USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 23
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 23
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October 4, 1878, the day of publication was again changed, this time to Friday. On October 26, 1878, the "Press" was en- larged and the form changed to a six-column quarto. When the paper was started the office occupied rooms in the Bixby build- ing, on Bridge street. A year later it was moved to H. R. Moor's brick block, which was then occupied by Searles' hard- ware store. In April, 1880, the "Press" office was removed to Lord's block on the east side of Cedar street.
On June 26, 1885, the "People's Press" absorbed a paper which had been published for some time previous at Blooming Prairie, under the name of the "Tribune." Under the arrange- ment made, the "Press" filled out the "Tribune's" subscription and advertising contracts, and started a Blooming Prairie de- partment.
The "People's Press" has always steadfastly held to the Democratic faith in political matters, yet it is a local paper in every sense. The paper has never missed an issue since its first number. All official matters have always been published, whether the "Press" was the official paper of the county or not; yet it has been the official paper several years in its history. The "Press" wields a powerful influence, and is recognized as one of the ablest and most active exponents of Democratic ideas in the state.
The "People's Press" was the first newspaper in Steele county and in this part of the state to cover the county by sending out each week a representative to the small adjoining towns on the trains and securing the news of interest of each town without the help of any local correspondent. This visiting of every little town in the county put the "People's Press" in close touch with the news and people of the entire county, and resulted in a very large and increasing circulation.
March 13, 1903, Benjamin E. Darby associated with himself his son, George F. Darby, who became the editor of the "People's Press," and his son, Harry B. Darby, who became the foreman of the newspaper and job printing office, Benjamin E. Darby remaining the publisher of the "People's Press" and sole pro- prietor of the newspaper and job printing business. These sons had been brought up in the business, and while attending school as boys learned the trade in the office evenings and Saturdays, and when they graduated from school were fairly good practical printers.
George F. Darby was a graduate of Owatonna High School
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in Latin Scientific Course in 1894, and Harry B. Darby gradu- ated from Pillsbury Academy in 1898 in the Latin Scientific Course. George F. Darby is a great reader of newspapers, magazines and good books, and a good news gatherer and an interesting writer.
Harry B. Darby has given his entire attention to the mechan- ical department of the newspaper and to job printing, and is a capable and successful foreman and a very capable business man.
April 4, 1908, Benjamin E. Darby purchased of W. L. Buck- sen a No. 5 Mergenthaler linotype typesetting machine, which Mr. Bucksen had purchased the year previous, and which is a fine, modern, up-to-date machine.
William H. Darby, third son of Benjamin E. Darby, was given charge of this business as manager, and the name, Buck- sen Typesetting Company, was continued.
In 1908, William H. Darby graduated from the Owatonna High School in the English Scientific Course. He understands how to run the Linotype machine and knows how to keep it in running order. The Bucksen Typesetting Company does all the typesetting for the "People's Press" newspaper and job office ; also the newspaper composition for several other newspapers, and such brief and book work as comes in from the printing trade.
The "People's Press" has been regularly issued as a ten-page newspaper, pasted together at the back, since January 11, 1901. Previous to that date it had been an eight-page, six-column quarto for many years. Each issue of the "People's Press" now contains editorial correspondence from Ellendale, Hope, Bloom- ing Prairie, Bixby, Pratt, Meriden, Havana and Anderson, Stcele county ; from Geneva, Freeborn county, and from Claremont, Dodge county. It contains all the local news of any importance which takes place in any part of Steele county, and all the most important news of Ellington, Claremont, Ripley and Westfield, Dodge county.
OUR PASTIME.
A weekly paper bearing this title was established at Owa- tonna, in 1875, by the Soper Brothers, J. A. and W. B. Soper. It was a four-column folio, neatly printed and well edited, the sub- scription price being 50 cents per year. The paper was con- tinued, being in the meantime enlarged to double the size under which it was started, for about one year, when the name was changed to the "Weekly Review." and under this name it flour- ished for something like another year. During the time A. H. Lewis became associated with the Soper Brothers, and the firm name became Soper Brothers & Lewis. This arrangement only
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1019
continued for about six months, when the "Review" was sold to Luther Bixby. Lewis' connection with the paper assumed a variety of characters, in turn being that of a partner, a lessor, editor on salary, and finally terminated. After this, for a time, Mr. Bixby employed S. C. Harris as editor and eventually the paper was moved to Minneapolis and became the "Temperance Review."
