USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 39
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 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119
227
BLOOMINGTON-THE FIRST SETTLERS.
maliciously shot by an Indian named White Dog, who imagined himself injured by Quinn and committed the act in retaliation. Mrs. Quinn who was at the time visiting her daughter in Bloomington, did not return to Fort Ridgely. Mrs. Quinn is familiar with Indian dialects and the French language but cannot talk English. She receives a pension from the Government.
Rev. Gideon H. Pond came to Bloomington, in 1843. Mr. Pond was born in Washington, Litel- field county, Connecticut. June 30th 1810. He lived on the home farm until 1834, when he re- reived a letter from his brother. Samuel W. Pond, a schoot teacher at Galena, Illinois, pro- posing a missionary enterprise to the Dakota In- dians. The proposition was accepted and, in 1834, provided with neither brass, serip nor purse. he joined his brother at Galena, where they em- barked on a steamer and arrived at Fort Snelt- ing in May. They began their labors among the small bands of Dalikotas around lakes Calhoun and Harriet. They built a rude cabin on the east shore of Lake Calhoun, and labored together three years, when Gideon II .. the subject of this sketch, leaving his brother in charge of the mis- sion school. went to Lae qui Parle, where a Pres- byterian elmirch had been organized, and offered his services as Indian farmer and teacher. Ile remained there a few years and returned to Lake Harriet. As previously stated. the Ponds under- took this missionary labor unaided. but. soon after. on the arrival of missionaries sustained by the A. B. C. F. M .. they joined with them and labored under the patronage of that society. They began as laymen but, in 1836. Gideon 11. Pond returned to Connectient, and, during a short absence was ordained. when he returned to his tahors. In 1843, owing to the repeated disturbances between the Chippewas and Dah- kotas, the latter changed their location to the banks of the Minnesota river. Mr Pond fol- lowed their fortunes and located in Blooming- ton, where his family now lives. He erected a residence for his own family and a school- house for the Indians. Services were held every Sabbath, and schools were sustained during the week, for the red children, by Mr. Pond and his assistants. Several of these assistants were wo- men. In 1852, in accordance with a treaty, the Indians were removed from the vicinity but Mr.
Pond had now become attached to this place as a home and remained here until his death. Mr. Pond was married November 20, 1837, at Lac qui Parle, to Miss Sarah Poage, who was his faithful assistant until her death, which occurred in 1853. In 1854 he married Mrs. Sarah Hopkins, widow of a missionary, who was drowned in the Minnesota river at Saint Peter, July 4th, 1851. As the settlers arrived in Bloomington very rapidly after the departure of the Indians, Mr. Pond devoted himself to religions, social and po- litical progress among the new settlers. IIe or- ganized a church and was its pastor for many years: he represented the 7th district in the first territorial legislature, and otherwise took an active part in progressive, political affairs. He died. January 20th. 1878.
ton. Martin McLeod was born in Montreal, Canada, August 1812. During early years he was engaged as a clerk in a wholesale house in his native city. He had a liberal education, but was imbued with a strong desire to explore the West. In 1836, at Buffalo, he met General Dickinson, a British officer, who was organizing a party of young men to explore the western country. MeLeod joined the expedition and went to the Hudson Bay Company territory of Lord Selkirk. The company was disbanded, and MeLeod found himself. in the winter of 1836-7. cast on his own resources. Ile, with Capt. J. Pays. a Polish exile, and Richard Hays, an Irish- man, hired Pierre Bottineau, as guide to conduct them to Fort Snelling. Hays was lost in a snow storm, and perished. Pays was so badly frozen that they were compelled to build a shanty for him and leave him behind. On returning for him a few days later, they found him frozen to death. Mr. MeLeod arrived with his guide at Lake Traverse, and during the same spring, (1837), proceeded to Fort Snelling. There he became clerk and book-keeper for II. II. Sibley. 1Ie afterward became a partner with a Mr. Baker, in a trading post at the fort. After the death of Mr. Baker. he went up the St. Croix River and traded with the Chippewas. during the winter of 1839-40, and afterward up the Minnesota River to Traverse de Sioux, and opened a trading post there, another in 1843, at Big Stone Lake, and still another at Lac qui Parle, in 1846. IIe took his family with him to the two places last
·
HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
mentioned. In 1549 he removed them to where his son now resides. He continued the trading posts already mentioned. and established others at Redwood and Yellow Medicine. after the Indians were removed to these points. In 1858 he sold out his trading posts and engaged in real estate business until his death. He was a mem- ber of the territorial legislature and council, and took a great interest in the affairs of the country. His death occurred in 1860. His son Walters. MeLeod, who lives on the old homestead. was born near Fort Snelling, April 16th, 1541, and has always been a resident of the county. He has filled a number of town offices, and is a public spirited and enterprising citizen.
