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HISTORY OF

RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

MINNESOTA

COMPILLi. u,

FRANKLYN CURTISS-Wmr.F

ASSISTED BY

: ._;.rs, M. D.; A. E. Haven, E: ields, Esq.; /

McKiustry, Esq.; Hofi. James Hunter; i^roi. iiarry E. Whitney; hon. D. F. Kelley; Hon. J. C. Cnninir; Prof. Horaea Goodbue; Hon, W. A.

Sperry; B. E. Darby, Esq.; on. V. A. Dunham;

W. h. Clarkson, Esq.; He. C. Campbell, Esq.;

Temple, Esq.; Frank M. Ji: ;sq.; J. J. Eachac,

oicTiPTitK- Tr, ."..rw'V .A. V:i Piof. T. H. Lewis;

I'ni'.r, I. Iv v ;■>■; Hon. .

,•■■• ; William K,>im ' vin,-i.

Illustrated

VOL. II

CHICAGO

COOPER. JR.

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HISTORY OF

RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

MINNESOTA

COMPILED BY

FRANKLYN CURTISS -WEDGE

ASSISTED BY

Stephen Jewett, Esq.; George C. Tanner, 1). D.; James Dobbin, D. D.; A.

C. Rogers, M. D.; A. E. Haven, Esq.; M. M. Shields, Esq.; A. W. McKinstry, Esq.; Hon. James Hunter; Prof. Harry E. Whitney; Hon.

D. F. Kelley; Hon. J. C. Couper; Prof. Horace Goodhue; Hon. W. A. Sperry; B. E. Darby, Esq.; E. E. Bigelow, M. D.; Hon. F. A. Dunham; W. G. Clarkson, Esq.; Hon. John C. Brainerd; C. C. Campbell, Esq.; Virgil J. Temple, Esq.; Frank M. Kaisersott, Esq.; J. J. Rachac, Esq.; Dr. E. K. Clements; Frederick A. Davis, M. D.; Prof. J. H. Lewis; Prof. Philip J. Kuntz; H. F. Luers, Esq.; L. L. Bennett, M. D.; Hon. J. M. Diment; William Kaiser, Esq.; J. H Adair, M D; Hon. J. E. Morley, and

many others.

//

Illustrated

VOL. II

CHICAGO H. C. COOPER, J R., & CO. 19 10

675«.m

CHAPTER XI

IMPORTANT EVENTS

Deaths, Accidents, Crimes, Fires, and Thousands of Interesting Events Transpiring Between January, 1888, and June, 1910 — Compiled from Newspaper Files.

The history of the settlement, growth and progress of Steele county is treated in detail in the various chapters in this history. In this chapter, it has been the aim of the editors to record, in chronological order, events transpiring from January, 1888, to June, 1910, as recorded in the files of the newspapers. But brief- est mention is given here to each event, and much, especially relating to matters which received attention elsewhere, has been omitted. Nevertheless the reader will find here much of interest, together with thousands of items which may have escaped the memory of the people of the county and which are here recorded.

1888. January 2, the Church Hotel, owned by Mrs. Abbey C. Albro, at Owatonna, was burned to the ground, the loss being $5,000. January 16, the Farmers' Institute for Steele county opened at Chambers' Hall, Owatonna. February 7, 1888, the city council of Owatonna voted ?3,000 to be given toward building a college in connection wath Pillsbury Academy, with the pro- vision that the fund was not to be used unless a $30,000 college building should be completed within two years. February 12, Jacob Olenejeck, night watchman at the Owatonna Packing House, was murdered during the night, by persons unknown, being foimd dead the ne.xt morning. February 21, the Owatonna city council voted to submit to the people at the election to be ■ held March 13 the question of issuing $40,000 l)onds for water- w''or!«s./, M-'airch 13, the people of Owatonna decided upon the issue of; bqn'4s, by a majority of eight. Fraud was alleged, however, atid Ifhii. caused the bonds to be unsalable. June 5, the Southern M^rittdsota G. A. R. encampment was held at Owatonna. July 4 was-cetebrated with appro])riatc ceremonies at Blooming Prairie and Medford. September 18 to 21, the General Conference Asso- ciation of Minnesota held its annual meeting at Owatonna. Octo- ber 7, Louis Bion, who was a native of Bavaria, Germany, died at Owatonna. November 16, C. W. Hadley, of Owatonna, in- vented an autcjmatic grain measure which proved a great suc- cess. December 7, Roy Garfield Hellway and Frank Dana Mid- 802

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 803

daugh, each eight years of age, were drowned in Straight river at Owatonna, while skating. December 9, the Steele County Bible Society held its annual meeting at the Methodist Church.

1889. February 15, at midnight, the Nickerson House at Owtonna caught fire and burned to the ground in spite of the gallant efforts of the fire department. The loss was about $3,000. This hotel had been known as the Tremont House, and belonged to W. Nickerson, of Dodge Center. The "F"ree Press" of Febru- ary 15 contained the information that Dr. E. M. Morehouse was building in Owatonna the finest brick hotel in southern Minne- sota, outside of the Twin Cities. February 26, a big fire occurred in Blooming Prairie village, destroying an entire business block. Fire started in the postofilice building soon after 11 o'clock in the evening. Nothing was saved in M. Guthrie's store, which con- tained the postoffice. The store of G. Jensen & Co. speedily took fire and burned. E. Morton's store and the hardware store of T. Feeney were the ne.xt to catch fire, and they, in turn, set fire to the building occupied by Camp's harness shop and Charles Treat's barber shop. The total loss was $25,500. March 18, the Steele County Poultry Association was formed. April 10, Dex- ter Smith died at Owatonna. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, in 1822. April 16, A. M. Stoughton died at Owa- tonna, at the age of seventy-four years. He was born in Wethers- field, Vt., in 1814, came to Minnesota in 18.56, was deacon in the Congregational Church at Owatonna ; was deputy auditor of Steele county for many years, and was serving as city treasurer of Owatonna at the lime of his death. April 27 , William Panzer, of Owatonna, was struck and killed by a train on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway tracks. May 10, Frank Chadwick, son of Judge Chadwick, received an appointment to the Naval Acad- emy at Annapolis. June 8, the Agricultural and Industrial Asso- ciation of Steele County was formed. July 4 was appropriately celebrated at Owatonna. August 30, J. \V. Morford died at Owatonna. He was born in Oneida county. New York, in 1830, and came to Owatonna in 1856. September 17-19, a big county fair was held at Owatonna. Governor Merriam and Hon. George H. Pillsbury wese present. October 29, Mrs. L. L. Inman, a prominent member of the W. R. C, died at Owatonna. October 30, a Tradesmen's Carnival was held at Germania Hall, Owa- tonna. December 3, a new ordinance was passed, granting a fran- chise to the Owatonna Heat and Power Company to put in an electric plant before June 1, at Owatonna. December 8, Andrew Jackson Pettie died at Blooming Prairie at the age of sixty-three years. He was born in Worcester, Otsego county, N. Y., and lived in Blooming Prairie twenty-eight years, owning a farm there before the village was started. December 21, 1889, Chris-

804 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

topher Betts, of Owatonna, shot and killed his wife and then committed suicide.

1890. January 6, John Hammel died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty-six years. January 7, the county commissioners can- celed $41,000 of bonds which had been issued to aid the Duhith, Red Wing & -Southern Railwa}- Company. January 15, John Bixby died at Aurora township. He was born in Moretown, Washington county, \'t., and came to Aurora in 1856, with his wife and family. February 12, Mrs. jMary Pcavey died at Clinton Falls. She was born in Canada in 1815, and in 1864 she came with her husband to Clinton Falls. February 18, the city coun- cil of Owatonna purchased an artesian well from F. P. Rust, for $700, to be used in the waterworks system. March 21, Dr. G. A. Rossback died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany, near the borders of France, in 1818, served as surgeon in the Union army, and then came to Owatonna. April 2, the Steele County Sunday School Association held its first meeting of the year, at Blooming Prairie. April 8, bids were received by the Owatonna city council for waterworks contract. It was let to Harrison & Hawley for ,$28,763. April 10. the annual meeting of the Steele County Humane Society was held at Owatonna. .April 15, the city council of Owatonna voted bonds to the amount of $30,000, for the waterworks system, the bonds to run for twenty years at 5 per cent interest. May 3, the Bion Ijrewery at Owatonna was burned, entailing a loss of about $5,000. May 7, an Owa- tonna Baseball Association was formed. May 26, the Owatonna Driving Association was formed for the purpose of racing, breed- ing and training fast horses. May 20, the waterworks bonds of Owatonna were sold to S. A. Keene & Co., of Chicago, for $30,110. June 3, the Owatonna city council purchased E. P. Ring's lots for a standpipe location. June 6, the following census enumer- ators of Steele county were named: Summit, Jeff Clark; Berlin, H. A. Finch; Aurora, J. Bucklin; Somerset, J. H. Healey; Lemond, W. W. Day ; Havana, O. M. Jones ; township of Owa- tonna, Sanford Kinney ; city of Owatonna. P. Bliss ; Meriden, J. R. Petrich; Merton, L. H. Lane; Medford, G. H. Butler; Clinton Falls, Ed. Adams; Deerfield, P. P. Moe; Blooming Prairie, A. Colquhoun. June, 25, three children, one son and two daughters of John Ivnjawa, were drowned in the Straight river, at Medford. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owa- tonna. July 8, John and William Donaldson, sons of Edward Donaldson, were drowned in the Straight river at Owatonna. July 11, the Pierce Brothers began building the Owatonna elec- tric light plant. July 15, the county commissioners levied $13,500 for a court house, cost not to exceed $40,000. August 4, a severe wind and hail storm visited River Point. Hundreds of acres of

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 805

^rain were destroj^ed. Windows facing the west were all de- stroyed, hailstones falling as big as teacups. September 16, the Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. December 3, the county commissioners awarded a contract to F. D. Allen as archi- tect for the new court house, his compensation not to exceed $1,200. December 9, the second annual exhibition of the Steele County Poultry Association proved a great success.

1891. January 9, Charles Brady died at Deerfield. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1800, and came to Deerfield with his wife in 1856. February 13, John C. Olson died at Owa- tonna, at the age of forty-one years. March 8, Mr. and Mrs. Cotter, who came to Steele county in 1864, celebrated their six- tieth wedding anniversary at Havana. April 10, a Knights of Pythias lodge was inaugurated at Medford, with twenty-five members. April 13, the State Teachers' Institute for Steele county met at Germania Hall, Owatonna. May 16, Mayor E. M. Morehouse, of Owatonna, was seriously injured by falling down a stairway leading from his bedroom to a basement. He fell about 12:30 a. m. and was not found until 9:15 a. m., lying uncon- scious until discovered by his son Martin. May 18, Isaac Watts Burch died at Owatonna, at the age of fifty-two years. He had been clerk of the County Court for twelve years, city recorder for a longer period, and a deacon in the Congregational Church. May 23, Dr. E. M. Morehouse died at his home in Owatonna from the results of a fall. He was the first physician in Steele county. June 20, the old settlers of Steele county met in Owa- tonna, at Central Park. July 4, the old settlers of Steele county held a picnic and barbecue at Owatonna. June 25, the corner- stone of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Owatonna was laid by the Right Rev. J. B. Cotter, Bishop of Winona. July 6, Rev. J. C. Ogle, pastor of the Methodist Church at Owatonna, and edi- tor of a scholarly history of Steele county, died the day after being stricken in the pulpit by paralysis. He was born in Canton, Stark county. Ohio, in 1830, and came to Owatonna in 1886. July 4, Gottlieb Kreisel died at Deerfield, at the age of sixty j'ears. He came to Meriden in 1866 and moved to Deerfield in 1874. July 13, the county commissioners levied the sum of $9,000 on taxable property for court-house purposes. July 6, W. A. Dynes was elected mayor of Owatonna, to succeed Dr. E. M. Morehouse, deceased. August 15, Walter Stcbbins died at Owa- tonna. He came to Steele county in 1858, and moved from his farm to Owatonna in 1886. He was deacon in the Baptist Church. September 3-5. the Steele county fair was a great success. Sep- tember 7, the county commissioners authorized the chairman and county auditor to issue court-house bonds to the sum of $30,000. October 28, these bonds were sold to the Farmers and Mechanics'

806 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Savings Bank, Minneapolis, at par value. November 23, George W. Kinyon, a farmer of Owatonna township, was shot in the face by his hired man, Charles Trowe, who then shot himself. Neither wound was fatal. Trowe was arrested. December 1, the Hast- ings & Diment flour mill at Owatonna was burned to the ground, entailing a loss of $30,000; no insurance. Seventeen men were thrown out of employment. December 2, E. T. Erickson died at Havana. He was born in Norway in 1854, and came to Havana in 1864. He served as town clerk and postmaster at Havana. December 6, the annual meeting of the Steele County Bible Soci- ety was held at the Congregational Church in Owatonna. Decem- ber 18, the third annual show of the Steele County Poultry Asso- ciation was held at Owatonna. December 30, Prof. A. C. Gut- terson died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty years. He came to Owatonna in 1866, exerted a wide influence on the musical life of the community, and served seventeen years as cashier of the Farmers' National Bank. December 24, Mrs. A. W. Adams died at Clinton Falls. .She was born in Goshen, Mass., in 1833, was married in 1854, and came to Clinton Falls the same year.

1892. February 2, the city council of Owatonna voted that the sewers on Cedar, Main and Broadway be built during the ensuing season. February 20, Sarah A. Stowers, wife of S. H. Stowers, died at Owatonna, aged forty-eight years. March 25, new flouring mill of Hastings, Diment & Co., at Owatonna, was reported as completed and running, with a capacity of 250 barrels a day. March 23, the Owatonna city council accepted the bid of the Clefton Brothers to put in sewers on Cedar, Broadway and Main, at a cost of $8,592.90. March 28, the State Teachers' Insti- tute for Steele county was held. June 3, the announcement was made that George A. Pillsbury would give a music hall to Pills- bury Academy, cost to be about $18,000. June 15. a destructive wind and electrical storm passed over the towns of Berlin, Sum- mit and Blooming Prairie. The Norwegian Church in Berlin was blown to pieces and the school house on the corner of Hig- bie's farm was picked up and carried a quarter of a mile. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owatonna, under the auspices of the firemen. July 11, the county commissioners met and levied $23,- 000 tax on Steele county property for the ensuing year. August 31, the station of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway burned at Blooming Prairie, entailing a loss of about $1,500. September 8, Mrs. C. S. Crandall died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty years, having lived in Owatonna about thirty-five years. Oc- tober 7, Mrs. Chas. H. Church died at Owatonna. She was born in Plymouth county, Massachusetts, and came to Owatonna with her husband in 1867. September 10, Merritt Webb died at Owa- tonna. He was born in Jefferson county. New York, in 1828,

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 80r

and came to Steele county in 1864. September 22-24, the annual Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. November 1, John C. Burke, county auditor, died at Owatonna, at the age of thirty-two years. November 18, Judge Amos Coggswell died at Owatonna. He was born in 1825, and came to Steele count}' in 1856. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1857, speaker of the state legislature in 1860, state senator from 1872 to 1873, and probate judge for one year. November 21, a big Democratic celebration was held in Owatonna, in honor of the election of Grover Cleveland as President of the United States. November 23, William Ellis died at Havana. He was born on the water, son of Captain and Sarah Ellis, and came to Steele county in

1856. December 26, fire destroyed the Music Hall at Pillsbury Academy. The building was in the progress of construction, and the loss of $10,000 fell on the contractor.

1893. January 11, J. L. Harrington, M. D., died at Owatonna. He was born in Jamaica, Vt., in 1840, and came to Owatonna in 1881. February 1, the residence of Hon. W. R. Kinyon at Owa- tonna was burned to the ground. Most of the furniture was saved. February 3, the first church ever erected in the town of Summit was nearing completion. It was of the Danish Lutheran denomination. February 18, Mrs. Marenda Grandprey, wife of Joseph Grandprey, died at Meriden. She was born in Alleghany county, New Hampshire, in 1823. and came to Steele county in

1857. March 1, Mrs. J. Q. Ellis died at Owatonna. She was born in Oxford county, Maine, in 1831, and came to Steele county in 1868. March 27-31, the State Teachers' Institute for Steele county met at Owatonna. April 13, John Cottier died. He was born on the Isle of Man in 1826, and came to Owatonna in 1865. May 2, 1893, the city council of Owatonna authorized an exten- sion of South Oak street for 120 rods, to intersect the Zelinski road. May 9, Mrs. Catherine Campbell Donaldson died at Owa- tonna. She was born in Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., in 1829, and came to Owatonna with her family in 1862. She was the wife of John Donaldson. June 12, 1893, William J. Thomp- son died at Owatonna. He was born in Ireland in 1813, came to Somerset township in 1870 and to Owatonna in 1888. June 17, the Berlin and Summit Creamery carried off highest honors for dairy products at the World's Fair, Chicago. June 20, the Owa- tonna city council authorized the park committee to purchase a suitable fountain for Central Park, at a cost not to exceed $300. June 23, Richard Evans died at Owatonna, at the age of seventy- six years. July 4, the old settlers of Steele county held their annual picnic at Mineral Springs Park at Owatonna. July 12, E. Y. Hunewill died at Owatonna. He was born in Caritunk, Me., in 1822, and came to Owatonna in 1856. September 18, the

808 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Columbia Hotel, on West Broadway, was opened by Clay & Bowen. September 14, 16, the Steele county fair at Owatonna proved a great success. October 11, Seth Chase died at Owa- tonna, at the age of ninety-two years. He came to Steele county in 1865 and at the time of his death he was the oldest man in the county. October 4, the Seventh Day Adventists held a big camp meeting at Owatonna. November 4, a fire in Aurora de- stroyed the store of W. F. Linse. The postofifice, which was located in the store, was also destroyed. The total loss was •$3,000. December 1, the county commissioners appointed H. B. Chambers as overseer of the poor farm. December 8, Henry F. Hahn died. He was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to Lemond in 1857. December 19, Emily Stanley Tryon, wife of C. Tryon. died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty-two years. De- cember 27 . William Clark McGowan died at Owatonna. He was born at Alburgh, Vt., December 25, 1815, and came to Owatonna in 1869.

1894. January 10, George H. Herrick died at Owatonna. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, April 28, 1841, and came to Minnesota as a youth, settling near Le Sueur. He served in the Civil War, came to Owatonna in 1888, purchased an inter- est in the drug store of William Gausewitz, and later became sole owner. He was prominent in the Baptist Church, and was one of the trustees of Pillsbury Academy. January 13, Henry Schultz died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany, came to Steele county in 1861, and to Owatonna in 1882. January 13, John Mesche died at Rice Lake, at the age of fifty-two. January 15, Mrs. Thomas Welch died at her home in Summit. She was born in Ireland and had lived in Steele county twenty-eight years, attaining an age of eighty years. January 20, Aaron Backus died at Owatonna. He was born in Putnam, N. Y., and came to Owatonna in 1875. February 1, Luther Lane, one of the first settlers of Medford, died at the age of eighty-five. February 1, J. E. Buxton, for twenty-nine years a resident of Owatonna, died at Deland, Fla. He was born in New York, August 5, 1823, and came to Owatonna in 1865. His business was that of farm ma- chinery. March 16, W. F. Linse, postmaster and storekeeper at Aurora Station, died. He was born in Germany, March 21. James Morton, for thirty-two years a Steele county blacksmith, died at Owatonna. March 27, Joseph Ingraham. father of Prof. J. L. Ingraham, died in Owatonna, at the age of seventy-eight years. April 2, Lorenzo Green, the pioneer, died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state and came to Steele county in 1856. April 14. A. J. Truesdell, editor of the Owatonna "Jour- nal," died, at the age of thirty years. April 2Z, a Democratic club was organized in Owatonna. April 28, the Medford Co-operative

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 809

Creamery Association was organized. June 18, Mrs. Abigail Heath, who came to Minnesota in 1856, died at Medford, at the age of seventy-six. June 18, the annual encampment of the Cannon Valley G. A. R. was held at Ovvatonna. June 20, the roundhouse of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway at Ovvatonna was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $1,000. June 26, Peter iMcCrady, for many years a justice of the peace, died at Aurora, at the age of eighty-eight years. June 27, the seventh annual convention of the W. C. T. U., district No. 2, was lield at the Ovvatonna Methodist Church. July 4. another big celebration was held at Ovvatonna. June 24, Mary, the wife of Charles Green, died at Ovvatonna. She was born in Nobles county, Indiana, in 1852, and came to Ovvatonna in 1884. July 29, Gordan G. Head died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. G. Nelson, in Ovvatonna, at the age of seventy-two years. He was born in Vermont in 1822 and came to Ovvatonna in 1884. August 2, the citizens of Owatonna agreed to bo3'cott the North- western Railway unless a safe crossing was put in at North Oak- street. August 5, Louis K. Johnson died. He was born in Norway and came to Havana township in 1856. August 15, Mrs. G. W. Chesley died at Ovvatonna, at the age of sixty-two years. August 16, the Owatonna city council reached an agreement with the Northwestern Railway in regard to the North Oak street crossing. The railway agreed to put in a bridge, and the city agreed to attend to the street grading. August 21, Esther L. Holmes, a prominent member of the Baptist Church, died at Owatonna. She was born in New York state and came to Ovva- tonna in 1875. August 23, Mary A. Gilman died at Medford, at the age of seventy-six years. September 2, Mrs. Anton Schuldt died at Meriden, at the age of sixty-four. She was born in Ger- many and came to Meriden township in 1856. September 6, the city council of Owatonna appropriated $500 for the benefit of the sufferers from the Hinckley fire. September 6-8, the Steele county fair was held at Ovvatonna. September 16, the barn and outbuildings of Michael Ebeling, at Meriden township, were destroyed by fire. September 23, Philo Sawyer died in Berlin township, at the age of sixty-four. October 9. Mrs. George K. Peck died. She was born in 1846 and married in 1863. Novem- ber 2, Judge Lorenzo Hazen died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state. He came to Medford at an early date and to Owatonna in 1877. He was judge of probate and prominent in politics. November 24, Fred Kruckelberg died at Aurora, at the age of sixty-three. He was born in Germany and settled in Aurora in 1856. November 28, Ludwig Milbradt died at Owa- tonna. He came to Steele county in 1866. and to Owatonna in 1886. December 8, Mrs. E. H. S. Dartt died at Owatonna. She

810 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

was born in England, August 25, 1843, came to America while an infant, and married E. H. S. Dartt November 24, 1876. De- cember 11-13, the seventh annual convention of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association was held at Ovvatonna. December 17, the Ovvatonna board of education was authorized to issue bonds to the amount of S8,000 to build a four-room school house in the Second ward.

