USA > Mississippi > History of the upper Mississippi Valley, pt 1 > Part 52
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In 1857, the county was divided into three election precinets, but soon after the organization of the State Government, the Governor appointed John G. Jameson, Joseph Brown, and Joshua Briggs, to divide the county into townships. This
commission met at the house of Joseph Brown, in Big Lake, on the 13th of September, 1858, and after electing F. E. Baldwin, Clerk, proceeded to divide the county ns follows: Elk River, con- sisting of the present towns of Elk River and Livonia, being nearly sixteen miles long on the east line, and six miles wide. Big Lake, contain- ing all of the territory now embraced in Big Lake and Orrock, and all of that part of Becker lying east of the line between ranges twenty- eiglit and twenty-nine. Clear Lake, embracing all that town's present territory and all that part of Becker lying west of the line between ranges twenty-eight and twenty-nine. Briggs, contain- ing all the territory now embraced within the limits of Palmer and Haven. And Baldwin, con- sisting of the present towns of Baldwin, Blue Hill, and Santiago.
The first road petition was presented by John M. Thompson, of Big Lake, but rejected on ac- count of some informality, but at the next Commis- sioners' meeting, two petitions were presented and allowed.
'The first meeting of the County Commissioners in Elk River, was held in the house of Jolm Q. A. Nickerson, on the 10th of March, 1867. The mem- bers of the Board at that time were, H. Houlton, Chairman, Andrew Boyington and Orlando Bailey. William Tubbs, now of Wright county, was Reg- ister of Deeds.
Under existing laws, at the time of the organi- zation of this county, the Register of Deeds was Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and in many respects acted in the same capacity that the Auditor now does. F. E. Baldwin, now a prom- inent resident of Clear Lake township, suceceded H. T. Putnam as Register of Deeds, taking his seat on the 5th of January, 1857. He resigned in February, 1859, and was succeeded by John E. Putnam, and he, in 1863, by R. F. Barton. In 1867, William Tubbs was elected to the office, and in 1869, was suceceded by Jolm O. Haven, now of Big Lake township. Mr. Haven was the first to assume the duties of County Anditor as now per- formed, and the office of Register of Deeds was transferred to another official. He resigned in Jan- uary, 1872, and was superseded by P. A. Sinclair, who also resigned, in March, 1876, giving place to H. M. Atkins, who was sneeceded by J. W. Glassford, the present ineumbent.
William B. Mabie succeeded Mr. Tubbs as Reg- ister of Deeds, and was followed by Henry Castle,
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IIISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
the present official, who is also Clerk of the Court.
The County Treasurers have been, Eli Hough- ton, T. S. Nickerson, Row. Brasie, und J. Q. A. Nickerson, who is now in office.
The names of all the Sheriff's cannot be obtained, but after some difficulty, we are cnahled to give the following partial list: Orlando Bailey, F. M. Hopkins, J. A. Fuller, E. H. Davis, and the pres- ont official, G. B. Upham.
The first term of District Court hold within the eounty, was at Big Lake, in December, 1862. Hon. C. E. Vanderburg, of Minneapolis, presided, and J. E. Putnam was Clerk. Mr. Putnam was suc- ceeded by J. M. Snow, John O. Haven, William B. Mabie, and Henry Castle, who now fills the position. ·
The St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad enters the county at the southeast corner, in Elk' River township, and runs in a northwesterly direc- tion, nearly parallel with the Mississippi river. The first regular trains commenced running in 1867. The stations in the county are, Elk River, Big Lake, Becker, and Clear Lake.
ELK RIVER.
CHARTER LXV
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-EARLY SETTLEMENT-FIRST MILLS-ORONO -ELK RIVER VILLAGE -FERRIES -MANUFACTURING- SCHOOLS-CHURCHES -SO- CIETIES-AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS-BIOGRAPH- ICAL.
Elk River village and township are so closely linked in history, that it has been found impracti- cable to present them otherwise than in the same chapter.
The township, in which the village is included, is situated in the extreme sontheast corner of the county, and contains 27,500 aeres, of which 1,830 are under cultivation. The population, according to the last census, was, in the village, 648, and in the township, 247.
The surface is generally undulating, with some level prairie in the sontheast. Along the Missis- sippi river, and extending back abont a mile, the surface is quite level, and somewhat marshy in places, except near the junction of the Elk and Mississippi rivers, where some sharp bluff's appear.
The soil is a sandy loam with a clay subsoil, cx- cepting the northern part of the town, which is hilly, and has a light, sandy soil, chiefly udapted to grazing purposes. Trott and Tibbett's brooks cross the township, and form some good hay meadows.
