USA > Minnesota > Nobles County > An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota > Part 22
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$Appointive officers: B. F. Thurber, street commissioner: David Anderson. night police- man; J. A. Town, city attorney.
"The vote of this election is not obtainable. 1"Had been made an elective office. Ap-
November 12, of the same year, Blair & Co., was again burned out in a new lo- cation. The latter fire was caused by the falling of a lamp.
License carried by 92 majority in 1894, and the following officers were elected :9 President, Daniel Shell; trus- tecs, E. C. Pannell, David Anderson and Frank Glasgow; recorder, A. L. John- son : treasurer. A. H. Palm; assessor, R. B. Plotts; street commissioner,1ยบ B. F. Thurber.
The gain in population from 1890 to 1895 was 753, and in the last named year the census showed a population of 1917. Worthington was again the me- tropolis of the southwestern corner of the state.11 One of the events of 1895 was the installation of an electric lighting plant by the village. At a special elec- tion held June 11 the matter was sub- mitted to the voters. On the first pro- position submitted. that the village put in an electric lighting plant at a cost of not more than $15,000, the vote was 201 in favor to 79 against. On the second proposition, that the village issue bonds not to exceed $15,000 for the purpose of putting in the plant, the vote was 197 in favor to 8% against. The contraet for the system was let in September to Clausen & Bonwell, of St. Paul, repre- senting the General Electric company, of Chicago, on a bid of $8.099. The contract for the engines and boilers was let to Sioux City Engine & Iron Works on a hid of $5,095. The system was completed that fall, and the lights were turned on for the first time December 10. The plant started with a patronage of 300 lights.
pointive officers who served under this ad- ministration were R. P. Free, night police- man, and J. A. Town, city attorney.
"Populations of other nearby towns: Lu- verne, 1.890; Pipestone, 1,668; Jackson, 1.356; Adrian, 1,072.
180
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
The election of 1895 was a complete victory for the against license party. License was defeated by 35 majority, and, with the exception of nominees for one trustee, one justice of the peace and constable, all the temperance nominees were elected. Four hundred seventy-six votes were cast. The vote:
For license. 219: against license, 254.
President-Daniel Shell (for), 231; (. J. Smallwood (ag), 215.
Trustees-David Anderson (for), 247; Azom Forbes (for), 236; E. C. Pan- nell (for). 234: TI. M. Palm (ag). 238; G. R. Curran (ag), 237; Marvin Ham- mond (ag), 231.
Recorder-C. M. Crandall (for), 214; Gust Swanberg (ag). 260.
Treasurer-A. L. Johnson (for), 233; A. H. Palm (ag). 242.
Justices-C. M. Cory (for), 247; L. B. Bennett (for), 208: C. W. Hildreth (ag), 257; J. B. Green (ag), 225.
Street Commissioner-R. E. Covey (for), 169: B. F. Thurber (ag). 305. Assessor-R. B. Plotts (for), 231; W. H. Buchan (ag), 242.
Constable-Gilbert Anderson 238: HI. W. Fuqua (ag), 232.12
(for),
Worthington was visited by a hard wind storm on the night of May 11, 1896. when several houses and other buildings were partially destroyed. The worst damage was done in Clary's addi- tion. Roofs were torn off, buildings blown from their foundations, and con- siderable loss sustained. No one was killed, and only one person, Win. Guise's child, was injured, and that not ser- iously.
12Appointive officers: Samuel Gibson, night policeman; Daniel Rohrer, city attorney; H. W. Fuqua, policeman; M. S. Smith, city clerk. The office of city clerk was established Doc. 9, 1895, and Mr. Smith was appointed on that date.
"Died during term of offler.
The license people regained control of the city government in 1896. carrying the "question" by 61 votes and electing all except one member of their ticket. Four hundred sixty-three votes were cast. The result :
For license, 260: against license, 199.
President-Azom Forbes18 (for), 212; W. W. Loveless (ag). 181.
Trustees-E. C. Pannell (for). 280: Frank Glasgow (for), 275: O. G. Grund- sten (for). 260: IT. N. Douglas (ag). 199: E. F. Buchan (ag), 119: J. D. Matteson (ag), 191.
Recorder-C. H. Sibley14 (for), 279; P. G. Johnson (ag), 178.
Treasurer-H. E. Torrance (for). 263; A. TT. Palm (ag). 199. Street Commissioner-Robert Free (for). 228; B. F. Thurber (ag), 232.
