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 24
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231
FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
have founded great empires and established governments, but Wash- ington surpassed all other founders of empire in that, while they based theirs upon monarchical principles, arbitrary rule and self. aggrandizement, and depended for the support of their governments upon military power, he founded his upon the highest known principle of civil government-that of self-government, the equality of all citizens, from the highest to the lowest, in political right, and dependent prima- rily, for its support and perpetuity, not on the power of arms, but on the virtue and intelligence of the people governed themselves.
Of the many illustrious men who surrounded Washington and assisted in the grand work of founding a great nation, many were great orators; he was not an orator. Some were great lawyers; he was not a professional lawyer, and many of them possessed greater learning than he, but after all is said and admitted, he after all was the center of all, the chief, his the guiding hand, and his the final directing wisdom. He seems to have been always not only master of himself but the final master of every emergency, and he was the central figure and the most revered of every assembly in which he ever appeared.
Ambition, fame, glory, power, riches, honors, make up the sum total of the motives of the vast majority of great men, but Washing- ton seems to have been above all these things.
Neither any, nor all of these motives combined furnished the motive of his actions, and so spotless was his personal character, both in public and private life, and such the unassumed natural majesty of his presence and bearing, that agents of venality, intrigue, dishonor or disrespect, never thought of approaching him. He was a good man as well as great, a quality much lacked by most great men, if indeed true greatness can exist without goodness. Justice, truth, honor, nnselfishness and a conscientious performance of duty, were his characteristics. His fame, too, differs from that of most other eminent men in the fact that while their names and deeds are be- coming forgotten in the lapse of time, his bnt becomes better known and more honored.
The great Napoleon once said, "the name of Washington will be remembered and honored among men long after mine has been lost in the vortex of revolutions."
Yet Washington was not a God, nor a Demi-God. It was his great glory that he was a man, a man of like passions and tempta- tions as other men, yet so wise, so pure, so unselfish, so great.
Finally, if any man's personal character and deeds are worthy of respect, if any man's example is worthy of imitation, if any man's birthday is worthy of perpetual remembrance, then may all genera- tions revere the name, imitate the example and celebrate the birth- day of George Washington.
232
HISTORY OF
EXIT ADVOCATE.
The Blue Earth City Advocate, on the third day of April, came out under the new and very appropriate heading, Minnesota South- West. Of the change the editor says: "We propose to do our share in aiding southwest Minnesota to strike a gait that shall build up her railroads and place her on a footing equal at least to the rest of mankind in the race of progress. It was with a design to call attention more particularly to this, the best portion of the State, that we have changed the title of the paper, and we hope its readers will be satisfied and pleased with the change."
THE COURT.
The district court held its annual term in June. The officers of the court were:
Hon. Horace Austin, Judge presiding. John K. Pratt, Clerk. Charles Chaple, Sheriff.
The term lasted four days, and much important business was done.
As Blackstone long ago intimated, in that admirable poem, "The Lawyer's Farewell to his Muse." there is in court proceedings but little of poetry, and less of romance. And there is also but little of historic interest, usually.
"The wrangling courts and stubborn law * * * * The tedious forms, the solenin prate, The pert dispute, the dull debate, The drowsy bench, the babbling hall."
Rarely, in this county at least, have furnished any incidents worthy of historie record; and hence some few amusing and other in- cidents which have occurred in courts other than our own, and illus- trative of the proceedings of the courts and the practice of the law, for they are much the same everywhere, are incorporated here oc- casionally.
A famous writer has embalmed in a book, and we may do the same, the Irish Court Criers, Call, who desired to break the tedious monotony of the form of opening court, by adding to the usual dull sing-song words, "Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye, the court is now open," the following expressive command, "And all ye blaggards that are not lawyers lave the building."
THE HOMESTEADERS.
On the 19th day of June, a Homestead Convention was held in Prescott township. of which J. C. Woodruff was president, and James Beard, secretary.
