History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 61

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
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USA > Minnesota > Fillmore County > History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 61

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About two thirds of the way to the bottom of the bill the horses and front portion of the buggy came in contact with a tree, which brought them to a halt, the hind wheels dashing over stones and shrubs, finally bringing up in the river. In the meantime the two women had been tossed, bruised and torn in a terrible manner, and were found at the bottom of the cliff bleeding but not insensi- ble, They were immediately conveyed to Mr. David McGannon's house, where medical aid was summoned, the wounds dressed, and the unfor- tunates made as comfortable as possible.

How they escaped instant death is a miracle. It is at least twenty-five feet down, perpendicular, at the point where the accident occurred, and from there to the bottom of the bluff the decline is fully an angle of forty-five degrees. It would seem an

impossibility for one to roll a distance of over a hundred feet, colliding ever and anon with stones, without being killed outright, but it was done and that, too, by a lady over 55 years of age.

BEE KEEPERS .- The officers of this association for 1881. were, B. Taylor, President: E. T. Nelson, Secretary; Wm. A. Miller, Treasurer.

GOLDEN WEDDING .- On the 16th of September, 1881, at Spring Valley, the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Orpheus and Fannie Wallace was held. The celebration was a complete surprise to the old folks, and only the most intimate friends were allowed the pleas- ure of participating in the event. The affair was arranged by Mrs. W. H. Strong, Mrs. W. A. Potter, Mrs. E. H. Adams, and Mrs. F. V. Edwards. After an evening's enjoyment and rehearsal of events long forgotten by most of those present, the party gathered at the bountiful repast that had been prepared, and indulged in the time honored custom of "toasting." One curious fact connected with the banquet is worthy of more than mere mention. It is that none were seated at the table but could look back upon at least fifty years' ex- istence upon this terrestial sphere, most of them being able to count back and review the incidents of sixty-five and seventy years ago. Below is given the names and ages of the guests:

Mr. O. Wallace. 80 years

Mrs. Fannie Wallace 79 =

Mrs. Eliza Allen 76

Mrs. Eliza Lee. 73

Mrs. Theodosia Howe 80

Mrs. Martha Spaulding 71

Mrs. R. C. Brown. 64

Mrs. James Pettit 76

Mr. Luke Hague 73

Mr. Elisha Rose. 70

Mr. John Kleckler 57

Rev. J. B. Fairbank 50

The party presented Mr. Orpheus Wallace with an overcoat, a rocking chair, a cane, two pairs of socks, a fine handkerchief, and $4.65. They pre- sented Mrs. Fannie Wallace with a cloak, a hand- kerchief, and a $5 gold piece.

WOLVES-According to Auditor Hard's books there were 104 wolves captured in Fillmore county during the month of April, in the year 1881, for which a sum total of $728 was paid as bounty. Bounty being $7 for every wolf.

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EVENTS OF INTEREST.

DR. LUKE MILLER .- On the 12th of July, 1881, he was called to another sphere of action, beyond the clouds that obscure our vision into that world . that can only be viewed by the eye of faith. Be- ing a member of the fraternity he was buried with Masonic honors, and in answer to the question, "If a man dies shall he live again ?" The hope was expressed that he had been transplanted from an earthly tabernacle "to the Grand Lodge above where the Supreme architect of the universe pre- sides." His final earthly, home was in Lanesboro, but he belonged quite as much perhaps in Chat- field, or in New Hampshire, the scene of his early triumphs and in the county and State which he loved and served so well. Dr. Miller was born in Peterboro, New Hampshire, on the 18th of Au- gust, 1815, graduated in the Norwich University in 1841, and took his degree in medicine at Wood- stock, Vermont. In 1845 and 1846, he was in the Legislature of New Hampshire, and was a successful practitioner in his own State. In 1857, he came west, located in Chatfield and began to practice his profession. He took a leading part in public affairs and in building up his adopted town and county. He was a public spirited citizen and did a large amount of work in building the rail- road and other enterprises. In 1862, he was elect- ed to the State Senate, and filled the place for eight years. During the war he was State agent to care for Minnesota sick and wounded soldiers, a duty which he skillfully and kindly performed. He was a member of the first board of trustees of the State Insane Asylum. He was one of the foun- ders of Lanesboro, removing to the place in 1869, and was the eafter identified with its growth and prosperity. He was an upright man, an officer above corruption, and of good business qualities, and as a skillful surgeon and physician he had a wide reputation.