Elk River township prodneed, according to the agricultural report of 1880: wheat, 13,030 bushels; oats, 4,836 bushels; corn, 9,295 bushels; rye, 1,096 bushels; buckwheat, 1,234 bushels; potatoes, 4,029 . bushels; beans, 72 bushels; sugar cane, 1,915 gal- lons; cultivated hay, 84 tons; wild hay, 1,161 tons; apples, 41 bushels; wool, 723 pounds; but- ter, 13,581 pounds; cheese, 1,700 pannds; and honey 230 pounds.
Elk River furnishes no exception to the general rule in this part of the State, in having its first habitation erected for the purpose of an Indian trading post.
In 1848, the well known French trader and guide, Pierre Bottineau, built a trading post on an elevation between what is now ealled Orono, or Upper Town, and Elk River, a short distance from the former village. An excavation marks the spot where this pioneer edifice stood, serving the pur- pose for which it was erected for many years. In 1850, Mr. Bottinean built the Elk River House, a small tavern with limited conveniences, but since much enlarged and improved by the present pro- prietor, John Q. A. Nickerson.
The first substantial improvements made in the town was by Silas Lane, who opened a farm on section thirty-thrce, in 1850, and tlms formed the nucleus for what was afterwards known as the vil- lage of Orono.
This claim was located on Elk river, and in- (Inded the water-power, which seems to have been the principal attraction, as this is, by far, the most practical mill site in the county. In 1851, Ard Godfrey and John G. Jameson bonght Mr. Lane's claim and water-power, and built a dam and saw mill the same year. They also erected a grist mill the year following. Godfrey and Jameson conducted the milling business to- gether until 1855, when the property was divided, Godfrey receiving the mills and water-power, and Jameson the farm. These mills subsequently passed into the hands of George C. Albee and James B. Mills. Mr. Albee died, and his widow succeeded to the partnership, but the whole property was eventually purchased by the present proprietors, E. P. Mills and W. H. Honlton, who have recon-
-
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ELK RIVER.
structed both mills, and fitted them up with all the modern improvements.
The village of Orono was surveyed and platted in May, 1855, and was the principal town in the county for a number of years. It was the county seat for a time, but since its removal to Lower Town, or Elk River, the center of population has been attracted towards the latter place. The first general store in the eounty, aside from the trading post already mentioned, was opened by Alfred Godfrey, in 1851, it was sitnated about ten rods east of the grist mill at Orono. The second store was by P. C. Hawes, in 1856, also at Orono.
The second farm in the county was opened by Charles M. Donelly, on seetion thirty-two, in 1850, and the same summer L. B. Culver and Richard Davis opened farms on section thirty-one.
ELK RIVER VILLAGE .- This village was first platted in 1865, and re-platted in 1868, but not incorporated until the winter of 1880-81. The towns of Orono and Elk River were both embraced in the corporate limits, as well as Houlton's and Thomas's additions; the former was platted in June, 1874, and the latter in October, 1875.
The present offieers of the village are: Presi- dent, C. S. Wheaton; Secretary, T. J. Struble; Treasurer, Frank Luis; and Councilmen, N. K. Whittemore, H. P. Burrell, and L. R. Pollard.
FERRIES .- The first ferry across the Mississippi river at this point was established by John Mc- Donald, at Orono, in the summer of 1856. It was soon abandoned, and Thomas Nickerson eon- structed a ferry near the same place the following year, but it was also discontinued soon after. In 1856, P. O. Hawes obtained a lieense from the County Commissioners to run a ferry abont one half milo above the mouth of Elk river, and at a subsequent meeting of the Commissioners, a li- cense was granted to Joseph Brown for ten years, to maintain a ferry at the foot of the road leading from Big Lake to the river, opposite the town of Lower Monticello. About 1867, Horatio Houlton established the ferry at Elk River, which has reud- ered invaluable service to the publie ever since ..
MILLS.
MILLS & HOULTON'S LUMBER MILL .- As before stated, this mill was first built at Upper Town by Ard Godfrey and Johm G. Jameson, in 1851. It was at primitive affair, and contained but one sash-saw, capable of sawing about three thousand feet in a day. In 1875, it was reconstructed by the pres-
ent proprietors, and now contains a double cireular, edger, trimmer, lath and shingle machines, and other necessary machinery, with a daily capacity of twenty thousand feet.