Assessor-E. W. Goff (for), 256: J. H. Maxwell (ag), 200.15
There was a falling off in the vote in 1892. 399 being the highest number cast for any one office. With the exception of two minor offices, the li- cense party elected its ticket. The vote: For license, 204: against license, 189. President -Frank Glasgow (for). 213: IT. M. Palm (ag). 186.
Trustees-A. N. Douglas (for), 215 : R. B. Beeson (for). 215: O. G. Grund- sten (for), 206: E. A. Tripp (ag). 189; S. Kindlund (ag). 181: J. D. Matteson (ag), 182.
Recorder-E. K. Smith (for). 220: W. W. Loveless (ag), 176.
Treasurer-II. E. Torrance (for). 213: Jas. S. Ramage (ag), 182.
Street Commissioner- R. P. Free1
14Died during term. M. S. Smith appointed to fill the vacancy on Nov. 13, 1896.
"Appointive officers: J. A. Town, city at- torney: L. 1 .. McCartney, night policeman; M. S. Smith, elty clerk.
"Resigned Aug. 27, 1897, to accept office of night policeman. B. F. Thurber appointed Sept. 10.
TT
VIEW OF WORTHINGTON, 1884
Looking Down Fourth Avenue from Main Street. The Building in the Foreground is the Miller Block.
1
I
VIEW OF WORTHINGTON, 1895
Looking North from the Corner of Fourth Avenue and Eleventh Street. Showing the Site of the Present Fair Grounds and a Vacant Country Now Largely Built Up.
181
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
(for), 213; B. F. Thurber (ag), 183.
Assessor-E. W. Goff (for), 230; L. B. Bennett (ag), 162.
Justices-C. H. Schechter (for), 212; B. W. Lyon (for), 189; J. Il. Maxwell (ag), 178; C. W. Hildreth (ag), 208.
Constable-R. C. Dana (for), 214; H. W. Fuqua (ag), 177.17
Four hundred thirty votes were east in 1898. License carried by 24 majority, and nearly the whole license ticket was elected. The vote :
For license, 215; against license, 209.
President-Frank Glasgow (for), 237; 11. M. Palm (ag), 193.
Trustees-Walter Aagaard (for), 226; W. E. Madison (for), 238; E. K. Smith (for), 212; Otis Bigelow (ag), 208; Gust Swanberg (ag), 209; J. D. Mat- teson (ag), 195.
Recorder-T. D. Palmer (for), 234; H. Hawley (ag), 194.
Treasurer-E. C. Pannell (for), 247; S. Kindlund (ag), 183.
Street Commissioner-C. H. Alford (for), 204; B. F. Thurber (ag), 224.
Assessor-R. B. Plotts (for), 176; E. W. Goff (ag), 251.18
Again was the license party successful in 1899 by a small majority. All its nominees were elected with the excep- tion of the one for recorder. Four hun- dred fifty-seven votes were polled. The result :
For license, 230; against license, 220; no license, 3.
President-E. C. Pannell (for), 250; A. N. Douglas (ag), 206.
Trustees-W. E. Madison (for), 251;
17Appointive officers: J. A. Town, city at- torney; M. S. Smith, city clerk; R. P. Free, night policeman.
1Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attorney; M. S. Smith, clerk; R. P. Free, nightwatch- man.
2Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attorney; M. S. Smith, clerk; S. A. Roshon, marshal;
Walter Aagaard (for), 243; J. N. Gould (for), 248; Peter Thompson (ag), 212; II. M. Palm (ag), 203; Jas. Mackay (ag), 204.
Recorder-C. M. Cory (for), 222; E. W. Goff (ag), 232.
Treasurer-Aug. Pahn (for), 229; C. L. Peterson (ag), 227.
Street Commissioner-C. H. Alford (for), 238; B. F. Thurber (ag), 219.
Justices-F. A. Stevens (for), 238; It. S. Hobson (for), 238; A. E. Tuttle (ag), 196; C. W. Hildreth (ag), 222.
