USA > Minnesota > Douglas County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Minnesota > Grant County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 44
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Knut T. Dahlen came to Elbow Lake in 1900, and opened an office for the practice of law. Mr. Dahlen was county superintendent of schools from 1895 to 1901. In 1912 he moved to Minneapolis, where he now is assistant county attorney.
James S. Scribner located in Elbow Lake in 1900, and one year later moved to Walker, where he is engaged in the practice.
STORY OF THE FIRST COURT SESSION.
At the dedication of the new court house, in 1906, a letter was read from Judge L. W. Collins, who presided at the first session of the district court held in Grant county, in 1883. This letter is of interest, as it gives an insight into the conditions which confronted the early lawyers in Grant county. Judge Collins wrote as follows :
"I held the first term of court in your county at Elbow Lake in 1883 in the old court house, a small building erected for public purposes. There was but one hotel, kept by Mr. Laastuen, and, if I remember right, no store at all in your place. 1 am told that the hotel I speak of was on the ground now occupied by the new court house-a beautiful site for a public building.
"Things were very crude in those days. I remember that an appeal was made to me to transfer the court to either Herman or Ashby, because there were no proper facilities in Elbow Lake. I thought that those who had business might be discommoded, and stated, upon opening the court, that if any complaints were to be made, I would listen to them at that time, and, if there was no well founded reason for transferring the court to some other town, it would be held here. I heard no complaints and we went on with the business.
"The lawyers were all taken care of by the then county auditor, Mr. Sanford, who lived about a mile away, across a small lake. Farmers took jurors, litigants and witnesses to their houses in the neighborhood. The hotel proprietor and his good wife did exceedingly well with the crowds that were thrust upon them, and, upon the whole, it was not an unpleasant con- dition of things.
"I held, as district judge, one or two terms later, when the town had commenced to grow and could boast of a store and three or four dwelling houses. I look back upon those days and the friends I met there with a good deal of satisfaction."
CHAPTER XIII.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
If one could form a mental conception of the physician of the early days and his surroundings, it would present a picture in sharp contrast to the conditions faced by the physicians of the present day.' In early times there was probably one physician within a radius of twenty-five or thirty miles, and his only road was the Indian trail or the few lines of the stage coach. His chief means of conveyance was the faithful horse which he rode, and his entire line of supplies and instruments was carried in small saddle bags strapped to the saddle. Rivers had to be crossed in time of flood, blind- ing snow storms faced, and when he left home on a round of visits he knew not when he would return. Contrast these conditions with those which pre- vail in this day of excellent roads, telephones, automobiles and improved medical science, and one can readily appreciate the sacrifices and hardships that the early doctors endured. Doubtless none of the professions have undergone the changes of that of the medical profession, and probably none other has risen to such a high point of efficiency.
HERMAN PHYSICIANS.
The first man to enter Grant county as a practicing physician was Dr. William F. Holden, who located at Herman early in the fall of 1882. After practicing there a number of years he removed to Winona, this state, where he engaged in the drug business. Doctor Holden was followed by Dr. C. O. Paquin, who was graduated from the medical department of Iowa State University in 1872. In January, 1883. Dr. W. R. Hand came to Herman and opened an office for the practice of medicine. Doctor Hand was grad- uated from the Cincinnati College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1877 and began the practice of his profession at Scranton, Pennsylvania, and remained there until his removal to Herman, as stated. In 1896 Doctor Hand sold his practice to Dr. . \. D. Larson, and after spending one winter in New York Post-Graduate Medical School, located in Elbow Lake.
In 1896 John Quincy Sackett, a man who had little or no technical training in the medical profession, located at Herman. He started work as
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
a horse doctor, but being a man of unusual natural ability, with sound judg- ment and a winning personality, he gradually turned his attention to medi- cine and established an extensive practice. "Doctor" Sackett died at Herman in 1907.
Among the later physicians who located at Herman were Doctor Mc- Cann, Doctor Cottam and Doctor Waite, who after brief terms of residence here moved to other fields. Dr. B. I .. Brigham, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, practiced here for a few years. Dr. James H. Bowers is another physician known to have been in Herman, but his residence was of such short duration that little is known of him.
