USA > Minnesota > Lyon County > An illustrated history of Lyon County, Minnesota > Part 28
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Jensrud, F. E. Sprout, T. R. Cole, E. T. Fitch, C. A. Gregory, F. P. McComb and Arnold Gloor.
13The following have been graduated from the Minneota High School:
1904-Marth Hognason, F. G. Byron Hognason, Newel H. Dahl, Jennie M. Frost.
1905-Bjarni Anderson, Agnes D. Leland, Sigurd Peterson.
1906-Margaret Mary Langan, Baldur Jonathan Dalmann, William Allan Crowe, Amanda Klevan, June Louise Wimer, Harry Adolph Crowe, Theodore Bernhard Voog, Maud Beatrice Leland, Edward George Geiwitz.
1907-Amy T. Dahl, Winnie J. Johnson, Christine V. Dalmann, Eleen G. Eastman.
THE CHURCHES.
Five active church societies are main- tained in Minneota, namely, the Nor- wegian Lutheran, Catholic, Icelandic Lutheran, Baptist and Evangelical Luth- cran. All have houses of worship and hold services regularly.
The first religious services in the village were conducted in the Nordland section house by Rev. J. Berg, a Nor- wegian Lutheran pastor. Under the direction of Rev. Berg, the Immanuel Congregation of the Norwegian Synod was organized and the pioneer preacher occupied the pulpit for a short time. He was succeeded by Rev. Knute Thorsfonson, who preached once a month for about two years. The next pastor was Rev. Olof Hoel, of Canby, who served until 1892. Rev. Andrew Kleven had charge of the church from 1892 to 1909, and Rev. E. J. Henderlie has been pastor since 1910. The Nor- wegian Lutheran church of Minneota has about 450 members. The church trustees are Henry Furgeson, Ole Esping, H. O. Skogen, N. B. Nelson and Louis Anderson.
The Catholic colony of Minneota was opened to settlers in the spring of 1880. Previous to that year His Grace Arch- bishop John Ireland, then coadjutor bishop of St. Paul, had begun to advo- cate the cause of Catholic colonization. By means of lectures delivered in the middle and eastern states and through his writings in the public press of Canada, Ireland, England, Belgium and
1908-Jonina P. Jokull, Frieda Gilbertson, Melville Sanderson, Thora Strand, Olive R. Olafson, Bessia Winnifred Ferguson, Mabelle Irene Leland, Elvira C. Josephson, Victor C. Josephson, Dora V. Askdal.
1909-Eva F. Wimer, Ellen Askdal.
1910-G. Arthur Larson, Fred A. Geiwitz, NeHlie B. Dorr, Carvel E. Erickson, Bjorn Winger, Petrene S. Johnson, Magnhild Orsen, Cora A. Geiwitz, Leslie V. Dahl, Susan A. Mullen, Luella B. Hanson.
1911-Ella Johnson, Ida Jokull, Patsy MeGinn, Reuben Pennington, Mary Wallin.
1912-Stella A. Cassidy, Hazel L. Dale, Johanna C. Gudmundson, Pauline S. Sigvaldson, Jane Yco.
.
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HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
Holland, he made known to Catholic multitudes the possibilities of a healthy and happy home on the virgin plains and amid the undeveloped resources of the big and bountiful state of Minne- sota. He was acquainted with the dire distress of the downtrodden masses in the congested districts of large cities. He knew that in lands beyond the sea good men starved in slavery and fear, and, like another Moses, he determined to lead them from their environments to the light and freedom and the future peace and prosperity which he foresaw would reward their labors in this Land of Promise.
With prophetic foresight His Grace also realized that if the Catholic church was to grow and keep pace with the growth and progress of Minnesota, it could only be by the incoming of Cath- olie settlers from other lands. There- fore, for the future happiness of the people, for the advancement in these parts of the faith he professed, he heralded the call to Minnesota through- out the world. In answer to that call many came, and those who came and persevered through the privations of pioneer days have good reason to bless the hour they came and the great prelate whose voice had called them hither.