1895. January 11, the Home Rule House burned to the ground at Owatonna, in the early morning, the loss being over $15,000. The ground dimensions covered five blocks. February 16, Henry M. Steele died at Merton. He was born in England in 1828, and came to Steele county in 1858, becoming a prominent citizen. February 23, Mrs. James Cotter died at Havana. She was born in Lebanon, N. Y., in 1818, and came to Steele county in 1865. March 9, two barns belonging to O. L. Knapp, at Clin- ton Falls, were burned, entailing a loss of $1,500. March 20, the Southern Minnesota B. Y. P. U. held a big rall}^ at the Owatonna Baptist Church. March 22, the Riverside roller mills burned in the early morning, entailing a loss of $14,000. April 2-5, the Steele County Teachers' Institute was held at Owatonna. April 9, Mrs. Phoebe Burch died at Owatonna. She was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1810, and came to Owatonna in 1874. April 14, Mrs. Mary A. Selleck, wife of Alson Selleck, died at Owatonna. She was born in New York state, and came to Owatonna in 1855. May 31, a meeting of the citizens of Owatonna was held to con- sider the question of a public library. An offer of $10,000 for this purpose was received from Mrs. E. Y. Hunewill. June 17, the annual session of the Eighth District Lodge, I. O. G. T., was held in Berlin. July 4, another big celebration was held under the auspices of the Owatonna firemen. July 19, C. H. Church, one of the first settlers of Steele county, and a resident of Owa- tonna, died in South Dakota, at the age of sixtj-seven years. August 19, fire destroyed the Winona lumber yard and L. D. Holden's cooper shop at Owatonna, the loss being about $6,000. August 29-31, the Steele county fair at Ovvatonna met with much success. October 11, a horseless vehicle invention by D. J. Ames and Frank La Bare was made public. October 24, John Shea died at Ovvatonna. He was born in Joliet, 111., in 1839, and came to Berlin township in 1856. He was mayor of Owatonna and served with the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers during the Indian war. October 31, a session of the State Board of Charities and Corrections was held at the State school in Owa- tonna. October 23-30, a religious revival was experienced in Owatonna. December 10, John W'idrick died in Havana. He was born in New York state in 1828, came to Steele county in 1861, and served in the Civil War.

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 811

1896. James Cotter died at Havana, at the age of eighty-six. He was born in New York state in 1810, and was among the early pioneers of Steele county. January 10, Mrs. Mary Kenyon, an early settler, died at Owatonna. February 4, Hon. Harvey Hull Johnson died at Owatonna. His biography appears else- where. February 5, Philo Bliss died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state, and came to Owatonna in 1858. He engaged in the book and stationery business, and was a prominent member of the Baptist Church. March 7, fire destroyed Fisher's laundry and other buildings, the loss being about $5,000. March 18, David D. Howe died at Owatonna. He came to Owatonna in 1873, and was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. May 8, the Farmers' Elevator Company at Owatonna was organized. June 6, the annual banquet of the G. A. R. veterans of Company G, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was held at Owatonna. July 2, the corner-stone of the C. S. P. S. Hall, on North Cedar street, was laid with appropriate ceremonies at Owatonna. July 4, the celebration at Owatonna was under the auspices of the Elk Bicycle Association. August 13, the Berlin and Summit Creamery was burned to the ground, entailing a loss of about $5,000. September 16-18, the Steele county fair was held at Owa- tonna under the auspices of the Steele County Agricultural Soci- ety. October 7, the Clinton Falls mill was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of over $9,000. November 13, Mrs. H. H. Rose- brock died at Owatonna. She was born in Germany, married H. H. Rosebrock in 1864, and came to Owatonna the following year. December 15, the city council passed a resolution author- izing the establishment of a public library under the terms of the bequest of Elizabeth C. Hunewill.

1897. January 4, Sanford Kinney died at Owatonna. He was born in Vermont in 1836 and came to Steele county in 1862. February 14, the fifth annual convention of the National Butter- makers' Association was held at Owatonna, with exhibits from every state in the Union. March 26, Joseph Kiesel, who came to Owatonna in 1858, died at his home in that city. He was born in Germany in 1825. May 2, fire broke out in the general merchandise store of Twiford, Niles & Co., of Owatonna, entail- ing a loss of about $6,000. May 14, David Lindersmith died at Clinton Falls, at the age of seventy-nine years. He came to Steele county in 1855, and one year later was elected sheriff. March 31, Emily A., wife of Edgar Cady, died at Merton. She was born in New York state in 1819, and came to Steele county in 1859. July 4, the Steele County Agricultural Association had charge of the celebration at Owatonna. August 7, Harvey Jones died at Owatonna. at the age of fifty-eight years. He was born in Pennsylvania. August 11, fire occurred in the store of Evans

812 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

& Ogden at Owatonna, entailing a loss of about $13,000. August 26-28, the annual fair of the Steele County Agricultural Society was held at Owatonna. September 6, Joseph M. Clark was mur- dered by Lee Hough. Clark was found in his covered wagon with his head chopped open by an axe, and died at evening. Hough, one of his companions was missing, together with $105 and a watch owned by the murdered man. September 17, the city council of Owatonna empowered the finance committee to purchase the Graham corner for the site of a library, at a cost of $3,000. October 4, Cyrus Tryon died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty-six years. He was born in Cumberland, Me., and came to Owatonna in 1882. October 7, Frank Pirkle died in Deerfield township. He was born in Germany in 1825 and came to Steele county in 1864. October 9, Lee Hough, murderer of Joseph M. Clark, was arrested at Guthrie, Ky., and brought back to Owa- tonna, where he confessed his crime. October 28, the eleventh annual state convention of the Minnesota Y. P. S. C. E. was held at Owatonna. November 7, the Danish Lutheran Evangelical Church, on Rose street, Owatonna, was dedicated by Rev. G. B. Christiansen, president of the United Danish Evangelical Church of America. November 28, the Deerfield German Lutheran Church was dedicated, Rev. F. \V. Klein, of Owatonna, conduct- ing the ceremony. December 7, the district court, in session at Owatonna, sentenced Lee Hough to life imprisonment for the murder of Joseph Clark.

1898. January 29, Nathaniel Winship, the pioneer hotel- keeper, died at Owatonna, at the age of seventy-five years. He was born in Vermont in 1822, and came to Steele county in 1855. February 1, the city council of Owatonna adopted a resolution authorizing the issue of $10,000 bonds for the public library, the question to be submitted to the voters, in March. March 2, the library board met at Owatonna and adopted rules and by-laws. April 25, a big mass meeting was held to discuss the Spanish- American War. Fifty-two volunteers entered the National Re- serves. May 7, Dewey's victory was appropriately celebrated. June 24, the plat of Dartt's addition was accepted by the Owa- tonna city council. July 2, Otis Lord died at Owatonna, at the age of seventy-six years. He was born in Vermont and came to Owatonna in 1866. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owa- tonna, and the news of Sampson's victory aroused much enthu- siasm. July 30, the Washington Tool Company was organized at Owatonna, with a capital stock of $20,00. August 4, death removed one of the county's most prominent citizens, when J. B. Soper passed away, at the age of eighty-five years. He w-as born in Vermont, November 26, 1813, and married Louisa Arnold In 1836. He came to Steele county in 1862 and settled on a farm

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 813

in Clinton Falls, coming to Owatonna in 1867. He was a suc- cessful wheat buyer, and amassed a considerable fortune. Sep- tember 1-3, the tenth annual fair of the Steele County Agricul- tural Society was held at Owatonna. September 6, the city council of Owatonna voted to put in the Rose street bridge. November 25, Capt. C. H. Stearns, of Owatonna, was elected major of the Third Battalion of the Fourth Regiment, Minne- sota National Guard. December 17, Mrs. Almira S. Blood died at Owatonna. She was born in New Hampshire in 1819 and in 1851 married Dr. Solomon Blood, who served as a surgeon in the Civil War. They came to Owatonna after the war and the doctor continued in practice until his death, in 1883. December 26, George L. Chambers died at Havana. He was born in Bel- fast, Ireland, in 1824, and settled in Steele county in 1860.

1899. January 3, H. H. Rosebrock died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany in 1835, came to Owatonna in 1865, and served two terms in the legislature. January 11, Airs. Margaret Stafford Harsha died at Owatonna. She was born in Argyle, N. Y., in 1835, a daughter of Judge N. M. Donaldson. She came to Owatonna in 1856. January 16-17, the State Farmers' Insti- tute was held at the Owatonna court house, with a large attend- ance from all over the county. February 2, Hugh Mooney died at Owatonna. He was born in Ireland, came to Steele county in 1856, settled in Alerton, and then came to Owatonna in 1893. February 6, the library board met at Owatonna and awarded the contract for a building to tiammel Brothers & Anderson, for $18,157. February 15 the Twiss block on Broadway, Owa- tonna, was partially destroyed by fire, the total loss being about $5,000. April 12, Anton Schmanski died at Meriden. He was born in Poland in 1818, and came to Steele county in 1875. May 7, Hon. Hector M. Hastings died at Owatonna. He was born in 1835, came to Steele county in 1863, just after serving in the Indian war of 1862. He was the owner and founder of the Hastings Milling Company. He also served as state senator. May 11, Mrs. William Thompson died at Owatonna. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1810 and came to Steele county in 1856. May 12, the Owatonna city council decided to submit to the voters the question of issuing $10,000 additional bonds for the library. May 16, Mrs. Mary Parsons died at Medford. She was born in England in 1825 and came to Steele county in 1856. July 4, the Steele County Agricultural Association had charge of a big celebration at Owatonna. July 18, the Owatonna city coun- cil awarded a contract for the Rose street bridge over the Straight river to the Gillette-Herzog Manufacturing Company, of Minne- apolis. July 21, a committee of citizens started an agitation toward establishing a city hospital in Owatonna. September 16,

814 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Mrs. Abbie Riclimond Holt died at Owatonna. She was born in New York in 1826 and came to Owatonna in 1867. September 18-20, the Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. October 2, Hon. Elihu Miles Burnham, of Blooming Prairie, died, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was born in New York state in 1822, and came to Steele county in 1894. October 21, St. John's German Lutheran Church was dedicated at Owatonna, in the presence of over a thousand people. November 8-9, the sixth annual convention of the Minnesota State Buttermakers' Asso- ciation was held at Owatonna. December 29, E. Scannel died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state in 1831 and came to Owatonna in 1858. December 30, some old wooden buildings on Bridge street in Owatonna were burned, entailing a loss of about $3,000.

1900. January 5, the city council granted a franchise to the Light, Heat and Power Company of Owatonna to erect poles and wires and also to build a gas plant in the city. January 18, J. A. Opplinger died at Owatonna. He was born in Switzerland in 1834, came to Owatonna in 1861, and served as alderman and mayor of the city. February 20, the city council of Owatonna decided to submit to the voters the question of issuing $10,000 bonds for the city hospital. February 22, the new public library was opened at Owatonna. The address was delivered by C. K. Bennett, in the absence of James VV. Ford, the president of the board. April 20, the first hospital board organized at Owatonna and elected S. R. Nelson chairman and George W. Peachy secre- tary. May 9, the Owatonna hospital board purchased the Op- plinger residence and two acres for a hospital, at a cost of $6,500. May 10, the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Eichholzen burned at Owatonna. June 19-21, the annual meeting of the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association was held at Owatonna. June 15, the Owatonna city council sold the city hospital bonds to the First National bank of Owatonna for $10,300. June 8, the barn of E. Randall at Summit was burned with twenty tons of hay. July 13, the Burlington. Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail- road came through Steele county from Albert Lea to Owatonna. July 15, the barn of J. F. Lonergan was burned at Berlin. July 15, John N. Travis died at Owatonna. He was born in New London, Conn., in 1826, and came to Minnesota in 1865. Septem- ber 12-14, the annual county fair was held at Owatonna. Sep- tember 26, the Forty-sixth annual session of the Minnesota con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal church was held in the Methodist church at Owatonna, Bishop John M. Walden, of Cin- cinnati, presiding. October 2, William Jennings Bryan spoke at Owatonna on his campaign tour.

1901. January 5, the Owatonna City hospital was opened

HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES 815

for patients. February 4. the W'asliington Tool Company, of Owatonna, was reorganized, and the capital stock increased to $50,000. February 29, Mrs. AdaHne Whcelock, wife of Hon. L. L. Wheelock, died at Owatonna. She was born February 24, 1845, near Pleasant Hill, Indiana, and was married July 24, 1871. She was formerly an Owatonna school teacher. April 12, the Owatonna city council let a contract to \V. J. Wood to build an addition to the high school building. The council also voted $625.00 for the purchase of the site of the West Side school house. Ai)ril 17, Connor's store at the corner of Cedar and Vine streets, Owatonna, was destroyed by fire entailing a loss of $55,000. Neighboring buildings were also damaged. May 20, the Clinton Falls Nursery Company was incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000. June 25, Mrs. Mary Virtue, wife of John Virtue, died in Clinton Falls township. She was born in Ireland in 1836, and came to Steele county in 1859. She was the mother of Leonard J. Virtue. July 4, the celebration under the auspices of the Elk Bicycle Association at Owatonna was saddened by an accident in which S. L. Manhart had his right hand blown off. July 8, Ellendale was recognized as a village by the county commissioners and the first election authorized. July 16, the city council of Owatonna accepted a bequest from Hon. H. H. Rosebrock, of $5,000 for the establishment of the city kindergarten. August 31, the thirteenth annual fair under the auspices of the Steele county Agricultural Association was held at Owatonna. October 12-15, the Women's Foreign Mis- sionary Society of Minnesota and the two Dakotas held its an- nual convention at the Methodist church at Owatonna. October 15-17, the annual convention of the State Federation of Women's Clubs was held at Owatonna. December 8, Hon. Samuel Bar- low Williams died at Owatonna. He was born in South Hamp- ton, Mass., June 26, 1822, and came to Steele county in the six- ties. He lived for a time in Mower county, but returned to Steele county in the early eighties and lived on a farm in the northern part of Owatonna township up to within a short time of his death. He was a grain and lumber dealer and served in the legislature in 1879. December 17, the Sacred Heart Catholic church at Owatonna burned to the ground. December 30, Mathilda E. (Robinson), wife of William Gamble, died at Owatonna. She was born in Canada in 1839, and settled on a farm in Lcmond township in 1866.

1902. January 3, the old II. R. Moore building, occupied by the dry goods store of Charles L. Gray, was almost destroyed by fire. Stock damaged to the amount of $26,000 and adjoining property, as well as the offices in the ujjper floor were injured. The total loss was about $30,000. January 2~ , the residence of

81G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Henry Koch, at Owatonna, was burned, tlie loss being about $2,000. February 12, Judge Buckham handed down a decision unfavorable to the city in the case of the City of Owatonna vs. Rosebrock in the Rosebrock $5,000 Kindergarten bequest case. April 10, the C. W. Hadley building, occupied by J. A. Soper, electrical and plumbing supplies, was damaged by fire entailing a loss of $8,000. May 17, the Norwegian Independence day was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies at Ellendale. June 11, the Owatonna Woodmen entertained the Woodmen of the state. Governor Van Sant and Senator P. McGovern made speeches. June 17, Ellendale voted $5,000 school bonds. June 18, the State Universalists held a big celebration at Owatonna. July 5, a big wind storm did considerable damage to the property in Steele county. July 14, the Methodist church at Ellendale was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies. July 15, another wind storm visited the county. July 22. Ellendale voted $6,000 bonds for water works. July 25, a rainstorm did considerable damage throughout the county. August 18, Ellendale people held a big Harvest festival celebration. August 30, a Northwestern passenger train was blown from the tracks by a cyclone, four miles west of Owatonna. Several passengers were killed and many injured. October 5, Charles Adsit died at Owatonna. He was born in Oneida county. New York, April 29, 1833, and came to Aurora township in 1856, being one of the first party to arrive there. In the fall of 1895 he retired and came to Owatonna. October 12-17, the Baptist state convention was held at Owa- tonna. October 17, Charles Schoen, a wagonmaker, died at Owatonna, at the age of 74 years. He was born in Prussia, and came to Owatonna in 1862. October 20, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Schaefer died in Owatonna at the age of 79 years. She was born in Germany and lived in Owatonna about twenty years. October 25, Mrs. Nathaniel Winship, formerly Emily P. Moul- ton, died at Owatonna. She was born in Cabot, Vermont, in 1833, and was married in 1851. She and her husband came to Owatonna in 1855 and opened the first hotel. Her husband died in 1898.

1903. January 23, the city of Owatonna won its suit against Carl J. H. Rosebrock and secured the $5,000 left by his father, H. H. Rosebrock, for kindergarten purposes. January 31, E. H. S. Dartt died at Owatonna. He was born in Vermont in 1824 and came to Owatonna in 1869. He was prominent as a horti- culturist and originated several varieties of apples. February 17, the county commissioners met and awarded the jail contract to Hammel Brothers & Anderson, the bid being $3,238. Harry Herman Krier, of Owatonna, was murdered by Henry and Charles Nelson and William Sutton and robbed of $76, while on

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 817

his way to tlie home of Jacob Glaeser to pay his rent. May 15, it was reported that dogs had killed eight deer in the state school park since January 1. May 20, the St. Hyacinth Catholic church, of Owatonna, was dedicated by Bishop Joseph B. Potter, of Winona. May 21, the Sacred Heart Catholic church was dedi- cated at Owatonna b}- Bishop Joseph B. Potter, of Winona. June 3-6, a big street fair and carnival was held at Owatonna under the auspices of the Owatonna Fire department. June 24, Charles and Henry Nelson, murderers of H. Krier, were sen- tenced to be hanged. William Sutton was sentenced to life imprisonment. July 1, Nancy R. Twiford, wife of Dr. W. H. Twiford, died at Owatonna. She was born in Ohio in 1825 and came to Steele county in 1865. July 20, Orlando Linder- smith died at Clinton Falls. He was born in Ohio in 1843 and came to Steele coimty in 1855. July 6-August 1, the Summer Training school for teachers was held at Owatonna with great success. August 4, the farmers organized the Steele Center Rural Telephone Company to conduct a telephone line through the townships of Owatonna, Somerset and Summit. October 15-17, the Eleventh Annual meeting of the Minnesota State Library Association was held in Owatonna. October 30, City Attorney C. J. O'Brien died at Owatonna. He was born near Faribault, Minn., and came to Owatonna in 1899. Thomas Stock- well died at Owatonna. He was born in England, in 1830, and came to Steele county in 1877.

1904. Willis E. Dunbar, a former member of the state legis- lature, died at Owatonna at the age of 67 years. January 16, Connor's New Store Company, which conducted at Owatonna the largest retail store in the county, was adjudged bankrupt. January 25, the main building of the State public school at Owatonna was gutted by fire, the loss being about $75,000. That the damage was not greater was due to the heroic work of the firemen. February 2, the city council of Owatonna decided to submit to the voters the question of issuing $15,000 bonds for water works. February 5-6, the Minnesota State Farmers' Insti- tute was held at Owatonna. Feljruary 8, Cyrennus B. Pettie died at Blooming Prairie. He was born in New York state in 1834 and came to Steele county in 1856. February 25, the store of E. C. Duncan at Havana was burned to the ground entailing a loss of about $6,000. February 23, the Steele County Butter- makers' Association met at Owatonna with about 300 in attend- ance. April 7, County Commissioner M. II. Coggins died at Aurora. He was born in Wisconsin in 1861 and came to Steele county in 1869. April 19, the city council of Owatonna voted to pave Cedar street from Broadway to Rose. May 3, the Owa- tonna Canning factory was started for the purpose of canning

818 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

sweetcorn. June 7, the city council of Owatonna voted to open up a new roadway to the mineral springs along Maple creek. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owatonna with over 20,000 persons in attendance. August 8, Hon. Mark H. Bunnell died at Owatonna. He was born in Maine in 1823, and came to Owatonna in 1867, serving with distinction in the state legis- lature and in congress. August 31, Thomas R. Symcs, of Bloom- ing Prairie committed suicide by hanging. September 21, John Kasper, of Somerset, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a shot gun. He was born in Havana in 1867. December 9. the state board of health notified the city council of Owatonna that the city must put septic sewer tanks in the west side sewer or risk a condemnation of the sewer there.

1905. January 24, Judge Buckham appointed a charter com- mission for the city of Owatonna as follows : — Carl K. Bennett, Thomas E. Cashman, Charles S. Crandall. James M. Diment, Louis B. Fenner, John L. Gibbs, William Gausewitz, Patrick J. Kiernan. Harlan E. Leach, William F. Sawyer, Wesley A. Sperry, Herman Schmidt, Albert L. Sperry, John Smith and Lewis L. W'heelock. March 10-11, the Seventh annual con- vention of the South central Minnesota Teachers' Association met at Owatonna. March 14, the Steele County Farmers' Insti- tute was held at EUendale. April 11, the board of education of the city of Owatonna was authorized by a special election of school district No. 1, of Owatonna, to issue $8,000 bonds to build a modern school house in the fourth ward. April 25-27, the Forty-seventh annual convention of the Minnesota Sunday School Association was held in Owatonna. May 12, Sheriff F. C. Chambers shot and killed Ivan Tomas, a robber, who was seeking to escape arrest. The coroner's jury exonerated the sheriff. June 19, Mrs. Charles Pegg died at Owatonna. She was born in Meriden township in 1856 and was married in 1876. July 3, the Steele county training school for teachers opened for a four weeks' course. July 6, the city council of Owatonna decided to submit to the voters on September 19, the cjuestion of issuing $15,000 bonds for a new city hall. July 9, Silas An- derson died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state in 1832 and came to Owatonna in 1864. July 20, Hon. B. S. Cook committed suicide by shooting himself through the head with a rifle. At one time he was mayor of Owatonna. August 12, Wilda Johnson, of Havana, was bound over to appear in the district court on the charge of poisoning J. L. Johnson's well with paris green. September 12, August Voelker, of Owatonna, died. He was born in Germany in 1841 and came to Steele county in 1884. September 20, the barn of Ray Lindersmith was destroyed by fire at Clinton Falls, entailing a loss of $4,000.