At the present time there are three physicians practicing in Herman. Dr. A. D. Larson came here in 1894 and in 1896 took over the practice of Doctor Hand. Dr. T. M. Thayer. who was graduated from a New York medical college in 1900, and was assistant physician at the Fergus Falls state hospital for six years, located in Herman in 1908. Doctor Thayer was coroner of Grant county from 1909 to 1911. Doctor Larson was coroner from 1899 to 1903. Dr. J. T. Leland, who was graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic College, opened an office in Herman in 1905. Doctor Leland has been county coroner since 1913.
ELBOW LAKE PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Fred A. Robinson was the first physician to begin the practice of medicine at Elbow Lake. He was graduated from the Minnesota Hospital College in 1887 and immediately located in Elbow Lake. Doctor Robinson was accidentally killed. while out hunting in 1889.
Dr. Norman W. Chance was one of the pioneer physicians of Elbow Lake, locating in the village in October, 1888. He was born in Wood county, Ohio, and received his elementary education there. After graduating from Rush Medical College, at Chicago, he came to Minnesota and began the practice of his profession in Elbow Lake. Subsequently he took two post-graduate courses, one at the Chicago Polyclinic and the other at Johns Hopkins University, at Baltimore. Doctor Chance moved to Little Falls, this state, where he died on July 3, 1916.
Dr. C. E. Caine was the third physician to take up the practice of medi- cine in Elbow Lake. Doctor Caine was graduated from the medical depart- ment of the Minnesota State University in 1896, and at once opened an office in Elbow Lake. He practiced here for several years and then removed to Morris, this state, where he now resides.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
The next physician to locate in the village was Dr. W. R. Hand, who removed here from Herman, in 1896, and has since practiced in Elbow Lake. Doctor Hand has maintained an office in Grant county longer than any other physician now engaged in the practice here.
Dr. C. B. Heimark came to Elbow Lake about 1904 and stayed one year. Later he resided for about a year at Wendell, and then moved to Ack- · ley, where he died in 1910.
Dr. Robert B. Hixson, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, located in Elbow Lake about 1900, but remained only a short time.
Among the practicing physicians in Elbow Lake at the present time is Dr. E. A. T. Reeve, who was graduated from Hamline University in 1899 and located here a short time afterward, where he soon established a paying practice.
Dr. F. L. Kling is also engaged in the practice in Elbow Lake at the present time. Doctor Kling is a graduate of Hamline University, with the class of 1903. After practicing in Alexandria for several years Doctor Kling located in Elbow Lake in 1913.
Dr. Per Oyen set up an office at Elbow Lake about 1910, and was here two years, moving to Fessenden, North Dakota, where he now resides. Another physician who located in the village and practiced here several years was Dr. Jacob L. Hoffman. He came here in 1909 and in 1911 moved to Henning, Otter Tail county, this state.
ASHBY PHYSICIANS.
One of the pioneer physicians of Grant county was Dr. E. J. Johnson, of Ashby. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan with the class of 1879, and a man especially learned in his profession. He practiced here · for several years at an early day. Another physician who at one time prac- ticed in the village of Ashby was Dr. Ole M. Loosins, who was educated in Norway and came to this country to practice medicine. He did not remain here long, but removed to another location.
Dr. P. G. Cowing located at Ashby in 1892. About 1910 he removed to Montana, but in 1916 returned to Minnesota and located at Evansville.
Dr. A. Mason Randall came to Ashby in 1910, where he is still engaged in the practice of medicine.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
WENDELL PHYSICIANS.
Dr. C. D. Kolset located at Wendell about 1900, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1912, when he moved to Brooten, this state.
Dr. Peter Rothnem located at Wendell about 1914, and is still engaged in the practice there. One of the pioneer physicians of the Wendell neigh- borhood, who was for a long time located near Hereford station, was Dr. J. M. Tucker. He was a graduate of the medical department of Land Uni- versity, Canada, and died in this county several years ago.
BARRETT PHYSICIANS.
Dr. F. W. Powers, who was graduated from Hamline University, in 1899, and was formerly engaged in the practice of medicine at Rockford, this state, located at Barrett in 1902. Doctor Powers maintains a hospital at Barrett and is known as one of the leading physicians of the county.
Dr. Carl F. Ansman located at Barrett in 1914 and at once opened an office for the practice of medicine. Dr. Eugene W. Young was one of the early day physicians at Barrett, but removed to another location.
HOFFMAN PHYSICIANS.
Doctor Spurr located at Hoffman in 1893, and after practicing medicine there two or three years, removed to St. Paul, where he is now practicing dentistry.
Dr. F. E. Griswold opened an office at Hoffman in 1898, and is still engaged in the practice of medicine there.
