USA > Minnesota > Stearns County > History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II > Part 81
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 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128
ALBANY TOWNSHIP
Albany is situated in the northeast cen- ter of the county, and embraces township 125 north, range 31 west. It was originally covered with timber of the different varie- ties of oak, with some small maple and poplar. It has an area of 23,040 acres.
There were no evidences of occupancy or improvement here when John Schwing- hammer, Jr., came in search of a home in 1862. After exploring the country and selecting a location, Mr. Schwinghammer returned to his family, but came with his
father the following summer, and made claims on sections twenty-two and twenty- three. His father died in 1867, which was the first death in the town. Prominent among those who followed the same year were Isidore Obermiller, Paul Obermiller and John Platz, and during the next three or four years, John and Jacob Christen, Peter Dirkes, George Leissle, Simon Groetch, and others made claims in the same locality.
This town was a part of Avon until 1868, when a separate organization was effected.
1257
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
The officers elected at the first general town meeting were: Supervisors, John Schwinghammer (chairman), Isidore Ober- miller, and John Hauser; justice of the peace, Joseph Schwinghammer; treasurer and clerk, Frederic Weitzel.
The St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba railroad, now a part of the Great Northern system, crosses near the center of the town in a westerly direction. Albany sta- tion was established on the south line of section fifteen, where a thriving village has sprung into existence ..
The township is divided into several school districts. Number fifty-nine was the first organized, in 1868, and the first school taught by Anthony Fralek. The first building was erected on section twenty-two, but after the formation of a new district a neat frame schoolhouse in the village was built. District number one hundred and eleven was organized in 1877, being detached from district fifty-nine. The school-house stood on section twenty- two.
The road order book shows that a road was laid out and report made to the su- pervisors of the town of Albany as early as May 17, 1870. Nicholas Schmit was at that time county surveyor. The road was petitioned for Jan. 19, 1870, by M. Dob- meier, and carried 14 signers. The earliest records of the town, however, now in ex- istence date back only to March 11, 1879. At a meeting held on that day, which was called to order by town clerk John Schwinghammer, George Wimmer was chosen to preside as moderator. Fred Weitzel was elected chairman and Her- man Jaeckal and Leonhard Koch were elected supervisors; John Schwingham- mer, town clerk; Reinhard Richter, treas- urer; Mathias Groetsch, assessor; George Wimmer and George Kulzer, justices of the peace; John Yaeger and John Viehausen, constables; George Kulzer, poundmaster. At this time there were seven road dis- tricts in the town, the overseers elected being: Christ Scheitel, John Christen, Jo- seph Supau, Andrew Seitz, Reinhard Rich- ter, John Yeager, Simon Groetsch. At this election there were about 70 votes cast. The increase in population was quite large since the organization of the town in 1868.
The present officers are: Supervisors, John Groetsch, George Christen, John Zim-
mermann; treasurer, F. W. Christen; clerk, H. J. Blenker; justice, F. H. Bock.
ALBANY VILLAGE.
The village of Albany is located twenty miles west and seven miles north of St. Cloud on the Great Northern and "Soo" railways. It is in one of the best farming and cattle-raising districts in the state of Minnesota. Pine and Pelican lakes are about 21/2 and 4 miles, respectively, north- east of Albany. On the banks of these lakes are located beautiful parks and cot- tages, occupied by cottagers from Albany and Holdingford.
The Great Northern was built as far as Melrose in 1871. The Soo was built through Albany in 1907. The city hall and jail was built about 1898. The water plant was installed in 1902, and the electric plant was installed in 1909. The village was in- corporated January, 1890. The first offi- cers were: Jos. Weitzel, president; F. P. Hecklin, Chr. Schiebel, Alois Lutz, trus- tees; H. F. Meyer, recorder; Anton Ethen, treasurer; H. F. Meyer, justice; J. F. Krebs, constable. The present officers are given in another chapter.
The first hotel at Albany was started in 1871 by Joe Zeitz, when the railroad was built to Melrose. About three years later Zeitz disposed of it to George Kulzer, who was proprietor until 1884. From 1884 to 1887 the hotel was managed by John Kul- zer, son of the original proprietor. In 1887 the business was bought by Daniel Ceska and managed by him until 1890. In 1887 a second hotel was started by John Wel- lenstein, who erected the present hotel building in 1895. Wellenstein sold to Wm. George in 1913, who in turn in 1914 sold to Mrs .. Mary J. Fischer, the present owner, and the hotel is known as the Fischer Hotel. The Nett hotel was started by Mrs. Math Nett in 1890 and is still run under the same management.
The Commercial Club of Albany was or- ganized in October, 1909, the first regular meeting being held October 25. The offi- cers elected were: Andrew Peternell, president; A. C. Lenarz, secretary; Leo. W. Schaefer, treasurer. The present offi- cers are: Henry J. Blenker, president; Walvin M. Kommerstad, secretary ; Thomas G. Schaefer, treasurer. During the . few years of existence the Commercial
1258
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
club has well demonstrated the value of such an organization to the village. Among the notable accomplishments of the club is the work it has done in securing good roads and highways in and around Albany. Several market days have been held and have proven a great success. The club has also induced several good business en- terprises to locate here. The club rooms are in the village hall. The membership at present is about 75.
The St. Thomas Court, No. 891, C. O. F., was granted a charter and organized Sep- tember 26, 1898, with 28 charter members. The first officers were: C. R., Thos. Tom- asek; V. C. R., Ben. Blume; P. C. R., Al- bert Winter; treasurer, Albert Besemann; recording secretary, Frank Schmidt; finan- cial secretary, A. J. Lochlein; trustees, S. P. Wimmer, F. Mayer, Joe Bauer; senior conductor, Nick Shroeder; junior con- ductor, John Wintermeyer; inside sentinel, John Viehaussen; outside sentinel, Theo. Dillenbring. The officers were installed and the meeting formally opened by C. R. Rosenberger of St. Cloud. The court has expanded quite rapidly, now having about 128 members, many of whom are from Avon and other outside towns. The pres- ent officers are: C. R., Thos. Tomasek; V. C. R., Alex. Brandtner; P. C. R., P. M. Weyrens; treasurer, F. H. Fiedler; record- ing secretary, Albert Winter; financial sec- retary, H. J. Blenker; trustees, P. J. Kraker, Joe Hanauer, S. P. Wimmer; sen- ior conductor, Anton Reber; junior con- ductor, S. Yunick. At present the Fores- ters occupy one of the classrooms of the public school.
Albany Creamery .- A creamery was or- ganized and built in 1895 by the firms of Geo. M. Schaefer and Kraker & Wertin. Each firm furnishing half the capital. Un- der their supervision the creamery was successfully managed until 1900, when it was sold to A. H. Wester, the present owner. During the last year 918,994 pounds of cream were received and the amount paid to patrons in cash was $77,803.89. Mr. Wester has about 200 patrons who own 1,600 cows. This is the first and only creamery located at Albany. The Central Minnesota Dairymen and Buttermakers' association held their annual meeting at Albany on Thursday, February 11. About one hundred buttermakers and dairymen
were present. Officers elected: President, Geo. Byers, Brooten; vice-president, Anton Balles, Long Prairie; secretary, N. F. Thielman, Elrosa; treasurer, A. Rasmus- sen, Ottertail.
The articles of incorporation of the Al- bany Mutual Fire Insurance Company were filed April 15, 1895, and the company be- gan business June 1. The corporation com- prises the town of Albany and adjoining towns. The office business of the corpora- tion must be executed within the town of Albany. The management of its affairs is rested in a board of nine directors, all of whom must be residents of the towns com- prising the corporation. These are elected at the annual meeting held on the first Monday of January in each year. The first board of directors were Jacob Krebs, John Lochlein, John Schwinghammer, Frank Schmidt, Henry Lenarz, J. B. Sperl, Peter Dirkes, Frank Jakala. The first offi- cers were: Jacob Krebs, president; John Schwinghammer, secretary; John Lochlein, treasurer. The present officers are: Jacob Krebs, president; John Blenker, treasurer; Geo. A. Herberger, secretary. The other members of the board of directors are: Peter J. Terres, Geo. Winkler, Carl Reinke, Frank Rahotz, Anton Schulte, Ed. Keppers. The annual report December 31, 1914, showed a total of 1,181 policies, represent- ing $2,088,197 insurance, in force at the end of the year. Number policies issued during the year, 306; number canceled, 224. The receipts were $5,347.58; disburse- ments, $1,832.20. The losses paid were 15, of which 13 were from lightning and 2 from fire.
The Farmers' Shipping association was organized in February, 1914, with 108 members. The management of the asso- ciation is in the hands of five directors and the three officers. The first officers were: Henry Schwinghammer, president; Paul Obermiller, vice-president; Wm. M. Schindler, secretary, treasurer and man- ager; the other directors being S. P. Wim- mer, Geo. A. Herberger, John Plemmel, Geo. A. Christen, Edward Grunlok. At the annual meeting held December 26, 1914, the following officers and directors were elected: Paul Obermiller, president; Alois Sperl, vice-president; Geo. A. Herberger, secretary, treasurer and manager; Math. Heinen, Geo. A. Christen, S. P. Wimmer,
1259
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
John Hanson, Frank Habermann. During the first nine months following its organi- zation the association shipped to market 36 carloads of mixed stock, amounting to about $40,000.
The Albany Telephone Company was or- ganized in the spring of 1906 with fifteen telephones. It was organized by Charles W. Christen and T. G. Schaefer. In the fall of 1906 Mr. Christen sold his interest to S. G. Schaefer, who became sole pro- prietor and manager. At present the com- pany has about 135 instruments and it has long-distance connections with the North- Western Company.
Peter Kraker was born at Lubach, Aus- tria, on June 28, 1860. After acquiring a common school education in his fatherland he emigrated to Albany in 1881, where he found employment in the store owned by Jos. Kraker. In 1885 Jos. Kraker sold the business to Peter Kraker and John Wer- tin, a school companion of Mr. Kraker. Mr. Wertin was born at Lubach, Austria, April 12, 1860. He emigrated to this coun- try in 1874, coming to Richmond, where he found employment on a farm. In 1877 he was engaged with Maurin Bros. at Cold Spring. In 1880 he went to St. Joe, where he remained until coming to Albany in 1885. When the two young men bought the business the stock was about $4,700. As the country developed and the settlers learned of the hidden wealth of the sur- rounding country, the business expanded with bounds and strides. An elevator was erected and the buying of grain as well as wood proved quite profitable. In 1911 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Kraker keeping the general store and grain busi- ness and Mr. Wertin taking the hardware and furniture business, the stock of which was valued at about $10,000. Mr. Kraker's stock is now valued at about $20,000.
The large business block, 50 by 100 feet, was erected in 1898. The second story has the offices of Dr. Tolbert Watson and Dr. W. H. Mulligan, dentist. Store rooms are also located on this floor. The old store building was moved to the back and now contains the furniture stock, in charge of Mr. Wertin's son, Alfred. Peter Kraker still retains the grain business but sold his general store to his son, Peter J. Kraker, in January, 1915.
Both Peter Kraker and John Wertin are
interested in two banks, the Albany State bank and the Bynum State bank at Bynum, Montana. Beside this, John Wertin has several tracts of land in Marshall and Stearns counties. The success which these men now enjoy shows their business ability and during the time they have been in business they have succeeded in gaining the good will of the community.
Geo. M. Schaefer, one of the pioneer merchants of Albany, was born April 1, 1857, at St. Cloud. He bought the general business of Charles Herberger in 1880. At that time John Emmel, now of St. Cloud, was in business with Mr. Schaefer. The stock at that time was valued at about $3,400. The present stock is $28,000 .. When Mr. Schaefer came to Albany the village had some 65 inhabitants. No streets were laid out, there was only the main road and that was but a trail through the woods. The entire village site was a forest. In 1888 John Emmel was elected register of deeds of Stearns county and the entire business was taken over by Mr. Schaefer. The present building occupied by the gen- eral store was erected in 1899, the old building being moved to a side street and is now occupied by N. J. Theisen as an implement shop. In 1900 a furniture store was erected owing to the expanse of busi- ness and the acquisiton of a larger stock. This business is at present taken care of by Otto Schaefer.
In 1903 the Schaefer Hardware Company began business in a third building. The business increasing until in 1913 the arti- cles of incorporation of the Schaefer- Brandtner Hardware Company, with a capi- tal of $10,000, were filed.
Mr. Schaefer also erected a grain eleva- tor in the early days at Albany, and made an extensive business of buying grain and wood. At present he has rented the grain elevator to Joseph Lehner. He is a stock- holder in the First State Bank of Albany, and also in the Bynum State Bank of By- num, Montana, which was organized in 1913 by the stockholders of the First State Bank of Albany. Anton C. Schaefer, a son of Geo. M. Schaefer, is cashier of the Bynum bank.
Although Mr. Schaefer is advancing in years, he is still an energetic business man. He has done a great deal of philan- thropic work both in the village and out-
1260
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
side and by his marked ability has won the good will, patronage and friendship of the entire territory tributary to Albany.
Other prominent business men of the town are: N. J. Theisen (who came to Albany in 1887 and engaged in the imple- - ment and cattle business and has been an important factor in the building of the vil- lage); F. H. Fiedler, druggist; H. J. Blen- ker, general merchandise; W. Tomasek, saddler and harnessmaker; F. Bier & Son & Christen, general merchandise; Frank Hofmann, dealer in harness and shoes; with other business enterprises, such as blacksmith shops, a bakery, butcher shop, two barber shops, wagon shop, two ga- rages, two lumber yards (one owned by John Nett & Co., the other by J. Borger- ding & Company), a tailor shop, and seven saloons.
(Note .- The above excellent article con- cerning Albany township and village is from the pen of P. M. Weyrens.)
Albany village is a flourishing settle- ment in the central part of Albany town- ship, with a population of 900 people. It is well situated, and its position in a rich agricultural district makes it an impor- tant trading center. It has two railroads, the Great Northern and the "Soo" line. Among its advantages may be mentioned Catholic and Lutheran churches, two banks, a creamery, a flour mill, two hotels, three grain elevators, electric lights, and water works, and a weekly newspaper. A brief business directory follows: J. B. Pollansch, postmaster; Christ Ashlers and Michael Lenartz, flour mill; Albany Enter- prise, William M. Kommerstad, publisher; Albany Land Co., Henry F. Levenick, man- ager; Albany Telephone Co., Thos. G. Schaefer, manager; Albany Township Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Jacob Krebs, president, John Schwinghammer, secre- tary; John H. Bachel, saloon; George A. Bantle, dentist; William W. Baron, lawyer; A. Besemann, saloon; B. H. Beuning, in- surance agent; Fred Bier, general store; Bernhardt Blume, general store (St. An- thony); Henry J. Blenker, general store; City Electric Light Plant, Emil J. Hoffman, superintendent; City Water Works; Ray Cleavetand, garage; Martin Dinndorf, wall paper; William D. Dixon, agent, Great
Northern Railway; Fred H. Fiedler, drugs; First State Bank, G. M. Schaefer, presi- dent, Andrew Peternell, cashier; John B. Fuchs, shoemaker; Herman Genz, cement works; William J. George, proprietor Mer- chants Hotel; Balthaser Glatzmaier, meats; Anton Gruenke, blacksmith; Joseph W. Hanauer, garage; Joseph Hofmann, har- ness; Martin Jesh, restaurant; Michael Klein, meats; Sephens Klein, saloon; Peter J. Kraker, general store; Joseph Lehner, grain elevator; Nicholas G. Lenarz, saloon; Adam J. Loehlein, saloon; Peter Lucke- roth, watchmaker; Alois Lutz, shoemaker; Joseph Menth, blacksmith; Joseph Muehl- stein, photographer; Mrs. Anna Nett, hotel; J. Nett & Co., lumber; Lizzie Nett, milliner; M. J. Perne, saloon; A. Peternell, insurance agent; Clarence B. Quale, liv- ery; Mathias Ramacher, house mover; William F. Richter, general store; St. An- thony Creamery Association, John Plemel manager; Schaefer-Brandtner Hardware Co., G. M. Schaefer, president, Alex. Brandtner, secretary and treasurer; George M. Schaefer, general store; Otto F. Schaefer, undertaker; John J. Schleppen- bach, baker; Fred Schutz, barber; Stearns County State Bank, William J. Bohmer, president, B. H. Benning, cashier; Nicholas J. Theisen, farm implements; Michael T. Thelen, bottler; Thomas Tomasek, har- ness; J. F. Tuert, barber; Tolbert Watson, physician; John Werten, hardware; Alois H. Wester, creamery; Adam Winter, sa- loon; Albert Winter, blacksmith.
ASHLEY TOWNSHIP
Ashley is situated in the northwest cor- ner of the county, and is chiefly a rolling prairie. Originally there was a strip of brush land on the east line near the north- east corner, and along the course of Ash- ley creek, which rises in Westport Lake, Pope county, and flows northeasterly through this town into the Sauk river, forming one of its principal tributaries. The soil varies from a light and sandy to a black loam, with a clay sub-soil. It embraces all of township 126, range 35 west and the south tier of sections of township 127, range 36, making an acre- age of 26,880 acres.
There were a few claims made in this . town a short time before the Indian out- break of 1862, but abandoned during that
1261
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
excitement. The first permanent settle- ment was begun in 1865. Among the first claimants were Henry Vessey, a native of England, who settled on section thirty-six north, and John Eberspacher, who settled on section three. James Willard, William Holmes, H. Newman and James Jardine also settled in the northeast part in 1866. J. S. Frederick settled on section seven the same summer, and was the first set- tler in that part of the town.
This town was attached to Sauk Centre until 1870, when a separate organization was effected, and the following officers elected: Supervisors, A. M. Stiles (chair- man), H. J. Newman and Thomas Rosier; treasurer, William Holmes; clerk, James Bruce; and justice of the peace, James Jardine. When Ashley was organized it embraced a strip of land lying along the whole north line, which has since been attached to Todd county.
District number forty-six was organized in 1867, and the first school kept by Mary Parker, in the house of F. Karell, located on the strip of land above mentioned as being since attached to Todd county. The first school building was erected soon after on section thirty-five, which was super- seded by a new one in 1880. District num- ber sixty-five was organized in 1868, and a log school house built on section eight the same year. A building, on section three, was erected in 1879. District number one hundred was organized in 1874, and a small board shanty built on section seven- teen, which served the purposes of a school- house until 1876, when a neat frame build- ing was erected on section eighteen.
AVON TOWNSHIP
Avon is situated in the northeastern portion of the county, and is contained in township 125 north, range 30 west. It was originally covered with timber. It abounds in small lakes and marshes. The principal lakes are Pelican Lake, in the northwest portion of the town, and Spunk, Kepper, Anna, Lenman and Minnie lakes, in the vicinity of Avon village. The most beautiful of these is Spunk Lake. The area of the town is 23,040 acres. The St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad, now a part of the Great Northern, passes through the southern portion of the town,
where there is a station and village named Avon.
