USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 18
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Upon the retirement of Dean Marquis, Anna B. Kiermeier, of Haddenfield, N. J., was named as her successor. Dean Kiermeier is still dean of the faculty and her devoted service is a potent factor in the development of the college. The college now has a faculty of fourteen talented instructors, and the students num- ber 125.
The faculty for the college year of 1911-1912 is as follows: Anna B. Kiermeier, dean, German ; Katherine M. Palmer, French and history ; Pearl I. Catlin, science ; Marguerite M. Fisher, math- ematics ; Erminia M. Whitley, Bible training department; Mary E. Burgoyne, Latin and history; Julia B. Hensel, Latin and sociology ; Emily C. Moore, English; Modest F. Faneuf, expres- sion and physical culture; Irma Haight, director of School of Music, voice ; Margrethe Petterson, piano; S. Edith Taylor, piano
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and harmony ; Lora Gamble, art ; Mabel H. Olson, home economics.
In view of the previous financial condition of the college, the latest financial statement, just from the hands of Mellis, Pirie & Co., Minneapolis, expert accountants, is of interest. August 25, 1911, the assets were as follows: Permanent endowment, $69,326.55; real estate and buildings, $142,842.83; furniture and fixtures, $7,491.58; library, $3,700.67 ; current assets, $3,964.15; accrued assets, insurance and earned interest, $2.296.67; total, $229,622.45.
This is an increase of more than $2,000 over the assets of the previous year, while the income from students showed an increase of over $3,000. The permanent endowment, as above set out, approximates $70,000. It is proposed to increase this to $150,000, and something like $50,000 has been pledged toward the $80,000 necessary to bring the total permanent endowment to $150,000.
It is but just to say in connection with this hopeful statement that both before and since the reorganization of the college the greatest credit for its continuance and support is due to C. B. Augur, the largest resident contributor, most successful solicitor, and the mainstay of the board in all difficulties and emergencies.
Dr. A. C. Wedge, who was vice-president of the board of trus- tees, became acting president on the resignation of Dr. Abbott ; in 1906 C. B. Augur was duly elected president of the board of trustees, and he has since served in that capacity. At the same time Clarence Wedge, who had previously been secretary, was elected vice-president and still retains that position. John F. D. Meighen, who had been assistant secretary under Clarence Wedge. has been secretary since 1906. In 1907 D. C. Armstrong was made assistant treasurer, and in 1909 succeeded C. B. Kellar as treas- nrer. In 1911 Alfred Christopherson succeeded D. C. Armstrong as treasurer and is now serving in that position.
The trustees since the opening in 1906 have been as follows: Terms expiring in 1906-J. G. Godley, C. B. Kellar. Clarence Wedge, R. F. Sulzer and George Stickney. Terms expiring in 1907-C. B. Augur, Rev. George R. Mueller, W. A. Funk, B. H. Knatvold and E. M. Phillips. Terms expiring in 1908-George P. Lattin, John F. D. Meighen, D. C. Armstrong, Robert N. Adams, D.D., and Mrs. C. E. Vanderburgh. Terms expiring in 1909-John W. Olsen, John G. Godley, Curtis B. Kellar, Clarance Wedge and R. F. Sulzer. Terms expiring in 1910-William A. Funk. C. B. Augur, E. M. Phillips, B. H. Knatvold and Rev. G. H. Mueller. Terms expiring in 1911-George P. Lattin, John F. D. Meighen, Robert N. Adams, D.D., Mrs. C. E. Vanderburgh, Thomas B. Janney, De Witt C. Armstrong and Rev. L. F. Badger. Terms expiring in 1912-John W. Olsen, Herbert E. Skinner, Curtis B. Kellar, Clarence Wedge. R. F. Sulzer and Alfred Chris-
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topherson. Terms expiring in 1913-C. B. Augur, Rev. T. Ross Paden, D.D., Rev. H. J. Petran, Clint L. Luce, John G. Hormel, Thomas Fraser and Joseph P. Hurley.
LUTHER ACADEMY.