The first Catholic settlers began to arrive in the summer and fall of 1880, and Father M. J. Hanly was appointed to act as their pastor and to help in locating them on their lands. 14 He said mass in the Minneota depot and in the old log house west of Minneota where
14The heads of families which constituted the initial membership of the Minneota Catholic church were as follows: Michael Cain, Barney Agnew, Philip Lynch, Thomas Rogan, Walter Walsh, Martin Finnegan, Patrick McGinn, Robert Culshaw, James Kiley, Hugh Bowden, Pat Creeden, John O'Connor, Barnie O'Hare, Garrett Ahern, William Salmon, John Boulton, Peter Tumulty, Francis McMahon, Daniel Mullen, Patrick Langan, James O'Brien, Martin . Langan, William
Garrety, Joseph Whitwell, John Braken, William
Lyons, Hugh MeNamara, John Buckley, Michael
Bunce, Bernard Cassidy, John Malone, William
he resided with a number of the colonists until their homes were built. Father Hanly was succeeded by Father L. Cornelius in August, 1881, and soon after his appointment he set about building the church and parish house. The church was dedicated under the name of St. Edward the Confessor, owing to the fact that many of the first colonists were English or had lived some time in England.
Father Cornelius went to Europe in the winter of 1882 to promote the cause of colonization amongst the Belgians and Hollanders and he returned in the spring of 1883 with many colonists. Most of these settled on the lands seven miles east of Minneota, and, having received a priest of their own national- ity, they originated the present parish of Ghent. 15 Father Cornelius was suc- ceeded by Father Edward Lee in March, 1883. Father Lee was pastor seven years and during those years endeared himself to the people by the zeal with which he ministered to their spiritual welfare in spite of the privations he had to endure. Father Lee was replaced by Father H. Victor in April, 1890. Father Victor cleared off the debt that was in- curred in building the church and then went to live in Marshall, from which place he attended Minneota as a mission.
Minneota remained a mission from 1890 to August, 1901, and during that period it was attended by Fr. Victor (1890-93), Fr. F. Jager (1893-95) and Fr. A. J. Vanden Heuvel (1895-01). In response to a petition from the people and a promise to support a resident
Reynolds, Charles Donnely, John Dobson, Thomas Howard, Michael Dwyer, James Cahill, John Penning- ton, James MeMahon, Edward Kelley, Peter Hughes, Lawrence McDonald, Edward O'Brien and John Mccluskey.
15The Belgian and Holland families who remained members of St. Edward's parish were those of Charles DeSutter, John Tillemans, Ferdinand Wambeke, Peter Jennen, Peter Stassen, Frank Buysse, Louis Traen, Anthon Bankers and Peter Moorse.
185
HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
pastor, Archbishop Ireland appointed Father Murlowski to the pastoral charge of St. Edward's congregation in August. 1901. At that time the people rebuilt the parish house, expending thereon $1251. Father Murlowski died after an operation in Rochester in January, 1903. Father A. Schaefer became pastor the same year and guided the destinies of St. Edward's until September 10, 1905, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Father W. J. Stewart.
The parish has progressed rapidly under the administration of Father Stewart. Owing to his tireless activity during the years of his pastorate the Catholic cemetery has been enlarged and beautified, the church has been repainted without and redecorated within. the assessment of $2200 for the new cathe- dral at St. Paul has been paid in full, $13,300 has been subscribed toward the building of a new parish church, and a block of land-one of the finest in the village-has been purchased on liberal terms from John O'Connor as the site for the future developments of this progressive parish. The congregation at the present writing consists of about 350 members. The church trustees are Philip Ahern, secretary, and Harry J. Tillemans, treasurer. Mr. Tillemans suc- ceeded Robert Culshaw, who died May 7, 1912, and who for thirty years was treasurer, organist and conductor of the choir of St. Edward's parish.
. An Icelandic Lutheran society was organized so early as 1880, but St. Paul's Church was not founded until October 27, 1887. The first members and church officers were G. S. Sigurdson,
16The first members of the Baptist church were Nathan N. Smart, Rebecca Smart, Nellie Smith, Mrs. A. M. Olson, Mrs. Alice Cole, Mrs. Richard Bliss, Mrs. Rhoda Freneh, Mrs. C. J. Wimer, Miss Pratt, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Bremer, George W. Carpenter, William Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. North, Mrs. John Ferguson, W. F. Smith, Agnes Miller, Charles M. Anderson, Miss Gertrude Barlow, C. R. Bremer, Miss Anne Bremer, Miss Effie Bliss, Frank W. Carpenter, Miss Hester
president; J. Il. Frost, secretary and treasurer: F. R. Johnson, C. G. Schram and St. Gilbertson. Rev. N. S. Thor- laksson was the first pastor and served from 1887 to 1894. Rev. B. B. Jonsson has been pastor since that time.