Constable-S. A. Roshon (for), 251; II. W. Fuqua (ag), 204.19
The decade from 1890 to 1900 was one of advancement. Despite the few years of hard times, the growth was mar- velous. Land values rose several hun- dred per cent during the decade, and thousands of new settlers came to Nobies county. The effect on Worthington was a healthy growth in all lines of busi- ness. New enterprises came into exis- tence, and prosperity abounded. The census of 1900 gave the village a popu- lation of 2,386, an increase of 1,222, or over one hundred per cent, in ten years. During the last half of this ten year period the increase was 469.20
Out of 456 votes cast in 1900 license carried by a small majority. Two mem- bers of the council and . treasurer went to the temperance party; the license party was otherwise successful in elect- ing its ticket. The vote:
For license, 232; against license, 220.21
President-E. C. Pannell (for), 230; Gust Swanberg (ag), 223.
M. J. Bryan, nightwatchman.
20 Populations of other nearby towns. ac- cording to that census: Adrian, 1,258; Lu-
verne, 2.223; ; Pipestone, 2,536; Slayton, 883;
Jackson, 1.756; Windom, 1,944; St. James, 2,607.
"One vote cast for "no license," and one for "against license-yes," is not included.
182
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
Trustees-W. E. Madison (for), 225; J. N. Gould (for), 226; Walter Aagaard (for), 220; Il. N. Douglas (ag), 230; David Anderson (ag), 223; E. W. Goff (ag), 234.
Recorder-John Boberg (for), 232; Geo. D. Palm (ag), 217.
Treasurer-R. F. Pepple (for), 218; C. L. Peterson (ag), 238.
Street Commissioner-Pat O'Connor (for), 251; B. F. Thurber (ag), 200.
Assessor- J. J. Kendlen (for), 254; J. P'. Vail (ag), 198.22
The village election of 1901 brought out 500 votes, the largest that had up to that time been polled in the village, and the largest in the history of the village up to the election of 1907. Li- cense caried by 34 votes, and the whole license ticket, with the exception of president of the council, was elected. The vote:
For license, 265; against license, 231.
President-J. R. Conway (for), 216; 11. N. Douglas, (ag), 282.
Trustees-W. E. Madison (for), 30%; W. B. Hibbard (for), 273; John Bo- berg (for), 310; John Ramage (ag), 198; Adolph Amondson (ag), 219; G. M. Walker (ag), 188.
Recorder-F. M. Hickman (for), 285; Loren Clark (ag), 215.
Treasurer-Merle Ilurlbert (for), 288; 1I. Hlawley (ag), 212.
Street Commissioner-Pat O'Connor, 491.
Assessor-J. J. Kendlen (for), 311; W. E. Stontemyer (ag), 182. Justices-Gilbert Anderson (for), 286; F. A. Stevens23 (for), 300; J. P. Vail (ag), 194: J. H. Scott (ag), 213.
2Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attorney; M. S. Smith, clerk; S. A. Roshon, marshal; M. J. Bryan, nightwatchman.
"Resigned July 15, 1902. C. W. W. Dow ap- pointed to vacancy.
Constable-S. A. Roshon (for), 287; David Bergstresser (ag), 208.21
Municipal politics were conducted on slightly different lines in 1902. Au ef- l'ort was made to have both parties unite on a ticket and do away with the bit- ter campaigning that had characterized former elections. With this in view a citizens' caucus was held, participated in by the no license party and some of the opposition, and a full ticket was put in nomination. The license party then put up a ticket, endorsing many of the nominees on the citizens' ticket, and was successful in electing two of the nomi- nees. The total vote was 465, and li- cense caried by 53. The vote :
For license, 256; against license, 203.
President-Frank Glasgow (for), 214; H. M. Palm (cit), 251.
Trustees-Walter Aagaard (for), 212; E. A. Tripp (cit), 265; J. N. Gould, 453; A. R. Albertus, 430.
Recorder-J. M. Messer, 454.
Treasurer-Merle Hulbert 233; Loren Clark (cit), 231.
(for),
Street Commissioner-l'at O'Connor (for), 267; B. F. Thurber (cit), 192. Assessor-J. J. Kendlen, 444.25
For several years prior to 1903 Worth- ington had witnessed very prosperous times. Crops had been good, and the result was lively business in the county seat town. Then came three years of partial crop failures due to heavy rains, and during that time business was at a standstill. No building improvements were made; no new business enterprises started; there was a falling off in popu- lation.
The village was visited by a flood on
"Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attorney; M. S. Smith, clerk; S. A. Roshon, marshal; I .. 1. Mccartney, nightwatchman.
"Appointive officers: I. A. Town, attorney; J. M. Ploits, clerk; S. A. Roshon, marshal; 1 .. 1 .. McCartney, nightwatchman.