MORNING STAR.
This was the name of a small daily started at Owatonna, in January, 1876, by Hanson & Howe, two energetic young men. It was only continued for a very short time.
DAILY HERALD.
This paper was started by the Soper brothers in 1879, with S. C. Harris as editor. It was a small paper, a four-column folio, and was issued daily for about three or four months, when it was changed to a weekly, and became the "Steele County Herald." The paper was enlarged to a four-column quarto. The first issue of this paper bore the date of April 6, 1880. About a year later it was enlarged to a five-column quarto. Soper brothers continued the publication of the "Herald" until February 12, 1886, when it was consolidated with F. T. Drebert's paper, the "Journal," and the name of the paper became the "Journal and Herald," with Drebert & Soper brothers as pro- prictors. A history of this paper has already been given.
OWATONNA TRIBUNE.
The "Owatonna Tribune" was established August 30, 1907, by the Soper-Merchant Printing Company. On January 1, 1908, Mr. Merchant withdrew, since which time the business of the paper has been conducted by the present owners, the Soper Printing Company. The paper is independent in politics.
ELLENDALE EAGLE.
The "Ellendale Eagle" was founded by J. F. Adams and George H. Chase, both of White, S. D., and the first issue was published in six-column quarto size, two pages home print, March 28, 1901. The second of May following, Mr. Chase dis- posed of his interest to George W. Delany. also of White S. D., by whom the paper was conducted under the firm name of Adams & Delany. September 19 of the same year, Mr. Adams disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Delany, and on October 4 the latter sold a half interest to R. J. Dabell, at that time the local townsite agent and cashier of the Security State
1020 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Bank. Up to this time the paper had no plant to speak of, and the press work was done in Albert Lea and the greater part of the job work sent to Owatonna. With the advent of the firm of Delany & Dobell. a complete plant was purchased and the num- ber of pages of home print increased from two to four. March 1, 1902, the business was purchased by C. C. Campbell. of Brook- ings, S. D., the present publisher, who changed the paper to the seven-column six-page form in which it is now issued. Dur- ing the first days of its existence the "Eagle" had many abiding places, one which it occupied for a couple of years being now in use as an automobile garage. At present it occupies commo- dious quarters of its own in a good location on the main business street of the village. C. C. Campbell, the present proprietor, is a good, capable business man, being both a good job printer and a good editor. The newspaper, the "Ellendale Eagle," is a credit to Ellendale and well deserves the success it is achieving under its present able management. In politics it is Republican.
BLOOMING PRAIRIE TIMES.
The "Blooming Prairie Times" was issued for the first time on May 18, 1893. It was owned by a corporation under the name of the Times Printing Company, the stockholders being mostly business men of Blooming Prairie. W. M. Dynes was the first editor. The paper was published from the first as an eight-page paper, and has retained its original form. February 7, 1895, WV. H. Annett, of Spencer, Iowa, became owner and editor, but remained with the paper only a few months, until October 22 of the same year, when it was sold to W. L. Buck- sen, of Owatonna, who also became the editor. On August 2, 1897, two young men of St. Ansgar. Ia., Albert Jeglum and K. Steenberg, bought the paper. They published the paper for six weeks, when it became the property of J. C. Brainerd, with Will- iam Merchant as editor, on September 17. On October 11 of the same year. Theodore P. Fagre purchased the plant and stood by for almost a year, WV. L. Bucksen again becoming owner on July 27, 1898. Mr. Bucksen this time remained at the helm for almost six years, until June 1. 1906, when Theodore P. Fagre, who had settled in the village and been engaged in the general merchandise business, again turned his attention to journalistic efforts and became editor, with Samuel A. Rask as part owner of the paper. Mr. Fagre is the present owner and editor.