St. Paul's Church was incorporated July 24, 1891, and the parsonage was built that year. The church home was built in 1895 and dedicated December 8 of that year. Rev. Sigurdson, of Winnipeg. Rev. Jonsson, of Minneota, and Prof. Sanders, of St. Peter, con- ducted the dedicatory services. The value of the church property is $7000. The present membership is 250. The members of the church council are G. B. Bjornson, B. Jones. G. A. Anderson, H. G. Johnson, K. S. Askdal, P. P. Jokull and A. R. Johnson. Auxiliary societies maintained are Sunday School, Luther League and Ladies Aid Society.
The First Baptist Church of Minneota was organized in 1896. Prior to that time services were held occasionally, conducted by visiting clergymen and theological students. The organization of the Minneota church was brought about through the labors of Rev. E. R. McKinney, then pastor-at-large for Southwestern Minnesota, and Rev. E. R. Pope. It began with a membership of thirty-four. 16 N. N. Smart and C. D. Bremer were the first deacons and P. O. French was the first clerk of the society. Rev. E. R. D. Hollensted was installed as the first pastor. 17
A Baptist church edifice was com- pleted in the spring of 1897 at a cost of $1200. The church now has a member- ship of twenty-five. Services are held
Cummins, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Dale, Mrs. B. C. Franzen, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gee, Miss Gertrude Gee, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Goodrich, Miss Ethel Goodrich.
17The following have served as pastors of the First Baptist Church of Minneota: E. R. D. Hollensted, 1896-98; C. R. Upton, 1899-00; W. D. Dye, 1901-02; N. J. Hilton, 1903-05; J. D. Niehols, 1907-08; students and visiting pastors, 1908-11; J. M. Brown, 1911-12.
186
HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
every other Sabbath, the pastor also having charge of the church at Canby. The deacons of the church are P. O. French and John Yeo. Mrs. French is clerk and Mr. French treasurer of the society.
The church of the Immanuel Evan- gelical Lutheran Congregation of Min- neota, affiliated with the Norwegian Synod of North America, was organized April 18, 1898, by fourteen families. 18 The first officers of the church were H. N. Dahl, president ; G. C. Lee, secretary ; O. J. Wignes, treasurer; I. N. Olevson, S. P. Hegdahl and W. H. Deen, trustees.
For six months after the organization services were conducted by missionary pastors of the Synod, and then Rev. A. J. Nervig was installed as pastor and the pulpit has since been regularly supplied. 19 The church home was Good Templars' Hall for two years, and in the summer of 1900 the present house of worship was put up at a cost of $2400. The present membership is about fifty and the following are the church officers: Rev. B. B. Jonsson, president; Ole I. Lee, secretary and treasurer; W. H. Deen, I. N. Olevson and John G. Geiwitz, trustees. Services are held every third Sabbath.
18The families constituting the initial membership of Immanuel church were those of II. N. Dahl, W. II. Deen, I. N. Olevson, O. J. Wignes, S. P. Hegdahl, O. J. Moe, P. R. Myers, O. G. Reese, H. C. Lec, G. C. Lee, O. I. Lee, Edor Myers, N. W. L. Jager and K. E. Fodnes.
19The following have been pastors of the Evangelica1 Lutheran church: A. J. Nervig, 1898-01; Sorenson' 1901-06; O. M. Gullerud, 1906-10; B. B. Jonsson' 1911-12.