H. HOULTON'S LUMBER MILL .- The first mill erected at Lower Town was in 1868, by H. Houlton, W. H. Houlton,and Thomas S. Niekerson. This mill, though small, filled an important place in the lumber interests of Elk River until its de- struction by fire in 1873. The present mill was soon after erected, by the proprietors of the old mill, but subsequently passed into the hands of H. Houlton, the present owner. It contains one double circular, edger, trimmer, lath and shingle machines, and other nceessary machinery, driven by a forty horse-power engine. The daily capae- ity is twenty-five thousand feet of lumber, thirty thousand shingles, and twenty thousand laths.
PLANING MILL .- In 1873, Thomas S. and W. C. Nickerson erected a planing mill. It contains all the machinery necessary to a first elass mill of its kind, and is propelled hy a thirty horse-power engine.
MILLS & HOULTON'S FLOURING MILL .-- This mill is located at Upper Town, and on its site was erected the pioneer flouring mill of Sherburne county, as previously mentioned, by Godfrey and Jameson, in 1852. It had two run of stones, and its machinery rendered possible the manufacture of an inferior grade of flour. It was improved from time to time but finally destroyed by fire in 1868. The present mill was built soon afterwards, and has recently been fitted up with many mod- ern improvements, rendered necessary by the rapid strides towards perfcetion, now being made in the manufacture of flour. It contains five sets each, of corrugated and smooth rolls, five run of stones six middlings purifiers, and all the machinery nee- essary to a first class mill. Its capacity is two Inındred barrels in twenty-four hours.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Sherburne county was held at Upper Town in 1854, by a Mrs. Bean. The first school house was built in 1857, at the same place, and the present building erected in 1876. Lower Town was included in a separate district in 1867, and a school house built the following year. It was a small frame building, but in 1878, was enlarged by the addition of a brick front, this providing three school rooms instead of one. This district employs three teachers, and enrolls one hundred and five scholars.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
These schools are conducted on the plan of vil- lage schools, and are a credit to Elk River. There is also a district school in the southeast corner of the township.
RELIGIOUS.
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- In 1856, Rev. J. S. Chamberlin, while traveling over this section of country, preaching to the scattered members of the Episcopal Church, visited Orono and obtained the privilege of preaching in the rear room of P. (). Hawes' store. This was perhaps the first relig- ions service held in the village. After preaching a few times he made an effort to build a house of worship, offering to obtain a portion of the money from the Church Extension Society, if the people would secure the balance. A subscription was cir- culated, The Inuds scenred, and a neat elmirch built in the western part of Orono. After the house had been dedicated, the church was organized by the election of the following Vestrymen: . Orlando Bailey, P. O. Hawes, Henry Jameson, and Jolm Foster. The membership did not exceed eight families. In 1878, this church was moved to a new location, and now stands near the center of the corporation of Elk River.
The present officers are: Senior Warden, A. Dare: Junior Warden, J. B. Upham; and Vestry- men, J. F. Baltzell, J. A. Baltzell, A. A. Dare, Frederick Heebner, W. H. Woodcock, and Henry Galley. There is also a Sunday School, consist- ing of about thirty-five scholars and six teachers; Henry Heebner is the Superintendent.
The UNITED CHRISTIAN SOCIETY OF ELK RIVER. -- This is the ontgrowth of a Union Sunday School, which was, perhaps, the first religious effort made in Lower Town, commencing abont 1866. Con- temporary with this, another Uniou School was held in Upper Town, and in 1872, the two were united, and the school held in the school-house at Lower Town. Soon after this union had been effected, those most interested in religions things organized a society for the purpose of sustaining public worship and the preaching of the gospel. This movement soon led to an effort for the forma- tion of a more permanent religions organization, and a meeting was held, the result of which we copy from the clerk's mimites:
"A meeting of the society, worshiping in the "school-house hall at Elk River having been "called according to law for the organization of a "society and the election of truslecs; a goodly "number being present at the time and place ap-
"pointed. Thomas Nickerson was chosen to pre- "side and count the votes. When the Society was "permanently organized, and had adopted the "name of "The United Christian Society of Elk "River," the following trustees were elected: "Thomas S. Nickerson, W. H. Houlton, Emmet "Sinclair, E. P. Mills, W. B. Mabie, H. P. Bur- "rell, L. Hancock, and C. M. Earl. Done on the "20thi of April, 1872. Trustees organized by the "the election of W. H. Houlton, Clerk and Treas- "urer." Since this organization, the Society has held regular annual meetings, electing the neces- sary officers from time to time, and also sustaining regular religious services. The first minister was Rev. J. S. Staples, who preached regularly prior to the organization of the society, aided in the organization, and was its pastor for two years afterwards. Rev. J. G. Spencer preached regn- larly for six months in 1875, and Rev. J. F. Guyton for the same length of time the following year. The pulpit was supplied during the inter- vals, by clergymen employed by the board of trustees. In 1878, Rev. William M. Jenkins be- came Pastor, and still remains.