Dr. Amly Sjolaas, who recently located at Hoffman, is the only woman physician in the county, and is the youngest in point of service.
GRANT COUNTY DENTISTS.
Dr. A. C. Agern was the first dentist to locate in Herman; later he moved to California. Dr. Frank R. Haley began the practice of dentistry in Herman in 1908, but soon moved to another location. Dr. L. W. Pres- cott located in Herman in 1915, but soon afterward moved to Alexandria. Doctor Fergerson opened an office for the practice of dentistry at Herman in 1916.
Dr. C. H. Godward was the first and only dentist in Elbow Lake until the coming of Dr. O. Sauby in the summer of 1915.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
VETERINARY SURGEONS.
A. H. Bullis, a man of talent but having no particular technical training, did all the veterinary work in the county at a very early day. He was an old-fashioned "hoss doctor" and was very successful considering his equip- ment.
Dr. M. H. Smith, a trained veterinary, whose abrupt manner of speech caused him to be regarded as rather eccentric, located at Elbow Lake in 1890. He died here in May, 1907.
Dr. L. Smedley is a veterinary surgeon located at Herman, where he has been practicing since 1913.
Dr. John R. Nelson came to Elbow Lake in 1908, where he is still engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery.
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CHAPTER XIV.
BANKS OF GRANT COUNTY.
In the early days of the settlement of Grant county it was only natural that interest rates on loans secured from private parties should be quite high. Values were not then established and credit was not secure. Even after the first banks, which were private concerns, were started, it was customary to charge from ten to thirty per cent for short time loans. Farmers in this county can now secure all the money they need for legitimate improvement at six per cent. In 1889 there were two banks in the county with com- bined deposits of about $100,000: there are now fourteen banks with depos- its of something over $2,000,000. Of the financial institutions in Grant county, three are national banks and eleven are state banks. Following is a brief history of each in the order of their organization :
GRANT COUNTY STATE BANK OF HERMAN.
The first bank in Grant county was started at Herman in 1878 as a private institution under the name of C. F. Washburn & Company. After a few years of disastrous experience it ceased to exist in 1883. That same year saw the establishment of the oldest bank in Grant county, the Grant County Bank of Herman, which was started on August 23, 1883. The first officers were: R. P. Wells, president ; H. H. Wells, vice-president; E. W. Snyder, cashier; A. W. Wells, assistant cashier. The directors, in addition to the officers, were L. E. Pearce and W. J. Monroe. The bank begun under a state charter with a capital stock of $25,000. In 1886 it was discontinued as a state bank and became a private bank with a capital of $10,000. On January 29, 1906, it again became a state bank under the name of Grant County State Bank of Herman, with a capital stock of $25,000. The present officers are: Chris Johnson, president ; J. P. Wells, vice-president; A. W. Wells, cashier; R. J. Johnson, assistant cashier. Directors: Chris Johnson, J. P. Wells, A. W. Wells, R. J. Johnson and W. H. Cooley. The bank occupies a two-story brick building valued at $10,000.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows : Capital stock, $25,000; surplus and undivided
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
profits, $10,500; total deposits, $225,000; loans and discounts, $225,000; cash assets, $24,899.
BANK OF ELBOW LAKE.
The Bank of Elbow Lake was established in 1886 by Harold Thorson, who had been engaged in the banking business in Northfield, Minnesota. The original capital stock was $35,000. The first officers were: Harold Thorson, president ; A. D. Davidson, vice-president ; Henry Sampson, cash- ier. The directors were: Harold Thorson, A. D. Davidson, John Christen- son, C. H. Raiter, E. J. Scofield, W. W. Smith and Henry Sampson. The present officers are: Henry Sampson, president; Ole O. Canestorp, vice- president ; M. A. Lukken, cashier. Directors: Henry Sampson, M. A. Lukken, Harold Thorson, Knut Fjoslin and Ole O. Canestorp.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $50,000; surplus and undivided profits, $13,108; total deposits, $289,492.23; loans and discounts, $298,- 839.25; cash assets, $30,301.23.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ELBOW LAKE.
