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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 Connell ; justice, T.
G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen, D. B. Marble, L. E. Raw-
son; justice, L. B. Town; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third
ward: Aldermen, K. D. Chase, T. J. Howe, H. Backus; con-
stable, I. W. Hanks; justice, Philo Bliss. Board of education:
At large, G. B. Hall, M. F. Lowth; JMrst ward, B. F. Melvin ;
Second ward. John Odell, D. S. Harsha; Third ward, D. W.
Burch.
1870-71. Mayor, 11. II. Johnson: recorder, Isaac Burch; as-
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, J. Chambers; street com-
missioner, L. Gilbert; 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, R. C. Olin, Lewis Lord; constable, James Cornell;
882 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
jiistice, T. G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen, D. B. Marble,
L. E. Rawson ; constable, E. R. Fenno; justice, Samuel Col-
lins. Third ward: Aldermen, T. J. Howe, H. Backus; justice,
Philo Bliss ; constable, I. W. Hanks. Board of education : At
large, G. B. Hall. G. C. Tanner; First ward, Charles S. Cran-
dall ; Second ward, D. S. Harsha ; Third ward, D. \V. Burch.
1871-72. Mayor, R. C. Olin; recorder, Isaac W. Burch; as-
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commis-
sioner, James Cotter; city marshal, I. \\'. Hanks; city justice,
H. H. Johnson; city attorney, Lewis L. Wheelock; city sur-
vej'or. J. H. Abbott; official paper, "Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, R. C. Olin, T. AV. Irving, \V. H. Sherman; constable,
James Connell ; justice, T. G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen,
D. B. Marble, E. A. Tyler; justice, M. L. Blair; constable, R.
G. Chittenden. Third ward : Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Bux-
ton ; justice, J. S. Austin; constable, O. G. Evenson. Board of
education : At large, G. C. Tanner, Lewis L. Wheelock ; First
ward, Charles S. Crandall ; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; Third
ward, D. W. Burch.
1872-73. Mayors, W. H. Kelly, J. A. Oppliger; recorder,
Isaac W. Burch; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, Joseph
Chambers; street commissioner, S. J. Loomis; city marshal, D.
Whipple; city justice, H. H. Johnson; city attorney, J. M. Bur-
lingame ; city surveyor, B. S. Wheeler; official paper, "Journal."
First ward: Aldermen, T. W. Irving, W. FI. Sherman, W. H.
Willsey ; justice, T. G. Patch ; constable. James Connell. Second
ward: Aldermen, E. A. Tyler, A. C. Dodge; justice, C. C. Cor-
nell; constable, D. Whipple. Third ward: Aldermen, H.
Backus, J. E. Buxton; justice J. S. Austin; constable, A. E.
Simons. Board of education : At large, Lewis L. \\'heelock, G.
C. Tanner ; First ward, Chas. S. Crandall ; Second ward, E. H.
S. Dartt; Third ward, D. W. Burch.
1873-74. Mayor. T. J. Flowe ; recorder, Isaac \\'. Burch ; as-
sessor, D. W. Burch ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street com-
missioner. S. J. Loomis; city marshal, E. L. Paddock; city jus-
tice, T. G. Patch; city attorney, J. M. Eurlingame; city sur-
veyor, B. S. Wheeler; official paper, "Journal."' First ward:
Aldermen, T. W. Irving, Seth Hotchkiss; justice, H. H. John-
son; constable, Theo. Dean. Second Ward: Aldermen, A. C.
Dodge, Titus Case; justice, C. C. Cornell; constable, E. R.
Fenno. Third ward: Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Buxton; jus-
tice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of educa-
tion : At large, G. C. Tanner, John A. Spelman ; First ward, A.
N. Stoughton ; Second w^ard, E. H. S. Dartt ; Third ward, D. W.
Burch.
1874-75. Mayor, T. J. Howe; recorder, Isaac W. Burch; as-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 883
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city-
justices, T. G. Patch, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M.
Burlingame ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, "Jour-
nal." First ward: Aldermen, Seth Hotchkiss, Clarke Cham-
bers; justice, H. H. Johnson; constable, P. R. Pike. Second
ward: Aldermen, Titus Case, N. M. Donaldson; justice, Isaac
Howe; constable, G. F. Doolittle. Third ward: Aldermen, J.
E. Buxton, Geo. Wilson ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H.
A. Tiffany. Board of education: At large, G. C. Tanner, John
A. Spelman; First ward, A. N. Stoughton; Second ward, E. H.
S. Dartt ; Third ward, H. W. Pratt.
1875-76. Alayor, T. J. Howe; recorder, Isaac W. Burch;
assessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, J. Chambers; street com-
missioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city jus-
tice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame; city
surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official paper, '•Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, Clarke Chambers, A. Knobloch ; justice, H. H. John-
son ; constable, S. H. Stowers. Second ward : Aldermen, N. M.
Donaldson, E. Donaldson; justices, Isaac Howe, H. A. Beers;
constable, Wm. Furman. Third ward : Aldermen, J. E. Buxton,
Geo. Willson; justice, Wm. Davidson; constable, H. A. Tiffany.
Board of education: At large, G. C. Tanner, J. C. Ellis; First
ward, A. N. Stoughton; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt; Third
ward, H. W. Pratt.
1876-77. Mayor. X. M. Donaldson; recorder, Isaac W.
Burch; assessor, L. E. Rawson; treasurer, J. Chambers; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, J. B. Putney; city
justice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame; city
surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official paper, "People's Press." First
ward: Aldermen, A. Knobloch, J. R. Fox; justice, H. H. John-
son; constable, George Van Dusen. Second ward: Aldermen,
E. Donaldson, J. C. Ellis; justice, H. A. Beers; constable, Wm.
Furman. Third ward : Aldermen. E. Easton, Jas. Thompson ;
justice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of
education: At large, H. W. Pratt, J. C. Ellis; First ward, W. A.
Dynes, R. H. Chapin; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt; Third ward,
C. G. Earley.
1877-78. Mayor, M. A. Fredenburg; recorder, Isaac W.
Burch ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city
justice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame;
city surveyor, J. II. Abbott; official paper, "Review." First
ward: Aldermen, J. R. Fox, A. Knobloch; justice, H. F. Luce;
constable, none. Second ward: Aldermen, E. Donaldson, J. C.
Ellis; justice, II. A. Beers; constable, E. M. Arnold. Third
884 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ward: Aldermen, James Thompson, C, H. Randall; justice, E.
C. Culver; constable, H. A. Tifiany. Board of education: At
large, J. S. W'oodard, Lewis Lord; First ward, G. C. Tanner;
Second ward. W. A. Dynes ; Third ward. T. J. Howe.
1879-80. Mayor, J. C. Ellis : recorder, I. W. Burch ; asses-
sor. E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers : street commis-
sioner, J. C. Ault; city marshal. D. \\'hipple; city justice, C. C.
Cornell: city attornc}-, J. M. Burlingame; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott: fjfficial paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson : justice, H. F.
Luce; constable, \V. C. Hadley. Second ward: Aldermen, J.
E. Buxton, G. W. Rockwood : justice, A. B. Barrett; constable,
D. \V. Williamson. Third ward : Aldermen, J. C. Backus, G. F.
Albertus; justice, R. B. Newhall ; constable, Geo. W. Peachey.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, H. Schmidt. E. M. Morehouse; jus-
tice, none; constable, S. II. Stowers. Board of education: At
large, J. C. Ellis. James Cotter, J. E. Truesdell; First ward. L.
L. Wheelock : Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, T. J.
Howe; Fourth ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1880-81. Mayor, J. C. Ellis; recorder, Charles Dawson; as-
sessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commis-
sioner. J. C. Ault; city marshal, D. Whipple; city justice. C.
C. Cornell; city attorney. L. L. Wheelock; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott; official paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward: Alder-
men, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson; justice, H. F. Luce; con-
stable, W. C. Hadley. Second ward : Aldermen, J. E. Buxton,
Henry Birkett; justice, A. B. Barrett; constable, H. A. Tififany.
Third ward: Aldermen, G. F. Albertus. E. M. Morehouse; jus-
tice, R. B. Newhall; constable, Geo. W. Peachey. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, Herman Schmidt, John Hammell ; justice, H. A.
Beers ; constable, A. Flafemann. Board of education : At large,
James Cotter. A. C. Hickman; First ward. L. L. Wheelock;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, T. J. Howe; Fourth
ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1881-82. Maj'or, B. S. Cook; recorder, Charles Dawson;
treasurer, R. B. Newhall ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city
marshal. I. U. Jones; city justice, H. A. Beers; city attorney,
H. E. Johnson ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper,
"People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, A. C. Gutterson, J.
E. Truesdell; justice, FI. F. Luce; constable, W. C. Hadley.
Second ward: Aldermen, Henry Birkett, E. Scannel ; justice,
A. B. Barrett ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third ward : Alder-
men, G. F. Arbertus, E. M. Morehouse; justice, R. B. Newhall;
constable, J. C. Johnson. Fourth ward: Aldermen, John Ham-
mel, H. Schmidt: justice, FI. A. Beers; constable, O. Tiffany.
Board of education: At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 885
First ward, L. L. W'licclock; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third
ward, A. Simpson; P'ourth ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1882-83. Mayor, B. S. Cook; recorder, C. E. Luce; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, H. H. Luers ; street commissioners, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, I. U. Jones; cit}' justice, H. A. Beers; city
attorney, H. E. Johnson; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official
paper, "Steele County Herald." First ward : Aldermen, J. E.
Truesdell, John Chambers; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, W.
C. Hadley. Second ward: Aldermen, E. Scannel, S. S. Green;
justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third
ward: .•\Idermen, E. M. Morehouse, G. F. Albertus ; justice,
none; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth ward: Aldermen,
Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt; justice, H. A. Beers; constable,
O. Tiffany. Board of education : At large, James Cotter, A. C.
Hickman ; First ward, L. L. Wheelock ; Second ward, W. A.
Dynes; Third ward, A. Simpson; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1883-84. Mayor, H. Birkett ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, John Thorson; city justice, M. A. Freden-
burg ; city attorney, E. W. Richter ; city surveyor. J. H. Abbott ;
official paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward: Aldermen, John
Chambers, J. E. Truesdell; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, R. H.
Johnson. Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. C. Ellis, H.
H. Luers; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, W. H. Shoe-
maker. Third ward: Aldermen, G. F. Albertus, Frank Stimson,
J. D. Holden; justice, J. D. Holden; constable, Ignatius Kre-
mer. Fourth ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt;
justice, H. A. Beers; constable, O. Tiffany. Board of education:
At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter; First ward, L. L. Wheel-
ock; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, A. Simpson;
Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1884-85. Mayor, John Shea ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, R. White; city justice, M. A. Fredenburg;
city attorney, E. W. Richter; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott; offi-
cial paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, J. E. Trues-
dell, M. J. Toher; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, R. H. Johnson.
Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z. Barncard ; justice,
O. Abernethy; constable, A\'. IT. Shoemaker. Third ward:
Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse, J. Glaeser; justice, O. M. Ham-
mond ; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth ward : Aldermen,
Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt; justice, H. A. Beers; constable,
O. Tiffany. Board of education : At large. J. A. Cotter, T. J.
Howe ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, W. A. Dynes ;
Third ward, Lewis Lord; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1885-86. Mayor, C. N. McLaughlin; recorder, C. E. Luce;
886 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
assessor, E. Easton : treasurer, C. J. Kinyon; street commis-
sioner, J. C. Aiilt; city marshal, R. White; city justice, A. N.
Stoughton; city attorney, E. \\\ Richter; city surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Alder-
men, M. J. Toiler, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable,
R. H. Johnson. Second ward : Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z.
Barncard; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, H. R. Thomp-
son. Third ward: Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse. E. W. Piper;
justice, William Davidson; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen ; justice, C. C.
Cornell ; constable, Herman Lee. Board of education : At large,
George E. Peck, T. J. Howe ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second
ward, W. A. Dynes ; Third ward, Lewis Lord ; Fourth ward,
E. Y. Hunnewill.
1886-87. Mayor, R. H. Kelly; recorder, C. E. Luce; asses-
sor, E. Easton ; treasurer, G. D. Holden ; street commissioner,
J. C. Ault; city marshal, R. H. Johnson; city justice, A. N.
Stoughton; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city surveyor, A.
M. Mitchell; official paper, "Journal and Herald." First ward:
Aldermen, N. C. Larson, C. \V. Hadley ; justice. H. F. Luce;
constable, R. H. Johnson. .Second ward : Aldermen, Henry
Birkett, James Brown; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable.
H. R. Thompson. Third ward : Aldermen, E. W. Piper, Dr. E.
M. Morehouse; justice, William Davidson; constable, Ignatius
Kremer. Fourth ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen;
justice, A. Moncriefif; constable, George Putney. Board of edu-
cation: At large, T. J. Howe, G. E. Peck; First ward, W. A.
Sperry; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward. L. Lord;
Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1887-88. Mayor, M. B. Pratt; recorder, C. E. Luce; asses-
sor, J. S. Austin ; treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commis-
sioner, John Ouinn ; city marshal, R. H. Johnson; city justice,
J. Newsalt ; city attorney. Amos Coggswell ; city surveyor, A.
M.Mitchell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward : Alder-
men, C. W. Hadley, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; consta-
ble, R. H. Johnson. Second ward: Aldermen, Henry Birkett,
James Brown; justice, M. A. Fredenburg;* constable, H. A.
Tififany. Third ward: Aldermen, Dr. E. M. Morehouse, G. F.
Albertus; justice, J. H. Soukup ; constable. John Ganser. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Joseph Hoffman; justice, A.
Moncrieff; constable, H. Lee. Board of education: At large,
T. J. Howe, J. Schmidt ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second
ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, H. Cartright; Fourth ward,
E. Y. Hunnewill.
*Mr. Fredenburg died shortly after bis re-election to tbis office.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 887
1888-89. Mayor, A. C. Gutterson; recorder, C. E. Luce;
treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ;
assessor, J. S. Austin ; marshal, R. H. Johnson ; city justice, J.
Newsalt. attorney, L. L. Wheelock ; official paper, "Journal and
Herald"; surveyor, A. AI. Mitchell. First ward: Aldermen,
C. W. Hadley, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable,
\V. D. Snyder. Second ward : Aldermen, James Brown, C. J.
Kinyon; justice, M. B. Chadwick; constable, H. A. Tiffany.
Third ward: Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse, G. F. Albertus; jus-
tice, J. II. Soukup; constable, J. P. Ganser. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, C. F. Backus; justice, C. Schoen;
constable, Fred Mueller. Board of education : At large, Lewis
Lord, H. Schmidt; First ward, W. A. Spcrry; Second ward, W.
A. Dynes; Third ward, H. Cartwright; Fourth ward, E. Y.
Hunnewill.
1889-90. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse; recorder, C. E. Luce;
treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ;
assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
M. B. Chadwick; attorney, J. A. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, N.
C. Larson, C. W. Hadley; justice, H. E. Luce; constable, L. K.
Bullman. Second ward : Aldermen, James Brown, C. J. Kinyon ;
justice, O. Abernethy ; constable, John Thorson. Third ward :
Aldermen, C. Tryon, G. L. Forsyth (appointed to take place of
newly elected Mayor Morehouse); justice, J. H. Soukup; con-
stable, J. P. Ganser. Fourth ward : Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman,
C. F. Backus; justice, A. Moncrieff; constable, H. B. Schoen.
Board of education: At large, C. E. Sheldon. Lewis Lord; First
ward, W. A. Sperry; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward,
H. Cartwright; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1890-91. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse; recorder, S. M. Bryan;
treasurer, E. Easton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; assessor,
D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M. B.
Chadwick; attorney, L. L. Wheelock; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
official paper, "Journal." First ward : Aldermen, D. W. Sperry,
N. C. Larson ; justice, H. F. Luce ; constable, Jay Till. Second
ward: Aldermen, C. J. Kinyon, James Brown; justice, O. Aber-
nethy; constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen,
H. Kasper, C. Tryon; justice, J. H. Soukup; constable. Cord
King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, II. Knoblock, Joseph Hoft"man ;
justice, A. Moncrieff; constable, J. Misgen. Board of education:
At large, Lewis Lord, C. E. Sheldon ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, G. D. Holden; Fourth
ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1891-92. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse, \V. A. Dynes (elected at
special election, July 7, 1891, for the balance of term of Mayor
888 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Morehouse, late deceased); recorder, S. M. Bryan; treasurer,
B. F. Welch; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny ; assessor, D.
P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M. B. Chad-
wick ; attorney. C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, John Smith,
D. W. Sperry; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, William Thom-
son. Second ward : Aldermen, William Gausewitz, C. J. Kin-
yon ; justice, M. B. Chadwick (appointed to serve in place of S.
Anderson, who was elected, but refused to serve) ; constable,
W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen, C. Tryon, H. Ras-
per; justice, J. H. Soukup; constable, C. Van Arnum. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, H. Knoblock ; justice, A.
Moncriefif; constable, M. A. McAndrews. Board of education:
At large, C. E. Sheldon, Lewis Lord ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, G. B. Holden; Fourth
ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1892-93. Mayor, W. A. Dynes; recorder, S. M. Byrne; treas-
urer, S. H. Stowers; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M.
B. Chadwick; attorney, E. W. Richter ; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, O. S.
Boice, John Smith; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: .\lder-
men, N. J. Schafer, William Gausewitz; justice, M. B. Chad-
wick; constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen,
C. P. Sahler, C. Tryon; justice, J. H. Soukup. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, L. F. Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; justice, none elected.
Board of education: At large, S. Peterson, L. L. Bennett (to fill
out one year of unexpired term of C. E. Sheldon) ; First ward,
W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, S. W. Curliss ; Third ward, G. D.
Holden ; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1893-94. Mayor, E. M. Twiford ; recorder, S. M. Byrne;
treasurer, Albert Kaspcr ; street commissioner, Ovid Wood;
assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
C. J. O'Brien; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen,
Carl K. Bennett, O. S. Boice; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward:
Aldermen, L. Virtue, N. J. Schafer; constable, W. H. Shoemaker.
Third ward : Aldermen, Dr. F. M. Smersh, C. P. Sahler. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoflfman, L. F. Hammel; justice, A.
Moncrieff. Board of education : At large, L. L. Bennett, E. M.
Morehouse, Jr. (to fill one year, unexpired term of Soren Peter-
son) ; First ward, W. A. Sperry; Second ward, S. W. Curtiss ;
Third ward, O. B. McClintock; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1894-95. Mayor, E. M. Twiford; recorder, E. C. Zamboni ;
treasurer, M. J. Odell ; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny ; as-
sessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 889
C. J. O'Brien; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen,
O. S. Boice, Carl K. Bennett. Second ward: Aldermen, S. S.
Green, F. G. Schuman (to fill unexpired term of L. Virtue) ;
constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward : Aldermen, C. M.
Rasmusson, Dr. F. M. Smersh. Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. F.
Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; justice. Board of education: At
large, W. A. Dynes, L. L. Bennett; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward, O. B. McCIintock;
Fourth ward, II. Schmidt.
1895-96. Mayor, N. J. Schafer ; recorder, E. C. Zamboni ;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, O. Wood; assessor,
D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, H. F.
Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell; offi-
cial paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, C. K. Bennett,
O. S. Boice; justice of the peace. H. F. Luce. Second ward:
Aldermen, J. C. Ault, S. S. Green; constable, W. H. Shoemaker.
Third ward : Aldermen, Lewis Lord, C. M. Rasmusson ; Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, L. F. Hammel. Board of
education: At large, L. L. Bennett, W. A. Dynes; First ward,
W. A. Sperry; Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward, O. B.
McCIintock ; Fourth ward, H. Schmidt.
1896-97. Mayor, Peter Ganser; recorder, E. C. Zamboni;
treasurer, Lars Peterson ; street commissioner, O. Wood ; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, F. K. Stewart; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, S. R. Nelson,
C. K. Bennett; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
S. S. Green, J. C. Ault; constable, William Bycraft. Third ward :
Aldermen, J. O. Eastman, Lewis Lord; justice, Frank Ganser.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. F. Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; jus-
tice, C. I. Buxton. Board of education: At large, G. A. Merrill,
L. L. Bennett ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, D. J.
Trisko ; Third ward, Geo. W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, William
Gausewitz (to fill one year unexpired term of H. Schmidt).
1897-98. Mayor, A. B. Stewart; recorder, J. W. Rowland;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, Ovid Wood; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ;
official paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, Carl K.
Bennett, S. R. Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, G. W.
Doolittle. Second ward: Aldermen, P. Brennen, S. S. Green;
constable, William Rycraft. Third ward: Aldermen, E. M.
Morehouse, J. O. Eastman; justice, Frank Ganser. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, John Thon, L. F. Hammel; justice, C. I. Buxton.
Board of education : At large, N. J. Schafer, G. A. Merrill ; First
890 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ward, Georo;e Parrolt ; Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward,
George W. Peachcy ; Fourth w^ard, William Gausewitz.
1898-99. Mayor, Leonard Virtue; recorder, J. W. Rowland;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, Ovid Wood; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce; attorney, C. J. O'Brien; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
superintendent of waterworks, j\L B. Pratt; official paper, "Peo-
ple's Press." First ward: Aldermen, O. H. Odell, Carl K. Ben-
nett; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, William O'Grosky. Sec-
ond ward: Aldermen, C. K. Anderson, P. Brennan; justice, A.
S. Bragg; constable. J. F. Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, J.
O. Eastman, F. D. dinger (to fill last year of E. M. Morehouse's
term) ; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. F.
Hammel, John Thon ; justice, L. B. Fenner; constable, W. M.
Dynes. Board of education : At large, John N. Niles, N. J.
Schafer; First ward. George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La
Bare; Third ward, George W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, William
Gausewitz.
1899-1900. Mayor, Leonard Virtue; recorder, J. W. Row-
land ; treasurer, Charles H. Stearns ; street commissioner, Frank
L. Anderson; assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren;
municipal judge, H. F. Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; sur-
veyor, H. S. Dartt ; superintendent waterworks, J. N. Niles;
ofiScial paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, F. E. Church,
O. H. Odell: justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
S. S. Green, C. K. Anderson; justice, Steve Hance ; constable,
C. C. Chadwick. Third ward : Aldermen, F. D. Clingcr, J. O.
Eastman; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, John
Thon, L. F. Hammel; justice, L. B. Fenner. Board of educa-
tion : At large, James W. Connor, John N. Niles ; first ward,
George Parrott ; second ward, Frank La Bare ; third ward,
George W. Peachey ; fourth ward, William Gausewitz.
1900-01. Mayor. Leonard Virtue; recorder, P. J. Svvanson :
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, F. L. Anderson;
assessor, James E. Malone ; marshal, C. J. Boley; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; superintendent of
waterworks. M. B. Pratt; official paper, "People's Press." First
ward: Aldermen, R. H. Bach, F. E. Church; justice, H. F.
Luce ; constable, C. Grabarkwietz. Second ward : Aldermen, C.
K. Anderson, S. S. Green; justice, Aaron Bragg; constable,
William Rycraft. Third ward : Aldermen, A. J. Lippert, F. D.
dinger; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, C.
Butsch, John Thon; justice, L. B. Fenner; constable, J. Misgen,
Sr. Board of education : At large, B. E. Darby, James W. Con-
nor; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La Bare;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 891
Third ward, George W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, R. H. Johnson.
1901-02. Mayor, R. H. Johnson; recorder, L. B. Warren;
treasurer, C. H. Stearns; street commissioner, Frank Connell;
assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce; attorney, C. J. O'Brien; surveyor, H. S.
Dartt; superintendent of waterworks, M. B. Pratt; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, F. E. Church,
R. H. Bacli ; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, C. Grabarkwictz.
Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, C. K. Anderson; justice,
Aaron Bragg; constable, F. Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, F.
M. Smersh, A. J. Lippert ; constal:)le. Cord King. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, C. Butsch; justice, L. B. Fenner; con-
stable, W. S. Boice. Board of education : At large, James W.
Connor, B. E. Darby; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward,
Frank La Bare; Third ward, George W. Peachey; Fourth ward,
R. H. Johnson.
1902-93. Mayor, R. H. Bach; recorder, Lyman Warren;
treasurer, C. H. Stearns ; street commissioner, Frank Connell ;
assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, Harvey
S. Dartt; superintendent of waterworks, M. B. Pratt; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, R. G. Nelson,
F. E. Church; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
C. K. Anderson, S. S. Green; justice, W. E. Dunbar; constable,
Frank Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, A. G. Lippert, F. M.
Smersh ; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, J. C.
Jahreiss, L. B. Fenner. Board of education: At large, Ellen M.
Eustis, James W. Connor ; First ward, George Parrott ; Second
ward, Frank La Bare ; Third ward, George Peachey ; Fourth
ward, T. E. Cashman (to fill out last year of R. H. Johnson's
term).
1903-04. Mayor, Thomas E. Cashman ; recorder, Lyman B.
Warren; treasurer, Robert Deinninger; street commissioner,
Andrew Erdman ; assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, Henry
Abernethy ; municipal judge, B. F. Hood; attorney, C. J.
O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ; superintendent of water-
works, M. B. Pratt; official paper, "People's Press." First ward:
Aldermen, F. E. Church, R. G. Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce.
Second ward: Aldermen, John Kendall, C. K. Anderson; jus-
tice, W. E. Dunbar; constable, M. A. McAndrews. Third ward:
Aldermen, A. G. Kranz, A. G. Lippert ; constable. Cord King.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, J. C. Jahreiss. Board
of education : At large, A. G. Pinkham, Ellen M. Eustis ; First
ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La Bare; Third
ward, George Peachey; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
892 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1904-05. Mayor, Thomas E. Cashman ; recorder, Charles
Servatius; treasurer, Robert M. Deinninger; street commis-
sioner, Andrew Erdman ; assessor, Henry Sanders; marshal,
Henry Abernethy; municipal judge, B. F. Hood; attorney, W.
F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell; superintendent of water-
works, Harry D. Tompkins; official paper, "Chronicle." First
ward: Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, F. E. Church; justice, H. F.
Luce. Second ward: Aldermen. John Kendall, Harvey S. Dartt;
justice, W. Dunbar. Third ward: Aldermen, T. M. Morehouse,
A. G. Kranz ; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen,
J. C. Jahreiss, L. B. Fenner; constable, Steve Stepanek. Board
of education: At large, Ellen M. Eustis, A. G. Pinkham; First
ward, George Parrott ; Second ward, Ward Kinyon ; Third ward,
George Peachey ; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1905-06. Mayor, Charles Green ; recorder, C. J. Servatius ;
treasurer, Frank Finley ; street commissioner, Andrew Erdman ;
assessor, Henry Sanders ; marshal, Chas. Misgen ; municipal
judge, J. Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell ; superintendent of waterworks, S. S. Green ; official
paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, J. H. Robson, R. G.
Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen, N. P.
Jefiferson, Harvey S. Dartt; constable, Frank Stewart. Third
ward: Aldermen, A. G. Kranz, T. M. Morehouse; constable, E.