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 819

September 26, at a special election the voters of Owatonna authorized the city council to issue $15,000 bonds for a new city and fire hall. The vote stood 323 in favor and 208 ap^ainst. October 12, the county commissioners decided to issue bonds to the amount of $3,500 for the purpose of constructing judicial ditch No. 2. November 12, the new Universalist church was dedicated at Owatonna, free from debt. The sermon was deliv- ered by Dr. Fisher, of Galesburg, 111. November 19, the store of Parrott & Smith Inirned to the ground at Owatonna, entailing a loss of about $41,500. The loss to the hardware company was $35,000, to Dr. Theo. Hatch, $1,500; to Dr. C. H. Stearns, $2,500, and to Yerke & Sweeney. $1,500. Wilda Johnson, of Havana, was acquitted of poisoning the well of J. L. Johnson. December 20, Elling Largeson, died at Berlin township. He was born in Norway in 1824 and came to Steele county in 1876.

1906. A big meeting was held in the court house at Owa- tonna to consider the adoption of a new city charter. January 30, a special election held in the city of Owatonna to consider the new city charter resulted in its rejection by a vote of 200 for the charter and 581 against. February 23, the district court decided in the case of James Peachey vs. the city of Owatonna, that the election held to vote on the $15,000 bond issue for the new city and fire hall was defective and illegal. March 28, the Owatonna Metropolitan opera house caught fire, but was saved by the fire department. The damage was covered by $11,000 insurance. April 4, Governor John A. Johnson visited the state public school, and expressed his satisfaction with the institution. April 11, Patrick Brennan died at Owatonna. He was born at Waterford, Ireland, in 1835 and came to Owatonna in 1866. June 18, at a special meeting of the hospital board, the contract for a new addition to the hospital was awarded to the Hammel Brothers & Anderson, the bid being $7,545. June 19-21, the forty-first annual convention of the Minnesota Universalists was held at Owatonna. July 9-14, a big mid-summer carnival was held at Owatonna. July 17, the city council awarded the contract for building the new city hall to Hammel Brothers & Anderson, bonds to the amount of $15,000 having been authorized at the election in March. The bid was $19,643. July 24, fire destroyed a barn owned by \V. S. Reynolds at Owatonna. Two other barns and the Winship hotel were damaged. July 29, Mrs. Maria Gross, the first centenarian in Steele county reached her hundredth birthday at her home in Owatonna. August 14, the city council of Owatonna granted a new gas franchise to the Owatonna Gas, Electric and Heating Company, to run for twenty years. August 21, Captain L. G. Nelson died at Owa- tonna. He was born in Norway, was captain during the Civil

820 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

war and came to Steele county in 1893. August 26, Henry M. LaBare died at Owatonna at the age of 71 years. He was one of the older settlers of the city. September 8, the corner stone was laid for the new city and fire hall at Owatonna, Judge Littleton being the chief orator. Chief Twiford read a history of the department. September 13-15, a big street fair was held at Owatonna, with some excellent agricultural exhibits. Sep- tember 25, Governor Johnson spoke in Owatonna at a big Demo- cratic political meeting. September 28, a big street fair was held at Ellendale. with about 4,000 in attendance. November 6, the new Firemen's hall was opened at Owatonna with a big ball. December 3. Judge B. F. Hood, of the municipal court, died at Owatonna. December 22, John Schweiso died in Summit town- ship. He was born in Germany in 1818, and came to Steele county as a young man. December 28, the county commissioners set ofi" a new school district known as district No. 90 in Berlin township. December 30, Emma Chambers died at Havana. She was born in 1842, in New York state, and came to Havana town- ship in 1857. Death was the result of an accident in falling down stairs.

1907. January 18. William H. Burdict died at Owatonna. He was born near Burlington, Vt., in 1834, and came to Ov/a- tonna in 1864. He was a carpenter and erected many of the older buildings in the city, including the old high school which was destroyed by fire, the First Methodist church, the pumping station and the old Hastings' mill. January 22-24, the State Dairymen's Association met at Owatonna. February 3, the store of Blume Brothers, general merchants, was burned to the ground at Bixby, entailing a loss of about $5,000. February 7-10, the State Y. M. C. A. convention was held at the First Baptist church, Owatonna. March 9. J. D. Gordon died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state in 1823, came to Steele county in 1857 and settled on a farm near Beaver Lake. He came to Owatonna in 1880. March 14, the Blooming Prairie Farmers' elevator was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $7,000. April 4, a big public meeting held at Owatonna favored the granting of a franchise to the Dan Patch Air line. A committee was ap- pointed by Mayor Green to secure a right-of-way. April 26, the franchise ofl^ered the Dan Patch Air line was accepted by the company. Jime 1, Hon Lewis L. Wheelock, of the law firm of Wheelock & Sperry, died at Owatonna. His biography appears elsewhere. June 5, Samuel W. Farmer died at Owatonna. He was born in Redfield, N. Y., October 7, 1837, and came to Owa- tonna in 1857. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Church. June 26, the State Dairymen's Assocation held a picnic at Beaver Lake. July 4, a big county celebration was held at

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 821

Blooming Prairie. July 31, the Public Service Operating Com- pany finished its gas plant and started supplying patrons. Sep- tember 12-14, the Steele County Agricultural Society held its annual street fair at Owatonna. October 5, the Firmen's hall was opened and dedicated with a concert, ball and banquet. October 12, a festival was tendered the Junior Civic League by the Owatonna Civic League. December 24, O. M. Jones died in Havana township. He came to Steele county in 1857. Dec- ember 27, Judge Buckham rendered a decision favoring the con- struction of the Crane creek ditch.

1908. Judge Jacob Newsalt died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany in 1838 and came to Owatonna in 1878. He served the city as municipal judge. January 24-29, the first show of the Owatonna North Star Poultry Association was held at Owa- tonna. February 8, Mrs. Amanda J. Munson Clefton died at Owatonna. She was born in Manchester, April 1, 1831, and was married in 1847 at Mukwonago, Wis. For the last fifteen years of her life she lived with her son, Claude J. February 20, Hon. S. T. Littleton died at Owatonna. His biography appears alse- where. February 26, the county commissioners appropriated $225 for the purpose of purchasing a piece of ordnance under the auspices of the G. A. R. for the court house grounds. March 31, Judge Buckham made a final order establishing the Crane creek ditch. The April term of the Supreme court reversed this decision. June 20, a wind, rain and hail storm did much damage in Ellendale and vicinity. June 21, Michael J. Toher died at Owatonna. He was born in Ireland in 1829 and came to Owa- tonna in 1866. He was a prominent railroad man, and ranked high in the Democratic party, serving as a member of the state committee at one time. He served as a member of the Owatonna city council and the Owatonna hospital board. During Cleve- land's second administration he was postmaster at Owatonna. From 1868 to 1876 he was sheriff of Steele county. July 5 to 11, a street carnival was held at Owatonna under the auspices of the fire department. July H, the National Farmers' bank moved into its new quarters, at Owatonna. August 6, the annual meet- ing of the Southern ^Minnesota Medical Association was held at Owatonna. September 7, the Owatonna Eagles held a labor picnic at Diment's park, Owatonna. September 8, the barn and outbuild- ings with a considerable amount of hay and grain of S. Szmanski. in Deerfield, were burned to the ground, entailing a loss of .$4,000. September 10-12, a street fair was held at Owatonna, under the auspices of the Steele county Agricultural Association. Septem- ber 26, William H. Taft passed through Steele county and spoke a few words at Owatonna from the rear platform of his car. October 22, August H. C. Hanson, of Owatonna, was given a

822 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Carnegie Bronze medal and $2,000 for heroism in saving Bertie Borden and Hazel Sliaw from drowning in Straight river. Dec- ember 11, William H. Kelley died at Owatonna. His biography appears elsewhere.

1909. January 11. Ludwig C. ^\'elk died at Owatonna. He was horn in Germany in 1824 and came to Steele county in 1867. January 22-23, the Southern Minnesota Horticultural Society held its si.xteenth annual meeting in Owatonna. January 26, Judge Buckham of the district court decided that the Creamery Package Company of Owatonna had violated the anti-trust laws of Minnesota. The company was therefore prohibited from doing business in the state of Minnesota. February 4, Frank Steele died in Berlin. He was born in Bunker Hill, Penn.. in 1853 and was brought to Steele county by his parents when a small child. February 5, Judge Buckham rendered his decision in favor of the Crane creek ditch known as judicial ditch Xo. 1. March 17, Mrs. Zeda Marie Janssen died at the age of 84 years. She was born in Germany and came to Steele county in 1868. She took up her residence in Owatonna in 1885. March 20, Adolph Knob- black, Sr., committed suicide by hanging. He was born in Germany in 1831 and came to Steele county in 1861. March 28, Mr. and Mrs. Xels Xelson died in Havana. They came to Steele county in 1864. May 7, the Supreme court sustained Judge Buckham's decision ordering the construction of the Crane creek ditch. May 13, James A. Cotter died in Owatonna. He was born in Walworth cotnity. Wis., in 1849, and came to Steele county in 1864. June 31, the third annual meeting and picnic of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association was held at Beaver Lake in Berlin township. July 5, the Eagles were in charge of a celebration in Owatonna. August 12, the store of Frank J. Kubicek, of Summit, was struck by lightning and burned, causing a loss of $2,000. August 13, Owatonna suffered from a severe storm. Bridges and many culverts were washed out. The house of Rev. Klein was struck by lightning. Sep- tember 16-18, the Steele county fair was largely attended at Owatonna. September 29, a big street fair was held at Ellen- dale. October 8, the house of J. E. Cady was burned at Medford, loss about $2,500. December 28, James Peachy died at Owa- tonna. He was born in England in 1823.

1910. This year the city council of Owatonna was largely occupied with tlie matter of the lighting franchise. This is treated elsewhere. January 5, George Coward died at Owa- tonna. He w^as born in England in 1840, and after living in various places in America came to Owatonna and engaged in the coal and wood business. March 14, Edward P. Morton died at Owatonna. He was born in Maine in 1845, served in the Civil

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 823

war and came to Owatonna in 1870, engaging as a contractor and house builder. April 26, Mrs. Clara Amelia, wife of S. J. Zaml)oni, died at Owatonna. She was born in Merton town- ship in 1881 and engaged as a school teacher until her marriage in 1904. She was a prominent society and church worker. April 23, Andrew J. Thamert died in Owatonna at the age of 80 years. He was born in Prussia in 1829 and came to Steele county in 1876, locating in Owatonna in 1900. May 24, Judge Hosea F. Luce died at Owatonna. He came to Owatonna in 1877 and served a number of terms as municipal judge. May 30, was cele- brated at Owatonna with appropriate services in charge of the G. A. R. June 20, Owatonna was designated as one of the cities to have a $58,000 post-ofifice building, in a bill passed by con- gress. June 31, the Farmers' elevator was burned to the ground entailing a loss of about $20,000.

CHAPTER XII.

DAIRY INTERESTS.

Early Attempts at Cheese Making. — Individual Ownership of Gathered Cream Plants. — Introduction of the Co-operative Creamery Plan. — Individual Ownership Vanishes. — Number of Creameries Multiply. — Importance of the Industry. — Vol- ume of Output. — Conclusions. — By. Hon. John R. Morley.

In giving a brief history of the creamery industry of Steele county it is necessary to go back to the early history of the county and thereby get a knowledge of the various attempts at factory manufacturing of dairy products. Everything goes to show that while the early attempts at factory manufacturing were fairly satisfactory nothing seemed to be on a permanent basis until the farmers built and operated their own creameries on the co-operative plan.

In 1869 a cheese factory was built at Owatonna by a gentle- man from New York, who furnished the farmers, when desired, with money to purchase cows provided they delivered the milk to his factory ; charging them 12 per cent on the money, and giving them time to get the proceeds from the sale of cheese, many farmers who had not the means to purchase cows took advantage of this opportunity to stock up with milch cows, and some went quite extensively into the cheese-making business. This was probably the first cheese factory built in Minnesota, and the first attempt at commercial dairying. It proved a good thing for the county as it demonstrated the fact that dairying could be profitably conducted in our state. Prior to this time it had been thought that wheat raising was the only branch of farming that could be profitably conducted in Minnesota. The results were very satisfactory and a good grade of cheese was made in paying quantities, notwithstanding the fact that wild grass was entirely relied upon both for pasture and hay. The factory was well patronized from long distances, and the results were quite satisfactory to the farmer from a financial standpoint. Heretofore the only outlet for the milk of the herd was the linnie making of dairy butter which was sold to the nearby grocer in exchange for groceries for family use. This factory was run successfully until some time during the later seventies when it was abandoned.

824

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 825

A cheese factory was built by Orlando Johnson at Medford in 1872. This was run profitably both to Mr. Johnson and the farmers in that vicinity until the year 1890, when the farmers conceived the idea of organizing a co-operative creamery and manufacturing their own product, following the example of other localities in the county farther south. Mr. Johnson at this time retired from the business, but not until he had planted the seeds of good dairying in that locality. This creamery is now running and has always been profitable.

Further attempts at cheese making were made at Owatonna in 1882 when Dr. L. L. Bennett, president of the Farmers' Na- tional bank, built a cheese factory at Owatonna. There was also built and put in operation in the spring of 1883 a gathered cream plant at Owatonna, which sent out wagons through the territory to obtain cream of the farmers, buying the cream by the inch. An inch of cream in a can of the desired size was supposed to equal a pound of butter fat. The cheese factory built by Mr. Bennett was subsequently sold to the Potter Lucas Company and run for a time as a combination butter and skim milk cheese plant. Potter Lucas Company installed a centrifugal cream separator and made both creamery butter and cheese. This plant was run on this plan until the winter of 1893. It had then become unprofitable on account of territory being restricted by the building of co-operative creameries in different directions from Owatonna.

In 1891 Pratt Creamery Association was organized and a creamery built at Pratt station. In 1892 the Golden Rule Cream- ery was built five miles west of Owatonna and in 1893 the Clinton Falls creamery was built at Clinton I'alls five miles north of Owatonna.

In P'ebruary of 1893 the farmers in the vicinity organized a co-operative association called the Farmers' Gilt Edge Creamery Association, and purchased the Potter Lucas plant, and com- menced operations immediately on the co-operative plan. The first officers of this association were, president, E. P. Norton; secretary, Wm. T. Glasgow; treasurer, C. P. Sahler. It became necessary at this time for the gathered cream plant then owned by Mr. McKinstry, of Winnebago City, to discontinue business as the milk all went to the farmers' creamery. The run was very small and many predicted the enterprise would be a failure. But to the contrary, the Gilt Edge creamery is now the second largest creamery in the county, exceded only by the creamery at Blooming Prairie in amount of business, paying to the farmers upwards of $6,000 per month for butter fat for the months of May and June, 1910. C. P. Sahler is the present president and manager, J. R. Morley, secretary, and R. A. Pratt, treasurer.

826 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

A fourth cheese factor}- was built on section 19, town of Mer- ton, in 1890. Various attempts had been made to organize the farmers in this town and build a co-operative cheese factory prior to this time, but the attempts had been unsuccessful. In this year Messrs. J. Virtue, W. H. Wilson, D. E. Virtue and X. O. Partridge built the cheese factory, giving the patrons the privi- lege of buying it at any time. July 7, the building was completed and they commenced to make cheese. During that year 272,880 pounds of milk was received. In January, 1893, they changed it to a creamery, and during that year made 1,363 tubs of butter. In March, 1894, the farmers organized and bought the creamery and commenced operation on the co-operative plan. This was the last of individual ownership of creameries in Steele county. In the year 1909 it received 3,083,874 pounds of milk and made 130,000 pounds of butter. The first board of directors were X. O. Partridge, president ; E. J. McGrath. vice president ; F. C. Carlton, secretary ; Alfred ^\'ilson, terasurer. The Mertoii creamery is now making very fine butter and is one of the best in the state for quality.

So far we have given the history of the proprietary plants, and the way they were gradually absorbed by the farmers. And all due credit should be given these early pionceis in the dairy business, the last one disappearing when the farmers bought the IMerton creamery. But the history of co-operation in the county begins in the southern part.

No proprietary plants were ever built there, but a co-operative creamery was built at Coolyville on the town line between Ber- lin and Summit townships in 1890 and was called the Berlin and Summit Creamery. This is now known as the Ellendale Creamery. The following year, 1891, the Pratt Creamery was built. Subsequently the old building was replaced by two new brick structures of the most modern type, Creamery A located at Pratt station and Creamer)' B five miles east. Following the building of these two creameries came others in the southern part of the county. The Berlin Creamery built near the Berlin post ofiice. H. A. Finch was the first manager. The Lemond Creamery, built in Lemond township, Lemming Hansen, was the first secretary and manager. Somerset has two creameries at River Point and Steele Centre. Oak Glen Creamery at Bixby has a fine brick creamery. In the centre of Blooming Prairie town- ship is the Union Creamery, organized on the co-operative plan. Nels Nelson was the first manager. Blooming Prairie village has the creamery doing the largest business in the count}'. E. Morton is the president. Summit Creamery is in the town of Summit, Mr. Kubicek, manager. Midway Creamery at Hope station, J. B. Pike, manager. Southwest of Owatonna, five miles.

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 827

is the Crown Creamery. This completes the list in the south part of the county.

West of Owatonna on the C. & X. W. Ry. is Mcriclen Creamery at Meriden station. H. J. Rosenan has been butter maker since the creamery started and has been one of Minnesota's best butter makers. In the northwest part of the county, in Deer- field township, is the Deerfield Creamery. A brick creamery has recently been Ijuilt.

Havana Creamery, live miles east of Owatonna, was organized in 1893. _U)hn Morton was the first manager, the farmers buying the old plant of L. A. Disbrow. This was subsequently de- stroyed by fire and immediately rebuilt. The Moland Creamery was built in the extreme northeast part of the county and in the town of Merton. H. Ruen is the present manager.

The county is now thoroughly organized so that every farmer in Steele county has easy access to a co-operative creamery. And while there is no parent organization which covers the whole sj'Stem, the creameries of Steele county are working in har- mony and all practically working on the whole milk plan and making a uniformly good quality of butter.

The work along co-operative lines in Steele county, when we take into consideration the past attempts at factory manufac- turing by individuals, have proven the means of building up the dairy industry, until Steele county ranks as one of the first in the state both as regards quantity and quality of her product. She has twenty-three prosperous co-operative creameries, the output of which in 1909 was upwards of 3,000,000 pounds of butter and sold for $716,000. No other one source of income is so great as that from the sale of butter. Credit must be given to the farmers for the building up of the co-operative creameries. The results in every case have been due to the individual and collective efforts of the farmers, and in no case has outside business men or men of other pursuits invested any money in the capital stock of these creameries.

The co-operative creamery as well as the dairy industry have come to stay. The original first plants are being replaced with modern, fire-proof buildings. Nothing has added so much to the permanent prosperity of Steele county as the building of the co-operative creameries. With the advent of dairying came diversified farming and uniformly better crops. And no one thing has contributed so much to bring about these results as co-operation among the farmers.

J. R. Morley.

CHAPTER XIII.

EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.

State System Inaugurated. — First School House Erected in Steele County. — Other Schoolhouses Soon Built. — Word Picture of Pioneer School. — First County Superintendent Appointed. — List of His Successors. — Owatonna Schools. — Early Meetings of the Board. — Grammar School Established. — High School Course. — Modern Modifications and Addi- tions.— Present Buildings, System and Officers. — List of City Superintendents. — Contributed by Professor Philip J. Kuntz.

In treating the subject of education, or of the public schools of Owatonna, but little more than half a century of time is in- volved. While nothing pertaining to the long ago will be really necessary, still, in order to lay a good foundation for our work, it will seem best to consider a wider field than even Steele county.

At the formation of the union, and later, when the federal government was established, there was no definite line of action as to public education, although at the same time that the Con- stitution was adopted the last session of the Continental Con- gress was being held in the city of New York, and the Ordinance of 1787 was passed, regulating the aflfairs pertaining to the North- west territories, including a portion of Minnesota, that portion hnng east of the Alississippi river. In this Ordinance much attention was given to tiie question of education, and of pro- viding a means for public education, by giving one section in each congressional township for educational purposes. Later, when the purchase of Louisiana was effected, and Minnesota sought admission into the union, still further provision was made for education by giving two sections in each congressional township for such purposes. This gave impetus to the natural tendency toward educational matters, and we find that one of the first efforts in the new settlements was to prepare to educate the children. The church and the school building, when not one and the same, were practically always found side by side. The ' hardy pioneers of the Great Northwest — of which Minnesota was a part — did not wait even for a territorial government, but set to work at once to establish schools. The first one in

828

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 829

Minnesota, for the education of white children, was organized by Dr. Williamson, at the present site of the city of St. Paul. We are told that investigation demonstrated that there were about thirty-six children in the settlement, who might attend a school. A log house, 10x12 feet, covered with hark, and chinked with mud, previously used as a blacksmith shop, was secured and converted into a school house, and taught by Miss Bishop. Here, then, while the United States troops were gaining such signal success in the war with Mexico, was begun the system of education which has become one of the best in this great nation. In this same little school house in November, 1849, was held a meeting for the purpose of establishing a system of public education, based upon the congressional act of March, 1849, establishing Minnesota territory. Alexander Ramsey, of Pennsylvania, was appointed governor, and proceeded at once to assume the duties of his office. In his first message to the territorial legislature, in the fall of 1849, he emphasized the need of wise measures looking to the establishment of a system of public education in these words: "The subject of education, which has ever been esteemed of first importance in all new American communities, deserves, and I doubt not, will receive your earliest and most devoted care. From the pressure of other, and more immediate wants, it is not to be expected that your school system should be very ample, yet it is desirable that what- ver is done should be of a character that will readily adapt itself to the growth and increase of the country, and not in future years require a violent change of system."

In response to this appeal for legislation in school matters we find that a committee on education was appointed, and a very able report was made by the chairman, Hon. Martin Mc- Leod. This report was formulated into an act relating to public schools in Minnesota, which act was passed on the last day of the session, November 1, 1849. It organized the territory into districts, of which the township was the unit, and provided that if a township had within its limits five families it should be considered as one district, but if it contained ten families it should be divided into two districts. Tax levy was provided, and a system of management arranged. The first superintendent of common schools for the territory was Rev. E. D. Neill, who served till 1853. His salary was one hundred dollars a year.