The First National Bank of Elbow Lake was established in August, 1891, with a capital stock of $50,000, by J. U. Barnes, H. A. Barnes, N. M. Barnes and Thomas R. Marston, of Minneapolis, and W. K. Barnes and William Moses, of Alexandria. The first officers were: W. K. Barnes, president ; William Moses, vice-president; Thomas R. Marston, cashier. A two-story brick building was erected in 1892 which was enlarged and im- proved in 1914. The first charter expired in 1911 and was then renewed until 1931. W. K. Barnes served as president from 1891 until 1911, and since that date as vice-president. W. E. Landeene started with the bank as bookkeeper at the time of organization, was elected assistant cashier in 1894, cashier in 1895, and president in 1911. Lars Lynne, who has been cashier since 1911, was treasurer of Grant county for twenty years. The present officers of the bank are: W. E. Landeene, president; W. K. Barnes, vice- president ; Lars Lynne, cashier. The directors are : W. E. Landeene, W. K. Barnes, Lars Lynne, E. J. Scofield and W. H. Goetzinger.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows : Capital stock, $50,000; surplus and undivided profits, $19,426.03; total deposits, $217,915.72; loans and discounts, $216,- 392.58; cash assets, $23,052.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
STATE BANK OF HOFFMAN.
The State Bank of Hoffman was incorporated on September 1, 1899, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: D. A. McLarty, president; N. E. Rulien, vice-president; William Schellbach, cashier. The present officers are: N. E. Rulien, president ; D. A. McLarty, vice-president ; William Schellbach, cashier; H. W. Lundin, assistant cashier.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $10,000; surplus and undivided profits, $10,541.31; total deposits, $231,068.25; loans and discounts, $209,- 657.II; cash assets, $35,385. 16.
FIRST STATE BANK OF ASHBY.
The First State Bank of Ashby was organized in July, 1900, with the following officers: C. D. Wright, president; E. A. Jewett, vice-president ; J. L. Everts, cashier. The majority of the stockholders are farmers and all the stock is owned by local people. The present officers are: E. J. Scofield, president; E. K. Teisberg, vice-president; L. J. Hauge, cashier.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $25,000; surplus and undivided profits, $5,100; total deposits, $192,000; loans and discounts, $183,000; cash assets, $31,000.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HERMAN.
The Peoples Bank of Herman was organized in September, 1901, by Ernest E. Peck and Rodney Hill. This institution was reorganized on Jan- uary 4, 1906, as the First National Bank of Herman, with a capital stock of $25,000. The first officers were: Rodney Hill, president; C. B. Kloos, vice-president; Ernest E. Peck, cashier; A. L. Nelson, assistant cashier. W. T. Ziebarth, director, with the officers. In January, 1907, A. D. Larson took the place of W. T. Ziebarth as director, and in January, 1909, G. H. Mumm succeeded C. B. Kloos as vice-president. Rodney Hill died in 1909 and in January, 1910, P. W. Barton was elected to fill Mr. Hill's position as president. In 1910 E. C. Eaton took the place of A. L. Nelson as assistant cashier, and Fred Hidde was added to the board of directors. In the fall of 1912 P. W. Barton died and A. D. Larson became president and E. D.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
Rodgers was made a director. The present officers are: A. D. Larson, president ; G. H. Mumm, vice-president; Ernest E. Peck, cashier; E. C. Eaton, assistant cashier; Ray Lentz, assistant cashier. Fred Hidde and E .- D. Rogers, directors, with officers.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $25,000; surplus and undivided profits, $10,032.53; total deposits, $232,648.93; loans and discounts, $223,- 977.02; cash assets, $23,000.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF WENDELL.
The Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Wendell was organized in 1903, with the following officers: Edward Mobraaten, president; Martinus Larson, vice-president; S. Skinnemoen, Jr., vice-president; Carl A. Pres- trud, cashier. The capital stock was $12,000. On September 2, 1916, this institution became the First National Bank of Wendell, with a capital stock of $25,000. The present officers are: Edward Mobraaten, president; Mar- tinus Larson, vice-president; S. Skinnemoen, Jr., vice-president; Carl A. Prestrud, cashier; Hjalmar Larson, assistant cashier. Directors: The offi- cers and Erick H. Bergerud, C. H. Bergerud, G. T. Rund, A. E. Soliah and Ole O. Sand. The bank has a fine new brick building, costing about $12,000.
The principal items from the statement of the state bank at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $12,000; sur- plus and undivided profits, $6,000; total deposits, $180,000; loans and dis- counts, $180,000; cash assets, $17,000.
STATE BANK OF NORCROSS.
