USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue county, including a sketch of the territory and state of Minnesota > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
[ The total assessment now is about $12,000,000, and the current yearly expenses about $45,000-a very perceptible increase in both items.]
Charles Spates was appointed to be supervisor of road district No. 1, which extended east to the west side of Hay Creek bottom, and embraced all the northwestern portion of the county from that line.
T. J. Smith was appointed to be supervisor of road district No. 2, which extended from the west side of Hay Creek bottom to Bullard's Creek, and embraced the middle portion of the county between those lines.
Charles Read was appointed to be supervisor of road district No. 3, extending from Bullard's Creek to the line of Wabasha county, and embraced the southern portion of the county.
William Freeborn, P. Sandford and S. Bates were appointed to be judges of elections in the Red Wing precinct; and Alexis Bailly, Charles Read and F. S. Richardson were appointed to the same position in Wabasha precinct, which included all of Wabasha county.
The board next "resolved to raise six hundred dollars toward the erection of county buildings next year, provided, that the legal voters of the county, by a majority of votes, consent to the same." The location of a site for a court house was discussed at some length, and finally laid over for future consideration, after which the board adjourned until the 22d of July.
At that meeting of the board, it was "resolved, that the court house for Goodhue county be located on the block marked and known as Court house block on the town plat of Red Wing, according to the sur- vey of the same made by J. Knauer, June 23, 1853." Adjourned.
243
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
The next meeting was held on the 18th of November. The consider- ation of bills presented against the county was taken up. James Akers was allowed the sum of $8.10 justice's fees. P. S. Fish was allowed $50.40 for services as sheriff. P. Sandford presented and was allowed a bill of $65.85 " for services as attorney and other items." James L. Allen was allowed $21.10 for detaining prisoner. This is the first refer- ence found in regard to anyone having been held in durance. The crime or misdemeanor or name of the prisoner does not appear of record.
In closing up the business of the year the commissioners passed upon their own accounts, and upon the accounts of other officials.
R. Spates, for services as commissioner and traveling expenses, $18.60
H. L. Bevans, ditto, 15.60
W. Lauver, ditto, 10.40
J. W. Hancock, clerk of the board, 25.00
H. B. Middaugh, services as deputy sheriff, 15.00
$84.60
At a session held in December, the following additional accounts were allowed:
C. Gardner, district attorney, - $50.00
T. J. Smith,
8.00
Dr. Sweeney,
3.00
$61.00
Add amount allowed in November,
84.60
total amount previously allowed, 191.30
Total amount allowed against the county in 1854, $336.90
On the second Tuesday in October, 1854, the people elected a full board of county officers :
Commissioners .- R. Spates, A. W. Post, P. S. Fish.
Register of Deeds .- Joseph W. Hancock.
Treasurer-M. Sorin.
District Attorney .- P. Sandford.
Judge of Probate .- A. D. Shaw.
County Surveyor .- S. A. Hart.
Assessors .- L. Bates, John Day, D. Kelley.
Clerk of Court .- P. Sandford.
The first meeting of the first regularly elected board of county commissioners was held on the 1st of January, 1855. No business was transacted at this meeting. The members simply subscribed to the oath of office, elected P. S. Fish as chairman, and then adjourned until the
244
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
8th. At this meeting the board examined and allowed the following accounts : Charles Spates, for services as supervisor, $5.00; H. S. Simmons, burial expense of a German pauper, $6.00 ; total $11.00. At this session of the board, the first grand and petit juries were selected ; the former consisted of fifty members, and the latter of seventy-two members. The jurors were divided between Goodhue and Wabasha counties according to population, and because the two counties were attached for judicial purposes.
Assessment Districts .- The first district included that portion of the county between Hay Creek and the northwestern line of the county ; the second district included that portion between Hay Creek and Potter's Creek; and the third district was composed of the remaining portion of the county. . A vacancy was declared to exist in the second district, which was filled by the appointment of P. Vandenberg.
Wacoota precinct was established, and embraced the southeastern portion of the county, and was separated from Red Wing precinct by a line commencing at the mouth of Potter's Creek, thence along that creek to its head, and thence on a line due south to the county line.