183
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
Friday, Sept. 11, 1903, and considerable damage resulted. It was due to an ab- normal rainfall that almost took the form of a cloudburst, Okabena lake overflowed, and every low part of town was covered with water. The Roek Is- land railroad was completely covered along its whole course through the city. Many houses were filled with water, side- walks floated away, basements and cel- lars were filled, and mueh livestock was lost. Many of the streets were navigated in boats, and rescue parties worked all night rescuing people who were in dan- ger from the flood. Thousands of dol- lars were lost as a result of the disaster.
For the first time in several years the no license party was successful in voting out the saloons. The majority was an extraordinarily large one-68. Three tickets were in the field, one of them, however, being made up almost entirely of the nominees of the other two. The citizeus' party, which had its origin the year before, placed a complete ticket in the field, and the no license party did the same. The license caueus was held, but adjourned without naming a tieket. Later auother ticket appeared, labeled "peoples independent," which was an endorsement of nominees of the other two tickets. Four hundred seventy-nino votes were polled. The result:
For lieense, 203; against license, 271.
President-J. N. Gould (cit), 236; E. A. Tripp (peo26 and ag), 238.
Trustees-W. E. Oliver (peo and eit), 310; W. I. Humiston (peo and cit), 266; O. W. Dieckhoff (peo and ag), 226; M. P. Mann (cit), 248; David
26Peoples independent.
"Died during term. J. S. Kies appointed Dec. 19, 1904, to fill the vacancy. 2% Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attor- ney; J. M. Plotts, clerk; S. A. Roshon, night- watchman.
Anderson (ag), 203; John Ramage (ag), 164.
Recorder-J. M. Messer (cit), 212; Loren Clark (peo and ag), 261.
Treasurer-Fred Wall (cit), 297; J. S. Tolverson (ag), 165.
Street Commissioner-Pat O'Connor (peo and cit), 324; A. R. Bloom (ag), 149.
Assessor-Harvey Rew (cit), 256; J. H. Maxwell (peo), 220.
Justices-C. W. W. Dow (all tickets), 438; Gilbert Anderson27 (peo and cit), 316; J. W. Read (ag), 169.
Constable-R. P. Free (peo and cit), 271; J. P. Loveless (ag), 196.28
There was a change of many votes on the license question in 1904, and license was voted by 37 majority. Former con- ditions in politics were resumed, and the two old parties-license and against li- cense-again fought the battle. The for- mer elected every nominee. The total vote was 467. The result:
For license, 250; against license, 213.
President-J. N. Gould (for), 225; E. A. Tripp (ag), 188.
Trustees-M. P. Mann, 452; S. M. Stewart (for), 298; W. I. Humiston (for), 263; O. W. Dieckhoff (ag), 197; W. O. Saxon (ag), 168.
Recorder-W. E. Madison ( for), 269; Loren Clark (ag), 196.
Treasurer-Fred Wall29 (for), 268; A. T. Laita (ag), 199.
Street Commissioner-Z. M. Smith (for), 240; W. E. Bloom (ag), 222.
Assessor-Ira Mishler (for), 274; J. II. Maxwell (ag), 191.30
The census of 1905 gave Worthington
20Resigned June 10, 1904. John A. Boberg completed the term,
30 Appointive officers: I. A. Town, attor- ney; J. M. Plotts, clerk; HI. A. Thurber, nightwatchman.
184
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
a population of 2,276, which was a loss of 110 in five years. It was the first census since the founding of the town that showed a loss of population. The population was divided by wards, as 101- lows: First, 1,112; second, 1,134. Of the total population, 904 were Minne- suta born, 1,013 were born in other states of the union, and 359 were foreign born. Of the last named, the countries of birth were as follows: Germany, 68; Sweden, 165; Norway, 21; Canada, 21; Ireland, 18; Denmark, 21; England, 15; Bohemia, 1; Scotland, 2; Wales, 5; Aus- tria, 6; all other countries, 8.
Four hundred thirty-seven votes were polled in 1905. License was carried by vi majority, and the license party elect- ed every nominee on its ticket. The vote :
For license, 248; against license, 181.
President-J. N. Gould (for), 249; L. E. Fitch (ag), 188.
Trustees-S. M. Stewart (for), 211; W. E. Madison (for), 222; W. 1. Ilumi- iston (for), 230; E. A. Tripp (ag), 128; Win. Chaney (ag), 173; Frank Saxon (ag), 167.
