USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 63
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 63
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
588
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
who have made themselves conspicuous by special application and study to advance sufficiently so that their influence and station might be felt for their own and for the public good. Some of these, who have had the charge of educating others, might be truly called reformers. In a sense they were reformers and the foremost, and the one who really was a reformer was that brilliant and worthy gentleman whose influence had been felt even outside of the boundaries of the town, J. J. Rachac. He had collected a band of boys and girls whom he called his pupils, and out of the general mix up he had made foundation for a school. The fruits of his labor, besides forging himself to the front, were at least half a dozen graduates of the grades who could, and many of them have filled important positions. Among the pupils whom he had under his special care and who have practically made good are: Marie Shimota, a successful teacher ; Annie Shimota, a successful teacher: Jas. W. Trenda, a successful teacher and deputy auditor for three years, at the present writing, county auditor of Rice county ; Ben. J. Shimota. a successful business man ; John Jirik, a successful teacher : Jos. A. Valesh, a successful business man and postmaster at Veseli : J. M. Drozda, a successful business man and postmaster at Lonsdale. For the following named pupils he had laid the foundation upon which a latter co-worker had succeeded in erecting an edifice of which even the very boys are proud. They are : Lewis Shimota, a normal student and a successful teacher ; Charles Pecholt, normal student (graduate) ; John Vales, normal student and successful teacher : Emil Lapic, normal student and successful teacher ; Chas. Lapic, normal student and successful teacher : Joseph Brom, normal student, teaching this year : Emil Korbel, normal student; Jaroslav Rimnac. normal student : Joseph Pavek, normal student; Adolph Jirik. normal student and successful teacher; Joseph Novak, normal student; and others who have been more or less benefited by his activity in their behalf. When this distinguished gentleman got them in hand these were practically emerging from a chaotic condition and therefore it was real reform that had to be accomplished before he or anybody else could come in and finish the product. The above named are the first fruit of the intellectual progress of the Bohemians in the town of Wheatland, and if it is history because they are turning the wild woods into agreeable gardens, it is equally history when they succeeded in turning the neglected young mind into a serviceable and intellectual force. He who bore the brunt of the burden and whom God had gifted with a keen sense at organization and upbuilding, he who prepared the way for better class of schools and school teachers, he cer- tainly deserves the thanks of the community. That he lives in
589
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the hearts of the people, and that his services are appreciated, have been demonstrated again and again, and if need be the demonstration is very likely to be repeated as many times as it might be suited to serve a good purpose. This may not be history, but these are just and generous facts.
The above mentioned young men are mostly teachers, where- as, majority of them have yet to finish their normal course, one of them, Mr. Pecholt, is a graduate, and has accepted the princi- palship of the Balaton schools, Lyon county. Joseph Novak is going back to the normal, his specialty is manual training. Mr. Brom will teach in District No. 45, and Mr. Jirik will teach in No. 46. Emil Lapic will teach in District No. 58, and Charles Lapic will call school in No. 95, of Scott county. Lewis Shimota will graduate from the normal this year, while Joseph Pavek, John Vales, Emil Korbel and Jaroslav will attend the normal. John Jirik, the oldest of the young men, and who has taught school for four years, is going back to the normal this year. All in all these boys in their advancement represent the fruit of many years' earnest labor, conscientiously rendered, and for their real and only foundation they have yet to thank the reformer of the Wheatland school system of teaching, Joseph J. Rachac. This gentleman was followed in the educational work by some other worthy and up-to-date teachers and the results they achieved were enough to satisfy even the skeptical that the good work will move along, and it did move along. Those who had followed the above named gentlemen were Ida Bartosh, who completed her unexpired tenth year ; Marie Shimota, and F. M. Kaisersatt. The latter had semi-graded the school and started on a period of what may be termed the second chapter of reform, which was practically in line with everything laid by the former. but on an enlarged scale and which practically put a finishing touch to all that has been started years ago, and in course of four years time the school which "Rachac made" was ready to graduate a class that will forever stand as the pride of the Veseli school ; young men who will go out into the world suffi- ciently prepared to battle for the good that's in it. This school is now on a basis of any graded school in the county, and it will be somebody's fault if it can not maintain that standard, but surely it will not be the fault of the pupils.