J. O. Wetherby was appointed justice of the peace for Red Wing, and W. R. Culbertson and Joseph Middaugh were appointed constables in the Red Wing precinct.
The clerk of the court and the register of deeds were directed to pro- cure a case for each of their offices suitable for filing papers. The register was also directed to procure blank books for the use of the county-one for the register of deeds' office, and one for the clerk of the court.
Provisions were made to secure permanent offices for the use of the county officials. In the months of May and June, of this year, I. P .: Sandford erected a small frame building next west of his residence on Main street, in the present city of Red Wing, for a law office, which was the first law office erected in the city. This building was used by the register of deeds, clerk of the court (Sandford,) treasurer's office, when he had office business to transact, and for the meetings of the board of county commissioners. The sheriff and treasurer, for the most part, " carried their offices in their hats." This pioneer lawyer's office was also used as a court house for the first term of court held in the county in 1854. It was also occupied by the United States land office in the spring 1855, and until more commodious quarters could be secured ; and the first government sale of lands was also made in this building.
The next meeting of the board was held on the second day of April,
245
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
when Florence precinct was established, bounded as follows: "Com- mencing at the mouth of Wells Creek, on Lake Pepin, and runing up that creek to the main bluff; thence south to the county line; thence along the county line to Lake Pepin ; thence up the lake to the place of beginning." John Kelly was appointed justice of the peace, and Samuel Corey, R. S. Phillips and Hamilton Gudley were appointed to be judges of election.
Vermillion precinct was also established: " Commencing where the line between sections 12 and 13 strikes the Mississippi River, and run- ning thence west until it strikes the Dakota county line ; thence along said line to the river; thence down the river to the place of beginning." Eli Preble, Silas Harper, and J. R. Niles were appointed to be judges of elections.
The clerk of the district court was allowed twelve dollars per quarter for furnishing his own office. The rule of economy prevailed in those days.
The establishment of school districts was next considered. " District No. one includes that portion of the county between the valley of Hay Creek and Potter's Creek, bordering on the Mississippi River, and extending back from the same six miles.
" District No. two includes that portion of the county within the fol- lowing bounds : Commencing at the mouth of Potter's Creek on the Mississippi River; thence down that river and Lake Pepin to Point No- Point; thence due south to Wells' Creek; thence up the valley of the same to the mouth of Rock Creek; thence west to the precinct line; thence along said line to the place of beginning.
" District No. three includes that portion of the county within the fol- lowing bounds : Commencing at Cannon River bridge ; thence due south three miles; thence east to Hay Creek valley ; thence down said valley to the Mississippi; thence up the Mississippi to the mouth of Cannon River; thence up the Cannon River to the place of beginning."
Resolved, That the clerk of the board be instructed to obtain the opinion of Rice, Hollingshead and Becker, of St. Paul, in relation to the legality of the jurisdiction of this county over Wabasha county, partic- ularly in regard to taxes.
The board then adjourned to the 12th of May.
A special or called session of the board was held on the 14th of April. Present, R. Spates and P. S. Fish. School district No. four was estab- lished at this session. "Commencing on the west between Stilman Harrison's and John Kelly's ; thence southwest to the Sugar Loaf, includ- ing the valley south and west of the Sugar Loaf; thence east to Lake
246
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
Pepin ; thence up the lake to the place of beginning." " R. L. Phillips, was then appointed a justice of the peace, and Abner Dwelly a judge of election in Florence precinct."
May 12 .- The board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, R. Spates and A. W. Post. The first road petition of which any record is found, was considered at this session, and L. Bates and Charles Spates were appointed examiners or viewers. The petition was presented by H. Matson and others.
School district No. five was established with the following bound- aries: "Beginning at the Poplar Grove on the Cannon Falls road, . about ten miles from Red Wing, and running southwest to the south fork of the Cannon, so as to include the claim of Ross and Champe ; thence down the south fork to its mouth; thence down the Cannon River two miles; thence in a southeasterly direction to the place- of beginning." Adjourned.
A special or called session of the board, was held on the 9th of June. A full board present.
