USA > Minnesota > Redwood County > The history of Redwood County, Minnesota, Volume I > Part 44
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it was the question. Finally the ladies, the most persistent work- ing force in all churches, lit on the expedient of arranging with the publishers to become sponsors for the thanksgiving number of the Gazette, which was only issued November 28, 1895, and called the "Ladies' Edition." Mr. Sinclair resigned in January, 1898, and was followed by Rev. F. G. Barackman, who took up the work May 1st and remained until the spring of 1902. A strong feature of Mr. Barackman's pastorate was his work among the young people. The Christian Endeavor Society was already well organized, but being a young man with a thorough training in the work among the young. Mr. Barackman was successful in in- teresting and holding the young people of the church. Rev. L. F. Badger came to the church as stated supply June 1, 1902, and at the expiration of a year was elected pastor. During his time as pastor a dining room and kitchen were put in the basement of the church and a manse was built. The largest accession of mem- bers to the church in its history was during Mr. Badger's pastor- ate. The increase mainly was the result of the meetings conducted in a tabernacle by Evangelist Sunday. Mr. Badger resigned in the spring of 1906 and in November was followed by Rev. R. F. Chambers. The present pastor, Rev. B. P. Holt, B. D., was in- stalled June 13, 1916. In connection with the church there is a flourishing Sunday school, Missionary Society, Mite Society, Ladies' Aid Society and Christian Endeavor Society. There is also a good library. The church property has been well managed and the present value of the building is about ten thousand dollars.
Seaforth Presbyterian Church dates back to 1901, in which year a few people began to meet for services in the depot. The society grew slowly and it was not until 1912 that the church building was erected in which the congregation has since wor- shipped. This building, the auditorium of which has a seating capacity of 150, is valued at $2,500. The services are conducted in the English language. The Rev. George Bollinger, the present pastor, assumed charge three years ago, and also ministers to the church at Wabasso. The congregation now numbers forty mem- bers, most of whom are American born. The average attendance in the Sunday school is twenty-eight.
Episcopal.
There are two Episcopal churches located within the limits of Redwood county-one at Redwood Falls and the other in Paxton township.
The Church of the Holy Communion, Redwood Falls. The first service of the church was held by Bishop Whipple, July 16, 1869, while en route to the Sisseton and Wahpeton and Sioux
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HISTORY OF REDWOOD COUNTY
Indians. On his return trip he preached Sunday, July 25th. At this time there were no communicants of the church in Redwood Falls. No attempt was made for the planting of the church until 1876. In 1871 Judge H. D. Baldwin and family moved from Waseca county, Mrs. Baldwin being a communicant of the church. In 1876 a meeting was held at their residence for the purpose of organizing a Sunday school. Among those present were Mrs. H. D. Baldwin, Mrs. William Flinn, Mrs. Powell and Miss Anna E. Baldwin. From that time the Sunday school was kept up and Rev. E. Livermore of St. Peter's was asked to come and hold service. His first service was held March 12, 1876. About this time a church society was organized with Mrs. A. M. North- rop, president ; Mrs. Willia Flinn, vice president; Mrs. N. Bixby, secretary, and Miss Anna E. Baldwin, treasurer. June 1, 1876, a class of six was confirmed by Bishop Whipple, one more being con- firmed the next morning.
