USA > Mississippi > History of the upper Mississippi Valley, pt 2 > Part 37
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The principal lakes are, Fountain, in the west- ern part, reaching into the town of Woodland, Ce- dar, in the central part, and Rice, in the south- eastern part, extending a short distance into Carver county.
The first two permanent settlers were James P. Lyle and James Patten, who came here in 1855. They came by the newly opened road to the now defunet eity of Greenwood, from which point they followed the river to where they selected elims, which, when surveyed, located Mr. Lyle on see- tions eleven, twelve, and thirteen, and Mr. Patten on section one. Soon after, in July, they were joined by J. C. Ellis, who settled on sections eleven and twelve, and S. Patten, who selected a home on section two. They were from Nova Scotia, as was
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FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
also David White, who came in December, 1855, and soon after took a claim on section fourteen, where he now lives, though during the winter of his arrival he lived with Mr. Lyle, who had built a comfortable, though not massive claim shanty. About a year later Inther and V. Walter came from Maine, and selected claims, the former on sec- tion thirteen, and the latter on section two.
Other settlers followed soon after, and in later years, when the shriek of the locomotive awoke the echoes in the yet scarce broken forest, an in- flux of immigration followed which soon gave the town a large, as well as thrifty population. The first birth in the town was Annie Lyle, on the 20th of May, 1870.
Mr. White and J. C. Ellis built their elaim shanties together, one-half of the building situ- ated on each man's elaim, and in this company habitation the first school was taught about 1858, by Mr. Ellis, who was paid by subscription. A log schoolhouse was afterward built near the mill, in which Miss Stella Strickland taught the first term. In 1871, the present building was erected -a substantial two-story building in which two departments are maintained, though it is not a graded school. The school is now in charge of Mr. S. Muflley, who also taught in the winter of 1880-81.
The first religious exereises were held in the hotel then owned by J. F. Powers, an old and highly respected eitizen still a resident of the vil- lage of Delano. This was in 1869, and the preaeh- ing was soon followed by the organization of a Methodist society under the ministerial guidance of Rev. Mr. Cressey. In course of time the soci- ety secured the use of "Lucas Hall," which was used as a place of worship until the completion . of their church edifice, about 1873.
A Presbyterian Church was organized about the same time, the first meetings being held at the house of David White, the minister being Rev. J. H. Hunter. They afterwards met for worship in a building constructed by workmen on the railroad, and used by them for quarters while working, in this vicinity. Rev. J. Brick was pastor during this time. Later, they secured the privilege of Ticas Hall, and about 1870 or '71 their present house of worship was erected. Rev. Charles Thayer succeeded Mr. Brick about seven years ago.
A Catholic Church-a small log building reared by the united efforts of the early settlers-was built something over a mile west of the present
village, not later than 1862 or '63. Father Mag- nus is named as the first priest who celebrated mass here. In 1873, the society having made large accessions to its original numbers, the old log chapel was abandoned, and the one now standing in the village became their fane. A par- ish house was built in 1875, both this and the church being good framne buildings. The present membership of the church is about one hundred and fifty.
The German Lutheran Church was among the early organizations, and a small log building was their place of worship for many years, and until the erection of the neat frame structure completed in 1879. The old church was about four miles from the village, on the Waverly road; the new elmirch is in the village, where regular service has been held since its completion. The present pas- tor is Angust Lange, with whose services they have been favored nearly two years.
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church is represented here by a Mission established some time ago, meeting in private houses until recently, when the use of the Methodist church was ten- dered, through the christian courtesy of that soci- ety. Their meetings are yet somewhat irregular, having no local pastor. Rev. Angust Bryngelson has been in charge of this mission about one year. The organization of the society has not yet. been perfected.