233
FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
By the act of congress approved May 20th, 1862, and subse- quent acts amendatory thereof, known as the Homestead Laws, it was enacted that any person who is the head of a family, or who has arrived at the age of twenty one years and is a citizen of the United States, or who shall have filed his intention to become such, shall be entitled to enter one quarter section, or less, of any public lands, not appropriated, on the payment of ten dollars and one-half the fees of the local land office. No patent for the land entered was allowed to issue, until the expiration of five years, when proof had to be made of actual settlement and cultivation of the land, when the party was entitled to a patent, which vested in him, his heirs and assigns forever, a fee simple estate. The passage of this act gave a wonderful impetus to immigration. "Lands for the land- less," "Homes for the Homeless," became the popular cry of the times, and under this act many thousands of acres of land in this county were settled upon. Subsequently by order of the State Au- ditor dated June 16th, 1863, to the several County Auditors, these lands were entered on the assessment books, and were assessed and taxed as land to which the title had been perfected. This proceed- ing was sustained in several elaborate opinions by the Attorney General of the State. The homestead settlers, however, took an- other view of the matter, and claimed that these lands were not tax- able. Their opinion is set forth fully in a number of resolutions passed at the convention above referred to, several of which we quote.
"Resolved, That it never was the intention of congress that we should pay taxes on these lands until after the issuing of our patents, as can be fully maintained by the decision of the Secretary of the Interior, the Homestead Law and various other acts of government."
"Resolved, That we respectfully refuse to support for office any man who has been, or is likely to be, instrumental in taxing our homestead claims as deeded property until we receive our patents."
It is not within our province here to discuss the merits of the question raised, but to state events as they transpired. The home- stead settlers throughout the State held about the same views on this subject of taxation, but no specific action or organization was effected except in a few of the southwestern counties, of which this was the principal one. Another new issue had now entered into our local politics for the homestead men, as they avow in one of the foregoing resolutions, determined to and did carry the matter into politics. There proceedings shall be noted as we proceed.
HIGHER PRICES.
About the first of July there was a remarkable advance in the price of grain and provisions. Wheat went up to $1.70 per bushel; flour to $11.00 per barrel; groceries advanced 25 per cent. Th
234
HISTORY OF
rise was caused mainly by the beginning of war in Europe between Prussia and Austria.
THE NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY.
The Fourth of July was appropriately celebrated at Blue Earth City. A. H. Pelsey read the Declaration and the Rev. Mr. Cooper, of the Presbyterian church at that city, delivered the oration.
The day was also celebrated in Prescott township by home. stead settlers and others. In fact, the meeting was called the "Homestead Celebration." By a resolution passed with great unanimity, those who favored homestead principles were designated formally the homestead party. The party was thus christened on the great day of Independence. It does not appear that the day was celebrated formally at any other places, but an unusual number of pic-nics were had throughout the county.
And now another word in reference to homestead matters, which at the time created much interest with a large class of our citizens. Another homestead convention was held on the 14th of July in the town of Barber, at which a number of resolutions declaratory of homestead principles were adopted. These township meetings and organizations were preparatory to a county organization which oc- curred subsequently.
The reader will observe, that there were many pic-nics on this Fourth of July day. Many of us know what this means, in the way of recreation. For those who do not care for the more elaborate and formal celebrations of the day, the pic-nic party, made up of a number of neighbors, held in some convenient grove, and having some appropriate speaking, readings and especially singing, is a luxury indeed. And this is not only a good way of observing the Fourth of July, but is a pleasure which should be enjoyed at other times. No one of right constitution can fail to approve the frequent out doors pic-nic for the old folks as well as for the young folks, for the day school and the Sunday school.
The ride, the scenery, the shady grove, the freedom from re- straint, the balmy air, the dinner. the invigorating exercise, are pleasures not soon forgotten.
We all greatly overlook, or make too little of the many ways of social and individual enjoyment ready at hand and all about us. For many persons one of the best means of relief and recreation for the over-taxed brain and body of the toiler in life's busy work, is a quiet leisurely walk in the green fields and along country roads and by-ways, away from the great world, divesting the mind as much as possible of care and anxiety and the every day subjects of interest. In the contemplation of the beautiful natural scenery which surrounds us in the summer days. the broad, free open prairies, with their
235
FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
green, luxuriant grasses and wild flowers, the groves and forests, the silent river and the silvery babbling brooks, the cool, glimmer- ing lakes, the waving grain promising a golden harvest, the singing birds, the grazing herds and flocks, the free, pure breezes, the quiet, the peace and above all the glorious sunshine, we are lifted out of the dull, plodding, weary work of ordinary life, to a higher plain of existence. The exercise fills the lungs with new air, in- creases the action of the blood, stimulates the appetite, helps diges- tion and drives away nervousness.