Although regular religions services were held on the Sabbath, yet, some felt the necessity of organizing a church within the Society, to co- operate with it in the accomplishment of religious work. After consideration and conference, a church was organized on the 7th of February, 1875, and called " The United Christian Church of Elk River," with twenty-seven members. Its first officers were: Deacons, J. H. Mills and Thomas S. Nickerson; and Clerk, W. H. Houlton. The Pastor and Deacons constilute the prudential committee. The Deacons first elceted have con- tinued in office to the present time. The church adopts for its standard, the scriptures as a guido in faith, life, and works. The Society and Church have continued to act in harmony since the organ- ization of the latter. The Church, although com- posed of members of different churches, with varied Christian culture, has demonstrated the possibility of an inter-church organization grow- ing in Christian harmony, the effective results of " brethren dwelling together in unity." The Sun- day school has been made eminently successful by the co-operation of these organizations.
At first, the Society held services in the school- house, then in The Court-house, for three years. In the mean time, funds were being collected for the erection of a house of worship. In the spring
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
of 1881, the foundation of a church was laid, which, when furnished, will cost at least $5,000. The building is 38x56 feet, with a wing 25x25 feet; it is neat and substantial, and a credit to the Society.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,-This church was organized in 1875, with about twenty mem- bers, and a house of worship erected at a cost of $1,700. After holding services for about two years, the meetings were discontinued, and have not sinee been revived.
FREE BAPTIST CHURCH-The Missionary Society of the Baptist Church began to sustain regular services here about 1879, or '80, and in May, 1881, a church organization was effected, consisting of about twenty members. The unused Methodist Church was rented for a time, but soon after the perfection of the Church organization, under the management of Rev. M. H. Tarbox, the building was purchased, and is now owned by the organi- zation.
TEMPERANCE MURPHY CLUB .- On the 30th of August, 1877, a temperance organization was ef- fected, which held its regular meetings in the Methodist Church until the following April, when it was discontinued. In November, 1878, it was rcorganized ax a Reform Club, and the meetings held in the Court-House Hall. The membership, at the date of reorganization, was abont two Inin- dred, and the officers were: President, J. W. Glass- ford; First Vice President, W. T. Struble; Second Vice President, A. S. Merrifield; Third Viee Pres- ident, J. S. Staples; Sceretary, Miss Carrie M. Thompson : Treasurer, Mrs. A. S. Merrifield; and Chaplain, Rev. William M. Jenkins. On the 5th of December following, the name was changed to the " Temperance Murphy Club." Its object was to close snloons, and prevent the sale of intoxicat- ing liquors, which, so far as Elk River is con- cerned, has been accomplished. There were two saloons at the time of organization, and now none exist. The Club dircets the services on Sabbath evenings, in co-operation with the United Christ- ian Church, securing its' speakers through a com- mittee of its own appointment. The present officers are: President, J. W. Glassford; Vice Pres- ident, E. P. Mills; Secretary, J. S. Mills; Treas- urer, Mrs. M. F. Chadbourne; and Chaplain, Rev. William M. Jenkins. The present membership is about five hundred.
MASONIC. Sherburne Lodge, No. 5, A. F. and A. M., was chartered by the Grand Lodge, ou the
9thi of January, 1872. The officers to whom the dispensation was granted, were: W. M., Luther E. Preston; S. W., William M. Cleeland; and J. W., William H. Houlton. The officers, to whom the charter was granted, were: W. M., L. E. Preston; S. W., William M. Cleeland; J. W., William H. Houlton; Treas., J. Q. A. Niekerson; See., F. A. Heebner; S. D., L. Holgate; J. D., Samuel Calson; and Tyler, H. P. Burrell. The present officers are: W. M., William B. Mabie; S. W., J. Featherston; J. W., B. F. Mabie; Treas., J. Q. A. Nickerson; Sec., W. F. Chadbourne; S. D., L. Holgate: J. D., M. L. Brand; and Tyler, L. Pollard.
BIOGRAPIIICAL.
