History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 13

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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CHAPTER N.

TOWNSHIP SYSTEM.

An Experiment in County Government-Members of First Board of Supervisors-Two Chairmen-Party Feeling High- Sheriff Preserves Order-Another Version-Court House Trouble-Meeting of Second Board-Resumption of County Commissioner System-History of Court House-County Poor Farm-Political History.

In 1858 began an era which in this state continued but a short time, that of county government by a board of supervisors consisting of the chairmen of the different townships. This change came near discontinuing the work of the contractors on the new county buildings for a time. The new law was passed by the legislature on March 20, to go into effect July 12. The county was thus divided into twenty-one townships, an account of which will be found elsewhere. The board of supervisors, which held its first meeting on the second Monday in July, 1858, consisted of the following members : Belle Creek. S. P. Chandler ; York (now Belvidere), Cyrus Crouch; Zumbrota, Isaac C. Stearns; Union (now Burnside). W. S. Grow; Featherstone, William Freyberger; Red Wing, A. B. Miller and P. Vandenberg, Orrin Densmore; Wanamingo, J. G. Brown; Pine Island, C. R. White; Holden, Knut Knutson; Roscoe, Oliver Webb; Central Point, Robert L. Phillips; Warsaw, N. L. Townsend; Stanton, John Thomas; Hay Creek, S. A. Wise; Waeoota, Leonard Gould ; Cannon Falls, C. W. Gillett; Kenyon, Addison Hilton; Cherry Grove, D. M. Haggard (viee Woodward, resigned) ; Florence, Dr. J. Kelly; Vasa, Charles Himmelman; Leon, E. Stone. Of the opening session of this board two accounts are given. An historian of the late seventies relates the incidents as follows: "In those days the Democratic party held the balance of power in Goodhue county. The Republican party was just beginning to assume strength and power. In the selecting of a presiding officer for the board, both parties sought to gain advantage and secure the chairmanship. S. P. Chandler was the Democratic candidate for chairman, and I. C. Stearns was the Republican

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candidate. There was a tie vote, both men claimed the right to the chair and both assumed to preside. One of them sat upon one side of the table and the other one sat upon the other side. When a motion was submitted-and any number of motions were made-both men would 'put the question.' Party feeling ran high, and extended outside of the hall in which the board held its sessions. A fight was expected and 'Deacon' DeKay, who was deputy sheriff at the time, was directed by his superior officer to 'take up a position' in the supervisors' room and preserve order at all hazards, even if it took the last man and the last dollar in the baliwiek. He obeyed orders, and for two or three days maintained a position between the two chairmen; but the fight didn't 'come off.' The troubled waters were finally quieted by the giving way of J. G. Brown, of Wanamingo, who came over to the support of Mr. Chandler, making a rousing speech in explanation of his action. A record of those turbulous days, with the motions. explanations, ete., covers several pages of the journal and makes rather humorous reading."

Of these same days, another writer, who was present at this meeting says: "The facts, briefly, are these: At the first meet- ing of the county board in July, referred to, S. P. Chandler was chosen chairman and acted as such, without any sign of opposi- tion from any one. The annual meeting of the board was fixed by law on the second Monday in September, and the board adjourned to meet at that time. The board so met. and it was the understanding of the entire board that at this annual meeting a new election of officers should take place. Accordingly the board proceeded to the election of a chairman, and I. C. Stearns was elected by nearly, if not quite, a two-thirds majority. He took the chair without any opposition, and a large amount of business was transacted at that forenoon session. During the adjournment of two hours for the afternoon session the matter was taken up in town, and it was the opinion of the lawyers that the new election of officers was illegal, and that the officers elected at the first meeting held over for the ensuing year. S. P. Chandler was advised by them to again assume the chair and claim his right as chairman. So at the commencement of the afternoon session both officers called the meeting to order simul- taneously and both put motions as they were made and seconded. This, however, continued but a short time, for as the voice of the new chairman was stronger and the board paid attention to him rather than to the other, the old chairman subsided, and said he appointed the other to act for him until the matter was settled. The board then proceeded to discuss the question at length. The house was crowded with the talent of Red Wing and the excitement was at a high pitch; for it was understood

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that the validity of the bonds issued for the building of the court house would be affected by this decision, as the chairman of the board must sign the bonds. Hon. W. W. Phelps was invited to address the board on the subject, and he made a lengthy argument in favor of the continuance of the old officers. This discussion occupied nearly the entire afternoon. It was finally decided by the board that the old officers held over, and Mr. Chandler was allowed quietly to resume his seat as chairman. "

