USA > Minnesota > Douglas County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 47
USA > Minnesota > Grant County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 47
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An excellent public school system is maintained, of which G. A. Fjeld- stad is the superintendent. A new school building is just completed at a cost of about twenty-four thousand dollars, which amount does not include the equipment. Although the building is not as large as some in the county, it is doubtless the most modern and up-to-date building in this section. The site of the building has been pronounced by the state authorities as one of the very best in the entire state. The structure is situated on the crest
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of a gently rising knoll from which a birds-eye view can be gained of the country in every direction. The school system now includes a four-year high school course with all of the special courses including manual training, domestic science, and agriculture, with specially equipped apartments for each. The present enrollment is about one hundred and fifty of which number forty-three are in the high school. Seven teachers are employed.
The first school in the community was on the Teisberg farm and Mrs. Teisberg was the first teacher. Pupils of all sizes and ages were in attend- ance, most of whom were very eager to learn.
The postoffice was established in 1879 or 1880, with K. N. O. Melby as postmaster. However, the first postoffice in the community was at Pomme de Terre and N. Q. Punchtes was the first postmaster. . With the establish- ment of the village site and the coming of the railroad the postoffice was moved to the village and was situated just across the bridge in the east part of the village. Among the men who have been postmasters of the village are the following: C. Hawkins, A. S. King, Martin Holt, E. C. Schow, O. A. Norman, William Penner, A. J. Dahl is the present post- master and has served in the capacity since June, 1910.
The first merchants in the village were, P. Hawkins, N. Q. Punchtes and Johnson & Langley.
The business interests of the village during the fall of 1916 were in the hands of the following men :
Auto garage, Ashby Auto Company, Elberling Brothers; banks, Farm- ers State Bank, First State Bank; barber shop, L. A. Lindberg; blacksmith- shop, G. W. Hugget, J. P. Hanson & Son ; dray line, J. R. Bowman, Andrew Hoff ; druggist, George Peterson; dentist, Dr. R. M. Bright; elevators, Farm- ers Elevator Company, Northwestern Elevator Company; feed mill, Robert- son Bros .; feed stable, Ben Johnson ; general dealers, A. R. Sunju, E. T. Ris- brudt, Paulson Bros., J. M. Lynne, Dahl & Peterson; harness dealer, A. F. Stucke; hardware and furniture dealers, Stene Hardware Company, Chris Skaar ; hotels, Hotel Ashby, Hotel Kittson ; implement dealer, Andrew Olson, Ole Johnson; jeweler, J. A. Kjellberg; livery, H. A. Bye; lumber dealer, Ashby Lumber Company, J. O. Western, manager ; meat market, O. L. Boe, Dahl & Peterson; milliner, Julia Paulson; newspaper, The Ashby Post, L. R. Rathbun, proprietor ; physicians, Dr. A. M. Randall, Dr. O. A. Norman ; photographer, A. Carlson; restaurant, O. A. Running, Trondbjin Cafe, H. O. Koefod, proprietor; telephone, Ashby Telephone Company.
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BARRETT.
On the Soo line, nine miles directly southeast of Elbow Lake, is the thriving town of Barrett, one of the most favorably located and prosperous communities in the county. It is situated on section 12, township 128, range 42. The original plat of the village was filed on May 7, 1887, by Erick Johnson and Gertrude Johnson and William D. Washburn and Lizzie D. Washburn.
The village was incorporated in 1889, and the first election was held on December 23, of that year, with the following result: Ole Moe, presi- dent; Ole J. Rued, John G. Peterson, C. Van Dyke, trustees; Ole K. Lee, recorder, M. B. Ellingson, treasurer.
The present elective officers include the following: Andrew Linder, president, E. N. Ellingson, clerk; M. Lund, Edward Erickson, Peter Jen- son, trustees; R. J. Stockdill, marshal; Andrew Linder, justice.
What is now the townsite of the village was formerly the homestead of Mrs. Johnson. The first business house erected in Barrett was that of John Ellingson, in 1888, who with his sons, M. B. and B. P., were the pioneer merchants, produce dealers and stock shippers.