VILLAGE HISTORY .- The location and subse- quent development of Delano is due to the build- ing of what is now the Breckenridge Division of the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba railroad, the completion of which to this point was the sig- nal for new and rapid developments in this local- ity. Most of the tract now embraced in the pres- ent village of Delano was included in the claim laid out by John C. Ellis in 1855, to which refer- ence has already been made. In 1868, Mr. Ellis sold about twenty acres to Messrs. Breed, Pate, and Atwater, and seventeen acres to Mr. Lyle, besides which he donated six aeres to the railroad com- pany for depot grounds. This ground was all platted, and not long after, the remaining portion of Mr. Ellis' original claim was purchased by W. B. Litchfield, and with the other tracts just men- tioned, constituted the village of Crow River in 1876, by the provisions of a bill approved Febru- ary 11th, 1876, which named W. H. Landes, George T. Mulford, and Miner Ball a special com- mittee to post notices for the first election, which
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
was held on the 19th of February immediately following, resulting in the election of the officers here named : President, George F. Walker; Trustees, Row Brasie, Jacob Kurtz, and Paul An- derson; Recorder, Fred. Brandes; Treasurer, G. P. Schaeffer; Justice, L. H. Rawson; and Constable, Swan Erick. An addition to the original tract was made in 1881, but has not yet been platted, and includes land owned by several different in- dividuals.
The first house built within the limits of the present corporation was that of James P. Lyle, which was also the first in the town. Another, the same year, was a small elaim shanty, which has since been removed. In the first, a small stock of goods was kept by William Wasson, about the time of the building of the railroad, which was the first store at this point. Soon after, a com- modions building was erected by Frank B. Hop- kins, in which he opened a general store, the first prominent business honse in the place. About this time Miner Ball erected the building now nsed as a Bank, in which a second general store was soon opened by Frank Nichols. In another build- ing then erected, Warren Ames opened a saloon.
The name of the village was changed to Delano at an carly period of its existence. A Post-office was established in 1869, the name being Crow River Station. The office was kept in the store of F. B. Hopkins, who was appointed Post- master. His successor was Frank Nichols, during whose term the name of the office was changed to Delano. It has since been kept by W. N. Lang- ford, C. B. Moody, and in February, 1880, Mrs. M. A. Chance was appointed Postmistress, which position she still retains.
In the early winter of 1868, Miner Ball moved one of the old Greenwood buildings to this place, which he fitted for a hotel, and in December of that year it was opened to the public, under the personal supervision and management of J. F. Powers. The original building was 18x26 feet, to which additions were made the following spring. In 1871, the present proprietor, James D. Young, assumed the duties of landlord, which he has since discharged in a manner highly creditable to him- self, and has, by extensive building and improve- ments, made it one of the finest hotels on this line of road.
A weekly newspaper, ealled the "Big Woods Citizen," was established by Daniel Fish and H. A. Ball, in March, 1872, and in August of that
year, several citizens of the place seenred an in- terest in it, making it a stoek enterprise. 'The name of the paper was changed to the " Wright Connty Eagle," the company title being " Eagle Publishing Company," with I. Gntzwiller, Jr., as President. Near the close of 1873, Frank Match- ett and Mr. Gutzwiller became sole proprietors, the former assuming editorial eharge, which he continued for some time, and in 1877, Mr. Gutz- willer, the present proprietor, assumed the editor- ial and business management, enlarging the paper in September, 1881, to an eight-column folio, and changing the name to " Delano Eagle."
A flonring mill, with two run of stones, was built in 1869, by Miner Ball and E. D. Barnett, the frame being raised on the 4th of July. The mill has several times changed hands, and is now owned by its original founder, the first named builder. A saw-mill was also built, adjoining the grist mill, the same power, steam, being employed in operating both mills. Two engines were in use, one of twenty-five, and one of forty-five horse- power.
A circular elevator, with storing eapacity of 32,000 bushels, was built in 1881, and is operated by an engine of fifteen horse-power. It was built by a company formed of citizens of the village, who now control it.
The Fire Department of Delano is thoroughly organized and equipped, and is justly the special pride of the village. It is composed of "Delano Hook and Ladder Company No. 1," and "Empire Engine and Hose Company No 1," each company maintaining a separate and independent organiza- tion, but under direction of a Chief and First Assistant, eleeted by the united vote of both com- panics.
The first practical steps leading to the organiza- tion of the pioneer company, was a meeting on the 1st of Angust, 1876, at the house of John Stefl'es, who took an active part in the organization. At this meeting an organization was effeeted, and the following officers eleeted: Foreman, John Steffes; First Assistant, William Fenkner; Seeond Assist- ant, William L. Van Eman; Clerk and Treasurer G. T. Mulford.
John . Morth, Ole O. Erwig, Daniel Fish, and Valentine Eppel constituted a standing Commit- tee, and E. Kurtz was chosen as Steward. It was strictly a Volunteer company, and its organiza- tion the outgrowth of the enterprise of its mem- bers, which was about twenty-five in number. A
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557
BIOGRAPHICAL.
truck was at once ordered, which was made in the village at a cost of eighty dollars, and on the 26th of October the company had its first parade.