Liddington. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, J. C. Jahr-
eiss ; constable, Jacob Orlowski. Board of education : At large,
Guy B. Bennett, Ellen M. Eustis; First ward, George Parrott;
Second ward. Ward Kinyon; Third ward, Edward Lansing;
Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1906-07. Mayor, Harvey S. Dartt; recorder, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, Frank Finley; street commissioner, William Kottke ;
assessor, J. M. Schafer; marshal, Chas. Misgen; municipal
judge, J. Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell ; superintendent of waterworks ; S. S. Green ; weigh-
master, Wilford Vinton ; official paper, "Journal-Chronicle."
First ward: Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, J. II. Robson; justice, II.
F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen, O. E. Williamson, N. P. Jef-
ferson. Third ward- Aldermen, F. J. Wencl, A. G. Kranz ; con-
stable. Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, F. M. HofTman,
L. B. Fenner ; constable, Joseph Belina. Board of education :
At large, R. II. G. Netz, Guy B. Bennett : First ward. George
Parrott; Second ward. Ward Kinyon: Third ward, Edward
Lansing; Fourth ward. William C. Zamboni.
1907-08. Mayor, Charles Green; recorder, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, Michael Leary ; street commissioner, William Kottke;
assessor, James Malone ; marshal, Chas. Misgen; municipal
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 893
judge, Jacob Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A.
M. Mitchell; superintendent of waterworks, Karl P. Theimer;
weighmaster, Wilford Vinton ; official paper, "People's Press."
First ward: Aldermen, Guy J. Clefton, R. G. Nelson; justice,
H. F. Luce. Second ward. Aldermen, N. P. Jefferson, O. E.
Williamson; justice, Oscar G. Ccdardahl ; constable, J. F. Fitz-
gerald. Third ward : Aldermen, William Hart, F. J. Wencl ;
constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. B. Fenncr,
F. M. Hoffman. Board of education : At large, Guy Bennett,
R. H. G. Netz; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Ward
W. Kinyon ; Third ward, Edward Lansing: Fourth ward, Will-
iam C. Zamboni.
1908-09. Mayor, C. I. Reigard ; recorder, Chas. Servatius;
treasurer, M. Leary ; street commissioner, Edward Austin ; as-
sessor, Jas. E. Malone; marshal, Chas. Misgen ; municipal
judge, F. A. Dunham; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; superintendent of waterworks, H. S. Dartt; weigh-
master, Wilfred Vinton ; official paper, "Weekly Journal-
Chronicle." First ward : Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, Guy J. Clef-
ton ; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, A. C. Sanders. Second
ward: Aldermen, O. E. Williamson, N. P. Jefferson; justice,
Oscar G. Cedardahl ; constable, F. J. Finley. Third ward:
Aldermen, F. J. \\'encl, W'illiam Hart; constable, Cord King.
Fourth ward: Aldermen: F. M. Hoffman, L. B. Fenner. Board
of education: At large, R. H. G. Netz, Guy Bennett; First
ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Ward W. Kinyon; Third
ward. E. W. Lansing; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1909-10. Mayor, L. F. Hanimel ; recorder, Chas. J. Serva-
tius; treasurer, M. Lear}- ; street commissioner, E. J. Austin;
assessor, Jas. E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, F. A. Dunham; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; engineer, Ed-
ward .Austin; assistant engineer, A. M. Mitchell; weighmaster,
Frank Finley; official paper, "People's Press." First ward:
Aldermen, Guy J. Clefton, R. G. Nelson; justice, Karl P. Thei-
mer. Second ward: Aldermen, L. C. Brown, O. E. Williamson;
constable, M. A. McAndrews. Third ward: Aldermen, William
Hart, F. J. Wencl ; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Alder-
men, L. B. Fenner, James Orlowski (for one year to fill out
unexpired term of F. M. Hoffman) ; constable, H. Conklin.
Board of education: At large, G. B. Bennett, R. H. G. Netz;
First ward, George Parrott; Second ward. Ward W. Kinyon;
Third ward: E. W. Lansing; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1910-11. Mayor, L. F. Hammcl ; city clerk, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, M. Leary; municipal judge, F. A. Dunham; chief of
police, Adolph Mallinger ; attornej', H. E. Leach ; assessor,
894 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
James E. Malone ; weighmaster, Jacob Ciecimerowski ; engi-
neer, Harvey S. Dartt; official paper, "People's Press." alder-
man at large for four years, L. C. Brown ; alderman at large for
two years, R. G. Nelson. First ward : Alderman, Guy J. Clefton.
Second ward: Alderman, O. E. Williamson. Third ward: Alder-
man, William Hart. Fourth ward: Alderman, L. B. Fenner.
Fifth ward : Alderman, Anton Seykora. Board of education :
At large, R. H. G. Netz ; First ward, George Parrott ; Second
ward. Ward Kinyon ; Third ward, E. \V. Lansing; Fourth
ward, William C. Zamboni ; Fifth ward, Anton Seykora.
CHAPTER XX
OWATONNA IMPROVEMENTS
Parks — Central Park — Dartt's Park — Mineral Springs Park —
Second Ward Park — Cemeteries — City Waterworks — Sewer
System — City and Firemen's Hall — Owatonna Library —
City Hospital— Lighting and Heating System — Theater.
Owatonna has been particularly fortunate in her public im-
provements. The lighting- and heating, sewer and waterworks
systems contribute to the comforts of every-day life, while the
parks add not only to the beauty of the city but also promote
the health of the citizens. The cemeteries are beautifully located
and convey that impression of secluded peace with which we are
wont to associate the last resting place of the dead. The City
and P'iremen's Hall is one of which the city may well be proud,
and the library has had an important part in the development of
the higher life of the community. The hospital has alleviated
much pain and sufifering, and has justified its establishment. The
theater, while not owned by the city, may nevertheless be men-
tioned among the public improvements.
OWATONNA PARKS
Owatonna is justly proud of its parks, which are unexcelled
by any in this part of the state. A city's beauty is largely meas-
ured by its parks, and Owatonna's rank as a beautiful city is
ably maintained by this fact. Much credit is due to the men
who have been instrumental in the development and manage-
ment of the parks. For many years the duties of caring for the
city's playgrounds had been left to the common council, a park
committee appointed by the mayor having immediate charge.
This system remained in vogue until November 5, 1907, when
an ordinance was passed vesting the management of the parks
in a committee of nine citizens, to be appointed for a term of
three years by the mayor, subject to the approval of the council.
The present members are as follows: C. A. Tincher, A. N.
Wright. C. P. Sahler, J. F. Fitzgerald, C. J. Clefton, C. H. Rose-
brock, C. K. Bennett, M. J. Brown and T. E. Cashman.
Central Park. When the city of Owatonna, then but a rude
village, was platted, in 1855, the space now occupied by Central
895
896 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Park was forever reserved as a public square, and as such it
was used until the early seventies, answering the purposes of a
hay market, ball ground and a general get-together ])lace. About
1873, however, it was felt that the needs of the community would
be better served by a park, and after much laboring by Clarke
Chambers, Dr. Harsha. and other public-spirited citizens, the
council came to see it in that light, and arranged to have plans
for a suitable park drawn by John Abbott. In spite of consider-
able delay and some opposition, the grounds were laid out and
fenced, trees planted, and a fountain and a band stand con-
structed. The park has been especially valuable as a place for
the Saturday night band concerts, and under its shady trees the
dust and glare of the surrounding streets are forgotten. Numer-
ous improvements have been added from year to year, and
during 1909 hundreds of dollars were spent in raising the level
of the park and in laying the cement walks which encircle and
bisect the park. A new fountain was also added, which helps to
make this beauty spot the more charming.
Dartt's Park. This park was enjoyed as a ];)leasure ground
by the citizens of Owatonna through the generosity of E. 11. S.
Dartt, one of its most unselfish and public-spirited men of affairs.
Mr. Dartt became the owner of this property, located in the
northeastern part of the city, during 1896, and at once took
steps to make it an ideal resort for the weary and city-surfeited.
Maple creek, which wound through the park, was dammed in
judiciously selected spots, greatly increasing the depth of the
water and making a wide lagoon. Bathing houses were erected,
arched bridges spanned the creek, a baseball diamond was laid
out, and a grand stand and band stand built. Without cost or
admission of any kind, these premises were thrown open to the
public. A boat house was later erected, and a gasoline launch
and barge added much to the pleasures of the resort. Mr. Dartt
experienced much difficulty in building dams capable of with-
standing the ravages of the spring freshets, and spent thousands
of dollars in keeping up the park. It is believed that he would
have been glad to donate the park to the city, under certain con-
ditions as to its maintenance, but nothing was done. After his
death, in 1903, the property rapidly went to pieces through
freshets and lack of attention, and its once well deserved name
of "Dartt's Paradise" became rather a misfit. In 1907, after
fruitless attempts to sell it to the city, the property was sold to
J. M. Diment, and is now known as Diment's Park, but has
never been restored to its former splendor.
Mineral Springs Park. As far remote as the early seventies
the remarkable curative properties of Owatonna's celebrated
springs, situated a mile and a half northeast of the city, began
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 897
to be recognized. Simon Case, the owner of the land, succeeded
in getting many of the prominent citizens of Ovvatonna inter-
ested, and about 1875 the Ovvatonna Mineral Springs Company
was organized, with N. M. Donaldson president, M. L. Strong
secretar}', and Edward Donaldson treasurer. "General" H. A.
Beers also did much for the early development of the springs,
the spring from which the celebrated Owatonna vichy water is
taken being named after him. The company procured the serv-
ices of an expert chemist, Professor Enno Sanders, who analyzed
the waters and pronounced them very similar to those of the
famed vichy springs in the Ardennes of France. A circular was
published giving the analysis and expatiating on the marvelous
health-giving qualities of the waters, and it was hoped that a
health resort would be started. Finally the city council was
persuaded to buy the property for a public park, which was
consummated July 3, 1877. February 6, 1883, an adjoining tract
was purchased from Jacob Oppliger, the transaction being vir-
tually an exchange of land between Oppliger and the city.
During 1901, a two-acre piece was added, bringing the park up
to its present area of twenty-four acres. For diversity and charm
of scenery, it stands unsurpassed, being surrounded with wooded
hill and fragrant with the natural flowers for which this part of
the state is noted, making one of nature's most restful and lovely
garden spots. Little could be done to enhance its God-given
beauty. A large pavilion which has been recently remodeled
adds to the comforts of picnickers and visitors, as do numerous
tables and benches. The springs are too numerous to mention.
Several of them are arranged to flow into cement drinking foun-
tains. The present Owatonna Mineral Springs Company, con-
trolled by Dr. Warren S. Briggs, who received an exclusive
twenty-five-year franchise for the sale of water from the springs
in 1903, has done much in the way of advertising the springs
and also the city of Owatonna, its water having a rapidly grow-
ing sale throughout the Northwest. It is supplied to the dining
cars on many of the railroad lines, and thus its fame has spread
all over the United States.
No description of the springs would be complete without
mention of the "Big Rock," a relic of the glacial period, and
one of the largest boulders in this section of the state. Many
improvements have been added to the springs within the last
few years, new dam, bridges and fountains having been installed.
The opening of a new and shorter road to the park, in 1906, a
beautiful driveway, makes the journey worth the while in
itself.
Second Ward Park. During the late nineties the little park,
just south of the Mineral Springs avenue railroad bridge, was
898 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
opened. It was never officially christened, but is known as the
"Second Ward Park." While verj' small in point of area, it
serves to break the nionoton}^ and has helped Owatonna to earn
its name of the "Beautiful City."
OWATONNA WATERWORKS.
The first steps were taken for the establishment of a suit-
able system of city waterworks, Februar}' 7, 1888, when a peti-
tion was presented for the erection of such a plant and accom-
panying mains. This request of the citizens was favorably
received, the council deciding to have the question of issuing
$40,000 bonds for waterworks purposes submitted at the next
March election. After canvassing the returns it was found
that the bonds carried bj' a majority of but eight, and numerous
rumors as to voting frauds made the bonds unsalable. Owing
to the expense incident to determining the matter in the courts,
nothing was done until about a year later, when the council
took steps to obtain authority from the state legislature in
order to change Owatonna's charter so as to allow for the
assessing of part of the cost of sewerage and watermains against
the abutting property. April 2, 1889, a committee composed
of C. Tryon, C. W. Hadley and C. J. Kinyon, aldermen, was
appointed to look up facts and data regarding a system of city
waterworks. At a special election held June 18, 1889, the citi-
zens authorized the bonding of the city to the extent of $30,000
for a waterworks system.
Work was immediately started, the present site for the
engine house purchased, and the contract for the drilling of the
well let to F. P. Rust. W. W. Curtis, an engineer, was chosen
to draw up the plans and specifications, and April 9, 1890, the
contract for the erection and fitting up of the plant was given
to Harrison & Hawley, of St. Paul, consideration $28,889.60.
Less than a year later the plant was in running order, and water
was being supplied to all sections of the cit}' — wherever there
was sufficient demand for it — as fast as the mains and piping
could be laid. Every year has witnessed an extension of the
water service, and the city now has over fourteen miles of
mains and nearly a thousand consumers of city water. The
total cost of the plant and mains has been in the neighborhood
of $90,000. About 1895, the west side was piped. During the
past year — 1910-1911 — the water mains have been greatly ex-
tended, several thousand feet of piping having been laid.
Artesian wells supply the water, which is of unexcelled
purity. The original well which supplied the city alone until
1898, is between three and four hundred feet deep. About
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 899
1898, three other wells were added, varying in depth from
eighty-three to eight3--ninc feet. Water from these is pumped
into a large reservoir and thence into the mains, but the water
from the original well is pumped direct. A stand-pipe, located
in the southeastern portion of the city, over a hundred feet in
height. kce])s the pressure strong and uniform.
All that goes to make up a first-class plant of its kind is
included in the city's pumping station. Two engines with boil-
ers, sixty feet by sixteen, developing over eighty horsepower
apiece, furnish adequate power for all conditions ever met with.
The pumps are of the most modern make, one being a Smith-
Vail and the other a Smedley, together having a pumping capa-
city of 700 gallons per minute.
Isaac Sorsoleil was the first engineer proving himself an
efficient and faithful employee during his eleven years of service.
He was succeeded b}' the present engineer, E. J. Crawford, in
August, 1901, Mr. Crawford having previously worked several
years as an assistant. His careful and judicious management
has always met with the approval of the city fathers. Frank
Orlowski is now assistant engineer.
Much is due to the men who have had charge of the business
end of Owatonna's waterworks system. Up till 1898, the water-
works committee of the city council appointed a man from
year to year to keep the books, collect rents, etc. S. M. Byrne
served in that capacitj^ for several years, being succeeded by
S. S. Green. In 1898. M. B. Pratt was elected superintendent
of waterworks b}' the council, and held the office with few inter-
ruptions for five or six years. The other superintendents who
have filled this office for varying periods of time are, J. N.
Niles, Harry D. Tompkins, S. S. Green, Karl P. Theimer and
Harvey S. Dartt. Since the adoption of the new charter, in
1909, the duties of this office have been borne jointly by the
city clerk and engineer, C. J. Servatius and Harvey S. Dartt.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS, GAS AND HEATING.
The progressive citizens of Owatonna began to realize about
1889 that an electric plant would mean much for the growth
and development of the city. Steps were taken to induce a
company to come in, but the population of the city was hardly
sufficient to make a paying proposition assured. Henry Birkett,
George R. Kinyon and other prominent men of affairs succeeded
in getting a franchise from the council, March 16, 1889, for the
establishment of an electric plant, the papers being in Mr.
Birkett's name, and the idea being to offer the franchise gratis
to any company that would use it. This was never done, how-
675^3 't'^
900 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
ever, and June 13, 1897, it was officially revoked by the city
council, it having been null and void for years on account of
non-usage. During 1890, a franchise was granted by the city
council to an outside corporation, lieaded and managed by two
brothers of the name of Pierce, and electric lighting and other
conveniences speedily became a reality for Owatonna. The first
electric street lamps was installed, and the court house and
other public, as well as private buildings wired. This company
continued until aljout 1900, with various changes in the man-
agement, tht quality of service also fluctuating.
The Owatonna Electric Company, controlled by a ]\Ir. Da-
zell, entered the field in 1900, purchasing the franchise rights
and equipment of the preceding company, and securing a twenty-
five year francliise direct from the council, allowing the esta-
blishment of a gas and hot water heating plant in addition.
Mr. Dazell did not have the necessary financial backing, and
so a year later he sold to the present owner of the Public
Service Operating Company, A. J. Stahl, of LaPorte, Indiana.
C. L. Powell was installed as manager, the heating and electric
light service was greatly extended, and the company has ever
since done a thriving business. Dozens of different resident
managers have held sway, prominent among them E. G. Porter,
L. L. Herrick, W. H. Wilfred and Harry G. Wagner. Charles
L. Yergin is the present incumbent. A gas franchise was
granted the company, in 1906, and the others renewed for a
period of twenty years. Owing to the fact that the Public
Service company has had a monopoly for many years, it is
alleged by many citizens that they have been until recently
excessive as to rates. In order to remedy this state of affairs,
the question of bonding the citj- for a $50,000 municipal electric
light plant was submitted to the voters at the last March elec-
tion and approved by an overwhelming majority. With this
whip in their hands, the council with the aid of an expert elec-
trician, J. Millar, undertook to force the company to come to
reasonable terms, surrender their franchises and take others
under the new charter. It seemed very probable that this
arrangement would be made, until A. L. Ober, of Chatfield,
Minnesota, entered the field, asking for an electric and gas
franchise. After careful consideration of Mr. Ober's terms,
they were accepted, and a twenty-five year franchise has been
recently signed by him and the city, and it is expected that Mr.
Ober will deposit the bonds necessary within the near future.
A ten-year street-lighting franchise, providing for a large in-
crease in the number of lights, has also been given him. The
Public Service Operating Company has expressed its willing-
ness to surrender its franchises and take others under the new
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 901
charter in order to help preserve its treasured monopoly, but
has been refused. The company is in a very prosperous condi-
tion, however, and as it has many years of life under its old
franchise, it will doubtless continue to do business. They have
recently laid several thousand feet of gas mains through the
west side, making a total of over eight miles of gas lines, and
now have about four hundred consumers of gas, from five to
six hundred of electricity, and over a hundred of hot water heat.
The service has been greatly improved of late, and liberal
inducements are being oflfered to new customers. They have
about a mile and a quarter of hot water piping. Their equip-
ment is entirely up-to-date, consisting of generators and other
electrical machinery — mostly of Allis-Chalmers make — of the
best types. The engine develops in the neighborhood of five
hundred horsepower. Carbureted water gas is furnished.
Numerous companies have, at various times, seriously con-
sidered establishing plants in Owatonna, but have failed to
materialize. John I. Wilson, D. E. Virtue, C. L. Pound, orga-
nized as the Light, Heat and Power Company of the city of
Owatonna, created quite a ripple in 1900, and procured a fran-
chise for an electric, steam and hot water heating plant, January
5, 1900, which they never took advantage of. It lapsed through
their failure to use it, and was officially revoked by the council
June 7, 1904.
OWATONNA SEWERS.
Shortly after the installation of the waterworks system in
1891, the city began arranging for a suitable sewerage system.
There were practically no sewerage lines in Owatonna at this
time, that of Pillsbury academy — partly built at the city's ex-
pense, in 1889, and emptying into Maple Creek, being the only
one of importance. Charles F. Lowetli, a civil engineer of St.
Paul, was awarded the contract for the plans which contem-
plated the laying of several thou.sand feet of piping. Cedar being
the first street to be supplied. The bid of Clefton Brothers,
$8,506.97, on this work was officially accepted, March 23, 1892,
and construction immediately commenced. The city now has
eleven and three-quarter miles of city sewers, put in at a cost
of $48,696. No year has passed without the laying of new
lines. During 1904, the west side got its first sewerage service,
twelve hundred feet being laid at an expense of about twelve
hundred dollars. This sewer empties into Straight river, as do
all the lines in the other portions of the city, excepting the Pills-
bury academy sewer, and a few hundred feet of line in that
neighborhood, which drain into Maple Creek. The sewer system
902 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
has been greatly extended this last year — 1910 — and at present
rapid progress is being made.
CEMETERIES.
Forest Hill Cemetery. The first Owatonna cemetery was
established near the present depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul and Northwestern railroad lines, and remained there
until the coming of the railroads in 1866. The property was then
taken for right-of-way, and the city purchased a suitable site,
located west of the river and north of city, and immediately
began the removal of the bodies. These grounds were used for
cemetery purposes until 1872, during which year the city became
the owner of the present site of the Forest Hill cemetery,
arrangements being made with the recently organized Forest
Hill Cemeter}' Association whereby the city became the owners
of the property, but left its control and management with the
association. The association consists of all citizens owning lots
in the cemetery, and a board of directors is elected yearly who
render detailed reports to the city at regular intervals and
attend to the maintenance of the grounds. Seth Hotchkiss and
L. Bixby were respectively president and secretary of the first
board, and signed the deed conveying the property to the city.
The members of the present board are as follows : Dr. A. C.
Searl, president; H. Schmidt, secretary; George R. Kinyon,
treasurer; A. L. Sperry, Harvey S. Dartt, and Guy B. Bennett.
H. Schmidt ranks first in length of service, having been a mem-
ber since 1880, and secretary since 1888.
G. W. Shaw was the first actuary, and after several years
was succeeded by S. N. Scrgant who held the office up to 1891.
T. J. Rions was then chosen, and remained in charge until the
first of July, 1908, when F. W. Adams, the present actuary,
assumed office.
Forest Hill cemetery is located on Mineral Springs avenue,
a fifteen-minute walk from the heart of the city. It contains
thirty acres of land, and is one of the most naturally beautiful
spots in the state, being well elevated above the surrounding
country and thickly covered with native trees which have been
judiciously thinned. Model driveways wind in and out through
the grounds, and the well-kept grass and flowers add to the
charming eflfect, a general air of quiet and peace prevailing,
making a fitting resting place for those gone before. Besides
the city vault, installed about 1890, there are eight private vaults,
many of them of rich and costly design. In 1892, the actuary's
house was built, situated just east of the grounds. The ceme-
tery is thoroughly up-to-date in all its appointments. A fifteen
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 903
hundred foot, covered drainage ditch is being put in at present,
and a new road leading to the cemetery will be added after
its completion.
Sacred Heart Cemetery. Fortj-two years ago, the present
Sacred Heart cemeter}' was inaugurated, five acres of land,
situated about a mile and a half south of Owatonna, being
purchased from I""rank Kubista. Five more have been added
during the past year, and the installation of a vault in the near
future seems certain. The property is in the name of the
Right Reverend Bishop lleffren, of Winona, but Father Pivo
of the Sacred Heart church, together with an executive com-
mittee, consisting of John Lynard, Thomas Cashman, Charles
Ringhofer and Andrew Parolik, have the management. The
well-kept grounds and graves enhance the natural beauty of
the place.
German Lutheran. The Owatonna congregation came into
ownership of its present cemetery consisting of three and a
half acres, located directly north of the Forest Hill cemetery.
May 1, 1901, the property being purchased from the Forest Hill
Cemetery Association at a cost of $750. Much of this amount
had been previously raised by the sale of lots. A fence and
other improvements have entailed an expenditure of over $100.
The cemetery is under the direction of a board of managers,
consisting of Fred W. Tuerk, president ; William Hammond,
secretary; John Martin, treasurer; Carl Kaspri, Charles Finger,
Louis Wilker and Louis Wobbrock.
CITY AND FIREMEN'S HALL.
In the sjM-ing of 1905, the Owatonna fire department began
agitating, with characteristic vigor and energy, the question
of a suitable city and firemen's hall to take the place of the
antiquated structure then in use. The firemen early showed
a willingness to do more than their part, offering a contribution
amounting to $4,500, provided the city agreed to erect a building
to cost not less than $16,000. This donation consisted of the
site, which the firemen had purchased for $3,500, and $1,000 in
cash. They also agreed to loan to the city for two years the
money necessary to provide up-to-date fire equipment.
The proposition met with favor with the city fathers, and
they granted a petition, drawn up and circulated by the firemen,
asking for the submission to the people at a special election of
the question of issuing $15,000 bonds for the building. The
special election was held September 19, 1905, and the bonds
voted, but a month later the legalit}' of the bonds was challenged
in the courts by a tax-payer, and they were declared illegal on
904 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
account of the loose manner in wliich action was taken in
ordering the special election.
Thus it became necessary for the work of circulating a peti-
tion, and again securing a satisfactory vote on the matter, to
be done all over again. In the meantime, the firemen were
offered $4,500 for the site, $1,000 more than they had paid for it,
but the ofTer was refused. Nevertheless it practically added
$1,000 to the amount the firemen were contributing toward the
building.
The election of March, 1906, finally decided the bond ques-
tion, their issue being authorized by a majority of 112. Great
care was taken to have the proceedings correct, so that no
further trouble was experienced.
July 17, bids were received for the construction of the
building, that of Hammel Brothers and Anderson, $19,643, being
accepted, and work was immediately begun.
The cornerstone was laid with impressive ceremonies under
the auspices of the iVIasonic order, September 8, 1906, and Chief
E. j\l. Twiford of the fire department formally presented the
city the deed to the lots and $1,000 in cash.
As the building neared completion, it became evident that
it was to cost more than at first planned, and again the firemen
showed true public spirit. Under the agreement the city was
to finish the entire building, giving the firemen a perpetual
lease of the third floor. Now the firemen agreed to the third
floor's remaining unfinished, or in other words undertook to
finish it themselves, which they subsequently did at an expense
of about $2,000, thus making their total contribution to the hall
over $6,000.
The opening of this magnificent City and Firemen's hall,
October 5, 1907, will be long treasured in the minds of the
citizens of this city. Every business, profession and trade,
every degree of affluence, every class of society, was repre-
sented, and all mingled happily together in the festivities of the
occasion, which formally introduced Owatonna's new civic home
and the headquarters of one of its leading official organizations
to the public. A fine promenade concert, a grand ball and a
sumptuous banquet, each sufficient for an event by itself, and all
combined making the occasion an event of the first magnitude
in the history of Owatonna. The music for the concert was
furnished by members of the Owatonna military band, who
generously donated their services for the occasion.
The structure itself is representative of the highest type of
buildings of this character, and is one of which any cit}' might
well be proud. The first floor is devoted to engine and stable
room. The second contains the municipal court, council cham-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 905
ber, firemen's sleeping room, and three offices. The third Hoor
inchides the large dance hall, cloak rooms, and a large retiring
room in front.
It is of interest to know that the oak used in the interior
woodwork was cut from trees grown in Steele county. The
exterior of the building is composed of a high grade of white
brick, with sandstone arching the doors.
Too much credit cannot be given to Fire-chief E. M. Twi-
ford, who, more than any other man awoke the citizens to a
realization of their need of this building. Every fireman, in fact,
was an active worker and promoter. The city is also especially
indebted to Messrs. Robson, HofYman. Williamson and Clefton,
members of the building committee of the common council
during 1906 and 1907, who gave freely and generously of their
time.