A petition signed by E. Westervelt and others, was presented, asking for the erection of a new election precinct, which after some considera- tion was dismissed. The inhabitants of Westervelt also presented a petition praying for a new school district. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and district No. 6 was established with the following boundaries: "Commencing at a point on the Lake (Pepin) above Westervelt's, running in a southwesterly direction to the divide of the creek near Mahammon Drum's claim ; thence south to Wells Creek and down Wells Creek to the mill site; thence in a southeasterly direction along the range of bluffs to the district below; thence east to the lake ; and thence up the lake to the place of beginning."
Two other unimportant entries closed the business of that session, and the board adjourned to the 25th, when two additional school dis- tricts were established. No. 7 was made to include the territory included within the following boundaries: "Commencing at the south- west corner of Ingram's claim on Wells Creek; thence north to the top and center of the bluff dividing the valley of Wells Creek from the military road valley ; thence up the center of said bluff to a point oppo- site George Steele's claim ; thence to the head of Rock Creek; thence embracing the Rock Creek settlement to Wells Creek, and the Wells Creek settlement to the place of beginning." This district was taken in part from district No. 2.
District No. 8 was declared to be bounded as follows : " Commencing in the middle of section ten, T. 113, range 15 west, and running south
247
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
to the district line of district No. 5; thence along said line west three miles ; thence north to the northwest side of Brownson's claim ; thence east to the place of beginning." This district was taken in part from district No. 3.
At a session of the board held on the 25th of June, Cannon Falls precinct was established, which " comprised the whole of township No. 112, range 17 west, and so much of township No. 112, range 18 west, as lies within the county of Goodhue, being formed out of a portion of Red Wing precinct." A. Durand, Charles Parks and William Thomas were appointed to be judges of elections in this precinct. The voting place was established at Durand's hotel.
" The board then agreed to raise a tax of one per cent. on the total valuation for territorial, school and county purposes for the year 1855. Total valuation of taxable property, $144,521.00; whole amount to be raised, $1,455.21." Adjourned.
The increase of taxable property in one year was $79,216. Increased expenses, including territorial and school tax, $901.12.
Recapitulation .- Valuation, 1855, - $144,521
Valuation, 1854, - 65,305 $79,216.00 Expenses, etc., 1855, $ 1,455.21
Expenses, etc., 1854, - 554.09 $ 901.12
August 4 .- Special session, full board present.
A petition from the citizens of Florence precinct was presented, praying for a change in the boundaries of said precinct, which after some discussion was laid over till the next meeting. The petition was subsequently dismissed.
In answer to the prayer of the petitioners, a new precinct called Sackton was established in the south part of the county, which included three townships, No. 109 in ranges 15, 16 and 17 west.
Abram Pierce was appointed justice of the peace; Simon Sackett, constable; and Joseph P. Rutherford, James Haggard and Robert T. Freeman were named as judges of elections. The resignations of J. Middaugh, constable, and F. D. Clark, justice of the peace, Red Wing, were received and accepted.
The clerk of the board was directed to obtain, if possible, printed blanks for county orders and poll books, " as required by law." Previ- ous to this time printed or "labor saving" blanks were unused and unknown among the Goodhue county officials, or at Goodhue elections. The officers were made to " earn their money."
The county surveyor was directed to procure a suitable book for the
1
248
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
purpose, and " to copy into the same the field notes of the U. S. survey of this county," which survey was completed in 18 -.
The remainder of the session was devoted to the examination of accounts. Adjourned to September 10.
A GENTLE HINT .- At the September meeting the following resolution was adopted :
"Resolved, That it is the pleasure of this board that persons having bills against the county will present them to the clerk, and leave the board to act without the presence of the applicant."
The precinct of Dunkirk was established, embracing townships No. 110 in ranges 17 and 18 west, and township No. 109, range 18 west. Also the precinct of Belle Creek, embracing townships No. 111 in ranges 15 and 16 west, and township No. 112, range 16 west.
Anders Knutson, Ole Oleson and Gunder Oleson were appointed to be judges of election in Dunkirk precinct, and the election to be held at the house of Anders Knutson. Walter Doyle, Hans Mattson and S. P. Chandler were appointed judges of election in Belle Creek, the election to be held at the house of Walter Doyle.