In September Miss Anna Martin was summoned in a sudden and tragic manner to the other side, in Rushford, where she lived. With her two sis- ters she was returning from a visit to a neighbor's, and coming up from a ravine, a boy rushed out of the brush near them and fired his gun; the shot severed the femoral artery, and she fell between her sisters, but was helped up and asked if she was killed. She replied, not yet, and instantly sunk down and expired. . The miserable lad was sent to the reform school.

DEMAS L. BRYANT .- The subject of this sketch

was born at Buxton, York county, Maine, on the 6th of January, 1801. He was married at Buxton to Jane F. Harmon, July 3d, 1825. He removed to Kitland, Lake county, Ohio, in the spring of 1837, and was made a master mason on the 7th of Sep- tember, 1843. He came to Minnesota and settled at Lenora April 8th, 1859, at which place he re- sided at his death. He celebrated his golden wedding on the 3d of July, 1875, on which occa- sion, there were present five of his children and seventeen grand-children, his oldest son, living in Washington Territory, not being present. He died at Lenora on the 15th of December, 1881, aged 80 years, 11 months and 9 days.

At the funeral, which occurred at Lenora on the 18th of December, 1881, there were present over 500 people, who had come from their homes to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased, whom they held in life in high esteem as a just and upright man. The deceased was buried under the auspices of the masons-a large num- ber of the order from Preston and the surrounding country participating. The Grand Master of the State, H. R. Wells, officiated. A few remarks at the close of the exercises were made by Hon- J. M. Wheat, in eulogy of the deceased.

"The deceased has always walked as a just and upright mason. In his death the fraternity lose one of its strongest pillars, one who was always ready to advocate its principles. His neighbors have lost a friend just and upright in his dealings with man. "Grandfather Bryant," as he was familiarly known, was respected, beloved, and hon- ored by all who knew him. He goes down to the grave at a ripe old age, kindly remembered. As the candle burns low in its socket, flickers for a moment and then goes painlessly out, so went out his life on that December morn. The wife, sharer of his labors, his cares, and his happiness for fifty-six summers now mourns her great loss. Although nothing can fill the void occasioned by his death, yet there is one great consolation for Grandmother Bryant, she is surrounded by her children and grand-children, who will, in her de- clining years, lovingly care and provide for her every wish."

"So live, that when the summons comes

To join the innumerable caravan marching to the silent halls of death.

Thou go not as the galley slave, scourged to his dungeon, But with unfaltering trust approach the grave.

Like him who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams." A D. G

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HISTORY OF FILLMORE COUNTY.

THE YEAR 1882.

MRS. REUBEN WELLS .- Mary A. Sleeth was born on the 28th of June, 1818, in West- ern Virginia. In 1826, she removed to Indiana with her parents, and from thence to Burlington, Iowa, in 1836, where she was married to John H. McKenny on the 3d of January, 1839. With her husband she removed to Fort Atkinson, and in 1848, to Fort Ripley, Minnesota, and in 1856, to Chatfield, Fillmore county, where she lived until November, 1879, when, having lost her husband by death, she married Reuben Wells. All who knew her speak in the warmest terms of her excel- lent qualities, her devotion to her family being a lovely characteristic. She was the centre of at- traction to her children. She died on Tuesday morning, February 14th, 1882, in the village of Preston, and her remains were taken to Chatfield for interment.

JEMIMA STREATOR .- This lady came to America in 1854, with her family, and coming to Minnesota, cast their fortunes among the people of Canton township. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Her death was on the 26th of February, 1882, at the age of seventy-three years.

MRS. ELLEN A. MANN was relieved from her earthly career on the 4th of February, 1882. Born in Ireland on the 19th of July, 1838, she came to America when sixteen years of age, stopping awhile in New York, and afterwards in Boston, and then coming west to Winona, and finally to Preston. In November, 1857, she was married to Mr. Mann. She was a true and faithful wife, and a devoted friend; was reared a Catholic, but be- came a Methodist, and afterwards joined the Pres- byterian Church.

CHINA WEDDING .- Mr. and Mrs. Levi Wright, on the 16th of March, 1882, celebrated their China wedding, two decades having passed since their union was first consummated. In response to the forty invitations that went out, a large number gathered at their residence in Lanesboro, and the tokens of esteem presented overwhelmed them with gratitude.

Among other valuable presents should be noticed a fine bedroom set of nine pieces, a tea set of fifty-six pieces, and a fruit set of twenty pieces. This being the last of the commemorative wed- dings to be recorded, a list of the names of these various reunions is here presented, for the especial benefit of those who may hereafter start on their

wedded journey, and who are enjoined to observe every one of these occasions while both remain this side of the pearly gates.