Barrett has a population of two hundred and seventy-eight, and its business interests are controlled by gentlemen who are thoroughly apace with the times. Within a stone's" throw of the Soo depot lies the lower lake Pomme de Terre, one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the lake region. As a picnicking resort it is unsurpassed, the attractive feature of beautifully shaded groves being augmented by several row boats, which are always at the service of visitors. The population is largely Scandi- navian and they are very thrifty here as elsewhere in the county.
In the way of manufacturing industries the village has two. The tile factory, the owner of which is E. F. Mongen, began its existence in the spring of 1916 and since the first day of operation has been unable to satisfy the demand although about one thousand four hundred tile are made each day. The Barrett roller mill, owned by G. H. Gustafson, is one of the oldest industries of the village and has always given unqualified satisfaction. The mill has a fifty-barrel capacity and operates continuously in order to accommodate the trade. The mill is equipped with both steam and water power, and is one of the most important industries of the community.
In addition to its business equipment, Barrett maintains two lodges and four church denominations, all of which are treated in special chap- ters.
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The interest that the people take in education is evidenced by the mod- ern brick building situated in the eastern part of town. The village schools have been independent of the township since about the time the village was incorporated. At the present time four teachers are employed with an enroll- ment of about one hundred.
The exact date that the postoffice was established cannot be obtained, but it is known that Ole K. Lee was the first postmaster in the village. Before there was an office in Barrett a postoffice was located out in the country about three miles, where only stamps and envelopes were sold. The order in which the postmasters have served are given as follow: Ole K. Lee, G. Arneson, Ole Moe, M. P. Thune, J. G. Peterson, M. H. Palmer, J. G. Peterson, and A. F. Peterson, the present postmaster, who has served two years.
The business interests of Barrett in the fall of 1916 were represented by the following :
Auto garages, Clinton Peterson, Samuelson Brothers; banks, State Bank of Barrett, Citizens State Bank; blacksmiths, Samuelson Brothers; barber, J. G. Johnson; creamery, Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company; drug- gist, N. J. Stromstad; dray line, J. O. Hagen; elevators, Farmers Elevator Company, Osborn-McMillan Elevator Company, Barrett Elevator Company ; furniture dealer, Barrett Hardware Company; general dealers, Andrew Linder, B. M. Desnick; harness shop, Barrett Hardware Company; hard- ware dealers, Barrett Hardware Company, Larson Brothers; hotel, Barrett Lake Hotel, August Miller, proprietor; hospital, Powers Hospital; imple- ment dealers, Barrett Hardware Company, Sletten Brothers; lumber dealer, M. Lund; meat markets, F. E. Nelson, J. Sumstad; mill, G. H. Gustafson; physician, Dr. F. W. Powers; produce dealer, North American Storage Company; restaurants, Edward Anderson, Albert Anderson, Mrs. Hans. Larson.
NORCROSS.
The village of Norcross is located in Gorton township on section 28. The original plat of the townsite was recorded on December 22, 1881, and signed by Nelson F. Griswold and Lucy A. Griswold, Judson N. Cross and Clara N. Cross.
On November 14, 1903, the people of the village filed a petition for the purpose of incorporation. At that time there were one hundred and forty citizens living within the proposed corporate limits. The signers of the petition were, Ole Selleseth, H. O. Shaner and Ole B. Iverson.
(32)
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The village is located on the main line of the Great Northern and is quite important as a banking and local trading center. The business direc- tory of 1916 shows the following business :
Behan, James; hotel; Du Frene, H. I., farm implements; Duluth Ele- vator Company; Farmer, W. K., meat market; Farmers Elevator Com- pany; Felix, Edward, farm implements; Jacobson, Andrew, blacksmith; Laughlin & Johnson, general store; Lund & Selleseth, general store; State Bank of Norcross; Wolfe, G. E., barber.
HEREFORD.
The village of Hereford is located on section I, township 129, range 44. The original plat of the village was recorded on September 10, 1887, by Richard Nash and Mary Nash. On the Great Northern railroad, nine miles west of Elbow Lake, situated just at the verge of the great Red river "flats," has a population of twenty-five. In 1886, when the railroad was about to establish a station at this point, it was the intention to call the place Culbertson, in honor of the man who owned a tract of land there, but the modest man said that if they wished to compliment him in any way . to call the place "Hereford," after his beautiful herd of white-faced cattle kept on his farm, "Hereford Park," near. Newman, Illinois.Accordingly the place was so christened.