August 6, 1876, Rev. E. J. Hunter entered upon charge of the work, Dean Livermore continuing as priest in charge. Here Mr. Hunter completed the enclosing of the church. His last service was held June 9, 1878. Services were frequently held by the Dean. The Rev. Henry I. Gurr, a deacon, was appointed mission- ary at this place and Marshall and entered upon his work August 24, 1879. He remained but a short time, leaving about October 12, 1879. The services were again conducted by the Dean as opportunity offered. February 14, 1881, Rev. William Rich- mond was appointed to hold regular services the second Sunday of each month. His last service was held August 7, 1881. Dean Livermore once more took charge of the mission, giving a monthly service. From this time the mission was in charge of the clergy of St. Peter, the Dean until he resigned, April 22, 1883. Rev. Caleb Benham from July 22, 1883, to July 22, 1886. Rev. D. F. Thomp- son from November 1, 1886, to May 12, 1889. On this last named date the church was consecrated by Rev. M. N. Gilbert, assistant Bishop of the diocese, by the name of the Church of the Holy Communion. The Bishop's committee at the time of the conse- cration, May 12, 1889, were H. D. Baldwin, H. A. Baldwin, James McMillan, W. P. Dunnington, and S. S. Goodrich. The Rev. Stuart B. Purves was placed in charge of the work and held his first service July 7, 1889. Services were held every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month. On August 4, 1889, the mission was organized as the Parish of the Church of the Holy Commun- ion, with Judge H. D. Baldwin as senior warden and Calvin W. French as Junior warden, and H. A. Baldwin, S. S. Goodrich, C. F. Thompson, C. V. Everett, James McMillan and Henry C. Ackman as vestrymen. At the following Easter parish meeting, the mis- sionary having been previously advanced to the priesthood, was elected rector of the parish. The Rev. S. V. Purves held his last
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service on February 28, 1892. Rev. Ed H. Clark took charge and held his first service the following Sunday. Mr. Clark remained only a couple of months or so and then the parish had no rector until Rev. Henry Beer took charge January 15, 1893. During the first year of Mr. Beer's incumbency the church building was moved to the east side of the church property and the building put in a good state of repair. Mr. Beer resigned his charge January, 1896, to accept missionary work in the newly created district of Alaska. On March 10, 1896, the Rev. W. H. Knowlton took charge and on Easter Day there were fifty-four communi- cants. On December 2, 1896, a chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, with eleven charter members, was organized by Mr. Hector Baxter, council member for Minnesota. The new rectory was completed early in November, 1896. In 1899 this parish, in comparison to its members and resources, led the Diocese in its contribution to missions and outside objects, giving $108.20. Mr. Knowlton resigned February 13, 1900. The Rev. William Mitchell, rector of St. Luke's Church, Terre Haute, Ind., accepted the call of the vestry and entered upon his duties September 23, 1900. Several memorials were placed in the chancel during his rectorate. He resigned September 14, 1902, to become chaplain of Breck school at Wilder and rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Windom. On January 23, 1903, Rev. A. Coffin took charge of the parish, continuing as its rector until April 16, 1906, when he resigned and went to Pine Island, Minn. For the next seven months the parish was vacant. On November 4, 1906, Rev. Charles Stanley Mook, of the district of North Dakota, held his first service as rector. During 1909 the parish lost a great many of its members by death or removals, which seriously handicapped its work, but new members came in and the work was continued with enthusiasm in spite of difficulties. The present rector is Rev. A. A. Joss, D.D. In connection with the church there is a Ladies' Guild, the work of which is for the home church and for diocesan and foreign missions.
Paxton. The story of the Indian church in Paxton township is told elsewhere in this volume.
Christian.
There are two churches of this denomination in Redwood county-in Redwood Falls and New Avon.
The Christian Church in Redwood Falls was organized Decem- ber 20, 1888, by the Rev. Harrison, with thirty-four members. The pastors from that date to the present time have been as follows: Rev. J. G. Harrison, from December 20, 1888, to September, 1891; Rev. M. H. Tipton, January 30, 1892, to September 4, 1892; Rev. W. L. Stine, January 22, 1893, to 1895; Rev. Ernest Thornquest,
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July 1, 1895, to May 3, 1896; Rev. S. P. Fullen, from May 17, 1896; Rev. K. W. White, from July 11, 1897; Rev. Henry Good- acre, from August 28, 1898; Rev. H. T. Sutton, from August 19, 1900; Rev. E. A. Orr, from May 1, 1901; Rev. F. L. Davis from November 29, 1902; Rev. B. C. Nicholson, from November 15, 1903; Rev. S. M. Smith, from October 1, 1908. Since the ministry of Mr. Smith the church has been served by : Rev. C. F. Martin, Rev. J. F. Ainsworth and the present pastor, Rev. Grover C. Schurman. The real activity of this church and its place among the other congregations begins with the ministry of Mr. Nichol- son. The congregation having lost its church building by fire, he, with untiring zeal and energy started plans and inaugurated the work of erecting a new edifice, which resulted in the present beautiful and commodious building, one of the finest in southwest Minnesota. Work on the new building was commenced in the early part of 1906 and it was completed for dedication on January 27, 1907. Oliver W. Stewart of Chicago preached the dedication sermon. The total cost of the building was $25,000. It is located diagonally northwest of the county courthouse, and across the street from the Methodist Episcopal church. It is built of gray cement blocks, with oak finished pews and white enamel walls. The auditorium proper will seat eight hundred people; and there is a modern Sunday-school plant in the basement that is not sur- passed by anything in the state outside of the twin-cities and Duluth. Grover C. Schurman, the present pastor, with his wife, was educated at Drake University of Des Moines, Iowa, he in the theological course and she in music. They have been here since June 1, 1914, coming from the University Place church of Minne- apolis, Minn.