District No. 59 had also turned out some very bright young men and women. While most of them stay on the farm, it is just that thing that they should do, and their education will no doubt be of great value to them. A few had achieved signal success, namely. John F. Skluzacek, deceased; his brother, George, who is now ordained a priest, and a member of the Augustin order, though but a comparatively young man.
590
IIISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
One man in particular. however, made good, and to the good start he got at District No. 59 may be attributed the future desire for study, that gentleman is Dr. F. J. Lexa. of whom men- tion has already been made. His extensive practice attests the fact that he knows his profession, and considering the chances he's had it is but meet to say that some of his desire for learning more has been cultivated among the desks in the old frame building in No. 59. The Vikla brothers got their start in No. 59, and since have made a commendable showing. Four of them having been school teachers and two of them are still in the harness. Lonsdale school as yet can not boast any particular achievement as it is practically in its infancy, and it will not take long before its good influence is felt as nothing but a good teacher can have the honor of signing a contract with the Lons- dale trustees.
We have endeavored to follow the trend of affairs since the time the first man began to make history for the town to the present day, when the younger generation unconsciously but surely is making history for their town, county and state.
We have had the pleasure of getting in contact somewhat with the hospitality of Patrick Cody. We have heard often, when yet a boy, people spoke of the hospitality of this good gentleman. Mr. Cody, and we have often wished to know more about him, and Providence ordained that we should live with the same identical people who have toiled and suffered with Mr. Cody, and we consider ourselves honored by being given the chance to say the little we are able to obtain in memory of these pioneers and in honor of the present generations for the future. We feel that we have not done justice to our subject, but on the other hand we feel that we have done our best, and that in our sin- cerity we shall be pardoned for not being able to do better, nothing but the truth contained herein has been said inten- tionally, and omissions have been purposely made. but rather for lack of genuine material left out to avoid inconsistencies. No apology is offered since we entertain the hope that the present generation has many who will eventually be capable of writing a true history of their town, and may this feeble effort aid them in their work as much as possible.
POLITICAL.
We have made some mention of political gatherings, town meetings, and politics in general. It is now in order to follow the political affairs of the town in detail. About the time the Bohemians were getting things their way it became evident to
591
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the French and Irish factions that if they wish to have a "look in" they can not afford to war among themselves, as they have been wont in doing. Hence they had united, and at the next annual meeting they have presented a united front against their fellow townsmen less versed in the game of politics, and as lias been previously stated they off and on managed for a time to get some of their very best men, among whom was the popular Barney Derham, on the board with the Bohemian majority. Soon there was strife. Not among the Bohemians and those that were in with them, but among the Bohemians and those that were out. The time came for a general house cleaning, and it was duly attended to. Nevertheless time told that the Bohe- mians could not stick together and it was evident and natural that some one must lead. Few had tried and succeeded, and would have done well had they not gotten discouraged with themselves and some of their own number, and consequently they threw up the sponge. More and more the time drew nigli when thinking men recognized that some one must devote his entire time to forming plans for civil government and town politics. Some bright young man and the leaders would have gradly surrendered all forces to him and let him have entire control. Just when things were getting the finest, young Rachac appeared on the scene with his twenty-one summers on his back. He was eager to get into the thick of it from the start, and, though his own people were in complete control at that time, yet it was in such hands as were not altogether to the liking of the majority of the taxpayers and therefore the music might as well start outright. J. J. Rachac was born December 1, 1874, hence he must have achieved his political prestige and popularity before he became of age, as it appears that the best of them were waiting for him to take hold of the town govern- ment reins. It took him but a short time to have things hum- ming, and before long he was hailed as "the officer." Mr. Rachac filled many important offices in the town, the most important being that of town clerk, which office he has filled so remarkably well that he has made an everlasting record for himself. The original settlers were mostly Irish, and therefore mostly Demo- crats, they being Catholics, must have had influence over their Bohemian neighbors, and consequently for that reason, and pos- sibly for some other reasons, they have been identified with the Democratic party. Not all of them, but an overwhelming majority. Mr. Rachac identified himself with the Republican party right from the outset, and therein lay his strength. For a time the Bohemians did not like the idea of changing their political belief. but seeing that Mr. Rachac was gaining prestige
592
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
abroad. and seeing the justice of his contentions, they finally acquiesced and gradually, though not at once, they have changed their front to enable their countryman, who, through his own personality, had won himself a recognition to further his own cause. As early as 1896. the town politics being mostly local friendly tilts, Wheatland town began to clamor for recognition and representation at the county seat. In 1861 the county board of commissioners was organized and the first commissioner from this district, representing Wheatland town was Mr. Webster. Flavien Benjamin had been on the county board representing Wheatland town for a good many years. The first Bohemian commissioner elected from Wheatland to represent the fifth commissioner's district was F. J. Rachac, who was elected in the fall of 1894. Mr. Rachac, like his son, is an able man and repre- sented the town and his district to the satisfaction of all. Others that followed were W. T. Shimota, another Bohemian, and then Henry Sprain, a German. Mr. Sprain is from the town of Webster. The present commissioner is a Bohemian, Frank J. Parkos, who was elected in the fall of 1908 for a term of four years. Mr. Parkos lives in the town of Erin, and is a farmer. He is an intelligent young man, having a common school education.