Recorder-W. 1. Carpenter (for), 272; Jas. Gibson (ag), 159.
Treasurer-T. A. Palmer (for), 263; A. Il. Segerstrom (ag), 170.
Street Commissioner-Z. M. Smith (for), 262; W. E. Bloom (ag), 174.
Assessor-Ira Mishler (for), 250; S. Kindlund (ag), 187.
Justices-J. S. Kies, 433; C. W. W. James Mackay (ag), 268. Dow, 424.
Constable -- Robert Free (for), 255; David Bergstresser (ag), 182.31
Again in 1906 was the license party successful in electing every nominee. Li-
3Appointive officers: S. S. Smith, attorney; (. 1,. Mann, clerk; 1I. M. Twitchell, night- watchman.
cense was voted by a majority of 10. The total vote was 448. In detail :
For license, 252; against license, 183.
President-W. E. Madison (for), 262; E. A. Tripp (ag), 183.
Trustees-C. P. Dolan (for), 211; Ed. Stoltenberg (for), 215; S. M. Stew- art (for), 264; J. Il. Maxwell (ag), 166; E. V. Voak (ag), 127; L. E. Fitch (ag), 117.
Recorder-J. M. Addington (for), 218; John A. Sahlbom (ag), 167.
Treasurer-G. H. Luehrs (for), 211; Carl Anderson (ag), 171.
Street Commissioner-Z. M. Smith (for), 286; W. E. Bloom (ag), 162.
Assessor-Ira Mishler (for), 280; S. Kindlund (ag), 168.32
In 1907 the no license party made al- most a clean sweep. License was de- Icated by 43 majority, and the temper- ance party elected all its nominees with the exception of two minor officers. Five hundred twenty-six votes were cast- more than at any preceding village elec- tion. The result :
For license, 238; against license, 281.
President-W. E. Madison (for), 259; E. A. Tripp (ag), 266.
Trustees-J. N. Gould (for), 252; C. P. Dolan (for), 258; Ed. Stoltenberg (for), 248; Ray Humiston (ag), 267; Fred Golf (ag), 279; E. V. Voak (ag), 267.
Recorder-Sam Swanson (for), 249; A. W. Fagerstrom (ag), 274.
Treasurer-G. H. Luchrs (for), 256;
Street Commissioner-Z. M. Smith (for), 269; Ed Cheatham (ag), 254.
Assessor-Ira Mishler, 520.
Justices-J. S. Kies, 522; C. W. W. Dow, 517.
22Appointive officers: S. S. Smith, attorney; C. L. Mann, clerk; August Anderson, night- watchman.
-
WORTHINGTON IN HOLIDAY ATTIRE
WINTER STREET SCENE, WORTHINGTON
185
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
Constable-R. P. Free (for), 250; S. who held that there was no law on the A. Roshon (ag), 272.33
The election on March 12, 1908, was the most bitterly contested ever held in Worthington, and 529 votes were cast- the largest vote ever polled. License carried by one vote, and with one ex- ception the whole license ticket was elected.
A contest was brought by members of the no license party, who alleged that illegal votes had been cast, that "in favor of license" had not received a ma- jority of the votes cast, and other rea- sons why the court should set aside the canvass of the election board, and de- clare the election void so far as it re- lated to the license question. The case was tried before Judge P. E. Brown,
33Appointive officers: S. S. Smith, attorney; C. L. Mann, clerk; S. A. Roshon. nightwatch- man. The latter resigned, and on Nov. 11, 1907, Chas. Duel was appointed nightwatch- man.
Minnesota statute books which provided for the bringing of a contest of the kind, and the case was dismissed.
The result of the election in detail :
For license, 263; against license, 262.
President-W. E. Madison (for), 289; E. V. Voak (ag), 237.
Trustees-C. P. Dolan (for), 290; William Ronan (for), 282; C. B. Ward (for), 261; Fred Goff (ag), 247; Ray Humiston (ag), 239; Geo. Weidman (ag), 252.
Recorder-R. H. Torrance (for), 230; Will Schrader (ag). 256.
Treasurer-Sam Swanson (for), 271; Oscar Sterling (ag). 253.
Assessor-Robert Reed (for), 252: Ira Mishler (ag), 271.34
34Appointive officers: J. A. Town, attorney; C. L. +Mann. clerk; Z. M. Smith, street com- missioner ; Chas. Duel, nightwatchman.
