History of Freeborn County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 84

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1882; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Outline history of the state of Minnesota. 1882; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. Sioux massacre of 1862. 1882; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. State education. 1882; Minnesota Historical Company
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 576

USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 84

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EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The earliest attempt at settling this town com- menced in 1856, when, on the 6th day of June of that year, S. S. Skiff, a native of New York, came from Wisconsin and took a claim in section twen- ty-six, where he remained until 1858, and then returned to Wisconsin where he stayed until 1860. This year he again pushed his way back to his newly made habitation and settled down in earn-

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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

est. He made this his home until 1880, and then removed to the town of Alden, where his light still "holds out to burn." He, it is claimed, was the very first settler, and there is a preponderance of testimony to uphold it. He had been here abont one week, when, on the 15th of 'June, 1856, there arrived a party from Iowa, which soon took the name of Winneshiek county settlement as they came from their Norwegian homes by way of Iowa and had stopped for a time in the county indicated.

Among this party were Gunie Thykeson, who secured a place in sections nine and ten, upon the banks of the miniature lake which received its name after him, and he may still be found upon the place, evidently well satisfied with his venture.

N. N. Wangin, who planted his stakes upon a part of Uncle Sam's domain in seetion seventeen, where he may still be found.

Rollof, a brother to Gunie Thykeson, made him- self at home in section fifteen, where he remained until 1879, when he took up his abode upon a place in sections nine and sixteen.

Stiner Miekelson also settled in section fifteen and remained until 1864, when he disposed of his farm and removed to Blue Earth City, where he still lives.

Ole O. Klappe, who settled in seetion twenty- two, and remained until 1858, when he went to Bancroft, and in 1864, went to the south.

This comprised the original members of the Wineshiek county settlement. They were all natives of Norway, and they have since been joined by countrymen, who have thronged in until they constitute the greater part of the town's inhabit- ants.

In the latter part of the same month that the above settlement arrived, in June, 1856, a party known as the Rock county settlement, all natives of Norway, who had sojourned for a short time in Rock county, Wisconsin, came to the town, and their names and movemements are chronieled as follows :

Thor Anderson, Andrew Everson, and Ole Kit- tleson all took elaims in and about seetion ten, where they still remain.

Peter O. Fossum planted his hopes on a tract in section fourteen, and is still bustling around there.

Ole Peterson commenced a sojourn which he still perpetuates in section fifteen.

Halver Peterson anchored his bark of worldly possessions in seetion nine, and remained there until August, 1868, when, as matters, evidently, did not progress in a satisfactory manner, tired of the practical problem of world's life, solved the matter by hanging himself; his family still live upon the old place.

O. O. Fossum located on sections twenty-one and twenty-two, and remained there until the time of his death, which occurred in 1878, and his remains were sorrowfully deposited in their last resting place, in the Norwegian Lutheran Ceme- tery. llis family still occupy the old home-stead.

THE HONORED DEAD.

HENRY SCHMIDT came to this county when it was wild and desolate, but lived to see the town settled, filled with farms, and in a flourishing con- dition. He had been Town Treasurer, and was a thorough American German. The respect in which he was held was attested by the large fune- ral which took place a few days after his death, which was on the 6th of September, 1878, at the age of 67 years.

OLE OLSON FOSSUM came to Manchester in 1856, took a claim and opened a farm and continued to live on it until the 9th of June, 1878, when he went over the river at the age of 64. He is re- membered as a fine old gentleman.

MRS. HARKIET L. JOHNSON was thirty-five years of age when her presence was required in the great beyond, on the 6th of April, 1873. She was a daughter of Dr. Solomon Douglass, of Oswego county, New York. With her husband she came west as far as Winnebago county, Wisconsin, where they remained six years, and then came to Freeborn county. Three children were left. She was a woman who won the esteem of all her acquaintances

OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION.

The first town meeting, at which the organiza- tion was effected, was held at the house of Ole Peterson, on the 11th of May, 1858, pursuant to to notice of the Clerk of County Commissioners. After the usual preliminaries the meeting was called to order, and the polls opened for the elec- tion of town officers for the ensuing year. Upon counting the ballots the following candidates were found to have the number of votes set opposite their names, as follows:

For Chairman of Supervisors, Matthias Ander-

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MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.

son received 25 votes; E. S. Smith, 7. Supervis- ors, Ole Peterson and Tostin Knutson, unanimously elected, 32 votes each. Clerk, James E. Smith, 32. Assessor, Bennett Asleson, 25; Mattias Anderson, 7. Collector, Thomas Anderson, 32. Overseer of the Poor, John Ellingson, 32. Constables, Charles Oleson and David Ames, each 32 votes. Justices of the Peace, James E. Smith and Thomas Oleson, 32 votes each. Overseer of Roads, Charles Olson, 25; Ole Peterson, 7. There were in all thirty-two votes cast.