20The charter members of Minneota Camp were John E. Berg, Charles D. Blaker, G. B. Bjornson, H. L. Champlin, J. M. Collins, G. A. Dalmann, Nels P. Frederickson, Martin Furgeson, St. Gilbertson, Walter B. Gislason, Frank Hinkley, Frank R. Johnson, Ole I. Lee, James Meaghan, M. H. Marcuson, Samuel J. Swenson, Saras Sorenson, John Stephenson, S. E. Sanderson and Dell M. Walrath. The present members holding office in the lodge are A. E. Arntson, J. G. Geiwitz, J. F. Finnegan, S. B. Erickson, H. G. Johnson, George Benson, M. F. Klaith, P. M. Berg, W. H. Deen and Martin Peterson.
21Charter members of Alpha Lodge were Betsy Kile, Otto Anderson, J. F. Finnegan, P. G. Schram, S. Walter Jonason, Olophena Werpy, W. J. Salmon, Martin Furgeson, Jonina Holm, Minnie E. Stowell, Mrs. W. B. Gislason, Dimphena Meaghan, Clara E. Van Tassel, Eliza Sanderson, Edwin O. Ageton, Aliee Wimer, Eveline Ringham, Betsey Moc, Mrs. J. G.
THE LODGES.
Minneota Camp No. 2385, Modern Woodmen of America, is the oldest fraternal order in Minneota. It was organized. August 20, 1894,2ยบ and has had a prosperous existence. The pres- ent membership in good standing is 151.
Alpha Lodge No. 1382, Royal Neigh- bors of America, was organized February 27. 1899, and is still an active organiza- tion. 21
Minneota Lodge No. 200, Independ- ent Order Odd Fellows, was instituted February 9, 1901, by Grand Master Alex Van Praag. It was organized with a small membership22 but has had a prosperous life and now has twenty- three members.
Equality Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M., was organized April 4, 1901, with ten charter members. 23 Thirty-two members are now on the rolls and regular meetings are held at Masonic Hall.
Homestead Lodge No. 778, Brother- hood American Yeomen, was instituted September 14, 1901, by W. D. Bryant. 24 The present membership is thirty-nine.
St. Edward's Court No. 1498, Catholic Order of Foresters, was instituted Sep-
Hunter, Zella M. Ageton, Anna O. Hanson, Mrs. H. L. Drake, Anna Reese and Emma McConnell.
22The following were first members of the Odd Fellows lodge: J. G. Hunter, J. B. Gardner, S. Mag- nuson, P. O. French, K. K. Mohn, D. M. Walrath, M. B. McAlister, J. E. Berg, A. E. Walrath and P. M. Berg. The principal officers at present are L. M. Lerwick, G. H. Jonathan, S. B. Erickson and P. M. Berg.
23The charter members were as follows: G. A Dalmann, C. M. Gislason, S. M. S. Askdal, W. A. Crowe, I. N. Olevson, J. C. Rogde, P. O. French, II. J. Moe, G. B. Bjornson and E. I. Leland. The present officers of the lodge are L. M. Lerwick, Theodore Thordarson, A. B. Gislason, B. B. Gislason, Arnold Gloor, G. A. Dalmann, C. E. Anderson, H. J. Moc, Arthur E. Arntson and P. O. French.
24Charter members of the Yeomen lodge were J. J. McGinn, K. K. Mohn, O. C. Spillum, W. H. Lewis, Andrew Anderson, G. S. Sigurdson, Nels A. Anderson, Edwin O. Ageton, J. B. Gardner, C. A. Knutson, Cornelius Kiley, W. M. Flemming, G. B. Bjornson, Lewis L. DeSutter, G. Rofnson, Frank O'Neal, Bert O'Neal, C. V. Arneson, August Princen, Albert J. Johnson, Elmer O'Neal, A. J. McGinn and John A. Peterson. The present members holding office are P. M. Berg. T. P. Culshaw, A. J. McGinn, O. H. Werpy, C. E. Culshaw, A. W. Berg, Mrs. O. II. Werpy and Mrs. P. M. Berg.
187
HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
tember S, 1904, by Deputy Blissenbach, of Mankato. 25 The lodge at present has fourteen members.
THE LIBRARY.