Townships No. 111 in ranges 17 and 18 were added to Cannon Falls precinct, and townships 110 in ranges 15 and 16 were added to Sackton precinct.
The consideration of road petitions, appointment of viewers and the perfecting of arrangements for the October election, together with the examination of sundry accounts, occupied the remainder of the session.
A session of one day was held on the first of October, which was principally devoted to the examination and allowance of accounts. The Spring Creek Valley and White Rock road was declared to be estab- lished, and the clerk was directed to notify the supervisors of the same. The Wacoota and the Wells Creek, and the Wells Creek and Florence roads were also declared to be established, and a like order directed to be issued to the supervisors of the several districts through which the roads were located.
The last session of the year was held on the 5th of December, when school district No. 9 was established. The boundaries were thus defined : "Commencing at the southwest corner of section thirty one, town 109, range fifteen east; thence east three miles; thence north two and a half miles ; thence west three miles ; thence south two and one-half miles to the place of beginning."
At the close of this year (1855) there were nine school districts in Goodhue county. At the close of the year 1877, there were one hundred and fifty-seven. The nine old districts, as defined in the boundaries
249
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
already quoted, were long since absorbed in other districts. Their old log school houses and primitive furniture are supplanted by handsome white frame structures, that are supplied with modern furniture and conveniences. In no department of the public affairs of Goodhue have there been more gratifying changes than in the educational. The educa- tional interests have been carefully, jealously fostered, and as will be seen by reference to a synopsis of the last official report of Superin- tendent Hancock, all the schools of the county are in a healthy and prosperous condition. No interest is dearer to the hearts of the people of the American Republic than the free school system. To make war on that system would be to make war on the life of the nation. The school houses that dot the hill sides and prairies of the country are so many sentinel posts to guard, protect and foster the germinal principles of universal intelligence, freedom and equality.
1856 .- The first session of the board this year was held on the 7th of January. The time of that and the immediately subsequent session was devoted to roads, auditing accounts, revising and re-establishing assessor's districts, and kindred business.
At a session commencing on the 8th of April, the following named sovereign and independent citizens were appointed to be judges of elections in the several precincts during the year :
Red Wing .- Seth Washburne, R. C. Todd, T. J. Smith.
Wacoota .- H. F. Simmons, George Post, Abner Post.
Belle Creek .- Hans Mattson, Walter Doyle, S. P. Chandler.
Florence .- Samuel Corey, Henry Phillips, J. L. Dixon.
Sackton .- Simeon Sackett, D. F. Stephens, P. G. Wilson.
Cannon Falls .- Andrew Durand, E. N. Sumner, Alonzo Dibble. Dunkirk .- Dr. Ole Oleson, Samuel Knutson, Gunder Oleson.
School districts numbered 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 were established in the beginning of this year. The rapid increase of immigration rendered the establishment of new and additional districts necessary. The old ones and their boundary lines were subject to changes as often as new districts were demanded.
New road districts increased in like ratio. To note all these changes and additions, or to name all the pioneer supervisors, etc., etc., would be to name nearly all the pioneers of 1854-5-6. The minute details so far entered into have been for the purpose of showing the nature, manner and general order of starting county machinery, and to place upon record the names of the pioneers who had the honor of perfecting the county organization and starting the county on the road to that proud position to which it has attained in 1878-after a quarter of a
250
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
century had passed from the time that Governor Ramsey appointed the first board of county officials in 1853. His selection was a wise one, and their official record will bear the closest scrutiny, and defy the most careful search after malfeasance or dishonesty. They were an honor to the people they served, and their names are still honored in the county their prudent economy and earnest industry helped to transform from a " howling wilderness" to a garden of beauty, prosperity, intelligence, refinement and contentment, now among the wealthiest and most popu- lous in the State.
Hereafter only the more important matters of general interest will be taken up and considered.
July 21, the board being in session, the assessment returns were taken up and considered, and it was
" Ordered, That the value of lands as assessed in the third district be raised, so as to make them equal to those assessed in the other two districts."
