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 39
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There was but little wheat sown prior to the first day of April. The weather during March was pleasant. Nearly all the snow went off and the roads became quite dry, but the frost came out of the ground so slowly as to delay the seeding. Indeed the spring was remarkable in the fact that in the earlier part of it, there was no rain, and the days were clear and bright, but the nights were quite cold. The wells, generally, "dried up," and many of them had to be sunk deeper. The crops were never, probably, put in more suc- cessfully than in this year, though sometimes earlier.
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MELANGE.
In March the first religious newspaper published in this county appeared. It was named the Church Messenger, and its motto was "Evangelic truth and apostolic order." The prospectus says "this paper will be published monthly, at Wells, Minnesota, under the auspices of the church of the Nativity ( Episcopal). The terms of subscription are twenty-five cents per annum, payable in advance." This paper was a two column eight page quarto, neatly printed and full of original and well selected matter relating to religious sub- jects. It was a sort of little gem, in the newspaper line. Rev. S. S. Burleson was the editor and proprietor. The paper did not long survive, however.
On the twentieth day of March, the Blue Earth Valley "Blooded Stock" Association was organized at Winnebago City, of which H. W. Holley was elected president, H. M. Huntington, secretary, F. W. Temple, treasurer, and F. F. Harlow, corresponding secretary. The object of this association was to introduce into Southwestern Minnesota the best blooded cattle which could anywhere be ob- tained. A number of the members residing in this county, secured quite a number of very fine animals of the best breeds.
The object of the association was certainly very commendable. and one of the first importance to the people of the county.
The incident is mentioned here, as indicating the progress of certain material interests of the county.
On the twenty- fourth day of March, a great Teachers' Training School commenced at Wells, and continued in session until April 17th. This was the most important school of the kind yet held in this section of country. There were ninety-one persons in attend- ance from this county, four from Blue Earth county, and forty-six from Freeborn county.
The instructors were, State Superintendent Wilson, Prof. H. J. Buckham, principal of the Normal school at Buffalo, N. Y., J. P. Bird, James N. Lee, Sam'l Rutledge, and County Superintendent Richards, of this county. The school was claimed to be a great success, and it was certainly an important event in the history of the educational interests of the county.
THE POST.
On the second day of May, with the issue of that date, Mr. W. W. Williams retired from the editorial chair of the Blue Earth City Post, with these brief words: "With this issue of the Post its control passes into the hands of C. H. Slocum, Esq., late of the St. Charles Herald, who becomes its proprietor by purchase. The undersigned would be ungrateful indeed, were he to allow this opportunity to pass without returning to the people of Blue Earth City his
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warmest thanks, for their unvarying kindness to him, and their generous support of the Post, from the date of its first issue (May, 3569) down to the present time, and that they may prosper in all good things, will always be one of his fondest hopes .- W. W. Wil- liams. "
On assuming the management of the Post, Mr. Slocum says in the issue of May 9th: "The present manager of the Post is suffi- ciently well known in this county, and throughout the State. to render unnecessary a formal introduction. * * It (the Post) will continue to be republican in principle, reserving the right to criti- cise fully all acts that are essentially wrong, and will not tie itself to the fortunes of any local faction, or clique. Further than this, let each issue speak for itself."
NORWEGIAN NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY, MAY 17TH.
One of the great holidays of Norway, observed by the Nor- wegian people, not only in their native land, but also in this, the adopted country of many thousands of them, is the seventeenth day of May. This is Norway's independence day as the Fourth of July is ours. This great holiday is, therefore, one of interest to a large por- tion of our people, and it has been celebrated in this county a number of times. What does it mean, and how is the anniversary observed?
By the peace of Kiel, January 14th, 1814, made by certain of the great powers of Europe, Norway, in the general parcelling out, was given to Sweden, whose reigning monarch was then Charles XIII, a very able ruler. But this arrangement was wholly arbitrary. The Norwegian people had not been consulted about it, nor given their consent to it.