CITY HOSPITAL.
The Owatonna City Hospital is located on Cedar street, sur-
rounded bj' a beautiful lawn, the building consisting of the orig-
inal brick veneered residence of J. A. Oppliger, with an addition
erected by the city and an addition erected by W. H. Kelly at
a cost of $10,000. Various additions and improvements have
also been made by Mrs. Elizabeth Batzle, in memory of her
husband. Up to 1909 the hospital board was an advisory one,
but since the change in the city charter the hospital board is
independent, and is allowed a certain sum each year for the
maintenance of the institution. The present board consists of
one member from each ward of the city and one elected at large.
The members of the board are : President, M. S. Alexander ;
secretary, A. H. Smith ; W. H. Vinton. John Deviny, Frank
LaBarre and O. K. Kubat. The hospital has about thirty rooms,
most of which were furnished by various individuals and organi-
zations of the city.
The Owatonna City Hospital is the outgrowth of a sentiment
which assumed tangible form during the summer of 1899. At
that time the need of an institution of this kind was discussed
among the physicians of the city in an informal way, and the
conclusion unanimously reached that the time was ripe for
putting in operation the plans which then seemed proper and
feasible. Subscriptions to the amount of $1,200 were obtained,
and in March, 1900, the city voted $10,000 for the purchase of
a suitable location and the erection of the necessary buildings
for a hospital. At the same time a board of nine was appointed
by the council as follows: S. R. Nelson (chairman), G. W.
Peachey (secretary), M. J. Toher, M. S. Alexander, A. G. Leick,
906 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
G. J. Kaplan, John Deviny, John Adsit and William Gausewitz.
The board organized at once and elected an advisory board of
five physicians, consisting of Drs. Adair, Hatch. Smersh, Schulze
and Eustis. After duly considering various sites, the property
of the late J. A. Oppliger on South Cedar street was purchased
for $6,500. An addition was at once erected at a cost of $1,500.
The Kelly addition was built in 1906.
OWATONNA PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The history of the Owatonna Free Public Library properly
begins at the time of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Hunewill,
which occurred on February 4, 1896. Mrs. Hunewill bequeathed
to the city of Owatonna the specific sum of $10,000 and the
further sum of two-fifths of her residuary estate, to be used for
library purposes under the following terms and conditions : Five
thousand dollars to be used to pay the last bills on a building to
cost not less than $10,000 exclusive of the lot ; and the remain-
ing $5,000 together with the residuary legacy to be kept
forever intact as an endowment fund, and the interest therefrom
only to be used'for the purchase of books for the library. More-
over, the entire becjuest was based upon the further condition
that the city of Owatonna establish a public library under the
laws of the state of Minnesota and provide for its perpetual
maintenance and purchase books for the same at a cost of not
less than $5,000. It soon became evident by reason of the
successful and economical administration of the estate of Mrs.
Hunewill, that the residuary legacy would amount to at least
$11,500. Therefore, encouraged by the assurance of a splendid
legacy of $24,500 the city council unanimously voted to estab-
lish the public library under the state law, and pursuant thereto
chose a library board of nine directors. The library board as
thus constituted held its first meeting January 8, 1897.
September 18, 1897, the city council purchased, for the sum
of $3,000, the excellent site upon which the library building
now stands and deeded the same to the board of directors. On
January 25, 1898, the library board requested the city council to
put to a vote at the fallowing March election, the proposition to
issue $10,000 library bonds. This proposition was voted by a
large majority. The provisions of the state library law allowed
a tax, not to exceed one mill, in cities of the size of Owatonna,
to be levied for the support of the library and accordingly, in
the fall of 1897, a tax of $1,000 (two-thirds of a mill) was
levied by the council. Therefore, the board were enabled to
enter upon the task of building and equipping the library. The
board then spent much time in studying the buildings and equip-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 907
ments of other libraries. It soon became apparent that the best
results could be secured by having a committee visit several
model libraries in the East where the library movement has
reached its most widespread development. The board, therefore,
chose two of its members as such committee, who, in August,
1898, made a journey to Boston and vicinity, covering a distance
of over 3,500 miles, occupying over two weeks' time, and for
which journey the board allowed each member of the committee
$75.00 for expenses.
September 7, 1898, this committee made a written report to
the board. The report was unanimously adopted and the board
set to work to obtain a building which should, as far as pos-
sible, embrace the ideas as set forth in the report. During the
fall of 1898 the plans of the present building were perfected. It
then became evident that a suitable building which should in all
respects meet the requirements of a model library, and at the
same time be suitable to the size of the city of Owatonna, could
not be built for much less than $20,000. At this point a large
number of our public spirited citizens gave a written guarantee
to the board in the sum of $5,000, making it possible to let
the contract at once. And in accordance with this guarantee
the citizens again voted in in March, 1899, by a large majority,
to issue $5,000 additional library bonds. Having thus provided
for the construction of the library building, it was necessary to
give attention to the purchase of $5,000 worth of books in accord-
ance with the Hunewill bequest.
Miss A. L. Sargent of the Medford, Mass., public library,
was engaged to prepare a buyer's catalogue of 5,000 best books
for the library. Later Miss Sargent was employed regularly as
agent for the purchase of books and also to catalogue and to
prepare the books for library use. This work occupied several
months and was performed to the great satisfaction of the board.
The furnishing and maintaining of the children's rooms, which
could not otherwise have been available until a later time, on
account of lack of funds, was undertaken and successfully com-
pleted by the ladies, members of the Nineteenth Century Club,
and of the Cosmopolitan Club, both of Owatonna.
In brief, the library, as it stood on the opening day, ground,
building, equipment and books, represented an investment of
practically $32,000, and $27,000 of this sum had come from the
public funds and $5,000 had come from the Hunewill fund. In
return for this expenditure of money, there is an endowment
fund of about $16,500, which yields an annual income of about
$900 to be used for the purchase of books.
The library was opened on February 22, 1900, and has had a
large and increasing patronage since that date.
908 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The liberality of the citizens of Owatonna in voting bonds
for the library and the subsequent good will and loyaltv of the
city council in providing for deficiencies in the funds of the
library board, should be praised. And mention should be made
especially of the tireless efforts and vigilant watchfulness of a
few persons, intensely interested in the library movement for
Owatonna, who shamed opposition and who bore the burden of
such a difficult undertaking.
The present librarian is Elizabeth H. Plumb, and the present
members of the board: R. G. Nelson (chairman), A. L. Sperry
(secretary), John Adsit, Benjamin F. Darby, C. K. Bennett,
H. K. Tompkins, Dr. J. H. Adair, Rev. P. J. Kiernan and Robert
Johnson.
The library maintains branches at Havana, Bixby and Ellen-
dale.
OPERA HOUSE.
The Metropolitan Opera House is one of the quasi-public
buildings of the city, of which the citizens may well be proud.
It was opened November 4, 1897, by Otis Skinner, and Novem-
ber 1, 1904, passed into the possession of W. F. Gage, of La
Crosse and Albert Lea, the consideration being $15,000 in cash
and the agreement that the building should be maintained as a
theater so long as it should stand. C. J. Servatius is the present
local manager.
On September 8, 1896, a public meeting was held in the
court house to consider the question of building an opera house.
M. B. Chadvvick was elected chairman and S. S. Green, secre-
tary. At this meeting a proposition was made by a number of
gentlemen. This proposition said that if the citizens would
contribute $5,000 they would agree to secure the lot on Main
and South Cedar 66x132 feet, and erect thereon a substantial
three-story building of pressed brick, modern in all respects, to
cost not less than $20,000 exclusive of site. The building was to
have a seating capacity of 1,000 persons. The gentlemen making
this proposition were B. S. Cook, W. R. Kinyon, Geo. R. Kin-
yon, C. S. Crandall, S. R. Nelson, T. H. Kefly, J. M. Schafer,
P. Ganser, J. Glaeser, H. M. Hastings, C. M. Lorence, J. A. Op-
pliger, M. S. Alexander, W. H. Kelly, Hammel Bros., H. R.
Moore, L. L. Wheelock. W. A. Sperry, Jos. Hoffman, Wm.
Gauswitz, N. J. Schafer, Herman Schmidt, C. Butsch, Nor-
man Evans, L. G. Nelson, L. L. Bennett and Carl K. Ben-
nett. A Committee was appointed to canvass the meet-
ing to see what might be secured at that time, and later
the following ward committees were appointed for the same
purpose : First ward, Dr. A. B. Stewart, J. Newsalt, Jas. W.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 909
Connor; second ward, A. G. Leick, E. W. Richter, S. F. McClane;
third ward, Lewis Lord, G. W. Peachey, A. J. Ogden ; fourth
ward, J. H. Robson, W. E. McClintock, Charles Fuermann.
On September 22, these committees reported that $3,600 had
been raised, and two other committees were appointed to assist
in the work. These were: J. M. Dimcnt, P. Ganser, Jos. Hoff-
man, J. Z. Barncard and J. A. Oppliger. The other committee
was made up of E. C. Zaml)oni, C. J. Clefton, Cliarles Albertus
and E. K. Whiting.
On September 29 they reported that tlie $3,000 liad been
raised. Messrs. J. W. Connor, J. H. Robson, A. G. Leick, J. M.
Diment, Lewis Lord and S. S. Green were appointed to collect
this money and deposit it in the bank.
On December 2, 1896, a meeting of interested parties was
held and the articles of incorporation were adopted. The in-
corporators were M. S. Alexander, H. M. Hastings, W. A.
Sperry, C. S. Crandall, Geo. R. Kinyon, O. Lindesmith, Wm.
Gausewitz, Peter Ganser, N. C. Nelson, Soren R. Nelson, S. G.
Nelson, Herman Schmidt, L. L. Wheelock, Joseph Hoffman,
J. M. Diment, Louis F. Hammel, John L. Hammel, Norman
Evans, W. H. Kelly, N. J. Schafer, J. M. Schafer, W. R. Kinyon,
J. A. Oppliger and Jacob Glaeser. The capital stock of the com-
pany was placed at $20,000 and the company was given power
to contract debts to the amount of $10,000. The first officers
of the company were : M. S. Alexander, president ; J. M. Diment,
vice president ; L. G. Nelson, secretary ; Herman Schmidt, treas-
urer. Board of directors, M. S. Alexander, H. M. Hastings, J. M.
Diment, W. A. Sperry, T. H. Kelly, C. S. Crandall, Geo. R.
Kinyon, O. Lindesmith, Wm. Gausewitz, Peter Ganser and N. C.
Larson. Architect Snyder Lovell, of Chicago, was engaged to
make the plans and specifications, and later L. F. Hammel was
engaged as superintendent of construction. When they met to
open the bids it was found that but one bid had been made, and
it was for the sum of $23,000 to complete the building ready for
ocupancy. It was decided to erect the building by days' work
under Mr. Hammel's superintendency and thus the building was
completed and gotten ready for the opening night.
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
One of the attractive features of the landscape in Owatonna
is the beautiful state public school, with its sightly lawn, hand-
some buildings and well-tilled farm. The site adjoins the city
on the west, and originally consisted of 160 acres of good farm
land, the gift of the city of Owatonna, to which has been added
eighty acres purchased by the state in 1897. The school is con-
910 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
ducted on the cottage plan, and the present buildings, thirteen
in number, comprise an administration building, six cottages, a
school house, hospital, superintendent's residence, a farm house,
laundry and heating plant, and two barns, all irregularly and
attractively placed on an undulating plat overlooking the beauti-
ful Straight river valley and the city of Owatonna. The cost of
the property, including land, buildings and improvements has
been about $266,000.
The school was established by act of the legislature in 1885,
largely due to the efforts of the Hon. C. S. Crandall, of Owatonna,
and was opened for the reception of children, in December, 1886.
The commission, which selected the site and erected the first
building, was composed of Governor L. F. Hubbard, C. S. Cran-
dall, of Owatonna; Anthony Kelley, of Minneapolis; William
Morin, of Albert Lea; John Byers, of Hastings, and B. B. Her-
bert, of Red Wing. The present superintendent is G. A. Merrill,
and the resident officers are appointed by the board of directors
without term. The board of control, which consists of Damon S.
Cummings, of Waseca; C. R. Boostrom, of Austin, and Louis F.
Hammel, of Owatonna, is appointed by the governor, one mem-
ber every six years.
The school is for dependent and neglected children. They
are admitted in the first instance upon orders from the courts;
and most of them from the probate court through proceedings
begun by the county commissioners, but some from the municipal
and district courts, in which the parents or guardians are prose-
cuted for ill treating their children, and found to be improper
guardians of them. Both boys and girls, otherwise eligible, are
admitted at any age under fifteen, and are retained until they
are fitted to be placed in homes and satisfactory homes are
found. The statuatory steps necessary to be taken are simple
and divested of every feature resembling a criminal proceeding.
Homelessness, dependence or ill treatment are the grounds upon
which admittance may be obtained. All children committed
become wards of the state, but may be returned to their parents
by the voluntary action of the board of control. In the school
the children are classified in families of from twenty to thirty
each, each family occupying a cottage under the care of a matron
and an assistant. A splendid herd of healthy cow affords good
milk in abundance, and the farm yields vegetables in extensive
variety, also fruits, including apples, plums, raspberries, straw-
berries and currents. The farm is a source of profit and a valua-
ble means of education, classes of boys working and receiving
instructions in the garden, greenhouse, orchard and on the farm.
A graded school is conducted in a fine well furnished eight-room
building, on the premises a little distance from the cottage
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 911
dwellers. The library of about a thousand well selected books in
this building is a valuable aid to the school work.
The pupils are graded according to their educational status,
as in the public schools. Six teachers are employed, and the
several classes under their charge are instructed in sloyd, domes-
tic science, kindergarten, vocal music and the subjects in the
primary, intermediate, and grammar grades. These classes in-
clude all of the children in the school above four years of age,
the kindergarten, including those from four to six.
When the children are placed out, a trial period of three
months is given, during which the foster parents may return
them at will. The indenture contract, which is signed when the
child leaves the school, is so conditioned as to insure the child
a speedy release from an unhappy or ill chosen home. It requires
the foster parents to receive him as a member of the family, to
send him to school, to see that he attends church, to care for
him in sickness and to have him taught some useful occupation.
At the end of the indenture period, when the child is eighteen
years old, he is to receive a small sum of money, usually $75.
But the duty of the state does not end when the children are
placed in homes. Adequate supervision for them is necessary
to secure the fulfilment of the indenture contracts. For this
purpose state agents are employed, and it is the duty of such
agents to visit the children in homes and see that they receive
kind treatment and such advantages as they need. The agents
are also charged with the duty of personally investigating appli-
cations from families desiring to receive children.
CHAPTER XXI
OWATONNA ORGANIZATIONS
Masonic Orders — Pythian Societies — Odd Fellows' Lodges —
Fraternal Insurance Lodges — Catholic Orders — Women's
Clubs— Contributed by E. E. Bigelow, M. D.— Clubs and
Organizations.
Owatonna is one of the fraternal centers of southern Minne-
sota, and all the leading orders are represented here. In the fol-
lowing article, Dr. E. E. Bigelow has gathered statistics which
will prove of great value to all who arc interested in the societies
mentioned therein.
MASONIC ORDERS
Star in the East Lodge, No. 33, A. F. and A. M. On Decem-
ber 16, A. D. 1859. A. O. "41. a dispensation was granted to open
and operate a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Owatonna,
which was done, the first meeting being presided over by the
right worshipful grand junior warden of Faribault Lodge, No. 9,
with John Kelso as secretary. The lodge was named Star in the
East, No. 33. On January 23, 1860, the first stated commimica-
tion under the dispensation was held, and elected J. C. Whipple,
W. M. ; E. M. Morehouse, S. W. : Joel Wilson, j. W.; Nelson
Morehouse, treasurer ; John Kelso, secretary ; Thomas Thomp-
son, .S. D.. and David Lindersmith, J. D. The organization was
formed by men who had first been made master Masons either
at the Faribault or Wilton lodge. While the lodge was working
under dispensation, it does not appear that any set of officers
were elected, either J. C. Whipple, S. C. Williamson, J. W. Mor-
ford, W. R. Kinyon, W. H. Wilsey or E. M. Morehouse acting
as W. M. On October 24, A. D. 1860, A. O. 741, a charter was
granted, naming as ofificers : S. C. Williamson, W^ M. ; E. M.
Morehouse, S. W., and Joel Wilson, J. W^
The following have been elected to the different offices since
its final organization, the first named under each year being
the worshipful master, the second the senior warden, and the
third the junior warden. October 29, 1860, W. R. Kinyon. E. M.
Morehouse, W. H. Wilsey, to continue through the year of
186L 1863— J. W. Morford, Joel Wilson, W. H. Wilsey. 1865—
J. W. Morford, W. R. Kinyon, W. H. Wilsey. 1866— J. W.
912
HISTORY OF RICE "AND STEELE COUNTIES 913
Morford, W. II. Kelley, II. C. Eldred. 1867— J. W. Morford,
H. J. Lewis, A. B. Webber. 1868— J. W. Morford, H. J. Lewis,
E. Scannell. 1869— H. J. Lewis, J. A. Robey, L. S. Padgham.
1870— J. W. Morford, J. A. Robey, L. S. Padgham. 1871— J. W.
Morford, A. C. Hickman, Hiram Backus. 1872 — A. C. Hickman,
H. Backus, L. L. Wheelock. 1873— J. W. Morford, J. D. Holden,
D. Whipple. 1874— J. D. Holden, A. C. Hickman," H. H. Rose-
brock. 1875— J. D. Holden, A. C. Dodge, A. C. Gutterson. 1876
—A. C. Dodge, M. B. Chadwick, N. C. Larson. 1877— A. C.
Dodge, M. B. Chadwick, J. M. Burlingame. 1879— J. M. Bur-
lingame, C. H. Randall, George D. Holden. 1880— L. L. Wheel-
ock, H. H. Rosebrock, H. Birkett. 1881— J. D. Holden, I. U.
Jones, N. C. Larson. 1882— J. D. Holden. M. B. Chadwick, H. S.
Hill. 1883— M. B. Chadwick, H. S. Hill, I. H. DeWolf. 1884—
M. B. Chadwick, H. S. Hill, J. Z. Barncard. 1885— H. Birkett,
N. C. Larsen, C. W. Burdick. 1886— N. J. Schafer, C. W. Bur-
dick, D. Moody. 1887— N. J. Schafer, C. W. Burdick, D. Downie.
1888— H. Birkett, David Downie, Geo. D. Holden. 1889— H.
Birkett, David Downie, George D. Holden. 1890— Geo. D.
Holden, C. W. Burdick, L. Anderson. 1891— N. J. Schafer, C.
W. Burdick, James Morton. 1892— C. W. Burdick, Geo. Kin-
yon, H. H. Herick. 1893— Geo. D. Holden, Geo. R. Kinyon,
H. H. Herick. 1894— M. B. Chadwick, P. J. Rolf, William Mork.
1895— P. J. Rolf, N. C. Larson, N. J. Schafer. 1896— P. J. Rolf,
William Mork, C. H. Rosebrock. 1897— P. J. Rolf, Hans Ander-
son, C. H. Rosebrock. 1898— Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch, J. F.
Rogers. 1899— Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch. J. F. Rogers. 1900
—Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch, J. F. Rogers. 1901— C. J. Balch,
J. F. Rogers, A. E. Sebelin. 1902— J. F. Rogers, P. J. Kuntz,
W. J. Lieb. 1903— C. J. Balch, W. J. Leib, A. G. Pinkham. 1904
—P. J. Kuntz, W. J. Leib, A. G. Pinkham. 1905— P. J. Kuntz,
A. J. Pinkham. W. H. Vinton. 1906— A. J. Pinkham, W. H.
Vinton, A. R. Stewart. 1907— W. H. Vinton, A. B. Stewart,
M. J. Brown. 1908— A. B. Stewart, M. J. Brown, H. C. Hower.
1909— M. J. Brown, II. C. Howe, E. A. Brown. 1910— M. J.
Brown, H. C. Howe, E. A. Brown.
Star in the East Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was organized in a
small room over an old wooden building situated on the lot now
occupied by the new Firemen's Hall. The hall was approached
from an outside stairway, at the top of which was situated a
boarded-up vestibule which served as the ante and preparation
room. This vestibule, so the Hon. W. R. Kinyon, the first wor-
shipful master under the charter, informs us, was not the warm-
est preparation room in the world, especially when the ther-
mometer stood at 30 below zero, as often happened at the time
of reception of candidates. .\t the completion of the Morford
914 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Hall, over a wooden building where the Rosebrock Block now
stands, the lodge became possessed of more comfortable quar-
ters, where it remained imtil May 13, 1874, when it moved into
the third-storv hall in the Dresser Block, since owned by the
National Farmers' Bank. This was an elaborate hall, with ante-
room reception rooms, dining-room, kitchen and closets, all
handily arranged and fitted with first-class furniture and para-
phernalia of all kinds needed for comfort and convenience.
Judge M. B. Chadwick had the honor of being made the first
member in the new quarters. In 1873 the lodge was incorporated.
In the spring of 1903 it became evident, for the reason that
the National Farmers' Bank had determined soon to remove the
old building for the purpose of erecting the new one now occu-
pied by them, that the lodge must look for new quarters again.
William H. Kelley, then in the process of erecting the present
Kelley Block, kindly consented to provide for the hall now occu-
pied by the lodge, chapter and commandery, and which was dedi-
cated and opened for use on January 14, A. D. 1903, A. O. 785.
The most worshipful grand master, A. D. Countryman, who had
consented to the same, was present, accompanied by his grand
senior warden, Thomas Montgomery, with L. L. Wheelock as
grand junior warden, \V. J. Naylor as grand treasurer, T. J.
Howe as grand secretary, and John Wesley Carter as grand
chaplain. Grant Bronson as grand pursuivant, and others, mem-
bers of the local lodge, opened a special grand lodge in the recep-
tion room adjoining the new hall, and with Henry Birkett, Will-
iam Mork, Norman Evans and N. C. Larson as bearers of the
lodge, and Rev. George C. Tanner as bearer of the book of con-
stitutions, conducted by Re\'. A. C. Pinkham as grand marshal,
proceeded into the hall and dedicated it to Masonry in due and
ample form. The new hall is amply provided with reception
rooms, anterooms, closets for paraphernalia and regalia, dining-
room and kitchen, together with electric lights and all other
modern improvements for the comfort and convenience of the
lodge members, who at this time number 122 in good standing,
among whom are the best and most influential business men of
the city and county. The regular communications of the lodge
are held on the second and fourth W'ednesday evenings of each
month.
Cedar Chapter, No. 123, Order of the Eastern Star. This
chapter was instituted at Masonic Hall on November 3, 1897.
The first officers were: Rev. A. J. Pinkham, worthy patron, and
Mrs. Nellie .'\. Balch, worthy matron, who, together with the
following, were charter members: Mrs. Cornelia Mork, Mrs.
Lula Hendrix, Mrs. Jessie Hall, Mrs. Augusta Fuerman, Mrs.
A. F. Bennett, Mrs. Virginia Ames, Mrs. Louise Schafer, Mrs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 915
Albertta Rolf, Mrs. Matilda S. Lieb, and Anna Mork, Lilly
Mork, Una E. Ames, Addie P. Balch, N. Maud Ames, G. W.
Shaw, William Mork, C. J. Balcli. David J. Ames, Geo. S. Hall,
N. J. Scliafer and W. J. Licb. The present officers are : John
N. Nelson, worthy patron, and Mrs. Minnie Thompson, worthy
matron. There are sixty-seven members, and meetings are held
at 7:30, at Masonic Hall, on the first and third ^Vednesday even-
ings of each month. The Eastern Star was instituted for the
purpose of extending the social and instructive benefits of the
Masonic fraternity to the wives and daughters and sisters of
Masons in good standing in the order, and it at once became a
very popular and influential organization, its influence being
felt all over the country. Its members arc always cordially
received in sister lodges wherever met.
Owatonna Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M. On September 28,
A. D. 1866, A. O. 748. a dispensation was granted to W. R. Kin-
yon, M. F. Louth, L. H. Kelley, T. G. Patch, J. \V. Morford,
H. J. Lewis, J. F. White, N. Hubbard and R. M. Dunberry, by
C. W. Nash, grand high priest of Royal Masons of Minnesota,
who appointed M. F. Louth most excellent high priest; W. R.
Kinyon, most excellent king, and L. H. Kelley, most excellent
scribe. These companions, with others, held their first convoca-
tion at the Masonic Hall on October 15, A. D. 1866, and eflfected
a full organization, the M. E. H. P. appointing J. W. Morford,
C. II.; H. J. Lewis, P. S.; E. R. Lathrop, R. A. C; J. F. White,
treasurer; T. G. Patch, secretary; Chas. Case, G. M. 3d Veil;
N. Hubbard, G. M. 2d Veil ; E. M. Hawley, G. M. 1st Veil, and
R. M. Dunberry, sentry. A code of by-laws, prepared by W. R.
Kinj-on, J. W. Moreford and T. G. Patch, was presented and
adopted. The first regular convocation was held on the evening
of November 2, 1866, A. O. 748, all of the above appointed offi-
cers retaining the same positions, with the exception that E. R.
Lathrop was appointed C. H. and J. W. Morford was appointed
R. A. C. On October 22, 1867, A. O. 748, the organization
received its charter and elected the following officer.?, who were
duly installed at the next regular convocation, held on Friday,
December 20, 1867: W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; M. F. Louth,
E. K.; L. H. Kelley, E. S.; J. W. Morford, C. H.; H. J. Lewis,
P. S.; A. M. Kinyon, R. A. C. ; W. F. Pettit, treasurer, and
A. B. Webber, secretary.
Since the regular organization of the chapter the following
officers have been elected to and been installed into the elective
offices : In 1868, the same as above were re-elected. 1869 — The
above officers were re-elected. 1870 — A. B. Webber, M. E. H. P. ;
W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; S. B. Washburn, E. S. ; W. T. Kittridge,
C. H.; IT. J. Lewis, P. S. ; J. W. Morford, R. A. C; W. R.
91G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
Kinyon, treasurer: T. J. Patch, secretary. 1871 — \\'. R. Kin}on,
M. E. H. P.: W. Jl. Wilsey, E. K.; S. B. Washburn, E.' S. ;
J. W. Morford. C. II.: H. J. Lewis, P. S. ; H. Backus, R. A. C. ;
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; T. G. Patch, secretary. 1872 —
W. R. Kinyon, U. E. H. P.; W. H. Wilsey, E. K. : L. S. Padg-
ham, E. S. ; J. W. Morford, C. H.; H. Backus, P. S. ; T. W.
Irving. R. A. C. ; T. J. Howe, treasurer: T. G. Patch, secretary.
1873— L. L. Wheelock, M. E. H. P.: J. W. Morford, E. S . :
W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; A. C. Dodge, C. H. ; T. W. Irving, R. A.
C. ; E. M. Morehouse, treasurer: T. G. Patch, secretary. 1874
— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.: W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; A. C.
Hickman, E. S. ; A. C. Dodge, C. H.; H. Backus, P. S. : T. W.