The first meeting of this board was held in the office of the register of deeds, but almost equal in number to the territorial legislature, the room was found to be too small, and a committee consisting of Messrs. Crouch. Stearns and Brown was appointed to secure a suitable room, which was found and obtained in Todd and Hasler's block on Main street. the hall being then designated as "Hasler's Hall." When the board was full organized, cre- dentials examined and passed upon, etc., the following commit- tees were appointed : Equalization. C. R. White, O. Densmore, I. C. Stearns, R. S. Phillips, C. W. Gillett ; claims, W. S. Grow, J. G. Brown, S. A. Wise; ways and means, A. B. Miller. C. R. White. L. N. Gould: roads and bridges, O. Webb, J. Kelley, (. Crouch; appropriations, P. Vandenberg, I. C. Stearns, C. W. Gillett; justices and constables. R. L. Phillips, C. R. White, W. S. Grow : sheriff and jailer, I. C. Stearns, C. W. Gillett, John Thomas; to settle with treasurer, E. Stone, P. Vandenberg. R. L. Phillips ; printing, A. B. Miller, P. Vanderbergh, O. Densmore ; Poor, Robert L. Phillips, Knut Knutson, D. M. Haggard; per diem and mileage, J. Thomas, A. Hilton, N. D. Townsend; public buildings, O. Densmore, I. C. Stearns, W. S. Grow, C. W. Gillett, R. L. Phillips. This committee was elected by the board by acclamation. James T. Chamberlain, deputy register of deeds, was elected clerk of the board, and the supervisors proceeded to business.

Wednesday morning, July 14, a resolution regarding the court house was offered by A. B. Miller, and after some discussion the following was adopted : "Whereas, There exists a diversity of opinion in reference to the binding force upon Goodhue county, of a certain contract entered into by the county commissioners of Goodhue county, with certain other parties for the erection of courthouse and jail, and Whereas, Any action pending the uncertainty which now exists would be very imprudent and hazardous ; therefore, Resolved, That this board by a committee of three of its members, to be elected by the board, proceed at once to ascertain our liability under said contraet, by presenting the case. without delay, to the judge of the Fifth Judicial Dis- triet of this state for his decision upon the validity of said con-

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traet, or to obtain the best possible legal advice on the matter. The resolution was especially considered at a meeting held at 2 o'clock that afternoon.

A communication having been received from the senator and representatives in the state legislature in regard to the passage of a bill. authorizing the board of supervisors to issue bonds for the erection of county buildings, Mr. Grow offered the following resolution : Resolved, By the Board of Supervisors of Goodhue county. that our senator and our representatives be requested to secure the passage of a bill introduced by Senator Hudson, July 9, 1858. entitled "An act to authorize the board of super- visors of Goodhue county to issue county bonds for the erection of county buildings." This was passed with an amendment to the effect that in making this request the board expressed no opinion as to the issuing of the bonds or the erecting of the buildings. It might here be explained that there was some oppo- sition to the erection of these buildings, but the outlying town- ships, who believed that the new buildings would give Red Wing an undue advantage over the other villages. Orrin Densmore and J. C. Stearns were appointed on the committee to secure legal opinion, and a statement was seenred from Judge D. Cooper, of St. Paul, in which he declared that in his opinion, the contract made by the previous board of county officers was binding upon the county. Efforts were then made to persuade the Messrs. Hill, Simmons & Co. to relinquish their contract. This they refused to do, saying that they had sub-let much of the work, had ordered materials. and been to other expense. They offered, how- ever, to accept for consideration a written proposition of the terms of a compromise.

In the meantime, on July 15, the board found that a still more commodious room was necessary, and Harmony Hall, at the corner of Main and Fulton streets. was seenred. This hall the board occupied July 16, and at subsequent meetings. In after years this building was destroyed by fire. Efforts at a compro- mise with the contractors failed, and it was finally voted to assume the obligation laid on the county by the previous board. and proceed with the work on the courthouse. In passing this vote, the supervisors strongly censured the previous board for so heavily loading the county in debt, and expressed its regret that the county should be bound by such an act, and the same time declaring that there seemed no way in which the present super- visors could legally cancel the contract of the previous county board.

The second county board of supervisors was elected in April. 1859, and met in the office of the county auditor. April 18, of that year. J. A. Thacher, of Zumbrota. was elected chairman of the

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board. April 21, it was voted that the committee on public buildings accept in behalf of the county, the courthouse when completely finished according to contract, and that when so finished the county officers who were to occupy it were instructed to move into it.