The mind and body are thus rejuvenated, the thoughts elevated, the heart and the life purified, and we have a foretaste of that golden age foretold by the seer and sung by the poet-the millennium -when war and strife shall be over, and pain and toil be forgotten and wrong and fraud and oppression forever ended, when the promise "on earth peace, good will toward men" shall be realized. Bless you! workman in the shop, the office, the mart, there is a better life, a better world, than that of toil and strife and bicker- ings and ambition and the lust for gold, and the cheatings and frauds and lies, and conventionalities and tyrannies of fashion, the jealousies and envyings and hates which so darken the life, wither the soul and curse the world.
While we cannot ignore that which is necessary and proper on the practical side of life, yet every man, whatever his business, will be the better if he shuts up his shop, his office, his store, or at least retires from it occasionally, and goes out into the green fields and breathes the free, pure air, relaxes his mind and muscles and ban- ishes for a while corroding care. And if he has a wife and children he should take them with him. Let the aged go out and renew their youth, and the young grow wise and strong. in communion with nature and its blessed works.
"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is a society where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but nature more From these our interviews."-Bryon.
THE ATLANTIC CABLE.
We must here turn aside for a moment from the relation of common-place local events, to state that in this year success crowned the oft-repeated but heretofore unsuccessful efforts to lay a telegraphic cable across the Atlantic ocean. The work was com- pleted in the month of July. Telegraphic communication was at last successfully established between the old world and the new. and the work was pronounced, and very justly so, one of the grandest achievements of science and human enterprise, a permanent and
23
HISTORY OF
almost inestimable blessing to all nations, and crowning with im- mortal honor, the men whose genius, money, energy and persever- ance, accomplished the great work.
THE HARVEST, ETC.
The harvest was interfered with somewhat, as the first week in August was characterized by the most intense heat, accompanied with storms and terrific thunder and lightning.
The crops were a failure in a great measure-except perhaps wheat in a few localities, and in consequence, business and improve- ments were much affected. The year was more than ordinarly wet, and the quite unusual circumstance occurred of high waters in August. But the year in these respects was not to be compared with the next. Several things, however, conspired to counterbalance the evils of the time, oue of which was the large immigration and the other was the disbursement by the general government of immense sums of money in paying claims growing out of the war, as a result of which, the year in many localities, was deemed one of ease. financially.
To add to the injury already suffered by the crops, a heavy and destructive frost followed by cold weather and cold rains occurred on the 20th of September by which the corn and vines were much damaged.
There was much "saft cawn the year." This will be remem- bered as one of the very few years in the history of our county in which the corn crop was nearly a failure.
HARVESTING THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
The reaping of the cereal and gathering of some other crops takes place in different periods throughout the world, because of the different latitudes and consequently different seasons. The fol- fowing statement sets forth the harvesting period in almost all countries of the world:
January-Harvest is ended in most districts of Australia, and shipments have been made of the new crop: Chili, New Zealand, Argentine Republic.
February-Upper Egypt, India.
March-Egypt, India.
April-Coast of Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, India. Persia, Asia Minor, Mexico, Cuba.
May-Persia, Asia Minor. Algeria, Syria, Texas, Florida, Mo- rocco, Mid-China, Japan, Central Asia.
June-California, Oregon, Southern United States, Spain, Por- tugal. Italy, Hungary, Turkey. Roumenia, Danube, South Russia, South of France. Danubian Principalities, Greece, Sicily, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina. Tennes- see. Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas, Utah, Colorado, Missouri .
237
FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
July-Southern, Eastern and Midland English counties, Oregon, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New England, New York, Virginia, Upper Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary. Switzerland. Italy, Russia, Poland.
August-United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Manitoba, British Columbia, Lower Canada. Hudson's Bay Terri- tory, Denmark, Poland.