Irving, R. A. C. : L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. G. Patch, secre-
tary. 1875— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P. : L. L. Wheelock, E. K.;
L. L. Bennett, E. S. ; J. W. Morford, C. H.; A. C. Dodge, P. S. ;
S. H. Stowers. R. .\. C. : H. H. Rosebrock, treasurer ; M. L.
Strong, secretary. 1876— J. W. Morford, M. E. H. P.; M. F.
Louth, E. K.: J. A. Oppliger, E. S. : S. H. Stowers, C. H.;
A. C. Dodge, P. S. : T. W. Irving. R. A. C. ; H. H. Rosebrock.
treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary. 1877 — J. D. Holden, M. E.
H. P.; J. M. Burlingame, E. K. : N. C. Larson, E. S. ; S. H.
Stowers. C. II.: J. R. Fox, P. S. ; H. H. Rosebrock, R. A. C:
W. H. Wilsey, treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary. 1878 — J. M.
Burlingame, M. E. H. P.; H. H. Roseljrock, E. K. ; A. Graham,
E. S.; L. L. Bennett, C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; H. Birkett,
R. A. C.; W. H. Wilsey, treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary.
1879— J. W. Morford, M.' E. H. P.; N. C. Larson, E. K. ; J. M.
Burlingame, E. S. ; H. Birkett, C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ;
H. H. Rosebrock, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer.
M. L. Strong, secretary. 1880— W. R. Kinyon. M. E. H. P.;
L. L. Wheelock. E. K.; L. L. Bennett. E. S. ; H. H. Rosebrock,
C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; J. W. Morford. R. A. C. ; G. F. AL
bertus, treasurer; E. Downie, secretary. 1881 — H. Birkett.
M. E. PI. P.; J. D. Holden. E. K. ; G. F. Albertus. E. S. ; H. H.
Rosebrock. C. H.; L. L. Bennett. P. S. ; N. C. Larson, R. A. C.;
VV. R. Kinyon, treasurer; T. J. Howe, secretary. 1882 — L. L.
Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; G. F. Albertus, E. S.;
H. H. Rosebrock, C. PL; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; J. W. Mor-
ford, R. A. C.; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers, secretary.
1883— J. D. Holden, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rose-
brock, E. S. ; J. Z. Barncard, C. PI. ; H. Birkett, P. S. ; J. W. Mor-
ford, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer ; H. H. Luers, secre-
tary. 1884— J. D. Plolden, M. E. H. P. ; PL H. Rosebrock, E. K. ;
H. S. Hill, E. S.; J. Z. Barncard, C. H. ; H. Birkett, P. S. ; N. C.
Larson, R. A. C.; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers, secre-
tary. 1885— L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; J. Z. Barncard, E. K. ;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 917
T. J. Howe, E. S.; N. C. Larson, C. H.; J. D. Holdcn, P. S.;
H. Birkett, R. A. C. ; \V. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers,
secretary 1886— J. Z. Barncard, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer,
E. K. ; N. C. Larson, E. S. ; D. S. Coverdale, C. H.; H. H. Rose-
brock, P. S. ; E. E. Bigelow, R. A. C. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer,
H. H. Luers, secretary. 1887— N. J. Schaefer, M. E. H. P.; T. J.
Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; E. E. Bigelow, C. H. ;
C. W. Burdick, P. S.; H. H. Luers, R. A. C; G. F. Albertus,
treasurer; J. W. Connor, secretary. 1888 — N. J. Schaefer, M.
E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; E. E.
Bigelow, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S.; F. F. Grant, R. A. C;
J. W. Connor, secretary. 1889— E. E. Bigelow, M. E. H. P.; H.
H. Rosebrock, E. K.; J. W. Connor, E. S.; H. Birkett, C. H. ;
J. M. Diment, P. S.; E. Downie, R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secre-
tary. 1890— H. H. Rosebrock, M. E. H. P.; T. J. Howe, E. K. ;
N. J. Schaefer, E. S. ; C. W. Burdick, C. H. ; J. M. Diment, P. S. ;
G. R. Kinyon, R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1891— T. J.
Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer, E. K.; C. W. Burdick, E. S. ;
George R. Kinyon, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; C. H. Rosebrock,
R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1892— T. J. Howe, M. E.
H. P. ; C. W. Burdick, E. K. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, E. S. ; C H. Rose-
brock, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, R. A. C. ;
W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1893— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P. ; Geo.
R. Kinyon, E. K. ; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson,
C. H. ; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C. ; W. PI.
Wilsey, secretary. 1894— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schae-
fer, E. K. ; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, C. H. ;
J. M. Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C; VV. II. Wilsey,
secretary. 1895— L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer,
E. K.; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, C. H.; J. M.
Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C. ; W. H. Wilsey, secre-
tary. 1897— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer, E. K. ;
Robert Crickmore, E. S. ; W. H. Vinton, C. H.; Hans Ander-
son, P. S.; C. J. Balch, R. A. C; Geo. Clark, secretary. 1898—
N. J. Schaefer, M. E. H. P. ; Robert Crickmore. E. K. ; William
Mork, E. S. ; J. P. Johnson, C. H.; Hans Anderson, P. S. ; C. J
Balch, R. A. C; G. E. Hall, secretary. 1900— N. J. Schaefer
M. E. H. P.; Robert Crickmore, E. K.; C. J. Balch, E. S.; E. E
Bigelow, C. H. ; Hans Anderson, P. S. ; J. F. Rogers, R. A. C.
W. J. Lieb, secretary. 1901— Hans Anderson, M. E. H. P.
C. J. Balch, E. K.; J. F. Rogers, E. S.; E. E. Bigelow, C. H.
J. M. Diment, P. S.; William Mork, R. A. C; W. J Lieb
secretary 1902— Hans Anderson, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E
K.; J. F. Rogers, E. S.; T. J. Howe, C. PI. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. S
William Mork, R. A. C; W. J. Lieb, secretary. 1903— Hans
Anderson, M. E. H. P. ; C. J. Balch, E. K. ; J. F. Rogers, E. S. ;
918 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
C. W. Burdick, C. H. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. S. ; W. H. Vinton, R. A.
C. ; W. J. Lieb, secretary. 190-1 — Robert Crickmore, l[. E. H.
P.; C. J. Balch, E. K. ; William Mork, E. S.; C. W. Burdick,
C. H.; E. E. Bigelow, P. S.; H. C. Howe, secretary. 1905—
Robert Crickmore, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E. K.; William
Mork, E. S.: E. E. Bigelow, C. H.; P. H. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R.
Kinyon, R. A. C. : 1'. J. Swanson. secretary. 1906 — Robert
Crickmore, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E. K.'; William Mork,
E. S. ; A. B. Stewart, C. H. ; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon,
R. A. C. ; P. J. Swanson, secretary. 1907 — Robert Crickmore,
M. E. H. P.:"c. J. Balch, E. K. : William Mork. E. S.; A. B.
Stewart, C. H.; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A.
C. ; P. J. Swanson, secretary. 1908 — Robert Crickmore, M. E.
H. P.; H. C. Howe, E. K.; WilHam Mork, E. S.; A. B.
Stewart, C. H.; P. J. Evans, P. S.; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A. C;
Harvey S. Dartt. secretary. 1909 — Robert Crickmore, M. E.
H. P. ; A. B. Stewart, E. K.'; W. H. Vinton, E. S. ; C. A. Tincher,
C. H. ; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A. C. : Harvey S.
Dartt, secretary. 1910— P. H. Evans, M. E. H. P. ; A. B. Stew-
art, E. K.; H. C. Howe, E. S. : C. A. Tincher, C. H. ; J. M.
Diment, P. S. : P. H. Xayler, R. A. C. ; Harvey S. Dartt, secre-
tar}-.
There are at this time sixty members of the chapter in good
standing, and the chapter is rapidly increasing in its membership
from the brightest j^oung men of the city and vicinity. Chapter
holds its convocations on the first and second Fridav evenings
of each month.
Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, K. T. A dispensation was
granted by H. L. Carver, of St. Paul, the then grand commander
of the jurisdiction of Minnesota, authorizing the organization of
Cyrene Commandery No. 9, at Owatonna, on February 17, 1874.
The first conclave was held in the Masonic Hall, as known at
the time, in the third story of the Dresser block, afterwards
owned by the Farmers' National Bank, and the following officers
were elected : C. H. Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; S. H.
Stowers, C. G. ; H. R. Moore, S. W. ; T. W. Irving. J. W. ; Hiram
Backus, prelate ; H. J. Lewis, treasurer ; T. G. Patch, recorder ;
H. H. Rosebrock. warder. This list of officers also comprise
the whole list of the charter members of the commandery,
which grew rapidly from the start until in August, 1875, A. O.
757 its membershij:) had increased to sixty-two knights in good
standing, twenty members of whom resided at Waseca and
vicinity, the balance of membership being principally from Steele
county. The commandery from its inception became the lead-
ing social fountain-head for the best class of the citizens of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 919
Owatonna. Conclaves are regularly held on the evenings of
the second and fourth Mondays in Masonic Hall.
On January 14, A. D. 1903, A. O. 784, the new Masonic Hall
in the third story of the Kelley block was dedicated and with the
Masonic lodge and chapter jointly moved its quarters to the
same. Through the generous courtesy of one of its oldest mem-
bers, W. H. Kelley, now deceased, the commandery was pre-
sented with a five-year lease of the new asylum. As a small
remuneration for this liberality the commandery voted a life
honorary membership to Mr. Kelley. Tn the elegantly arranged
asylum the commandery is provided with a fine equipment of
furniture, paraphernalia and regalia. Cyrene Commandery No.
9 has furnished two right eminent grand commanders of the
Minnesota Grand Commandery : Henry Birkett, who was elected
R. E. G. C. at the annual conclave of the grand commandery at
Owatonna in June, 1886, and R. L. McCormick, who also held
the office of R. E. G. C. one year. In the early years of the
commandery it became quite noted for its excursions in a body
accompanied by their ladies and a cornet band to the annual
conclaves of the grand commandery when held in different
parts of the state, and twenty-five sir knights and their ladies
accompanied by the Owatonna cornet band made a pilgrimage
to Chicago as part of the escort of the grand commandery of
Minnesota in August, 1880, to attend the nineteenth conclave
of the Knights Templar of the United States. On these occa-
sions the Owatonna men were well mentioned as to their ap-
pearance in ranks and proficiency as a drill corps. Although
the membership has heretofore been somewhat depleted through
the removal of many knights to other communities and not a
few beyond the Great River of Time, today the commandery
is rapidly filling up with our young and most influential business
men of this jurisdiction. The stated conclaves of the com-
mandery are held on the second and fourth Monday of each
month, at 7:30 in the evening from October 1 to April 1, and at
8:00 in the evening from April 1 to October 1.
All applicants for the orders of Knighthood must be members
of the Masonic lodge and chapter, in good standing. A loss of
membership in either of the Blue lodge or chapter causes an im-
mediate loss of membership in the commandery.
The following officers have been elected to fill the various
offices from year to year since its organization. 1874 — C. H.
Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; Smith Stowers, C. G. ;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; A. C. Dodge, S. W.: T. W. Irving, J. W. :
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; T. G. Patch, recorder; H. H.
Roscbrock, W. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Wilsey, Sw. B. ;
L. S. Padgham, 1st G. ; T. J. Howe, 2d G. ; Hiram Backus, 3d
920 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
C; G. F. Albertus. sentinel. Installed April 12, 1875— C. H.
Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; S. H. Stowers, C. G.;
L. L. Wheelock, P. ; A. C. Dodge, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ;
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; M. L. Strong, recorder. Installed
April 24, 1876— C. H. Hathaway, E. C. : J. W. Morford, G.;
M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; f. \^■. Irving, S. W.;
H. H. Rosebrock. J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; S. H.
Stowers, recorder; J. \Y. Hall, sentinel. Installed March 26,
1877— W. R. Kinyon, E. C. ; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong,
C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; J. W. Morford, S. VJ. ; Henry Birkett,
J. W.; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder; J. W.
Hall, sentinel. April 8, 1878— W. R. Kinyon, E. C. ; R. L.
McCormack, G.; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H.
Birkett, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer;
S. H. Stowers, recorder. April 14, 1879 — R. L. McCormack,
E. C; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock,
P. ; W. H. Wilsey, S. W. ; J. W. Morford, J. W. ; G F. Albertus,
treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder. March 30, 1880 — R. L.
McCormack, E. C. ; H. Birkett, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P.; G. R. Buckman, S. W. ; W. H. Wdsey, J. W. ; G.
F. Albertus, treasurer ; W. H. Maes, recorder. April 25, 1881 —
Henry Birkett, E. C. ; A. C. Hickman, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G. ;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. E. Strong, S. W. ; W. C. Thayer, J. W.;
G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; W. H. Maes, recorder. April 8, 1882—
H. Birkett, E. C. ; L. L. Wheelock, G.; G. R. Buckman, C. G. ;
A. C. Hickman, P.; W. C. Thayer, S. W. ; W. H. Maes, J. W.;
G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; J. W. Morford, recorder. March 24,
1883— L. L. Wheelock, E. C. ; A. C. Hickman, G. ; G. R. Buck-
man, C. G.; G. C. Tanner, P.; W. C. Thayer, S. W. ; W. H.
Maes, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus. treasurer; W. H. Donaldson,
recorder. March 24, 1884— L. L. Wheelock, E. C. ; G. R. Buck-
man, G. ; L. L. Bennet, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D. Holden
S. W.; N. C. Larson, J. W^ ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; T. J
Howe, recorder. March 23, 1885— J. M. Diment, E. C. ; D. S
Cummings, G. ; F. F. Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D
Holden, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer
L. L. Bennett, recorder. April 12, 1886— J. M. Diment, E. C.
D. S. Cummings, G. ; F. F. Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P.; N
C. Larson, S. W. ; N. J. Schafer, J. W. ; W. H. Wilsey, treasurer
L. L. Bennett, recorder. March 28, 1887— F. F. Grant, E. C.
G. R. Buckman, G. ; N. C. Larson, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.
N. J. Schafer, S. W. ; J. E. Truesdell, J. W. ; H. H. Rosebrock,
treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 26, 1888— G. R. Buck-
man, E. C; H. H. Rosebrock, G. ; E. G. Wood, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P. ; E. E. Bigelow, S. W. ; J. W. Aughenbaugh, J. W. ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. April 8, 1889 —
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 921
G. R. Buckman, E. C. ; H. H. Rosebrock, G. ; E. G. Wood, C. G.;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; E. E. Bigelow, S. W. ; J. W. Aughcnbaugh,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 24,
1890— H. H. Rosebrock, E. C; J. \V. Aughcnbaugh, G.; N. J.
Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock. P. ; M. M. Davidson, S. W.. ; J.
W. Connor, J. \V.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; Smith II. Stowers,
recorder. March 23, 1891— H. H. Rosebrock, E. C; W. J.
Aughenbaugh, G. ; N. J. Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ;
Geo. R. Kinyon, S. W. ; J. W. Connor, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett,
treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder. April 11, 1892 — Geo. R.
Kinyon, E. C. ; N. J. Schafer. G. ; J. M. Diment, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P.; J. W. Connor, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. Palmer Johnson, recorder.
March 12, 1894— E. E. Bigelow, E. C. ; J. W. Connor, G. ; Wil-
liam Mork, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; N. Evans, S. W. ; H. K.
Tompkins, J. W.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson,
recorder. April 8, 1895— J. W. Connor, E. C; William Mork.
G. ; Norman Evans, C. G. ; H. K. Tompkins, S. W. ; N. J.
Schafer, J. W. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ;
J. P. Johnson, recorder. March 11, 1896— J. W. Connor, E. C. ;
William Mork, G. ; N. Evans, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; H. K.
Tompkins, S. W. ; N. J. Schafer, J. W. ; J. P. Johnson, recorder ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer. May 10. 1897— William Mork. E. C. ;
N. Evans, G. ; H. K. Tompkins, C. G. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. ; C. J.
Balch, S. W.; Hans Anderson. J. W. ; L. L. Bennett. T. ; J. P.
Johnson, R. May 9, 1898— William Mork, E. C. ; N. Evans, G. ;
N. J. Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock. P.; C. J. Balch, S. W. ;
Hans Anderson, J. W. ; L. L. Bennet, T. ; J. P. Johnson, R.
May 8. 1899— Alfred G. Pinkham. E. C. ; N. J." Schafer, G. ; C. J.
Balch. C. G.; L. L. Wheelock. P.: H. Anderson, S. W. ; S. V. R.
Hendrix, J. W. ; L. L. I'.ennett, T. ; J. P. Johnson, R. May 14,
1890— A. G. Pinkham, E. C; N. J. Schafer, G. ; C. J. Balch, C.
G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennet treasurer ; J. P. Johnson, recorder. March
11, 1901— N. J. Schafer, E. C; C. J. Balch, G. ; J. W. Connor,
C. G.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson. J. W. ; L. L. Whee-
lock, P.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson, recorder.
March 17, 1902— T. J. Howe, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G. ; J. W. Con-
nor, C. G.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer, J. P. Johnson, recorder.
March 9, 1903— T. J. Howe, E. C; C. J. Balch, G.; J. W. Connor,
C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. Anderson, S. W.; N. C. Larson,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; W. H. Vinton, recorder. March
14, 1904— J. M. Diment, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G. ; G. R. Kinyon,
C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W.; N. C. Lar-
son, J. W. ; P. H. Evans, treasurer; W. H. Vinton, recorder.
022 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
March 13, 1905— J. M. Dimcnt, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G.; G. R.
Kinyon, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W. ;
N. C. Larson, J. W.; P. H. Evans, treasurer; W. H. Vinton,
recorder. March 11. 1906— J. M. Diment, E. C; J. C. Balch, G.;
C. R. Kinyon, C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock,
S. W.; N. C. Larson, J- ^^'. : P- H. Evans, treasurer; W. H.
Vinton, recorder. March 11, 1907 — N. C. Larson, E. C. ; C. H.
Rosebrock, G. : H. C. Howe, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; A. B.
Stewart. S. W. ; J. M. Diment, J. W. ; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer;
W. J. Vinton, recorder. March 9, 1908— C. H. Rosebrock, E. C. ;
H. C. Howe, G. : A. B. Stewart, C. G. ; W. H. Vinton, P. ; G. R.
Kinyon, S. W.; J. M. Diment, J. W. : P. H. Evans, treasurer;
G. L. Lieb, recorder. March 8, 1909— A. B. Stewart, E. C. ;
H. C. Howe, G.; P. H. Evans, C. G.; W. H. Vinton, P.; W. C.
Zamboni, S. W. ; C. A. Tincher, J. W. ; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer;
G. L. Lieb, recorder. Upon the resignation of G. L. Lieb, April
26, 1909, E. E. Bigelow was appointed to fill the vacancy of
recorder for the remainder of tlie year. The late J. W. Hall
held the office of sentinel from 1875 up to 1878. The late G. W.
Shaw held the office of sentinel from 1879 up to 1908. Sir
Knight Shaw was always a thorough and painstaking official.
ODD FELLOW LODGES.
Star of the West Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F. Jacob Newsalt,
then a member of Prairie Lodge No. 7, Winona, Minnesota,
accompanied by E. K. Smith and R. C. Ambler, on August
9, 1864, went to Rochester, Minnesota, where his companions
were initiated by Rochester Lodge No. 13, receiving all the
degrees appertaining to the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows.
The Rochester lodge courteously remitted the initiation fees,
the same being used to procure a charter which was granted on
December 28, 1864, and Star of the West Lodge No. 14, I. O. O.
F., was duly instituted by M. W. G. M., C. D. Strong, assisted
by P. G. M. M., O. J. Noble, the charter members being Jacob
Newsalt, Dr. W. H." Twiford, E. K. Smith, P. J. Smith, Eben.
Durham and William Hamburg.
The officers elected and installed were J. Newsalt, N. G. ;
E. K. Smith, V. G. ; W. H. Twiford, secretary; William Ham-
burg, treasurer. During the first term of six months three mem-
bers, including Hon. A. C. Hickman, were admitted by card
and twelve by initiation. The officers chosen for the second
term commencing July 1, 1865, were E. K. Smith, N. G. ; L.
Bixby, V. G. ; A. C. Hickman. secretar_\- ; D. B. Marble, treasurer ;
J. Newsalt, D. D. G. M.
In June, 1907, the lodge was consolidated with the Coetha
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 923
lodge, No. 38, which was organized in 1873. Soon after the
organization of Star of the West lodge it built the upper story
of the Oppliger building and occupied it as its home till in 1907,
when the lodge sold its interest to the National Farmers' Bank
that, with the rest of the old block, it might be torn down to be
replaced by the present bank building, and removed its quarters
to the present new home in the Parrot & Smith building which
is supplied with all of the up-to-date modern improvements to
be had from any source. According to the last term report the
lodge has $3,192.62 in loans and bank certificates, $1,546.85 in
lodge furniture and $465 invested in paraphernalia, making a
total valuation of its personal efifects $5,204.47, besides cash in
the treasury for its incidental expenses. The present officers
are L. A. Disbro, N. G., and E. A. Haines, V. G.
Coetha Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized
at Ovvatonna April 25, 1873, by Grand Master E. K. Smith, of
Ovvatonna, assisted by a vice grand master. The first officers
of the lodge were Jacob Newsalt, N. G. ; Lewie Bion, V. G. ;
R. Joos, P. S.; G. Siebolt, R. S.; A. Butsch, treasurer. The
lodge, for some time, held its meetings in Star of the West Hall
over the Dresser building, then moving into the Adam Butsch
hall where it remained until 1879. when it moved into the More-
house hall on Broawday. In 1887 the lodge had fifty-two mem-
bers and was well provided with funds and lodge paraphernalia.
The lodge removed to the hall in the Thon laundry building
in 1902, where it remained until June, 1907, when it consolidated
with the Star of the West lodge, thus creating a strong lodge
out of two weak ones, forty-seven members coming from the
Coetha lodge and seventy-five from the Star of the West lodge,
to make a total of 126 members. About this time the con-
solidated lodges secured the whole third story of the Parrot &
Smith block which had been purposely fitted up with ample
hall room, reception rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and closets.
Central Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F. A dispensation
having been granted, on March 31, 1869, C. C. Comee, D. B.
Marble, Luther Bixby, E. K. Smith, J. W. Daniels, A. S. My-
gatt, William Reynolds, William Pepper, with C. A. Strong
and others from Rochester Lodge, No. 13, met at Star of the
West Hall and all being third degree Odd Fellows, as required,
were organized by C. A. Strong, D. D. G. S., and C. C. Comee,
G. M., as Encampment No. 4. Third degree members E. B.
Crooker, J. W. Dresser, C. W. Hastings, John Middough, H.
M. Brown, C. S. Crandall and A. C. Hickman were added at
the two following meetings of the encampment. The first offi-
cers were C. C. Comee, C. P.; D. B. Marble, II. P.; E. K. Smith,
S. W.; J. W. Daniels, J. W.; A. S. Mygatt, secretary. Among
924 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the prominent members, now officials of the encampment, are
S. A. Kubat, H. P. ; O. L. Turner, S. W. ; F. A. Rosenthal, J. W. ;
J. N. Niles, scribe; Robert Dininger, treasurer; George H.
Peterson, sentinel. The encampment meets on the first and
third Thursdays of each month, at Star of the West Hall where
they have all of the necessary high-class regalia and parapher-
nalia. This order of Odd Fellowship is one step higher than the
subordinate lodge, only third degree Odd Fellows being eligible
to membership in the encampment. The encampment now num-
bers thirty-three members.
Canton No. 12, I. O. O. F. This, the highest order of Odd
Fellowship, was instituted at Owatonna, March 31, 1890, by
Lieutenant Commander John C. Underwood and Adjutant Gen-
eral G. T. Frost, of the department of Minnesota, with the fol-
lowing charter members: J. H. Helwig, Jacob Newsalt, S. N.
Lund, George H. Peterson, Emil Theimer, A. A. Bri.son, Robert
Dinninger, J. H. Shaw, Wm. Wicklow, F. C. Webb, O. S. More-
house, James Brown, George Parrott, John Reich, O. B Mc-
Clintock, F. Fibgard, E. M. Twiford. C. Weise, W'. A. Dynes
and Geo. Peachey. The members of the Canton are of necessity
members of the encampment, so hold meetings at the same dates
of the encampment ; the encampment holding its meetings in the
earlier portion of the evening. There are eighteen members of
the Canton at the present time and is now presided over by
S. A. Kubat, captain of the Canton, who is an enthusiastic
Odd Fellow and a great lover of Odd Fellowship. Among the
veteran Odd Fellows are found George H. Peterson, present
clerk of the canton ; Robert Dinninger, accountant ; E. L. Haines,
ensign; Emil Thiemer and H. H. Helwig, privates, the ranks
having been depleted by death of the larger share of the charter
members, others having either dropped out of the ranks or
moved out of the jurisdiction, their places having been filled by
others.
Alma Rebecca Lodge No. 27, I. O. O. F. This lodge was
instituted November 29, 1887, with the following charter mem-
bers: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Newsalt, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Shaw,
Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Peterson, Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Ogle, Mr.
and Mrs. Emil Thiemer, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Webb, Mr. and
Mrs. H. F. Luce, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs.
G. W. Peachey, Mrs. Sarah McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Helwig and Mr. and Mrs. John Cottier. The present officers
for the term commencing January 1, 1910, are Mrs. Emily Hos-
f^eld, N. G.; Mrs. Gertie Mitchell, V. G. ; Mrs. Elizabeth P. Pe-
terson secretary, and Mrs. Mary Davis, treasurer. There are
fifty-three sisters and twenty brothers in good standing in the
lodge. During the first term of the Star of the West lodge a
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 925
Rebecca lodge was formed in which all scarlet degree members
and their wives were entitled to membership, but for some
reason the lodge was abandoned until the above lodge was
formed.
Owatonna Rebecca Lodge No. 180, I. O. O. F. This lodge
was instituted May 21, 1900, by ]\lrs. Alice A. Kelsey, president
of assembly, and Mrs. Eunice Melville, secretary of assembly,
with the following charter members : E. A. Luce, Anna Twi-
ford, W. J. Woods, Mary Woods, Harriet Howe, Fanny Denny,
C. J. Burdick, Robena Burdick, John Klima, Jennie Klima, John
Reash, Nellie Reash, S. N. Lund, G. W. Shaw, Chas. J. Shaw,
Mat I'ion, Rachel Bion, Maggie Cherry, Maggie Woods, Lutheria
Disbrow, Emily Smersh, F. M. Smcrsh, Anna Kubat, Nancy
Wilson, Galena Mudeking, E. S. Simpson and Joana Sampson.