According to tradition George Schell was the first telegrapher at this point and his office was located in a little hand-car house, but later replaced by a small depot. He served as operator for a period of seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. McGee conducted the first hotel in the village, but as the population did not increase as expected, the project had to be abandoned.
The business interests of 1916 were in the hands of the following : Federal Elevator Company; Hull & Harris, cement workers; Larson, C. H., general store; Mobraaten, Edward, lumber dealer; Winter-Truesdell- Ames, grain elevator.
ERDAHL.
The village of Erdahl is located on section 10, township 129, range 41. The original plat was recorded October 7, 1887, and signed by Harold Thor- son and Carrie S. Thorson. Although the village is destined to never be one of any great size, yet it is so geographically situated that it will always be of importance as a local trading center. The business directory for 1916 includes the following: Alberts & Gilbertson, grocery and confectionery ;.
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Erdahl Farmers Grain Company; Erdahl Mutual Telephone Company ; Jor- genson, Samuel, blacksmith; Markegaard, Andrew implements; Reine, O. G., hardware; Vinge, Mrs. M., general store.
POMME DE TERRE.
Pomme de Terre was the first village in the county and was platted on the homestead of Timothy Heald, section 24, township 130, range 42. The original plat was recorded in 1874 by the owner of the land who at that time had visions of a growing and prosperous town on account of the excellent water power and the survey of railroad close by. Several busi- ness houses sprang up and flourished for a time only to pass out of existence much more gradually than they had entered.
CANESTORP.
The townsite of Canestorp is commonly known as West Elbow Lake .: The original plat was filed in the register of deeds office on March 12, 1887, by Adolphus H. Bode, trustee of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Mani- toba Railroad Company. The land of the townsite was owned by Charles Swanson and Mettie Swanson. The townsite is located on the branch of the Great Northern railroad from Evansville to Tintah, one mile west of Elbow Lake, and makes possible better shipping facilities. The grain elevator at this point is quite convenient for the farmers in the vicinity, and thousands of bushels of grain are handled yearly.
CHAPTER XIX.
SIDELIGHTS ON COUNTY HISTORY.
The county seat contest of 1881-82 was one of the most exciting events in Grant county and at the time was the cause of considerable heated dis- cussion. Herewith are presented a few newspaper extracts which show the state of feeling at that time. The first, entitled "An Eventful Day," is the premature jubilation of A. DeLacey Wood, editor of the Grant County Herald, then published at Herman. The contribution entitled "News from Grant County," is thought to be the work of one Matthew Hawkins, and created considerable amusement at the time it was printed. The veiled refer- ences to names will be understood by all the old settlers. The long-winded editorial on "A Crow Feast," not only gives a rough picture of the state of feeling at that time, but is a fine example of the bitter editorials charac- teristic of the political controversies of forty years ago, now happily fallen into disuse.
AN EVENTFUL DAY.
"Friday, November 25, 1881, was an eventful day in the history of Grant county. On that day the officers of the county who are required by law to keep their offices at the county seat, removed their safes, records and effects to Herman, the county seat of Grant county.
"On the 21st inst. the governor's proclamation, declaring Herman the legally established county seat of Grant county, was issued, and on the 25th, the officers having direct notice of the issuance of the proclamation, determined to move at once to their new and more agreeable quarters at Herman. The removal was conducted by each officer personally, and the whole was carefully and intelligently supervised by our estimable commis- sioner, John G. Peterson. Mr. Peterson was named by a majority of the board of county commissioners to take charge of the removal and see that the safes, records, etc., were safely transported and securely deposited in the new offices at Herman. That he, the officers and assistants performed their duties in this matter well and expeditiously appears from the fact that the transfer of the entire effects of the county officers, including their accumulated records and heavy iron safes, was accomplished on that day.
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"The removal of the county seat to Herman heralds a new era in our county's history. Grant county will have her fine court house, on a splendid three-acre block in the center of the village, and will at no distant day be on an equal footing with the surrounding counties. This is a great gain to the county and introduces a season of progress and prosperity, for which the most selfish person cannot fail to thank the generous citizens of Herman.