About 1853 we find the first authentic record of people com- ing into what was afterward called Steele county, and the first settlements were made near Medford and on the present site of Owatonna. Not until 1855 did there seem to be a sufficient number of children to begin educational work, and then the present Steele county, and a portion of what is now Waseca

830 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

count}', constituted one township, according to the meaning of the territorial plan. During the summer of 1855 a few of the settlers got together and built a kind of shed, and covered with boughs, on the present Albertus site on North Oak street, which was the first schoolhouse, and which school was taught by Helen Holbrook. Two of the student children in attendance upon this school were the mother and aunt of Grace Farmer, at present a teacher in the Lincoln school, Owatonna. The next year a log house was built, and served as a school house, church and general meeting place for public business. This building was erected near the present Lincoln school Iniilding. Here we find the cliildren of the hardy pioneers attending school and receiving their first, and in many cases, their only educational training. At about the same time that these events were tran- spiring in Owatonna other settlements in Steele county were establishing schools. In the same year, namely, in 1856, Medford built a school house, and there began a kind of rivalry between the two places, with the odds for some time seemingly in favor of Medford. Clinton Falls and Havana followed in rapid suc- cession, and it soon became necessary to plan a county system of education. Permit me here to present a picture of a winter day, say in 1858 or 9, at school. (This is a reproduction, so far as I can remember, of the school as given me by a dear departed friend, A. W. Jones.) A log school house, with an old Franklin stove set in a box of brick in the center of the room, door at one end, and two windows on each side, chinking of mud between the logs, the master's desk in one corner of the room, home-made desks for about fifteen to twentj' children around the outside of the room, the dinner baskets on the floor in a corner most distant from the stove, wraps hanging about the room, and a rousing wood fire in the stove. At 9 o'clock the master calls school by rapping on the window sash and giving expression to the then commonly used expression, "Books." Then the work of the day begins.

The organization of the school system of the county, accord- ing to the territorial plan, was to have as its head a county superintendent of schools, and in the election of 1856 we find that Ezra Abbott was elected to that office. The number of school districts in the county then was thirteen and the number of teachers was fifteen. Following is the list of county super- intendents, beginning with 1864, the period between 1862 and 1864 being under a different plan. (The legislature changed the system in 1862, dividing the county into three districts, in each of which the county commissioners were to appoint a super- intendent.) The following persons were appointed: R. G. Lin- coln, first district: Harvey Chapin, second district: Dv^-ight Gor-

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 831

den, third district. In 1864, the law being changed back to county supervision, the county commissioners appointed A. A. Harwood county superintendent and fixed his salary at $200 a year.

Mr. Harwood was succeeded by Hon. A. C. Hickman. F. J. Stevens succeeded him in 1868, and Mr. Stevens was succeeded by O. A. Tiffany. The terms of service are not given for the reason that no record was available. Rev. G. C. Tanner was the next county superintendent and held the office until 1887, when he resigned. J. D. Brown was appointed to fill the vacancy and held office till 1890, when E. G. Adams was elected, and held office for four years. In 1894 C. L. Whitman was elected, and served but one term. In 1896 Frank Carleton was elected, and served one term, when W. V. Kasper was elected and served two terms. In 1902 A. E. Kenyon was elected and in 1904 C. L. Davis was elected, serving two terms. In 1908 Steele county for the first time in its history elected a lady to the office of county superintendent, in the person of Grace G. Randall, who occupies the position at the present writing.

OWATONNA SCHOOLS.

About 1860 or 1862 the settlement of Owatonna had suffi- ciently increased to call for a larger building, and a frame school house, with two rooms, was built by Elder Towne, which building was used until removed in 1902, and is now changed into a dwelling house on East School street. As teachers for this school Katherine Adair, sister of the present (1910) high school principal, Esther E. Adair, was one of the teachers. A picture of these two teachers, and their children is at present in possession of Esther E. Adair.

In 1865 a special charter was granted to the city of Owa- tonna, making the territory of the city of Owatonna in the county of Steele, to constitute one school district, and under the control and direction of a board of education. As members of this board of education the following persons were elected, as per record, now in the possession of the board of education : A. Towne, term three years, second ward ; S. Hotchkiss, term three years, first ward; D. W. Burch, term one year, third ward; D. S. Harsha, term one year, at large; C. L. Tappan, term two years, at large.

April 10th, 1865, the meeting for organization "met according to law, in the principal school house of said city, and organized by electing Rev. A. Towne, president, and Rev. C. L. Ta])pan clerk, by ballot."

These minutes, and the minutes from that day to this.

832 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

are complete and continuous, and well kept. At this first meet- ing it was decided to have three terms of school during the year, of three months each, and that they employ two female teachers for the first (summer) term.

"Adjourned for 5 minutes, by order of the president, to read the local news, at the expiration of which time business was resumed."

It was also voted that school commence the first Monday in May, 1865. April 20, 1865, another meeting was held, and Mary E. P. Smith was elected at $7 a week, and Mary E. Blair, at $6 a week. May 25, 1865, another meeting was held and this record is found :

"In view of the crowded state of our schools, it was voted to open another department, viz. : grammar department, and Messrs. Towne and Harsha were appointed a committee to pro- cure a suitable room for the same and report next Monday evening." At the appointed meeting the committee reported that they were unable to procure a room. At this meeting they "voted to hire the Baptist church, if it can be obtained, for the grammar school." June 1st. 1865, a meeting was held, and the following appears : "Voted to hire C. T. Andrews to teach the grammar department in the Baptist church, 7 weeks, beginning next Monday, and to pay him $60 for the same. Messrs. Burch and Tappan were appointed a committee to hire Mr. Andrews and grade the schools. Mr. Burch was appointed to procure pail, dipper and broom."

The fall of 1865 the schools began the first Monday after Thanksgiving, and later it was found that a fourth teacher was necessary, and the same was provided to begin in January, 1866.

At a meeting of the board held January 8, 1866, I find the first record of rules and regulations to govern the schools, which are as follows: 1st, The schools shall be divided into three depart- ments, styled the primary, intermediate and grammar depart- ments, and the studies pursued in each shall be uniform. 2nd, Every pupil in the intermediate and grammar departments of the school shall be required to read and spell at least once each day. 3d, There shall be no profane or indecent language used by any pupil in attendance at the schools. 4tli, There shall be no rude or boisterous play in the school rooms and no marring or defacing of either school room or furniture. 5th, Every pupil in the grammar and intermediate departments who shall be tardy or absent shall be required by the teacher to bring a written excuse from parent or guardian, and no pupil shall be dismissed during school hours without a written request from parent or guardian. Provided further, that whenever such excuses and request shall number five, the teacher shall report

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 833

said pupil to the board, and refuse to admit him to school until he present a written statement from some member of the board entitling him to admission. 6th, Composition and declamation shall be maintained in the grammar department, and declamation in the intermediate department every week. 7th, Any pupil wil- full)^ violating, or refusing to comply with any of these rules, shall, upon due proof being given, be expelled or not, at the option of the board, during the remainder of the term in which such offense is committed."

It is quite noticeable that much time, during these earlier years, was spent by the board in employing teachers, as they were almost entirely employed for a term of three months, when they were either reemployed or others employed to take their places.

May 5, 1866, a district meeting was held for the purpose of voting $2,500 worth of bonds "for the purpose of purchasing sites and building two school rooms in the district." The bonds were voted. And from half the issue the minutes show the purchase of the Baptist church. September 14, 1867, an ad- journed meeting of the qualified voters of the district was held, which meeting was addressed by Mark H. Bunnell, state super- intendent of public instruction. At this meeting it was voted to bond the city of Owatonna, school district number one, to the amount of $20,000, for the purpose of purchasing a site for, and the erection of, a central school building. The bonds were voted to be issued at 10 per cent, but later I find another meeting called for the purpose of authorizing the payment of 12 per cent, as no money could be procured at 10 per cent. The change was voted, but a change in amount was also made, to $15,000. Feb- ruary 17, 1868, at a meeting of the qualified voters, the site for a central school building was selected, which was the present site of the high school building, and on March 2, 1868, the board resolved to build a central school building on the site previously selected. The building was to be of red brick, and three stories high, with nine foot basement. Plans and specifications were prepared by I. I. Fuller, for $100. Contract for building was given to I. W. Dresser and D. Marble, April 27, 1868, for $14,419.

August 27, 1868, the board, at a regular meeting, elected Wm. L. Butts principal of the schools at a salary of $1200 a year. Up to this time C. T. Andrews seems to have been the principal. In the reelection of Prof. Butts for the fourth year, June 3, 1871, he was elected principal and superintendent. This is the first time the title of superintendent is aj^plied. Prof. Butts was at head of the schools until 1873, when he was succeeded by C. W. Hall, of Mankato, who occupied the position for two years,

834 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

when C. \V. Clinton was elected, and served for three years. On the official record I find the following interesting item : "The night of January 7, 1873, and the day following are recorded as having experienced the most severe and destructive storms that have been known in the history of Minnesota. At about 3 o'clock in the afternoon the wind changed from the south to the northwest and continued increasing in power until it became one of the greatest electrical storms ever known in the North- west. So much so that messages were readily sent after the batteries had been disconnected from the wires. The loss of life along our northern and western frontier has been terrific ; over 200 persons are known to have perished during the storm. Comparatively few lives have been lost in the southern and east- ern portions of the state. The air became so filled with drifting snow that it was impossible to distinguish objects at more than ten or twelve rods distance, and often not more than four rods. Mercury going no lower than 18 degrees below zero."

At a meeting of the board September 5, 1876, Prof. Clinton presented the following high school course of study, which was the first on record, and, as the record shows, was adopted, after some discussion :

"High school course of study, 1876. — First year, first term: Arithmetic, practical and mental; reading; physical geography: United States history: grammar; spelling: language lessons; drawing (optional) ; penmanship. First year second term : Arith- metic, practical and mental; reading; United States history; algebra, to factoring; grammar; language lessons ; physiology; drawing (optional); spelling; penmanship. First year, third term : Arithmetic, practical and mental ; language lessons ; draw- ing (optional ) ; algebra, reviewed ; spelling; penmanship: read- ing; United States history, completed ; grammar. Second year, first term: Algebra, continued; word analysis: penmanship; school composition; United States constitution; drawing (op- tional); natural philosophy ; spelling; general history. Second year, second term : Algebra, completed ; word analysis ; penman- ship ; school composition; United States constitution; drawing (optional); natural philosophy ; spelling; general history. Sec- ond year, third term : Algebra, reviewed ; word analysis ; pen- manship ; natural philosophy, completed ; United States consti- tution, completed; drawing (optional); school composition: spelling ; general history. Third year, first term : Geometry ; English literature; chemistry; rhetorical exercises; political economy ; analysis of English language. Third year, second term: Geometry; geology; chemistry, completed; rhetorical exercises; analysis of English language; English literature. Third year, third term: Geometry, completed; elements of bot-

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 835

any; elementary astronomy ; rhetorical exercises ; English liter- ature; analysis of English language."

August 29, 1879, Prof. J. C. Bryant was elected superintend- ent, Prof. Clinton having resigned. Before the opening of school for this fall, the above course of study was slightly modified, principally by the addition of Latin in the second and third year.s. The rules and regulations were also changed, rather brought down to date, and were in much the form and sentiment as at present in force. The course of study was changed at dififerent times, making it stronger with each change, and also making it harmonize with the work in other high schools and enabling the graduates from this high school to enter colleges and universities upon their credentials and without examinations. Not until after 1890 was the course extended to a full four-year high school course, with four years of Latin offered, and two years of Ger- man offered. Changes have been a necessity in later years in order to add to the work the special lines, and give our young people an opportunity to secure the varied lines offered to young people in other communities and cities. Thus in 1901 music and drawing were added as a regular line, in charge of a special teacher. In 1907 manual training and mechanical drawing were added, and are in charge of a special teacher. During this same year the kindergarten was opened as a part of the public-school system of the city, in charge of a teacher and one assistant. This addition to the public-school system was made possible by reason of a perpetual endowment in the sum of $5,000, left for that pur- pose by Hon. H. H. Rosebrock, a public-spirited and philan- thropic citizen for many years. In 1909 the line of work was further extended by the addition of home economics, in charge of a special teacher. One further addition, that of agriculture, is being planned, and it is expected to put into operation a special course in agriculture, in charge of a trained person in that line of work.

The first class to graduate from the high school was in the spring of 1877, and consisted of seven young people, four boys and three girls, two of whom are at present citizens of Owatonna, viz.: Alice L. Hold (Mrs. George R. Kinyon) and Charles L. Pound. Since that time, with the exception of 1878 and 1881, graduation exercises have been held, and classes have increased in size until the present class numbers forty-nine. The manage- ment of the school has been f|nite uniform and successful, the ruling principle being to maintain a high standard, and give the young people of Owatonna the benefit of the best that can be provided. Tenure of superintendents and teachers has been based upon the principle that successful individuals should be retained as long as possible. Fewer changes in supcrintendencies

836 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

have been made than in most places. Mr. Bryant left in 1882 and was succeeded by Hon. George B. Aiton for many years, and at present state high school inspector, who remained but two years. A. W. Rankin was elected in 1884, and remained until 1889. Mr. Rankin is at present professor in the College of Education at the state university. G. F. Kenasten was here from 1889 to 1892; B. T. Hathaway, from 1892 to 1893; L. il. Ford, from 1893 to 1899, since which time the writer has occupied the position.

At the present time there are, including the Kindergarten building, which is famous for having been Steele county's first court house, five buildings : The high school building, erected in 1883, to take the place of the one erected in 1868, and burned to the ground in 1882; the McKinley building, erected in 1895 and 1899, corner of Rose and Grove streets; the Lincoln building, erected in 1885 and in 1902, on the original school site ; the Jef- ferson building, on the west side, corner of Bridge and State streets, erected in 1904, and the Kindergarten building, above mentioned. The entire number of teachers employed, including the superintendent, is thirty-five. The board of education con- sists of one member from each ward (five) and two at large, mak- ing it consist of seven members. The levy for school purposes is $20,000. To this is to be added the state appropriation, amoimting to over $4,000, and the state high school aid, which now is $1,750 annually.

The enrollment has reached 1,275, of which number 260 are enrolled in the high school. The class of 1910 consisted of eighteen young men and thirty-one young ladies — forty-nine in all — the largest class so far graduated from the schools. The board of education at present consists of: George Parrott, presi- dent; W. C. Zamboni, secretary; W. W. Kinyon, treasurer; R. H. G. Netz, Guy B. Bennett, M. R. Cashman, Anton Seykora, Jr.; P. J. Kuntz, superintendent, ex-ofificio member.

CHAPTER XIV

MILITARY HISTORY

Steele County in the War for the Preservation of the Union — First War Meeting Held — Company Marches to Faribault and Is Mustered in at St. Paul — Enlistments and Bounties — Military Districts — War Record of Those First Enlisting — Names of the Soldiers from this County — Grand Army Or- ganizations— Old No. 5 Post — McPherson Post — James A. Goodwin Post and Corps — By E. E. Bigelow, M. D.

The county of Steele, which was organized in 1855, and in 1860 had a population of but 2,863, was only six years old, and the state scarcely three years old, when the pioneers were called to the defense of their flag and nation, then threatened through the secession of the Southern states from the Federal union, and the dogs of war were let loose by what had, during the winter months of 1860-61, developed into a confederacy of the Southern states, and an open rebellion to the government at Washington, which was ushered in by a direct attack by armed forces upon Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. At this time Alexander Ramsey, governor of Minnesota, chanced to be in Washington, and imme- diately sought Secretary Cameron, and in writing tendered 1,000 soldiers from Minnesota in defense of the government, which offer was presented to the president and by him accepted. The governor telegraphed the same to the adjutant general of the state, with orders to make a call for troops. On receipt of the news of the call at Owatonna, although Steele county was but sparsely settled, its citizens loyally responded, and immediate steps were taken for the enlistment of volunteer soldiers for the ninety-day service.

At a war meeting called at the old Morford Hall, the room was packed by a crowd of enthusiastic men and women. Among the patriotic speakers was Lewis McKune, of Waseca, who had come over to Owatonna for the occasion, and who added greatly to the enthusiasm of the meeting through an eloquent arraign- ment of the rebellious states. At the close of his address he stepped forward and headed the enlistment roll, which was in quick succession signed by Samuel Dwight Morford, Anton Schimek, Andrew Collyer, Merritt B. Patten, Alvin Phelps, Ed- ward Phillips, 0.scar Gross, Henry Borchert, George W. Crooker,

837

838 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Fredelin Bool, Merritt B. Case, \\'illiam N. Card, U. M. Curtis. Frank Dickenson, Charles E. Davison, James L. Dubois, Jerome Farensworth, George J. Hopkins, Anthony Jones, Francis F. Livingston, Irvin W. Northrup, Martin Patterson, Walter S. Reed, George P. Sawyer, James T. Sawyer, John E. Strothman, George Thorn and Theodore Williams, making an honor roll of twenty-six able-bodied men. These men marched, under the strain of martial music furnished by David Lindersmith as fifer and Elder Thomson as drummer, to Faribault, where they were joined by other contingents from Faribault, Waseca, Dundas and Northfield, and organized into a full company, with Lewis McKune, captain; Nathan S. Alessick, first lieutenant, and Will- iam E. Smith, second lieutenant. The company went immedi- ately to camp at St. Paul, and was mustered into the service of the United States as Company G, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, April 29, 1861. just seventeen days after Fort Sumter was fired upon and fourteen days after the president made his first call for 75,000 ninety-day men, the First Minnesota having the honor to be the first regiment mustered into service on that call. Before leaving the state a request was received from the president that a re-enlistment of the regiment be made for a period of three years or during the war. which was vmanimously responded to by the regiment, and it went to the front as such. not having to be remustered into service at the expiration of the ninety days. Considering that this regiment of men either came from the farm or from one or another branch or trade or profession, and that all contingencies had to be provided for, there probably was not another regiment during the war's con- tinuance so quickly organized and taken to the scene of military activity as this one. During the continuance of the war Steele county made a record for promptness in furnishing her quota of soldiers at every call from the president which she can justly feel proud of. Considering that the population of the county at the breaking out of the rebellion numbered only 2,863, all told, and that 412 of her able-bodied young patriots volunteered and gath- ered at rendezvous, leaving their all at home, either in the care of wife or aged parents, freely jeopardizing their lives upon the altar of their country, all old as well as new comers into the county should look back to those early days of the county's efforts with great satisfaction. As the census figures would show, 75 per cent of the able-bodied men of the population of the county went out to defend Old Glory and what she represents.

During those "times that tried men's souls." the "copperhead" element in Steele county was not sufficient to become very noticeable, except in a very few instances, when the ofifender was given twenty-four hours to move out of the county or to be

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 839

moved from eartlil_v strife altogether — a warning he learned to heed.

In its official capacity, too, considering the stringency of money matters in those early days of Western pioneering, Steele county was magnanimous in the provisions made for supplying bounties to her volunteer soldiers, and in addition to which nearly every township in the county provided a special bounty as a sort of emergency relief work. On August 4, 1862, President Lincoln made his fourth call for additional troops. Reliance for providing bounties in Steele county had to a great extent been placed upon private subscriptions, which had become inefficient, and there had been no provision on the previous tax assessment roll for war purposes. Consequently, on August 12, 1862, Alex- ander Chambers, then chairman of the board of county commis- sioners, convened the board in special session. Of the three members of the board. Mr. Chambers and Benjamin F. iVIelvin were present, Hiram Fredenburgh not being able to come from Summit. At this meeting of the board, the sum of $50 was appropriated for each volunteer who should enlist in answer to the call and be mustered into service, and it was ordered that the bounties should be paid in installments of 10 per cent of the whole amount to the married men at the end of each month thereafter until the whole amount had been paid ; single men to receive one-half of the full amount at the end of six months and the balance at the end of the first year of service. At a sub- sequent meeting of the board, held on September 12, 1862, the full membership being present, a change in the manner of the payment of the bounties was made, in which it was ordered that the 10 per cent payments upon the bounties appropriated should be made at the end of each month, and the county treas- urer was instructed to call upon all persons who had subscribed to the bounty fund and solicit their subscriptions, that the monthly payments could be met when due. On January 9. 1863. at a regular meeting of the full board of county commissioners, the county treasurer informed the board that there was no money in the treasury with which to meet the monthly install- ments then due volunteers. The board instructed the county auditor that upon the presentation of an order upon the treasurer by any volunteer, there should be issued to him the amount of the installment due him, in county scrip, bearing 10 per cent interest.

On April 8, 1863, at a special meeting of the county board, called for that purpose, the county was divided into districts for the election of officers for military purposes; each district to have one captain and one first and one second lieutenant, the districts being arranged as follows: The First district was to

840 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

include Aurora and Dover (now Havana), and the meeting and election was to be held at the residence of A. B. Clark; the Sec- ond district was to include Somerset and Summit, the election to be held at the school house near Mr. Bills' house ; the Third district was to include Berlin and Lemond, election to be held at the residence of J. \V. Crosby ; the Fourth district was Owa- tonna, election to be held at the school house; the Fifth district was Merton, election to be held at town meeting place; the Sixth district was to include Clinton Falls and Aledford, election to be held at residence of David Sanborn; the Seventh district was to include Meriden and Deerfield, election to be held at the school house near John O. Waumumetts' residence.

December 19, 1863, at a meeting of the board, a resolution was passed stating that the majority of the taxpayers of the county wished the bount}- to be raised to $100 for volunteers. In accordance therewith, B. F. Melvin was instructed to ascer- tain where, and on what terms, the county could secure a loan that would be sufficient to meet the claims of the volunteers. In January, 1864. he reported to the board that Dr. McCutcheon, of Faribault, would take $3,000 of the bonds at par value, but stated that he was informed by the doctor's attorney that the commissioners had no legal right to issue such bonds.

It being found that the bonds were illegal, and not negotiable, the legislature, then in session, was asked to authorize the issue of $6,000 in bonds, out of which each volunteer who should enlist and be accredited to Steele county should receive $100, as soon as the money could be secured. On February 12, 1864, the legis- lature passed an act authorizing Steele county to issue the $6,000 in county bonds, to draw 12 per cent interest, one-half to be paid at the expiration of two years, and the balance in three years. Alexander Chambers was appointed to negotiate the loan, and it was provided that the volunteers should be paid their bounties in the order in which they enlisted, until all should have been paid, or all of the amount of the money secured had been paid out; the instructions being that veterans who should re-enlist would not receive any portion of the bounty thus provided for the new enlistments.