COMMEMORATIVE NUPTIAL FESTIVITIES.

One year-Cotton.

Two years-Paper.

Three years-Leather.

Five years-Wooden.

Seven years-Woolen.

Ten years-Tin.

Twelve years-Linen.

Fifteen years-Crystal.

Eighteen years-Silk.

Twenty years -- China.

Twenty-five years-Silver.

Thirty years-Pearl.

Forty years-Ruby. Fifty years-Golden.

Sixty years- Opal.

Seventy-five years -- Diamond.

GENERAL REMARKS.

When the process of settling the West first be- gan, serious apprehensions were felt by the thoughtful men in religious circles in the eastern States, as to the results of the heterogeneous trans- planting from the restraints of social, traditional and denominational influences, which were re- garded as so valuable in forming and retaining moral character. Indeed there were serious and outspoken fears that the West would relapse into barbarism, and urgent appeals were made to put forth strenuous exertions to prevent this unfortu- nate condition of affairs.

That these apprehensions were groundless, has been abundantly shown by the state of society that now exists. The absence of established churches and other civilizing influences did not operate to destroy the elements of self-restraint and of self-government which largely predomi- nates among all classes of settlers, and which has preserved order, notwithstanding the striking en- largement of human freedom inseparable from frontier life.

When we come to downright crime the criminal statistics revcal that the comparison with older communities is decidedly in our favor. As a rule the men and women coming here had at first to struggle to meet the physical wants of themselves and families, and they had no time, and perhaps little inclination to make protestations involving

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EVENTS OF INTEREST.

faith in particular doctrines, but the results of whatever teaching they had received, was mani- fested in honest labor for the good of the whole community, and in acts of beneficence whenever occasion presented.

As to the condition of society, it is no exaggera- tion to say that here, west of the Mississippi, nearly as much has been accomplished in thirty years, as has been realized in New England in two hundred and fifty years.

To one who has not actually been involved in reclaiming a farm from a state of nature, and bringing it to a condition that will yield a com- fortable support for a family, it is difficult to conceive the amount of toil required, and which is often rot represented by the difference between the government price of the land, and its market value to-day. As time goes on the estimation in which the settlers who formed the van-guard of this northwestern civilization, will be held, will be higher and higher; and the generation now so rapidly taking their places, should appreciate the presence of those who remain, and endeavor to strew with flowers the pathways that must all

terminate at no distant day. Let kindness and consideration wait upon them, while they are still with us, and not postpone our substantial appre- ciation of their merits until they are gone, and then erect cold and passionless monuments to their memory.

Special mention should be made of the noble, loving, and true women, who were such an indis- pensable component in the settlement of the coun- try, and who, with such devotion, severed the ties of childhood and youth, to follow a husband, a son, a father, or brother, into an unknown region. And once here her presence and example of forti- tude, of industry, and economy was a perpetual support to the men, and often restrained them from acts of violence where unusual provocations were incentives that might not otherwise have been disregarded. To the wives and mothers who en- dured the privations and hardships of pioneer life the highest award of praise should be accorded, and as their ranks are decimated by the grim archer, those who remain will be tenderly cared for by the oncoming generation, who appreciate what they have done to create the homes and the institutions that now make life enjoyable.

UNEVERSITY OF CHICAGO .**

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HISTORY OF FILLMORE COUNTY.

ARENDAHL.

CHAPTER XLIX.

DESCRIPTIVE -- EARLY SETTLEMENT - AN INDIAN

VILLAGE - HYPOTHETICAL CITY - POLITICAL- SCHOOLS - CHURCHES -- MANUFACTURING-POST- OFFICE-MERCANTILE -- BIOGRAPHICAL.

This township is on the northern tier in Fill- more county, the second from the eastern bound- ary, and separated from it by Rushford. The town of Holt is on the south, Pilot Mound on the west, and Winona county on the north. In size and form it is identical with the original govern- ment survey. Root River cuts across the south- east corner of the town, involving sections twenty- five, twenty-six, thirty-four, and thirty-five. Along this river extends its valley, and back, at varying distances, are the bluffs.

