstock, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. 129
Rockmann, Mr. and Mrs. Chris- tian 74
Rovainen, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac W. 335 Ruona. William S .. and family. . 516 Sausele, Fred W., and family. . . 102 Savela, Sr., John J., and family 452 Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Evans 457 Shoemaker, Mr. and Mrs. Francis 104 Shoemaker, Henry
family 40.1
Simmons, Thomas and family 379
Stasson, Frank .. 506
The Old Way 283
Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Christ, 521
Thompson, Mr. and Mrs John. . 155
Tinnes, Henry ()
Tinnes, Mr. and Mrs. Lafo
Timms, Henry. Cabin. .
Tompkins, Mr. and Mrs. James 11.
Toole, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick E ..
Torhenson, Thomas, and family. +24 Little ('row. 139 Logan, Hugh II
Voelz, Emil A., and family. 105 Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob (. 509 Wichr, Mr. and Mrs. Robert ... 371
Windhorst, William .. . 195
Wiebman, William. Birthplace
xix
CHAPTER I.
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
Advantages-Situation and Area-Natural Drainage-Topog- raphy-Altitudes-Soil and Timber-Archean Rocks-Gneiss and Granite-Cretaceous Beds-Glacial and Modified Drift- Underground Waters-Natural Resources.
On its splendid course through the mighty state to which it has given its noble name, the turgid Minnesota passes no fairer land than that which it touches from Hawk Creek to Camp, where, well tilled and populous, Renville county stretches away in sightly prospects.
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