The courthouse was completed and turned over by the con- tractors in August, 1859. The excavation. the stone work and the carpenter work was done by Hill, Simmons & Co., the con- tractors. The brick was made by John Carter, and laid in the wall by Messrs. Brink, Todd & Co. The plastering work was done by the same firm. Some of the bonds issued to pay for the erection of the courthouse were sold to individuals in Washing- ton. D. C., some to people in New York and Ohio, and a larger part were taken by Red Wing parties. They were sold at various prices. ranging from fifty to ninety cents on the dollar. They were all taken up later. and the expense of the courthouse, improvement and enclosure of the square were all paid for within about two decades of the time the bills were contracted.

Pending the efforts of the board of supervisors to secure a cancellation of the contract for the erection of the courthouse, and before the bonds were issued. the contractors had been advised that the bonds could be sold in the New York market for nearly their face value. An agent was sent on there to investi- gate the matter, but before negotiations were perfected a cir- cumstance occurred which completely destroyed the value of Minnesota county bonds in that market. Hennepin county had issued bonds and built a courthouse. When the bonds became due they were not paid, a fact that threw discredit upon all county bonds, and rendered them worthless among commercial men and capitalists. The taxpayers outside of Red Wing and its immediate vicinity were fighting the courthouse enterprise, and using every possible means to induce the contractors to throw up the contract, even offering them as much as $10,000 cash to do so. The business men and friends of Red Wing were as anxious the other way, and when they found the bonds could not be sold for ready money. they promised to render all necessary material assistance to the contractors-to take the bonds. advance the money. etc. When the money was needed, however, it was not forthcoming. When any of them did advance money to aid. the contractors. they required a deposit of two dollars in bonds for one dollar in money advanced. and three per cent a month in money besides. At least this was the statement made by Mr. Hill many years after these events transpired. Sometimes bonds could be traded for lumber and other building materials, but only at heavy discounts. Through the influence of Mr. Phelps, the member of Congress from Minnesota. and Mr. Gebhort, member

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of Congress from Ohio, some of the bonds were sold for seventy vents cash, both of these men, themselves, taking small amounts. Red Wing men, when the pinch came, were for the most part very reluctant to invest their money in these bonds; and when they did so, asked very large discounts.

The building of the courthouse was undertaken at the instance of Red Wing interests. The taxpayers in the interior were opposed to the enterprise, hoping in time to secure a division of the county, or the location of the public buildings at a more cen- tral point. When the board of supervisors succeeded the county commissioners, the county townships had a larger representa- tion, and acting in accordance with the will of their constituents, they sought to avoid for the county the responsibility of the con- traet made by their predecessors in office. As already mentioned, however, the legal advice satisfied the board that the contract was legal and binding, and rather than risk involving the county in heavy damages, the contract was allowed to proceed, and the courthouse was completed within the time specified in the agree- ment. For countless decades the building will remain as a monu- ment to those early commissioners, who had the broadness of mind and strength of purpose to look ahead, and to plan for what the county was to become, regardless of the opposition and petty jealousies which surrounded them in their day and generation.

During the time the courthouse was building a feeling of dis- satisfaction with the township system became general throughout the state, and in 1860 an act was passed by the legislature pro- viding that each and every county should have a board of county commissioners, and that in those counties in which at the last gen- eral election there were cast eight hundred votes or over, the said board should consist of five members, and in all other counties of three members, who should hold their offices for one year, or until their successors were elected and qualified. This law went into effect April 1, 1860. The last board of supervisors adjourned January 10, 1860, and the first board session of the board of com- missioners commenced June 4, following. The board was com- posed of J. A. Thacher. H. L. Bevans, J. A. Jackson, A. Hilton and E. A. Sergeant. Mr. Thatcher was chosen chairman of the board.

Before completing the mention of the courthouse, it might be well to state that, with some alterations, the same building is still doing good service. Another building, upon the same block, was erected in 1887 for a sheriff's residence and a jail. In 1864 a large farm was purchased by the county commissioners at a cost of $3,000, for the purpose of providing a home for the poor. Necessary buildings were erected thereon at a cost of $5,737.18. These buildings were completed and ready for occupaney in 1867.

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In October, 1889, the main building was accidentally destroyed by fire. The inmates, about thirty in number, all escaped injury, and temporary accommodations were provided for them until a new house was erected. The new building was completed during the following year at a cost of $20,000. It is situated on Spring creek, in the town of Burnside, and presents a very fine appear- ance. There is an artesian well on the premises, and the whole surroundings are such as to make it a pleasant home. The farm is under as good cultivation as any in the neighborhood. The whole is managed by an overseer, who is appointed by the board of commissioners.