The idea of founding an academy in Albert Lea was conceived by Rev. E. Wulfsberg and by Rev. O. H. Smeby, then and still pastor of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. It was discussed with others at a meeting held at the residence of the late Rev. J. Th. Ylvisaker September 17, 1887. A committee was then agreed upon, consisting of Rev. T. A. Torgerson, president ; Rev. O. H. Smeby, secretary, and Rev. J. Th. Ylvisaker, to further consider the matter and report at a future time. It was finally decided to inaugurate the project, and various locations were dis- cussed, Albert Lea, Northwood and Forest City being the three chiefly favored. At a meeting October 21, 1886, it was voted to locate the school at Albert Lea, provided suitable grounds could be obtained and sufficient aid in the way of subscriptions were offered. The aim of the founders was to afford the advantage of a liberal education, which should be truly in accord with Chris- tian principles, the English language to receive the most promi- nent place in the curriculum. At a meeting held in Albert Lea February 23, 24 and 25, 1888, articles of incorporation and a constitution were adopted and signed by the following: Rev. T. A. Torgerson, Rev. J. Th. Ylvisaker, Rev. L. P. Jenson, Vegger Gulbrandson, G. A. Hauge, S. N. Storre, J. B. Thompson, Hans Kristopherson, A. O. Moen, Ole Johnson, John Thompson and B. H. Skaug. The temporary board of trustees were: Rev. T. A. Torgerson, president ; Rev. O. H. Smeby, secretary; S. N. Storre and G. A. Hauge. Besides these Rev. J. Th. Ylvisaker was chosen vice-president and Vegger Gulbrandson secretary. At the first annual meeting, November 15, 1888, the four principal officers above named were elected, and the following were chosen trus- tees : Rev. T. A. Torgerson, president ; Rev. O. H. Smeby, secre- tary ; E. K. Flaskerud, G. A. Hauge and B. H. Skaug. The first term of the school was opened November 1, 1888, in the fine suite of rooms in the second story of the Syndicate block, on the north- west corner of Broadway and Main street, with about fifty students and the following corps of teachers: Prof. L. S. Swen- son, A.M., principal; J. F. Granrud, A.B .; Caroline Nygren and Rev. O. H. Smeby. For some years the institution was known as the Albert Lea Lutheran High School.
By circulating subscription lists among the members of the congregations of the Albert Lea special conference, and the citi- zens of Albert Lea, sufficient funds were raised for the erection of a three-story brick building at a cost of $18,000. The cornerstone
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was laid August 31, 1890. and the building was dedicated October 6. 1891. The school was housed in its new building that fall.
L. S. Swenson, the first principal of the school, resigned in the spring of 1897. He has since attained considerable distinction, being successively a regent of the University of Minnesota, United States ambassador to Denmark, United States ambassador to Sweden, and United States ambassador to Norway, which latter position he occupies at present. E. I. Strom became principal in 1907 and served until 1902. He is now a prominent clergyman, and is located at Watson, Minn. After his departure, M. L. Ullen- svang, who had been a teacher at the academy for some time, assumed the office of principal for one year. He is now a success- ful teacher and fruit grower in California. In 1903 a call was extended to J. E. Thoen, educator and clergyman. Rev. Thoen is still serving. and his devoted and conscientious service has done much toward giving to the school its present standing.
In addition to the officers of the school that have been men- tioned Hans Gulbrandson will long be honored for his many years' efficient service as treasurer. Vegger Gulbrandson also gave faithful service as a trustee from the beginning of the school practically to the present time. The present trustees are: Rev. O. T. Lee (president), Rev. H. J. Strand (secretary), J. M. Ander- son, A. C. Erickson and A. E. Landsrud. The officers of the corporation are: Rev. O. T. Lee (president), Rev. A. J. Torger- son (vice-president), Rev. H. J. Strand (secretary), Rev. B. T. Olson (treasurer). The faculty consists of the following: Rev. J. E. Thoen, principal; B. T. Olson, B.L.I .; J. A. C. Torgerson, B.A. ; Irvin T. Simley, Edna Johnson, Mary Grimsgaard and J. C. Hanson. Among teachers of other days whose services should be noted are Prof. E. O. Kaasa, Rev. O. H. Smeby and Anna Thykesen. J. A. C. Torgerson was associated with M. L. Ullen- svang as principal in 1892-1893.
Sixty-two pupils are enrolled the present year. On August 20. 1911, the cornerstone was laid for a beautiful new brick build- ing, which will be completed this year. This building will be used for dormitory and culinary purposes, with space also for the musie department. The buildings are beautifully located on a spreading campus of well-kept lawns, shaded with some grand old trees. In the distance is beautiful Lake Albert Lea, with stretches of water and moor land, against a background of hills and farm lands.