It will thus be seen that the "Times" has been a "football of circumstances," having been kicked about considerably, and has changed hands seven times during its existence of seventeen years. Its life has proven the prevalent notion that it is difficult
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1031
for one who has once entered the newspaper field to stay out of it, as Mr. Bucksen owned the paper twice, and Mr. Fagre is now owning it the second time. The paper was run for many years on independent lines as far as party politics were con- cerned, but when Mr. Bucksen became its owner again in 1898 the paper began to lean toward Republicanism, and at present it is an outspoken organ of Republican principles and policies.
CHAPTER XXIX.
NATIONAL GUARD.
History of Company I, Second Infantry, Minnesota National Guard-Its Honors and Efficiency-Muster In-First Offi- cers-Changes in Officers-Erecting the Armory-Social and Disciplinary Advantages-Conclusion.
Owatonna's crack military organization, Company I. Second Regiment of Infantry, Minnesota National Guard, deserves a place in the history of Steele county for especial reasons, in addi- tion to the fact of its existence for twelve years during the tiene when the National Guard was undergoing marked rejuvenduon and improvement as a means of national defense. These espe- cial reasons which have made the company notable are such as pertain to the record of this command alone and make it unique among the National Guard companies of the state.
From the time it was mustered into service, this company has continuously shown remarkable ambition. From the first it claimed first place for efficiency in the regiment to which it was assigned. and that ranking it has jealously guarded ever since.
In 1902, at a time in the history of the guard when competi- tive markings were given the various companies at the annual inspection, Company I won the distinction of being declared the best company in the state, and it was the first company working under the disadvantages of a lone company in a small city which had ever achieved this distinction, which usually went to one of the companies in the large cities possessing superior advan- tages in the form of a large armory, club rooms, etc. The first rank rating came as the result of an inspection at Camp Lake- view, where all companies were upon an equal footing. The inspection markings took into account not only accuracy of drill movements, but general efficiency, marksmanship, discipline, care of public property and knowledge of the various duties of the soldier.
But Company I did not rest upon these laurels, though it had no opportunity to win them again as the system of competitive markings was abolished soon after. Ever since that time the company has maintained an average of efficiency which has ranked it year after year as one of the five companies rated first
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1023
class, out of from twenty-nine to forty company organizations in the Minnesota National Guard.
This sustained record, during a time when the Guard was undergoing vast improvement, is one, we believe, not equaled by the record of any other company in the state. All companies have years when they are good and years when they slump in form, but Company I is known by every officer in the Guard as a company that always is and always has been first class.
This record has naturally brought distinction to the city in which the company has its home, has spoken well for the general character of the city's young men from whom the company has been recruited, and has reflected credit upon the citizenship of Owatonna for the evident support and encouragement given the company.
Another distinction belonging to the company is that it was the first company in the history of the Minnesota National Guard to manifest the enterprise to build its own armory, and until 1910 it was the only company in the state owning its own armory. The armory property is valued at about $11,000, and is located on west Vine street. The building is 100 by 64 feet. and has a 32 by 66-foot lawn space in front, on which it is hoped some day to erect a suitable addition for offices and club rooms. The armory was built when the company was but three years old, through the financial efforts of the members of the company, aided by generous contributions from business men and others.
The company was mustered into the service in 1898, after Owatonna had in vain attempted to gain representation in one of the regiments sent into the Spanish-American war. A com- pany of 140 men was raised for the Fifteenth Minnesota Vol- unteer Infantry, but political reasons led the governor to ignore it. Finally came the Indian outbreak at Leach lake, in which Major Wilkinson and several men of the regular army lost their lives. The settlers in that part of the state became frantic with alarm, and it was brought home to the governor and the people of the state that they had no military protection, all the Guard regiments being in the United States service in the war.
Governor Clough thereupon created the Fourth Infantry Re- serve Regiment of the Guard, and Owatonna provided Company G of this regiment, which later, as will appear, became Company I of the Second Regiment.
The company was mustered in October 22, 1898, with Clayton II. Stearns, an experienced former guard officer, as captain ; W. E. McClintock, another former guard officer, as first lieutenant, and Emil W. Theimer as second lieutenant. Lieutenant Mc- Clintock resigned within a few weeks, owing to the pressure of private business, and at about the same time, on November 25,
1024 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Captain Stearns was promoted to be a major of the Fourth Regi- ment. The resulting promotions made Lieutenant Theimer cap- tain ; Sergeant Harry C. Hlowe, first lieutenant, and Sergeant WV. C. V. Nelson, second lieutenant, all being commissioned on De- cember 20, 1898. Major Stearns a little later became lieutenant colonel of the regiment.