TOWN NAME. - The original name of the town- ship was "Olborg," in honor of the Post-office in in Norway from whence Ole Peterson came. After a short reign under this caption it was changed to Buckeye, in a joke upon Stanley and S. B. Smith, who were natives of Ohio, and a Post- office by this name was established. In 1858, at the meeting above mentioned, the matter of the name again came up, and "Liberty " was pro- posed to take the place of the Ohio caption. The matter was put to a vote and resulted in a unani- mous assent to the new name. The town then commenced its career as "Liberty "; but in a short time notice was received from the State Auditor that as there were already two " Libertys" in the State, their name must be changed. In accordance with this, in 1859, the name was again changed, this time, finally, to "Manchester."

Thus the township of Manchester was started on its career as a mumcipality, and since that time the affairs of the public have been faithfully cared for. It being a farming community there has been but little expenditure of public funds, except for school and highway purposes, and the burdens of local taxation have never been ex- cessive.

The present township officials are as follows: Supervisors, Claus Fandt, Chairman, Rolloff'Thyke- son, and Thor Anderson; Clerk, I. A. Rodsater; Assessor, D. H. Johnson; Treasurer, Bennett Asleson; Justice of the Peace, L. C. Larken; Constable, M. O. Whitney. The last town meet- ing was held in the spring of 1882, at the school- house of District No. 18.

STATISTICS.

This article is intended to convey to the reader an idea of the wealth and productiveness of the township, and to what extent the facilities and richness of soil which nature has endowed, have been utilized and improved.

THE YEAR 1881 .- - Showing the acreage and yield in, the township of Manchester for the year named :

Wheat-2,696 acres, yielding 16,937 bushels.

Oats-450 acres, yielding 16,147 bushels.

Corn-521 acres, yielding 17,650 bushels. Barley- 26 acres, yielding 690 bushels.

Rye-10 acres, yielding 200 bushels.

Buckwheat -- 1 acre, yielding 25 bushels.

Potatoes-68 acres, yielding 2,260 bushels. Flax seed-42 acres, yielding 350 bushels. Total acreage cultivated in 1881-3,814.

Wild hay-2,184 tons.

Apples -number of trees growing, 1,453; num- ber bearing 275 yielding 78 bushels.

Shcep-366 sheared, yielding 1,20) pounds of wool.

Dairy-872 cows, yielding 15,700 pounds of butter.

THE YEAR 1882 .- Wheat, 2,894 acres; oats, 532; corn, 500; potatoes, 29; other products, 19; total acreage cultivated in 1882-3,974.

Apple trees growing-1,902.

Milch cows-518.

Sheep-67, yielding 631 pounds of wool.

POPULATION .- The census of 1870 gave Man- chester a population of 701. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 784 for this town, showing an increase of 83.

MATTERS OF INTEREST.

The first child born in the township was Mich- ael Michaelson, in September, 1856. The boy grew to manhood, was married, and now lives in Blue Earth county.

It is claimed that the first marriage in the township occurred in December, 1858, the high contracting parties being Mads Madson and Miss Opengarden. The ceremony was performed by Thomas Oleson at the residence of John Elling- son, in section sixteen. The groom died in 1880, and the widow now resides in Hartland.

The above, however, was not the first marriage of parties from this town; for on the 2d of Octo- ber, 1858, a double wedding occurred in Cedar Rapids, lowa, which united the destinies of Miss Inglebert Peterson to Ole Knudson, and Miss Sarah Kittleson to Lewis Sebertson. The cere- mony was performed by Rev. L. Clausen.

The first death occurred in August, 1858, and carried to that mysterious hereafter, Peter Johnson, aged 24 years.

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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

The first religions services in the town were held in June, 1838, at the residence of Ole Peterson. in section fifteen, by the Rev. Mr. Brown, a Lutheran minister. The church organization was not etlect- ed until 1876.

The first house in the township was erected in Jnne, 1856, by Gume Thykeson, on seetion nine. It was a log building, 12x14 feet, and was after- ward used as a stable.

Mickle Mickleson, in July, 1856, the following month, erected the second house of the same ma- terial, and this was subsequently used as a black- smith shop.