Mrs. Margaret Brossean was born at Leech Lake. Minnesota. October 15th. 1826. and is the daughter of Peter and Louisa Quinn. Her whole life has been passed in the vicinity of Fort Snelling. Her early life was spent among the Indians and traders who frequented the fort. She, by this association, became familiar with the Sioux, Chippewa and French languages in addition to English. She attended school at the fort and at Mr. Pond's missionary school. Inis46 she was married to S. J. Findley, of Prairie du Chien, a clerk in the sutler's store at Fort Snelling. Mr. Findley kept the ferry and lived in a house, still standing. on the east bank of the Mississippi River. near the new bridge at the fort. There he died November 8th. 1855, leaving his wife and three children. Two of these children are now dead, and the third. the only survivor. is Mrs. .. E. Scofield of this town. Mrs. Findley remained at Fort Snelling until 1857 when she married F. X. Brossean and settled on her farm in Blooming- ton where she now resides, From 1862 72 they lived in st. Paul. but returned at the latter date and have since lived in their old home. There were two children by the last marriage. James L. and Francis X. : both are dead.
Samuel Augustin Goodrich was born in Ben- son. Vermont. September 19th, 1827. In JA32 his parents moved to Du Page county, Illinois. He there attended school. and in due time entered Knox College, Galesburg. His health would not permit him to complete his course and he left college. In 1852. in company with others. he rame to this town and made a claim where his family now resides, In 1551, and again in 1856. he
visited Ilinois. During the last visit he married, at Chicago. His wife was a Miss Adams, a na- tive of Enosburgh. Vermont. born March Isth. 1530. She came to Chicago, in 1854. Mr. Good- rich was the first assessor for Hennepin county, and held the office of Justice of the Peace. lle died Nov. 21st, 1565. There were six children. Mrs. Goodrich still resides on the old homestead.
William Chadwick was born in England, Nov. 11th. 1824. He came to America with his parents in 1829. and settled in Quebec, where they re- mained until 1832. They then removed to Kings- ton. where William attended school until fifteen. lle was employed afterwards on the steamboats of the St. Lawrence, and canal boats on the Ri- dean canal, until twenty-two, when he married. bought a farm, and lived on it seven years. He then lived one year in Kingston before coming to Minnesota. He came here in 1854, and settled on his present farm in 1869. He married Miss Eliza- beth Morris in 1845. She was born in England, January 15th. 1827, and ten children, of whom eight are living, followed the marriage. Robert, Mary A .. Hector, Emma J .. Clara J .. George F .. William A .. and Eddie.
J. L. Ancel was born in France, January 22d, 1822 : served as a soldier seven years in France ; married to Miss Zelie Genevry in 1850 : emigrated to America in 52 : remained a short time in New York : removed to Connectient. and staid four years : returned to New York, where they re- mained until 1857, when they removed to Minne- sota, and located in Bloomington. In 1874, pur- chased a farm on section 17 ; sold, 1878 ; rented the farm on which he now lives the same year ; has purchased 160 acres in section 19. They have live children.
T. T. Bazley was born in England. November 25th, 182s: settled in Canada. 1842: moved to Minnesota. 1852: on his present farm in 1853 : married. September 8. 1557. to Miss Catherine Miller, from Ireland, who died. November 10th, 1859 : married again. September, 1862. to Miss Nancy Stinson. He tried to enlist as a soldier. but was rejected. Children are, Phobe. Kate. Jennette. Tom, Josephine, Lillie .1.