As has been noted earlier in this history, there was little cause for political rivalry in the earliest days. The first political move- ment having a tendency to shape the future complexion of the parties in Goodhue county was a meeting held October 8, 1856, on the corner of Main and Bush streets, Red Wing. Franklin Pierce, a Democrat, was then president of the United States. As a matter of course. all appointive officers of the territory were Democrats. Of the United States land office, which was located here, C. Graham was receiver and W. W. Phelps register. The chief justice of the territory, W. H. Welch, also resided here. Henry C. Hoffman was postmaster; Nehemiah Bennett, editor of the "Sentinel," later the "Argus." was justice of the peace. The elective offices for the county were then filled with those who were adherents of the party dominant at that time. While no vote for president could be taken here, party interest ran high, and consequently, on October 8, 1856. a grand demonstra- tion rally took place. After a large pile of empty boxes, and other combustible materials, had been fired and allowed to burn for some time for the amusement of the boys and to gather a crowd, an organization was effected by the selection of Dr. F. F. Hoyt as chairman and N. V. Bennett as secretary. W. W. Phelps mounted a dry goods box directly in front of the Teepeetonka Hotel, and for an hour expounded the Democratic side of the compromise measures of 1850, and the Kansas and Nebraska bill of Stephen A. Douglas, commonly known as popular, or squatter, sovereignty. Mr. Graham followed in the same strain. The meet- ing closed after Mr. Graham's speech, but the people did not seem disposed to leave hastily. They gathered into small groups, discussing the matter for themselves. Many young men, and some older ones, had recently come into the territory, expecting to make their homes here. Among them was the Hon. Charles MeClure, from Illinois, who had been an anti-slavery man for some years, and who had been acquainted with such men as Abraham Lincoln, Lyman Trumball, Owen Lovejoy, and others. Naturally, to men of the opinion of Mr. MeClure, the Democratic

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meeting which had just been held was not exactly of the most agreeable nature. Consequently, there was a hurried conference among the Republican leaders, and they decided to hold a meet- ing then and there. Dr. Hoyt was found, and, as a matter of courtesy, was asked if he had any objections to the Republicans speaking to the crowd. He replied that the Democrats were through, and it was immaterial to him how many other meetings held by those of different belief might follow. H. L. Bevans, John Going and Manville Comstock, who were recognized as a committee without having been appointed, called upon Mr. MeClure, who had been sitting at his office window listening to the Democratic speeches, and thus became filled to overflowing with Republican arguments with which to refute the sentiments which had been uttered. Before Mr. MeClure had talked very long it was apparent that he was a bitter opponent of the doc- trine of state sovereignty, and he was not allowed to proceed very far. Some men and boys had secured a small wagon, and upon this had laid some sheets of iron in such a manner as to flap together when the wagon was moved. With this wagon in tow, and with fish-horns and cow-bells, the men and boys rushed about the streets, attempting to drown the voice of the speaker. At last C. C. Vandenberg, Louis Bennett and others, who appeared to have some influence with the noisemakers, were appealed to, and they soon restored order, after which Mr. McClure proceeded with his speech. The following spring Charles MeClure was a candidate for delegate to the constitutional convention to form a state constitution, and after a very hard contest, was elected by a majority of three over his opponent. Since that time the county has remained a Republican county, and has, as a rule, returned a Republican majority for state and national nominees, although there have been several exceptions.

In September, 1857, party lines began to be drawn more dis- tinetly ; the Red Wing "Republican," which appeared at that time with Lucins F. Hubbard as editor, taking the Republican view, while the Red Wing "Sentinel" was the organ of the Democratic party. In that year the first county conventions of the two parties were held. A full Republican ticket was elected. The political campaign in the fall of 1860 in this county was a very interesting one, as well before as after the nominating con- ventions. This was especially the case with the Republicans.