At an early day a number of the pioneers in a rude way manufactured sorghum, by using three .wooden home-made rollers, propelled by a yoke of oxen, for a press; but this erude machinery has long since been supplanted by the patent process and new machinery.

It is claimed that Mathias Anderson, who came from the town of Manchester, Boone county, Illi- mois, gave to this township its present name.

Originally town meetings were held in private houses, and anywhere that shelter could be found. At present they are held in the schoolhouse of distriet No. 18, in section twenty-two.

The first blacksmith shop was erected and oper- ated by a Mr. Mickleson, on the northwest quarter of section fifteen. In 1865 he sold out and went to Blue Earth county, where he now lives. This was ereeted in 1856.

In 1858, the next shop was erected in section thirteen, size 12x14 feet, and put in operation by Lewis Oleson. It was of logs, with a log and sod roof, and was operated by him until about 1873, when it changed hands; finally, in 1879, becoming the property of Ole O. Olson who now owns it.

SUICIDE .- In August, 1868, Halver Peterson, an early Norwegian settler living in section ten, disgusted and disheartened by the vicissitudes and uncertainties of this cruel world, departed from it, in spirit, by hanging himself to a tree. He had been siek for eighteen months, and the only exeuse offered, was the old one in these cases, "tired of life."

FROZEN TO DEATH .-- A Mr. Gulbrandson was frozen to death on the evening of the 8th of Janu- ary, 1873. One of his oxen perished with him.

MANCHESTER'S WAR RECORD .- It cannot be denied that this town did its full share during the war of the rebellion. Of those who volunteered

and went into the service, nine never returned, finding graves in southern soil. Strengen Benson was the only married man of the departed heroes; he left a wife and two children to mourn his loss. The rest were all single men and most of their parents resided in the town at the time. Man- chester voted bonds to the amount of $4,000 for the purpose of securing volunteers to fill the quota assigned the town, which amount was duly paid and recruits secured.

BUCKEYE POST-OFFICE .-- This was the first office in the township, having been established in 1858, named after the pet cognomen of Ohio, with James E. Smith as Postmaster, and the office at his res- idenee in section thirty, where it remained, there being but little business for it, until 1860, when S. B. Smith was appointed, with a mail route from Mankato to Otronto, Iowa, under the supervision of A. L. Davis, who carried the mail by team. After a time A. G. Hall was appointed, and the office was removed to his residence in section one of Alden, where it was finally discontinued abont 1870.

MANCHESTER POST-OFFICE was established in the village of this name in 1878, upon a petition gotten up by H. R. Fossum and E. H. Stensrud, and signed by a majority of the citizens. H. R. Fossum was first appointed as the Postmaster, and held the office until 1880, with a business in the meantime amounting to $6 per quarter, when E. H. Stensrnd was commissioned and still holds the mail pouch key; the business of the last quar- ter amounted to $8.89. The office is kept in the store at the village.

FARMERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF MAN- CHESTER .- This corporation, instituted for the protection of the farmers from fire and lightning, is growing rapidly each year; and, as there is not visible in this, the hand of dishonesty and trickery that is so apparent in the procedures of a great many of the city corporations, it has been, and, with the same capable management in the future that it has had in the past, will continue to be a true benefit and assistance to its patrons. The company was organized at the Central church of the FREEBORN NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CONGREGA- TION on the 7th of December, 1876, on which day the following officers were elected; President, O. Peterson; Secretary, I. A. Rodsater; Treasurer, O. Narveson; and Directors, E. C. Johnson, K. Ingebrigtson, A N. Teslow, I. Hammer, H. Stens-

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MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.

rnl, and John Madson. It commenced business on the 10th of February, 1877, and consisted at that time of 102 members, and the capital in- sured was $135,172. During the first year the company had a loss of only $10. Total losses dur- ing the first five years, $765. Last year's loss was $200. At the last annual meeting the com- pany consisted of 338 members, with an amount of insurance of $375,000.

Present officers: President, O. Peterson; Secre- tary, Iver A. Rodsater: Treasurer, O. Narveson; Directors, C. C. Johnson, K. Ingebrigtson, A. Tes- low, C. Jonsrud, H. Stensrud, John Madson.

NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH .-- This society was organized about 1876, with Rev. V. Koren ofli- ciating, and had about nine members. In 1876, the church was erected in section four, Gust. Peterson donating two acres of land for a site. It cost about $5,700, and is 36x82 feet, with a tower, in which an 800 pound bell has been placed which cost $300, and is one of the finest church build- ings in the county. The society is very prosperous and strong, and now counts about 400 as its followers. Rev. Ina Woolfsburg is the present minister, and has been upon the circuit for fifteen years. Services are held every other Sunday.