HOWARD M. ATKINS, County Attorney of Sher- burne county, was born at New Sharon, Franklin county, Maine, on the 11th of May, 1838. His boyhood was spent in his native State, until his nineteenth year, when he set out for the West, arriving at Princeton, Mille Lacs county, on the 5th of November, 1856. The young man took a claim and spent one year in its improvement, when he returned to Maine, taught school that winter, and came again to his claim in the spring of 1858. Was engaged in farming and dealing in real estate until October, 1859, when he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, studied law and taught school until May, 1862, when he returned again to Princeton, and was admitted to the bar in June of that year. He then practiced law and dealt in real estate until the fall of 1873, during which time, he held the several offices of township Supervisor, County Attorney, and Judge of Pre- bate. Then opened an office at St. Cloud, where he remained three years, and while there, held the office of City Justice, and was acting County At- torney for Sherburne county during the whole time. In April, 1876, he removed to Elk River, and for the next three years, was Auditor of Sher- Irne county, and was elected to his present posi- tion in the fall of 1880. Mr. Atkins was married in March, 1862, to Miss Virginia Sinclair. Their children are, Sinclair E., Malcolm E., Amy, Ma- rian, Blanche, and Howard M.
MINOR L. BRAND is a native of Plattsburg, St. Lawrence county, New York, and was born on the 6th of December, 1849. When abont sixteen years old, his parents came to Minnesota and set- tled at Elysian, Le Sueur county, but very soon after, Minor went to Wells and remained two years, learning the harness maker's trade. Then
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
resided in Minneapolis nntil 1877, when he went to Osseo and remained one year, coming thence to Elk River in the fall of 1878, and opening a har- ness shop, in which he has since done a successful Isiness. Mr. Brand's wife was Miss Hannah M. Wheeler, the marriage taking place on the 3d of July, 1878.
JOSEPH F. BALTZELL was born in Ohio, in the year 1823. Came to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1853, and resided there, with the exception of three years in Wabasha county, until coming to Elk River in the spring of 1866. Mr. Baltzell deals in furniture, and keeps a full supply of everything in his line. He was married in 1846, to Miss Rachel Lucas, of Ohio. Their children are, Joseph, Laura, Ella, Mary, and Fannie.
GEORGE CROCKER is a native of Nova Scotia, born in the year 1832. In 1861, he came to Wis- consin and after a stay of one year in that State, came to Elk River. During the Sionx war, he served eighteen months in defense of the frontier. Returned to Elk River, and has since been engaged in blacksmithing; his shop is located in Upper Town. Mr. Crocker was married on the 16th of August, 1865, to Miss Phebe Ingersol, of Maine. Their children are, Luca E., Louisa, Josephine, and George L.
ADELBERT COPELAND is a son of Samuel Cope- land, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Anoka, Minnesota, in 1856, but is now a resident of Isanti county. Adelbert was born in New York State, on the 3d of May, 1849, came with his par- ents to Minnesota, and resided in Anoka eounty until twenty years of age. Came to Elk River in 1877, and has been employed at lumbering most of the time since. He was married on the 17th of April, 1873, to Miss Lilian Pond. Their child- You are, Edith A., and Fuggono.
HENRY CAMPBELL, was born at Greenbush, Maine, on the 6th of September, 1844. Came west in 1868, was engaged in teaming in Minneapolis, one year and a half, after which he engaged in the grocery business. In 1873, he went to Prince- ton, Mille Lacs county, opened a stage route be- tween there and Elk River, and soon after, re- moved to the latter place, where he has since resided. This enterprise was started was started in company with J. W. Libby, of this place, and the partnership still continues; they also carry on a livery stable in Elk River. Mr. Campbell was station agent here until 1875, and has been ex- press agent since December, 1873. He was mar-
ried on the 25th of May, 1876, to Helen A. Smith, of Minneapolis. They have one son named Charles L.
JAMES COSTELLO was born in Kerry county, Ireland, on the 15th of December, 1818. Came to America when a young man, and settled in Ohio, Int removed to Minnesota in October, 1854. Resided in St. Paul ten years, and came to Elk River in October, 1864. Mr. Costello was married on the 26th of December, 1846, to Miss Mary Mulcare. Their family consists of four sons and five daughters, John, Patrick, James, Martin, Mag- gie, Ellen, Mary, Annie, and Gussic.
NATHANIEL CROCKETT, whose birthplace is Dex- ter, Maine, was born the 24th of May, 1831. Was reared to farming pursuits, and came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1855. He was deal- ing in carriages and horses for two years, then for eight years, was in the grocery and provision business. Then went to Osseo, opened a general store and was also engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to Elk River, and has since been engaged in mercantile business and farming. Mr. Crockett was married on the 18th of March, 1862, to Miss Clarissa D. Stowell, of New Hampshire. Their children are, Frank, Albert, Silas M., Wil- liam, Clara S., Nellie E., Jennie, and Leon L.
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