The Christian Church of New Avon Township was recently organized. It is under the charge of, and was organized by Rev. Grover C. Schurman, pastor of the Christian church at Redwood Falls. The congregation occupies the building erected as a Union church many years ago, and for some time abandoned.
Congregational.
Redwood county contains three Congregational churches- one at Walnut Grove, another at Belview and the third at Lam- berton.
Seventh Day Adventist.
The only Adventist church in Redwood county is located in Brookville.
Brookville Church of the Seventh Day Adventist denomina- tion, is located in the town site of Wayhurne, two and a half miles south of Morgan. The founders of this church were originally
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members of the Golden Gate church, but about 35 years ago it was thought best to divide and the people living in Brookville town- ship formed what was, and is known as the Brookville church. Between 35 and 40 years ago the Golden Gate church joined with the Baptists and Lutherans and erected a church in Brown county, where they met. Later, in 1888, the Brookville church joined the Baptists and Lutherans and built a union church in Brookville township. The first services of this church, however, were held in the homes of the members, in schoolhouses and in other churches, and were presided over by an elder, or leader, as is largely the case at present, with occasional visits from a regular pastor. In those early days the services were conducted in Dan- ish, but now the English language is used almost exclusively. In 1902 the present church edifice was erected in Wayburne. After its erection, however, the water became so high that it could not be used, and it is now the intention to move it to a dryer and more convenient location. The congregation numbers 22 per- sons, most of all of whom are of Danish descent. In connection with the church there is a Sabbath school, Tract and Mission soci- ety and Missionary Volunteer society. Pending the removal of the church, services are held in the residences of some of the mem- bers. Among the pioneer members of this church were Jens Mor- tenson, Soren Peterson, Christopher Johnson, H. E. Hanson, Louis Johnson, J. H. Johnson, H. P. Nelson, Jens Johnson, Peter Chris- tensen, H. N. Hanson, Hans Danielson and J. C. Larson. Most of the old members are dead or moved away, only a few being left. Nearly all were poor in this world's goods but rich in grace. With their oxen and lumber wagon, or sleigh, they would drive many miles to meeting, which began at eleven o'clock, after which there was Sabbath school, then five minutes recess, then Bible reading for two hours, and afterwards lunch and the drive home. Among those who served as elders were Jens Mortenson, Christopher Johnson, J. H. Gardner and Peter H. Christensen, Mr. Gardner serving many years as elder, treasurer and clerk. After the Brookfield church was organized it grew until it had reached a strength of thirty-six members, there being often fifty or more. present in the Sabbath school. Later the membership dimin- ished owing to removals, those who went away, however, helping to spread the faith in other localities. One from Golden Gate church has been a missionary in southeastern Africa for over twenty years. A member of the Brookville church is president of the Wisconsin conference and his son is also studying for the ministry, and so the influence of these pioneers widens, the final results being in the hands of God.
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Brethren.
This denomination has one church in the county, which is lo- cated in Vesta.
References. "A Canvass of Religious Life and Work in Red- wood County," 1914, made by L. F. Badger, on behalf of the Man- kato Presbytery and Redwood County Sunday Schools' Associa- tion, with the co-operation of the Presbyterian Department of Church and Country Life, Board of Home Missions of the Presby- terian Church in the U. S. A., 156 Fifth avenue, New York.
Record books in the custody of the pastors of the various churches.
Authorities. Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal), Redwood Falls; The Scenic City Souvenir, March, 1910; Souvenir Issue, Redwood Falls Sun, Oct. 22, 1915. Christian church, Red- wood Falls; The Scenic City Souvenir, March, 1910; Souvenir Issue of Redwood Falls Sun, Oct. 22, 1915. First Presbyterian church, Redwood Falls; Souvenir of Redwood Falls, November, 1900; History of the Minnesota Valley, 1882; Rev. B. P. Holt, B. D., Redwood Falls. Presbyterian church, Seaforth; Rev. Geo. Bollinger, Seaforth. St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran church, Red- wood Falls; Rev. A. Schaller. Milroy Methodist church; Rev. W. A. Mulder. First M. E. church, Redwood Falls; Rev. N. deM. Darrell; Souvenir History of the Minnesota Valley; Souvenir Is- sue Redwood Falls Sun, Oct. 22, 1915. Seventh Day Adventist church, Brookville; Mrs. H. P. Mortenson. Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church, Willow Lake; Rev. H. L. W. Schuetz. Evangelical Lutheran St. John, Vesta ; Rev. P. R. Gedicke. Evangelical Luth- eran church, Wanda; Ohio Synod; Rev. Th. Tychsen. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church, Redwood Falls; Rev. A. Schaller. German Methodist church, Johnsonville; Rev. William B. Oem- mils. Danish Evangelical Lutheran church, Brookville; Rev. H. M. Hansen. Bethany Danish Lutheran church, Gilfillan; Rev. H. M. Hansen. St. John's Lutheran church, Sheridan township; Rev. J. X. Lenz. Lutheran church of Seaforth; Rev. J. X. Lenz. Bethany Lutheran church, Wabassa; Rev. J. X. Lenz. Immanuel Lutheran church, Belview; Rev. Emil E. T. Anderson. Sundown Scandinavian Lutheran church; Rev. L. J. Floren. Rock Dell Lutheran church; C. Knutson. Christian church, Redwood Falls; Scenic City Souvenir, March, 1910; Souvenir Issue, Redwood Falls Sun, Oct. 22, 1915. Pilgrim church, Evangelical Association, Wa- basso; Rev. A. A. Schendel. Salem church, Evangelical Associa- tion, New Avon; Rev. A. A. Schendel. Church of St. Catherine (Roman Catholic), Redwood Falls; Rev. J. J. Tomek. St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Seaforth ; Rev. Fr. Roemer. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, Clements; Rev. John Schulte.