The school is connected with the Norwegian Lutheran Evan- gelican Synod, and aside from the income from pupils is sup- ported by the devout Lutherans of this and neighboring counties. The course covers the usual college preparatory subjects, with business and musical departments also.
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One of the most delightful organizations at the school is the band, which ordinarily numbers about twenty-five members. Regular practice periods are observed the same as class recita- tions ; this helps to stimulate interest in the band and to hurry its development.
Two literary societies are maintained by the students. One, the Amphictyonic literary society, meets every other Friday evening to render programs, consisting of recitations, readings, essays, vocal and instrumental music, etc. A public program is given about every six weeks. The Erosophian debating society meets every Saturday evening. As the name implies, the chief work done in this society is debating.
An athletic association has been organized, the object of which is to promote general interest and participation in healthful out- door games, such as lawn tennis, baseball and croquet. To meet the necessary expenses incurred by the association contributions are solicited among the students and teachers and friends of the school.
The Luther Academy Chorus, which all students are invited to join, works principally at part songs selected by the director. This choir also takes part in the annual concerts of the Albert Lea choral union.
The Glee Club and the Warblers are smaller singing organi- zations, whose members are selected by the directors from among those students who have the best voices and who can read music most readily. The Glee club is a chorus of boys; the Warblers of girls. These singing organizations and the band furnish music for meetings of the literary societies and for other entertainments at the school, and afford much pleasure and benefit to the mem- bers as well as to others. It should be said in connection with the founders of the school, that as early as the seventies, Rev. E. Wulfsburg and others agitated the matter of a Lutheran Acad- emy, and proposed that Ballard's Point be selected as a site. But this dream was not realized, and it was the Rev. Smeby who matured the plans and brought them to a successful conclusion, thus being regarded as the real father and founder of the school.
Rev. J. E. Thoen, principal of the Luther Academy, at Albert Lea, was born in Winnishiek county, Iowa, May 10, 1864, a son of Elling N. and Anna Sophia (Brekke) Thoen, natives of Norway. He attended the country schools, St. Ansgar's Seminary, at St. Ansgar, Iowa; St. Olaf's College, at Northfield, Minn., and the Luther College, at Decorah, Iowa, graduating from the latter col- lege in 1892, with the degree of B.A., having in the meantime taught school four years. Later he attended the Luther Sem- inary, then at Robinsdale, Minn., now at Hamline, Minn., and was ordained after his graduation from that seminary in 1895.
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He then went to Hemmingford, Kan., where he had for a parish a territory some 300 by 250 miles in extent, embracing twenty-one different preaching stations. In 1898 he received a call to preach at Wells, Minn., and in 1903 came to Albert Lea and assumed his present duties. He was married in 1895 to Caia Christina Wulfs- berg, whose father was one of the first pastors of the Central Freeborn congregation in this county, and founder of the Luther Publishing House, of Decorah, Iowa. Prof. and Mrs. Thoen have seven children : Einar Wulfsberg, Anna Dedriake, Erling, Ingolf Norman, Rudolph Sigfrid, Henrietta Constance and Esther Katherine.
CHAPTER XV.
COMING OF THE RAILROADS.
Summary of Lines in Freeborn County-Land Grant Roads- Root River Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad-Southern Minnesota Railroad - Southern Minnesota Railway - Minne- apolis & St. Louis Railway-Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad -Albert Lea & Fort Dodge Line-Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern-Germania Branch-Iowa Central-Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific-Illinois Central-Albert Lea & Southern Railroad-Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad-The Alphabet Line-Railroad Bonds.
Freeborn county is crossed by the routes of five railroad com- panies, operating seven lines, and cutting into twenty of the twenty-four townships of the county. The Southern Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul crosses the county from east to west, passing through Moscow, Oakland, Hayward, Albert Lea, Pickerel Lake, Alden and Carlston townships, with stations at Oakland, Hayward, Albert Lea, Armstrong and Alden. This company also owns the Duluth, St. Cloud, Glencoe & Mankato road, better known as the Alphabet or St. Clair line, extending from Albert Lea northwest through Albert Lea, a corner of Pick- erel Lake, Manchester, a corner of Carlston, and Freeborn town- ships, with stations at Albert Lea and Freeborn. The main branch of the Chicago, Rock Island & St. Paul crosses the county from north to south, passing through the townships of Bath, Ban- croft, Albert Lea, Freeman and Shell Rock, with stations at Clarks Grove, Albert Lea, Glenville and Gordonsville. This com- pany also owns the Germania branch, so-called, extending from Albert Lea westwardly through the townships of Albert Lea, Pickerel Lake and Alden, with stations at Albert Lea and Conger. The Iowa Central has no track in this county, but reaches the
county seat by using the Rock Island from Manley Junction, Iowa, to Albert Lea. The Illinois Central reaches Albert Lea over the original Albert Lea & Southern Railroad Company's track from Lyle, Minn., to Glenville, and from Glenville to Albert Lea over the Rock Island tracks. This line also has a right of way par- allel to the Rock Island lines on the east side, from Glenville to Albert Lea. The Illinois Central stations in this county are at London, Myrtle, Glenville and Albert Lea. The Minneapolis &
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St. Louis crosses the county from north to south, passing through Hartland, Manchester, Bancroft, Albert Lea and Nunda town- thips, with stations at Hartland, Manchester, Albert Lea, Twin Lakes and Emmons.