J. J. Rachac had continued his political activity, and so well he conducted himself that he was not only accorded the leader- ship at home but he was recognized as a leader by his party. He had aimed at higher game and it surely was coming his way. In the fall of 1901. Mr. Rachac was appointed deputy county treasurer, and next primary election following he was up for county auditor, and was elected by an overwhelming majority. Ile served with exceptional success for four years with credit for himself and his friends. So well did he conduct the affairs of the office that he had no opposition for a second term. The last year of his second term he entered the Citizens' National Bank of Faribault as assistant cashier, which position he now holds. He did not resign his position as auditor, but held over, assisting his deputy in the meantime, and also attend- ing to his duties at the bank. Jas. W. Trenda. his deputy, proved to be a very efficient and obliging official, and being with Mr. Rachac three years previously, he was able to handle the situa- tion for the remaining year to perfect satisfaction. He has acquitted himself so well that the Republican party recognized him as a logical candidate for Mr. Rachac's place, and he was elected by a large majority over his Democratic opponent. Thus Wheatland town has given the county two auditors so far, and four commissioners, and no doubt there are a few there who
593
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
would willingly answer a call. Very seldom are men so won- derfully successful as has been J. J. Rachac in the fourteen years political shuffle of Wheatland. The beauty of the thing is that he has been fair, and his following sincere and faithful to the core. Mr. Trenda has been following in his footsteps.
We have seen the first settlements in their infancy. We have followed the wave of progress until we see it at its very summit of glory, reflected all in the wonderfully improved broad acres. only a fortnight ago but a wilderness, and we say not "What is all this worth?" but rather. "Where there is life, there is hope."
CHAPTER XXXI.
MORRISTOWN VILLAGE.
Early Settlement-Municipal History and Improvements-Furi- ous Cyclone - Schools - Cemetery - Industries - Railroad -Churches-Fraternities-Edited by Virgil J. Temple.
Morristown village is pleasantly located in the southwestern part of Rice county, on the Cannon river, about midway between the lower Lake Sataka and Cannon lake. It embraces a square mile of territory, taking a quarter section each from sections 22. 23. 26 and 27, in Morristown township. The village receives trade from the surrounding townships in Rice, Waseca and Le Sueur counties, and since its early settlement. with the excep- tion of the hard times of 1857, has enjoyed a settled prosperity.
The first settlement of the village was almost coincident with the settlement of the township. About the middle of April, 1855. Jonathan Morris, who had the year before settled at Faribault, started up Cannon river, in company with Walter Morris, in search of a mill power. They followed the course of the river as far up as the present site of Waterville. then re- turned as far as Andrew Story's, where they remained over night, receiving at the hands of Mr. Story and his excellent wife, true pioneer hospitality. Finding that nature had pro- vided a splendid water power at this point, they decided upon locating at the present site of Morristown village, and in a few days thereafter, erected a log cabin and moved in the same. They immediately commenced the construction of a saw-mill. which was completed and in active operation early in the fall of the same year.