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HISTORY OF REDWOOD COUNTY
CHAPTER XXIX.
BUTTER AND CHEESE MAKING.
Being strictly an agricultural region, it is natural that Red- wood county should number dairying among its most important industries. The pioneers kept a cow or two to supply the family table with milk and butter. The milk not used for drinking and cooking was placed in an earthenware crock or wooden bucket, until the cream rose, after which the cream was skimmed, and when a sufficient quantity, more or less soured was secured, was placed in an earthernware crock or wooden bucket, and stirred with a wooden paddle until the butter was formed. The butter was then salted, and sometimes colored, after which it was ready for household use, or to be traded at the stores for groceries and drygoods.
The estimates of the state statistician are available from 1869 to 1898. The statistics of 1869 and 1870 are of but little value for Redwood county comparisons, as the county then stretched far to the westward. In 1869 there were 4,925 pounds of butter made in Redwood county homes, and in 1870, the number of pounds made was 18,352.
In 1871, with 76 cows, the people of the county produced 9,678 pounds of butter and 765 pounds of cheese.
The number of cows increased rapidly until 1878, when 2,104 were reported. In 1879 this dropped to 2,061, and then increased to 8,918 in 1898.
The production of butter in homes increased rapidly until 1877, when the pounds of butter produced was 159,505, while the cheese production was 1,719, and the number of cows was 1,787.
In 1878 the production of butter dropped to 127,124 pounds, with a cheese production of 5,050, and cows numbered at 2,104. There was then an increase to 1885, when some 324,958 pounds of butter were made in Redwood county homes, there being that year 3,866 cows in the county, and the cheese production being 11,005.
In 1890, the butter production was 287,640, creameries having by that time been established. That year there were 5,228 cows and the cheese production was 6,298. The statistics of 1898 show an increase in butter production to 860,077 pounds, while the cows numbered 8,918, and the cheese production was but 625 pounds.
The year 1878 was a big year for the production of cheese, the production that year being 5,050 pounds. The cows that year numbered 2,104, and the butter production was 127,124. There was then a decline in cheese making until the early eighties. The
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high tide of cheese making was reached in the middle eighties. In 1885, no less than 11,005 pounds of cheese were made in Red- wood county. That year 324,958 pounds of butter were made. The cows numbered 3,866. There was a gradual decline in the industry in the late eighties and early nineties, and though about that time a cheese factory was established, it was not long main- tained and cheese making in the homes declined until in 1898 only 625 pounds were made
Government reports on the dairy industry of Redwood county are available for the census years of 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900 and 1910. As already stated, in 1870, the county extended far be- yond its present boundaries, and the figures for that year are of but little value for comparisons. It will be noted, too, that there is a decided difference between the figures of the census returns and the figures of the state statistician.
In 1870, there were 90 cows reported. The amount of butter manufactured was 5,275 pounds, and the amount of cheese, 2,900 pounds.
In 1880, there were 2,575 cows reported. About 405 pounds of milk was sold or sent to factories. The butter made on home farms amounted to 191,498 pounds, and the cheese made on home farms amounted to 3,820 pounds.
The census of 1890 showed 8,314 cows. The milk produced amounted to 2,535,603 pounds. The butter made amounted to 480,410 pounds, and the cheese made to 13,225 pounds.