Under these officers the company made an excellent record at the first annual encampment of the regiment, but the uncer- tainties of its position made its maintenance, like the other com- panies of the regiment, very difficult. The equipment provided by the state was very meager, and the Fourth Regiment had failed to receive recognition from the legislature so that it could become a regular part of the state's military force. These con- ditions, coupled with Captain Theimer's unavoidable absence from the city at this critical time, finally brought the company, in the early part of the year 1900, to a condition wherein strenu- ous efforts were necessary to save the organization.
The result of these efforts made by the loyal and enthusiastic members, resulted in Mr. Anton Schaefer's being induced to ac- cept the captaincy, Captain Theimer having resigned on March 28. While Mr. Schaefer had had no military experience, he was a natural leader of men, a fine athlete, and of exceptionally fine character as a gentleman and as a good citizen. His acceptance of the captaincy immediately aroused the interest of the leading young men of the city, who, to the number of nearly thirty, en- listed in the company.
The failure of the legislature to provide any support for the Fourth Regiment meantime had left the situation very critical. but Company G was fortified against official dissolution by rea- son of its record and condition of efficiency. Consequently, when the regiment finally fell to pieces in April. 1900, the company was transferred to fill a vacancy in the Second Regiment, and became Company I of that regiment. At the very first encamp- ment with the Second Regiment, the fine spirit and efficiency of the company attracted so much comment and praise that the company immediately assumed rank as the crack company of the regiment. This ranking it has never relinquished.
At this point a digression should be made to mention that from its inception the company had maintained high ideals of soldierly conduct and duty, and these, consistently maintained and added to by experience, created for the company traditions and an esprit de corps which formed an unshakable foundation for the years to come.
It was under Captain Schaefer, aided by his capable officers. Lieutenants Ilowe and Nelson, who were fine drillmasters, that
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1025
the company won its distinction of first place in the State Guard, in 1902.
Second Lieutenant Nelson resigned on January 12, 1903, be- cause of removal from the city, and was succeeded by Sergeant Herbert W. Vinton.
First Lieutenant Howe resigned October 22, 1903, because of the pressure of his private business. His loss was a severe one to the company, as he was most enterprising as well as a very capable officer. He was succeeded as first lieutenant by Lieutenant Vinton, and First Sergeant Herbert F. Luers became second lieutenant.
These resignations were soon followed, on April 12, 1904, by that of Captain Schaefer, who surrendered the command in the loyal belief that his continual absence from the city, he being a traveling salesman, was a handicap to the company. His resig- nation was a most discouraging blow, and one which many com- panies could not have survived ; but Company I's traditions and esprit de corps then. as since. proved it to be too well organized to be easily set back.
The unanimous choice of the company for captain fell upon Second Lieutenant Herbert F. Luers, who thereby rose to the grade of captain from that of sergeant within a period of six months. He was commissioned April 25, 1904, as was also the new second lieutenant. Minot J. Brown, who was invited from civil life to take this commission.
Under Captain Luers the company continued to hold its posi- tion in the advance of the great progress being made by the entire Guard. The debt which remained on the army was reduced from $4,000 to $2,700; and in addition the armory roof was replaced, a new hardwood floor laid, and the interior of the building dec- orated, all at a cost of over $1,200.
First Lieutenant Vinton resigned August 1, 1906, because of removal from the city, and Second Lieutenant Brown was pro- moted to his place. Sergeant Albert E. Butsch was promoted to be second lieutenant.
Captain Luers remained in command for six years, the long- est service of any of the company's commanders, and on July 11 resigned because of that reason which has lost the Guard so many officers-the pressure of private business. He proved his intense interest and loyalty to the company, however, by imme- diately enlisting as a private in the ranks.
The choice of the company for the captaincy fell upon Sec- ond Lieutenant Butsch, who was formally elected in September, 1910, Lieutenant Brown having declined to consider taking the captaincy. Sergeant Hugo B. Theimer, a brother of former Captain E. W. Theimer, was elected second lieutenant.