Of this campaign, the Rev. J. W. Hancock writes as follows: "The main contest in the Republican convention was for the office of register of deeds, and the principal candidates for the office were Matthew Sorin and T. B. McCord, of Red Wing; Aaron G. Hundson, of Florence, and C. C. Webster, of Zumbrota. The convention was held at the courthouse October 11. 1860. The

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feeling among the friends of the different candidates was at fever heat, and at one time during the convention a personal encounter took place. After several ballots had been taken, Mr. Webster was nominated, a result brought about by a combination of friends of the nominee and those of Hudson and McCord. Mr. Sorin and his friends were terribly chagrined at the result, and in order to give publie expressions to their feelings, an "indigna- tion meeting" was arranged for, to be held at the courthouse a few evenings later, at which Mr. Sorin was to be the principal speaker. His well-known eloquence and ability as an orator eould not but attract a crowd, and the courtroom was filled to its utmost capacity to see and hear what might take place. The speaker was at his best, and those in the audience, whether friend or foe, were richly entertained. He took up the ease of one of his rivals for the nomination. who had (it was alleged) sold out his delegates to Mr. Webster, and who happened at that time to be a young man. In sarcastie language and manner he referred to him as a mere cipher in the community, and concluded by asking: 'Who is he ? And what has he ever done for Goodhue county? He has not done as much as build a hen coop. A man without a home, without a wife. and. perhaps, even without a child.' Afterward he referred to another young man who had been somewhat con- spienous in bringing about his defeat. as he expressed it. A young man called Captain Smithers, then a well-known resident of Red Wing, supposing himself to be the person alluded to, rose in his seat and asked: 'Mr. Sorin, do you mean me?' The speaker stopped, straightened himself to his full height. and look- ing steadily at the captain, till every eye in the room was turned upon him. and perfect silence prevailed, he answered : 'You, sir; no! I am on the descending grade. but haven't got down to you yet.' Of course every one shouted at the reply, but it is doubtful if the answer was nearly as mortifying to the captain as was the fact that the speaker did not reach him during the remainder of the speech. It was admitted by all present that Mr. Sorin thor- oughly vindicated himself and discomfited his enemies on the occasion. He was afterward appointed postmaster at Red Wing by the incoming administration. Some other defeated candidates have not fared as well. This county has been fortunate enough to secure men of ability and honesty to conduct its affairs with prudence and economy, to whatever political party they may have been attached for the time being.

Daniel C. Hill is one of the early settlers of Red Wing whose privilege it has been to live to see a flourishing city grow on a location where he found a primitive village. A fine type of the old pioneer. he has the honor and respect of the entire population of Red Wing. In company with the Messrs. Simmons and

D. C. HILL

٧١١٣ ٣ ١٤ ٦١٤ PUBLIC TIL LEY

ASTAR

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Stephens, he was the contractor for the local county courthouse, still standing as a testimony to the fidelity with which the con- tractors labored. He also built the Presbyterian church, and many other edifices which were erected in the early days. Mr. Hill was born at Hudson, N. H., May 7, 1830, son of Ruben and Mary C. (Chase) Hill, both natives of the Granite state. He attended the district school of his neighborhood, assisted his parents on the farm, and learned the trade of carpentering. Pos- sessed of vigor and strength, he determined to build up his for- tunes in a newer country, where, he had been told, the opportu- nities for one of his trade were very great. As a preliminary to this venture, he worked in a piano-key factory in Winchester, Mass., from 1853 to 1856, and then came with his parents to Red Wing. Upon their arrival here both father and son took up car- penter work, the latter also owning a farm. In the building and carpenter business Ruben Hill continued, dying at Red Wing in May, 1886. His wife died the following June. Daniel, in 1859, started a sash, blind and planing factory, a business which at that time was one of the leading industries of Red Wing, and at which Mr. Hill made a most pronounced success. In 1882 came a flattering offer to take the superintendency of a large fac- tory of a similar nature at Anoka, and this Mr. Hill accepted, remaining in that place until 1898. He then bought a 110-acre farm in Red Wing township, which is now within the city limits, and upon this farm he still makes his home. Mr. Hill is a Repub- liean in politics and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church. He has for many years been a member of the Odd Fellows. The respect in which he is held after over half a cen- tury's residence in this city is a tribute to his staunch character and unswerving honesty, as well as to his genial personality. Daniel C. Hill was married the first time in 1858 at Zumbrota, Minn., to Anna S. Hall, a native of Clairemont, N. H., to whom were born four children: Elmer F. is an architect in New York City : Mary married Prof. L. W. Chaney, who was professor at Carleton College for twenty-five years, and is now in the employ of the goverment: Elizabeth is a school teacher at Seattle, Wash .; Arthur D. is a ranchman at Victor, Mont. Mrs. Anna Ilill died at Red Wing in August. 1882, and Mr. Hill was married the second time at Zumbrota January 22, 1884, to Clara Sander- son, danghter of George and Abbey (Richardson) Sanderson, who- settled in Zumbrota in the early days and farmed all their lives. The father died in January, 1902, and the mother is also deceased. To Mr. Hill and Mrs. Clara Hill has been born one son, G. Earl, February 20, 1888, who is still at home.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 13

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264