The act was highly offensive to them, as it would be to any people. that possessed any national spirit. or self- respect. It touched their national and patriotic feelings, which are exceedingly strong, very deeply, and they indignantly repudiated it. . Action was at once taken by the great leaders of the people.
Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark, who had been governor of Norway, called together a national council. which met in May at Eidsvold, and he accepted the crown of Norway, with a written con- stitution, made on the spot, and which was adopted May 17th, 1814. This constitution declared Norway independent, and established a lin - ited monarchy, in which the powers of government and the ancient rights of the people were well guarded. Christian, however, could not maintain himself, as the Swedish king was sustained by all the powers of Europe.
Finally, terms were made for a better regulated union of the two countries, and the constitution above referred to, with slight
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changes, was accepted by the Swedish king, November 4th, 1814. This constitution declares, and it was required to be acknowledged that Norway is "free, independent, indivisable and inalienable." Norway preserves her own flag, her currency, her accounts, her bank and her official language.
And while the king of Sweden is king of Norway, yet Norway has its own governing body called the Storthing, which is the legis- lature, or parliament of the nation, and the king of Sweden cannot be king of Norway, until he has been crowned at the ancient city of Trondhjam, in Norway, as King of Norway.
No one, at least, no American, can but admire the indomitable resolution and courage with which the Norwegian people main- tained their nationality and the rights of the people, in the face of the untoward conditions and vast combinations against them.
There is much in this history and their declaration of na- tional rights and their maintenance, which reminds us of the era of our own independence and our establishment as a nation, and which awakens the old "Spirit of '76," in our own hearts and prompts us to take part in these celebrations, with our drums and flags and thundering cannon and general rejoicing, and when they raise their voices in singing enthusiastically the inspiring national song of old Norway "Ja vi elsker dette Landet," the echoes answer back "Hail Columbia! happy land."
And there is more propriety in this, than may at first sight ap- pear. It is altogether probable, if not certain, that we originally derived our notions of personal liberty of action, of opinion and of speech, and our principles of civil and religious liberty, from the old nations of Norseland, rather than from what may be termed the deductions of political philosophy, or the examples and constitu- tions of the ancient civilized nations of the south of Europe. Be- sides the day is not far distant when Norway itself will be an inde- pendent republic like our own. At all events, the American is con- stitutionally inclined, and exercises the right to hurrah for any people who have made a stand for liberty and nationality.
Such, briefly stated, is the great event in the history of Nor- way, usually celebrated by our Norwegian citizens, and certainly with great propriety.
As to the manner of the observance of the day. it is sufficient to say, that it is very much in the same style in which we celebrate the Fourth of July. The programme of exercises usually embraces, in their order, music, a speech of welcome by the president of the day, national songs and a formal oration, the subject matter of which relates to the event celebrated. In these proceedings, this, the country of adoption, is never forgotten. The flags of both countries are displayed. Our Declaration of Independence, as well
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as that of Norway, is usually read, and an address relating to the United States is generally included in the programme.
So far as the writer has been able to learn. on diligent investi- gation, the first observance of the day in this county, occurred in 1873.
While it may be said that, no well founded objection can be made to the custom of our Norwegian citizens in celebrating Nor- wegian Independence Day, for it is, after all, but a recognition and honoring of what are, essentially, American political principles, yet there has been considerable said and written, of late years, questioning the wisdom, from an American standpoint, of our for- eign born citizens, of any nationality, keeping up their political views, customs and usages of their native countries, thus perpet- uating, here, where all should be one and American, the spirit, the national characteristics and methods of separate and distinct nation- alities, and thus weakening their loyalty to American ways and institutions, and cansing divisions and contentions and rivalries in social life, educational methods and political ideas and ambitions.
And it must be admitted that in many localities, the matter of nationality and religion have been carried to extremes, in relation to education and politics, especially.