"Vacant land will be taken up, uncultivated prairies will be caused to bloom with the wealth of growing crops; the prairie flower will give place to the corn stalk and wheat stem; the merits of our land and attractions of our county will be advertised abroad; emigration will add to our population, and every individual in the county, wheresoever he lives, will realize a posi- tive, unquestionable benefit."
NEWS FROM GRANT COUNTY.
"Editor : Last week I was sojourning in the Land of Potatoes, and it came to pass on Friday, when the evening was nigh, that a messenger came in haste to say that a great event was at hand, even the removing of the county seat. An order from the Great Sanhedrin had been given, and the people were gathered to make a descent on the City of Fraud, the ungodly city of Herman, and remove therefrom the archives of Grant. And they besought me to be present and rejoice with the tribes of Fran, and Timothy and P. O., over the downfall of the unrighteous. But I said, I have bought a pair of oxen and must go and prove them, which being trans- lated means, I have other fish to fry. But he whom I was serving, Ernest W., whose surname is Cooke, said, Go too, thou art careful and troubled about many things, choose now the good part and follow us, else I go not.
"And when the evening was come and the lamp of night was on high, it came to pass that I was journeying with the multitude towards the land of the Philistines. And as we journeyed the multitude increased until there were fifteen chariots and fifty-two men of war. And we pitched our camp over against the devoted city, even on the bank of the river of Mustinka. And when the morning was nigh we arose and went forth to battle. And when we came into the city of Gath the inhabitants were amazed and sore afraid, for they were asleep and the sentinels aroused them with loud knock- ings, and cries that the Israelites were upon them and judgment and retri- bution were at hand.
"But the scribe who had charge of the temple and the keys thereof,
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having the fear of God in his heart, was awake and watching; he threw open the gates, and the chariots were loaded with the records, strong safes and treasures, and the Israelites departed therewith in peace with the blow- ing of horns and shouting and loud rejoicing. But the Philistines tore their hair and put on sackcloth and ashes, or in other words were very down in the mouth and drank beer and wagged their heads and talked fiercely to one another. But the Israelites heeded not, but departed into their own land and deposited their spoils at the Lake of Elbow where they now remain."
A CROW FEAST.
"It has not been the policy of the Banner in this political campaign to appeal to the sectional prejudices of the citizens of Grant county. We long to see the time when all animosities shall be obliterated and general good feeling shall prevail. But we fail to see how this grand result is to be honorably effected by our people voting in a body for the man who has not only never done anything to allay the bad blood that has from time to time been stirred up, but who has done more than any other man outside of the county and almost any man inside of the county to stir up jealousy and bitter feeling between the different sections of the county.
"From the first Knute Nelson has been a partisan in the local divi- sions of Grant county-a partizanship which culminated in his relentless prosecution of the people of Logan and Delaware in an expensive suit at Alexandria. His industrious attempt to bring many of our most promi- nent citizens into disgrace and shame is so fresh that we wonder with blank astonishment how some of those same citizens can so humiliate themselves and the town they hail from as to obsequiously fall on their faces before their arch enemy, and like the dog in the fable, look up and lick the hand that smites them. The subject is too painful to dwell upon further. We presume they would be willing to go to the penitentiary if they could only see his lordship elected. Peace purchased at such a price is too costly to awaken anything but contempt and ridicule.
"It is well known that Knute Nelson has been for years an aspirant for the office for which he is now a candidate. His name was prominently mentioned two years ago, and we presume W. D. Washburn is now assist- ing in his election as the result of Knute's forbearance at that time. But his having been an aspiring office-seeker, coupled with his conduct toward this section of Grant county, shows conclusively that he never expected the support of this section of the county. He had too much sense to expect
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it. His tactics were to damage us all he could; that he might ruin and hold the united support of those who were against us. Doubtless, there- fore, no one was more surprised to find he had a following here than Knute Nelson himself. We confess it is without a parallel in modern politics. For ourselves we can see no honorable excuse for such a state of things. In the language of the great Billings, 'Why are things thusly?'