In 1900 there were 2,054 farms reporting dairy products. The value of dairy products in the county was $217,618. The value of dairy products consumed on farms was $71,299. There were 4,417,896 gallons of milk produced and 1,526,687 gallons sold.
The gallons of cream sold amounted to 1,830. There were 638,477 pounds of butter made, and 380,960 pounds sold. There were 2,392 pounds of cheese made and 2,091 pounds sold.
The latest census figures available are those of 1910. There were 15,141 cows on farms reporting dairy products in Redwood county. There were 9,433 cows on farms reporting on milk produced. The milk produced on farms reporting was 3,062,169 gallons, of which 215,264 gallons were sold. The cream sold amounted to 54,562 pounds, and the butterfat sold amounted to 705,822. There were 415,143 pounds of butter produced, and 169,876 pounds sold. The value of dairy products excluding the home use of milk and cream was 343,067 and the receipts from dairy products sold was $282,798.
It will be seen that the early butter making in the county was confined to the home. In 1882, there was still much wild land, the county was just recovering from the ravages of the grasshop- pers, the tide of immigration was toward the Dakotas where land could be homesteaded. The central part of Redwood county was
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still but thinly settled, and as land had to be purchased there, few settlers were coming in. There was still considerable specu- lation as to the future of the county. In that year, Col. MeGlincy, of Elgin, Ill., after speaking at the Redwood County Fair, said to a reporter of the St. Paul Pioneer Press:
"From my observation I find the county to be admirably adapted to dairy and stock purposes, possessing soil, water and grasses equal to any in the state. The record obtained at the State fair by this county for its display of grains and vegetables, for which it received the second premium, is an evidence of the productiveness of the soil and the enterprise of its farmer citi- zens. The county possesses natural drainage, surpassed by none and equalled by few, and being abundantly supplied with run- ning water, it is pre-eminently adapted to this branch of hus- bandry. Its railroad facilities will enable the creamery man to get his products into market in excellent condition. With these and many other advantages which might be enumerated, it is surprising that some energetic creamery man has not located at Redwood Falls, where this business can be successfully prose- cuted, and where it will be stimulated by the enterprising citizens of the town and vicinity. All that is necessary to make this busi- ness boom in Redwood county is immigration which will not be long wanting when the natural advantages of the county are made known abroad."
In 1887, two creameries were located in Redwood county, one at Lamberton, called the Hackley and Immil creamery, and the other at Redwood Falls, owned by A. P. Mckinstry. At this time the crops in Redwood county were good; the creamery industry was new and the production was not large, yet, that which was produced was very good.
In 1889, there were three good sized creameries in Redwood county, one at Redwood Falls, under the name of the Redwood Creamery Co .; the second at Lamberton, called the Lamberton Creamery Co .; the third at Walnut Grove, called the Walnut Grove Creamery Co. As yet, there were no cheese factories reported in operation in Redwood county, although the cream- eries were showing good reports. Finally in 1891, a cheese fac- tory was established at Redwood Falls by Charles Fleisher.
In 1898 there were fifteen creameries in Redwood county, all of the organizations were co-operative, and the creamery at Red- wood Falls had 114 patrons; at Revere, 76 patrons; at Lamberton, 50 patrons; at Morgan, 70 patrons; at Sanborn, 60 patrons; at Sundown, 173 patrons; at Westline, 33 patrons; at Logan, 41 patrons; at Bellview, 50 patrons; at Springfield, 82 patrons; at New Avon, 63 patrons; at Bellview 52 patrons; at Johnsonville (postoffice Logan), 29 patrons; at Granite Rock (postoffice Rock), 30 patrons; at Walnut Grove, 40 patrons.
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In 1901, there were twenty creameries in Redwood county, which placed Redwood among the seven counties having the larg- est number of creameries. Seventeen of the twenty creameries were co-operative and three were independent. There were 1,123 patrons which was equal comparatively to the best creamery counties. Over one million one hundred thousand pounds of but- ter were produced at a running expense of $4,862.27. The names and postoffices of the creameries were as follows: Delhi, Delhi; S. & W. Creamery Company, Sundown; Logan, Logan; Lamber- ton, Lamberton ; New Avon, New Avon; Redwood Falls, Redwood Falls ; Rock Rock ; Sanborn, Sanborn ; Belleview, Belleview; Sheri- dan, Seaforth; Revere, Revere; Walnut Grove, Walnut Grove; Waterbury, Lamberton; Underwood, Ashford; Morgan, Morgan; Vesta, Vesta; Wanda, Wanda; Brookville, Evan; Three Lakes, Morgan; North Redwood, North Redwood.
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