Of the soldiers who went to the front with the First Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, Captain McKune was killed in battle at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Samuel Dwight Morford was wounded at tlie battle of Gettysburg, and was in the hospital sick when the regiment was mustered out. Anton Schimek and An- drew Collyer were both killed at Bull Run. Merritt B. Patten was killed at Bull Run. Alvin Phelps was discharged for dis- ability. Edward Phillips was promoted to a corporal and mus- tered out with his regiment. Oscar Gross met a severe bullet

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 841

wound through tlie elbow joint in his right arm at Bull Run and was discharged, permanently disabled. Henry Borchart was transferred to the United States Cavalry, October 25, 1862. George W. Crooker was wounded at Bull Run, and discharged for disability. Fredelin Bool remained the full term of enlist- ment and was mustered out in Alay, 1864. Merritt B. Case was wounded at Bull Run and discharged, to be promoted major of a colored regiment. William Card died at Fair Oaks on June 2, 1862. M. M. Curtis was discharged for disability January 26, 1862. Charles E. Davison was wounded at Bull Run and died November 6, 1862, at New York. James L. Dubois was wounded at Bull Run and discharged July 6, 1863, for disability. Frank Dickinson, corporal, was promoted to company sergeant and mustered out with the regiment. George J. liopkins was wounded at Gettysburg; further than this, the rolls do not record what did become of him or that he was ever mustered out of service. Anthony Jones was wounded at both Bull Run and Gettysburg, and finally discharged for disability. Francis F. Livingstone held the position of division wagon master during the term of his enlistment, and was mustered out in May, 1864. Martin Patterson was discharged for disability January 7, 1863. George P. Sawyer was killed at Gettysburg. James T. Sawyer was severely wounded at Antietam and not accounted for. John E. Strothman, corporal and musician, was killed at Gettysburg. George Thom was mustered out at expiration of enlistment, May, 1864. Theodore Williams died September 24, 1862. Walter S. Reed was wounded at Bull Run and Gettysburg and transferred to the First Battery. Irvin W. Northrup, sergeant, died July 14, 1862, of disease.

Did time and space j^crmit, the writer would be glad to give the full roster of service performed by the individual volunteer soldiers from Steele county, but it has been deemed sufficient to give here the record of those on the honor roll from the county — that is, those who went out with the first company.

It is well to mention here a rather interesting incident con- nected with the wound received by Oscar Gross and the writer. After passing through the operation for relief of the wound, and his allotted time under the surgeon's care in the army hospital, Mr. Gross was discharged from the service, and through a fail- ure to discover a part of the bullet that had become imbedded in the joint of the elbow, he had carried the same during a period of twenty-six years, with two open discharging outlets, one on either side of the joint, which caused the destruction of the use- fulness of the joint and the withering of the whole arm, making it comparatively useless, besides a constant source of pain and anxiety to him, needing during this whole period to be dressed

84:2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

and cared for, till January, 1887. My attention was called to the shattered arm, and upon investigating the diseased joint, located the portion of bullet, and removed it, after which he was relieved from his suffering and became a more useful man. Had the army surgeon attended to his duty, this man would have escaped many years of suffering, and have had the use of his right arm.

The following is a list of the soldiers who answered their country's call and enlisted from Steele county, as taken from the records in the adjutant general's office:

Aurora — Levi Annis, Jacob Berg, J. S. Bixljy, George H. Curtis. Henry Lopping, William Green, Felix Myers, Patrick Morin, Dennis Morin. George A. Fling, William J. Snider, R. C. McDaniels, Nils P. Thimson, John L. Roberts, William J. John- son, Samuel Howe, Chris. Dickenson, Samuel B. Olmstead, David Pettie, C. B. Pettie, G. C. Pettic, Albert T. Cook, James L. Roberts. Clark Weed, Halleck Siverson, Alonzo Richards, Arthur H. Danchey.

Berlin — Levi Chase, Dudlet Chase, Timothy Chase, William Hanson, Eli F. Pitcher. Isaac Reese, Francis Grow, Eugene W. Roberts, William Wilson.

Dover (now Havana) — Frank Chambers, Manley M. Curtis, James L. Dubois, George W. Emery, Anthony Jones, Anthony W. Jones, Isaac W. Jones, Martin Patterson, J. E. Strotham, Oscar Tiltany, John W. Warfield, John Willis, Joseph R. Web- ster, W. H. Buns, Gilbert W. Elliot, John McCaslin, Richard S. Bailey, Henry Bloomer, Henry F. Minthorn, Allen Hart, John Anderson, Charles Hudson, Charles Jones, S. F. Giles.

Clinton P'alls — Osias B. Baker, William Barnhard, James Barnhard, John H. Bortley, R. W. Cressey, Thomas Curtis, George W. Green, Andrew M. Hunt, Sanford E. Hays, William E. Morrison, Thurman E. McXitt, Henry Parsons, B. C. Sanljorn, D. W. Williamson. Joseph Richie, Sanford H. Mclntire, Samuel Morrison, Martin Warner.

Deerfield — Demster L. Winchell, Patrick Condon, Benjamin Gypson, William Hodgson, Samuel Lilly, Henry N. Morse, William Rosenthal, William Star, Charles H. Williams, Henry G. Carter, William W. Arnold, Cyrus M. Huston, Newton Parker, Joseph Fleury.

Lemond — Samuel B. Beach, Aaron S. Bragg, Joseph Tatro, John Tatro, Thomas Fluston, Nelson Johnson, Nevvcomb Kin- ney, Stillman Kinney, Daniel Tasker, Samuel Gould, Henry W. Bragg, Edward Davis, James Gibson, Ingbert Sorenson.

Medford — John L. Barney, Clavin G. Bliss, Warren P. Bis- sell, John L. Davis, Thomas E. Davis, Richard M. Drake, Adoni- ram Eastman, Albert B. Francis, Francis W. Fowler, Loren

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 843

Fowler, Samuel M. Freeman, Samuel M. Guile, Augustus Has- kill, Isaac P. Heath, John A. Heath, Charles Jeffery, George Kendig, John H. King, James S. Stodard, Nelson McClure, Will- iam W. W'ilkins, August. A. Lincoln, Ambrose Moore, William McCrory, Albert McKinney, F. L. Melvin, M. D. L. Miller, Elias G. Pike, Charles Pomeroy, William Pasco, Eugene P. Ring, Jotham Shaw, M. L. Strong, George B. Sawyer, H. N. Thurston, John W. Wcntworth, W. W. W'heeler, W. W. Wilkins, Lewis M. Howard, Moses Hoit, James H. DeReenier.

Meriden — Henry Bradley, William Bradley. Charles Fitz- simmons. Lewis F"itzsimmons, L. J. Green, William S. Tuthill, Byron J. Williams, Asa Mosher, Samuel W. Baker, Thomas Cooney, Henry Ritchie, James R. McNitt, John A. Teed, James W. Kern, Cornelius F. Ross, Francis H. Carr, William McCabe, James Bradley, Anthony J. Jordon, John D. Tuthill, Charles S. House, Philo Hawes, John L. Anderson, William H. Kidney, V. V. Middaugh, William A. Harris. Lewis Jacob, Adelbert Smith.

Merton — James H. Adams, James J. Barnes, Norman Mosher, Willard E. Marlin, Alvin Burns, Charles B. Baker, Joseph Car- penter, Samuel J. Curtis, Patrick Conden. Thomas Carpenter, A. R. Eastman, Levi Flake, Michael W. Henry, Miles Henry, Frederick J. Irvin, Henry B. Jones, Oliver T. Jones. Frank L. Kendall, John Lane, Michael McAndrews, Wilmot H. Pinnick, Robert Thom, Patrick McAndrews, Sewel P. Norton, George Naylor, James Naylor. Andrew W. Reed. Franklin Thompson, Emmons P. Taylor, Theodore Williams, George H. Willey, Mel- vin H. Welch, Lawrence W. MoUey, Warren Barnard, Daniel Dodge, Jr., Smith Casler. John W. Curtis, Henry L. Curtis, Ter- rence O'Toole, Thomas J. Conlin.

Owatonna — R. C. Ambler, E. M. Arnold, Fredolin Bool, John D. Burr, P. D. Barnett, Michael Barney, Hugh Burns, L. F. Babcock, Murdock P. Burr, M. B. Case. George W. Crooker, Andrew H. Colyer, D. L. Coverdale, J. T. Carter. J. W. Craw- ford, O. S. Crandall, Simon Case, Dexter Carlton, F. A. Conwell, Oliver Lindcrsmith, Ebcnczer La Gro, S. D. Morford, C. F. Moessner, George M. Mills, Joel G. Morford, Orlando S. Moore, T. C. S. Minthorne, W. W. Ernest, Jeremiah Elliot, E. D. Fill- more, Harvey Fletcher. J. N. H. Flinn. Norman T. Foster, Wal- ter Gordon. James A. Goodwin. John Grear, James F. Hall, J. R. Hooker. J. A. Madley, Jacob W. Hess, Asa S. Haynes, Will- iam Ilartz, Charles F. Hammond. Thomas Kelley. E. M. Ker- rott, Frank Livingstone. Richard A. Pasco, William Presley. W. H. Russell. Andrew J. Rideout, James T. Sawyer, Austin E. Schimek, W. H. Sherman, Smith II. Stowers, Richard Miles, John Morris. E. W. Northrop, Jacob Nichols, John B. Norman,

8-14 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

G. W. Odell, E. P. Phillips, Alvin Phelps, AI. B. Patten, Adison Phelps, Fred. Parsons, Horace H. Phillips, Zeus S. Yearley, Thomas Thompson, Henry D. Brigham, Samuel S. Epla, C. E. Howard, Samuel Bettig, Jr., George \V. Crooker, John D. Coon, Hiram Harsh, Ebon Hullett, Hiram Robinson, George W. The- nig, Allen S. Vail, Joseph Young, John F. Lipsey, John M. Rock. ]\Iethia Sweatt, Jacob W. Walrod, John C. Wickham, John Young, Edwin P. Buck, Thedoriorus J. Andrews, William B. Scott, George Thorn. Daniel G. Towie, H. R. Thompson, James Syhomas, Julius A. Town, Willard Wheaton, Alanson B. Wood, Nathaniel Winchell, William Webster, William B. Winchell, Marcus Ware, William Bradley, O. Lindersmith, Jacob Peebles, Benjamin Siars, Daniel L. Tasker, Oscar Tiffany, Ezra A. Tyler, Erin II. Ameigh, George W. Brooks, William H. Clark, Charles Giles. Charles A. Jones, John Jepson, William B. Lyons, D. P. Marshall, George N. Hopkins, Russell Chase, Solomon Mid- daugh, James M. Sherpy, George Chambers, Nathaniel Ramsey, John Wilcox, Joseph Euny, Franklin K. Hicock, Michael McPelt, Daniel R. Morrison, Wesley W. Pitch, John Wildrich, Melvin B. Slocum, Isaac Reecc, Joseph E. E. Peggs, Charles W. Gard- ner, Steven Lafayett.

Summit — Jeremiah Fredenburg. John I<'arrell, James Smith, George Winchell, Benjamin S. Wheeler, Harvey Benedict, Jr., Hanson B. Davis, Alvin Fredenburg, Archibard Colanhour, Fre- born L. Austin, Roswell F. Heath, David V. Smith, William T. Scram, Isaac S. Barrett, Mortimer R. Ellis, Daniel A. Loomis, Adolphus C. Work, John Warner.

Somerset — Henry Borchert, Ferdinand Borchcrt, William N. Card, Charles C. Curtis, Oscar Gross, Arza B. Thompson, Will- iam N. Breidenstein, Thomas G. James, John Lunn, Joseph Buckner, Albert Bailey, Charles Ellison, Gilbert Gross, Thomas E. Kinyon, William W. Hanson, George Mitchell, David L. Mainard, Frank Sekora, James S. King, James B. Smith, Philo Sawyer, Charles A. Steele, Ole Onficleson, Byrum Powers, Henry A. Pitcher, Stephen Carvey, Hermon Johnson, Charles R. Knowlton, Lafayette Howe, Silas Anderson, Theodore Wal- cott.

GRAND ARMY ORGANIZATIONS.

On the evening of November 30, 1867, several honorably dis- charged soldiers of the Civil War of the L^nited States, having received a dispensation from the department headquarters of the Minnesota Grand Armj' of the Republic to establish a post of that order, it was organized by Comrades O. M. Knight, (Col.) H. J. Lewis, E. H. Allen, E. P. Phillips, A. S. Chase, T. H. Kellcv, Dr. Solomon Blood, T. W. Hanks, M. P. Maine,

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 845

J. II. Daniels (Major) M. A. Dailcy, A. F. Lewis, Eli I. William- son and C. Chamberlain. The following officers were elected : Col. H. J. Lewis, post commander; E. W. Allen, S. V. P. C. ; E. P. Phillips, J. V. P. C; A. S. Chase, P. Adjt.; P. H. Kelley, Q. M. ; Dr. S. Blood, P. Surg. The organization was named Post No. 5, Department of Minnesota, Grand Army of the Re- public, and held its meetings first in the Good Templars' Hall, then for a while, by invitation, in the Winona and St. Peter railroad depot, and finally, during the last months of its exist- ence, in the old Dresser Hall. From the date of its organization up to September 24, 1869, sixty additional comrades had been added to its ranks, making a total membership of seventy-three.

In August, 1869, orders were received from headquarters to reorganize the post under the new system that had been inaug- urated at the grand encampment of the G. A. R., at Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 24, 1869. In compliance with this, the then com- mander of the local post. R. C. Olin, and his quartermaster, M. E. Billings, having been mustered at headquarters, mustered the officers of the old organization into the new one, and at sub- sequent meetings mustered Comrades R. E. Bailey, (Dr.) S. Blood, T. H. Ferrel, Andrew Fisher, F. S. Furman, H. J. Lewis, E. S. Paddock, A. B. Webber, W. S. Wilson, Ethan W. Allen, Julius F. Young, John T. Carter, John Middagh and E. H. Kennedy. Notice was served upon the comrades that they would be allowed only till the last meeting in September to be remus- tered and to retain membership in the order. The post drafted a new set of by-laws, named the organization McPherson Post, No. 5, G. A. R., rented a hall from the Y. M. C. A., over the Harsha drug store, now the Deviny Building, and held its last meeting on September 24, 1869, as per adjutant's last reports on file. No doubt the reason for this abrupt ending of the reorgan- ized post was that the members of the original organization could not at the time be induced to be remustered.

James A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, G. A. R. The first meeting which was held for the purpose of organizing the post was at the Knights of Honor Hall over the old D. O. Searl hardware store on Cedar street, with L. L. Wheelock in tlie chair. Mr. Wheelock announced the presence of the vice <loi:)artnicnt com- mander, R. A. Becker, with Comrades Zigbaum, Leibold and Waffle, of St. Paul, to assist him in tlie organization, and pro- ceeded to muster in the following as charter members: E. A. Tyler, W. A. Dynes, C. W. Hadley, John Helwig, Oscar Gross, J. W. Burch, Frank L. Mclvin, L. L. Inrnan, John Ryan. L. L. Wheelock. J. C. Barncard, S. N. Lund, Dr. W. H. Twiford, W. W. Day, George E. Sloan, Dr. E. E. Bigelow, David Curtis, Dr. J. L. Harrington, Oscar Murphy, R. H. Reynolds, Aaron Heming-

846 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

way, E. P. Norton, F. M. Bautcr, Eli 1. Williamson, C. M. Will- iamson, William Gamble, C. W. Wilkinson, J. D. Backus, J. E. Teed, D. W. Williamson, D. O. Searl, H. J. Robinson, Jerry Fre- denburg, Horace Smith, J. D. Holden and Orlando Lindersmith. An election of officers resulted in choosing L. L. Wheelock, P. C; E. A. Tyler, S. V. P. C; D. O. Searl, J. V. P. C; H. J. Helwig, adjutant ; \V. A. Dynes, O. M. ; J. L. Harrington, P. S. ; Rev. J. Newton Brown, chaplain; J. Z. Barncard, O. D. ; E. P. Norton, O. B.; C. B. Wilkinson, S. M. ; J. D. Holden, Q. M. S.

Among the many names presented to be considered from which to select a name for the post was that of James A. Good- win, in memoriam of the late James A. Goodwin, a pioneer busi- ness man of Owatonna, who was enlisted as a sergeant of Com- pany E, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in the fall of 1861, and was immediately taken with his regiment into active service, was promoted to the second lieutenancy of the company, and at the battle of luka. Miss., on September 19, 1862, lost one of his legs, and died in the hospital at St. Louis, Mo. This name was selected, and James A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, gained very rapidly in numbers. In August the hall became too small for quarters, so that the hall over the postofifice building was secured and fitted up by dividing it into two parts, making accommoda- tions also for the James A. Goodwin Relief Corps, No. 31. This hall was occupied by the two organizations in August, 1887, the post at that time numbering 136 members. After occupying these quarters for ten years, the post and relief corps moved to the more roomy and commodious quarters in the Knights of Pythias Hall, where they still hold their meetings. Although at one time numbering 235 members, the membership has dwindled by transfers, removals, deaths and other means till at the present time there are only ninety members remaining, sixty-one com- rades having died since the organization of the post.

The purposes for which the Grand Army of the Republic was organized are to inculcate and preserve fraternal feelings and interests in one another's welfare; to strengthen tliat bond which so strongly bound soldiers together in field and camp duties ; to perpetuate the history and memory of those who have passed beyond; to render needed assistance to unfortunate com- rades during their declining years, and to help and protect and assist in alleviating the hardships of the widows and children of those who fell while in the service. Another great aim of the G. A. R. is to teach patriotic thought and principles to the j-oung and rising generations by encouraging a lasting love for the flag of our country as the great integral part of government influ- ence; to always love, reverence and be ready to defend it. Among the results to-day, a flagstaff, provided with Old Glory,

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 847

is attached to every school house in our country, and pupils are taught to reverence it. Politically, the G. A. R. is non-partisan, no politics being allowed at the meetings.

The present officers of the local post are : T. H. Kelley, P. C. ; Dr. E. E. Bigelow, S. V. P. C. ; A. A. Farrensworth, J. V. P. C; Dr. J. Palmer Johnson, adjutant; Wilford Vinton, Q. S. ; Julius F. Young, surgeon ; Joseph Cobb, chaplain ; R. P. Pike, O. D. ; Aaron S. Bragg, O. G. ; Andrew Read, sergeant major; A. M. Kinyon, quartermaster sergeant. The post holds its meetings at the Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Fridays of each month, at 8 o'clock in the evening.

James A. Goodwin Woman's Relief Corps, No. 31, was organ- ized May 11, 1887. The first officers were: Mrs. Maria Kinyon, president ; Mrs. Ilattie Barncard, senior vice-president ; Mrs. Sarah Sterns, junior vice-president; Mrs. James Dennis, chap- lain ; Miss Helen McGowan, secretary ; Mrs. Rosalia Young, treasurer; Mrs. Dora Helwig, conductor; Mrs. Mary Gross, assistant conductor, and Mrs. Nellie Berg, guard. Besides the officers chosen, the following charter members were mustered by the department deputy president : the Mesdames Mary Stark- weather, Sophia Sheldon, Mary Burlingame, Elsie Kelley, Lizzie Cruckshank, Phoebe Burch, Anna Austin, Frank G. Odell, Sarah Norton, Emma Hough, Ella Williamson, Sabra Jones, Maria Kinyon, Annetta Farmer, Addie Wheelock, Katherine Harring- ton, Cora E. Banter and Ellen E. BufTum. The Woman's Relief Corps has always since its inception held its meetings in a room adjoining the G. A. R. hall and is an indispensable help in carry- ing out the plans for the annual Memorial Day observance. The ladies also figure prominently in the social functions, which are solely conducted by them, making their good cheer constantly felt and appreciated by the veteran soldiers of the post. The Woman's Relief Corps membership is not confined exclusively to the Grand Army of the Republic women, but is open to all those desiring to aid in the work of the corps. The present offi- cers are: President, Mrs. Mary Gross; senior vice-president, Mrs. Bell Thompson; junior vice-president, Mrs. Lizzie Cop- dell; secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Lamp; treasurer, Mrs. Ettie Nel- son; chaplain. Mrs. Maria Kinyon; conductor, Mrs. Addie Van- wagoner; guard, Mrs. Sarah Wammett ; assistant conductor, Minnie Purfurst ; assistant guard, Mrs. Rosa Schmuck ; color bearers, first. Miss Ellen Young; second, Mrs. Margaret Boll; third, Ellen Campbell ; press correspondent, .MVs. Charlotte Kinny; patriotic instructor, Mrs. Nellie Berg; musician, Mrs. Rosalia Young. The corps has a large membership, and holds its meetings at Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Friday evenings of each month.

CHAPTER XV

COUNTY BUILDINGS

Property Owned by the County — Lot Purchased for Court House — Cost and Description — Steele County Jail — Old Building Erected in the Seventies — Modern Structure Com- pleted in 1903 — County Alms House — Buildings and Farm.

Steele county has three county institutions — the court house and the jail at Owatonna and the county farm. The court house and the jail are substantially and economically built, and are p-leasing to the eye at the same time that they serve their pur- pose of utility. The alms house, where the deserving poor are cared for, is also conducted along modern lines, and in a credita- ble manner.

STEELE COUNTY COURT HOUSE

The Steele county court house affords a splendid illustration of the enterprising and progressive spirit of the citizens of this county. No other county in the state can boast of a similar building that more nearly fills the needs of the community.

From and even before the time of the purchase of the site from Marvin A. Daley, September 30, 1881, it was felt by all the leading citizens that the county should have a building for its ofificial business worthy of its sound financial standing. Noth- ing was done, however, until July 15, 1890, when the county com- missioners made a levy of $13,500 for the express purpose of building a court house. On December 2, 1890, plans were sub- mitted by various architects, those of T. D. Allen, of Minneapo- lis, being accepted. Bids were received for the erection of the court house, in accordance with the specifications, from fifteen different firms, that of Leek & McLeod, of Minneapolis, for $39,391, receiving the acceptance of the board, February 13, 1891. Work was commenced the following spring. The con- tract for the installing of a heating system, all the structure to be heated by a hot-water radiating system, with the exception of the court room, which was to be heated by a hot-air furnace, was let to Middlemist & Earle, the consideration being $3,350. Clefton Brothers, of Owatonna, were awarded the plumbing con- tract—$985— the same day, March 24, 1891.