The first officers were Maggie Woods, N. G. ; Fanny Denny,
V. G. ; Harriet Howe, recorder and financial secretary; Jennie
Klema, treasurer ; Joana Sampson, warden ; Robena Burdick,
conductor; Elizabeth Luce, chaplain; John Klima, O. G. ; Mag-
gie Cherry, I. G. ; Mary Woods, R. S. N. G. ; Galena Mudeking,
L. S. N. G.; Lutheria Disbrow, R. S. V. G.; Rachel Bion,
L. S. V. G.
The present officers are Lutheria Disbrow, N. G. ; Mattie
Turner, V. G. ; Grace V. Luce, recorder and financial secretary ;
Ellen Niles, treasurer; Ellen Wright, warden; Anna Kinny,
conductor; Cora D. Pettie, chaplain; O. L. Turner, O. G. ;
Sarah Hayes, I. G. ; Jennie Klima, R. S. N. G. ; Fannie Barker,
L. S. N. G.; Maud Norton. R. S. V. G. ; Sarah Morrell, L. S.
V. T. There are now seventy members in the order.
These organizations were instituted and are maintained on
account of their special beneficial and social features which
they embrace and form a large adjunct to the Star of the West
lodge in whose hall they hold their meetings, the Alma No. 27
on second and fourth Friday evenings at 7:30 o'clock, and the
Owatonna No. 180 on second and fourth Monday evenings at
7:30 o'clock.
PYTHIAN ORDERS.
Owatonna Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias. This lodge
was instituted in Castle Hall at Owatonna on November 14,
1888, by the officiating grand officers, F. D. McDonald, P. G. C. ;
C. H. Tasker, G. C. ; Paul Higgins, C. V. C. pro tem. ; Fred E.
Whcaton, G. P. pro tem.; Grier M. Orr, G. K. R. S. ; C. Talbert,
G. M. A.; A. C. Gidfrey, G. I. G. pro tem.; W. A. Cunningham.
G. O. G. The lodge received its charter September II, 1889.
The charter members were John E. Shipman, Charles E.
ClifTord, John H. Adair, Sidney B. North, Frank C. Webb, John
926 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
H. Luers, Edward Downie, Geo. R. Forsyth, James A. Harris,
Wm. J. Webber, Geo. W. Shaw, Albert J- Katz, James W. Con-
nor, John Cottier, Wm. F. Barker, Wm. A. Bailey, Alfred C.
Webber, Harris E. Keefe, Elisha Freeman, Russell O. Philpot,
John D. Rowlan, Andrew Downie, Charles T. Palmer and Le-
grand S. Wright.
The first efficers elected were John E. Shipman, P. C. ;
Charles E. Clift'ord, \'. C. ; John H. Adair, C. C. ; Sidney B.
North, V. C; Frank C. Webb, P.; John L. Luers, K. R. S.;
Edward Dow-nie, M. F. ; Geo. E. Forsyth, M. E. ; James A.
Harries, il. A.
The present officers are O. E. \\'illiamson, P. C. ; Louis W"a-
tawa, V. C; A. G. Scholl, prelate; H. Kahn, M. of W.; C. J.
Gough, K. R. S.; G. J. Schafer, M. F. ; H. D. Tompkins, M. of
E.; Hugo Theimer, M. A.; H. S. Dartt, I. G. ; E. A. Brown, O.
G. The trustees are G. F. CardoiT, A. Butsch and G. W. Doo-
little. The present membership is 119.
The Pythian Knighthood had its conception in the exempli-
fication of the life test of true friendship existing between Da-
mon and Pythias. Friendship or mutual confidence, being the
strongest bond of union between man and man. and only exist-
ing where honor has an abiding place, is adopted as a founda-
tion principle. And the ideal Knight of olden times was the
personification of all the higher and nobler attributes of man's
nature, the candidate for knighthood had to prove himself
worthy of acceptance by those who valued friendship, bravery,
honor, justice and loyalty. The order of the Knights of Pythias
— founded on Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, which it
proclaims as its cardinal principles — strives to gather into one
mighty fraternity worthy men who appreciate the true meaning
of friendship ; who are cautious in word and act ; who love
truth ; who are brave in defending right ; whose honor is untar-
nished ; whose sense of justice will prevent, to the best of their
ability, a personal act or word injurious to the worthy, whose
loyalty to principle, to family, to friends, to their country, and
to the constituted authority under which they enjoy citizenship
is undoubted, and who, at all times, are prepared to do unto
others as they would that others should do unto them.
Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has since its institution been com-
posed of the younger business and professional men of the city
and representative men from the surrounding country and its
course has always been marked by social and benevolent enter-
prises. This order has alwaj's exerted a strong influence among
its members for the "elevation and betterment of mankind." The
social activities of this lodge have been largely increased and
strengthened by the institution of its sister society, the Rath-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 927
bone Sisters, now known as the Pythian Sisters, who have a
flourishing temple in the rooms and castle hall of this lodge.
Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has a reserve fund of about $800 and
is in a flourishing and active condition, and has always been
very aggressive since its institution in Owatonna.
Hope Temple, No. 32, Pythian Sisters. This temple was
instituted by Olive J. Gilmore, grand chief, and Nellie A. Mc-
Call, grand senior warden, with a chapter membership of twenty-
four ladies and nine knights. The first officers were Gertrude
Carthoright, past chief; Mary McClintock, M. E. C. ; Francis
Kendall, Ex. S. ; Gertie Mitchell, Ex. J.; Sarah Adsit, manager;
Jennie Adsit, M. of R. & C. ; Agnes Doolittle, M. of F. ; Mary
Cedardahl, protector; Eva Rowlan, guard; Nellie Graham, Effie
Adsit and Augusta Bell, trustees. Meetings arc held in the
Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Tuesday evenings,
at 7:30. The present officers are: Edith Deitz, S. P. C; Lorinda
Morehouse, M. E. C. ; Ella Dartt, Ex. S. ; Alfraetta Rolf, Ex. J. ;
Bertha Vanorum, manager; Pearl Hagan, M. of R. & C. ; Suzie
Zamboni, M. of F. ; Eva Smith, protector; Guesena Schafer,
guard.
FRATERNAL INSURANCE
The Ancient Order of United Workmen. This order was
founded at Meadville, Pa., on October 28, 1868, by John Jordon
Upchurch. It is a fraternal society, having an insurance feature,
and was the first organization of the kind in America. It has
during its operation paid to the widows and orphans of de-
ceased members $170,000,000, $9,000,000 of which was distrib-
uted in Minnesota, $40,000 of that being placed in the city of
Owatonna. Its present membership in Owatonna is 120, and in
the state, 32,000. One of our citizens, Hon. James M. Diment,
held the office of grand master of the state during the three
years of 1899, 1900 and 1901. This being the oldest organization
of the kind in the country having the insurance feature, and hav-
ing witnessed the failure of a large number of fraternal societies
of its kind, it would seem that its marvelous success as com-
pared with the failures of others is owing fully to the manner
of management and integrity of those intrusted to the manage-
ment of the general financial afi'airs of the different organiza-
tions, and speaks well for such an organization when under
proper management.
Owatonna Aerie, No. 1791, F. O. E. This lodge was insti-
tuted June 9, 1908, and now has a membership of 171 in good
standing. The first officers were : Gus. A. Cedardahl, P. W. P. ;
Charles Green, W. P. ; E. H. Lippert, W. W. P. ; C. A. Sweeny,
W. C; C. A. Hoflfman, F. S.; J. W. Rowland, T. ; F. Hoffman.
928 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
F. F. C. ; F. Jorgenson, J. G. ; John H. Martin, O. G. ; Dr. Amos,
Ole Williamson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh, trustees. The
present officers are: Gus A. Cedardahl. S. P. W. P.; E. H. Lip-
pert, P. W. P. ; Leroy Holmes, W. P. ; William Peller, W. W.
P. ; James Sulivan, W. C. ; R. W. Sander, F. S. ; John Watawa,
T. ; F. Bassett, W. C. ; John H. Martin, J. G.; Geo. Staley,
O. G. ; W. Amos, J. Jorgenson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh,
trustees.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles teaches a philosophy which is
as eternal as is divine truth, and wherever its doctrine has been
promulgated it has found a responsive echo in the hearts of
men. It represents the true Democracy of Fraternalism. Its
creed is simple, and in it there are no patricians nor plebeians.
Each Eagle, wherever located, is the equal of every other. There
is embraced within the circle of its fraternity humanity in all its
phases, and no man in whose soul there is yet remaining one
spark of manhood is denied its benign influence. The Eagles
recognize that in every man there is some good, and seek to
develop that good until it shall bear good fruit in the betterment
and uplifting of mankind in general.
Classes, so destructive to ancient nations, are not recognized.
Ancient precedents concerning man's superior over man are
swept away before the flood tide of equal rights and opportuni-
ties afiforded to all. Vocation, business, profession, calling,
social, religious or political standing do not enter or weigh con-
cerning a man's standing as an Eagle, and no aristocracy is rec-
ognized save that of enthusiasm in the noble and mighty cause.
Owatonna Council, No. 1646, Royal Arcanum, was organized
August 28, 1895, with twenty-seven members. The Royal Ar-
canum is a fraternal association aiming to give life insurance at
a cost as near that of "normal mortality as safety and perma-
nency will permit." According to its reports, it stands among all
fraternal societies to-day fourth in membership, third in amount
of insurance in force, third in assets, second in yearly income, sec-
ond in receipts since organization, second in disbursements to
widows and orphans. Since its organization, June 23, 1877, it
has distributed to beneficiaries $129,000,000. to some 65,000 fami-
lies. The present officers of the local council are as follows:
Regent, J. H. Dinsmore; vice regent. Weaker S. Dynes; orator,
E. A. Brown; past regent, R. H. G. Netz; secretary, J. G.
Briggs; collector, J. \\'. Rowland; treasurer. C. I. Buxton;
chaplain, C. L. Pound ; guide. F. L. La Bare ; warden, G. A.
Merrill; sentry, W. A. Sperry : trustee, W. E. McClintock.
Boynton Tent, No. 49, Knights of Maccabees. This tent
was organized at Owatonna in 1897, with twelve members. It
is a fraternal society, carrying insurance for the benefit of its
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 929
members. The order distributed over the states has $9,000,000
in its benefit fund, which guarantees all certificates. The aver-
age paid out per day in benefits is about $10,000. The officers of
the local order are: William liurghs, commander; J. L. Ingra-
ham, record keeper; F. J. Rions, finance keeper.
C. S. P. S., Lodge No. 67, Bohemian Slavonik Benevolent
Society of Minnesota, was instituted at Owatonna b_v the author-
ity of the grand lodge of Minnesota on January 15, 1881, and
works under the auspices of the supreme lodge, which was insti-
tuted at St. Louis, Mo., in 1854. Its object is to encourage
friendship, benevolence and charity. July 16, 1885, the local
lodge was incorporated, with Joseph H. H. Soukup, president ;
Frank Kovar, secretary. In 1887 the society numbered thirty-
one members, viz. : Joseph Kubat, Joseph Kaplan, Joseph H.
Soukup, John Dusek, A. L. Simon, Frank Ilorak, John Pichner,
Joseph Waverin, John Svir, Anton Pirkl, L. L. Marek, Anton
Belina, Anton Kapser, Joseph Tamshe, K. C. Tamshe, John
Slavik, Frank Ripka, V. Mares, Joseph Krejci, Feli.x Svekla, V.
Pichner, V. Kovar, F. Simon, Frank Kovar, V. Suchnaek, V.
Jirousek, Albert Kasper, John R. Soukup, V. Martinek, Joseph
Martinek. The present officers are : A. R. Stransky, president ;
G. J. Kaplan, vice-president; Anton Stancel, secretary; Joseph
Stancel, treasurer; escort, John Wavrin; watchman, Frank
Kovar; trustees, John Pechner, Sr., Wencl Kovar, Joseph Fisher.
The society has erected a fine block of elegant proportions
on North Cedar street, known as the C. S. P. S. Auditorium,
where the lodge has an elegant hall for its own use, and a com-
modious auditorium gallery in the upper stories, which is used
for theatrical purposes and public entertainments. The enter-
prise exhibited by the society in the erection of this building
loudly speaks in its praise.
The Modern Woodmen of America. The local lodge of this
order was organized by D. 11. Consul and G. F. Mills at Owa-
tonna in August, 1887, and received its charter from the grand
lodge at Fulton, 111., August 31, 1887. The charter members
were: O. E. Edson, V. C. ; J. W. Rowland, clerk; D. B. Shaw
and E. Smith, sentries; W. E. Morehouse, W. adviser; W. T.
Thompson, escort; E. M. Morehouse, E. B. and Phy. ; Henry
Dipping and D. R. Grunkle, watchmen. The board of managers
were: For one year, O. E. Edson; for two years, E. Smith, and
for three years, H. Dipping.
Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each
month.
From a beginning with twelve members the lodge has had
a steady growth till at this date, at the age of twenty-three years,
it numbers 328 members in good standing, and has nine social
930 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
members. The present officers are: James W'encel. V. C. : J. \V.
Rowland, E. B. ; Thomas Darington, W. A.; M. J. Parcher,
clerk; G. B. Stacey, escort; P. Danigcr, watchman; D. AI.
Mitchell, sentry ; H. Daxell, assistant clerk ; examining sur-
geons, A. B. Stewart and J. W. Andrist. The purpose of the
Modern Woodmen of America is not only of a fraternal and
charitable nature, for the benefit of its more unfortunate mem
bers in times of distress, as a local organization, but it also
insures its members, in good standing, against a loss to their
families by certain standards of insurance, and is considered one
of the most substantial fraternal orders in the country.
Victory Camp, No. 1040, Royal Neighbors of America. This
is the ladies' adjunct to the Modern Woodmen of America, and
its fraternal and insurance features are of the same character.
It was organized June 8, 1898, with the following officers : Mrs.
Maggie ^\'oods, oracle ; Mrs. Ella Wright, vice oracle ; Mrs.
Louise Thon. recorder; Mable Snyder, receiver; Mrs. Maria
Snyder, chancelor; Mrs. Alary Marquart. inner sentinel, and
A. B. Stewart, physician.
The present officers are : Mrs. Louise K. Thon, oracle ; Mrs.
Martha Thon. vice oracle: Mrs. Anna Davidson, recorder:
Mrs. Mary Marquart, receiver ; Mrs. A. M. Belina, chancelor ;
Mrs. Rose Anderson, inner sentinel; Mrs. Dora Dezell, outer
sentinel, and A. B. Stewart, and tiuel G. Morehouse, physicians.
There is a membership of ninety, out of which there are forty-
nine fraternal, and forty-one who are benefit members through
the insurance feature.
Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Aztecs. This was first
instituted at Minneapolis, August 24, 1891, and May 15, 1899,
was transferred to the city of Owatonna for its permanent home.
It elected and installed the following grand officers: M. F.
Smersh, grand commander ; A. J. Kubat, grand vice commander ;
J. Newsalt, secretary; Robert Denniger, treasurer; Lars Peter-
son and C. E. Srsen, trustees. The principal present officers
are: F. M. Smersh, grand commander; S. A. Kubat, grand vice
commander : F. A. Alexander, grand solicitor ; F. M. Smersh,
grand medical examiner.
Tenoch Council, No, 16, Ancient Order of Aztecs. This
council was organized May 29, 1893. The present membership
is 140 and is both a fraternal and charitable institution having
an insurance feature which is proving very advantageous in
times of sickness of its members and to the widows and orphans
of deceased members. The present officers are: R. F. Ander-
son, commander ; O. K. Marquart, vice commander ; L. J. Wa-
lachka, secretary; S. A. Kubat, collector; Robert Dinniger,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 931
treasurer; Cy Harding, orator; Chas. Cobb, chaplain; August
Monthee, guide ; Art Weise, warden ; C. I. Sustak, sentry.
CATHOLIC ORDERS
Owatonna Council, No. 945, Knights of Columbus. This
council was instituted at Owatonna, December 11, 1904, with
J. F. Fitzgerald, grand knight; John Lynard, deputy grand
knight ; L. J. Mosher, secretary ; J. S. Brick, financial secretary ;
and B. J. Meixner, treasurer. The council started out with a
fine lot of Owatonna's best business men as its charter members,
and has since added to its membership till at the present time
it has enrolled in good standing 115 members, which speaks well
for the popularity of the organization, the object of which is
not only fraternal in character, but through its insurance fea-
ture to render mutual assistance in times of need to the families
of members. It is an incorporated council and capable of pur-
chasing or disposing of realty or personal property. The pres-
ent officers are : John Lynard, grand knight ; J. S. Brick, deputy
grand knight; B. J. Mei.xner, treasurer; T. J. Stransky, secre-
tary, and W. H. Liebe, financial secretary. The trustees are
J. F. Fitzgerald, George C. Tower and W. H. Hart.
Catholic Order of Foresters. The local lodge of this order
was organized at Owatonna, May 7, 1897. It is a fraternal
order having the usual insurance feature. As is the case of
Knights of Columbus, none but Catholics are admitted to mem-
bership, the fraternity being dedicated to the benefit of its large
and growing membership and their families, its relief proving
to be a great advantage to the families of departed members of
the order through the immediate aid received just at a time when
most needed. The present membership of the local lodge is 121
and the present officers are : George Tohr, C. R. ; Martin Kubia-
towicz, V. C. R.; C. F. RinghoflFer, P. C. R. ; F. J. Wencel,
recorder; John Hogan, financial secretary; Edward W. Springer,
treasurer; N. J. Bateshek, S. C. ; C. M. Lerach, I. C. ; John O.
Shaney, I. S. ; Jos. C. Ripka, N. S. ; John Lynard, H. C. R.,
and F. A. Dunham, speaker. Trustees, William Burzinski, F.
Schlcman, S. Kubiatwicz.
Division No. 1, Steele County, Ancient Order of Hibernians.
This order was organized at Owatonna, February 26, 1891, with
the following charter members : George C. Tower. J. E. McLane,
Edward J. McGrath, William Ilickey, John Deviny, Chas. A.
Lonergan. James E. Quinn and C. J. Obrine, formerly a member
of the Montgomery division. The first officers were : C. J.
Obrine, president ; Edward McGrath, vice president ; Mike Mc-
Grath, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording secretary. There
932 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
are now forty-six members in full and regular membership. It
is a fraternal order having the insurance feature. The pres-
ent officers are : W. H. Liebe, president : Ed. F. Laughlin, vice
president : John Hogan, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording,
financial and insurance secretary.
WOMEN'S CLUBS
The Ladies' Pioneer Outing Club. This club was organized
in October, 1893, by the following ladies: Mrs. Norman Evans,
Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs.
T. H. Kelley, Mrs. Frank Murray, Mrs. H. K. Tompkins. Mrs.
A. E. Southworth, Mrs. Frank Ellis. The club was formerly
limited to nine members, but more recently its membership has
been increased. A full or unanimous vote of the members is
required before a candidate recommended by a member can
become a member of the club. In this manner the club is
replenished after the death or the removal of one of its members
from the city. It was named the Pioneer Outing Club, because
it was the first club of the kind instituted at Owatonna for the
purpose of visiting nature's beauty spots, through excursions
into the country and to pleasure resorts, for the purpose of recre-
ation and nature study during the milder months of the year.
During the cold and inclement weather, social meetings are held,
alternating at the different homes of the members. The club
is devoted mostly to social amusement and healthful recreation ;
the only thing of a literary nature connected with it is its
monthly program. Unlike the more recently organized women's
literary clubs, this regular monthly program is carried out in
a manner so that the responses are made extemporaneously, the
individuals replying not having had an opportunity to make a
study of the parts to be assumed. The opening ceremonies are
preceded bv the club's repeating in concert the adopted creed of
the club, viz. : "We believe in woman as God's best creation —
nothing nobler can be found ; that none of us are angels, yet
many saints still tread earth's round; that all labor is honorable,
in kitchen, shop or field ; that recreation is commendable, to
nature's wooing we should yield ; that hearts never grow old,
that golden hair is honorable as silver and silver glorious as
gold. We believe wherever duty calls that call is ours ; that
all about us bloom life's flowers for us to gather and with others
share. We believe in honest sentiment and dare admit our
humanest afifection for all created things, from the worm beneath
oiu- feet to the bird above that sings in divinest melody ; and
finally, we do believe that when for us kind nature drops the
curtain, with a tear, and our last outing shall be, with ebbing
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 933
tide, out o'er the sea of eternity — then that new life will be
enlarged, enriched and glorified by sacred memories of this
circle here." The present members are Mrs. Norman Evans,
Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, Mrs. T. H. Kelley, Mrs.
H. K. Tompkins, Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs. George Holden, Mrs.
William Kelley, Mrs. Fred. Church, Mrs. M. B. Price, Mrs. W.
F. St. Clair, Mrs. C. E. Cole, Mrs. John Adsit, and Mrs. E. K.
Whiting.
The Cosmopolitan Literary Club is the oldest literary club
in the city of Owatunna, having been organized in the fall of
1895, before the woman's club movement had become popular,
and before it was at all certain that a regularly organized literary
club would prove a success. This club was the outgrowth of a
Chautauqua circle which had existed several years. Mrs. Norman
Evans, of Owatonna, has the honor and credit of originating
the club in its present form. The membership of the club is
limited to thirty, and at no time during its life of fourteen years
has it had less than that number, nor has its interest in advanced
work failed in the least to keep abreast with the times. This
club enjoys the unique distinction of having one member who
has, during the club's existence, missed but one meeting, and
that absence was caused by illness.
The average attendance during this time has been twenty-
two, which shows the deep interest of its members in the work
constantly in hand.
Possibly this devotion may in part be due to the fact that
instead of the members being wholly interested in personal im-
provement, they are, both as an individual club and as a part of
the State Federation of Woman's Clubs, engaged in promoting
many movements for the betterment of social conditions and the
advancement of every worthy human interest.
The Cosmopolitan club joined the state federation in 1896,
holding to the old adage that "in union there is strength," and
that by such union a more extensive influence could be brought
to bear for the advancement of educational movements along the
line of household economics, health and hygiene, child labor, pure
food laws, forestry, art, music, library work and all that occupies
the attention of the state and national organizations of woman's
clubs.
During the early years of the club's existence the history,
literature and art of the different countries composed the line of
study, three years having been given to the study of America.
The past five years have been devoted to the consideration of
"Present Day Problems." Through the discussion of these topics
an interest has been awakened, not only in this club, but also
in other federated clubs in this city, impelling them through the
934 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
close relationship they bear toward one another to combine for
the general improvement and advancement of the home com-
munity, among which may be mentioned the furnishing of the
children's room in the public library, a liberal contribution to
the kindergarten department of the city schools, and furnishing
lectures, concerts, etc., for the especial benefit of the young
people of the town.
The first officers of the club were: President, Mrs. Norman
Evans; first vice president, Mrs. C. S. Crandall ; second vice
president, Mrs. L. L. Bennett ; recording secretary, Mrs. P. L.
Howe; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. G. Nelson.
The present officers are: President, Mrs. A. H. Muedeking;
first vice president, Mrs. L. G. Nelson ; second vice president,
Mrs. J. G. Briggs ; recording secretary, Mrs. Geo. Parrott ; corre-
sponding secretary, Mrs. Soren Nilson; federation secretary, Mrs.
Norman Evans ; treasurer, Mrs. L. L. Bennett.
The Cosmopolitan club has been honorably represented by
one of its members in an official capacity, both in the state and
district organizations, and of one as delegate and alternate at
various meetings of the national organization. Another member
was a very worthy and efficient member of the school board for
several years.
The Nineteenth Century Club. Through the influence of
Mrs. N. J. Eddy, an invitation was extended to all who would
be likely to be interested in such a club to meet at the home of
Mrs. A. J. Katz, April 5, 1898, at which time the club was insti-
tuted, received its name, and the following officers elected:
President, Mrs. J. H. Candler; vice president, Mrs. Nichols;
recording secretary, Mrs. R. H. Bach; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Chas. Travis ; treasurer, Mrs. Chas. Allen. This club
became a member of the Federated Clubs, September 27, 1898,
since which time its members have been actively interested in
both local and state work, and honored by the state and district
organizations; Mrs. Chas. B. Allen has been district secretary for
several years, and in conjunction with other federated clubs this
club has liberally rendered financial as well as personal encour-
agement to the city library and the children's room connected
therewith. Much of the success of this club is due to the able sup-
port it has received through its leading members, who have deter-
mined to keep it abreast of the times for the uplifting of woman-
kind, while at the same time attending to the constant develop-
mental improvement of its local membership through the studies
of home economics, American and European history, travel and
literary pursuits; not forgetting or neglecting to introduce social
features in connection with the regular programs. The member-
ship is limited to twenty-six, which is kept full by election as
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 935
soon as a vacancy occurs, so that tlic club has always had its
maximum in size. The present officers are: Mrs. E. J. Eddy,
president ; Mrs. E. J. Owen, vice president ; Mrs. Guy Clefton,
recording secretary ; Mrs. J. F. Rogers, corresponding secretary ;
Mrs. Chas. Travis, federated secretary: and Mrs. Edwin Naylor.
treasurer.
The F. F. Club. This club was organized in June, 1900.
Though not a federated club, its object is similar to those which
are, and the members pursue regular courses of study along the
lines of literary and economic subjects. Its mottos are, "A little
learning is a dangerous thing," and "Drink deep or touch not the
Pierian spring." The club color is garnet and its flower is the
white carnation. The present officers are: Mrs. O. D. Selleck,
president; Mrs. S. Bell, vice president; Mrs. T. Rions, secretary
and treasurer.
The Ideal Club. This club was organized in 1900, and feder-
ated in 1902. Its purposes are similar to the clubs previously
mentioned. The membership is limited to twenty, which is con-
stantly kept at full complement, the members being deeply inter-
ested in the pursuit of the study of the various topics brought
before them for consideration and the advancement of a prac-
tical knowledge of history, literature, and domestic and political
economics. The first officers of the club were: Mrs. H. K.
Tompkins, president ; Mrs. S. S. Thompson, secretary ; Mrs.
John Smith, treasurer. The present officers of the club are:
President, Mrs. Walter Dynes ; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
W. F. Chambers ; recording secretary, Mrs. E. J. Thompson ;
federated secretary. Mrs. J. B. Christgau ; treasurer, Mrs. L. R.
Van Ornam.
The Delta Sigma Club. This is another club that is exerting
itself to improve the standing of woman through the study of
the history of all nations and the contemplation of the world's
literary and economic pursuits. This club was organized under
the leadership of Mrs. George Schultzc, September, 1901, and
became a member of the federated clubs in February, 1902. The
present officers are: Miss Cahill, president; Mrs. Michael Cash-
man, leader; recording secretary, Cynthia Meixner; correspond-
ing secretary and federation secretary, Mrs. Mike Cashman
Membership is limited to fifteen, and at all times reaches that
number.
The Emanon Club. This club was organized September,
1903, and federated during the same year. Its membership is
limited to twenty. Though this is the youngest of the local
federated clubs, it is by no means the less active in carrying
along its portion of the good works laid out by both the local
federation and State Federation of Women's Clubs, and is cast-
936 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ing its lot with tlie general movement of women's clubs for
advancement of the sphere of American womanhood. The first
officers were: Mrs. G. H. Hoffman, president; Mrs. Ellen Mid-
daugh, vice president ; Mrs. W. F. St. Clair, recording secre-
tary ; Mrs. John Kendall, corresponding and federation secre-
tary; Mrs. James Andrews, treasurer. The present officers are :
Mrs. Eunice Turner, president; Mrs. C. W. Adsit, vice presi-
dent ; Mrs. Emil Zamboni, corresponding secretary and federa-
tion secretar\- ; Miss Harriet Howe, recording secretary; Mrs.