The town is diversified with prairie, timber, hill and dale in picturesque variety. It is quite well settled with a thrifty class of farmers. There are two principal branches of Root River coming in from the northwest. A little stream from Winona county dips down into sections two, three, and four. The uplands require deep wells to secure water from the ground, and cisterns are resorted to, and surface pords, which are made by exca- vating cavities to retain the water between rains. There are exceptional cases where shallow wells can be successfully sunk. This is the case on the farm of Mrs. John Currie, on section eight, where there are three wells of a moderate depth. An- other well near these is 176 feet deep. Mr. J. Ferguson has a well only fourteen feet deep, while Mr. Alexander Ferguson has one 237 feet, and Mr. D. Currie one 267 feet. So that it can be seen that any prognostications as to the depth re- quired to sink a well to secure a supply of water, is like guessing on the weather, decidedly un- certain.

The township embraces a large area of well cul- tivated land. Most of sections two and three is

somewhat rough and rather lightly wooded. Along the Root River, as already intimated, it is quite uneven, and there are few settlers, except those who have lately arrived from Norway and cannot yet speak English. The whole town is mostly occupied by Norwegian settlers, who are well situated financially, and are industrious and intelligent, forming a desirable community.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Asleck Anderson seems to be entitled to the dis- tinction of being the first Caucasian to locate within the territory of Arendahl. His birth was in Norway, and he came to Illinois in 1835, and the next year removed to within about fifteen miles southeast of Beloit, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1854, he came to this town aud secured a local habitation in section twelve. A part of his farm was sold to P. P. Peterson, and a part to Even Olson, his sons-in-law, and about 1873, he removed to Peterson, where he still lives in an enfeebled condition.

Osmund Rolufson, also a Scandinavian, came here from Highland Prairie in 1855, and planted himself on section five. He died ten years after- wards.

The same year, 1855, quite a party arrived from Wisconsin, who had previously come from the "old country," the particular part of which will be recognized by their names, which were as follows: Andrew Olson-Olnestad; Andrew Olson-Lodahl; Lars Olson-Lodahl; Hans Augundson, and An- drew Ericson. This quintette will be traced briefly as to their first location and subsequent movements as far as it may be of public interest.

The first, A. O. Olnestad, located in section twenty-nine, and in 1867 or '68, removed to Iowa, and from thence to Washington Territory about four years ago, where he still lives.

Andrew Olson-Lodahl secured a place on section thirty where he still lives.

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ARENDAHL TOWNSHIP.

Lars Olson-Lodahl was born in Norway on the 3d of March, 1829. In 1852, came to Dane county, Wisconsin, and bought a farm which he disposed of two years later, and in the spring of 1855, came and took 160 acres in section thirty. He had been married in the spring of 1854, to Miss Anna Nelson, and they have ten children, some of whom are married and live in Dakota. The eldest, Ole, has a store at Wahpeton. A daughter lives with her husband in Iowa.

Hans Augundson was born in Norway on the 24th of June, 1824. Was clerk in a grocery store for three years, and in 1853 came as far as Dane county, Wisconsin. On coming to this town he took 160 acres in sections thirty-one and thirty- two. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Martha Ludvig. They have seven children.

Andrew Ericson located somewhere in the southwest part of the township.

Knud Thorwaldson, another early settler, was born in Norway in 1828, came to Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1852, and in 1854, took 160 acres in the town of Norway in this county, remaining one year, when he secured a claim in this town, in section five, which he has recently sold prepara- tory to removal to Dakota, where a number of his children have preceded him.

Isaac Jackson came originally from Norway and landed in that inevitable Dane county, Wis- consin. He remained there twelve years, but in 1856, with his family, pre-empted a place in seo- tion nine. He named the town in remembrance of old associations, secured a Post-office and was the first Postmaster.

Duncan McConochie, a Highland Scotchman, came via Upper Canada and fixed himself in sec- tion eighteen. In 1877, he removed to Pilot Mound. He was a leading citizen.

Harold Olson, came to Wisconsin in 1847, from Norway, where he was born in 1814, and kept a tavern for eleven years. In 1857 he arrived in this town and bought 160 acres in section three, where his son Ole now resides. In 1868, he purchased for himself the place where he still lives.

Holver Olson, in 1825, was born in Norway, and in 1850, arrived at that relay county in Wisconsin, and stopped over for about three years, or long enough to be married, when he went to Green county, Wis- consin. In 1855, he came and secured a claim in Winona county. In 1856, he sold this and bought a claim in section eight, in Arendahl, and the next

year moved to it. He has proved to be an active and prosperous man, who has kept clear of public offices.