"The reason is not hard to divine. C. F. Washburn, of Herman, being ambitious to go to the state Senate, saw no way to get there except by tacking on to the lapels of the great Nelson. A great light broke in upon and illuminated the shrewd brain of our would-be senator. He approaches Nelson and says: 'Most illustrious Mogul! I want to go to the senate. I am just as objectionable to the north as you are to the south of Grant county. Let's chip in, you carry me through the north and I'll tide you over the south, and thus we'll both be elected.' 'A happy thought,' said Knuty, 'and we will also thereby heal all the dissensions of that distracted county.'
"And so, fellow citizens of Grant county, it is proposed by these two political bosses that we adjust all our difficulties by each sitting down and partaking of a hearty meal of crow.
"While musing on the strange situation as indicated above, we uncon- sciously fell asleep (having attended Tom Mullin's dance the night before), and dreamed. We lifted up our eyes and lo, we beheld a great table sixteen hundred feet long set upon the plains of Elbow Lake. And a proclama- tion was sent out into every by-way of the county, which summoned every voter of the county of Grant to a great feast provided for them by the great Nelson-and the ingrate Washburn. We also observed that the table extended from east to west and that all those who hailed from the 'north end' occupied that side of the table, while those who came from the 'south end' occupied the south side of the table, at the head of which were arranged the returning board of the town of Logan. There was Washburn, with countenance as innocent and placid as a babe; and Earsley, around the corners of whose mouth there played a sarcastic smile and whose other eye winked knowingly at frequent intervals; and Smith, with the facial expres- sion of an ex-communicated deacon; and Pullman, whose face shone like a barn door on a frosty morning; while stretching away toward the setting sun were arrayed the colleagues of these gentlemen to the number of 433, exactly no more and no less.
"At the head of the column on the other side and directly opposite Washburn was to be seen the grey scattering locks, the commanding brow
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and the lowering visage of Timothy Heald, while at his right stood the unterrified, the indomitable and the re-lie-able Knute Laastuen. Then stretching away toward the setting sun filed the stalwarts of the 'north end' to the number of 433, no more and no less. We observed that as soon as the count was made the visage of Timothy Heald grew ominously dark while the teeth of Knud Laastuen gritted in a manner that indicated a voracious appetite. On the other side the countenance of Washburn was if possible more child-like and innocent than ever. Thie sarcastic smile played on Earsley's lips more vigorously than before; Smith chuckled down his throat and Pullman's barn door flew wide open. Then Timothy Heald took from his pocket a shrill whistle and blew it three times, and Knute Nelson appeared. There was then some commotion, and many Scandi- navians of the south side, feeling the nationality influence, cast wistful eyes toward the north side. However, each man kept his place. It was then decided that each man should show his credentials before the table should be spread, when it was found that some fifty or seventy-five of those wearing voting garments on the south side presented such questionable cre- dentials that Knute the Great demanded that they should withdraw from the feast. Hereupon Pullman sprang to his feet and the following unique if not eloquent colloquy ensued :
"Pullman : 'By the jumping
- -, old Tim Heald, you ain't got money enough or sand enough to drive them fellers away from the table.'
"Earsley (aside) : 'D- it, Pullman, don't be making an ass of yourself.'
"Heald : 'By - -, Pullman, I'll show you that I have got sand enough to drive them fellers away from this table and to send you to Stillwater, too.'
"Washburn: 'Don't get excited, gentlemen; don't get excited. I'll assume the responsibility of this unpleasantness. I move we turn the meet- ing into a caucus, and suggest that the viands for the occasion be placed upon the table at once.'
"While waiting for order to be restored, Washburn got Pullman, Ears- ley and Smith off to one side where he succeeded in persuading them that it was best in the interest of politics to let the questionable voters go home hungry. Then the questionable voters were called out and informed of their doom, which strange enough they each accepted with calm resignation. With tearful eyes they each bade good-bye, and it was observed that each man as he shook hands at parting immediately put his hand into his breeches
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pocket! Wondering at this strange procedure we took pains to inquire into its origin, when he found that it was an innocent custom which had grown up among that class of voters, when shaking hands with politicians of the Washburn stripe near election time.