John Brown was born in England, September 21. 1835; came to America in 1817. His father
220
BLOOMINGTON-BIOGRAPHICAL.
enlisted in the 3d Inft. of U. S. Regs .. and went to Mexico, his family accompanying him. In 1849. the regiment was ordered to Fort Snelling, where Mr. Brown remained until 1853. when they settled on a farm in this town. John. in 1861, enlisted in Company D, Ist Minnesota reg- iment ; was in the first Bull Run battle : mus- tered out in 1864. The same summer he was sent as a seout to Dakota. Part of 1865 in the Quartermaster's department in Virginia. In the fall of 1865, married Anna M. Ames, of Bloom- ington. and settled on his present farm. They have three children, John A., Cora N., and Wal- ter J. Mr. Brown has a good farm valued at $5.000.
H. D. Cunningham. one of the early settlers of the state. was born in Angusta county. Virginia. December 13th, 1822. Came to Minnesota in 1856. Settled in Nicollet county and followed farming. Married Miss Mary Ellison in 1857. In 1858 went to Yellow Medicine and took charge of the schools of the Dakota Mission. where he remained until the spring of 1865. when he moved to Minneapolis and engaged in the Hour and feed business. Located on his present farm in 1874. Held the office of town supervisor three years. school director and treasurer for two years. and is now in the employ of the American Tract Society as colporteur.
Joseph Harrison was born in Ireland, 1815. Emigrated to Canada m 1818. Settled in Kings- ton. Married in 1840 to Miss HI. Cook. of Kings- ton. Ilad thirteen children. nine of whom are living: Cecilia. Amelia, Elizabeth A., Martha J .. Frances May. Charlotte, William A., Harriet MI .. ('lement D .. Ilulda C .. Abbie. Eva. Edith Hope. Came to Minnesota in 1854. and moved to his present home in 1874. Hlas held the office of town supervisor and school director for several years. Hlas land valued at $7.000.
J. W. Kelley was born in Williamsburg. N. Y .. June 4th, 1836. Removed to Oneida county in 1856. Married in 1859 to Miss C. Joice. Enlisted in 1862 in Co. A, 117 N. Y. Regt, 2d division, and was engaged in many hard-fought battles under Generals Butler. Gilmore, and Terry. Mustered out in 1865. Returned to Oneida same year. Moved to lowa in 1869. and to Minnesota and. his present farm in 1874. They have four children. Mr. Kelley is mail carrier from Minne-
apolis to Richfield. Bloomington. and Blooming- ton Ferry.
J. H. Kirk was born in Maryland. September 2sth. 1827. Went to Ohio in 1834. Moved to Sargents Bluff, Towa. 1849; to Anoka county. Minnesota. May, 1851. Married in 1859 to Miss Mary G. Smith, who was born in Vermont, May 2sth. 1834. They settled on their present farm in 1866. Have no children, but have given homes to three friendless girls and one boy. His land is vahied at $3.200.
John Le Borins was born in Germany in 1844. Came to America and settled in St. Paul in 1854. Spent most of his time until 1861 traveling as cook and waiter with parties looking for and lo- cating claims. Employed by the government as wagon-master and blacksmith. Was with Gen. Sibley's expedition against the Indians in 1863. On his return was employed at Fort Spelling. In 1868 made another trip with Gen. Merey into Da- kota and the British possessions. inspecting the forts. In 1869 made a trip with Gen. Hancock. inspecting forts and locating new ones. 1870 took the Fort Snelling ferry and run it four sea- sons. 1877 took charge of a large farm in Mower county. Married. Dec. 1579. Miss L. M. Frank.