\V. B. Adsit. treasurer.
The Twentieth Century Club. This club was promulgated
and instituted b}' that noble and venerated pioneer lady, Mrs.
Emily Winship, who during her life was at all times interested
in the consideration and study of topics that might advance
thought along the lines of literary culture and social and domes-
tic economics, thus making her idealistic sentiments a quite
noteworthy feature in the attraction her associates felt toward
her. Later, when the women's club work movement was inaug-
urated in Owatonna. Mrs. Winship was with the progressive
movement in spirit, but owing to advanced age and debility
caused by prolonged illness, she was unable to more than give
a hearty endorsement to the project.
The Twentieth Century Club had its first inception when
Mrs. Winship, though confined to her home, invited a few of
her neighbors to meet with her periodically, and thus informally
pass a pleasant hour reading together. This little reading circle
soon became so popular that new faces began to augment the
number at the hospitable fireside, to such an extent that in Sep-
tember, 1900, it was decided to form the company into a literary
organization and call it "The Twentieth Century Club," Mrs.
Winship being made its first president. The club was limited
to twenty members and was to hold its meetings every two
weeks. Through the passing away of the founder of the club,
the members have felt the loss of her guiding influence and have
greatly missed her ever cheerful personality at their meetings.
Although the club is not federated, the members have kept their
deep interest in local work, their study pursuits being along lines
similar to those of the other literary clubs of the city. The pres-
ent officers are : Mary E. Dunham, president ; Mrs. J. F. Young,
vice president ; Mrs. W. H. Montgomery, secretary.
OTHER CLUBS
Iroquois Club. Although organized less than two years, the
Iroquois Club is the foremost young men's organization of Owa-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 937
tonna, and lias attractive and well furnished rooms in the second
story of the First National Bank Building. The club was organ-
ized in April, 1909, with a membership of thirty-five. A limit
of forty was placed upon the membership, and this has since
been steadily maintained. In addition to this, a number of
names are enrolled upon the non-resident list. In the club
rooms ten of the latest periodicals and magazines are always
kept, and in the music room a piano and other musical instru-
ments serve to provide a splendid equipment for those musically
inclined. The officers of the club are: Floyd Bell, president;
Eliott Shea, vice president ; S. C. Goff, Jr., secretary ; Homer
Rugg, treasurer. In addition to this, a board of governors is com-
posed of the following: James Cashman, Lewis Winship, Robert
Nelson, Arthur Lippert and Hugo Theimer. The club is purely
social and has become a leading social body in many respects.
Many of the high class dances are given under its auspices and
the club at stated intervals holds "get-together" banquets, which
serve to bring the members into closer and more fraternal rela-
tionship with one another.
The Owatonna Commercial Club, which was organized in
April, 1905, is the successor of several civic organizations of
earlier days. The club, which has recently absorbed the Iroquois
Club, occupies comfortable quarters on Cedar street, over Mork's
store, having moved to the present rooms from the Opera House
block in 1908. The first officers of the club were: President,
Herbert Vinton; vice president, John Brick; secretary, H. A.
Lawson ; treasurer, Harry Luce ; directors, F. A. Dunham,
George Schafer, O. E. Williamson, Dr. G. G. Morehouse, Alfred
Schmidt, Charles J. Servatius and E. A. Brown. The present
officers are: President, C. A. Tincher; vice president, S. C. GofT;
secretary, C. J. Servatius ; treasurer, A. II. Schmidt ; directors,
E. A. Brown, Roy Parrott, Louis Watowa, William Darby and
R. H. Gericke.
The Owatonna Business Men's Club has for its object the
upbuilding of the commercial interests of the city. It was or-
ganized in February, 1910, and holds monthly banquets at which
various topics of public interest are discussed. The officers are :
President, M. S. Alexander; vice president, W. F. St. Clair;
treasurer, P. H. Evans; secretary, F. A. Dunham; trustees, M. B.
Price, M. R. Cashman, J. F. Fitzgerald, J. C. Jahrciss and G. G.
Morehouse.
Steele County Agricultural Street Fair Association. This
association, which was originally fostered by the Owatonna
Commercial Club, was organized May 19, 1906, with the follow-
ing officers : President, Robert Crickmore ; first vice president,
938 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
J. R. Morley; second vice president, J. H. Laughlin; treasurer,
H. H. Luce; secretary, F. A. Dunham; trustees, W. F. St. Clair,
F. H. Joesting, G. F. Cardoff and George E. Darby. The asso-
ciation has held a fair each year in Owatonna, with the usual
attractions and exhibits, having done much to promote the agri-
cultural and business interests of the county. The present offi-
cers are: President, J. R. Morley; first vice president, J. H.
Laughlin; second vice president, C. P. Sahler; treasurer, M. J.
Brown ; secretary, F. A. Dunham ; trustees, M. R. Cashman, W.
F. St. Clair, W. H. Kilty, F. H. Joesting and G. A. Cedardahl.
CHAPTER XXII.
PILLSBURY ACADEMY.
Location and Importance — Its Existence as the Minnesota
Academy — Gifts of George A. Pillsbury — Buildings — Ob-
ject — Societies — Officers — Biographies.
Pillsbury Academy ranks well with the preparatory schools
of this part of the country, and furnishes an important feature
of Owatonna life. The site of the academy is in the southeastern
part of the city, on a gentle elevation, commanding a fine view
of the city and surrounding country. The grounds, well shaded
with noble trees, include ten acres, the natural beauty of which
is enhanced by smooth shaven lawns and graceful curving walks
and driveways. A finely graded campus of several acres ad-
jacent to the buildings furnishes opportunity for out-of-door
sports.
Pillsbury Academy was founded by the Minnesota Baptist
State Convention, and opened its doors for the reception of stu-
dents in September, 1877, under the name of Minnesota Acad-
emy. In 1885, George A. Pillsbury began to take a vital interest
in the institution and made to it the first of a series of liberal
gifts. In recognition of Mr. Pillsbury 's generosity and as a
token of esteem to him the name of the institution was changed
to Pillsbur)- Academy by a unanimous vote of the Baptist State
Convention in October, 1886. From 1885 to 1892 Mr. Pillsbury
gave to the school, one after another, Pillsbury hall, the Academy
building, Music hall, the Drill hall and the Central heating plant.
Besides clearing the school of its debts on account of current
expenses several times, Mr. Pillsbury bequeathed to it a generous
fund by the terms of his will. This fund can be used as an
endowment only. These facts indicate that it is eminently proper
that the institution should bear the name of its chief benefactor.
In 1900 Wm. II. Kelly, of Owatonna, by a generous ofifer, started
the movement for a boys' dormitory. Other liberal friends
throughout the state aided the movement, and in 1904 the new
building was completed and ready for occupancy. By unanimous
vote of the Baptist State Convention in October, 1905, this
building was named Kelly hall, in honor of Mr. Kelly. The
heating plant has recently been enlarged, and a Corliss engine
and dynamo installed. At the present time, Pillsbury Academy
939
diO HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
has seven finely equipped buildings, which so far as the purpose
for which they are designed is concerned, will bear comparison
with buildings of any similar institution in the Northwest.
The object of the school is to furnish the very best of second-
ary education under academic conditions, and to meet fully the
demands of young people who have a clear educational purpose
in going away to school. Scholastically the school aims to
maintain a maximum preparatory course of study which will
fit its graduates to enter the freshman class of any American col-
lege or scientific school, and to afiford facilities for the study of
music, art and elocution under teachers of the best training and
experience. The scholastic object is not allowed to overshadow
a purpose to develop sound moral character as a basis for future
usefulness. That these objects may be realized, only such
teachers are employed as have had the most generous training
and will exert a positive Christian influence and so are them-
selves an expression of the high educational and moral ideas they
seek to inculcate.
The buildings of Pillsbury Academy, seven in number, are,
with one exception, comparatively new. They are commodious,
in good condition, well equipped for their special purposes, and
no expense has been spared to make them perfect from a
sanitary standpoint.
The Academy building was erected in 1889, and is the gift of
the late Hon. George A. Pillsbury, whose name the academy
bears. It is one hundred and twenty-two feet long, and three
stories high above the basement, wnth a tower one hundred and
forty-four feet high. It contains recitation rooms, reference
library and reading-room, offices, laboratories, manual training
shop, study-room, chapel, and a spacious auditorium, seating
about five hundred people.
Pillsbury hall, the girls' dormitory, also a gift of Mr. Pills-
bury, was built in 1886. It is one hundred and twenty-eight feet
long, and has three stories above the basement. It is heated by
hot water and lighted by electricity, and contains parlors, con-
veniently arranged suites of rooms, lavatories, assembly room,
and dining hall.
The Music hall is a two-story brick structure, forty by eighty
feet. It was likewise built by Mr. Pillsbury in 1892. The archi-
tecture is Grecian, and the classic beauty of the facade, with its
four massive Ionic columns, adds much to the beauty of the
campus. The building contains a fire-proof library room, and
ample accommodations for the music departments, teaching
rooms, practice rooms, and hall for private recitals.
Kelly hall, the boys' dormitory, has been occupied but six
years. It is a brick structure, one hundred and sixty feet long.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 941
forty feet wide, and has three stories and dormer above the
basement. It is equipped with all modern conveniences and im-
provements, having, in addition to the living rooms, a large recep-
tion room, a commodious hospital, and a large locker-room, with
shower and tub baths adjacent. All rooms are supplied with
steam heat and electric light. It affords accommodations for
eighty boys, besides suites of rooms for four teachers.
The combined gymnasium and drill hall has a clear floor space
of one hundred and ten by sixty-five feet. It has just been re-
fitted at considerable expense and supplied with light and heat
from the central plant. It affords the best of facilities for indoor
recreation, such as basket ball, baseball and roller skating.
A central heating and lighting plant furnishes heat and
electric light to all the buildings. The plant has recently been
enlarged, the entire system changed to the vacuum system, an
extra boiler added, and a fire engine and dynamo installed.
The old Academy building, erected in 1876, is used as a drill
hall and recreation building for the girls.
The students maintain active branches of Young Men's and
Young Women's Christian Associations. These organizations
aid greatly in preserving a high moral and religious standard
in the school life and furnish a rallying point for those who
wish to do active Christian work. Two active literary societies,
the Corvus Club and the Philomathian Society, are maintained
by the boys of the academy. These give the best of opportunity
for practice in debating, essay writing and parliamentary usage.
The girls maintain the Qui Vive Literary Society. These organi-
zations hold meetings bi-weekly on Friday evenings. A monthly
paper, the "Alphian," is published by the students of the acad-
emy and offers opportunity for any member of the school to
bring into print such compositions as are thought worthy of
publication. The school paper is under the supervision of the
instructor in English. A school orchestra, under the direction
of a member of the faculty, affords opportunity for regular prac-
tice in the use of a large number of musical instruments. The
orchestra is frequently called upon to furnish music at school
entertainments. The Athletic Association includes all of the
students and teachers of the academy. Through its officers and
board of control it takes charge of all the athletic interests of
the school.
The board of trustees of the school consists of the following
gentlemen : Edward M. Van Duzee, president ; B. B. Townsend,
secretary ; Hon. W. R. Kinyon, treasurer. Term expires in
1910: L. S. Gillette, Minneapolis; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul;
G. M. Palmer, Mankato ; S. S. Green, Owatonna ; D. D. Smith.
St. Paul; C. W. Sawyer, Minneapolis. Term expires in 1911:
942 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Rev. L. A. Crandall, D. D., Minneapolis ; W. C. Roberts, M. D.,
Owatonna; Hon. W. R. Kinyon, Owatonna; A. F. Gale, Minne-
apolis; B. B. Townsend, Minneapolis; E. J. Longyear, Minne-
apolis. Term expires in 1912: Uriah Roraback, Minneapolis;
Frank C. Nickels, Minneapolis; S. C. Briggs, West Concord;
L. C. Woodman, Owatonna; Chas. Jefts, Owatonna; Frank K.
Pratt, Minneapolis.
The principal of the school is Milo B. Price, Ph. D., of whose
scholastic attainments the school catalogue gives the following
resume : A. B., Denison University, 1892. Post-graduate work.
University of Chicago, 1892-1893. Student of history and
philology, University of Leipzig. 1893-1896. Ph. D., Leipzig,
1896. Instructor, modern languages, St. Mark's School, South-
boro, Mass., 1896-1897. Instructor, modern languages. The Wor-
cester Academy, Worcester, Mass., 1897-1898. Master in his-
tory, Worcester Academy, 1898-1901. Master in history, Wil-
liam Penn Charter School, Philadelphia, Pa.. 1901-1904. Prin-
cipal, Pillsbury Academy, 1904.
Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., has been a most important factor
in the life of the school. He has been connected with the follow-
ing institutions of learning: A. B. Colby College, 1880. A. M.,
Colby, 1883. Instructor in mathematics, The Worcester Acad-
emy, Worcester, Mass., 1880-1882. Principal, Pillsbury Acad-
emy, 1883-1889. Instructor in mathematics, Pillsbury Academy,
1889-1895. Special study. University of Chicago, summer, 1896.
Instructor in Greek and Latin, Pillsbury Academy, 1895.
CHAPTER XXIII
ELLENDALE VILLAGE
Location and Advantages — Origin — Business and Government —
Fire Department — Cornet Band — Churches — Fraternal So-
cieties — Creamery — Elevators — Schools — Beaver Lake. — By
C. C. Campbell.
Ellendale is .situated in the southern part of Steele county
on the Rock Island Railway, about midway between Owatonna,
the county seat, and Albert Lea, in Freeborn county, being six-
teen miles from the former and fifteen and one-half from the
latter. The village is steadily growing in size and at present
contains a population of about 400. The surrounding country
is one of the most beautiful and productive agricultural regions
in the world. It is gently rolling in contour and was originally
covered with a dense growth of timber, principally oak. Most of
this has long since been cleared away, leaving an occasional
grove or small forest which dot the lanscape in every direction.
These, as seen from the eminence on which Ellendale is located,
together with the varicolored fields of grain and an occasional
glimpse of the gables and windmill spires of prosperous farm-
steads, in the summer season form a scene of beauty to delight
the eye of the artist and a picture of wealth and plenty which
immediately arrests and holds the attention of the practical man
of affairs. Ellendale is located on high ground, giving excellent
opportunity for drainage. It has a very complete system of
waterworks and an adequate system of sewerage will be an im-
provement of the near future. The water supply is obtained
from deep wells which penetrate bedrock and furnish an abun-
dant and pure supply, free from all danger of contamination.
The village boasts of a handsome and commodious brick
school building erected during the summer of 1910 at a cost of
of $12,000. It maintains four church organizations. Among the
business houses are three general stores, one clothing and shoe
store, drug store, furniture store and undertaking establishment,
novelty store, bank, two hotels, restaurant, two barber shops,
harness shop, millinery store, meat market, two lumber yards,
three livery stables, two blacksmith and machine shops, two
grain elevators and a creamery, the latter one of the largest in
943
944 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the state. A weekly paper, The Ellendale Eagle, is published.
A meeting of the officials of the B., C. R. & N. Ry. Co., which
was pushing its way north with Minneapolis as the objective
point, was held at Cedar Rapids, la., in August, 1900, to consider
the location of stations on the thirty-two miles of line between
Albert Lea and Owatonna, Minn. The problem presented many
features for difference of opinion. Present at this meeting were
C. J. Ives, president; Robert Williams, vice president and gen-
eral manager; H. F. White, chief engineer; T. H. Simmons,
general freight agent ; Thos. H. Brown, right-of-way and town-
site agent, and a few subordinate ofificers.
Some favored two and some favored three towns as being
necessary to properly take care of the business on this thirty-two
miles of road. President Ives said, "Let us have one good town
with territory sufficient to build up a commercial center where
farmers may not only sell their products, but find stores with
large, up-to-date stocks of goods ; then the farmer will take pride
in his town and the benefit will become mutual." The meeting
adjourned without definite orders, but directed the townsite
agent. Mr. Brown, to use his judgment in locations on the line.
On August 13, 1900, Mr. Brown met Hon. Geo. E. Sloan and
Mr. O. H. Opsahl, who resided near the proposed location. The
honest, frank and able manner in which Mr. Sloan presented
the advantages of the location quite convinced him, so Ellendale
was located and platted and, as intended, has become an im-
portant marketing and distributing center.
The name was given in memory of Mrs. C. J. Ives, who died
a few years previous to this time. She was the laboring man's
friend. She seemed to know every section man and every brake-
man on the road and her many acts of tender, thoughtful kind-
ness endeared her to the hundreds of employes. Her maiden
name was Ellen Dale, so this beautiful, prosperous village will
perpetuate the memory of that good woman.
Through Mr. Brown the railroad townsite company pur-
chased a quarter section of land of the estate of Elling Ellingson.
The townsite was laid out as quickly as possible, and R. J.
Dobell, a resident of Iowa, was employed to take charge as local
agent and also to organize a bank composed of local investors
and a number of Cedar Rapids capitalists, some of whom were
officers of the railway and townsite companies. Mr. Dobell com-
menced operations with characteristic energy and by fall had
the bank organized and doing business. A small building 16x18
in size was purchased in the country and moved to the rear of
the bank lot. Here the bank commenced business and here also
the books of the townsite company were first opened. In the
meantime the present building was being erected on the front
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 945
end of ihc lot and as soon as completed the cramped quarters in
the little building were gladly exchanged for the more commo-
dious ones which it afforded.
The new bank building was not only the first substantial
building in the town ; it was the center of activity thereafter,
the alma mater of the community. Within its walls many
business enterprises were nourished from weakness to self-
reliant strength. When there was a dearth of buildings in the
new town, its doors were open and there was always room for
one more beneath its roof. Thus it housed many homeless ven-
tures until more suitable quarters could be found and on occasion
even served as a sleeping apartment for those who otherwise
would have been doomed to a night out.
In the spring of 1901, before the frost was out of the ground,
building operations commenced in earnest. About the first struc-
tures to be erected were Frank Randall's livery barn, Thomas
& Crow's hardware store, now owned by Jensen & Miller, and
A. M. Lerberg's general store. Other buildings followed in quick
succession and by fall what the year before was only a stubble
field, had been transformed into the business street of a good
sized village. Since then the growth of the village has been
slow, but continuous, each year seeing some new business enter-
prise added and new dwelling erected.
The present business houses are : E. M. Thompson, furniture
and undertaking; W. B. Wardwell, druggist; Ober Mercantile
Co., general merchandise; Jensen & Miller, hardware dealers and
machinists; C. M. Nelson, novelty store; Security State Bank;
A. M. Lerberg, general merchandise; E. H. Stout, hotel; Western
Elevator Co., dealers in grain and coal, Jas. E. Lageson, mana-
ger; Laird Norton Yards, lumber and coal, Lars Hetland, mana-
ger; Farmers' Elevator Co., grain and feed, Geo. Stearns, mana-
ger; Ellendale Lumber Co., lumber and coal, Andrew Gregerson,
manager; Rasmus Laursen, blacksmith; C. A. Odell, hotel;
O'AIalley & Carroll, saloon ; Ellendale Mercantile Co., general
merchandise, John Lageson, Albert Lageson, A. A. Berg, props. ;
Stearns & Lageson, hardware ; Martin Anderson, meat market ;
N. C. Nelson, saloon; Henry Ellingson. barber shop; Ellingson
Bros., clothing and shoes; Emma Ellingson & Co., restaurant;
Lena D. Nelson, milliner; E. H. Gulbrandson, hardware; Mc-
Farland & Finch, livery barn; Ellis & Lundahl, blacksmiths;
W. G. Bragg, livery; Jas. Larson, livery; Ellingson Bros., har-
ness shop.
J. W. Andrist was the first physician, locating in Ellendale
in 1901 with the first influx of settlers. In a few years he built
up a large practice which he sold in October, 1908, to Dr. E. Q.
Ertel, who has since covered the field. There is no mean tribute
946 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
to the sanitary conditions in tlie village as well as the climate
of this part of Minnesota in tlie fact that this large territory
has been covered in a satisfactory manner by one physician dur-
ing the nine years intervening between the establishment of
Ellendale and the writing of this sketch. Since leaving here Dr.
.'\ndrist has established a practice at Owatonna.
The postoffice was moved from Cooleyville, a small cross-
roads village, which has been built up around the then Berlin &
Summit, now Ellendale creamer}-. This hamlet was about a
half mile east of Ellendale and with the establishment of the new
town its business houses removed to the more attractive loca-
tion. H. A. Midje was the postmaster, having his offce in the
general store of Midje & Lageson, of which he was the senior
member. This firm erected a fine brick structure in Ellendale
and transferred their business there, and in May, 1901, the
government authorized the removal of the postoffice, and it was
re-established at Ellendale. The office was a registration office
while located in Cooleyville, but it was not until October, 1901,
some time after its removal to Ellendale, that it was designated
as a money order office and the first money order was written
October 12, 1901. j\Ir. Midje occupied the office of postmaster
until the summer of 1909, when he resigned and C. C. Campbell,
the present incumbent, received the appointment, assuming the
duties of his office August 8.
The village of Ellendale was incorporated in 1901, by author-
ity of an election held on August 13, at which forty-five votes
were cast, forty-two being in favor of incorporation and three
in the negative. The first election of village officers was held
August 17 following, which resulted in the election of D. J. Sul-
livan, mayor; J. F. Hake, Frank Kycek, John Ellingson, council-
men; E. M. Thompson, recorder; R. J. Dobell, treasurer; J. C.
Hemingway and B. S. Ellis, justices of the peace; F. R. Randall,
constable ; W. A. Gahagan, street commissioner.
On October 25 several farmers whose lands had been in-
cluded in the corporate limits of the village started suit to annul
the corporation, hoping in the case that re-incorporation should
be necessary, to have their lands set out. The plaintiffs were
Nels Thom])son, Henry Norby, Morris Patterson, Edward John-
son, Nels Ohnstad and Elsie Brynestad. The case dragged along
until the summer of 1903, when an understanding was arrived at
and it was dropped. Since the incorporation of the village the
office of mayor has been filled as follows : D. J. Sullivan, 1901-
1902; R. J. Dobell, 1903; H. L. Dolge, 1904; C. C. Campbell. 1905-
1906; D.J. Sullivan, 1907; J. W. Andrist, 1908; E. E. Ellingson,
1909-1910. The present officers are E. E. Ellingson, mayor; A. P.
Hanson, E. Q. Ertel, Theo. Jensen, councilmen ; C. R. Torger-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 947
son, recorder; B. S. Ellis, treasurer; G. B. Stearns, justice of the
peace; M. A. JNIcFarland, Wm. Bragg, constables; Chris Wal-
bom, street commissioner.
During the various administrations many improvements have
been accomplished. Notable among these is the building of a
system of good roads and streets, the establishment of a system
of waterworks and the laying of cement walks, curbing and gut-
ters. Miles of new roads have been built, involving the expendi-
ture of thousands of dollars for grading and gravel. In the
middle of May, 1903, the council made a contract with the
National Construction Co., of South Bend, Ind., to install a sys-
tem of waterworks, contingent on the successful issue of an
election to be held on July 31 to authorize the bonding of the
village for the payment of the same. The proposition carried
in favor of bonding, by a large majority, the bonds were
floated and the waterworks were in operation by the time cold
weather set in. The system is very complete and satisfactory
both as to fire protection and domestic use. Fire hydrants have
been placed on all the principal corners and there is hardly a
building in the village not within reach of at least one line of
hose. The system is what is known as pneumatic, the storage
tank being on the ground under cover of the pumping station
and the water is forced through the mains by air pressure. It
is entire!}' adequate for every need and economical in operation.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Ellendale Fire Department was organized at a meeting
held May 13, 1904, the first officers being L. F. Barnes, chairman;
E. J. Quinn, chief; F. R. Randall, assistant chief; E. H. Stout,
warden ; Th. Christensen. secretary. The department is equipped
with hose cart, hook and ladder and other necessary parapher-
nalia. Regular meetings arc held and tiie efi'ciency of the com-
pany has several times been practically demonstrated. The
present officers are: F. H. Stout, chairman; F. M. Thompson,
chief: Albert Lageson, assistant chief; C. R. Langdon, warden;
Frick Ellingson, secretary and treasurer.
ELLENDALE CORNET BAND.
The I'.lk'ndale Cornet Band was organized during the early
days of the town and has continued with a number of changes
of membership and organization to the present time. During the
whole period it has been under the leadership of Mr. A. S. Lar-
sen, an experienced cornet player and efficient instructor, to
whose patient and painstaking work the success of the organiza-
tion may be attributed. The present officers are A. S. Larson,
948 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
leader; C. C. Campbell, manager; C. AI. Nelson, secretary; C. R.
Torgerson, treasurer.
CHURCHES.
Norwegian Lutheran. — The Berlin Norwegian Evangelical
Lutheran congregation was organized in 1869. Some ten or
twelve families having settled here a few years previously,
joined the organization. The first officers cannot be stated, but
a constitution was adopted and the Rev. E. Wulfsberg, of
Freeborn, was called as pastor, accepted the call and held his
introductory service March 9, 1870. Rev. Wulfsberg served the
congregation until March 5, 1873, when the present pastor, O. A.
Mellby, was installed, and has ever since served as such. A
piece of land was soon bought for a cemetery and thereon a
church building was erected in 1877, but on account of the poor
circumstances of the members of the society, stood unfinished
until 1886, when it was completed and dedicated by Rev. L. M.
Biorn, of Zumbrota, June 30. By the cyclone of June 15, 1892,
this church was entirely swept away and scattered over the sur-
rounding prairie. It was a hard blow to the little congregation,
but not despairing, at a meeting held July II the same year, it
was unanimously resolved to commence the erection of a larger
and better house of worship and immediately went to work,
raised the necessary funds and let the contract for such a struc-
ture to Mr. Tolsrud, of Lake Mills, Iowa. The work was com-
pleted to the general satisfaction of the congregation, and the
new church was solemnly dedicated by Rev. L. M. Biorn, July
15, 1893, with the assistance of several other pastors. Including
a fine bell and pipe organ the building cost about $5,000. Besides
this, by the efifort of some influential members, a large vacated
school house has been recently bought and placed on a fine lot
in the village of Ellendale to be used for parochial and Sunday
school and other religious meetings, at a cost of some $600. The
congregation, very small at the beginning, has had a steady
growth, until at present it has about 300 members. The present
officers are : L. J. Brynestad, secretary ; A. Muri, trustee and
treasurer ; N. Norby, Gilbert Thorson, trustees. The congrega-
tion has a flourishing women's society working for missionary
and charitable purposes, and a young people's society with re-
ligious and literary program. The congregation is a member
of The United Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America.
Methodist Episcopal. — The first steps toward building a
Methodist chiuxh at Ellendale were taken at Geneva, Minn., at
a quarterly conference held at that place by Rev. Peter Clare,
presiding elder, and Rev. W. I. Moore, pastor, June 18, 1901.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 949
At this conference R. J. Dobell, Dr. J. W. Andrist, E. O. Jones
and F. G. Sloan were appointed a committee to look up the pros-
pects for a building at Ellendale. This committee met at Dr.