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The new captain is, next to Captain Luers, the oldest member of the company, having enlisted in March, 1900. He is a sub- stantial business man, the junior member of the firm of C. Butsch & Son, hardware dealers. and enjoys the entire respect of the community in general, as well as of the men of the company. He has been one of the most valuable members of the company, both as a soldier and in rendering loyal service in many ways outside the regular duties of a member. and there is no question but that under his command the company will maintain its high ideals and position at the front.
What Company I has meant to Owatonna, aside from the reputation it has given the city, may be estimated from the fact that over 500 young men have received a measure of its fine training and discipline, during the twelve years of the company's existence.
What this means may be further illuminated by the state- ment of the fact that, not by order but by force of tradition. liquor is never allowed either in the armory or upon the company street in camp, and the use of vile language in the company's quarters is frowned upon by common consent. This is signifi- cant of the place the organization holds in the affection and re- spect of its members, and of what it means to be, or to have been, a member of Company I of Owatonna.
The company has always been prominent in the social life of Owatonna, and it is noteworthy that its inspections by superior officers are always attended and witnessed by large numbers of the leading citizens and their families, who feel a most cordial interest in and respect for Company I.
PART IV-BIOGRAPHICAL
BIOGRAPHICAL
John H. Adair, one of the leading physicians of Owatonna, was among the first white children born in Steele county, having first seen the light of day in Havana township, July 26, 1858. His parents, Robert and Flora (Hunter) Adair, were sturdy old pio- neers, of Highland Scotch ancestry. Dr. Adair attended the schools of his neighborhood, graduated from Pillsbury Academy, and then completed a course in Carlton College, at Northfield, Minn. In 1880 he went to Chicago, entered the Rush Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1883. He began to practice at Winnebago City, Minn., in 1883, but one year later came to Owatonna, where he has since remained. Dr. Adair has served in several offices of a local nature, was county coroner for many years, and has assisted in the progress of the city as a member of a number of important municipal boards. Being thor- oughly ethical in his practice. Dr. Adair has allied himself with the county, state and national medical societies, and has kept well abreast of his time in all departments of medicine and surgery. He was married September 15, 1887, to Mary Lundy Davidson, and this union has been blessed with two daughters, Helen and Catherine.
Robert Adair and his brother, John Adair, were the first white settlers of Ilavana township. They were born in the Highlands of Scotland, and after coming to America, lived for a time in Canada. They came from Racine county, Wisconsin, where they had lived five years, to Steele county, in 1855, by wagon, arriving July 15, 1855. They became prominent citizens, occupied a num- ber of important local offices. and were universally esteemed. Robert died June 7, 1877, and John passed away August 4, 1897.
John W. Adsit, the genial and accommodating hotel propri- ctor of Owatonna, is a native of Steele county, born in Aurora township, December 12, 1869. He was reared on the farm, at- tended the public schools in his neighborhood, and then took a course at Pillsbury Academy. After leaving school, he spent three years buying and selling live stock, and then until 1895 was in the boot and shoe business with his brothers. Charles and W. B. Adsit, under the firm name of Adsit Brothers. In the meantime, in 1900, the subject of this sketch became inter-
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ested in the hotel business. In 1905 he accordingly disposed of his mercantile interests. and since that date, in partnership with Dr. G. G. Morehouse, under the firm name of Morehouse & Adsit, has devoted himself to the management of the Owatonna Hotel, conducting it on the American plan with great success. Mr. Adsit is a public-spirited man and takes an active interest in affairs looking to the welfare of the community. He has served several years on the Public Library Board, and was one of the committee of the Hospital Board to select and purchase the site for its location. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Owatonna, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and Yeomen. He is independent in his political opinions and actions, and carefully weighs the issues of each campaign, choosing to consider the merits of each platform and the character of cach candidate, rather than to blindly follow the dictates of party leaders. The family attends the Congregational Church. On September 29, 1896, Mr. Adsit married Miss Effie L., daughter of Dr. E. and Mrs. Lorinda (McRostie) Morehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Adsit have two children : Eugenia L. and Irene J.
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