Empire Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was organized May 10th, 1880, with a full list of ofli- cers, and articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State. The officers elected were: Foreman, H. H. Blum; First Assistant, A. J. Wil- lard; Second Assistant, Swan Erickson; Secretary, C. B. Moody; Treasurer, E. J. Swedback; Stew- ard, O. L. Billings. The Village Council ordered an cugine, which, on arrival, was not such as ordered, and was refused. Another was purchased, how- cver, and on the 22d of April, 1881, the company, now provided with the necessary outfit, met and held a new election, and were given charge of the equipage. The village afterward purchased the material of the other company, and now own all, and have built a cistern reservoir of six hundred barrels capacity, with others in prospect.
The secret socictics of Delano are as follows: .
Centennial Lodge No. 127, A. F. and A. M., was instituted February 19th, 1876, with the following officers: F. S. Swartz, W. M .; W. L. Van Eman, S. W .; George Mulford, J. W .; Miner Ball, Scc .; G. Roush, Treas .; J. Ball, S. D .; J. Sherry, J. D .; W. Lewis, S. S .; and P. Martin, Tyler.
An Odd Fellows lodge was organized in Jann- ary, 1881, with name and number of Delano Lodge No. 80, and with the following officers: A. Y. Eaton, N. G .; T. Kerr, V. G .; James P. Lyle, Treas .; -- Monroe, Sec .; and D. A. Freeman, P. G.
The Druids are represented by Washington Grove No. 9, organized in 1875, with about fifteen charter members, from whom the following oflieers were chosen: J. Morth, N. A .; George Walker, V. A .; George A. Hotlinan, D. A,; nud Henry Pars- low, Sec. A hall is now in process of construe- tion where all these lodges will hold their meetings.
Prominent among the business institutions of Delnno is the Wright County Bank, established in 1880, by Detmann & Roosen, who are doing an extensive business, and are about to establish themselves in new and elegant quarters.
According to the agrienltural report of 1880, there were 3,600 aeres under cultivation in Frank- lin, and the products of the township for the same year were: wheat, 44,271 bushels; oats, 26,411 bushels; corn, 21,064 bushels; barley, 2,585 bush- els; potatoes, 7,283 bushels; beans, 51 bushels; sugar cane, 2,983 gallous; cultivated Imy, 179 tons; wild hay, 1,978 tous; tobneco, 50 pounds; wool,
2,909 pounds; butter, 18,525 pounds; cheese, 130 pounds; and honey, 25 pounds.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
O. L. BILLINGS was born in Portland, Maine, on the 5th of Jannary, 1849. When a child, the family moved to Mechanie's Falls, where his father died in 1860. The family moved to Goodhme county, Minnesota, in 1865, where the subject of this sketch taught school for sixteen terms. In 1874, he moved to Delano, Wright county; was employed as a clerk for some time, then taught school and read law. He has filled the office of Village Constable for six years, and Notary Pub- lic for four years, and is now conducting the busi- ness of conveyancer and collecter. He married Miss Luey Chapin on the 17th of March, 1875. They have two children.
HENRY A. BALD, a native of Albany county, New York, was born on the 9th of December, 1845. In 1862, he enlisted in the One hundred and thir- teenth New York Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. Returned to the state of New York, and in 1865, moved to Menominee, Wisconsin, where he learned the photograph busi- ness. In 1866, he moved to Greenwood, Henne- pin county, Minnesota, and in 1869, to Delano, Wright county, and opened a photograph gallery, since which time this has been his home. He has rooms also at Howard Lake, and spends a portion of his time taking views over the country. He and Daniel Fish, now of Minneapolis, under the firm name of Ball and Fish, started the first news- paper in this place, known as the "Big Woods Citizen."