.
CHAPTER XV.
WORTHINGTON'S
THE SCHOOLS.
One of the very first institutions to be provided after the founding of a town is the public school. While Worthing- ton was founded in the fall of 1871, the population during the first winter was so small (and included no children) that no steps were taken to provide for a school. With the rush of settlers in the spring and summer of 1872, however, the matter of providing a school be- came a live issue.
While preparations were being made to organize a public school a private one was started in the summer by Mrs. M. B. Soule, who gave instruction to abont twenty students for a few weeks. Sev- eral public meetings were held during the summer months, at which plans for the organization were talked over, and it seemed to be the general desire that the new town should make liberal provis- ions for its school.1
A district school. No. 5, was organ-
1"So far as we can learn there is a very general expression among property owners in favor of the erection of a school building for a graded school to cost about $15,000. The meetings held upon the subject have been sur- prisingly harmonious and unanimous upon the point that nothing which the community can do to attract settlement
and investment among us, and consequently, to facilitate the rapid enhancement in the value of real prop- erty, will he so effective as first class school advantages. The first step is to organize first class common schools. In time, by which we mean in a few years at farthest, we feel con- fident the efforts we are making to secure the
ENTERPRISES.
ized, but it was decided to postpone the erection of a building. In December, 1872, Worthington's first public school was opened, and it continued four months. Seventy-five pupils attended, enrolled in two grades. Major T. C. Bell was the principal and taught the higher grade; Miss Kate Chaney (later Mrs. J. A. Town) was the teacher of the lower grade. The school was main- tained during the summer months and was attended by about forty students. Miss Clara Horton was the teacher. In November, 1873, the school opened again under C. C. Luckey and Mrs. Jen- kins and continued about five months, with an attendance of between seventy- five and eighty students.
From the first it had been the desire and intention of the founders of the town and leading citizens to establish a school of higher learning. On Decem- ber 1, 1823, the organization of the Worthington Seminary association was perfected, the object of which was "to
location of a seminary of learning at this
point will be sucessful; meantime we shall have excellent common school privileges. The hest of talent can be secured to conduct the schools, and the contribution of apparatus for illustrating physical science, which Pro- fessor Humiston proposes to make to the public schools at a cost of $500 or $600, is only one among many other features which will tend to make our schools first class. The people who are settling here have been ac- customed to such privileges elsewhere, and to the manifestation of a liberal spirit, and they will have the same facilities here."-Western Advance, Aug. 31, 1872.
187
185
HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.
establish a seminary of learning for the R. F. Humiston, 1. N. Sater, Peter education of persons of both sexes in Thompson, C. Z. Sutton, M. B. Sonle and J. A. Town. At the first meeting of the board Mr. Humiston was chosen president ; Mr. Thompson, treasurer; and Mr. Town, clerk. The school under the new arrangement opened in October with three departments and with 160 pupils in attendance. Miss Barbara Cosler was principal and George M. Plumb and Miss Phila Rowell were assistants. science, languages, arts and useful and polite literature." The first board of directors, chosen at the time of the or- ganization, was composed of Rev. B. Il. Crever, R. F. Humiston, C. Z. Sutton, Rev. J. W. Lewis, G. Anderson, Allen Chaney, Il. D. Ilumiston, of Worthing- ton; Rev. J. E. Fitch, of Windom; Rev. Bronson, of Luverne; Rev. It. Webb, of Saint Peter; Levi Shell, of Sibley. The association was incorporated on Decem- ber 8," and it was decided to ask the Minnesota conference of the Methodist church to assume the relation of patron, which was done. The seminary was es- tablished and had an intermittant exis- tence of a few years. Had it not been for the disastrous times that came upon the country there can be no doubt that the institution would have become a prosperous school.
During the summer of 1814 the pub- lic school was again maintained and was attended by sixty or seventy pupils. Mrs. Jenkins and Miss Ary Grant were the instructors. Up to this time the schools had been maintained under the ordi- nary district organization, but in the summer of 1811 the residents decided to adopt the independent district plan, which had been provided for by the log- islature of 1822. A petition was cir- culated, asking the electors to assemble at the school room on Angust 12 to vote for or against the adoption of the new plan.3 At the election sixteen votes were cast in favor of the change and four against it. On August 25 a board of six directors was chosen, as follows:
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