848

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 849

The last session of the legislature had authorized the com- missioners of Steele county to issue $30,000 in bonds for the purpose of erecting a court house, and 5 per cent bonds to that amount were duly issued and sold at par to the Farmers and Mechanics' Savings Bank of Minneapolis, October 31, 1891. This $30,000 was the total amount of the indebtedness incurred.

March 14, 1892, the court house was officially accepted by the commissioners, the building being found satisfactory in every way and in accordance with the contracts after a thorough examination.

The general style of the structure is Romanesque, being built of brick, faced with Austin faced brick and trimmed with Lake Superior brown stone. The rich brown color of the stone arches, caps, sills, cornices and trimmings contrast pleasingly with the deep red of the pressed brick, the latter being laid in red mortar. The entrances at each end of the building are in the form of Romanesque arches, flanked and supported by polished granite columns. Over the main door, at the north end, there is a niche supporting a group of three figures representing Mercy, Law and Justice. The main tower, located at the northwest corner of the building, is a beautiful piece of architecture, embel- lished with circular minarets and gables. It is provided with one of the finest tower clocks in the state, being furnished by the Howard Clock Company, of Chicago, at a cost of $1,090. At the northeast corner is a circular tower, which rises just above the main roof, and is surmounted by a flagstafT. There is also another tower, square in form, situated at the southwest corner, in which are entrances. This tower rises one story above the main building. The roofs are covered with slate and all cornices are of metal. The large semi-circular windows on the east and west ends of the court room are of leaded glass in colors, with the state coat of arms worked in.

The interior of the building is admirably adapted for the various uses to which it is put, and is fitted and furnished in the most modern style throughout. The first floor is given to the offices of the diflferent county officers, all being provided with a fireproof vault and steel shuttered windows. The second story contains one of the model court rooms of the state, also judge's chambers, jury rooms, consultation room and waiting rooms. The total cost of the building was $53,500, exclusive of the $5,000 expended for the site.

The beautifully kept grounds, set with cannons, flower beds and trees, add much to the dignified and stately appearance of the structure.

The county is deeply indebted to its loyal and faithful com- missioners, during the year 1891, who made this court house

850 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

possible, and tlirougli their careful supervision saved the com- munity thousands of dollars. Especial credit is due Herman Schmidt, chairman. He was ably assisted by the other commis- sioners, Theodore Chambers, Frank Carlton, Robert Crickmore and Fred Ahrens.

STEELE COUNTY JAIL

The building of the first Steele county jail dates back to the early sixties, when the county was yet in its pioneer days. With numerous changes and additions at the times progressed, this structure gave good service for many years, until about 1900, when the question of the building of a modern and up-to-date bastile began to be discussed, the old jail having met with the disapproval of the state authorities.

November 25, 1902, the first steps were taken, the county commissioners issuing 5ilO,000 in bonds for the erection of a new jail, shortly afterwards selling them at par to the local banks. A month or two later a contract was signed with the Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company of St. Louis for the plans and furnishings of a strictly modern jail, not to exceed $15,000 in cost. The plans were submitted, and February 17, 1903, the contract for the removal of the old building and the erection of the new structure was awarded to Hammel Brothers & Anderson, the consideration being $3,238. Work was started the following spring, and the jail building itself concluded during the late summer of the same year, though the installation of the steel cells and other equipment by the Pauly company was not completed until some time later.

The total cost of this structure for the promotion of the peace and welfare of Steele county was something over $15,000, every dollar being expended to the best possible advantage. Four double cells and three single, all representing the latest ideas in that class of construction, provide ample facilities for the accommodation of the opponents of law and order.

The commissioners of 1903, I''. C Schuman, chairman ; M. H. Coggins, N. O. Partridge, John Smith and C. H. Wilker, ren- dered invaluable service in protecting the interests of the tax- payers, and securing the erection of a model jail.

STEELE COUNTY POOR FARM

The history of the county poor farm begins October 16, 18f^0, when the commissioners purchased the property of D. C. TifTany. It consists of 120 acres of good land, located five miles east of Owatonna, and a half mile north of Havana station. The build- ings are well suited for their respective purposes, the houses

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 851

being capable of accommodating twelve or thirteen inmates com- fortably, and the barn and outbuildings of ample size and well constructed. During the last fifteen years several additions and some remodeling has been done. In 1905 an apple orchard of 150 trees was set out, which is promising abundant returns.

L. L. Inman was the first overseer who held office for any length of time until 1888, when Horace Chambers assumed charge and remained up to January 1, 1895. He was succeeded by Joseph Fisher, who was very successful during all his ten years of management. Anton Stancel was the next overseer, serving three years, and turning over the office to his successor, Samuel Pichner, January 1, 1908. Mr. Pichner is the present incumbent. Commissioner F. G. Schuman, as head of the poor- farm committee since 1898, has done much in the way of looking after the best interests of the county and the inmates. At pres- ent the farm has eight inmates.

CHAPTER XVI

OWATONNA AS A HAMLET

First Settlement — Pettit and Cornell — First House Built— Influx of Population — Bridge Constructed — Hotel and Stores Opened — Activities of the Early Days — Business Houses of 1867 and 1887— First Events.

The first settlement on the present site of the city of Owa- tonna was made by William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell, in the summer of 1854. About the middle of Ma}' of that year William F. Pettit, George F. Pettit, A. B. Cornell and F. Wilbur Fisk left Sparta, Wis., for a visit to the tar-famed prairies of Minne- sota. George F. Pettit had been at Faribault some time pre- vious, and made such a glowing report of the country that those who had families took them along, determined to make their homes on the sunset side of the Mississippi. Seven wagon- loads of people, furniture, supplies, etc., set out, and were four weeks in reaching Faribault — a long journey, attended with toil, discomfort and fatigue, and one that none but strong, brave hearts would undertake and successfully accomplish. George F. Pettit settled at Faribault, F. W. Fisk on East Prairie, and William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell located on the present site of the city of Owatonna. Mr. Cornell made his claim on the east side of the river and Mr. Pettit on the west. Cornell built a somewhat primitive dwelling, which was constructed of poles covered with prairie grass, but it was sufficient to protect them from the storm and the scorching rays of the sun, and they were all content to wait patiently till a more commodious house could be erected. This was the first residence and the first building erected within what is now the city limits. Mr. Cornell soon commenced putting up a log house, just north of where the bridge now stands, and had the logs raised ready to put up on the roof, when he sold his claim to Mr. Pettit, who had, in the meantime, disposed of his owm on the west side of the river to a Mr. Crehore. Some time in August, Mr. Pettit had contracted with Mr. Cornell to build a house for him, similar to the one he was building for himself, but when he purchased Cornell's claim the contract was annulled and another made that he could finish the one already commenced. We give the contract in full, as it is probably the first ever made in the county. It is as follows :

852

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 853

"It is hereby agreed by and between \V. F. F'ettit and A. B. Cornell, that A. B. Cornell shall, previous to the twentieth day of October next, build for said Pettit a log- dwelling house on the foundation said Pettit has already commenced; said house to be 22 feet long and 18 feet wide; puncheon floor below, two doors and five windows, shingled roof, logs hewn inside up to beams and mudded on the outside; also a cellar 14x18 feet, dug so as to be 6 feet from bottom to sleepers ; said house to be one and a half stories high and put up similar to said Cornell's, and the said Pettit is to furnish all nails, glass, sash, putty and lum- ber for doors and the upper floor so as not to delay said job and to pay for said building $75. \V. F. Pettit. A. B. Cornell. August 3, 1854."

These movements gave a material start to the growth of the embryo city. The first track made across the prairies is the pioneer of civilization, and forerunner generally of a crowd of immigration, and this was no exception to the general rule. Others followed the lead of Messrs. Pettit and Cornell, and several houses were built that fall (1854). Hon. G. W. Green, of Beaver Dam, Wis., commenced the erection of a house which was raised on October 2, all the settlers in the vicinity assisting. Interesting articles, written by both Judge Green and A. B. Cornell, and giving a detailed account of the experiences of each, will be found in this work. In the winter following (1854-55) J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log cabin near where the Milwaukee Railroad tracks are now located.

These were dreary, lonesome days to the settlers; far from friends, marts and posts of trade, with no one save themselves to commune with, their lives must indeed have been "hermit- like." Sometimes, too, a little fear of what the Indians might (To crept into their minds to disturb their tranquillity, yet the Indians were at peace with the whites, and at that time con- sidered them their best friends. But at times circumstances would occur to arouse the suspicions of the people to a high pitch. The following instance of this was related to a historian : The first year of the settlement (1854) all the provisions and supplies of all kinds were brought from St. Paul, and at one time Mr. Cornell went with his team to that town to bring a load of provisions, etc., and was absent about a week, leaving Mrs. Cornell with only her children and a boy to keep her com- pany. During his absence a party of Indians, a hundred or more, encamped for a time near Mr. Cornell's shanty. Yet they were very respectful and civil to the white lady, and did not venture into her house. One evening they gathered material and lighted huge bonfires a little back of the shanty, and commenced an Indian dance with all its wild accompaniments of songs and

8bi HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

shouts, making the night hideous -with their antics and howl- ings. Just at tliis time Mr. Cornell, with his load, reached the hill about two miles north of the town, and, as he gained the summit, he saw the flames of the fires, and the dusky redskins dancing in the lurid glare of light. liis wife and children! Had they become victims of the savage thirst for l^lood? The thought came crashing through his lirain with the rapidity of lightning. He did not stop long to gaze, but, unhitching his team, he stripped the harness from the fleetest horse, and, mounting him, rode at the top of his speed, resolved to know the worst and save his loved ones or perish with them. Reaching the ford, his eyes were made glad at seeing his wife on the opposite bank, awaiting his return, who assured him that all were well and glad to see him return as safe as they were. Thankful that he was the only one victimized, Mr. Cornell returned and got his load of provisions.

When spring opened, in 1855, the settlement continued rap- idly. During the spring and early summer the following named all came, many accompanied by their families: Addison Phelps, Nelson Morehouse, B. L. Arnold, Joel Wilson, Dexter Carlton, Parker Carlton, Alson Selleck, N. Winship, John Wilcox, two Schimeks, David Lindersmith, Leonard and Simeon Case, Bazi! Meek, Obed Gaines, Miner Prisby, Adolphus Town, Philo San- ford, Charles Ellison, John H. and Ezra Abbott, C. G. Haynes. John Moon and Mr. Ward. Possibly there were a few others. All of these parties settled within a radius of a mile or two of the present center of the city. Many at once erected cabins, while others selected claims and returned for their families. The only sign of business here was at the residence of A. B. Cornell, where the traveling public was fed and lodged. Early in May of this year (1855) Smith & Park began keeping a few groceries and provisions at their cabin near the present railwaj' depots. About the first of July, N. Winship commenced hauling logs for his hotel. They moved into it on August 4, and it was opened for the accommodation of the traveling public. This was the first hotel erected here, and, in fact, was the first building upon what was then the village plat. In later years, however, the plat has extended so as to take in the site of Cornell's first cabin. In September, 1855, John Sweat put up a little cabin and opened a blacksmith shop near where Deeg's wagon shop now (1887) stands. Later he sold to Joel Wilson, and left. In October, 1855, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log house just north of the Winship House, on Oak street, and filled it with a stock of goods which proved of great convenience to the pioneers. Quite a number of young men came this year, who only remained a short time.

HISTORY OF RICE AxND STEELE COUNTIES 855

In the summer of 1855 Mr. Pettit sold liis claim to John H. Abbott, and soon afterward bought an undivided half of Mr. Cornell's claim, lying immediately south of the one just sold. All hands at once went to work to build up a first-class town. Roads and bridges, for the purpose of communication with other sections of the country, were the first things to be attended to, and with willing hearts and stout hands they went to work and opened up the roads, bridges the sluices and water courses, and soon had the satisfaction of knowing that at least an important thoroughfare was opened through their town. Mr. Cornell, with true Western energy and perseverance, built a bridge across the Straight river, and travel was seemingly nearly constant. Not infrequently were there from twenty to thirty or forty emigrant teams in the streets at the same time. Business flourished. Every settler whose house was large enough to accommodate more than his own family had all the spare room occupied with strangers and those seeking homes. Cornell, also, made several extended trips in advertising this locality. A village was platted, streets and lots marked out and speculation in city property was very active. In the autumn of 1855 the county was organized and Owatonna was made the county seat. A postofifice was opened this fall ; mail routes were established, and stages were shortly afterward put on. In September, Mr. Cornell and John H. Abbott laid out the town site, comprising about 120 acres, about sixty acres on each of their claims. In November they went to Winona and pre-empted the land, and on December 26, 1855, filed the town plats in the ofifice of Charles Ellison, register of deeds. A very respectable log school house was also built this fall, though the first school had already been taught. The old log school house performed a somewhat important part in the early history of the place. Schools were held in it during all school terms ; each of the denominations used it in turn as a house of worship. All the political meetings and elections were held there; singing schools, lyceums and prayer meetings occu- pied the evenings, so that it was kept in almost constant use until it was removed and torn down. The town pro])rietors donated about forty lots to those who would erect substantial and useful buildings. During this summer (1855), Mr. Pettit built the first frame house in the countr}-, on the hill in the eastern part of the city. He was obliged to haul part of the jiine lumber from Red Wing, with which to complete the house, which cost $107 per thousand, and the roof boards, jM-ocured at Faribault, cost $60 per thousand. Such wore the advantages under w-hich the ])ioneers had to labor.

With 1856 came renewed activity in a business way as well as in emiiiTation, and the little settlement on Straight river

856 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

increased rapidly. The winter had been a severe one, but had not depressed the spirits of the colonists. In April of this year, Messrs. Pettit, Abbott and Cornell bought of Park & Smith 500 acres of land lying on the north side of the town, for $8,000. This was afterward known as the "Five Hundred Acre Tract." Early this year B. L. Arnold put up the Eureka House, the first frame hotel erected in the county. Philo Sanford during the same summer and fall put up what was then called the American House — now (1887) the Central. Elder Town, who had bought out Smith & Park, erected a small building on Bridge street, and moved his goods into it. Nathaniel Winship built an addi- tion to his hotel. John Dingman came and put up a building near where Rosebrock's furniture store is now (1887) located, and J. W. Morford, who arrived at about the same time, opened a stock of goods in it. A hardware stock was established by a couple of young men, who after a few weeks, sold to E. Y. Hun- newill. Business took long strides forward. In July of this year J. W. Morford and John Odell opened a store on Bridge street, and somewhat later in the season Dr. Harsha and Judge Donaldson a drug and general provision store. Potwin & Stough- ton — A. N. Stoughton and George Potwin — opened business on Main street. J. B. Crooker came this year and a few years later opened a general store. Among those who came were M. A. Dailey, J. M. Sheetz, Willard Wheaton, Harvey Beardsley, Joseph Webster, James Moore, George Oulton, Rev. H. Chapin, D. Potwin, the Odells and others.

During this year (1856) Town &: Burch (Loren Town and J. W. Burch) were engaged in the general merchandise trade. In the following year Mr. Burch sold his interest to A. Town, who afterward secured the whole business, and finally closed out the stock.

In the spring of the same year (1856) Ezra Abbott. J. W. Park and S. B. Smith brought a steam saw mill from Walcott, where it had been in operation for a year or so, and this was set up just north of the bridge on the east side of tlie river. Build- ing operations were greatly accelerated. The common lumber for most of the new buildings was manufactured by it. This mill was in operation here for about three years, Mr. Abbott in the meantime having purchased his partner's interests, and it was then sold and removed to Faribault.

In the fall of 1856 Nelson Morehouse erected a building and put a saw mill into operation on the water power on the west side of the river. He operated this for a number of years, and it was finally remodeled into a flouring mill. A live western newspaper was established in 1856, that did much toward mak- ing known to the outside world Steele county's advantages

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 857

During the same summer Melbourne Burr opened a cabinet shop.

In 1857 the growth was not so rapid as it had been the pre- ceding year; considerable railway agitation was had, although not more than had been the case in 1856. During this year (1857) G. W. True and Mr. Potwin brought a saw mill here from Mount Vernon, Ohio, a bonus being raised to secure it. The mill came in the name of True, although Pettit and Abbott were interested in it. It was set up just west of the Winship House. Machinery for a grist mill was also brought here, although this was never set up. The saw mill was run for sev- eral years, and it was finally removed to Morristown.

In 1857, the first millinery store was started by Mrs. Lam- bert, in a building where the Brooks bakery is now (1887) located. Mrs. Magoon also started a millinery establishment at an early day.

N. Squires established a meat market this year. William Wadsworth started a jewelry store on Main street, where the jail is now (1887) located. The Sherwood Brothers opened a saloon. Mr. Coburn started a general store, trusted the railway contractors, and it soon ended in bankruptcy.

In 1858 and 1859 the financial depression which had com- menced with 1857 was severely felt here. Business development was at a standstill. Money was very close; paper money was almost worthless, and every one demanded gold or silver. The bank issue, based upon railway securities, also hurt tliis country sadly, and it is a truthful saying that a hatful of $100 bills of such currency would scarcely buy a meal of victuals.

J. B. Crooker established a general store in 1859 and among other business interests which in early days clustered here should be mentioned : The tailor shop started by Dresser & Goodwin, in a building nearly opposite Hunnewill's hardware store; the general store started at an early day by Bascom Bros., in a building where Greeley's pump factory is now (1887) located.

The same state of affairs, financially, continued through 1860 and 1861, while in the latter year the breaking out of the war made matters still worse. A great many of the able-bodied young and middle-aged men left during '61 and went into the service.

In 1862 business began to pick up a little. The Indian mas- sacre drove many from the homes west of here, and Owatonna, being upon a main thoroughfare, and the first fcasifjle stopping point, again became a scene of activity. The soldiers going through, and fleeing settlers, besides tlie fact that the soldiers in the army began to receive their pay at about this time, made

858 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

money matters easier, and its effect was soon felt in tlie channels of business.

From 1863 to 1867 the city grew rapidly, and many substan- tial improvements were made. Two lines of railway reached the city in 1866. as is detailed elsewhere in this volume, and this added new life to the growth, although, to a great extent, the impetus to business development given by railway connections had been anticipated, and the growth caused by it really began in the summer of 1865. From that time until 1867-68, many fine business buildings were erected, among them being Dresser's block, Kinyon's building, Kelly block, Abbott block, Wadworth's building, Crooker's residence ; Crooker, Kelly, Bixby and Dr. Morehouse erected the row of bricks on the south side of Bridge street: Dr. Ilarsha, the First National Bank building; Odell & Pott's building, Wadworth put up a brick building, Hunnewill a hardware store, and Soule erected the north sixty feet of the II. R. Moore & Co. block. The Arnold and Park hotels, Howe's foimdry and machine shops and other buildings erected and enterprises inaugurated.

The business boom of these years was almost without paral- lel in the history of Minnesota. The population of the city more than doubled, increasing from a village of 600 or 700 to a city of 2,000 during the yeafs 1866 and 1867. Since that time the growth has been more gradual, but of a permanent and bene- ficial character.

BUSINESS MEN IN 1868

As a matter worthy of preservation, we here present a full business directory of Owatonna in 1868: Attorneys — Amos Coggswell, A. A. Harwood, Searles & Hickman, Delos Higbee, Kinyon & Wheelock, M. A. Dailey, J. J. Aiken, X. M. Donald- son (judge). Agricultural Implements — Lowth, Howe & Co., Allen & Dearborn, Fisk & Medal, G. \V. Payne, J. E. Buxton, Wm. Scruby. Boots and Shoes — Chase Bros., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Morford, Willsey & Co., G. F. Albertus, J. Loner- gan, Frank Yaneck, J. E. Griggs. Books and Stationery — C. E. Seaton. Bankers — Easton & Kinyon, S. Mills, Jr., & Co. Bar- bers— Jerry Pope, J. A. Pierce, Louis Teabean. Bakeries — Mrs. J. G. Cochran, George Chapman, M. J. White. Blacksmiths — F. H. Cooper, M. S. Ouiggle, P. Schuster, C. Hanson, Hiram

Cartwright, Sherman, King- Brewery — Mace & Co.

Clothing — J. G. Denerline, Friend & Newsalt, G. F. Albertus, Soule Bros., Armstrong & Cottrell, J. E. Griggs, Marble & Co., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros. Cooper Shop — Peter Hanson. Dry Goods — Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Arnston & ConnelU

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 85!)

Morford, Willsey & Co.. Armstrong & Cottrell, Sicbold & Horts- man, Soule Bros., L. Andrews, G. F. Albertus, Jo. Wilson. Den- tists—G. J. Cole, Miss Kellogg. Drugs— Harsha & Donaldson, L. Bixby, Bennett & Hubbard. Eating Houses — Railroad Eat- ing House, C. F. McNamara, Mitchell Bros., Hiram Cartwright, Mrs. Cochrane, W. C. Bosworth, George Chapman, M. Lent. Earthenware Factory — C. C. Cornell. Express Offices — Merch- ant's Union and American. F\irniture — J. F. Hanna, H. & J. Hickox, Chas. Schoen. Flour and Feed Stores — Farmer Brothers, Kelly & Tyler, Marble & Co., J. P. Requa, T. J. Clark, Arnston & Connelly, Newton & Gross. I'-oundry and Machine Shops — Lowth, Howe & Co. Groceries— Kelly & Tyler, S. S. Russell, Soule Brothers, G. F. Albertus, Joos & Boll, L. Andrews, Sie- bold & Hortsman, Morford, Willsey & Co., Armstrong & Cott- rell, Arnston & Connelly. Cooper Bros., T. J. Clark, William Cleator, J. Chambers, H. Cartwright. Hardware — Cottrell & Hunkins, J. E. Buxton, Thomas & White, E. Y. Hunnewill. Harness Shops— O. M. Hammond. O. A. Albee, A. Burch. Ho- tels— Winship House, Barker's Exchange, National Hotel, Am- erican House, Arnold House, Scandinavian Hotel, Steele Center House, Tilden House, Owatonna House. Hoopskirt Factory — W. Holt. Jewelry— Ezra Abbott, J. F. Young, J. Hough. Lum- ber Dealers— Crooker Bros. & Lambareaux, S. B. Washburn, Backus Bros., Sterling & Searles, Dean & Co. Livery Stables — Twiss & Christie, C. W. Hastings. Millinery— Mrs. L. H. Kelly, Mrs. Magoon, Mrs. White. Mrs. W. Holt, Mrs. M. J. Myrick. Meat Markets— J. A. Oppliger & Co.. Kowietz & Rie- don, Truax & Savage. Physicians and Surgeons — E .M. More- house, L. H. Kelly, Dr. Blood. L. L. Bennett, D. Bodle, D. S. Harsha, J. G. Gilchrist and W. A. Ware. Photographers— G. W. Chesley, Mrs. J. P. Briggs, A. F. Simons. Painters— Hall, Beors & Co. Planing Mill— Lamonte Gilbert. Real Estate Dealers— W. H. Kelley. B. ]'". Melvin, John H. Abbott, Ezra Abbott, Searles & Hickman, Kinyon & Wheelock. Tailors— John Cot- tier, J. G. A. Denerline, Christopher Fahriess, D. B. Marble & Co. Telegraph Offices— A. H. Lee, operator at C, M. & St. P. depot; G. H. Merrill, at W. St. P. depot. Wagon Shops— P. Schuster, Sherman &. Brown, Brown, King.