The Minneota News and Art Club founded a library in 1901 and conducted . it two years. The club then turned it over to the village and its management has since been vested in the Village Council. The library, which contains about 1000 volumes, is on the second floor of the city hall and is open to the publie on Wednesday and Saturday evenings of each week. Librarians who have been in charge since it has been conducted by the village have been Hannah Dahl, 1903-04; S. Hognason, 1904-05; Edith B. Seals, 1905-12. The library board is composed of Edith B. Seals, president; E. T. Sanderson, secre- tary; H. J. Tillemans, treasurer; Ella Benson, B. B. Gislason, S. B. Erickson, Hannah Hognason, Arnold Gloor and B. B. Jonsson.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Minneota Fire Department is one of the oldest fire fighting organizations of Lyon county. It came into being as a result of a fire in the summer of 1885 which destroyed the Van Dusen eleva- tor. The department was organized September 15, 1885, with W. A. Crowe as chief. A little apparatus was pur- chased at that time and a small building erected to house it.
The department now has forty mem- bers and the following are the principal officers: P. M. Berg, chief; O. I. Lee, secretary; W. P. Tillemans, treasurer. The apparatus is housed in the city hall and consists of two hose carts, two
25The charter members of St. Edward's Court were A. J. Kelley, Rev. Sehaefer, H. J. Tillemans, C. Cul- shaw, G. F. Ahern, M. F. Ahern, M. J. Finnegan. E. B. Kiley, J. Wemerskeshen, W. J. Moughan, Edward
chemicals, one hook and ladder truck, and 1200 feet of hose.
TIIE BANKS.
Minneota has two banking institu- tions, the First National Bank and the Farmers and Merchants National Bank. The banking history of the village antedates the establishment of either of these institutions, however. In the early eighties William Davidson and A. D. Davidson founded the Bank of Minneota and conducted it as a private banking house for a number of years under the firm name of Davidson Brothers.
The State Bank of Minneota, the predecessor of the present First National Bank, was established in 1892. John Swenson was the first president and he has ever since been at the head of the institution. O. L. Dorr was the first cashier and he continued in that position until after the reorganization into the First National Bank. L. M. Lerwick was made cashier in July, 1910. The building occupied by the bank was erected in 1902. The capital stock of the First National is $30,000.
The Farmers and Merchants National Bank was organized in 1903 with a capital stock of $25,000 and with the following first officers: W. A. Crowe, president; C. J. Wimer, vice president ; E. I. Leland, cashier; F. M. Ahern, assistant cashier. Mr. Crowe retained the presidency until January, 1912, when he was succeeded by A. J. Kile. Mr. Wimer was succeeded as vice presi- dent in 1906 by C. K. Melby, and the latter a year later by A. J. Kile. M. F. Ahern was made cashier at the begin- ning of 1905, C. K. Melby in March,
Langan, D. F. Salmon and Frank Tiemesson. The present offiee holders of the order are H. J. Tillemans, Edward O'Connor, A. J. MeGinn, E. G. Langon, T. P. Culshaw, J. Rogan and F. Tiemesson.
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HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
1905, and H. J. Tillemans, the present cashier, at the beginning of 1906. Mr. Tillemans succeeded Mr. Ahern as as- sistant cashier in 1905 and the next year S. B. Erickson succeeded to the office. The home of the bank was erected in 1903.
The growth of the business of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank has been rapid. According to a state-
ment made November 10, 1905, just before Mr. Tillemans became cashier, the resources of the bank were only $87,- 902.04. A statement made April 18, 1912, showed that the resources had advanced to $433,914.49. The deposits at that time were $365,430.06. The bank has a surplus and undivided profits of $25,000, and is rated one of the sound institutions of Lyon county.
CHAPTER XIII.
COTTONWOOD-18SS-1912.
C OTTONWOOD is one of the younger villages of Lyon county, but its growth during the twenty- four years of its existence has been sub- stantial. Today it ranks as the county's fourth town in size, with a population of 770 according to the last census. The village is a prosperous one and is situated in the midst of an excellent farming country. It is built on the bank of Cottonwood lake and has one of the finest townsites in Lyon county. Cottonwood is in the extreme north- eastern corner of the county, on section 9, Lucas township, and is a station of the Great Northern railroad.