The total valuation, as returned by the assessors, footed up $630,227, an increase in one year of $485,706. This year lands became taxable, which accounts for the heavy increase in valuation. The cost of assess- ment, as allowed by the board, was as follows :
James Dayton, assessor third district, $57.00
John Lee, deputy assessor third district,
15.00
H. B. Middaugh, assessor second district, team one half day, 3.00
65.00
L. M. Doyle, assessor first district,
42.00
Total,
$182.00
It was voted to raise a tax of one per cent. on all the taxable prop- erty in the county for the year 1856, for territorial, county and school purposes.
"Voted, That the legal voters be called upon at the next general election in the county to decide whether they will raise money to build county buildings in the year 1857.
"Voted, That the clerk be, and is hereby authorized to obtain a suit- able fire-proof safe for the use of the office of register of deeds on the credit of the county.
October 7, the first steps were taken towards securing the erection of a stone or brick jail, and it was
" Voted, That the clerk advertise for sealed proposals of a plan and specifications for a stone or brick jail, to cost from two to three thousand dollars."
251
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
The last meeting of the board this year was held on the 20th of November. The board then adjourned.
1857 .- The first meeting of the board in this year was held on the 5th of January. Present, S. P. Chandler, A. W. Post and S. J. Hasler. J. W. Hancock, clerk. Mr. Hasler was elected chairman of the board.
"Voted, To approve the treasurer's bond in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars.
" Voted, To allow Allen P. Sanford the sum of one hundred and fif- teen dollars for services as district attorney for the year 1856."
On petition of J. A. Thacher and others of Zumbrota,
"Voted, To set off from Sackton and Poplar Grove precincts, township 110 in ranges 15 and 16 west, as an election precinct, to be called Zum- brota precinct; and that Joseph A. Thacher be appointed justice of the peace ; Charles W. Smith, constable; and Ezra Wilder, Jr., road super- visor."
The remainder of the session, which adjourned on the 7th, was devoted to the examination and allowance of accounts, road matters and kindred affairs.
February 2d, the board was again in session, and the time generally given to the examination of accounts. On application it was
" Voted, To allow the sheriff till April 1st in which to make collec- tions and make his return to commissioners."
On the 3d, W. D. Chilson, deputy county treasurer, presented his report in the words and figures following, which is the first report on county finances on record :
County of Goodhue in Account with W. D. CHILSON, Deputy Treasurer.
Dr.
1855-6.
Cr.
To cancelled orders
$2,194.89 | By cash of sheriff.
$1,146.82
" territorial tax 1855-6.
767.04
" fines collected. 93.00
" cash paid sundry bills
541.78
" school land rents. 108.00
" Chilson's due bill in orders ..
82.87
" orders of sheriff.
2,277.76
" cash on hand.
39.00
$3,625.58
$3,625.58
After which the board adjourned to the first Monday in April-the 6th. This session was mostly taken up in the examination of accounts, the re-apportionment of assessor's districts, appointment of judges of elections, the re-arrangement of school district boundaries, etc. It was also
" Voted, To apportion the school money in the hands of the treasurer to the amount of fifty cents per scholar, and that the clerk be ordered to report the same to the treasurer."
252
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
On the 10th (April,) the board had the erection of a court house, etc., under consideration, when it was voted that the following resolution be adopted :
" WHEREAS, It is the duty of the Board of County Commissioners to ' provide for the erecting and repairing' of court house, jails and other necessary public buildings for the use of the county ; and, whereas, this county has no public buildings, court house or jail,
" Resolved, That this board provide for the erection of suitable buildings for the use of the county.
" Resolved, That this board for and in behalf of said Goodhue county, will issue coupon bonds in a sum not exceeding thirty thousand dollars, or such sum or sums as may be necessary for that purpose, and hereby pledge the credit of the county in the payment of the same.
" Resolved, That the bonds be issued in sums of not less than five hundred dollars each, payable in not less than ten years, and bearing interest at no greater rate than twelve per cent. per annum, interest payable annually.
" Resolved, That the chairman of this board be authorized, and is hereby empowered, to sign said bonds, and that they be countersigned by the clerk of said board, and that for the payment of the same this board hereby pledges the credit of said county of Goodhue.
" Resolved, That the chairman of this board be requested to consult with the district attorney of said county, and prepare suitable bonds in such form and style as fully to carry into effect the aforesaid object.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.