Andrist's office in Ellendale, June 19, and in addition there were
present I. W. Ferguson, Ira C. Sawyer, Rev. Peter Clare, P. E.
and Rev. W. I. Moore, who were all actively interested in the
project. It was decided to build a church to cost $1,200 in case
$800 in pledges could be secured. A board of trustees was
organized as follows : F. G. Sloan, chairman ; J. W. Andrist,
secretary; R. J. Dobell, treasurer; E. O. Jones, Ira C. Sawyer.
A soliciting committee was started out, and, having met with a
satisfactory degree of success, plans were procured and the
contract let for a building which exceeded the first estimates
by several hundred dollars, the ultimate price being about $2,000.
This building was finished in July, 1902, and dedicated on the
thirteenth of that month by the Rev. John M. Driver, assisted
by Elder Clare and Pastor Moore. Rev. Moore served as pastor
of the church until October, 1902, when he was succeeded by
Rev. Frank Seeds. After seven months' service Rev. Seeds re-
signed and his place was filled by Rev. S. W. Kemerer, who
occupied the pulpit until October, 1904. The conference then
sent Rev. G. W. Koser to the charge, which he held for two
years, being followed by Rev. J. J. Lutz in October, 1906. After
three years Rev. Lutz was assigned to another charge, but was
taken ill at Geneva just after having packed his household goods
and expired. The church is now in charge of Rev. I. W. Holman,
who succeeded to the pastorate in the fall of 1909. In connection
with the church is a strong and active Ladies' Aid Society which
is the fountain head of its social life and the main factor in
lending financial support. The society has virtually furnished
the church, kept it in repair and contributes largely to the
salary of the pastor.
Baptist. — The Baptist Society was organized in 1860, but was
without a house of worship until 1895, when a substantial build-
ing was erected in Berlin township about two miles north of the
present site of Ellendale. In the summer of 1901 this edifice
was removed to Ellendale, Rev. C. V. Smith being the first
pastor to occupy the pulpit after the re-location of the building.
About two years later Rev. Smith resigned and was succeeded
by Rev. N.. E. Chapman, who served about one year and was
then obliged to give up the pastorate on account of ill health.
He was followed by Rev. Pettengill, who only occupied the pul-
pit four times when he was taken ill with pneumonia and died.
Since that time the church has been without a regular pastor,
the pulpit being supplied occasionally by ministers from sur-
rounding towns. The society is free from debt, the church
1)50 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
building is kept in good repair, and it is expected that regular
services will be resumed at some time in the near future. An
auxiliary, the Baptist Ladies' Aid Society, is an active organiza-
tion which is doing much to hold the society together and pre-
pare it for future usefulness. The officers of the church are :
F. D. Sheldon, clerk; L. D. Lundahl, treasurer; P. J. Johnson,
J. C. Nelson, C. M. Nelson, N. C. Nelson, trustees; L. D. Lun-
dahl, P. J. Johnson, deacons.
Danish Lutheran. — Rev. M. O. Block, pastor of the Danish
Lutheran Church of Summit township, has his residence in Ellen-
dale and holds services at stated intervals in the M. E. Church.
The society has no regular organization in the village, but the
nucleus thus formed will undoubtedly develop in the course of
time into a strong and well organized church.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
Modern Woodman. — EUcndale Camp, No. 9,666, was organ-
ized in May, 1901, being the first institution of the kind in the
village. At the lirst meeting E. M. Thompson was elected, V. C. ;
W. A. Gahagan, W. A.: R. J. Dobell. banker: Geo. W. Delany,
clerk ; D. J. Sullivan, e.scort ; R. M. Curtis, watchman ; C. A. Bing-
ham, sentry; J. W. Andrist, physician; F. Kycek, J. F. Misgen,
W. J. Erdman, managers. The lodge has always enjoyed a
large membership, and has been very active in social life. The
officers at present are: Theo. Jensen, V. C. ; B. S. Ellis, W. A.;
W. A. Gahagan, banker; E. M. Thompson, clerk; L. D. Lun-
dahl, escort; M. A. McFarland, escort; Jas. C. Nelson, sentry;
E. O. Ertel, physician; C. R. Langdon, E. G. Johnson, C. C.
Campbell, managers.
Royal Neighbors. — Fraternity Camp, No. 3,614, Royal Neigh-
bors of America, was organized in January, 1904. The first
officers were: Oracle, Mrs. Susie Davis; vice oracle, Mrs. Anna
Thorndike ; past oracle, Mrs. Lora Campbell; chancellor. Miss
Mabel Sawyer; recorder, Mrs. Florence Ellis; receiver, Mrs.
Maggie Lundahl; marshal. Miss Matie Gray; assistant marshal,
Mrs, Minnie Robbins ; inside sentinel, Mrs. Myrtle Christensen ;
outside sentinel. Miss Lena Bingham ; managers, Gilbert Chris-
tensen, Mrs. Hannah Nelson, A. S. Robbins. After many vicis-
situdes the camp has grown to be one of the strongest civic
organizations in the village and a large factor in its social activi-
ties. It is now officered as follows: Oracle, Mrs. Mina Thomp-
son; vice oracle, Mrs. Fannie Stearns; past oracle, Mrs. Caroline
Jensen ; chancellor, Mrs. Lulu Randall ; recorder, Mrs. Lora
Campbell ; receiver, Mrs. Maggie Lundahl ; marshal, Miss Laura
Caspcrsen ; inside sentinel, Mrs. Margarite Langdon; outside
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 951
sentinel, Mrs. Olive Gahagan ; managers, Mrs. Sena Hansen,
E. M. Thompson, Mrs. Mary Rczab.
Yeomen. — The Brotherhood of American Yeomen organized a
Iiomestcad on Maj' 2i, 1902, with the following officers : Fore-
man, A. N. Rhodes ; master of ceremonies, M. J. Dunnigan ;
correspondent. J. N. Vcsterhy ; master of accounts, J. B. Nolan;
overseer, Ole Opsahl. The present officers are: Foreman, M. J.
Dunnigan ; overseer, John Wangen ; master of ceremonies, Jas.
H. Burnes ; correspondent. \V. E. Calloway ; Lady Rowena, Mrs.
Nellie Burnes; Lady Rehekah, Mrs. Lulu Randall.
Danish Brotherhood. — D. B. S. Lodge, No. 237, came into
existence on March 23, 1906, with twenty-one charter members,
and at the first meeting the following officers were elected :
President H. J. Peterson; vice president, C. P. Larson; secre-
tary, R. Laursen ; treasurer. Theo. Jensen ; trustees, C. F. Jen-
son, L. Johnson. The lodge has paid $1,000 in insurance and
$53 in aid on different occasions. The following are the officers
at the present time : President, H. J. Peterson ; vice president,
N. Johnson ; secretar}', Rasmus Laursen ; treasurer, C. Chris-
tensen ; trustees, V. E. Jensen, M. Spurr.
THE ELLENDALE CREAMERY.
The Berlin and Summit — now Eilendale — Creamery Associa-
tion was organized January- 10, 1891. Previous to this time a
number of meetings were held to try to organize, but without
much success until Mr. Dana P. Sawyer undertook to get the
farmers to sign an agreement to pledge a certain number of cows
and become responsible for $3,000 to enable the association to
procure funds. The first officers elected were : D. P. Sawyer,
president; Jas. Torgerson, vice president; F. G. Sloan, secretary;
A. C. Tennis, treasurer; U. C. Jansen, N. O. Thompson, A. F.
Davis, directors. These seven directors, on their own notes,
borrowed the money necessary to build and cc|uip the creamery.
There was much opposition to the project at the time and
many shook their heads and solemnly pronounced it a failure
before there was a stick of timber on the ground or a spike
driven. Two years and four months from the time of organiza-
tion the association was free of debt, and the critics were no-
where to be found. June 2, 1894, the association was reorganized
into a stock company, the stock being issued in shares of ten
dollars each and allotted to each member in proportion to the
amount each had paid into a sinking fund which had been
created l)y deducting 5 cents per hundred from each patron's
milk. The first building was erected by H. P. Clemmenscn of
lumber hauled from Owatonna. The dimensions of the main
953 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
building were 24x68 with a coal house 14x18. This creamery
was burned August 13, 1896, it was replaced at once with the
present structure, a brick building, 92x28^ erected by W. A.
Morin, of Albert Lea. The creamery began operations April
1, 1891. \V. C. Lawson was the first buttermaker, and for about
nineteen months milk was paid for by the hundred weight, each
patron receiving the same price regardless of test. In Novem-
ber, 1892, the creamery began to test for butterfat and pay for
milk on that basis. The total cash receipts for the first month
were only $1,649.84. As an illustration of the growth of this
institution the following comparison should be noted : For
June, 1891, 430,653 pounds of milk were received of a total cash
value of $2,887.88. Patrons were paid 55 cents per hundred for
milk and charged 16 cents per pound for butter. For June,
1910, milk and cream reduced to milk, received amounted to
688.299, of a cash value of $8,170.61. The average price paid
per hundred of milk was $1.12 and patrons were charged ZSyi
cents per pound for butter. From April 1, 1891, to July 1, 1910,
the creamery has taken in 85,104,622 pounds of milk. From
July 1, 1900, to July 1, 1910, it has received 1,590,395 pounds of
cream. Reducing the cream to milk, the institution has received
since the day it opened up to July 1. 1910, 96,237,387 pounds
of milk, from which 4,294,040 pounds of butter were made. The
amount received for this butter was $935,522.27, of which
$849,846.57 was paid to patrons, the balance being absorbed by
running expenses. The present buttermaker is L. C. Jensen,
who has held this position since April 1, 1898. Two of the
directors elected at the time of organization are still in office,
U. C. Jansen, president, who was elected first as a director, and
F. G. Sloan, secretary, who has held the same position ever
since organization. The other officers at present are : Martin
Lageson, vice president ; G. E. Sloan, treasurer ; John Ellingson,
Lars Caspersen, Nels Jorgensen, directors. The name was
changed from the Berlin and Summit Creamery Association to
the Ellendale Creamery Association at a meeting held at the
Ellendale opera house January 2, 1906.
ELEVATORS.
Among the first buildings to be erected in Ellendale were two
grain elevators, each of about 30,000 bu. capacity. One was
erected by the Sheffield-King Elevator Co., of Minneapolis, and
the other by the Western Elevator Co., of Winona. Gilbert
Christenson was installed as agent for the Western Elevator Co.
and occupied the position for a number of years, when he re-
signed to go into business for himself at Castle Rock, Colo.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 953
Several buyers have held the position since then and the ele-
vator was closed a part of the time. It is now under the man-
agement of Jas. E. Lageson, an old resident of this section who
recently took up his home in the village. The Sheffield-King
Co.'s house was managed by H. L. Dolge until its sale to the
Farmers' Milling & Elevator Co., September 16, 1904. For some
time the farmers of the neighborhood had been dissatisfied with
the old line houses and the agitation for the organization of a
local company to engage in the grain and feed business became
so persistent that it finally culminated in a meeting being called
August 22, 1903, to determine whether or not the sentiment was
sufficiently strong to warrant such a project. U. C. Jansen was
elected chairman and R. J. Dobell secretary of the meeting, which
was well attended by farmers and business men. It was decided
to go ahead with the enterprise and $6,000 was the figure esti-
mated necessary to carry it through. To prevent the shares of
stock from eventually concentrating in a few hands it was voted
to prohibit the issuance of more than twenty of the $10 shares
to any single individual. Geo. Sloan, John Peterson and U. C.
Jansen were named as a committee to investigate cost of build-
ing and equipment and the following were named as a committee
to solicit stockholders : D. J. Sullivan, Chas. Lonergan, Martin
Lageson, Halvor Thompson, F. G. Sloan, I. W. Ferguson, U. C.
Jansen, A. E. Lageson, Nels Jorgenson, H. P. Clemmensen.
The soliciting having progressed satisfactorily, a meeting was
held September 26, at which it was decided to incorporate, and
G. E. Sloan, And. Lageson, R. J. Dobell, Chas. Lonergan and
John Peterson were appointed a committee to draw up articles
of incorporation. At this meeting the following directors were
elected: U. C. Jansen, G. E. Sloan, Svend Svcndsen, Frank
Bunnell, And. Lageson, Maurice Lonergan, F. G. Sloan. The
first of October following, a meeting of stockholders adopted
articles of incorporation and fixed the capital stock at $10,000,
of which $6,000 was to be paid up. The matter of a suitable
site and building being brought up, a portion favored making an
effort to purchase one of the old line companies' plants, while
others wished to ignore them entirely and proceed with plans
for a new house. Not being able to arrive at an agreement it
was decided to let the directors be governed by their own judg-
ment. October 6 the directors held a conference with W. B.
Parsons, president of the Western Elevator Co., relative to buy-
ing the property of his company, but were unable to agree on a
figure. November 19 a site was applied for on the Rock Island
Ry. immediately south of the Sheffield-King elevator. January
13, 1904, the regular annual meeting was held and the board of
directors elected at the September meeting of the previous year
954 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
were retained in office. A payment of 50 cents on each share of
stock was called for to pay for incorporation expenses. The
directors reported that they had not yet secured a site from the
railway company, but had made some progress. They were
instructed by the meeting to get the site as quickly as possible,
and proceed with the building as soon as spring opened up. The
amount of stock subscribed being short of the required amount
by nearly $1,000, the following committee was appointed to make
further solicitation: R. H. Reynolds, L. J. Brynestad, N. C.
Newgard. August 27 a special meeting was called to decide
whether to build or to purchase one of the existing properties,
the Sheffield company having made advances which were thought
favorable to a purchase. The directors were instructed to pur-
chase the Sheffield property if offered at a reasonable figure.
September 16, 1904, a price of $4,650 was agreed upon for the
Sheffield elevator, which included a roller feed mill, and the
property was transferred to the Farmers' Milling & Elevator
Co., of Ellendale, which has operated the business since that
time. H. L. Dolge was retained as manager, but on November
14 he resigned and was succeeded by Chas. O. Roe, of Kenyon.
In September, 1905, after nearly a year of successful manage-
ment, Mr. Roe resigned and his place was filled b}' Geo. Stearns,
of New Richland, who has managed the business in a highly
satisfactor}' manner up to the present time. During the whole
period C. R. Torgerson has been the assistant and he has become
an expert at the business and an invaluable employe. The
company has been very successful. Besides establishing a mar-
ket which is second to none in this section, it has been able to
pay its stockholders 10 per cent on their investment each year
and has accumulated a surplus of $6,200. That the excellent
management w^hich it has enjoyed is not unappreciated is evi-
denced by the fact that practically the same board of directors
control its affairs as at the beginning. They are : G. E. Sloan,
president; A. E. Lageson, vice president; F. G. Sloan, secretary;
U. C. Jansen, treasurer; D. F. Harty, B. O. Flesche, H. P. Clem-
mensen, directors.
SCHOOLS.
Ellendale is in school district No. 67. At the time the village
was platted the school house was located at Cooleyville and
Levi Sanders was the teacher. With the establishment of the
new town greater facilities were needed and a building erected
by Andrew Gregerson for a carpenter shop at the corner of
Second street and Fourth avenue was rented and the primary
grades established therein, with Miss Anna Dunham as teacher.
The higher grades were taught at Cooleyville by Mr. Sanders.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 955
These rather doubtful accominodalious were made to suffice the
first year. June 16, 1902, a meeting was called for the purpose
of designating a site for a building and to auihorize the issuance
of bonds to purchase it and erect a building. A majority of the
voters of the district not being present, this business could not
be transacted and the meeting was adjourned until the follow-
ing evening. The required number being present at that time
the trustees were instructed by a two-thirds vote to purchase
a block of land on the east side of the railway tracks and author-
ized to negotiate bonds to the amount of $5,000 to pay for the
site and the erection of a suitable building. There was a strong
controversy as to the location of the site and much dissatisfac-
tion as to the choice. Many claimed that tliey did not under-
stand the question when it was put and had voted for the location
when they had intended to vote against it. On July 26, 1902, the
directors invited bids for the new school building. When the
bids were opened it was found that not enough money had been
voted to erect the building contemplated and another meeting
was called for Saturday, August 2, to authorize an additianai
issue of bonds to the amount of $1,000. The proposition failed
to carry and the directors, not believing it possible to build
economically with the amount authorized, concluded to bridge
the necessities of the situation with a makeshift and postpone
building operations until a more favorable time. With this
plan decided upon, a block of land was purchased east of the
railway tracks in September and the old school building, which
had seen many years service at Cooleyville, was moved upon
it. Along side of it a one-story frame building was erected at a
cost of $1,000. These two buildings were made to answer the
purpose for eight years, when their lack of capacity and un-
sanitary condition became so notorious that there was a strong
probability of the district losing its share of state aid on that
account. Spurred on by this state of aflfairs as well as by the
desire for a better school, the directors caused a clause to be
inserted in the notice for the annual meeting to be held July 17,
1909, stating that a vote would be taken at that time on the
proposition of voting bonds in the sum of $8,500 for the erection
of a new school building. This brought to the front the old con-
tention relative to the site and those favoring a change to the
west side determined to oppose the whole project in hopes of
holding it up until they could secure the change of location.
For this reason the majority in favor of bonding was very small,
the vote being 45 "for" to 42 "against." The opponents of
bonds, still continuing their activities, found a technical error
in the holding of the first election and succeeded in having it
voided and a special election called for Saturday, August 14, at
956 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which tliey hoped for a decisive vote in the negative. Con-
trary to expectations the vote v^^as still stronger in the affirma-
tice, being 83 to 60. The matter was then allowed to rest until
the middle of March, after the contract for the new school build-
ing had been let, when another effort was made to change the
site bj^ the petition of ten freeholders for a special meeting to
be held April 12, 1910. The proposition to be voted on was
the exchange of the site on the east side for one on the west
side, the district to be relieved of all cost by the interested parties
who had deposited $1,000 in the Security State Bank as a guar-
antee. This proposition hardly received a vote on its merits.
There was some question as to whether or not the acceptance of
the offer would invalidate the contract with the builders and
result, if in nothing more serious, in the delaying of building
operations for another year, and therefore it was rejected by a
vote of 55 to 79.
Some of the material was already on the ground and aftei'
the meeting was held building operations were prosecuted with
vigor by the contractors, Hammel & Anderson, of Owatonna,
and the school house was ready for occupancy in the fall. "When
completed the building represented an expenditure of $12,000.
It contains four large rooms and is modern in every respect. It
is heated by steam, is supplied with city water and a complete
system of plumbing has been installed, including toilet rooms
and sanitary drinking fountains. The basement contains two
good sized playrooms for boys and girls, and the whole building
represents the highest development, the latest thought, in school
architecture. The school directors are: A. M. Lerberg, F. G.
Sloan and U. C. Jansen.
BEAVER LAKE.
Three miles from Ellendale is Beaver Lake, one of nature's
beauty spots and a resort rapidly growing in favor with the
public as an ideal place for the summer outing. The lake is
something over a mile in length and about three-quarters of a mile
wide. It is noted for the clearness of its waters and their great
depth, the sounding line running out in places nearly 100 feet.
Its shores are heavily timbered with large oak trees and afford
the most delightful picnic grounds imaginable, while its waters
abound with black bass, pickerel, crappies and sunfish, offering
a pleasure ground which attracts enthusiastic fishermen from all
quarters. Ellendale is the railway station for this summer
resort.
CHAPTER XIV
OWATONNA CHURCHES
Baptist — Congregational — Episcopal — Universalist — Cath-
olic — Methodist — German Methodist — Danish Lutheran
— German Lutheran — Seventh Day Adventist.
The city of Owatonna has fourteen churches : The First
Baptist Church, organized in 1857; the First Congregational
Church, organized in 1857; the St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
organized in 1860; the First Universalist Church, organized in
1867; the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, organized in 1867; St.
Joseph's Catholic Church, organized in 1891 ; St. Hyacinth
Polisli Catholic Church, organized in 1903; the First Presby-
terian Cluirch, organized in 1859; the First Methodist Episcopal
Church, organized in 1856; the German Methodist Episcopal
Church, organized in 1875 ; the Danish Lutheran Church, organ-
ized in 1885 ; the First St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
organized in 1876; the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
organized in 1876, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, or-
ganized in 1886.
First Baptist Church of Owatonna. — The Baptist Church of
Owatonna was organized June 27, 1857, with the following mem-
bers, who were admitted upon letters from other churches to
which they had previously belonged : Adolphus Town, Ann
Town, Albert D. Low, N. O. Low, J. M. Finch. R. J. Tousley
and Wm. H. Woods. Some time in the fall L. P.. Town, Daniel
Burch and S. W. Breese were also admitted by letter. The
first Baptist meeting held in Owatonna, or Steele county, was
on a Sabbath about the last of April, 1856, at the residence of
A. B. Cornell, about fifteen persons being present, and Rev. A.
Town preached the sermon. Meetings were held in the little
log schoolhouse. In the autumn of 1857 Elder Knapp, one of
the noted evangelists of that period, came to visit a daughter
then residing here, and being invited, willingl}' consented to go
into the little log schoolhouse, and there preached some of his
wonderful sermons, with such power that many believed and
were added to the church. In the winter of 1858 the pastors of
the difTerent churches (Elder Town at that time being the pastor
of the Baptist Church) decided to unite in union meetings, and
a large number were converted. The services were held in the
9S7
958 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
onl}' public building in those early times — the little log school-
house, 16x26 feet in size ; but many were the earnest hearts
that gathered there from day to day and week to week. On
September 11, 1858. the churches of Ashland, Wasioja and Fari-
bault met with the Owatonna church, and organized the Min-
nesota Central Baptist Association, which reported at that time
120 members. In 1859 Elder Town resigned the pastorate, and
Elder Edgar Cady, of Lake City, was chosen to supply the place.
He was followed in 1860 by Rev. A. D. Low, who acted as
pastor imtil February, 1861, when, in consequence of a differ-
ence of opinion among the members, a vote was taken in one
of the church meetings to disband the organization, and a por-
tion of the members left and effected another church organi-
zation. Those who remained chose Elder Town as their pastor,
and regular meetings were held imtil October. 1863. In the
meantime in 1858 preliminary steps had been taken toward
building a church, and during this church difficult}' it had been
left untouched. Early in the sixties, however, while Elder
Town was pastor of the First Church, the building was com-
pleted, and on October 13, 1863, was dedicated; the dedicatory
sermon being preached by Rev. D. S. Dean, of Illinois. Mr.
Dean accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, and re-
mained until April, 1865, when by mutual agreement the two
churches united.
On January 31, 1863. through the differences of opinion which
had arisen, the present Baptist Church of Owatonna was organ-
ized with fifteen members, nearly all who had taken their let-
ters from the old organization placing them here, and this
organization was recognized as the "Baptist Church of Owa-
tonna" by the council of the Minnesota Central Baptist Asso-
ciation held at W'asioja, February 3, 1863. The society met
once in two weeks for worship, being supplied by Rev. J. F.
Wilcox. October 1. 1863. this church was first represented at
the State convention, the delegates being G. W. Shaw and E. K.
Smith. On April 8, 1865, the two Baptist churches were con-
solidated with a united membership of sixty-four, and they
took the name of "The First Baptist Church of Owatonna."
For a time the pulpit was supplied alternately by Revs. J. F.
Wilcox and D. S. Dean. The former, however, continued as
regular pastor of the church until June. 1866, when his labors
closed, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Cole. After the
union of the two bodies, the building which had been erected
under Elder Town's direction had been purchased by the church
and used as a place of worship. In the autumn of 1866 it was
sold to the school district for $1,250, the use of it for one year
being reserved. In the fall a new church building was erected,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 959
size 32x58 feet, with tower, in which was liiing a 1,000-pound
bell. It was dedicated on December 22, 1867, Rev. Parker, from
Austin, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the build-
ing was $4,152.64, which had all been provided for, leaving
the church free from debt. The following winter will long be
remembered as a time of religious revival. There were forty-
three baptisms, and many more united with the church by con-
version and letter. Rev. Cole resigned in April, 1869, and Rev.
E H. Cressey succeeded him, remaining thirteen months. On
February 1, 1871, Rev. H. H. Beach came from Winona, and
after serving a year and a half he also resigned. Rev. E. P.
Dye succeeded him as pastor and remained until June 28, 1874.
Among the events recorded about this time is found the follow-
ing interesting item : "June, 1873— A deed was presented to
the trustees by Sister Reiggs (now deceased), on behalf of the
ladies of the church, of a lot for a parsonage. On motion a
vote of thanks was extended to Mother Hunkins for her untiring
zeal and her effort in helping to pay for the lot." In 1878 the
lot was sold, and the proceeds used toward paying for the pres-
ent parsonage, bought at that time. The ladies have cheerfully
helped to bear the burden. A sewing society established about
this time is still faithfully attended, the proceeds from which
have been no little help financially. Rev. W. W. Whitcomb
accepted a call to the pastorate September 20, 1874, and re-
mained for three years. The Minnesota Academy, now the
Pillsbury Academy, was located here during his pastorate, and
he was untiring in his efforts to attain that end. Rev. C. H.
DeWolfe succeeded him in February, 1878, and after a service
of nearly five years was, on account of ill health, compelled to
resign, October 25, 1882. The church remained without a pas-
tor until April 26, 1883, when Rev. J. H. Thompson accepted a
call to the place, remaining about fifteen months. After his
resignation they were again without a pastor until the autumn
of 1884, when Rev. W. A. Spinney accepted a call from this
church. During the summer of 1885 material improvements
were made on the church properties in the way of papering and
painting, and a vestry, 16x26 feet in size, was added, so that
the church was spacious, and being well furnished abundantly
filled the purpose for which it was built.
On August 4, 1889, Rev. Stanley A. McKay, D. D., began his
ministry, during which the present brick edifice was erected at
a cost of $17,000. At the time of the dedication, February 9,
1893, the indebtedness was provided for. The beautiful organ
was a gift to the church from Mrs. Margaret S. Pillsbury. On
May 10. 1895. Rev. Elijah B. Jones, D. D., began his services in
Owatonna and for seven years was a potent influence in the
960 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
life of the church, academy and tlie city. Rev*. Edwin S. Stucker
became pastor of the church on March 1, 1903. Mr. Stucker lield
several evangelistic meetings throughout the state during his
ministry. In 1906, Deacon L. C. Woodman presented to the
church a neat parsonage on East Vine street.
Rev. John G. Briggs, A. M., B. D., entered upon his ministry
February 24, 1907, which charge he holds at the present time.