These roads have been built at different times and under vari- ous circumstances. The first legislation concerning railways which applies to Freeborn county was introduced in the Minnesota terri- torial legislature of 1854 by Joseph Renshaw Brown. A bill to incorporate the Minnesota & Northwestern Railroad Company, introduced by this pioneer, was passed on the last day of the session and contrary to expectation Gov. Willis A. Gorman signed it. The route designated was from some point on Lake Superior by way of St. Paul to the Iowa state line in the direction of Dubuque. This route, it will be seen, might be construed as crossing Freeborn county. June 29, 1854, congress passed an act to aid the territory of Minnesota in the constructing of the railroad over practically the route which had been designated for the Minnesota & Northwestern, and granted for the purpose of aiding such a railroad, every alternate section of land, six. sections in width, designated by odd numbers, on both sides of the road. These lands were to be at the disposal of any future Minnesota legislature. The congressional act provided, how- ever, that the road should leave the Iowa state line somewhere between ranges 9 and 17, thus placing it beyond the scope of Freeborn county history.
The Land Grant Roads. By an act approved by the Minne- sota territorial legislature May 22, 1857, four railroad corpora- tions were granted alternate sections, designated by odd numbers, six miles in width on each side of the roads and their branches, this being in accord with the liberal railroad land grant by con- gress. These four railroad corporations, viz., the Minnesota & Pacific Railroad Company (changed to St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company), the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley Railroad Company, the Transit Railroad Company (changed to Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company), and the Root River Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad Company. The companies were to pay 3 per cent of their gross earnings in lieu of taxes and assessments, and the lands granted by congress were to be exempt from all taxation until sold and conveyanced by the companies. The corporations were generally given ten years to construct their respective roads. The financial embarrassments of 1857 retarded the progress of railroad building, and it also became evident that the parties who had obtained the railway charters mentioned had neither the money nor credit to complete these great highways of internal improvements.
The territory of Minnesota was admitted to statehood May 11,
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1858. The constitution ratified and adopted October 13, 1857, provided, in article 10, section 2, that "no corporations shall be formed under special acts except for municipal purposes"; and it still further provided that "the credit of the state shall never be given nor loaned, in the aid of any individual, association or corporation." Notwithstanding the strong feeling worked up over the talk of getting bonds in the aid of railroads so badly needed in the state, the first act of the legislature, which was approved March 9, 1858, before the state was admitted, was to submit an amendment to the constitution, providing for loaning the state's credit to the four land grant roads to the extent of $1,250,000 each, or $5,000,000 in all, provided $100,000 for every ten miles to be graded, and $100,000 for every ten miles when the cars were running regularly. In return it required the roads to pledge the net income to pay the interest on the bonds, and to convey the first 240 sections of land from the government grant to the state, and to deposit in first mortgage bonds an amount equal to the loan from the state for security. This proposal occasioned much uneasiness among the most prudent of the citizens in the state; and though public meetings were held denouncing the measure, it was, however, upon being submitted to the people, on the ap- pointed day of a special election, April 15, 1858, carried by a large majority, there being 25,023 in favor to 6,733 against the amendment. The measure afterward became known as the Five Million Loan Bill. The state bonds were of $1,000 denomination, had twenty-five years to run, with interest at 7 per cent, the rail- road companies to pay the interest, and were to be delivered to the incorporators of the companies when ten miles of the road was graded and ready for the superstructure. Owing to technicali- ties it was extremely difficult to market these bonds. Times were hard and the companies were unable to pay the required interest.