But that they will have any very long continued ill effects, considering the fact that the children of our naturalized citizens, born under American skies, and whatever else may be done, largely educated in their advance to maturity, under American institutions, and amidst American associations and influences, may well be doubted. It is no discredit to any man that he was born under foreign skies, for he could not control the matter, and all Americans, or their ancestors, (except Indians), but a few generations back, were born in foreign climes.
But it is believed to be a correct proposition, that our people born in alien lands, whatever kindly memories they may choose to cherish of the old home, life and friendly associations of their native land, should, when they become American citizens, make all reasonable efforts and haste to become fully assimilated with our people and Americanized. Our political institutions, language, sciences, literature, our religious toleration, customs, ambitions, aspirations, genius and spirit, must be theirs also now.
The old governments and conditions which they left, and which were failures, in all that governments should be instituted to secure -the welfare of their people -or at least failures in so far, at least, as they were concerned who left them -are no more the home and country of the naturalized citizen here.
On becoming citizens here, they, on oath, renounce all allegi- ance to the old government, and swore allegiance to this govern-
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ment, under which they and their children are to live henceforth. So far as nationality is concerned, the old citizenship and nation- ality have, in fact, ceased, and all of whatever nativity, are here to be one-all Americans now, in fact, in spirit, in life and labor, hav- ing one country, one hope, one destiny, not only for themselves, but, perhaps for their children forever.
Oh! you men who have left the old rotting, dying, hopeless des- potisms of the old world, where you were, at best, but political serfs, and have come to free, progressive, enlightened America, with its grand privileges and possibilities for you and your descend- ants, you know that this is a land in which you are free men. where you have been freely granted political rights and privileges, un- known in the old world, and where you can have hope in the future, a future which you can help to make-a land which you can love, support, and defend, as the patriot defends, supports, and loves his country. And this your adopted country is entitled to, demands and expects of you and your children, and of all citizens, whether foreign, or native born. And the splendid pages of our national history, which record the loyalty, the heroic devotion to the Union, the patriotic services and self-sacrifice of tens of thousands of our foreign-born citizens, during the late war, makes the assurances for the future doubly sure.
But there are a few words that should be added here. There is a class of foreign immigrants which America has no room for. We want none of the criminals and paupers of any of the nations of the old world. Nor are the ignorant, turbulent, lower class of Bo- hemians, Huns, Russians, Poles, Italians, Roumanians, Greeks, Turks, desirable. They are too difficult of assimilation with Amer- ican ideas, and political principles. But the better classes of these people-the law abiding, the industrious, will always find a welcome in America.
S. S. ASSOCIATION.
The fourth annual meeting of the County Sunday School Asso- ciation was held at Winnebago City on the 28th and 29th of May. The meeting was well attended, and of more than ordinary interest. It was resolved at this meeting that the association recommend the use of the international series of lesson leaves, in the schools. Among the resolutions adopted, it was resolved that the church ought to be held to a strict accountability for the growth and maintenance of the Sunday school, and it should exercise a fostering care and general supervision of the school both in its temporalities aud spirituality.
Owing to negligence on the part of Sunday school officers, but eighteen schools in the county were reported.
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The officers elected for the ensuing year were: C. H. Dearborn, president: E. S. Levitt, vice- president; C. H. Patten, secretary; Thos. Blair, treasurer.
THE JUDICIARY.
The June general term of the district court commenced its ses- sion on the first Tuesday in June.
Hon. F. H. Waite, judge; H. J. Neal. clerk; J. H. Sprout, county attorney: A. B. Davis, sheriff.
There were six criminal and twenty-three civil cases on the cal- endar. Here is a little joke which occurred in the Court of King's Bench, which should not be lost. If there is any place in which dignity, decorum and good manners should prevail it is in our courts of justice, and lawyers should set the example.
Sir Fletcher Norton, whose want of courtesy was notorious, happened, while pleading before Lord Mansfield on some question of manorial right to say: "My lord, I can illustrate the point in an instant in my own person. I, myself, have two little manors." "We all know it, Sir Fletcher," the judge interposed, with one of his blandest smiles.
This was Judge Waite's last regular term in this county, he having resigned his office.