During the summer and autumn of 1855, Joseph Dixon, Isaac Hammond, Reuben Morris, Daniel Wilkins. Richard Miller. Har- rison and Jackson Willis. Thomas and James Sprague, Coleman Bloomer and brother, and several others, moved into the town- ship and made claims, thus forming quite a little community. and Jonathan Morris decided on laying out a portion of his claim into village lots, but owing to hard work and exposure incident to the building of the mill referred to, Mr. Morris was taken sick, which resulted in his death, being the first death in this part of the county. After the death of Mr. Morris, his
504
595
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
widow, Mrs. Sarah Morris filed upon the tract of land she and her husband had settled upon, and during the winter of 1856-57, went to Winona and pre-empted it, and in the spring following secured the services of C. C. Perkins, who surveyed a portion of her elaim into town lots. About this time Thomas Dexter moved into the place and put up a small frame house, and opened the same as a hotel, which was known as the "Delaware House." Mr. and Mrs. Dexter proved well adapted to the business, and did a flourishing trade for several years.
Early in the spring of 1857, Messrs. Locke & Pope com- meneed the construction of a large hotel, at that time one of the largest in the country, and when completed was known as the "Eagle Hotel." This house continued to do a good busi- ness until a road was opened up on the north side of the river, which changed the travel so much as to materially affect the business. In the summer of 1855, Walter Morris built a small log building, which he fitted up as a store, and commenced the sale of goods, and continued till the fall of 1856, when he sold out his entire stock to Messrs. Locke & Pope. In the fall of 1856, Mr. Collins came from Hastings and opened a store, but, failing to meet his obligations, was compelled to surrender his stock to his ereditors early the next spring; the store passing into the hands of Messrs. Adams & Allen. Mr. Adams took charge of the store. but immediately sold out to Reuben Morris, taking in exchange for the same, Mr. Morris' claim of 160 acres lying immediately west and adjoining the original survey of the village, the consideration being estimated at $1,600. Soon after Lewis McKune purchased an interest in the store with Mr. Adams, whereupon Walter Morris took charge of the store, and in the winter of 1857 sold the stock to Messrs. Hayden & Graves.
In the month of January, 1857, Charles D. Adams returned to Morristown, bringing with him a stock of merchandise, and opened up for business in the store formerly occupied by Mr. Collins. During Mr. Adams' absence, one Benjamine Dexter jumped the elaim of Adams & Allen, which created quite an excitement, and on the return of Mr. Adams several members of the "claim society" proposed to remove Dexter from the claim. In the early settlement of this country, the elaim socie- ties often resorted to violence to accomplish their objeet, but Mr. Adams, being a man of peace, desired to avoid all trouble, and finally paid Dexter $212 to leave the elaim. and Dexter found it convenient to leave the country, it not being considered a very healthy locality for elaim jumpers. In the autumn of 1857, Mr. Adams creeted a large store building, and immediately moved into it. This was erected on what is known as Adams & Allen's addition, and is still doing excellent duty as a tene-
596
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ment house, and is an evidence of the pluck and energy of the oldest merchant of the place. In 1856, Messrs. Webster & Nor- ton located here and put into operation the first steam saw-mill in this part of the country, which they continued to run for some time, but finally transferred it to Rufus Norton, who operated it for several years. During the summer of 1858, Mr. Osterhout settled in the village and put up another steam saw- mill, making at that early day one water and two steam mills in town. Besides these mills there was a cooper shop. cabinet shop, and two blacksmith shops.
The town having gone ahead of the country it was evident that a standstill would follow, until the surrounding country was better improved, and it was some years before any other improvements were made worthy of notice.
The early settlers of this locality were principally young and energetic men who had left their homes in the East to endure the hardships and privations incident to settlement of new coun- tries, and during the long winters, when one and all were com- pelled to be more or less inactive, the want of some kind of amusement suggested the idea of organizing a mock legislature. and during the winter of 1856, a society was organized, the hall in the Eagle Hotel was secured, where, once a week, the old and young, male and female, for miles around, would attend to hear the young men discuss questions usual to such societies, and listen to the reading of a paper, which purported to give the current news of the day. The local department of the paper proved of great interest to one and all, and the settlers in after years looked back upon the winter of 1856-57 as the most pleas- ant and enjoyable one they ever experienced.