T. J. CATLIN, one of the old settlers of the Min- nesota valley, and a native of Floyd county, Indi- na, was born on the 11th of June, 1849. In 1855, the family moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, where his father owned and cultivated the land on which the State Insane Asylum now . stands. He attended the public schools; then the parish school, (Episcopal) under Rev. E. Livermore; was in the printing business for some time; stud- ied medieine with Drs. C. A. McCollum and A. W. Daniels, and afterwards took a course at the Iowa State University. He went to Rush Medical Col- lege in 1873, and graduated the following year, and soon after came to Delano, where he is now practicing his profession. He was joined in wed- lock with Miss Ella J. Cunningham on the 22d of Juno, 1875. They have three sons.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
JOHN COOLEN was born in Maasbracht, on the banks of the Maas river, Germany, on the 20th of September, 1844. At the age of fifteen years he commeneed to learn the art of paper-making, which he followed for three years. In 1863, came to Buffalo, Wright county, where 'ho engaged in farming mitil 1867, when he enlisted in the Tenth Regular United States Infantry, serving two ยท years at Fort Snelling and one year at Corpus Christi, Texas. After leaving the army lic re- mained one year at Corpus Christi, working at the carpenter trade; but in 1871, returned to Buffalo township and was farming until 1875. He then moved to Delano and opened a furniture store, and in 1877, also engaged in the lumber business; is also a member of the company that owns and operates the grain elevator at this place. He was joined in marriage with Miss Julia Weldele on the 31st of December, 1871. They have three children.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, a native of Lincoln connty, Mnine, was born on the 28th of September, 1833. While a young man, was employed four years in a cotton factory at Lowell, Massachusetts. In 1856, came to Minnesota, and in Deeember of the same year, to his present farm in seetion twenty- three, Franklin township. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, of the Third Minnesota Volunteer infantry, serving four years. He mar- ried Miss Harriet L. Lowell on the 18th of Sep- tember, 1856. They have eight children.
HIRAM DYER, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was born on the 26th of May, 1827. At the age of twelve years he went to Philadel- phia and learned the butcher business. In the spring of 1857, came to St. Paul, Minnesota, fol- lowing his trade until 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving with General Sully on the Plains, and afterwards in the South until his dis- charge in August, 1865. Then returned to St. Paul and followed his trade until 1880, when he came to Delano, following his old business. He is Chief of the Fire Department of the village. Was married to Miss Caroline Blatz in the year 1860, and they have four children.
A. Y. EATON, a native of Columbia county, Ohio, was born on the 3d of July, 1842. He first at- tended the common schools, then Beaver Academy, and graduated nt Monnt Union College in 1867, and was immediately elected Professor of Eatin und Greck ut Wyoming College, Delaware, where he
studied law under Hon. C. P. Ramsey. After two years he returned to Ohio, und graduated at the Ohio Law School, in 1870. He then traveled for about two years, after which he located at San Saba, Texas, where he practiced luw for three yours; then spent some time traveling through the Sonth, and part of South America. He then re- turned to Ohio, making it his home till 1878, when he eame to St. Paul, Minnesota, extending his observations over the North, and located in Delano in 1880, where he now resides, giving his attention to the practice of law.
OLE ERWIG, a native of northern Norway, was born on the 4th of February, 1834. While young he learned the tailor's trade, and followed it in his native country until 1869, when he emigrated to America, locating in Allamakee county, Iowa, and in 1873, came to Delano, and opened a merchant tailoring establishment, where he still seeks to accommodate his patrons. He married Miss Martha Erickson in March, 1877. They have two children.
DAGOBERT KERKER was born in the canton of St. Gall, Switzerland, on the 26th of February, 1848. He attended the schools of his na- tive eity and graduated at Wznach in 1866, and soon after came to America, locating in Chaska, Carver county, Minnesota, where he taught the public schools for four years, and the Catli- olic school for six years, and was organist in the Catholic church for ten years. In the spring of 1881, he came to Delano, and opened a board- ing-house, bakery, and saloon. He was married to Miss Veronika Rendler, on the 2d of Septem- ber, 1873. They have two children; John A, and Edward.
J. LouMUAR was born ut Fort Atkinson, Wis- consin, on the 22d of June, 1856. Attended school until old enough, then learned the jeweler's trade, which he still follows. In 1877, went to Chicago, where he worked until 1879, when he came to Marshall, Lyon county, Minnesota, and in 1880, to Delano, where he has sinee continued in his chosen occupation.