BUSINESS HOUSES OF 1887.

The general business of Owatonna. in tlie various lines of trade, was represented by the following-named gentlemen and firms: General Merchandise — G. F. Albertus, J. Oppliger & Co., A. Ka.sper, Soukup Bros., Nelson & Jefts, J. C. Jahreiss, Petrich & Speckeen, M, Leary, T. H. Kelly & Co. and \V. Holt.

860 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

Exclusive Dry Goods — H. R. Moore, Jr., & Co. and J- L- Saxton. Groceries — Twiford & Sperry, E. Downie & Co., A. Mudeking, \Vm. Davidson, E. W. Piper, E. W. Clarke, Stowers & Jefferson,

E. F. Requa. Clothing — John Shea, H. Katz & Co. and J. Schu- lein. Hardware — E. Y. Hunnewill, Thon Bros.. Crandall & Nel- son, Parrott & Smith, A. Knobloch and N. C. Larson. Drugs —

F. M. Bauter, Wm. Gauswitz & Co., C. Peterson and Luers & Luers. Boots and Shoes— William Mork, Nichols & Hall, Weber & Son and J. A. Butsch. Jewelry— Henry Birkett, Julius F. Young and C. F. Warner. Lumber — Laird, Norton 8z Co. (George Clark, manager), J. Z. Barncard & Co. and Wisconsin Lumber Co. (Mclndoe Alexander, manager). Saloons — Emil Theimer. J. Gleaser, Chas. Kenmoth, Joseph Hoffman, T. Fed- der, Bion & Hoffman, W. Watovva, Joseph Kubat, M. R3'an, Mrs. Bartsch, Anton Belina and Thompson & Wightman. Flour & Feed — J. W. Gillett. Nearly all of the grocery stores also handle flour and feed. Marble Works — Webb & Henningway, Byrne & McDonald and A. Meyer. Agricultural Implements— Buxton & Jones, McLaughlin & Larson, R. H. Chapin, M. S. Quiggle, Crandall & Nelson, Virtue & Co. and Hotchkiss & Co. Pump Factory — Orrin Greeley. Diamond Feedmill Manufac- turers— McLauglin, Sheldon &: Co. Blacksmith Shops — Brown & McRostie. Homer Wardwell, C. Zannetti, Ben. Meixner, R. Deininger, H. Cartwright, C. Hanson, M. S. Quiggle and C. F. Smith. W'agon Shops — C. Schoen, Ben Meizner, John Deeg, R. Deininger and H. Cartright. Livery — Fred Rosskopf and R. H. Chapin. Confectionery — Chas. Chenoweth, W. Dennis. Bakeries — C. Chenoweth and Mr. Brooks. Harness Shops — H. F. Luce & Son, O. Butsch, Meyer Brothers, C. Bowers and O. M. Ham- mond. Shoemakers — J. Lee, O. Searle, J. R. McLeod and J. Bartosch. Merchant Tailors — John Cottier, N. W. Hanson and D. Banks. Barbers — Jerry Pope, Parker Brothers, Boggs & Essex, N. G. Frisco and Andrew Sanderline. Books and Sta- tionery— A. M. Kinyon. Several drugs stores also handle a light stock of this line of goods. Grain — Pratt & Co., Soper & Son, J. S. Austin. Photographers — G. W. Chesley and IT. Muller. Dentists — Doctors Medd, Searle and Stearns. Real Estate — B. S. Cook. Meat Markets — Owatonna Packing Company, Charles Meschke, Gus Schwanke, Boice & Forsyth and John Stranski & Co.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first white child born in what is now Owatonna was George K., a son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Green, which occurred on April 6, 1855. Dr. W. W. Finch attended and went from Judge Green's house to that of A. W. Adams in Clinton Falls

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 861

township, where Frank, a son of A. W. Adams, was horn. The first death at Owatonna occurred in August or Septemher, 1855, and was a child of Miner Prishy. The remains were buried in the woods north of town. The first marriage of residents took place at Faribault in the summer of 1855, the contracting parties being John Wilcox and Clara Brooks, the ceremony being per- formed by Elder Town. The event was heartily celebrated by the pioneers, especially the young people. The first building erected upon the original town plat was the Winship house, built in July, 1855. The first building put up within what now constitutes the incorporate limits was A. B. Cornell's log cabin. The first store was opened by S. B. Smith and J. W. Park in the spring of 1855. The first blacksmith shop was started by John Sweat. The first frame building was W. F. Pettit's residence. The first brick building was erected by William Wadsworth in 1863. It was built for a store, but is now used as an engine house.

CHAPTER XVII.

MODERN OWATONNA.

"Beautiful Owatonna". — The City of Beautiful Homes. — Ideal Situation. — Public Facilities. — Educational Institutions. — Parks and Trees. — Sidewalks. — Business Advantages. — Public Buildings. — Contributed by Hon. F. A. Dunham.

Beautiful Owatonna ! Built on verdant hills,

Stretching o'er the landscape, the vale and valley fills.

The river, parks and woodlands enhance her beauty rare. With civic pride we call her the fairest of the fair.

Beautiful Owatonna! With the quaint old Indian name, Fairest of Minnesota's cities with ever widening fame.

Beautiful Owatonna, witli her schools and charming homes; Once seen, she's ne'er forgotten, however far one roams.

Beautiful Owatonna! Here rear the stately walls

Where gather youth and maidens to learn in classic halls.

From village, city, prairie, they come to seek and find

Equipment for life's service. Go forth to bless mankind.

Beautiful Owatonna! Home for the homeless child;

Brought from the teeming cities, brought from the prairie wild. Here Minnesota gathers her wards from far and near

In Beautiful Owatonna, the orphaned ones to rear.

Beautiful Owatonna! Her sons are widely known

In halls of state and nation, their worth and wisdom shown.

Forth at their country's bidding in times of direst need

They passed through death and carnage, that the suffering might be freed.

Beautiful Owatonna! Hence, sons and daughters go,

On missions of peace and mercy their Master's love to show.

Forth to haste the coming of the millennium to be To distant western Mesa, to lands beyond the sea.

Beautiful Owatonna ! In mill and shop are made

Her products eager sought for, in all the marts of trade.

862

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 863

The name of Owatonna is known the world around,

It speaks for lightened labor where toiling ones are found.

Beautiful Owatonna ! Her name unsullied be, Synonym for virtue, for culture broad and free.

Beautiful Owatonna! Her citizens' joy and pride;

Their lives extend her glory, her fame spread far and wide.

Owatonna has long been known as "the city of beautiful homes," and although the name is very true and appropriate it fails to convey a proper and complete idea of the beauty, ex- cellence, prosperity and life of the city. "The city of happy homes and prosperity" would be much more appropriate. The site for the city was selected by men of excellent judgment and foresight as is apparent to the most casual observer. The business part of the city and all connections with railroad de- pots is on level ground, with a gravel sub-soil, surrounded on all sides by low-lying hills, just rolling enough to give the resi- dence district a beautiful appearance and good drainage, without any blufifs or steep grades to inconvenience vehicles or pedes- trians. The name of the city is of Indian (Sioux) origin and signifies "straight." The proper pronunciation being "Woo- tonna."

The electric lighting plant, gas plant and central heating plant are owned by a private corporation, which furnishes elec- tric light and gas to the greater part of the city and the hot water central heating plant furnishes heat to most of the business houses and a great many dwellings, without the inconvenience and filth attendant on private heating plants.

As the population of the city is mixed it naturally follows that there are a great number of religious organizations in the city and a great number of fine church edifices and dwellings. I will mention the different denominations without regard to the number of members or the excellence of church edifices or dwellings. First Baptist; Catholic (three parishes) Bohemian, Polish, Irish and German ; First Congregational ; St. Paul's Epis- copal; Lutheran (three parishes), St. John's German Lutheran, St. John's Evangelical and Danish Lutheran; First Methodist- Episcopal ; German Methodist-Episcopal ; Seventh Day Advent- ist; First Presbyterian and First Universalist.

The educational system of the city is unexcelled and as each institution will be treated in detail elsewhere in this history a brief mention will suffice for the present. Pillsbury Academy is a denominational school of Baptist persuasion, for both sexes and has a main school building and auditorium, two dormitories, a gymnasium and armory, and a music hall. It is a high class

864 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

preparatory school and is widely and favorably known through- out the Northwest. The Owatonna public school system is one of the very best in the state and is well equipped with all modern appliances and departments. Besides the high school building there are three ward school buildings and all are fine modern brick and stone structures. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic school for girls and is the usual high grade school of that class and in connection therewith is a parochial school for children. Canfield Business College, as the name indicates, is a school of business and is one of the best in the state. The State School for Indigent Children, with its fine buildings and beautiful grounds, is justly one of the show places of the city. It has a capacity of two hundred and fifty inmates and poor children are sent here from all parts of the state to enjoy the care and protection provided for them by the state of Min- nesota.

Owatonna is the principal city and county seat of Steele county, one of the very best dairy and diversified farming dis- tricts in the United States, and as a result of the prosperous con- ditions existing very generally throughout this region, the city is prosperous. Not with the transient prosperity of a boom, but with steady, normal and healthy business conditions, that will prevail as long as Mother Earth continues to produce, and that is one of the reasons, among a number, that causes this city to be an absolutely safe place to make an investment.

Great quantities of sand and gravel are available for street use, and, as a result of the continued and systematic use of such material, the fifty miles of streets within the corporate limits are uniformly in good repair. On all of the residential streets are to be found great numbers of beautiful trees, of every known variety, thus making of the city, especially in the summer time, a veritable forest and giving the whole residence district the appearance of a beautiful park. In this parklike region are a great number of elegant modern homes, few of which are imposing or ornate, few are old or dilapidated, thus producing a uniformity and symmetry in the dwellings that is very pleasing, and would lead a person to believe that all of the buildings had been designed by some competent architect. The general condition and appearance of the homes denotes very accurately the financial condition of the citizens generally, there being few very rich and few very poor people in this city.

For several years the city has required the use of stone, brick or cement in the construction of sidewalks, and as a result, the thirty miles of sidewalk in this city is fully 95 per cent of such material and in connection therewith there are miles and miles

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES SG5

of well-kept boulevards with neat stone or cement curbing and cement or cobble stone gutters.

Owatonna is peculiarly well situated from a business stand- point, being located in a prosperous region and having excellent railroad facilities. It is located at the junction of three great railway sytsems, viz. : Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific ; Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago & Northwestern lines, sixty-seven miles south of St. Paul, and with forty trains daily has direct, ready and convenient connection with all points north, east, south or west. On account of the location, railroad facili- ties and good homes, a great many traveling salesmen make this city their home. Straight river runs through the city and is a beautiful little stream. It is not large enough to be of any material advantage for power purposes but furnishes ample drainage facilities.

In the population of 6,500 to 7,000 people may be found a wonderful mi.xture of races with no one nationality predominat- ing, thus causing a natural rivalry of races that makes for the success of any community.

The business part of the city resembles somewhat the form or shape of a hand ax. Broadway and Bridge streets, each of one solid block, being the blade, and Cedar street, of four blocks, being the handle, with Central Park as the eye of the ax, as it is the eye of beauty of the city. In the retail business sec- tion are one hundred and four retail business houses, of which ninety-eight are of stone, brick or cement, and of which four- teen are double store buildings. In addition there are twenty- two retail business places which are usually found in frame buildings in an)- small city, being the lumber yards, blacksmith shops, coal and wood yards, etc.

Practically all of the retail business buildings are modern and in good repair and many are deserving of special mention. The National Farmers' Bank building is one of the very best in the Northwest. The Kelly building; the Parrott & Smith building; the Owatonna Hotel; the Auditorium building and the Crandall building are all fine three-story brick and stone build- ings of more than ordinary excellence.

The city is provided with all modern conveniences usual to a city with a much greater population. The water system is the property of the city and has proven to be a paying investment. The profit therefrom being about two thousand five hundred dol- lars annually, besides furnishing all the water for city use without charge or tax. thus making a total saving of about eight thousand dollars annually to the city. With fifteen miles of water mains and twelve miles of sewer mains the greater portion of the city is supplied with water and sewer service.

866 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES

Owatonna is justly proud of its parks, and Central Park, located in the center of the city, adjacent to the business dis- trict, is the subject of favorable comment from all who see it and is indeed "a thing of beauty." Mineral Springs Park, located within a mile of the city, was beautiful in nature, but owing to the care and attention it has received it is now a beauty spot far surpassing most public parks.

The public buildings of the city are an expression of the general desire of our citizens to have the best things obtain- able for home or public use. The Steele county court house is a fine three-story brick and stone building surrounded by a beauti- ful lawn and many fine shade trees. The Steele county jail and sheriff's residence is a modern brick structure containing all modern conveniences. The city hall, fire station and firemen's hall is an elegant three-story brick and stone building equipped with modern fire fighting apparatus, convenient city offices and the third floor, devoted to the use of the Firemen's Relief Asso- ciation, finished and furnished by such association, is the most beautiful and well appointed hall in the state. The Owatonna public library, an elegant brick building, surrounded by a wide lawn, is a handsome structure, the city hospital has an ideal situation and surroundings, while the churches are all notable examples of ecclesiastical architecture, the Universalist church being especially notable for its pleasing design.

CHAPTER XVIII.

OWATONNA COMMERCIAL MEN.

Coming of the Railroads. — Race for Supremacy. — Owatonna Be- comes a Pioneer Distributing Point. — Traveling Men Begin to Settle Here. — Reasons for Their Choice. — Social and Municipal Advantages. — Owatonna Council, No. 85, United Commercial Travelers. — First Officers. — Prominent Mem- bers.— Contributed by W. B. Clarkson. — Owatonna Hotels. — Old Winship House. — Pioneer Hotel. — Central House. — American House. — Old Owatonna House. — Norsk Hotel. — Scandinavian House. — German Hotel. — Arnold House. — Tremont House. — City Hotel. — Peachey House. — Robinson House. — Merchants' Hotel. — Commercial Hotel. — Church's Hotel. — Kaplan House. — Owatonna House. — Smaller Hos- telries.

The month of August, 1866, saw the beginning of a new era for the village of Owatonna, that being the year when the Winona & St. Peter, and the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley rail- road construction crews were pushed to their limit of speed in a race for the crossing at Owatonna. Tradition has it that the first named crew hauled materials and laid a long stretch of track in the blackness of a dark night without the aid of artificial lights. So quietly was the work performed tliat the opposing crew knew nothing about the o])eratioiis until the morning light of the following day revealed their rivals in possession of the coveted ground, and it is stated that for several days the oppos- ing camps maintained a continual warfare until the matter was finally settled by the principals getting together in an agree- ment. This incident is related to mark the beginning of Owa- tonna as a popular headquarters for commercial travelers. From this point they pushed out across the vast wilderness to the west and northwest, taking orders for goods and supplies at the vari- ous settlements and trading posts, and these goods were shipped from the trade centers of the east by rail to Owatonna where they were transported to destination by wagon and team.

In the spring of 1867 the Winona 6L- St. Peter railroad was completed to St. Peter, and later the Minneapolis & Cedar Val- ley was absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system and completed southward, but Owatonna continued to hold its

867

868 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

position as a popular headquarters for the pioneer travelers of that day, primaril}' because of its fortunate position at the junc- tion of these railroads. It soon became apparent, however, that for other and more weighty reasons the travelers selected this city as a permanent headquarters, and Owatonna has continued to increase in importance as a traveling men's home.

The traveler is in a large measure a roving free lance as re- gards his home, and this is more from business necessity than from choice. When a change of territory requires him to select a new place of abode for his family, where they may be in reach of his business operations, he proceeds to consider the relative attractions of the various towns in his route. If he is to make weekly tri])s in covering his territory, the matter of adequate railroad facilities is perhaps of first importance in his thoughts, in order that his outgoing and homecoming may be as easy as possible. But even in this case, and especially when longer trips are made, the vital matter of accessibility sinks into secondary importance when considered in connection with the all important question of public health and morals, which is irrevocably bound up in the matter of a healthful location, added to the important question of a wise and farsighted civic government, good schools, and church, and a clean social atmosphere. These are of vital importance in the upbuilding and future contentment of any citizenship.

Fully 90 per cent of the commercial travelers of today are heads of families, and with these it may be truthfully stated that among no class of men are these questions held to be of greater importance. Owatonna is extremely fortunate above many other places in its possession of all of these attractions to a marked degree, thus it is easy to find the reasons why it is attractive to the traveling fraternity as a home or headquarters town. Situ- ated as it is, on high rolling ground, gently sloping each way from a valley through which Straight river wends its course to the northward, the site on which the city is built is ideal, and the wisdom of its founders has been well demonstrated by the lapse of time. On a stretch of table-land to the east of the river stands today the business section of Owatonna, with the main residence district occuping ground to the east and south, which gradually rises until it reaches an elevation which averages about fifty feet above the level of the business district, and seventy- five feet above the river bed. Across the river immediately west of the business section of the city is a level stretch of land a few feet above high water mark, occupied by the depot and yards of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, and just west of the depot is a rise of perhaps forty feet sloping upward to the west until it reaches State avenue where the ground

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 869

stretches away in gentle waves of rolling green. Here is found another beautiful residence district where many fine homes are located, bounded on the north by the splendid grounds of the state public school, and on the west by magnificent lands occu- pied by the Clinton Falls Nursery Company, one of the largest business enterprises of its kind in the world.

From the foregoing description one can see that a perfect sewerage system may be built and maintained at a minimum cost, and this has been an accomplished fact for many years. The surface soil of the city is a fine mixture of clay, sand and gravel, in just the right proportion to form a solid surface for the streets, (which are all of good width,) and each heavy rain that comes washes the streets clean, thus insuring perfect clean- liness, that is unknown where deep mud abounds after the rains. Beautiful shade trees line the avenues everywhere, and the city water supply comes entirely from deep wells which have been sunk to a depth of about seventy-five feet to a rock foundation, giving forth an abundant supply of pure soft water, sufficient at all times to maintain a population many times the present size of Owatonna. Located just outside the corporate limits is the Springs park where the famous Owatonna vichy water bubbles out of the ground in an inexhaustible supply which is bottled and shipped in large quantities.

When it is stated that the sewerage tax of Owatonna is one mill, from which a fund is raised to maintain the system, be- sides providing a sinking fund with which to replace or add to the sj^stem as needed, and the further fact that the present extent of the system is twelve miles, and that the city charter limits the levy for all municipal purposes to twelve mills, (and this has been found to be fully ample to cover the needs of the city,) it may be seen that this place will appeal to the average traveler as an ideal spot in which to make his home. These, in fact, are some of the reasons why Owatonna has always been popular with the travelers, and the continued increase of this class of its population is the best evidence of its superior advantages.

One of the first travelers to cover this territory is the present postmaster of Owatonna, James M. Diment, who first came to this country thirty-eight years ago, and continued in this voca- tion for many years, until he became associated with others in the Owatonna Flouring mills, when he discontinued his road work and permanently identified himself with the future destiny of Owatonna, in the development of which he has been one of the leading factors. That Mr. Diment ably filled his place as a public-spirited citizen is well attested by his present popularity and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Mr. Diment states that thirty years ago Owatonna boasted of hav-

870 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

ing from 125 to 150 traveling men among its citizenship, many of whom have since become prominent elsewhere, but where one has moved away, two have taken his place, until at this time there are approximately 250 to 300 men who make this city their home and whose vocation leads them out on the highways of commerce.

This chapter would not be complete without mentioning the existence in Owatonna of Owatonna Council No. 85, United Com- mercial Travelers of America, which is a branch of the strongest fraternal traveling men's order in existence. This order was founded at Columbus, Ohio, in 1888, and its rapid growth is evidenced by its present membership of over 60,000, with grand councils maintained in nearly every state in the union and the provinces of Canada. The present membership of Owatonna Council No. 85 is one hundred and fifty-five, and when it is un- derstood that the constitution of the order limits its membership to commercial travelers, city salesmen and merchandise brokers selling articles of merchandise at wholesale, and e.xcludes all that large class of men who are engaged in selling insurance in its various forms, buyers, canvassers, peddlers and many other traveling vocations too numerous to mention here, it can be seen that the membership of this order can only represent about 50 per cent of the total population who follow the vocation of traveling in all its forms.

At the present time there are about five hundred local coun- cils of the Order of United Commercial Travelers of America scattered about throughout this mighty nation and the Dominion of Canada, at all of the principal trade centers and many of the smaller towns where travelers are making a home or head- quarters in any considerable numbers, and Owatonna has the distinction of being the city in which the largest local council membership in proportion to the total population of the city, is maintained, in comparison with all other towns in which councils are located, and this is in addition to the fact that it was the sixth council instituted in the Northwest, being preceded only a few months by the councils of Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Grand Forks, Fargo and Winona.

The Grand Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas was insti- tuted September 24, 1894, and Owatonna Council No. 85 the next year on December 28. This will indicate the relative im- portance of Owatonna in this regard and it is worthy of note that this relation is still maintained.