A GLOOMY PICTURE.
As giving a truthful account of the condition of the country, the last days of June, we quote the following brief statement from some memoranda of an old resident of the county.
The value of history lies in giving a correct representation of the times and events, and their legitimate results and instructive deduc- tions. The gloomy and discouraging times and events, with their causes and effects must be detailed, as well as those of a brighter character. Thus, is seen, through what discouraging times individu- als and communities are occasionally called to pass, and the import- ant lesson is learned that however gloomy a period may be, the clouds do not remain forever, but sooner or later pass away, and the sun of prosperity again shines forth. It is well to remember always, that however thick and dark the clouds above us may be. above and beyond them the sun is shining in its full radiance and ever ready to break through.
June 29, 1874, Monday-Things look pretty gloomy financially, in the west- ern half of Faribault county, at this time. First, the people, generally, are much in debt. many farms and much other property mortgaged, a great stringency in the money market all over the country, owing to general causes, but operat- ing more severely in this particular section, because of short crops last year.
Many farmers, by the utmost efforts, were only able to secure seed enough Io seed their grounds by giving chattel mortgages, looking forward to and hop- ing for a good crop, but yet timid and uncertain, because not knowing what damage might be done by the grasshoppers.
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Second, The grasshoppers have now proved their destructive powers. Hun- dreds, nay, thousands of acres of small grain in the west half of the county have been destroyed by their ravages. Probably two-thirds of the crops in Verona, considerable in Winnebago City township, much in Jo Daviess, Pilot Grove, Elmore and Blue Earth City townships, have been ruined. These pests have, for a week past, been migrating northward on a strong S S .- W. wind. Ou Saturday evening last the wind changed, and during Sunday and to-day, blows from W. N .- W., and these plagues are now traveling eastward. The crops not already destroyed, never looked so well and gave such promise of a bountiful harvest at this time, but the myriads of these pests, now spreading over them, may destroy all, and at all events, will greatly injure them.
Third, The hope of securing a north and south railroad from Mankato, by way of Winnebago City and Blue Earth City, thenee to the coal fields of Iowa, for which we have long labored, and which is almost a necessity to this county, has vanished. It was confidently expected and promised that the road should be built this season, thus affording employment to many, and causing a revival of business, and above all things, secure the future. This fact has a serious effect on the value of lands, and on every financial and business interest. The price of lands here has certainly touched bottom. There is no sale for lands or anything else, because of the scarcity of money, the stagnation of business, and the discouraging look of the future. I have lived in this county for seventeen years, but in all that time have not seen a worse outlook than at present. Heretofore there has always been some hope for the future, at least."
The great Addison somewhere writes:
"If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend and hope your guardian genius."
But Addison never had his crops eaten up by grasshoppers.
OUR NATAL DAY.
Notwithstanding the hard times, the scarcity of money-the destruction of crops by grasshoppers, as the Fourth of July ap- proached the patriotic spirit of our citizens began to awaken, and they proceeded to prepare for that event. To some people, this event may seem very tame, trite and unimportant, but it should be remembered that to many hundreds of others, it was a day of pleas- ure, and perhaps of considerable profit and instruction. The day proved to be clear and warm.
Formal celebrations were held at three places in the county. At Easton, Hon. J. P. West delivered the oration, and Mr. Whitney read the Declaration. This was the first Fourth of July celebration held at Easton and was a dedication of this young city, forever, to the great principles of civil and religious liberty-to American free- dom.
At Winnebago City, the day was celebrated under the auspices of the Grangers. Hon. A. J. Edgerton delivered the oration.
At Blue Earth City, the Good Templars took charge of the fes- tivities. Hon. James E. Child, of Waseca county, this State, was the orator, and Geo. B. Kingsiey, of this county, was the reader of the Declaration. A large company was in attendance, and the day was well enjoyed by all.