The Bank of Norcross, a private institution, was established in 1905. In 1908 this was incorporated as a state bank, under the name State Bank of Norcross. The present officers are: Andrew Lund, president; Ole Selle- seth, vice-president; Alfred Lund, cashier. The officers and Lars Larson form the board of directors.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $10,000; surplus and undivided profits, $11,500; total deposits, $85,000; loans and discounts, $93,000; cash assets, $7,500.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
CITIZENS STATE BANK OF BARRETT.
The Citizens State Bank of Barrett was organized in July, 1908, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: H. Thorson, president ; E. F. Malmgren, vice-president; H. Sampson, vice-president ; Oliver Gorder, cashier. The present officers are: H. Thorson, president; Tollef Nelson, vice-president ; A. L. Leraas, cashier.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $10,000; surplus and undivided profits, $5,000; total deposits, $207,189.19; loans and discounts, $200,000; cash assets, $13,613.33.
FARMERS STATE BANK OF HOFFMAN.
The Farmers State Bank of Hoffman was organized on March 21, 1911, with a capital stock of $12,000. The first officers were: P. O. Unumb, president ; Charles B. Kloos, vice-president; Frank Buscher, cashier. The present officers are: P. O. Unumb, president; Charles B. Kloos, vice-presi- dent; G. A. Lofgren, cashier; Ole Lindstrom, assistant cashier.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $12,000; surplus and undivided profits, $1,682.22; total deposits, $116,436.01 ; loans and discounts, $105,- 955.61 ; cash assets, $17,056.93.
FARMERS STATE BANK OF ASHBY.
The Farmers State Bank of Ashby was established on June 1, 1914, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: I. O. Manger, president; C. A. Bakke, vice-president; Severt Aaseng, cashier. George Brito and Eleanora Manger, directors. The present officers are: O. A. Wilson, president; C. A. Bakke, vice-president; Severt Aaseng, cashier. J. B. Iverson and I. O. Manger, directors.
The principal itenis from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $10,000; surplus and undivided profits, $2,000; total deposits, $4,800; loans and discounts, $4,400; cash assets, $8,000.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
FIRST STATE BANK OF ERDAHL.
The First State Bank of Erdahl was organized on November 12, 1915. They occupy a modern brick building, equipped with all new furniture and burglar-proof safe. The present officers are: Charles Bradford, president ; Ole A. Thompson, vice-president ; H. O. Wagner, cashier; M. J. Wagner, assistant cashier. Directors: Charles Bradford, Ole A. Thompson, H. O. Wagner, C. E. White and G. K. Westboe.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $12,000; surplus and undi- vided profits, $3,353.45; total deposits, $32,976.80; loans and discounts, $37,545.06; cash assets, $6,433.50.
FARMERS STATE BANK OF BARRETT.
The Farmers State Bank of Barrett was organized on May 15, 1916, with a capital stock of $10,000. The present officers are: F. W. Powers, president ; Helmer Larson, vice-president; H. I. Wilson, cashier; Alfred Peterson, assistant cashier.
The principal items from the statement at the close of business on June 30, 1916, are as follows: Capital stock, $10,000; surplus and undivided profits, $2,000; total deposits, $11,415.03; loans and discounts, $13,935.17; cash assets, $5,904.51.
WENDELL STATE BANK.
The Wendell State Bank was organized on July 1, 1916, with a capital stock of $12,000. They are erecting a modern brick building, which will be equipped with up-to-date furniture, and will open for business as soon as the new banking house is completed. The building will cost $5,000. The officers of the bank are: Austin Boe, president; Martin Bergerud, vice- president ; John S. Skinnemoen, cashier. The directors, besides the officers, are: Albert Thorstad, John Thorsen, Andrew Haugen, Ole Skinnemoen and Gustaf Foss.
CHAPTER XV.
MILITARY ANNALS.
The events which occurred in Grant county during the Indian troubles of 1862 have been mentioned in the chapter dealing with the story of the outbreak. As Grant county was not organized until some time after the Civil War there were no organized companies sent from this region. Among the early settlers, however, there were many who had seen service during the war between the states, and also a number who had participated in the campaigns against the Indians.
ASHBY POST.
In the fall of 1889 a number of the Civil War veterans of Grant county organized a post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Ashby. which flour- ished for many years and finally, on account of death and removal of so many of the comrades, was disbanded in 1903. This post was named W. W. Preston Post No. 185, Department of Minnesota, in honor of W. W. Pres- ton, a member of the Third Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, long a resident of this neighborhood. The first officers were: K. N. Olson, commander; Frank Wahldieck, adjutant; R. Beardsley, quartermaster and chaplain.
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