In the fall of 1855, another quintette of Nor- wegians dawned upon the scene to secure homes in this new Territory and to grow up with the country. They were Svend Thompson-Hustoft and his son Lars, Christian Johnson, Nels A. Gullickson, and Harold Olson. They came to- gether and bought land and returned, to come back in the spring of 1856. Thompson and his son will be more fully mentioned in the regular biographies.

Christian Johnson, who appears among the early records as Johan, was born in Norway, and came to Winnebago county, Wisconsin, in 1848, and to Minnesota as above stated, and purchased a place in section thirteen, 120 acres. He was married in 1852, to Miss Betsey Thompson. He died some time in the sixties. Was a very prominent man, and one of the first town officers. His widow sub- sequently married Lars Knudson.

Nels A. Gullickson, was born on the 20th of August, 1826, and came to America in 1846, and brought his aged father, along with his two brothers and one sister. The old gentleman's name was Gullick Gullickson. Nels A. was married to Miss Sarah Thompson in 1855, and they had thirteen children, of which nine are now living. They came to Wisconsin in 1854, and in 1856, to this town, where 120 acres was secured in section two, where he still resides. In 1864, his house was burned. Has been town and school treasurer.

One of the first in the southeast part of town was Michael Mead, a son of the Emerald Isle, who reported here in person from Galena, Illinois, in 1857, and located in section twenty-six. In 1864, he disposed of his place and removed to Winona county, and has since transplanted himself in Dakota.

John C. Ferguson, secured 160 acres in section seven in 1856, and came to reside on it in 1857. He owns 240 acres and still lives there.

M. Olson-Olnestad, arrived in 1857, and pur- chased the farm where he still lives, in section twenty. He is a prominent man.

Andrew Ellingson-Bothun was introduced into this world in Norway in 1834, came to Wisconsin, in 1860, and pushed on to Arendahl and procured 160 acres of land in section thirty-one. He died on the 9th of December, 1881.

FAREJAR COMOIND JO ALISHJANA E!

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HISTORY OF FILLMORE COUNTY.

Thore K. Jutland came in 1856, and secured a foothold in section eleven. He is known as Thore Knuttleson.

Andras G. Malan, arrived in Columbia county, Wisconsin, in 1848. In 1854, was united in mar- riage with Miss Bertha E. Boyum, a sister of Rev. A. E. Boyum. Came to Arendahl in 1860, and procured 120 acres of land in sections four and nine. Has been a successful farmer and owns several hundred acres.

Duncan Ferguson, a native of Scotland, born in 1796, was a farmer and fisherman. In 1824, he came to Canada, and in 1862, with his wife and youngest son, Alexander, found his way to Aren- dahl. His other sons had secured a farm for him in section seven. He was an active old gentleman in church matters, being of the Presbyterian faith, but paid little attention to town affairs. He died on the 3d of January, 1881, and his wife died on the 19th of April following.

M. W. Dodd. This man came from Wisconsin, in.1861, and secured large tracts of land in the northwestern part of the town. He was an exten- sive wheat grower during the war, and afterwards sold the land to various parties. In 1867 or '68, he removed to Chatfield and afterwards to Free- born county. His residence was where John Peterson now lives, who bought of him 280 acres on section nine.

Eric E. Torsnes arrived in 1857, and at first made his home with Lewis Iverson, but in 1869, got on to section twenty-nine, where he now lives.

Albert Anderson arrived here in 1857, after a sojourn of a year or so in Wisconsin. With his father he procured school land, 160 acres, in sec- tion sixteen. He married Martha Thompson on the 24th of June, 1865.

This quite extended list embraces most of the early settlers, but of course it is not intended to be a complete roll of all the pioneers, for only & census taken at the time and carefully preserved could do that.

AN INDIAN VILLAGE.

When the white settlers arrived, they found a deserted Indian village, made up of about forty houses, quite well and comfortably constructed of Elm bark, and secured by cords made of the inner part of the same material. Some of them were as large as 60x40 feet, and some 20x20 feet. It was located on section thirty-five, on a table near the river, on the north half of the southeast quarter.

Some or the settlers utilized the best of the bark of which these lodges were composed, to construct their own dwellings, and some of this material is still in use. The name of this village, or who oc- cupied it, is unknown here, but the tribe must have been the Winnebago, and not the Sioux, be- cause in those times the tepee, or wigwam of that hunting tribe, was covered with skins, and not with bark. This being one among the few relics of the people who were here only a few short years ago, as the immediate predecessors of the present occupants of their old hunting grounds, it indeed seems sad that the name, even of their abiding place, should be blotted out of existence.

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History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 61

Author: Edward D. Neill Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: