USA > Minnesota > Faribault County > The history of Faribault County, Minnesota : from its first settlement to the close of the year 1879 : the story of the pioneers > Part 15
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Almost every man in the village and vicinity joined the com- pany, and we are sorry to say we have not the names that we may record them here in a Roll of Honor.
On the evening of May second a large war meeting of the citi- zens of Blue Earth City and vicinity was held. Great enthusiasm prevailed. A series of resolutions was adopted amid great cheering, condemning the rebellion in the strongest language. We quote several of them.
Resolved. That we, citizens of Faribault county, without reference to those party names that have hitherto distinguished us and having unshaken faith in the power of right, are unalterably attached to the union of these States and the perpetuity of popular government.
Resolved. That in order that we may render efficient aid to the govern- ment, should our services be required, we will immediately organize a company of our citizens and take such steps as may be necessary to perfect ourselves in military drill and discipline.
Resolved. That the atmosphere of Faribault County must not be breathed by traitors.
Earnest speeches were made J. B. Wakefield, E. Raymond, J. A. Kiester and Geo. B. Kingsley. A paper was presented for the signature of those who wished to enroll their names, as a volunteer company, and forty names were set down in less than as many min- utes. J. B. Gillit, a gray-haired veteran of sixty years led off. then came E. Raymond. I. S. Mead, J. B. Wakefield, G. B. Kingsley, Isaac Botsford, S. T. MeKnight. F. A. Squires. H. Tompkins, J. A. Kiester, H. P. Constans, G. S. Converse. G. S. Miles. H. G. Neal,
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W. C. Gillit, W. A. Melvin, A. Sortor. H. A. Faunce, W. M. Scott, A. Bonwell, A. Pratt. O. Saunders, F. L. Howland, E. C. Young, A. McElroy, L. Billings, Jr., H. Mount, F. A. Blackmer, Martin Sailor, J. C. Pratt, A. Johnson, John Beidle, J. K. Pratt, E. C. Ingals, L. B. Woodruff, J. Johnson, P. Harris and S. Dow. Many other names were afterwards added, of which there is now no record.
Many of those who enrolled their names in the various com- panies formed at the time, subsequently in more permanent organ- izations proved their patriotism and sincerity on many a hard fought field beneath the southern sun, and some of them to-day, having given their lives for their country, sleep the last great sleep, in sol- dier's graves.
"The land is holy where they fought, And holy where they fell, For by their blood that land was bought, The land they loved so well."
THE COMET OF '61.
While the inhabitants of this small planet called the earth, were busy with their cares and labors and ambitions, their joys and sorrows, far away in the heavens in the wide fields of space, there suddenly appeared a great comet on the 30th day of June, and created a great sensation. To the naked eye the head of the comet appeared brighter than a star of the first magnitude. "It was estimated that on the second day of July the breadth of the head of the nucleous was about one hundred and fifty six thousand miles, and its train of light fifteen millions of miles in length." It was thought by one astronomer, that the earth passed through the tail of this comet. But it sped onward upon its trackless way and soon disappeared to the dwellers of this planet. In accordance with the old notions-perhaps superstitions-many looked upon this comet as the harbinger of a dreadful war and other great calamities.
"A pathless comet, The menace of the universe; Still rolling on with innate force, Without a sphere, without a course."
INDEPENDENCE DAY.
The fourth of July was celebrated at Blue Earth City. The largest assembly of the people that had ever occurred in the county was seen at that time. The Sunday schools, the Good Templars and a large company of soldiers were in attendance in their separ- ate organizations.
The exercises were held in the grove on the Court House Square, where a stand, seats and long tables were erected. The people assembled in the village and forming a procession marched
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to the grove to the strains of martial music. The Declaration was read by Geo. Patten, of Verona, and the address was delivered by J. A. Kiester, of Blue Earth City, after which a public, free and very bounteous dinner was placed upon the long tables and every- body partook heartily.
Good order prevailed throughout the day and the company en- joyed the festivities of the occasion with much satisfaction. Many things tended to make this celebration one of more than ordinary interest. The rebellion had just broken out. The people were in- tensely aroused and indignant, and anxiously watching events. There was no other formal celebration in the county, and every per- son in the county had been invited to attend. The preparations were ample, and the day in the main favorable, and people were in attendance from all parts of the county.
MEN AND MONEY.
About the 5th of July, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 400,000 men and $400,000,000, to put down the Rebellion, and the call was responded to in a spirit and with an alacrity which made the hearts of loyal men swell with pride and the hope of early success. On the second day of August, Congress, then in extra session, authorized the raising of 500,000 men and 8500,000,000.
BAD MONEY.
During the summer many local banks in the western States failed. Many of what were known as the free banks of Wisconsin, held up, among the last, but there was great uncertainty as to the value of their paper. All of it was at a greater or less discount and kept getting worse until worthless. Of course the people, the hold- ers of this wretched stuff called "money," were the losers. It is still remembered that a citizen of this county who had some eight hundred dollars of this money, suddenly learned one day that the whole sum was not worth a copper. During these times there was one column of every newspaper which was read with great interest. It was the column which contained a list of banks of issue, with the ever changing value of their currency. The currency is the life- blood of the business of the nation, the soul of all enterprise, the incentive to labor, and the people should ever watch its character with the greatest scrutiny, for they are the ones who must suffer by depreciation or failure. If some financial genius shall arise, who shall give us banks of deposit of absolute security, and money which cannot fail, can never fluctuate in value, or even if liable to failure or fluctuation, the loss shall fall, not upon the innocent holders, but upon the authority issuing it, he will be entitled to be numbered among the world's benefactors.
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WHAT OF THE HARVEST ?
The harvest commenced about the 24th day of July, and the husbandman reaped an abundant reward for his toil, in the quantity and quality of the grain, but the prices were low, as appears from the statement following of the prices of farm products and other commodities current at the time:
PRODUCE .- Wheat, 35@40c; flour, $2.00: corn, 20c; beans, 40c; lard, 10c; oats, 18c; potatoes, 20c; eggs, 5c; pork, $3.50@4.00.
GROCERIES .- Brown sugar, 10c; coffee sugar, 12}c; tobacco, plug, 30@50c; tobacco, pure leaf, 65c; tobacco, fine, 30@50c; tobacco, smoking, 12}@15c; molasses, 80c; syrup, 80c; Rio coffee, 20c; Java coffee, 25c; salt, barrel, $4.75 ; salt, 1b., 2c; tallow candles, 18§c; dried apples, 10c.
DRY GOODS .- Prints, 7@12{c; delains, 20@25c; sheetings, 8@ 12{c; denims, 12@20c; Kentucky Jeans, 25@35c; cassimere, 40c@ $2.00; cotton flannel, 123@18ąc; wool flannel, 373@50c.
IMPROVEMENTS.
The immigration to this county during this year much exceeded that of the last year and was very encouraging. Much improve- ment in the breaking up of new lands and building was made throughout the county. Toward the close of the year money became easier. Near the end of December a grist mill, the first one in the county, was put in operation by Geo. H. Goodnow, at Winnebago City. This mill was attached to a saw mill and was run by the engine of the saw mill. It was a great convenience and did a good business. Prior to the starting of this mill the people had to haul their grists from thirty to sixty miles to mill. Many a bushel of corn, in the early days of this county, was ground in coffee mills, small hand-mills and horse-power mills, and the savory remem- brance of the Johnny cakes made from the meal ground in this way remains with the old settlers to this day.
THE ELECTION AND COUNTY SEAT CONTEST.
The Hon. Alex. Ramsey, republican, and Hon. E. O. Hamlin, democrat, were the candidates for Governor.
The Republican County Convention was held at Blue Earth City on the 21st day of September, and made the following nominations: For Sheriff, P. C. Seely. For Treasurer, Wm. Dustin. For County Attorney, N. B. Hyatt. For Surveyor, Geo. Patten. For Coroner, L. C. Taylor. For Commissioners, E. M. Ellis, H. Dunham and Thomas Blair.
The Republican District Convention met at Madelia, Sept. 28th. and nominated for Representative, B. O. Kempfer, of Watonwan county. The democratic party made no nominations for legislative
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or county officers, but a greater local issue was before the people than that of politics-the question of the removal of the county seat was to be decided.
As the election drew near, the excitement and interest in the results greatly increased, but all other considerations were sunk for the time in the important question of the county seat. Blue Earth City could not possibly afford to lose it. Winnebago City would gain very much to get it.
Canvassing aud electioneering on this subject was the order of the day, and for two weeks before election day, little else was done in either of the villages. The county was canvassed from Dan to Ber- sheba by both parties and every voter visited and enlightened upon the subject. Blue Earth City had a little the advantage in several things, but especially in having a newspaper, while Winnebago City had none.
About the last of September there appeared on the first page of the Blue Earth City News an outline map of the county, on which each township was represented and the exact location of each village-the two contestants, and a line drawn equi-distant at all points thereof from Winnebago City and Blue Earth City. This line proved the great and unanswerable argument it was held, in fa- vor of Blue Earth City, for by it, it was clearly demonstrated on the map and everyone could test its accuracy for himself, that about three-fourths of the territory of the county, was nearer Blue Earth City than to Winnebago City An elaborate article in the interests of Blue Earth City also appeared in the same number of the paper, setting forth, in the strongest possible light, the reasons against re- moval. Winnebago City not to be outdone in spreading information on the subject, had a vast number of circulars printed at Mankato, answering the article in the News and giving cogent reasons as was thought, why the county seat should be removed to Winnebago City. and sent them out by messengers into all parts of the county. Every influence, public and private, and every argument that interest and ingenuity could suggest, were used to secure the objects of the re- spective parties, but these arguments were too numerous and many of them entirely too elaborate and abtruse to be mentioned here, or even comprehended, if mentioned, by the people of this day.
The day-the great day of election came at last. It was the ninth day of October. The polls throughout the county were opened early. To prevent fraud and illegal voting, Winnebago City had a delegation of at least one, generally two, at each of the voting places in the south half of the county, and Blue Earth City had a like dele- gation at all the voting places in the north half of the county. The vote polled was the largest which had yet been cast in the county. and surprised everyone. But there was not over half a dozen illegal
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votes cast that day in the whole county, if so many. An incident occurred at the polls at Blue Earth City during the day which will bear repeating: A German of a burly and unkempt appearance came up to vote, when his vote was challenged by one of the Winne- bago City delegation on the grounds, that he had not been long enough a resident of the county to vote. He was asked the question how long he had been in the county, when after looking at the chal- lenger quietly a few minutes he said in a peculiarly sarcastic manner: "Ish been here so long ash ter raise von stack buckveets vot you steels ven you comes inter der country-vat you talks you tief?"
The official canvass exhibited the following results:
For Governor-Alex. Ramsey, republican, had 433 votes and E. O. Hamlin, democrat, 61.
For Representative-B. O. Kempfer, having no opposition in district, was elected, his vote in this county being 482.
There was no opposition to any of the republican county candi- dates and they had the following number of votes:
For Treasurer-Wm. Dustin 473
For Sheriff-P. C. Seely. 463
For Surveyor-Geo. Patten 480
For Attorney-N. B. Hyatt 476
For Coroner-L. C. Taylor. 477
E. M. Ellis, J. H. Dunham and Thomas Blair were almost unan- imously elected commissioners. But the result on the question of the removal of the county seat was the matter of the most profound interest and overshadowed all others. The vote stood:
For the removal. 202
Against the removal .. 324
Blue Earth City won the battle, but it was no childs' play, as it "had a foeman worthy of its steel," a foeman though beaten, was not conquered, but still held his banners to the breeze and fought many a hard fight afterwards.
A CHANGE-GOOD BYE.
Near the first of November, Mr. Botsford sold out his interest in the Blue Earth City News to Messrs. Blackmer & Hyatt. Here is Mr. Botsford's "good bye:"
" Yes, kind friends, good bye. Ere this number of the Blue Earth City News shall reach you, I will belong wholly and entirely to our venerable "Uncle Samuel." My sojourn in this county has been pleasant. I have received at least double the support I anticipated. Each and every citizen, old and young, male and female, have treated mne kindly. I have no fault to find whatever, with the people here, and I hope, trust and believe, that they all entertain the same feelings toward me. After a deliberate study of the matter, I have come to the conclusion that my country needs my services to aid in putting down the thousands of armed traitors with which these United States are infested,
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and I have accordingly enlisted in the Blue Earth Cavalry Company "for three years or during the war."
Isaac Botsford was born in the State of New York in 1836. He obtained his education at Lowville (N. Y.) Academy and Whites- town (N. Y.) Seminary. He early learned the business of printer and publisher. He left his home in the east and came to Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Minn., in 1857. and removed to Blue Earth City, this county, early in the year 1861. where he remained until his en- listment in the military service of the United States, which occurred on the first day of November, 1861. He became a member of the Second Company Minn. Light Cavalry, afterwards known as Co. B. Brackett's Battalion. He states above, that he enlisted for three years or during the war. It proved to be "during the war." He re- mained continually in the service until June 1st, 1866, a period of four years and seven months. His service was in the South until January 1st, 1864, fighting rebels. and thereafter, until the close of his time, in the Northwest fighting Indians. his company being among the very last to be mustered out.
In 1864, while still in the service, he came home on a short fur- low and was married to Miss Maggie E. Colby. of Freeborn County. Minn., and after his final discharge from the service, he took up his residence in that county where he still resides. Mr. Bots- ford is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in politics a pro hibition republican. During his career as a printer and publisher. he was connected with the Freeborn County Eagle, the Blue Earth City News, as we have seen above, and later with the Albert Lea Standard. In 1578 he quit business on account of ill health and lived a very quiet and retired life. He died at Albert Lea in 1892.
Mr. Hyatt. who assumed charge of the News as editor, at the date of purchase. in his salutatory, among other things, says: "We shall publish a republican paper, but we are not so strongly attached to party as to be blind to its faults, or those of its leaders." "We hold the primary object of a county paper to be the interests of the county-it is from the citizens thereof we expect our support and in turn we expect to devote our columns to the promotion of their best interests. Wherever our paper is read we intend that the beau- tiful prairies and fine streams, the abundance of timber and the fer- tility of the soil in the already far famed valley of the Blue Earth shall be known."
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
As the great civil war, of which this was the first year, was the leading subject of interest and gave character to the times for the next four years in this section of country as well as throughout the nation, and as many of the citizens of this county took an active part in the events of the time, both political and military. it is deemed
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expedient to give in this history, a brief resume of the leading events of the war each year.
"As one who sleeps and hears across his dream, The cry of battles ended long ago."
In January, as we have already seen, many forts and arsenals in the southern States were seized by the rebels. Feburary 9th, Jeff Davis and A. H. Stephens were chosen the first, president, and the latter, vice-president of the Confederate States for one year. April 12-14th, Fort Sumpter, S. C., was bombarded and taken. April 20th, U. S. Mint at Charlotte, N. C, seized by the rebels. June 10th, bat- tle of Big Bethel, Va. June 18th, battle of Boonville, Mo. July 2d, battle near Martinsburg, Va. July 5th, battle at Carthage, Mo. July 12th, battle of Rich Mountain, Va. July 13th, battle of Car- nickford, Va. July 21st, first battle of Bull Run. Ang. 10th, battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo. Aug. 28th, capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark. Sept. 12th, battle of Cheat Mountain, Va. Oct. 3d, battle of Greenbrier. Va. £ Oct. 16th, battle of Pilot Knob, Mo. Oct. 21, battle of Balls Bluff. Nov. 7th, great naval battle at Hilton's Head, S. C. Nov. 8th, battle of Belmont, Mo. In addition to the above list there were almost innumerable smaller fights and skirmishes both on land and sea.
The great matter of absorbing interest was the progress of the war. Recruiting and enlisting. organizing and drilling were the chief business of the times. The war had already developed into gigantic proportions. At the close of the year there were already two hundred and forty-six vessels, carrying two thousand guns, in the navy, and nearly seven hundred thousand men in the armies of the United States.
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CHAPTER VIII.
A. D. 1862.
"I by thee have watched,
And heard the murmer tales of iron wars:
And thou has talked of sallies and returns, of trenches, tents,
Of palisados, frontiers, parapets,
Of basilisks, of cannon, Culverine
Of prisoners ransomed and of soldiers slain."
THE LAWGIVERS.
The fourth State Legislature met Jan. 7th and adjourmed March 7th. The only acts passed specially relating to this county were first, "An act to provide for the location and construction of a State road from Blue Earth City, in Faribault county, to Mankato in Blue Earth county."
Second. "An act to construct a State road from a point on the road leading from Mankato to Mapleton in Blue Earth county, to Winnebago City, in Faribault county."
Third, "An act to change the name of Dobson township in Fair- bault county, to that of Elmore."
Fourth, "A memorial to the Congress of the United States for the establishment of a mail route from La Crescent to Winnebago City."
The legislature assembled in extra session. September 9th, of this year. and had a session of twenty days. and enacted some laws of great importance, but none having any special reference to this county. We were represented in these several sessions, by Guy K. Cleveland in the Senate and B. O. Kempfer in the House.
THE LOCAL LEGISLATURE.
The commissioners met January 7th and had a session of two days. Thomas Blair was elected chairman. They had another meeting April 3d. but the business done was only of a routine charac- ter, and we shall hasten on to more interesting events.
THE LAST OF THE NEWS.
About the 8th of February, Mr. Blackmer, partner of Mr. Hyatt in the publication of the News, retired, and Mr. A. Bonwell entered into partnership with Mr. Hyatt, the latter remaining the active editor.
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FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOT.1.
Mr. Blackmer, following the lead of Mr. Botsford, his former confrere, enlisted in the military service of the United States and not many months after did gallant service in the defense of Fort Ridgley, against an attack by the Indians, on the breaking out of the Sioux war. During the fight he was wounded, being shot through the face, but survived. In April following, Mr. Bonwell leased his interest in the News to J. L. Cristie, who had previously been work- ing in the office, and he and Mr. Hyatt became partners in the pub- lication of the paper. On the 19th day of July the name of the paper was changed to The South-West Minnesotian. During the In- dian disturbance, about one hundred pounds of the type were melted and run into bullets, as there was a scarcity of lead in that great emergency. It was designed that these type, theretofore speaking to civilized people, through the columns of the paper, should now do · good service in speaking to savages from the muzzles of well-loaded guns. The paper ceased to be issued for a short time in August, but the publication was resumed and a few more numbers appeared, when in October it ceased finally-its course was run-editors and work- men having all gone, or proposing to go, into the military service.
Mr. Cristie enlisted in a company of thirty-day men, organized in Fillmore county, of this State, and after his discharge therefrom he joined Company H, Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and went with the Sibley expedition, to the Missouri river.
Mr. Hyatt, in December of this year, also enlisted in the military service and became the captain of his company. Our first editors, not only taught, but practiced the duties of patriotism.
No paper was published in this county after the discontinuance of the Minnesotian until the fall of the next year.
"A REVIVAL."
During February and March, a memorable revival of religion occurred at Blue Earth City and in the town of Elmore. At Blue Earth City the meetings were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, of the United Brethren Church, and in Elmore, by the Rev. Mr. Barnard, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Toward the close of the meetings, the Rev. Mr. Conrad, of the Presbyterian Church, assisted, and other ministers of the gospel took part occasionally during the meetings. Very many at these several places determined to lead a new life and became members of the various religious de- nominations existing here at that time.
This was the first general and important religious awakening which had yet occurred in the county. Large and valuable acces- sions were made to the several religious bodies, and their future permanence secured. It is gratifying to say that many, who at that time became church members, still, after the lapse of many
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years. continue to fight the good fight and have "kept the faith." And it is for those and those only who continue faithful until the course is finished, that there is laid up a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give in that day.
JUDICIAL.
The district court this year had a session of only one day. The preceding year a session of but one day was held. The little busi- ness required to be done by the courts in this county. during many of the first years, while it might not indicate that this county was a very favorable locality for lawyers. did indicate the non-litigious character of the people and that they were a quiet, orderly class of inhabitauts, disposed to do justice toward each other. voluntarily, which was the fact and which was certainly a high recommendation to them. During many of the earlier years of the county, the law. yers as a rule, discouraged litigation, and often put themselves to considerable trouble, without fee or reward. to assist their neigh- bors in settling their disputes amicably if possible and this was very creditable to the lawyers.
In the words of Shakespeare, frequently
"It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy L'pon him * * who, in hot blood. Hath stepp'd into the law, which is past depth To those that, without heed, plunge into it."
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