"With the disappearance of the objectionable voters there seemed to be a return of good feeling. After this a short, private interview took place between the Great and the Ingrate, which caused no little perturbation among the people who were eagerly waiting for the feast (for the long waiting had created a voracious appetite which was doubtless just exactly what the benefactors wanted to produce). At length all was ready and the Ingrate lifted up his voice and spoke as follows:
"'Fellow citizens. This is not the time to discuss great questions or enter into a long discourse. I perceive you are all impatient for the refresh- ments provided here. Mr. Nelson, who has so recently joined the army of the Lord, will now pronounce the blessing.'
"This Mr. Nelson did with a degree of pathos and unction which effectually stopped the mouths of all the scoffers. Then he spoke as follows:
"'My friend's, I rejoice with you all to behold this joyful day of recon- ciliation, and I am proud to know that my own humble efforts have con- tributed to this glorious result. I am also proud to confess myself a for- eigner, a brother to so many who are here today. I plead guilty to the charge of being a little Norwegian. If elected I shall continue as in the . past to serve all sections of Grant county.'
"Then Washburn made remarks of a similar nature-reminding those on the north side especially that he would serve them faithfully as he had done in the past.
"By arrangement previously made, Washburn was to supply the viands for the north side, while Nelson was to serve the south side. Now the work of serving had not proceeded far when we observed that a look of profound disgust covered the faces of the multitude on both sides. We drew near to see what it could be that had occasioned such disappointment, and beheld that there was nothing but crow, crow, crow! 3209 feet of crow! a spectacle for the gods! No wine or even harmless tea, nothing in liquid form but a glass of water fetched from the far-famed Salt River. There was a general confusion and a strong disposition all round to repudiate the whole feast. Sanford put on his hat and left the table. Heald then went among the crowd, exhorting them to eat, saying, 'there is no use talking, gentlemen, we've got to eat it.' Then they began with pathetic contortions of countenance to devour each his crow. We observed that each crow
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dished out had some label or motto or other device attached to it, and being curious to know what the principal actors in this drama had received we drew near to inspect them. We observed first that Washburn had received as his portion a crow that had been long dead and was far gone in decay. but Washburn saw that it contained a sugar plum which had on it in gilt letters S, S. and he swallowed his crow with the utmost nonchalance. Ears- ley's crow was simply labeled 'Policy,' and the sarcastic smile prepared the way for its reception. Pullman's crow was not visible as it was covered with thick striped cloth which had the stripes on cross-ways. Smith's crow was received at the hands of Nelson himself. It was fat and plump and had pinned to its breast this beautiful inscription : 'Bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh.' It was so evidently painful an operation that we ven- tured to ask him how he felt about it anyhow. 'Feel,' he said, 'I feel as if I was the meanest cannibal on earth.'
"On the north side things were but a little better. Knute Nelson's crow looked as if it had died of consumption, and besides some one had stuck it all full of burrs. These villians were from Ortonville. However, it was branded precisely as Donnelly had described the Washburn family, with a M. C. Heald took his down and then swore it was not crow at all; he said it was turkey. Knud Laastuen said it was no use to lie about it, his was crow and darned tough crow at that. Canestorp's fowl was very old, tough and but half-cooked at that, but with superhuman efforts he managed to swallow it down, but he never digested it. He lingered along till the close of 1883, and the place that knew him once knew him no inore forever. And we looked up and beheld the whole row on either side of the table had disappeared and we saw printed in huge letters along the middle of the table, 'Gone home to vote for Kindred and Campbell.'
"And we awoke, and behold, it was a dream!"
ANCIENT STONE CARVING.
An ancient stone carving, almost rivaling the Kensington "rune stone" in interest, was discovered in Grant county in 1890. This stone was found on the Christianson farm, three miles west of Elbow Lake. It was about three feet long and two feet wide, and one side of the boulder had been smoothed to bear a carving some thirteen inches in diameter, an undecipherable hiero- glyphic having been chiseled in the solid rock. This stone was brought to Elbow Lake and set up in the foundation of the Elbow Lake flour mill, where it attracted much attention.