J. P. LYLE, one of the pioneers of the town and a native of Nova Scotia, was born on the 8th of January, 1821. He lived in his native country engaged in farming until 1852, when he moved to New Hampshire, and was employed as watchman nt Salmon Falls. In 1854, he came to Minnesota, and during the winter worked in the pineries. hi the spring following, in company with J. Patten,
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OTSEGO TOWNSHIP.
he made a tour through this section and selected a claim, which is now his home, m section twelve, Franklin township, and brought his family here the following fall. Then there was not a resident in the town. Part of the village of Delano is located on his farm, which was covered with heavy timber, but is now one of the best improved farms in the town. He was the first Collector in the town; has been Chairman of the board of Super- visors for two years, and has filled most of the town offiees.
THOMAS F. O'HAIR, a native of Pennsylvania, was born on the 25th of August, 1851. When a boy, the family moved to Ohio, and afterwards lived in various places until 1861, when they located in Iowa, where Thomas F. studied law at the State University, graduating in the law de- partment in 1877. Then spent a short time in Adrian, Michigan, and soon after went to Mon- tana Territory, but returned to Iowa in the fall of 1879, and attended law lectures at the University during the winter, and in 1880, came to Delano, where he is practicing his profession.
C. G. ROOSEN, a native of Germany, was born in the year 1848. He emigrated to America in 1872, locating at St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1876, became cashier for Seymour, Sabin & Co., of Still- water, where he remained until 1880, when the partnership of Ditman and Roosen was formed, and the Wright County Bank established at Del- ano, which has since been in operation. Mr. C. M. Ditman is a banker of large experience, and was instrumental in establishing a bank at Farmington, Minnesota, in 1876. He is a resident of St. Paul.
JOHN STEFVES was born in the province of Rhine, Germany, on the 14th of January, 1837. He learned the weaver's trade, and followed it in- til he emigrated to America in 1857. He stopped first at St. Paul, Minnesota, but in May, 1858, eame to Wright county, and located on a homestead in Buffalo township, where he lived for about twelve years, being Supervisor eight years and Justice of the Peace four years. In 1876, he came to Delano, kept a saloon for three years, and soon after, opened a butcher shop which he still operates. He is Pres- ident of the village Council, first assistant of the fire department, and foreman of the Hook and Ladder Company. He married Miss Helen Weldele, on the 26th of November, 1868. They have five children.
RILEY STURMAN, one of the first settlers of this town, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the
16th of May, 1830. At the nge of seventeen, came with his parents to Illinois, und in 1855, to Minne- sota, taking a claim on what is now section twenty- three, Franklin township, Wright county. He built a claim shanty on the 4th of July, and spent most of the sunner on the claim, returning to Illi- nois in the fall. Next spring he returned to his claim, and has since made this his home. What was then a wilderness, now puts on the garb of im- provement and beauty. He has also a prairie farm in Redwood county, where he spends a portion of his time. He has been Chairman of the town board for three years. Married Lonisa Murphy on the 25th of December, 1858. They have twelve children.
JAMES D. YOUNG dates his birth in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of April, 1834. When James was but thirteen years old, his father died, but the old farm continued to be his home, until twenty-one years of age, when he came west. He came directly to the present town of Green- wood, Hennepin county, where he was one of the pioneers, bringing the first wagon through the woods to that place in 1855. After living there two years, he went to Minneapolis and opened the first restaurant in the town, but returned to Green- wood two years later and kept a hotel for a num- ber of years. In 1863, he enlisted in Company E, of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. Returning from the army he engaged in farming in Indepen- dence township, Hennepin county, and in 1871, came to Delano, where he now lives. He first opened a small hotel, but his ever increasing trade compelled him, in 1879, to erect a large and eom- modious house, one of the finest in this section of country. He also conduets a livery stable in con- nection with the hotel. Mr. Young was married on the 17th of September, 1857, to Miss Ruth A. Powers. . They have Nix children; three boys and three girls.
OTSEGO.
CHAPTER CXXXI. .
GENERAL DESCRIPTION -EARLY SETTLEMENT-OR- GANIZATION - VILLAGE -- MANUFACTURING -- SCHOOLS - CHURCHES - AGRICULTURAL STATIS- TICS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
Otsego is the northeast town in Wright county, the Mississippi river forming its northern and cast- ern boundary, aud separating it from Sherburne
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
county. It has an area of about 19,200 acres, about 2,300 of which are under cultivation. The surface was originally nearly all covered with timber, except a small prairie in the eastern part, known as Carrick's Prairie. The soil varies from a sundy loam, near the river, to a dark loam in the interior.
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