September-Scotland, England, hops and roots; America, maize; Athabasca, wheat, barley, corn; Sweden, North Russia, France, beet root, buckwheat.
October-Scotland, America, maize crop; France, Germany, vintage.
November-Australia (North), Peru, South Africa.
December-Australia (South), Chili, Argentine Republic.
THE FAIR.
The Agricultural Society held a meeting at Winnebago City on the 14th day of September, at which time a list of premiums to be awarded at the annual fair, was made, and it was determined to hold the next fair at Winnebago City. The fair was held on the 2d and 3d days of October. The weather proved to be favorable, and the attendance was larger than was expected. On the premiums award- ed, but sixty per cent only, was paid. Officers for the ensuing year were elected at this time, and they were L. W. Brown, presi- dent; J. H. Welch, secretary, and G. D. McArthur, treasurer.
THE ANNUAL TUSSLE.
We now proceed to relate the political events of this year. Wm. Windom was again the republican candidate for congress, and R. A. Jones was the candidate of the democratic party for the same office. On the 2d day of October, the Republican District Convention was held at Fairmont, Martin county, for the nomination of candi- dates for senator and representative of this district. The conven- tion consisted of eight delegates apportioned as follows: Faribault county, five; Martin county, two, and Jackson county, one. The other counties in the district were not represented as they had but little or no resident population at that time. Allen Shultis, of Fari- bault county, was elected chairman of the convention, and A. C. Dunn of the same county, secretary. These details are mentioned because this convention was the most remarkable in some respects ever held in the district, and constituted the initiation to the most stubborn, bitter and personal political contest ever waged in this county until the year 1870, and was only surpassed by the contest of that year. In this convention the issue was "points" or "no points." Blue Earth City having three Faribault county and one other delegate in
23
HISTORY OF
the interest of points, and Winnebago City having two Faribault county delegates and two others, in the interest of no points, the former interest wished to nominate candidates favorable to estab- lishing by law the points or localities through which the railroad receiving the grant of lands heretofore mentioned, should be built. and the latter interest desired to nominate candidates opposed to confining the railroad to any definite points.
A. Bonwell. of Blue Earth City, was the "points" candidate for the nomination for senator, and A. C. Dunn, of Winnebago City, the "no points" candidate.
The vote was a tie, standing four to four on senator for a num- ber of ballots, when on motion the nomination of senator was dropped for a short time and the convention proceeded to nominate a candidate for representative. Mr. A. Andrews, of Martin county. a points man, was nominated, his opponent being H. S. Bailey, of Jackson county. The balloting was then resumed on senator, and after a number of ballots a motion was made to adjourn, but was voted down and the convention proceeded to ballot for senator, but always with the same result- a tie. Everything possible was said and done, and some things said were in hot blood, to bring about a favorable result for one party or the other, but to no consequence.
"When Greek meets Greek, Then comes the tug of war."
About 8 o'clock in the evening, after some forty six ballots had been taken on the nomination of senator, an understanding was had with one of the delegates, who before had voted against adjourn- ment, and the motion to adjourn without making the nomination of a candidate for senator was made and carried. This was the only thing that could be done, as on this question of senator each party was immovable, and if possible in the nature of things, would have been voting there probably to this day without a result on that issue rather than give in an inch. After the convention Mr. Bonwell withdrew from the field and Jas. B. Wakefield, at the request of the people of Blue Earth City and others favorable to points, came out as an independent points candidate for the senate. Andrew C. Dunn was announced as the no points independent candidate for the senate and H. S. Bailey, above-named, as the no points candidate for representative.
On the 13th of October, the Republican County Convention was held at Blue Earth City for the nomination of candidates for certain county offices.
The following nominations were made:
For Auditor-F. W. Cady.
For Register of Deeds-F. Lent.
For Surveyor-J. R. Sisson.
239
FARIBAULT COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
For Court Commissioner-R. Waite.
For Coroner-W. A. Way.
For County Attorney-Andrew C. Dunn.