The charter list of Owatonna council contains thirteen well known names of prominent salesmen, one of whom still makes his home here. The charter list reveals the names of R. O. Phil- pot, who was in the employ of a Chicago concern ; J. E. Shipman,

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 871

who traveled for C. Gotzam & Co., of St. I'aul ; G. E. Hunkins, in the employ of Dunham & Eastman ; F. M. Crum, who for many years has been the representative of Selz, Schwab & Co., of Chicago, one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world ; M. Forde, in the employ of C. Gotzam & Co., of St. Paul ; R. E. Looker, with J. S. Smith & Co., of Chicago ; S. F. McClane, with the Owatonna Nursery Company; C. M. McLean, with the Peco.s Valley Water Elevator Co., of El Reno, Oklahoma ; F. II. Ellis, traveling for the Milwaukee Harvester Co. ; A. J. Katz, with Ginterman Bros., of St. Paul; C. M. Irvin, with McKibbin & Co., St. Paul ; E. M. Smith, with Page Fence Co., of Adrian, Mich., and A. A. Snell, with the McCormick Harvester Company, of Chicago.

The first officers selected to manage the affairs of the council were the following, J. E. Shipman, senior counselor ; R. O. Phil- pot, past counselor; A. A. Snell, junior counselor; C. M. Irvin, secretary and treasurer; F. M. Crum, page, and A. J. Katz, sentinel. That the foundations of this local council were laid broad and deep, and its early finances handled wisely is evi- denced by its present position and influence, and to these, the founders, a large measure of credit is due, and also to the many men upon whom the later burden was laid. The present officers of the council are as follows, Senior counselor, William Gause- witz; junior counselor, N. S. Jacobs; past counselor, O. A. Ku- bat; secretary-treasurer, A. L. Smith; conductor, Cline A. Tincher; chaplain, G. J. Anderson; page, Jud. A. Morgan; sen- tinel, A. J. Koob ; executive committee, H. K. Tompkins, M. J. Parcher, C. F. Hanson and P. J. Willctts.

The membership roll reveals the names of many men who are among the most prominent in the state, in business, social and political affairs. Among whom ma}^ be singled out for prominent mention is Anton Schaefer, who has always been an indefatigable worker in the U. C. T. organization, for many years the very efficient secretary and treasurer of Owatonna Council No. 85, being relieved from that office after the last election by his own urgent request. Mr. Schaefer is active in the aflfairs of the grand council and holds the important position of chair- man of the grand executive committee which he is filling with great honor and wisdom.

Mr. Schaefer in politics is a consistent Democrat, and was placed on the state ticket of his party nearly six years ago as the candidate for railroad and warehouse commissioner. Later he was appointed as the state public examiner by Governor John- son, which position he is filling at the present with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all the people of the state, as he

872 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

is universally regarded as one of the most efficient and conscien- tious public officials in the state.

The second name to be mentioned is that of Thomas E. Cash- man, a past senior counselor of Owatonna council and a man who at all times ma}' be depended on to advance the welfare of the order to the best of his ability; an alert, active business man, at the head of the Clinton Falls Nursery Company, as be- fore stated, one of the largest concerns of its kind in existence, always a busy man, he still is finding time to work for his fellow man in whatever way his efforts may seem to best produce results, the present state senator from Steele county who has given such universal satisfaction to his constituents that his return is predicted by an increased majority; just appointed president of the State Horticultural Society which greatly en- larges his sphere of usefulness to society; an ex-mayor of his home city with a record for enforcing civic righteousness that is one of the high marks in the history of Owatonna — this is Thomas E. Cashman as seen by his neighbors.

William Gausewitz, the present energetic and efficient senior counselor of Owatonna Council No. 85, is the third man worthy of special mention in this class, a man who stands high in the business circles of Owatonna, an ex-state senator who filled that office with great credit and left a clean record as a public servant, ready at all times to do his part, and more, in the service of his fellow man. These are notable examples of the personnel of Owatonna council and stamps it as one of the organizations that must be reckoned with in the future of the city.

W. B. Clarkson.

Note — The important part that Mr. Clarkson, himself, has taken as a citizen and as a commercial traveler, is related else- where in his biography. — Editor.

OWATONNA HOTELS.

Not only has Owatonna, since the early days, been the home of many commercial men, as related by W. B. Clarkson, in the above article, but it has also been the stopping place of hordes of travelers, both commercial and social, since the first settle- ment. It has therefore been deemed wise to note here, the history of the various hostelries of the city, past and present. It might be mentioned in this connection that the Owatonna House, which is one of the finest hotels in this part of the state, is regarded as home by many commercial travelers who do not maintain residences in the city of Owatonna.

Pioneer Hotel. The first hotel in Owatonna was the Winship

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 873

House, which was opened by N. P. Winship in 1855, on the site which the building still occupies. The structure then was a log cabin, twenty-two by sixteen feet in size, and from the travel that passed thruuj^ii here, this little hostelry became one of the best known landmarks of southern Minnesota in early times. In 1857, an addition, twelve by twenty-two feet in size, was erected. N. P. Winship remained in management til 1894, when his son, Ernest T., became the owner of the property, a Mr. Slonaker conducting the place, as agent, for the next three years. Mrs. Susana Deutschman (widow) then purchased the property, and later rented it to John Vollerson, subsequently assuming man- agement herself. Mr. Healing was the next renter of the prem- ises, being followed a few months later by Otto Stahmer, and then Mrs. Deutschmann conducted the establishment for a period, thereafter letting the place to Hubert Rockwood for several years, subsequently taking charge in person for a short while. Otto Stahmer, the present owner, was the next occupant, coming in in 1905 and purchasing the property the following year. In 1907, he gave the hotel its present name, and has since added many modern improvements and remodeled the building throughout.

Central House. Late in 1855 a hotel was opened in A. B. Cornell's log cabin, by Philo Sanford. It was located on the bank of the river, near where G. F. Albertus' residence now stands. In 1857, Mr. Sanford erected what was then known as the American House, and later as the Central House, which stands just west of the Morehouse block, on Broadway. After a year or two A. Town purchased the property, and it has since changed hands a number of times. M. A. McAndrews became proprietor of the place in the late eighties, and it was later sold to James E. Mooney, who discontinued its use as a hotel after a short experience in that line of business.

Owatonna House (former.) The one time Owatonna House was built and opened during the war by George Leick. Several years later, it was purchased by Mr. Engel, and at the time of his death he was succeeded by his son, William Engel, who car- ried on the business for a number of years, and then disposed of the property to Harry Conklin, ending its history as a hotel.

Norsk Hotel. The Scandinavian House, now known as the Norsk Hotel, was built in 1866 by John M. Joos. For a number of years it was rented, and finally came into the possession of Ole Elton, who conducted the place for a good many years, ably assisted by his wife. Mrs. Elton has had entire charge for the last twenty years or more.

German Hotel. In 1866, John Bartsch erected and opened the German Hotel near the depot. He ran it until the time of his

874 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

death, whicli occurred in November, 1881, and his widow con- ducted the business for some time afterward, subsequently sell- ing out to John Roach, who continued the hotel until about 1900, when the building was almost totally destroyed by fire. Shortly afterwards, the Washington Tool Company purchased the site and erected the factory they still occupy.

The Arnold House was erected in 1866 by B. L. Arnold. Mr. Arnold sold to Charles Hastings, who conducted it until 1882, when the property was purchased by C. Tryon. Under his management the hotel acquired a large and well deserved custom. After his death, about 1890, his widow conducted the business for a year or two, and then married G. Bronson, who was very successful in the management of the hotel, and built up an extensive patronage. In July. 1901, a fire wiped out over half the building, and it has never been entirely rebuilt. After an interval of a few months, Mr. Bronson opened again, but shortly afterwards let the establishment to a Mrs. Smith, who remained as a proprietor three or four months, Mr. Bronson then taking charge for a short period, and subsequently selling to Charles Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler operated the hotel for a little less than a year, and then disposed of the property to D. W. Douglas, who a year later, in 1905, sold to Charles Green, Jane E. Green, Mr. Green's sister, becoming proprietor and remaining as such till the early part of 1910, when the property passed into the hands of the Minnesota Park Association, of Minneapolis, the present owners. The premises were immediatel_v rented to Mrs. John Parcher, the present proprietor.

The Tremont House was built in 1867 by Mr. Cory. He sold to John Parcher, and later it passed into the hands of J. Oppliger, who used it as a dwelling house for a time. In 1876, W. Nickerson purchased the property and operated it as a hotel under the name of the Nickerson House, being succeeded by his son Charles, who was in turn succeeded by William Snyder. About 1890, the building was almost totally wrecked by a terri- fic windstorm, and further damaged by lightning. Shortly after- wards the site was purchased by the Catholic church and the present St. Joseph's cathedral erected.

City Hotel. In 1868, O. H. \\'ensell and Oliver Nelson erected and opened a house which they christened the City Hotel. A year later it was purchased by E. B. Crooker, and in 1870 he sold to Appleton Hale, who conducted the business for the next five years, and then disposed of the property to James and George Peachey, the place becoming known as the Peachey House. In 1880, George Peachey bought out his brother's interest and remained as sole proprietor till 1890, when G. J.

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 875

Kaplan acquired the property, and after a year or two discon- tinued its use as a hotel.

The Robinson House, tiien known as the American House, was built in 1875 by James Connell. After changing hands several times the property came into the possession of L. Robin- son about 1880, who conducted the hotel, together with his wife, until his death in 1897. Since that time his wife, Mary B. Robinson, has carried on the business very successfully. In 1901, a disastrous fire destroyed over half of the building, but Mrs. Robinson immediately rebuilt, enlarging the old structure and adding modern improvements throughout, hot water heat, electric lights and other conveniences.

Merchants' Hotel. In 1880, Dr. E. M. Morehouse erected a three-story brick building, which was opened as the Commercial Hotel in 1884, by Elmer E. Cane. Two years later, W. D. Snyder became proprietor, remaining as such until about 1891, when he was succeeded by O. E. Edson, who changed the name of the place to the Merchants' Hotel, and conducted the business for a little over a year. In 1892, the use of the property as a hotel ceased, though five years later a portion of the upper story was fitted and has since been used as an addition to the present Owatonna House.

Church's Hotel, at present known as the Winona Hotel, was built and opened by John Church in 1885. Shortly after- wards, F. D. Albro became proprietor, and in 1890 G. J. Kaplan entered into possession, and the place became known as the Kaplan House. Shortly afterwards he rented the property to John Church, the former owner, and after passing through the hands of several renters — all the time being conducted as a hotel — the premises were sold to Frank W. Steinbauer, who gave the place the name it now bears. April 15, 1909, Jacob Weiler pur- chased the property, which he still owns. Fred Austin is the present occupant, but conducts the establishment as a rooming- house only.

Owatonna House. In the summer of 1887, Dr. E. M. More- house began the erection of a magnificent four-story brick block, now widely known as the home of the Owatonna House, one of the most popular hotels in this section of the state among travelers who appreciate the hosjMtality of the highest type of a modern hotel. The house was thoroughly furnished and fitted in the most up-to-date and palatial manner during the year 1893, being opened with appropriate ceremonies and splendor January 1, 1894. by J. \V. Gill, who conducted the business very success- fully until 1898, when he was succeeded by Frank E. Grove. He was followed a year later by the Foster Brothers, who remained until 1900, when the hotel came under its present

876 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

management of Morehouse Brothers and J. W. Adsit, T N. Morehouse acting as proprietor up to 1905. Since that time J. W. Adsit has been in charge, and has continued the progressive methods of his predecessors, firmly establishing himself in the hearts of the traveling public. New improvements have been added from year to year, and the equipment is always main- tained in the highest state of efficiency. The new dining room, added in 1908, ranks with the best in the Northwest in appoint- ments and general arrangement. As evidence of the favor with which this hotel has met, it may be noted that scarcely three years after its beginning, its increasing patronage compelled the opening of a part of the old Merchants' Hotel as an addition.

Depue and Wood. In 1895, David Depue and A. E. Wood opened a hotel on West Broadway, almost directly across from the Owatonna House. They continued in business as joint proprietors — their establishment being simply known as the "Depue and Wood Place" — until 1904. when Mr. Wood retired from the firm. A year later Mr. Depue removed from the prem- ises, ending their use for hotel purposes.

The Farmers' Hotel was erected and opened by Peter An- derson about 1895. He sold in 1903, to N. P. Christensen, which ended the use of the property as a hotel.

CHAPTER XIX.

OWATONNA OFFICERS.

Incorporated as a City. — Minutes of First Council Meeting. — Changes in City Charter. — City Limits. — Officers of the City. — City and School Bond Issues.

Owatonna's transition from a hamlet to a full-fledged city was made February 23, 1865, when the state legislature passed a bill giving it a charter. George B. Hall, W. R. Kinyon, A. M. Kinyon, Judge N. M. Donaldson, Dr. David Harsha and J. W. Morford were chief among the leading citizens who were instrumental in bringing tliis about. Section one of article one, reading as follows, best describes the territory included in the incorporate limits: "That all that district of county situate in the county of Steele and state of Minnesota, known and described as sections three, four, nine, ten, fifteen and sixteen, and the west one-half of sec- tions number two, eleven and fourteen, and the east one-half of sections number five, eight and seventeen, in township one hundred and seven north, range number twenty west, shall be a city by the name of Owatonna." During the next twenty years various amendments were added from time to time, those of 1868, providing more specifically as to the election of the city officers and their terms, and entrusted the appointment of a city surveyor and attorney to the council. The year 1875 saw the next changes, the entire charter appearing to have been re-codi- fied, but nothing seems to have been materially changed. An amendment of March 7, 1878, re-divided the city, making four wards of it in place of three, and a year later the boundaries of the wards were placed as they were up to the time of the adoption of the present charter. The special laws of '79 gives it as follows : "The said city is hereby divided into four wards, as follows : By a straight line running from the north to the south limits of said city, drawn through the center of Cedar street, intersected by a straight line ruiuiing from the east to the west limits of said city, drawn through the center of Bridge street, and said wards shall be numbered and designated as fol- lows: The southeast division siiall be lumibered the first ward. The northeast division shall be numbered the second ward. The northwest division shall be numbered the third ward. The south- west division shall be numbered the fourth ward." February 10

877

878 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES

and 13, 1885, amendments were passed by the state legislature, amending the charter of the city of Owatonna by giving the school board the power to submit estimate of money needed for coming year for school purposes, and to have this amount levied. A municipal court was established in Owatonna March 7. 1889. taking the place of the court presided over by tlie city justice. The same year the council was authorized to assess part of the expense of laying water and sewerage property against abutting property. No other charges of any consequence have since been made, the present charter adopted at the March elec- tion of 1909 remedying all evils thought to be in the old.

The first steps were taken toward the securing of a new charter in 1906, when application was made to the district court for the appointment of a charter commission to draw up a charter for submission to the people under the home-rule law of 1896. Carl K. Bennett, Thomas E. Cashman, Charles S. Cran- dall, William Gausewitz, Patrick J. Kiernan. Harlan E. Leach, Willis F. Sawyer, Wesley A. Sperry, Lewis L. \\'heelock. John Smith, John Lynard, Albert L. Sperry, Rasmus G. Nelson, Louis F. Hammel and Benjamin E. Darby were appointed as such commission, and immediately proceeded to draw up a charter which was submitted to the voters at a special election held January 30, 1906, but failed to secure the necessary four-sevenths vote. Another charter was then drafted which met with the approval of the people at the regular March election of 1909. This charter is still in force and has seemed to meet the needs of the city. Another ward was added, making five, only one alderman is elected from each ward in place of two under the old charter, but two are elected at large for a term of four years. The aldermen from the wards are elected for two years as previously. No constables or justices of the peace are provided for. All other officers are elected for two years, excepting the municipal judge who has a four-3'ear term. The city attorney, assessor, engineer, and weighmaster are now appointed by the council. The engineer attends to the duties of the old street commissioner and city surveyor, and is a member of a Board of Public W'orks, created by the charter and consisting of the mayor, clerk and engineer, which supervises all expenditures of money and has charge and control of the water and sewer systems and other public utilities. Under the present charter the power to grant an exclusive franchise is not given the coun- cil ; no land owner can get land taken out of the corporate limits by petition to the district court, and no person can bring an action for damages against the city for injuries caused by a defective sidewalk unless they have given the council notice of the condition of the sidewalk at least five days previous to the

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 879

accident. Another important provision in the present charter gives the council the right to regulate the rates of corporations dealing in public utilities.

Section three of chapter one of the charter best gives the ter- ritory included in the respective wards. "The city shall be div- ided into five (5) wards, as follows: The first ward shall in- clude all that portion of the city lying east of the center line of Cedar street and south of the center line of Main street and south of the center line of what is known as the Rice Lake road east of the point where said Rice Lake road intersects said Main street.

"The second ward shall include all that portion of the city lying east of the center line of Cedar street, north of the center line of Main street and the center line of the Rice Lake road east of the point where the said Rice Lake road intersects said Main street, and south of the center line of Rose street.

"The third ward shall include all that portion of the city lying west of the center line of Cedar street and north of the center line of Bridge street.

"The fourth ward shall include all that portion of the city lying west of the center line of Cedar street and south of the center line of Bridge street.

"The fifth ward shall include all that portion of the city ly- ing east of the center line of Cedar street and north of the center line of Rose street."

The first meeting of the Owatonna city council of which there is any official record occurred April 10, 1865. The minutes are as follows: "Meeting of council, April 10, 1865. Council called to order by mayor. Present: George B. Hall, mayor; W. H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon, J. B. Crooker, J. A. Oppliger, John Donaldson and William Scruby, aldermen ; and A. M. Kinyon, recorder. Moved and seconded that we proceed to canvass the votes of the election held April 4, A. D. 1865. Carried. Pro- ceeded to canvass votes. The following named men were de- clared elected to the offices hereafter named, to-wit : mayor, George B. Hall ; city justice, A. N. Stoughton ; city recorder, A. M. Kinyon; assessor, James W. Dryser; school director at large, D. S. Harsha and C. L. Tappan ; alderman first ward, \V. H. Willsey for two years, W. R. Kinyon for one year; alderman second ward, J. A. Oppliger for two years, J. B. Crooker for one year; alderman third ward, William Scruby for two years, John Donaldson for one year; school director first ward. Seth Hotchkiss; school director second ward, A. Town; school direc- tor third ward, D. W. Burch ; justice of the peace first ward. A. Chambers; justice of the peace second ward, G. P. Reyner;

880 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES

justice of the peace, third ward, Philo Bliss ; constable, first ward, James Cornwell ; constable, second ward, William Curtis; con- stable third ward, J. B. Hooker.

'"Proceeded to appoint officers as per charter, to-wit: J. B. Hooker, city treasurer; J. B. Searles, city attorney; F. Bixby, city surveyor; W. Wheaton, city marshal.

"Moved and seconded that the recorder be instructed to procure a suitable book to keep city records in and stationery for the use of the common council. Carried.

"Moved and seconded that the compensation of the city attorney for the ensuing year shall be twenty-five dollars. Car- ried.

"Moved and seconded that the recorder be allowed sevent}-- five dollars per annum for his services. Carried.

"Moved and seconded that the city treasurer be required to give bonds in the sum of $1,000.00. Carried.

"Moved and seconded that we adjourn to seven p. m., April 17, 1865. Carried.

"George B. Hall, Mayor. "A. M. Kinyon, Recorder."

The officers of Owatonna have been as follows: 1865-66. Mayor, G. B. Hall; recorder, A. M. Kinyon; asses- sor, J. W. Dresser; treasurer, J. B. Hooker; city marshal, W. Wheaton; city justice, A. X. Stoughton ; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, L. Bi.xby ; official paper, "Plaindealer." First ward : Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon ; justice, A. Chambers; street commissioner, S. N. Sargent; constable, James Connell. Second ward: Aldermen, J. A. Oppliger, J. B. Crooker; justice, I. P. Requa; street commissioner, A. Odell ; constable, Wm. Curtis. Third ward : Aldermen, W. Scruby, J. Donaldson ; justice, Philo Bliss; street commissioner, M. H. Franklin; con- stable, J. B. Hooker. Board of education : At large, D. S. Har- sha, C. L. Tappan; first ward, Seth Hotchkiss ; second ward. A. Town; third ward, D. W. Burch.

1866-67. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton; recorders, A. M. Kinyon, C. S. Crandall ; assessor, J. Chambers ; treasurer, G. B. Hall ; street commissioner, S. N. Sargeant; city marshal, W. Wheaton; city justice, C. C. Cornell; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city sur- veyor, L. Bixby; official paper, "Plaindealer." First ward: Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon; constable, James Connell; justice, A. Chambers. Second ward: Aldermen, J. Newsalt, H. C. Eldred ; justice, I. P. Requa; constable, William Curtis. Third ward: Aldermen, William Scruby, H. J. Lewis, J. A. Oppliger; justice, Philo Bliss; constables, C. G. Smith, H. A. Tiffany. Board of education: At large, D. S. Harsha,

HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 881

C. L. Tappan; First ward, Setli Hotchkiss; Second ward, A. Town; Third ward, D. W. Burch.

1867-68. Mayor, S. R. Washburn ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, L. E. Rawson ; treasurer, G. B. Hall; street commis- sioners, H. J. Lewis, C. L. Gardner; city marshal, M. J. Toher; city justice, H. H. Johnson; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official pa])er, "Journal." First ward : Aldermen, W. R. Kinyon, Clarke Chambers, W. H. Willscy; constable, Levi Frank; justice, Addison Phelps. Second ward: Aldermen, H. C. Eldred, N. Winship, J. Donaldson; constable, none; justice, H. A- Beers. Third ward: Aldermen, J. A. Op- pliger, J. Donaldson, J. S. Fuller; constable, I. W. Hanks; jus- tice, M. F. Lowth. Board of education: At large, D. S. Harsha, S. S. Russell; First ward, S. Hotchkiss, I. J. Fuller; Second ward, A. Town; Third ward, D. W. Burch.

1868-69. Mayor, J. W. Morford ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, S. Hotchkiss ; street commis- sioner. A. Phelps; city marshal, I. W. Hanks; city justice, H. H. Johnson; city attorney, H. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, C. Chambers, J. A. Armstrong, Chas. Dennijes; constables, none; justice. Win. Dean. Second ward: Aldermen, N. Winship, D. B. Marble; constable, J. B. Hooker; justice, H. A. Beers. Third ward: Aldermen, T. J. Howe, K. D. Chase; justice. Wm. David- son ; constable, I. W. Hanks. Board of education : At large, S. S. Russell, S. B. Washburne; First ward, I. J. Fuller; Second ward. P. S. Smith. John Odell ; Third ward, Wm. Davidson.

1869-70. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ; assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commis- sioner, M. J. Toher; city marshal, I, W. Hanks; city justice, H. A. Beers; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, "Journal." First ward : Aldermen, J. A. Armstrong, Lewis Lord; constable, James