Jeremiah Mahoney, born in Ireland in ISIS. C'ame to America in 1839. Enlisted in 1840 in the U. S. army. as Quartermaster Sergeant. and was ordered to Florida under Genl. W. S. Harney. to gather the Seminole Indians and take them to the reservation in Arkansas. Stationed at Fort Gibson four years. Ordered to Mexico in 1846. Was through all the battles of the Mexican war under Gen. Scott. Ordered to Fort Snelling, and appointed Ordnance Sergeant, where he remained until the post was sold to Franklin Steele. Mar- ried in 1853 to Anna Nevin. Moved to his pres- ent farm in 1858. In 1861 enlisted in the First Minnesota Regiment as Commissary Sergeant. Received the appointment of Head Clerk and. Cashier in Quartermaster's Department. Alexan- dria. Va. In 1864 returned to his home. They have one child living. Martha A. Town Super- visor one year, and Justice of the Peace two years.
W. J. Me Afee. proprietor of Bloomington Flour Mills, was born in Ireland May 8, 1840. Came to St. Johns, N. B., 1843. Learned of his father the millwright and machinist trades. Engaged in the manufacture of lumber. ten years. In 1865
.
230
HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
moved to St. Paul and opened the City Iron Works: 1869. took a partner. in 1871. dissolved and took in his brother. Hugh J .: 1877. bought present property. erected his mill, which. with the improvements made from time to time, makes it a first class country mill. Married in 1865 to Miss M. E. Spencer, of St. Johns, N. B. They have had six children.
Thomas Oxborough was born in England, April 20, 1814. Ilis mother died in 1823. From that time he was obliged to earn his own living. Married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Parish. Came to America in 1552 and settled in St. Clair. Mich. In 1853 moved to Minnesota, and located on his present farm. Put up a small shanty on his claim. without doors or windows. Indians were numerous, sometimes two hundred would gather around. but did no harm. Hlas two children. Mathew and Anna. He has land valued at $6.000. also a large livery stable on First street. Minneapolis, valued at $5,000.
Abram Palmer, born in Rutland. Vermont. October 9th, 1525. At an early age he moved to Saratoga county, New York. In 1847, mar- ried to Miss A. Snow. Moved to Ilinois in 1850, and to DeKalb county in 1853. Spring of 1557 moved to Minnesota. and settled on their present farm : had seven children. Wilber. James, Mary E., Emily, Henry, Laura and Abram F. Has been Town Supervisor six years. Assessor five years.
J. T. Palmer was born in Saratoga County. N. Y .. August 11th. 1831. Learned cabinet makers trade at Ballston Spa. In 1851 moved to De- kalb county, Ilinois. Married in 1556 to Miss Mary E. Patterson. of Pennsylvania. For six years he was master carpenter on the St. P. & P. R. R. Settled on his farm in 1570. Have five children living. Charles E., Robert P. Willie P., Mary C .. and Josie L. Land valued at $5,000.
Wilber Palmer was born in Saratoga county. N. Y., 1522. Moved to De Kalb county. Ilinois. in 1850. Came to Minnesota in 1859, and on his present farm in 1860. Married in Is11 to Miss Margaret Gray. of Saratoga. He enlisted in the Mexican war. Company E. Third Regiment In- fantry. and served through the war, Mustered ont in 1818. Married again in 1853 to Miss Phebe Hedges, of Canada. Has eight children living. Land valued at $3.000,
P. M. Petterson was born in Sweden. March 6th. 1818. Came to America in 1854. Moved from New York to Minnesota in 1855. and set- ted in Dakota county. Moved to his present farm in 1866. Married in 1845 to Miss Gustava Johnson. Divorced in 1873. Married again in same year to Miss II. Johnson. Have four children. Albert. Charles T .. Anna M .. and Ida.
J. D. Scofield was born in Cortland county. N. Y., August 20th, 1828, Moved to Seneca county. in 1817. Engaged in the lumber trade until 1×49 when he came to Saint Paul. Moved to Washington county in 1851. and remained un- til 1553. when he was married to Miss Sophia Cook. Settled on his present farm same year. Had four children. Charles E .. Lester 11 .. Alice M .. and Florence. Wife died September 22. 61. Married again April 14th. 1865. to Miss C. S. Damon. They have had three children. Cora E .. Mabel V .. and Carl S. Supervisor for five years. One of the charter members of the Farmers" Grange, organized in 1871.