On the assembling of the legislature in 1860 the interest on ยท the state bonds having been defaulted, an amendment to the con- stitution was adopted and submitted to the people expunging the section sanctioned and approved by them April 15, 1858, reserving only the state's rights. The electors of the state, at the general election of November 6, 1860, with unanimity, by a vote of 27,023 to 733, approved of the amendment.
Of the subsequent history of the Five Million Dollar Loan Bill the Minnesota Legislative Manual says : "Along with the prosperity of the state, caused so largely by the rapid railroad building, the state pride began to assert itself with more force, and the prominent citizens continued to urge an adjustment of the dishonored railroad bonds. In 1877 a proposition setting aside the proceeds of 500,000 acres for internal improvement lands in settle- ment was by act of the legislature submitted to a vote at a special
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election called for June 12, and was voted down by the decisive vote of 59,176 against to 17.324 votes for the proposition. This vote was largely owing to the fact that the state at that time had almost an entire new population that had come into the state long after the bonds were issued and had no definite knowledge of the history of the original indebtedness.
In 1881 the legislature enacted a law providing for the adjust- ment of these bonds, and designating the judges of the supreme court as a commission to make the settlement. The constitution- ality of this law was questioned, a writ of injunction was served, and the final determination of the supreme bench was that the law was unconstitutional, as also the amendment of 1860, pro- hibiting any settlement without a vote of the people. This latter act had previously been determined unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. An extra session of the legislature was called in October of the same year, when the final adjustment was authorized by act of the legislature, on a basis of 50 per cent of the amount nominally due, and, after a careful examination of all the claims presented the bond question was forever set at rest by the issue of adjustment bonds to the amount of $4,282.000 to parties entitled to receive them. For the pay- ment of these bonds the proposition of setting aside the proceeds of the 500,000 acres of internal improvement lands was again sub- mitted at the general election in 1881, and by a vote of 82.435 votes in favor and 24,526 votes against, the action of the legis- lature was ratified and the stigma of repudiation removed, which had been fastened upon the state by the popular vote of 1877."
Of the land grant roads. the Root River Valley & Southern Minnesota railroad only, is of immediate concern to Freeborn county. The Root River Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad was chartered by the territory of Minnesota March 2, 1855. The act to incorporate was passed on the above date by the territorial legislature, and amended February 27. 1857. The charter granted the privilege of covering almost everything in the southern end of the state. provided the eastern terminus remained at Hokah, viz. : "from the village of Hokah. in the county of Houston, and terri- tory of Minnesota, westward by the most feasible and practicable route to some point between the south line of the territory and the point where the township line between 110 and 111 crosses the Minnesota river. thence west by the most direct and practi- cable route to the great bend of the Missouri river, with the priv- ilege of a branch starting from Hokah and running to the west bank of the Mississippi. via Target Lake to Eagle Bluff in Winona county. Also the privilege of building a branch from some point on the main line east of range 12. west of the fifth principal meridian. and westward through the counties of Mower. Free-
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
born and Faribault, to the west line of the territory; also the privilege of constructing a ship canal from the main channel of the Mississippi river to Target Lake." May 22, 1857, the terri- tory of the road was extended, and all the land grants applicable to its route duly conferred. This was one of the original land grant roads bought in by the state of Minnesota, which later re- issued its charter and loaned the credit of the state.
The Southern Minnesota Railroad Company was the name taken by the Root River Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad, May 23, 1857, the day after the land grant was conferred. The company executed a mortgage, issued bonds and deposited them with the state, receiving therefor $575,000 in state bonds, having at that time graded thirty-seven and one-half miles on its main branch up the Minnesota, and about twenty and one-quarter on its Root river branch. The company defaulted on the payments April 1, 1860, and the governor advertised and sold the property and conveyed the same to the state. The state conferred the property, etc., on divers occasions to various parties during the years 1861 and 1863, but they failed to comply with the conditions. The rights pertaining to the line through the southern tier of counties were conferred upon T. B. Stoddard and associates March 4, 1864, under the name of the Southern Minnesota Railroad Com- pany, thus reviving the old title. The company received aid from various municipalities. The road was completed to Rushford in 1867 ; to Lanesboro in 1868 ; from Ramsey to Alden in 1869 ; Lanes- boro to Ramsey and from Alden to Winnebago in 1870, making a total of 1671/2 miles. Trains started running to Albert Lea, October 16, 1869. After various litigation the Southern Minnesota Railway Company was organized under chapter 50 of the laws of 1876.
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