There is also a neat burial ground adjoining the church, which was laid out in 1872. The first burial here was of the remains of an infant child of Andrew Madson and wife, in 1873. The first matured person whose remains were deposited here, was Cornelius Gilbertson, who died at Free- born at the age of twenty-four.

VILLAGE OF MANCHESTER.

This is the only village in the township, and though as yet nothing metropolitan, it has a pros- pect of becoming a good center for trade.

It is located in section fifteen, on the Minneap- olis & St. Louis railway, about seven miles from Albert Lea, the county seat, and surrounded by an excellent farming conntry.

The village was platted in 1882 by Ole Peter- son, but had already taken a start.

In 1877 Cosgan & White erected an elevator which was moved to section twenty-three soon after its erection, and has since been moved back to the village.

In 1878, Anton Anderson erected a blacksmithı shop, 24x28 feet, and commenced blowing the bellows. In the fall of 1881, an addition was erected, 12x28 feet, for a wagon shop, and an |

engine house 10x12 feet, in which was placed a five horse-power steam engine to run the machin- ery. The shop employs three men.

In February, 1878, a building was erected by H. R. Fossum and E. H. Stensrud, and a good stock of dry goods, groceries, and general mer- chandise was placed upon the shelves to the amount of about $400. In May the Post office was established.

MEDIUMS OF EDUCATION.

DISTRICT No. 18. This district effected an or- ganization in the year 1861. The year previous a schoolhouse of logs was erected by subscription on section fifteen, in which a school of thirty scholars was taught by Emma Walker. After this district was organized they took charge of the school building, and school was continued under their management. The first school officers were: Thorson Knuteson, John Ellingson, and O. O. Fossum, Clerk, Director, and Treasurer. In 1867 the house was moved to the site it now occupies in section twenty-two. The present officers are; Director, Dennis Sipple; Treasurer, Claus Flindt; Clerk, Bennett Asleson. The last term of school was taught by H. B. Fossum, with forty pupils enrolled.

DISTRICT No. 19 .- A meeting was held on the 8th of May, 1862, at the residence of Christian Jacobson, at which the organization of this dis- trict was effected and made permanent by the election of officers, as follows: Director, Tosten Knutson; Clerk, Clarles Olson; Treasurer, Charles Johnson. The same summer Mr. Henderson taught the first school, a term of three months, in Charles Oleson's house in section thirteen, with seven or eight pupils present. In 1864 Christian Jacobson donated a site, and the schoolhouse was erected in the center of section twelve, by con- tribution of labor, at a cost of about G50, size 16x20. The present officers are: Director, Ole Knutson; Treasurer, John Johnson; Clerk, P. J. Spilde. The last instructor was L. P. Jensen, and there were forty scholars upon the roll.

DISTRICT No. 21 -Effected an organization in 1864, the first meeting being held at the house of Erick Olson, in section nine, in the spring, at which the following officers were elected: Direc- tor, Carl Gustaveson; Treasurer, Halver Peterson; Clerk, August Peterson. The first school was taught by Miss Emma King in Erick Olson's house, in section nine, with twenty pupils present.

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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

In 1867 a frame honse, which is still in use, was erected in the western part of section nine, size 16x22, at a cost of $300. The present officers are : Director, Ed. Mortenson; Treasurer, Hans Chris- topherson; Clerk, Nels N. Wangin. The last term of school was taught by John C. Quammen, with thirty-five scholars enrolled.

DISTRICT NO. 55 .- This educational sub-divis- ion embraces the territory in the southeastern part of the town. It was organized in the fall of 1864 in E. D. Hopkins' house, on section thirty- four, and the following officers were elected : Director, O. Kemfield; Treasurer, J. Welcor; Clerk, E. D. Hopkins. The first school was taught by Maggie Colby in 1864, in a log house belong- ing to A. M. Johnson, on the bank of Lake Albert Lea. The following year a log house, 18x16 feet, was procured, which has since been moved to its present site in the southeast corner of section thirty-four, having cost about $100. The present officers are as follows: Director, A. M. Johnson; Treasurer, J. H. Converse; Clerk, O. J. Taylor. The last teacher, in the summer of 1882, was Miss Eva Gilson, and there were nineteen scholars eu- rolled.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

MATHIAS ANDERSON, one of the first settlers and organizers of this township, was born in Nor- way on the 15th of June, 1824. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1851, located in Broome county, Illinois, where his mother and one sister still reside. On the 1st of October, 1854. Mathias was joined in matrimony with Miss Betsey Helga. In 1857, they came to this town- ship and staked out a claim in section two, which is still their home. Mr. Anderson was Chairman of the first board of Supervisors and the first Clerk of School District No. 18. He is the father of five children, three boys and two girls.