MUNICIPAL HISTORY.
Morristown is named from the Morris family, several of the members of which were prominent in Rice and Steele counties in the early days. The village was platted by Sarah Morris, a widow, April 19, 1856. Morristown was incorporated in 1874. and at that time embraced all of sections 22, 23. 26 and 27. a territory two miles square. This met with considerable oppo- sition and dissatisfaction. Faribault, a much larger place, was still under township government, and was progressing in a most satisfactory manner. The two-mile tract incorporated in Mor- ristown took in a large agricultural district, and many farmers had been included in the limits most unwillingly. Therefore a measure was introduced in the legislature of 1879, by Seth H. Kenny, to annul the incorporation.
The conditions changed, however, in the next decade or so.
597
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and in 1892 measures were again taken to have the village in- corporated. This was done April 26, 1892, with the present limits, one mile square, a quarter section being taken from sec- tions 22, 23, 26 and 27.
The first meeting under the new charter was held June 3, 1892. Those present were : President, C. D. Adams ; councilmen, Robert Fehmer and A. J. Speckeen ; recorder, Cyrus C. Aldrich. August 1, Dr. W. T. Ward was appointed health officer. W. S. Crawford, the other member of the board. took his seat later in the year.
The present officers of the village are: L. J. Eisert, presi- dent; L. F. VonEschen, recorder; W. L. Eddy, treasurer ; Jacques Miller, Charles Meyers, William Comstock, councilmen ; Charles Goar, marshal.
City Hall. The council occupies quarters in the second story of a store building on Division street. The second story was erected in 1897-98, at a cost of $3,00. and is owned by the city.
FURIOUS CYCLONE.
The year 1890 was one of disaster for Morristown, fires and a cyclone laying waste to the village. The cyclone occurred September 24, 1900, at about 5:30 in the afternoon. The fol- lowing account, published in a newspaper at the time, has been declare to be an accurate description of the catastrophe. "The cyclone came from the southwest and did not seem to be of large enough proportion to be of much danger ; but as it struck town, the first building in its track, Dr. Dargavel's barn, was completely wrecked and portions of it scattered over town. The funnel-shaped cloud then lifted and swept over the houses on either side of Main street, causing considerable damage. breaking windows, tumbling down chimneys, uprooting trees, and staving in the siding and roofs of buildings that happened to be struck by flying boards and timbers. It then swooped down onto Gatzke's saloon building, with the fury of untold power and crushed the 22x60-feet one-story brick as if it were an egg shell. Here it was that the people within. wholly un- concsious of their danger, and without a moment's warning, were buried, with such awful results. Following are the names of those killed and injured. Killed: Henry S. Wait. Repub- lican candidate for representative, who lived five miles east of town on a farm, age thirty-eight; Jacob Miller, son of Jacques Miller, lived near Waterville, age twenty-five; Jacob Weber. Jr., farmer northwest of town, age twenty-five: Frank Pitman, farmer living near Waterville, age fifty; John Rohrer, son of S. B. Rohrer, lived in town, age twenty-four; Otto Gatzke, son
598
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
of Paul Gatzke, age nineteen ; Elmer Brooks, oldest son of Will- iam Brooks, age twenty. Injured: Frank Wilder, three ribs broken and head badly cut; Paul Gatzke. saloon keeper, body badly bruised; Porter White, terrible gash on head, and one ankle broken; Louis Pitman, son of Frank Pitman who was killed, age twelve, seriously injured, died later. After crushing Gatzke's saloon the storm crossed Division street, wrecking the brick building occupied by the Morristown State bank, but not tearing it down. Then it caught up J. P. Temple's barn and landed it out in the street totally wrecked. Passing still north- easterly, it took off the shingles on William Bidole's dwelling. and also Dr. Ward's, and otherwise doing considerable damage. The next building struck was a barn of William Bidole, which was badly twisted but not blown down. Several trees were up- rooted between the barn and Cannon river, and one or two small buildings upset. After crossing the river it did not strike any- thing till it reached Odam Schneider's place, where a granary was destroyed and the barn and wheat stacks greatly damaged. Several pigs and chickens were killed. The storm seemed to have spent its fury here, as no other disaster has been reported farther east.
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.