1. G. Standish, born in Benson, Vermont. July 10, 1834. Moved to New York in 1836, To Illinois in IS48, To Minnesota in 1856. Madea claim seven miles west of Rockford. Wright Con- ty, in 1858. Drafted in 1862. and furnished a sub- stitute. Sold his farm same year and moved to this town. Married in 1863 to Miss (. Harrison. and settled on his present farm in Ists, Have four children. He was one of the volunteer com- pany that went to Fort Ridgely in 1862.
Garritt Van Ness. Jr .. born in Canada. Feb- ruary 23. 1536. Came to Minnesota and settled in Bloomington in 1865. and on his present farm in 1875. Married in 1862 to Miss Mary Morris. He is a carpenter and boat builder by trade. Keeps a sportsmans station, arting as guide. and furnishing boats for duck hunting. June 29. 1877. a cyclone passed over his place and destroy - ud every building he had. Land valued $2.500.
W'm. West, Jr., born in England. February 25. 1817. Came to America and settled in New York in 1852. Went to Will county, Illinois, in 1855. To Anoka county Minnesota in 1s56. where his father pre-empted a farm which he still owns, Married in 1872 to Miss Mary Kell of this township. Moved to his present farm. in 1563. They have three children, Leona, Fannie. G., Ewing W. Land valued at $2000.
231
EDEN PRAIRIE-GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
EDEN PRAIRIE.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-EARLY SETTLERS TOWN ORGANIZATION-INDIAN BATTLE- SCHOOLS-CHURCHES -- RAILROADS -- STATIS- TICS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
Eden Prairie is situated on the Minnesota Riv- er, which forms its entire southern boundary. The face of the country is mainly rolling and hilly. This is the character of the northern and middle portions. The name, however, arose from the southern portion, which consists of a prairie. The town was named, in 1853, by a Mrs. Elliot, who gave it the name Eden, in expressing her admi- ration of this beautiful prairie. It has many lakes and some marshes. The lakes are charac- terized by the usual gravelly shores and high banks that render the lakes of the county so beautiful. It is watered by several small streams. Mill Creek, the largest, rises in Minnetonka, flows across the town from north to south, through Staring Lake and empties into the Minnesota River. The whole township is fertile and well adapted to grain. At one time it produced more wheat than any other town in Iten- nepin county. In the northern, or brush-land portion of the town. the soil is a dark toam with clay subsoil. The prairie has a deeper and richer soil. Heavy timber is found in the extreme north-west and south-west and lighter on the billy land. Eden Prairie is a farming town and contains no village.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The town was first settled in 1852. by John Mckenzie, David Livingston. Alexander Gould. Hiram Abbott, Samuel Mitchell, Sr., and sons. R. Neill, Aaron Gould, and others. Mr. Abbott made the first claim on the north part of the prairie, immediately after the treaty, with pur- chase of land, was made with the Dahkotas. in
1851. Mr. MeKenzie's claim was in the southern part of the town near the river, on sections 34 and 35. In company with Hon. Alexander Wil- kin, then secretary of the territory, and others, he platted a village. and called it Hennepin. This was on the Minnesota river, at his claim. hotel. store and a few residences were built. It was at one time the chief shipping point for grain, which was taken in the small steamers that plied up and down the Minnesota river. Like many a projected city of the West, it failed to flourish, and was abandoned.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
Previous to the state organization, Hiram Ab- bott was appointed Justice of the Peace, and William O. Collins, Constable, in 1854, under the territorial government. These were the only officers previous to the town organization.
The township was organized in 1858, and the first town meeting held on the eleventh of May, in the old school house. The following officers were elected :
Supervisors, Aaron Gould. chairman ; Robert Anderson and William O. Collins. Clerk, Will- iam HI. Rouse. Collector. A. K. Miller. Asses- sor, William J. Jarrett. Overseer of Poor, John Keeley. Justices, William O. Collins and James Gamble. Constables, A. K. Miller and Arch. Anderson. The total expense of the town for the first year was $55.04.