The first settler whose veins could lay any claim to the possession of Caucasian blood, was James Tanner, an Indian half- breed, who settled where Avon village now stands, in 1856. John Barrett settled on section twelve in 1859. Among other early settlers were, Peter Gothard, Nich- olas Theisen, Andrew Agthman, John Knoblach, Mathew Solinger, Nicholas Kepper, and his brothers, Nicholas S. and John.
When Brockway was organized, in 1858, it embraced a large tract cf country, and included the present territory of Avon, until the organization of the latter, in 1866. The formation of Albany, in 1868, reduced Avon to its present limits.
The first election was held at the house of Nicholas S. Keppers, and the following officers elected: Supervisors, Nicholas S. Keppers (chairman), Isidore Obermiller, and Paul Obermiller; clerk, John Brake- field; treasurer, Nicholas S. Keppers; jus- tice of the peace, William Murphy; and assessor, John Schwinghammer.
The township is divided into several school districts. The first school taught was by Mary Sutrup, in 1870, in the house of N. S. Keppers. District number sixty was organized in 1872, and the building erected on section twenty-eight, near the station. District number seventy-two was organized in 1876, and the school house located on section nine.
AVON VILLAGE
The village of Avon is situated on the beautiful Spunk Lakes in Sections 27 and 28 of township 125, range 30. It is an elegant place for summer resorts; having many lakes and excellent railroad facili- ties and not too far from the large cities of the state. It was incorporated in Feb- ruary, 1900.
The first permanent settler in the pres- ent village was Nick Keppers, who moved on his claim from St. Joseph in the year 1863, living in a one-room shanty where the residence of Math. Grosman now stands. He was the owner of the present townsite. Wm. Murphy conducted the first general store in 1863. The first elevator was built in 1880 by N. S. Keppers.
1262
HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY
The first building was erected by Nick Keppers in 1863; the succeeding buildings of early times being as follows: Wm. Mur- phy, general store, 1873; Thos. Hussey, sa- loon and hotel, 1875; residence and wagon shop, N. S. Keppers, 1870; Catholic church, 1872; sawmill by Ball, Bryan & Dickinson, 1873; the business men also put up resi- dences. The first school was taught in the wagon shop of N. S. Keppers by Mary Situp in 1870, ten children being enrolled.
The Great Northern Railway, then known as the St. Paul, Minneapolis Railway Com- pany, was graded through here in 1872, but was not completed until 1873. Up to that time the mail was brought here by stage and the postoffice was then known as Spunk Lake. As soon as the railroad was completed mail came by rail and the post- office was changed to Avon, its present name. The first postmaster for Spunk Lake was N. S. Keppers. The first post- master for Avon was Wm. Murphy. The first depot agent was J. Holmes; Herdernt Simpson is the present.
The village was incorporated in Febru- ary, 1900. The first officers elected were: President, Frank Schmid; trustees, B. E. Davis, Joseph Keppers, Thomas Reh; re- corder, Nick Radden; treasurer, Robert Welz; constable, John Flesch. The pres- ent officers, elected in March, 1915, are: President, B. J. Oster; trustees, B. J. Kep- pers, M. Immerfall, T. F. Roche; recorder, N. J. Terhaar; treasurer, John Rass; con- stable, S. Rass; justice, J. J. Welte.
The creamery at this place was organ- ized in March, 1900, by F. M. Whitman and F. Schmid, who are the sole owners, and began operations the following month. An addition was built in 1901 to be used as a feed mill. During the past year (1914) 86,000 pounds of butter was made and $21,- 000 was paid to patrons, of whom there are 100 with about 400 cows. The cream- ery still occupies the original building. A cooperative creamery had been built in 1892 or 1893 by a Chicago concern at a cost of $5,000, for which the farmers gave their notes. During the two or three sea- sons it was run the results were unsatis- factory in every way, and the plant was finally sold for a trifle to a dairy farm near St. Cloud, where it was set up and was nearly ready to run when struck by light- ning and burned to the ground.
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.