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Scientists who viewed the stone expressed various opinions as to the origin and meaning of the inscription, but all agreed that it was the work of human hands wrought at a very ancient date. The stone was purchased by Doctor Hoegh, in 1906, for two hundred and fifty dollars, and removed to Minneapolis. Travelers who are acquainted with the prehistoric ruins found in the Southwest say that this stone closely resembled the Aztec cary- ings seen in Arizona and New Mexico.
THE INDIAN SCARE OF 1876.
The summer of 1876 will be recollected by all the old settlers as the time of the memorable Indian scare, a circumstance that will go down in local history as one of the saddest and at the same time, most amusing incidents. Rumors of the great Custer massacre had begun to arrive and as the reports were successively repeated they were duly exaggerated, until the whole of this immediate territory was made to think that every red- skin on the continent was on the warpath. It resulted in almost a general stampede for Alexandria, Herman, Morris and other points where it was hoped to secure protection. Homes were abandoned, movable articles quickly gathered and loaded into ox-wagons or any other conveyance at land, stock collected and a general rush for a place of safety was made. There was not an Indian within miles and the report of their proximity was a cruel hoax.
The day succeeding the general alarm the true situation was made known, all fears were dissipated, and the settlers returned to their hastily deserted homes, where the rest of the summer was largely devoted to the recovery of their nerves and the replacing of their household effects.
As would naturally be inferred, many amusing incidents are reported to have occurred in the grand rush. One terribly startled farmer hooked onto a recently purchased threshing machine and started pell-mell across the prairie. Incidentally glancing over his shoulder from the off leader, on which he was astride, he espied three horsemen chasing him at breakneck speed. Thinking them blood-thirsty savages, he cut loose the horse he was riding, bid a hasty farewell to the dear separator, and was away with the keen prairie wind. The pursuers proved to be three neighbors who were armed to the teeth and out scouting. Another settler who had a choice collection of milch cows had heard that milk was a potent charm to calm the savage breast. Before his departure he filled every available receptacle with milk and placed them around about his cabin in plain view in hopes
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that the anticipated visitors would partake of the fluid, feel kindly toward him and spare his home. The hogs and calves took advantage of the oppor- tunity to indulge in a bounteous feast.
GRANT COUNTY OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION.
About fifteen years ago the old settlers of Grant county organized an old settlers association for the purpose of holding annual reunions and thus renewing old acquaintances of the pioneer days. In mid-summer of each year, a reunion is held at some point in the county. Any citizen who came into this or adjoining counties prior to 1880 is eligible to membership. H. Hillmond is the president of the association, having served in that capacity for several years.
A PIONEER OF PIONEERS.
Henry Brown was a pioneer among pioneers. Before the war he entered the employ of the Hudson Bay Company and in the early sixties came to this county as a trapper making his headquarters in and around Pomme de Terre. He was a familiar character and known to all old settlers and teamsters who quartered at Pomme de Terre when it was one of the stop- ping places on the old trail. In the old days when might made right, "Old Hen", as he was familiarly known, convinced more than one burly bruiser that he had found a big bunch of trouble in an undersized package.
THOMAS C. HODGSON.
Few men were better known in Grant county than Thomas C. Hodg- son. Mr. Hodgson was active in well doing to the end of his days. Blessed with more than ordinary intelligence, he was a preacher, a teacher, a reformer, and an uplifter. In politics, in governmental and public affairs he was always interested and active. Every movement for civic betterment and for the uplift of his fellow man received his encouragement and support. He was for progress in all things and never advocated, never supported a cause that would give rise to a blush or a prick of conscience. Mr. Hodg- son was not an ordained minister of the gospel although at one time he considered entering the ministry. He was an able ready speaker and con- ducted many religious services during the later years of his life. As a
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
layman he visited many homes carrying the message of the love of Christ and brought cheer to many a heavy heart and broken spirit.
Thomas C. Hodgson was born on the Isle of Man (off the coast of England) on January 1, 1843. He came to this country with his parents who settled in Illinois. Later the family moved to North Dakota. He enlisted in the Union army and, serving until the end of the Civil War, was discharged and returned to his home. He married soon afterward and moved to Grant county in 1877, taking a claim in Delaware township. After many years of hard labor he retired from the farm and moved to Elbow Lake, where he lived until 1908, when he removed to Fergus Falls, where he died on September 7, 1913.
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