ERIK O. AASEN was born in Norway on the 15th of October, 1832, and learned the blacksmith trade in his native country. In 1857, he emigra- ted to America, came to Iowa and resided one year, then moved to this place and located in scetion nine which has since been his home. In 1860, he met with an accident, one of his cows hooking him, which resulted in the loss of his eyesight. He was married on the 25th of Decem- ber, 1870, to Miss Argatta Mark, who has borne him five children, four of whom are living. Mr.

Aasen has held town and school offices since his residence here.

LEWIS BEACH was born in New York on the 20th of December, 1830. He was married on the 27th of September, 1857, to Miss Lessie T. Sou- miss and the same fall moved to Michigan. In the spring of 1858, he came to this township and was among the first settlers, staked out a claim in section eighteen and has since made it his home. In 1863, he was elected Town Clerk and held the office five years. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have had nine children, six of whom are living.

CHARLES BICKFORD, a native of Vermont, was born in Richford, Franklin county, on the 29th of September, 1835. He enlisted in Company A, of the Sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, in Septem- ber, 1864, and served till the close of the war, par- ticipating in seven battles, and while in the battle of Petersburg was wounded. After his discharge he returned to his home and remained until the spring of 1866, when he came to Minnesota and settled on his present place in this townsnip. He was married on the 25th of December, 1868, to Miss Almira J. Tucker. They have had six chil- dren, five of whom are living.

JAMES H. CHAMBERLAIN was born in Ashford, Cattaraugus county, New York, on the Ist of April, 1830, and was never outside of his native State until coming to this State in 1864. He was married on the 10th of March, 1850, to Miss Angeline Margaret Hall. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Chamber- lain was drafted in the late war but was not able to serve. Hecame to Freeborn county and resided in Bancroft until 1868, when he moved to this township and has since made his home in section thirty-four, engaged in the cultivation of his farm.

CARL GUSTAVESEN is a native of Norway, born on the 8th of December, 1828. Having a talent for music he devoted considerable time to its study and for a time was leader of the "Great Norway Military Band." He was married on the 26th of December, 1852, to Miss Annie Mortenson. In 1855, they came to America, resided in Iowa until 1863, and then moved to Manchester in sec- tion five where they still make their home. Of seven children born to the union, four are living. When first coming here Mr. Gustavesen taught instrumental music but since 1876 has devoted his time to farming.

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MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.

PIUS HUBER was born in Germany on the 5th of May, 1849. He emigrated to America in 1867, and first settled in Connecticut; in 1873, came to Houston county, and the following year to this township. In 1876, he purchased land in section twenty-one and has since devoted his time to its cultivation. He was married on the 25th of December, 1877, to Miss Mary Flaelman. They have been blessed with three children.

JOHN JOHNSON, one of the first settlers of Man- chester, is a native of Norway, and dates his birth the 14th of February, 1831. He came to America in 1855, and first settled in Walworth county, Wisconsin. On the 7th of February, 1856, he married Miss Esther M. Olson. The following year they removed to this place and located in section one where they have since devoted their time to the cultivation of the farm. They have bad six children, four of whom are living. Mr. Johnson is one of the Directors of school district No. 19.

JOHN OLSEN JORDAHL, deceased, was a native of Norway, born on the 14th of February, 1820. In 1857, he emigrated to America, and first settled on Washington prairie, in Winneshiek county, Iowa. In the autumn of 1857, he came to this county and made a pre-emption in sections eleven, fourteen, and fifteen, and in 1858, moved his family on the same. He married in the spring of 1842, Miss Flora Nelson, and of thirteen children born to the union, nine are living. Mr. Jordahl died on the 8th of October, 1871, and his wife followed on the 27th of October, 1881.

OLE J. JORDAHL was born on the 19th of July, 1842, in Norway. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1857, and resided on Washington prairie in Winneshiek county, Iowa, until 1858. He then came to this township with the family, and in 1866 bought his present place, in section two. He was married on the 3d of December, 1865, to Miss Anna Johnson. They have a family of seven children. Mr. Jordahl has been Chairman of the board of Supervisors five successive years and clerk of his school district five years.

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