On the 20th of October, pursuant to call, a Homestead Conven - tion assembled at Blue Earth City. Regular delegates were present from seven towns and the number of others in attendance, interested in the homestead cause, was large. The convention was harmonious and somewhat enthusiastic, and with great unanimity made the fol- lowing nominations: For Auditor, Rev. A. H. Brown; and for County Attorney, Jas. B. Wakefield. For the other county offices the nominations made by the Republican Convention were approved.
As no formal nomination had yet been made for senator by any party, this convention proceeded to nominate Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Andrews the republican candidate for representative was endorsed on motion. The convention then appointed a county central com- mittee and the homestead party entered the campaign ready for the fight.
The democratic party placed no candidates in the field.
The election was held on the 6th day of November and the fol- lowing table exhibits the result as officially declared in this county.
Wm. Windom was elected congressman, Wakefield and Andrews senator and representative in the District. A. R. Moore was elected county commissioner for District No. 1, and James Crays was elected to the same office in District No. 4.
Senate.
House.
Auditor. Reg. Sur. Attorney. C. C. Cor.
Wakefleld.
Dunn.
Andrews.
Bailey.
Cady.
Brown.
Lent.
Sisson.
Wakefield.
Dunn.
Waite.
Way.
Seely.
23
23
5
18
23
21
23
23
23
Elmore ..
101
101
85
16
97
98
101
99
96
Pilot Grove.
48
48
24
23
48
48
48
48
48
Foster ...
28
28
6
22
28
28
28
.
?
45
45
Emerald
91
91
66
25
91
91
91
91
91
Blue Earth City
189
1
189
1
150
37
183
189
187
1
180
185
Jo Daviess.
63
63
21
42
63
63
63
50
63
Walnut Lake.
48
14
49
14
29
34
63
63
47
15
63
63
Barber
41
36
57
20
7
70
77
77
51
26
77
76
Prescott
47
35
46
36
19
62
80
81
48
33
79
79
Verona.
15
68
14
69
46
31
81
81
14
67
81
81
Minnesota Lake.
26
31
28
29
55
3
58
58
30
28
58
58
Lura.
63
63
57
2
62
63
63
63
63
Guthrie.
9
57
2
66
67
20
63
67
5
59
66
67
Winnebago City.
2
123
1
127
88
29
122
122
1
120
121
121
Totals
774
453
784
450
757
465 1206 1208
780
437
1188 1209
28
28
Brush Creek.
43
44
3
10
31
45
36
43
.
ยท
22
22
22
23
16
22
Dunbar.
23
..
240
HISTORY OF
The election over, the victors of course, rejoiced- the beaten were disgusted and silent. "Points" won and although Mr. Brown, the homestead candidate for auditor was defeated, yet as Mr. Wake- field was the senatorial nominee of the homestead party and was elected, the other issue "no taxation of homesteads" also triumphed.
The fight was made on the candidates for senator, representa- tive and auditor. "No homestead taxation" and "points" were united against "no points." As to the newspapers the F'ree Home- stead at Winnebago City favored "no points," and the Southwest at Blue Earth City, sustained the homstead and "points" cause.
The contest from the beginning, until the ballot box finally de- cided the issues, was very bitter and personal not only in this county, but throughout the legislative district. Both the county and the district were canvassed in their length and breadth, and every voter understood the issues. Party politics were entirely thrown aside, and democrat and republican, rallied shoulder to shoulder, on one side or the other of these local issues.
Here is a story for politicians, taken from the Scientific Ameri can. "A man wanted to learn in what profession he would have his son engage. He put the boy in a room, with an apple, a Bible and a silver dollar. He left the room and decided that if upon his return he found the boy reading the Bible, he would make a minister of him. If he was eating the apple he should be a farmer, and if he had put the dollar in his pocket he should be a banker. When he returned he found the boy sitting on the Bible cating the apple, and had put the dollar in his pocket. What did he make of the boy? Well he made him a politician."
THE END.
The year 1866, like all preceding years, came to an end, having completed its full time.
Notwithstanding the prophecies of "the end of the world, " to occur this year, the earth regularly, as through countless years and centuries before, performed its diurnal revolutions, kept within its orbit and pursued its journey around the sun. The sun continued . to shine, and the seasons to follow each other in their regular course and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. "For the prophecy came not in the old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
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