Settlers first located in the vicinity in the early seventies, but because of the distance from markets the develop- ment of that part of the county was not so great as that of the portions lying in proximity to the railroad. When the Willmar & Sioux Falls (Great Northern) railroad was built through the county in 1888 northeastern Lyon county became rapidly filled with settlers and the vil- lage of Cottonwood was founded and had a rapid growth.
It will be remembered that the pre-
1The Marshall News-Messenger of November 11, 1887, said: "While we have not official authority for locating the stations in this county, we have sufficient indications to pronounce the following locations as quite certainly decided on: The first station will be at Cottonwood lake, about fourteen miles distant and six and one-half miles this side of Hanley Falls. This
liminary steps toward the building of the new railroad were taken in 1887 and that the roadbed was graded that year. No steps were taken that early to found any of the towns along the proposed line but there was speculation as to their probable location and it was early rumored that one of the stations in Lyon county would be on the shores of Cottonwood lake. The first mention in the public prints we find of a prospective town there was in the Marshall News- Messenger of September 9, 1887, which said: "Cottonwood lake is without doubt the prettiest sheet of water, next to Lake Benton, in this part of the state, and a station will be located there. It will prove a great resort in summer for all people hereabouts and no more beautiful location for a town can be found anywhere."
Late in the same season the railroad authorities selected the sites for all the stations, although they were not offi- cially announced to the public and there was no intention of platting the sites until the road was constructed.1 Work on the road was resumed in ISSS, and in May of that year it was officially
will be an important station, beautiful in location, upon a fine lake, and must become a favored summer resort for our people. In its charming surroundings it is unequalled by any place in this section of country, save Lake Benton. The railroad will control thic townsite and intends to make it a first-class town."
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HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY.
announced that one of the stations would be on Cottonwood lake and that its name would be Cottonwood. The rails were laid on the new line in August and train service was begun north of Marshall on September 11. Before that event occurred preparations had been made for founding Cottonwood.
The founders were C. B. Tyler and J. G. Schutz, of Marshall. They pur- chased from Dr. Lange, of New York City, 372 acres of land on section 9, Lucas township, for which they paid $18 per acre. In July, 1888, they laid out the townsite, consisting of about forty acres, on the northeast and south- east quarters of the section. The plat was surveyed by C. L. Van Fleet July 27 and the dedication was made by Messrs. Tyler and Schutz on the last day of the month. It consisted of nine blocks and included land on both sides of the railroad track. The streets run- ning north and south were named East Second, East First, Railroad, Lake, West First and West Second, and those east and west were Front and Main. 2
Before the survey was completed several lots were sold3 and immediately thereafter several buildings were put up. The first building completed on the site was a blacksmith shop by Larson Brothers, which was put up in August. In September Martin Ness erected a double building, in part of which he opened a hotel early in September; the other part of the building was rented to Olof Pehrson, of Marshall, who became the pioneer merchant of the village. His store was opened October 2, in
2Additions to Cottonwood have been platted as follows:
George Anderson's First, December 9, 1893, by George Anderson; surveyed by O. H. Sterk.
Schutz & Tyler's First, May 10, 1897, by C. B. Tyler and J. G. Sehutz; surveyed by O. H. Sterk. Arneson & Olson's First, July 2. 1897, by G. A. Arneson and O. J. Olson ; surveyed by O. II. Sterk. Schutz & Tyler's Second, October 19, 1898, by (. B. Tyler and J. G. Schutz; surveyed by W. A. Hawkins.
charge of C. T. Hanson. The next en- terprise started was by Martin Norseth, who in September received several cars of lumber and engaged in the lumber business. The same month he started a store building and before the close of the year opened a hardware store, which was soon afterward sold to Sperber & Hunzicker.
The railroad was completed in August and train service begun on September 11. W. L. Barnett became the first agent and was the first permanent resident of the village. In partnership with Martin Norseth he engaged in the coal business. John Sturman dug a well and erected a water tank for the railroad company in September, and in October the depot was erected.
Christ Dahl and J. H. Dahl began the erection of a two-story business house in September and completed it in December. In the lower part they opened a grocery store, and the upper floor was used as their place of residence. The Northwestern Elevator Company began the erection of an elevator late in July, which was completed early in October and opened under the manage- ment of J. H. Dahl.4 On September 5 the Cottonwood Farmers Co-operative
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