The town officers for 1880, were : Supervisors, William tlurlbut, chairman ; William Andrews and Aaron S. Neill. Clerk, William O. Collins. Assessor, George N. Gibbs. Treasurer, Sheldon Smith.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first child of white parentage born in the town, was to Mr. and Mrs. Pauley Butterfield. and died in infancy. The first marriage was William Chambers and Martha Mitchett, in the
232
HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
winter of 1852-3. Neither are living. The first woman to live in this town was Miss Jane Miteh- ell. now Mrs. Frank Warner. of Carver. She came in 1852, to keep house for her father and brothers, before the arrival of the other members of the family. The farm where they located, on section 17, is now owned by the heirs of Fred. Miller.
INDIAN BATTLE.
On the 27th of May. 1858, only a few days subsequent to the organization of the town. a fearful Indian battle was fought, which was witnessed by several of the settlers. It took place between the old enemies. the Sionx and Chippwas. near Murphy's ferry in the southern part of the town. The Chippewas wished to avenge a murder. committed the fall previous near Crow Wing by the Sioux. In furtheranee of their plan. the Chippewas formed an ambush among the hills on the north side of the ferry. The Sioux were encamped on the south side. The Chippe- was numbered about two hundred warriors, the Sioux. only sixty or seventy. The Chippewas therefore connted on an easy victory. The contest began at early dawn by a detachment of Chippe- was firing upon a fishing party of Sioux, who had unsuspectingly erossed to the north side. This ronsed the Sionx camp and they took possession of the ferry so promptly. as to cross and come on the Chippewas at the banks of Big Creek and get intocover in their near vicinity before they could be repelled. The Chippewas finding their ambush a failure. made several attempts to dislodge their foes by strong detachments, but without snecess. The Sionx, though inferior in numbers, fought with characteristic vigor and desperation, and about 10 o'clock in the morning completely routed the Chippewas. The munber killed is not known but Noonday. a young chief of the Chippewas. fell and his body was horribly mutilated by Wan-ma- mug, chief of the Sioux. Phillip Collins, who was an eye witness. states that the Sioux chief ent the heart from his fallen for and drank of its blood, then. after taking the sealp. cut off the head and carried it on a pole to the Sjons camp near Shakopee. Then the victory was celebrated by a scalp dance. lasting several days. character- ized by their usual barbarities. The body of the young chief was burned.
After the fight. Mr. Collins found in a pouch containing the pipe. "Kinnickinnick." etc .. of a fallen Chippewa, a rude map on birch bark, which bore. besides the localities of hills, lakes and rivers of that vicinity. several mysterious char- acters. among them figures representing cows, others foxes, ete. It is unfortunate that this relie was lost.
SCHOOLS.
The first school house was built in 1854. it was built of tamarae logs and finished with bass- wood lumber. In size it was 18x24 feet. This was the second school house built in Hennepin county. Miss Sarah Clark taught during the summer of 1854, which was the opening term of the school. This old house, which long served as school house, church and town hall, was torn down in 1873, and in its stead was built the pres- ent structure. It is a neat frame building. 20x30 feet, on the east line of section 20. distriet number 56. The town sustains schools in four entire districts and forms part of two joint distriets with Minnetonka, all furnished with substantial schoo] houses.
CHURCHES.
The earliest report of religions instruction is of the preaching of Rev. Gideon H. Pond. in the spring of 1851. at the house of Hiram Abbott. Meetings were afterward held at the house of ). Staring. and, later. in the old log school house. The Rev. Edward Eggleston preached in the school house several times during the early part of his ministry. Three churches are now sustained in the town. The Methodist Episcopal. United Presbyterian and Episcopal. The first effort toward the establishment of a Methodist society was the forming of a class by Rev. J. E. Bell. Ile was soon succeeded by Rev. Mr. Stephenson. For several years the society was small. It gained numerical strength with the development of the town. In 1871, a church was built in section 21. near the site of the old school house. The society now numbers about sixty members and has a flour- ishing Sunday School.
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.