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It is well known that no holiday of the year is so enthusiastic- ally celebrated by the young people, as the Fourth of July, and the noisier it is, the better they seem to like it. It is, indeed, "Young America's" day, but it is not usually celebrated with the vim, indi- cated in the following incident, told in reference to a boy who ap- peared at the Sunday school after the Fourth of July. "I believe you are all here," said the teacher to the class. "Yes'm," said the boy, speaking for himself, "all 'ceptin' three fingers an' a piece of an ear and the hurrahin'."
WHAT OF THE HARVEST?
Harvest commenced the third week in July, and the weather was generally favorable.
The red osaka variety of wheat, of which so much had been said, and which was thought to be the hope of the country, proved, this year, to have suffered greatly from rust. In many places it was almost worthless, and some large fields were not even cut. It was generally considered that this wheat had had its day. The va- rieties that proved best this year were currently named as follows: the Halstead, White Michigan, Rio Grande, White Hamburg or Am- ber, China Tea, Fife and Golden Drop. Oats, where not injured by locusts, were a fair crop. Corn was a good crop. Potatoes suffered for want of rain, and were not generally a large crop. But little barley was sown, and the crop was light. East of the lands in this county, affected by the locusts, the crops, with the exception of barley, were very fair, but prices ran down in the fall, and wheat be. came as low as fifty eight cents, at Delavan, and went up as high as seventy-two cents, but-at the close of the year stood at sixty five cents-oats thirty five to fifty cents: corn forty-five to fifty cents; potatoes fifty cents: pork six and a half and seven cents per pound for dressed hogs; flour two dollars per hundred.
THE LOCUSTS.
A brief article in reference to the grasshoppers, or more prop- erly speaking, locusts, as they appeared to us during the years of their visitation here, may be of interest and value to the readers of the future. Most of the observations in relation to this insect, here recorded, as to their habits, were made at Blue Earth City, in this county, during the years 1873 and 1874.
When this plague came so suddenly upon the county, but few knew anything of them and their destructive power, or of the methods of dealing with them. The numerous references to the grasshopper and the locust, in the scriptures, were, indeed, dimly remembered by a few, but they little thought, or realized, that the following magnificent description by the prophet, Joel, of their ap-
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pearance and the destruction they work, was ever to find an illus- tration here.
"A fire devoureth before them: and behind them a flame burneth; the land "is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; "Yea, and nothing shall escape them.
"The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horseman, "so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall "they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a "strong people set in battle array.
"Before their face the people shail be much pained; all faces shall gather "blackness.
"They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of "war; and they shall march, every one on his ways, and they shall not break "their ranks.'
This pest is not the grasshopper with which most western people were acquainted in the eastern and middle states. It is much larger and possesses much greater powers of flight. It has been variously named, the grasshopper, the red legged locust, caloptenus spretus, the Rocky mountain locust, and is, undoubtedly, a species of locust, though much smaller than the full grown locusts, seen in the east, at long intervals.
As to their natural habitat, the better opinion appears to be that it is in "the higher valleys and dry sandy plateaus, within the limits of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and a strip of the same width, extending northward into British America, the northern limit being unknown, " and that they are carried by strong and steady winds abroad over certain sections of country.
The following extract, from an article on the subject, written by Mr. J. W. Taylor, gives the best account we have seen of their vari- ous visitations.
"In the records of the Jesuit missions of California, we find early mention of the scourge; but with much evidence of its periodicity. The year 1722 was dis- astrous: the next visitation was in 1746, continuing three years; next in 1753 and 1754, and afterwards in 1765, 1766 and 1767. During this century the periods of great destruction in California have been 1828, 1838, 1846 and 1855. In the latter years these insects covered the entire territories of Washington and Oregon; every valley of the state of California ranging from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, theentire territories of Utah and New Mexico, the immense grassy prairies lying on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the dry mountain valleys of the Republic of Mexico, and the countries of Lower California and Central America, and also those portions of the state of Texas which resembles, in physical characteristics, Utah and Cali- fornia. The locusts extended themselves in one year over a surface comprised within 38 degrees of latitude, and in the broadest part 18 degrees of longitude.
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