In 1908 Deacon Woodman supplemented his liberal gift by
building a barn on the rear of the parsonage lot. The church
renovated the parsonage in the summer of 1907 at an expense
of $600. During the summer of 1910, the ladies of the church
provided for the redecorating of the auditorium of the church
and for the cork linoleum carpeting of the gallery of the audi-
torium and of the parlors at a cost of $800. Since 1865, there
has been a continued progress from year to year. Revival sea-
sons have been frequent. The church has stood for a fervent
evangelical sjjirit. In 1877 the institution now known as Pills-
bury Academy was opened in Owatonna, the faculty and stu-
dents of which have had a vital part in the effciency and spir-
itual development of the church. The church is thoroughly or-
ganized, and is doing progressive work in most of the depart-
ments. The Sunday school has four departments — the kinder-
garten, primary, intermediate and senior school, with graduating
exercises in the primar}^ and intermediate departments each
fall. The Ladies' Aid Society hold meetings once a month and
assist in the social life of the church. The Mission Circle and
Young Women's Missionary societies have programs once a
month. The Baptist Brotherhood have programs from time to
time. The B. Y. P. U. Society holds its meetings every Sunday
evening. The present officers of the church are as follows :
J. C. Briggs, pastor; J. L. Ingraham, church clerk; deacons, L. C.
Woodman, W. E. Martin, M. P. Price, J. Holland, J. L. Ingra-
ham, E. J. Owen, A. Seidel ; deaconesses. Mrs. M. B. Price,
Mrs. J. L. Ingraham, Mrs. W. E. Martin, Mrs. A. M. Kinyon,
Mrs. N. P. Peterson. Board of trustees : Dr. W. C. Roberts,
chairman; Milo B. Price, secretary board: W. E. Kimball, L. F.
Loomis, N. P. Peterson.
First Congregational Church. Years ago a small company
left their homes in Ohio and traveled by team to Minnesota.
As we reached the top of the hill, just east of the present city of
Owatonna, and gazed upon the beautiful landscape, we could
not as now count many church spires. LIpon inquiry we found
there were no church organizations in the village, although the
Methodist was organized the same month, and they and the
Baptists were holding services on alternate Sundays in the old
log schoolhouse. The first service in Steele county was held
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 961
in Owatonna in 1855. From Mrs. Avery Adams I received the
account of this service. "Our first pastor, Rev. O. A. Thomas,
had, a few weeks previous, arrived in this vicinity in his emi-
grant wagon drawn by oxen, and taken a claim in Clinton Falls
and was preparing the logs for his cabin. On a lovely Sabbath
morning in June, he, with his estimable wife, called at our cabin
door and invited us to accompany them up Straight river three
miles, where there was a little settlement, in order to hold Sab-
bath service. We readily assented, and found a hearty welcome
from Mrs. A. B. Cornell, and a room full of people, seated vari-
ously on boxes, benches, etc., and soon there sounded for the
first time over these beautiful prairies the voice of public prayer
and praise. After the exercises were concluded the rude seats
were removed, the tables spread, and the hospitable lady pre-
pared dinner for us."
From that time, services were held by the different denomi-
nations in the old schoolhouse, until the fall of 1857, when
a few who were wont to worship together called a meeting at
the home of A. N. Stoughton, to discuss the advisability of or-
ganizing a church. After some discussion the meeting adjourned
to meet in the old schoolhouse on Mill street (where our first
ward building now stands), on Thursday, October 22, 1857, at
2 p. m., at which time the organization was completed. The
churches of Faribault and Clinton Falls were invited to assist.
Faribault did not respond. The Clinton Falls church was rep-
resented by its pastor, Rev. Ozra A. Thomas, who preached the
sermon. Rev. John C. Strong, from Bradford, Iowa, who was
in the village for a few days, assisted in the public services of
formation and recognition. Twelve persons entered into cove-
nant as members of the First Congregational Church of Owa-
tonna, viz: A. N. Stoughton, Mary A. Stoughton, his wife; Wait
Stoughton, Melburn C. Burr, George W. Danford, Lydia H.
Hall, George Hall, Emeline Hall, Charles A. Strong, Jessie B.
Gailad, Emery C. Walden and Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne).
As the schoolhouse was occupied by other denominations,
it was not always available for the services of this church, so
during the winter we joined from time to time with the other
denominations in union services which resulted in many addi-
tions to the churches. At our first communion, March 6, 1858,
Rev. I. A. Thomas preached the sermon and seven united with
us, viz: Richard Miles, Mrs. Adaline Miles, Emily A. Raymond
(Chambers), Hannah L. Hall, Mrs. Elizabeth Sibley, Emily
Strong (Donaldson), Minerva Strong (Bodle). At this time we
had but one deacon, A. N. Stoughton, who was elected to that
office February 25, 1858, which office he still held at the time
of his death. At the same time Charles A. Strong was elected
962 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
clerk. Being unable to find a suitable room in which to hold
ou.r meetings, in the spring Deacon Stougliton employed ]\Ir.
Miles to build a wing on the east side of his home (which house
still stands on East School street, between Elm and Grove) for
this purpose. The church worshiped until the fall of 1859 in
this room, and not our church alone but other denominations,
the Methodists, Episcopalians, etc.
In April, 1858, Rev. O. A. Thomas began his labors among
us as pastor of the church at a salary of $200 or $250 a year.
Continuing to reside on his farm in Clinton Falls, he preached
on alternate Sundays to the Clinton Falls and Owatonna
churches, going once a month both to Somerset and Meriden.
In May, 1858, our first trustees, three in number, were elected —
Dea. A. N. Stoughton, Wait Stoughton and Richard Miles.
The summer following was a trying one to the pioneers of
Steele county. The financial panic of 1857 was still felt by the
people of the vicinity. A severe hailstorm, coming just before
the harvest, destroyed all the grain, and many farmers lived on
cornmeal, some on boiled oats, and one family lived for weeks
on boiled pigweed. Barley and peas served for coff'ce, and a
mild weed which grew on the prairie as tea.
It was in the autumn after such a summer that the Ladies'
Mite Society was organized with Mrs. A. N. Stoughton as presi-
dent, Emih' Strong (Donaldson) secretary, and Mrs. Elizabeth
Ware, treasurer. In July, 1858, we welcomed Deacon Thom
and family. He was chosen deacon in 1860 and was never per-
mitted to return to the ranks. We worshiped two years in
Deacon Stoughton's house, and in the summer of 1860 in Mor-
ford's hall (the upper part of the building on Bridge street,
where Mr. Rosebrock's store now is) a series of meetings was
held in which the evangelist. Rev. Morgan, assisted, which
greatly strengthened the church. As soon as the new school-
house was finished, in 1862, it became the meeting place of this
as well as of other denominations. Deacon Stoughton. having
purchased a small organ, carried it each Sabbath morning on
his wheelbarrow to the church. His niece, Mrs. Hughes, often
speaks of how she used to carry a lamp and steady the organ
when going home at night. Before this, "Ye old time choir,"
consisting of Wait Stoughton. John Hale Abbott, Elder David-
son, Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Abbott, Emily Strong (Donaldson), and
Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne), had taken the pitch from the
tuning fork which \\'ait never forgot to carry.
In the fall of 1863 we bade farewell to Rev. Thomas, who
had been with us through those first trying years, and the
church was without a pastor the following winter.
December 10, 1863, occurred the death of Isaac Styles \Vads-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 963
worth, Mrs. A. N. Stoughton's son, who left a legacy of $1,000
for the church. A part of this was used to buy the lot on which
the house stands, the remainder being the first money received
towards the erection of the building.
The next spring (1864) Charles L. Tappan accepted a call
to the pastorate, which he filled for two years at a salary of
$400 to $450. During his ministry he preached at Somerset,
where a number of the church members resided. In November,
1866, these eight members were dismissed from the mother
church to form an organization of their own.
In the spring of 1865 our Sunday school was organized. Pre-
vious to this a union school had been held with Deacon Stough-
ton as superintendent. Dr. L. H. Kelly was elected superin-
tendent and Raymond A. Stoughton secretary, treasurer and
organist ; teachers. Deacon Thom, Deacon Stoughton, Mr.
Adams, Mrs. Ware, Mrs. Sargent and Mrs. N. L. Towne. In
August, 1866, Rev. Leverett S. Griggs became pastor of our
church at a salary of $800.
In the spring of 1867 work was commenced on our new
church (a part of our present structure). The building was
36x60 feet, with a tower 12x12, and an extension in the rear 7x8
feet for a pulpit, and an orchestra in the west end for the choir.
Although not finished we moved into our building in the fall.
It was grouted upon the sides and sheeted and furnished with
movable seats. Work continued during the winter, the shavings
being swept up every Saturday evening. In October, 1867, five
more of our members, thinking it their duty to help organize a
church in Waseca, asked for letters from our church, which
were granted to Frederick J. Stevens, Lucy P. Stevens, Mrs.
Lydia II. Vinton, W. H. Vinton and Gordon Henshaw. In the
autumn of 1868 the church was plastered. The Methodists
kindly invited us to worship with them, which we did for a
few weeks. In June, 1869. Rev. Leverett S. Griggs was com-
pelled, on account of ill-health, to resign. On July 3, 1869,
Merton made a great demand u])on the church and thirteen
were dismissed. Among the number were Philo J. Sheldon
and wife, Mrs. Abby Tulth and her son Fenrick D. and daughter
Alice. August 22, 1869, Rev. Chester Craigan, a recent gradu-
ate of Chicago Theological Seminar}-, began his work with us
at a salary of $1,000. He was ordained the following year on
February 17. During the session of the general conference, on
Sunday, Octol)er 17, our church was dedicated. In the spring,
1871, Rev. Charles C. Craigan resigned, and in the fall of the
same year Rev. Newton H. Bell took up the work, remaining
with us until 1873, when he went as a missionary to Turkey.
C. W. Hall, a young man who was professor of our high
964 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
school, and is now at the State University, read sermons through
the winter and until the coming of Rev. Orson C. Dickerson,
July, 1874. He remained with us until October, 1876. The
following year, Dr. D. M. B. Thom left us to go to Turkey as
a missionary. In November, 1876, Rev. Darius A. Morehouse
came to us, remaining with us five years, until June 1. 1881.
In 1876 the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was or-
ganized with eleven members. Mrs. Morehouse was chosen
president, Mrs. Spellman, secretary and treasurer. The follow-
ing year the Home Society was organized and the money was
divided between the two societies, and in 1880 we voted that
each alternate monthlj' meeting should be a home meeting. In
September, 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown began his labors among
us. During his pastorate a Young People's Society was organ-
ized, which held its prayer meetings each Sunday evening just
before the service. A little later the Christian Endeavor Society
was organized.
In 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown was called. April 28, 1889,
he tendered his resignation, but this was not accepted. Later,
November 24, 1889, he again tendered his resignation, which
was this time accepted. May 1, 1890. came Rev. James A.
Chamberlain, who remained a little over six years. During his
stay, parlors were built on the church and other improvements
made. January 21, 1897, Joseph H. Chandler took up his work
here. After three years he was followed by Rev. J. Sidney
Gould, who in turn was succeeded in 1904 by Rev. James Par-
sons. May 1, 1906, Rev. Everett Lesher took charge of the
pulpit, and he was succeeded about a year and a half ago by
the present pastor, the Rev. Alfred E. Gregory. — Compiled from
article by Mrs. Naomi L. Towne.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The first service of this church
in Owatonna was held by the Rev. J. Lloyd Breck, of Faribault,
June 22, 1858. In the fall of 1859 Bishop Kemper and Mr. Wil-
coxson left Hastings September 29. They reached Faribault at
night, where the bishop preached. The next day's journey
brought the travelers to the rural district of Somerset, in Steele
county. Their route lay up the valley of Straight river, past a
few scattered houses known as the village of Owatonna. They
found hospitability at the house of a farmer, Elijah H. Sibley,
and held a service, the first Episcopal Church service in Steele
county. In the afternoon they preached at Bancroft. October
3 found them in Medford, where the good people gladly listened
to the preaching of the word, and two children of Mr. Colgan
were baptized. A year later there were three communicants.
After the associated mission was formed at Faribault, Owatonna
became one of the regular missions and was cared for by the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 965
Revs. Moses, Breck and Sanford in turn, or by a student from
the Seabury Divinity School. In the summer of 1859 the Rev.
Solan W. Manney became one of the clergy of the mission and
visited Owatonna, holding services every other Sunday. Others
who officiated were the Rev. George C. Tanner and Rev. S. S.
Bruleson, who were also members of the mission, the former
a teacher, the latter a student pursuing his studies and in dea-
con's order. The Rev. Mr. Bruleson was in charge of the serv-
ices for a time, until he moved to Northfield in 1864. At the
time Mr. Breck visited Owatonna, so far as known, there was
but one Episcopal family, Mr. and Mrs. David Potwin, both of
whom were communicants. There were a few people kindly
disposed towards the Episcopal Church, but not members.
Among them were M. A. Daily and family, who kindly gave
Mr. Breck the use of his office, on the corner of Cedar and Main,
for his service; also Mrs. E. Y. Hunniwell, who came to Owa-
tonna in 1857. Though not a communicant, her house became
the home of the missionary. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Yearly
were confirmed by Bishop Whipple, December 21, 1860. Mrs.
Hunniwell and Mrs. Bessie Pearce Hanna were confirmed at
Bishop Whipple's second visit about November 14, 1862.
On August 19, I860, St. Paul's parish was duly organized
by the Rev. Solon W. Manney. M. A. Daily was elected clerk
of the meeting; David Potwin, senior warden; John Clozier,
junior warden; N. M. Donaldson, S. M. Yearly, John Odell,
W. A. Ware, M. D., William H. Kelly, M. A. Daily, vestrymen.
The parish was admitted into the union with the convention of
the Diocese in June, 1861. At the time of the first service in
1858 the population of the village was about 300. Services were
held for a time in the wing of Deacon Stoughton's house. All
bodies of Christians held services here, each using the room
in turn, the people all attending the several services. After
some time a frame schoolhouse was built near the present Bap-
tist Church, and this was the common place of religious serv-
ices. Then a hall known as Morford's Hall, on Bridge street,
was used until the Presbyterian Church was built just west of
the Arnold house, which was loaned to this congregation for
a service on alternate Sundays.
About November 1, 1864, the Rev. J. H. Babcock moved to
Owatonna, took charge of the parish, adding Wilton to his care.
From April 1, 1867, to November, 1886, Rev. George C. Tan-
ner (Faribault) was in charge of the church in Steele county.
In May, 1867, he removed to Owatonna, the first service being
held on Palm Sunday. During the summer of 1867 a small
chapel was erected, with seating for about 125, at a cost of about
$1,500, of which half was given by the people of Owatonna and
966 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the rest b}- the Ijishop and friends abroad. The building was
used for the first lime for divine services in July, though it had
neither windows, doors or pews, and consecrated as a chapel and
parish schoolhouse, November 15. The building was used for
church services until August 17, 1884. Soon a house was built
on Grove and Rice streets, partly with funds given by friends
in the parish and outside and in part with the private means
of the rector. Though known as the rectory, the title was never
in the parish, and when the new church was built, in 1884, the
amount which the church had contributed, $900, was returned
to the parish and used towards the building fund. Dr. Tanner
always held the property of the rectory in his own name.
Dr. Tanner held services regularly part of the time at Wells,
in Blue Earth, Winnebago City, Havana and Lemond. He per-
formed occasional services at Austin. At times he was the only
Episcopal clergyman in the region south of Faribault. For a
few years the church received accessions and the parish pros-
pered. In 1876 some business changes occurred, which caused
removals that were a serious loss; this was followed by emigra-
tions to newer parts of the state, so that in following years it
was a severe struggle to maintain the church. Dr. Tanner was
also superintendent of schools for fifteen years, from 1872 to
1887, until he resigned care of the parish. In this position he
was able to perform many ministrations, which he could not
have done. During a visit to Blooming Prairie a wish was ex-
pressed for the services of the church. A service was held in
the schoolhouse then standing on the site of the present church.
Other services followed, resulting in the building of a church.
Services were also held in schoolhouses within five or ten miles
of Owatonna and in the towns of Aurora, Somerset, Lemond,
Meriden and Dodge City. Dr. Tanner held services in Manter-
ville, Kasson, also at times in Wilton, Waseca, Janesville. Dur-
ing the year he made a monthly visit to Albert Lea and assisted
in raising money for a church there. In the fall of 1883 the
foundation for a new church was laid, and the building was com-
pleted in the following year. The first service ever held in the
new church was the funeral of John Locke. October 18, 1884.
The first service on Sunda}' was by Dr. Tanner, October 26.
The church was consecrated by Bishop Whipple, August 17,
1885; the cost, including the furnishings, was about $5,000. The
last service of Dr. Tanner as rector was held November 21,
1886. The following week he entered upon his duties as chap-
lain at Bethany College, Kansas.
During the winter of 1886-1887 services were kept up by
clergymen from Faribault. After five months. Rev. R. E. Med-
calf entered upon his duties ]\Iay 11, 1887. He was also in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 907
charge of services in Waseca. From 1887 to June 1 he held
regular services there, and was highly esteemed in both places.
At Ovvatonna his work prospered, and his resignation on Janu-
ary 20, 1889, was sincerely regretted by all. Mr. Medcalf was
followed by Rev. Andrew Harper, who was in charge from July,
1889, until February 2, 1890, when services were supplied from
Faribault. In July, 1891, Rev. P. B. Peabody entered upon his
work in Ovvatonna, in charge until 1894. Dr. Tanner minis-
tered to the people until July, when Rev. Theodore Payne
Thurston was appointed to minister to the people. He resigned
to take duty at Winona, 1897. He was succeeded by Rev. A. G.
Pinkham, who was in charge until November, 1906, when Rev.
Elmer N. Schmuck assumed charge.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunniwell came to Owalonna in 1857. The
church was much indebted to them for the support of services.
Mr. Hunniwell died in 1893, leaving all his wealth to his wife.
She died February 4, 1896. She was a charter member of the
Episcopal Church, a regular and devoted attendant and gave
generously. Being of a liberal and public spirit, she bequeathed
a large part of the estate to public institutions, $20,000 to the
public library of Owatonna ; $32,000 to Breck school at Wilder ;
$10,000 to St. Mary's Hall at Faribault, to provide scholarships
for the daughters of missionaries; to St. Paul's Church in Owa-
tonna, $3,000 for a rectory and $10,000 for an endowment. — By
George C. Tanner, D. D.
The First Universalist Society of Owatonna. The original
organization of the First Universalist Society of Owatonna was
efTected on April 20. 1867, by a few persons who believed in
that faith and who were ably counciled and assisted by the Rev.
J. H. Tuttle, who was then in charge of the Church of the Re-
deemer, of Minneapolis, and who remained the guiding spirit of
that church for many years thereafter, and who was a great
spiritual help to the then struggling society here in Owatonna.
The first trustees and ofificers were chosen at a meeting held on
May 19, 1867, and resulted in the election of S. B. Washburn,
H. J. Lewis and L. L. Bennett as trustees; A. C. Gutterson
treasurer, and Charles C. Cornell clerk, and during the early
part of that year held their meetings in the old one-story wood
schoolhouse in the first ward, very near the present location of
the present first ward school building; soon after, however, re-
moving to the old schoolhouse located in the second ward, where
they remained for several years, but finally locating in the room
known as Dressers' hall, now used in connection with the gen-
eral merchandise business of Nelson Hartvig Company.
At this time the constitution and by-laws of the society were
adopted and such religious services as the societj' was able to
968 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
give were continued until in the following year Rev. S. Wake-
field was chosen and installed as the first regular pastor. Mr.
Wakefield remained with the society until 1870. The society
was then for several years without any regular pastor. In
January of 1875 a re-organization of the society was made. The
old constitution and by-laws, with some few minor changes,
were again adopted, and in the following year Edwin W. Pierce
was called as pastor. Later the Rev. H. B. Butler was a very
acceptable pastor of the society for quite a number of years.
In 1888 the Rev. J. L. Andrew was the pastor. Later, and until
1891 the Rev. W. S. Pechin had charge of the society. Follow-
ing the Rev. Pechin, Rev. J. F. Hammond was the society's
pastor, and in that year was erected the church parlors in the
form of a large addition to the church building, which had been
built several years previous, making a very useful and conveni-
ent room for church gatherings, Sunday school, and various
other purposes. About this time Rev. George Crum was in
charge of the society and remained its efficient pastor until
1901. Following the Rev. George Crum, Rev. John W. Carter
was duly installed as pastor of the society, and for five years
he proved to be a most efficient leader. During the time of his
pastorate the old church, with most of its furnishings, was de-
stroyed by fire, but under his inspiration and the very libera)
donations of the members of the society, a new church building
was erected on the same lots upon which the old church stood,
and is now one of the fine church buildings of which Owatonna
has reason to be proud. The church grounds comprise a plat
132 feet square, located on the corner of Elm and Main streets,
and is estimated to be worth, with building, fully $20,000. Fol-
lowing the Rev. John W. Carter, Rev. Harry L. Canfield was
duly installed as pastor, and so remained until the latter part
of 1908, when the Rev. George F. Hughes took charge of the
society and is still its acceptable pastor.
The history and the life of the First Universalist Society,
like all the other Christian churches established in those early
days, was one of continual struggle for life and establishment,
and it required the pioneer spirit of those days to persevere to
accomplishment the founding of the different religious organiza-
tions. Many of the charter members of the LTniversalist Society
have passed on to the realization of the home beyond. In fact,
so far as it is known to the writer, there are but two living, viz,
Dr. and Mrs. L. L. Bennett. But there is now existing a good
membership of younger people, upon whose shoulders the burden
rests, and under whose care we have every prospect and faith
of the permanency of the society and church, and especially so
for the reason that all strife and bickerings between the different
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 969
Christian organizations of this beautiful city have passed away,
and all fraternize to the fullest extent consistent with their
especial church rules. In fact, the Universalist Church is under
many obligations to all the other religious societies of Owatonna,
and as a whole membership, wish a God speed for the success
of all the other Christian societies. — By L. L. Bennett, M. D.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized in 1891 by the
Rev. P. !■". Kiernan, who still remains as pastor. The church
and parsonage are on Elm and Fremont streets, and the con-
gregation is in a prosperous condition. Father Kiernan has
been in Owatonna longer than any other pastor now living here,
and has taken an active part in the civic and literary as well as
s])iritual and moral advancement nf the city.
St. Hyacinth Polish Catholic Church was organized in 1903,
and at once erected a suitable house of worship. The present
pastor is the Rev. J- Smicch, and the church is in a prosperous
condition.
First Presbyterian Church. The first services of this de-
nomination were held at Owatonna in the winter of 1855-56,
by Rev. Harvey Chapin, who located here in February, 1856,
dividing his labors, however, between this and several other
villages, and organizing churches at Dodge City, East Prairie-
ville and Ashland. On September 13, 1857, he organized the
Presbyterian Church, with the following as the first members :
Mrs. Judge Donaldson, Mrs. Jane Chapin, Mrs. Jane McCaslin,
Mrs. Elizabeth Asliton and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Adair. They
were joined by William Davidson and wife and a few others
within a year afterward. For several years Mr. Chapin preached
in the old log schoolhouse, until 1863, when, principally through
his own influences and indefatigable labors, a church was com-
menced, he and William Davidson hauling the logs for timbers,
and in 1864 it was completed. In this small but neat church
Mr. Chapin continued to preach until the spring of 1865, when
he removed to Tipton, Mo. In that place his ministerial labors
were brought to a sudden and mournful close. His house caught
fire, and, in an effort, as was supposed, to save important papers,
he perished in the flames. Mr. Chapin was succeeded in Owa-
tonna by Rev. H. W. Nelson. In the fall of 1865, Rev. I. Faries,
who had come to Minnesota in search of health, became a tem-
porary supply, but in May, 1867, his failing health deprived the
church of ministrations which had been eminently useful. On
July 22, 1867, Rev. R. J. Cunningham accepted an invitation
from the church and continued his labors here for one year,
when he accepted a call to Rushford. Since that time the fol-
lowing have served as pastors of this church in the order named :
Reverends W. S. Wilson, J. J. Ward, James McCauley, O.
970 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Thatcher, William Pelan. James McGowan, Robert A. Ander-
son, H. Cullen, W. K. Weaver, George P. McGill and J. S.
McCormack.
Services were first held in the old log schoolhouse, and then
for one season in Morford's hall. After this a frame school-
liouse, which stood where the first ward school building is now
located, was used until 1864. when the church edifice was com-
pleted. It was a frame ]:)uilding. just west of the Arnold house.
This building served as a house of worship until 1877, when
the present church was built at a cost of $3,000. The old build-
ing was sold to J. G. A. Dennerline, and was used for some time
by the German Reform denomination. The church was organ-
ized legall}', with corporate powers, in 1859, the certificate of
organization being filed I\Iay 28, 1859. The trustees elected at
that time were D. S. Harsha, \\'. F. Drum, Robert Adair, W^ F.
Pettit and William Davidson.
During the first few years after this church was organized
a Union Sunday school was maintained by all the denomina-
tions, alternating in furnishing the superintendent and officers.
At an early day. however, the Presbyterian Sunday school was
organized, which is still in thriving condition.
The present officers of the session are : Edward Donaldson
(chairman), Sewell Hodgman (clerk), Alexander Ferrier, C. J.
Hansel and Robert Thom. The trustees are : Dr. J. H. Adair
(president), A. G. Scholl (secretary), George R. Kenyon (treas-
urer), Walter Amos and Frank Leggo. Edward Donaldson is
superintendent of the Sunday school ; Miss Esther Adair, as-
sistant superintendent ; Louis Hammel, Jr., secretary ; Lyman
Olson, treasurer; and Mrs. J. H. Adair, superintendent of the
primary department. The church has the usual societies and
organizations.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Owatonna was organ-
ized in October, 1856, with five charter members, viz: W^illiam
B. Norman, Sarah Jane Norman, Amelia Oliver, James Soper
and Emily Soper. So far as I have been able to learn, none of
these are now living. James and Emily Soper are not the James
and Emily Soper that were living here at the time of the build-
ing of the present church, and who bought for their use during
their lifetime one of the pews in the church at the time it was
built. This later family came into the church in 1865. The
Methodist was the first church organized in this city, and was
followed by the Baptist, in June. 1857; the Presbyterian, in
September, 1857; the Congregational, in October, 1857, and the
Episcopal, in 1860. The church held its first meeting in the old
log schoolhouse, situated on the grounds of the present first
ward schoolhouse, where thev alternated with the other denomi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 971
nations in holding services. From there they moved to the
Baptist Church, later to Morford's hall, and from there to the
Drescr hall, where they remained till the fall of 1857, when
they moved into their own first church, subsequently known as
"the little brown church," which was built on the ground now
occupied by the parlor of the present church. As one of the
then members writes me, "After eleven years of homeless wan-
dering, as we moved into 'the little brown church' we felt in-
deed that we had reached the promised land." That church cost
$2,000, and was built and completed, ready for occupancy, in
sixty days, and continued to be the home of the church for just
the time they had been wandering in the wilderness — eleven
years — when the present church edifice was built, in 1878, at a
cost of about $8,000. The building committee of the present
edifice was George E. Peck, John Q. Ellis, A. C. Hickman, S. W.
Farmer, D. O. Searle and S. N. Lund. The builder was W. H.
Burdick, who commenced work on August 24, 1878, and com-
pleted it November 30 of the same year, and it was dedicated
on the following day by Chaplain (afterwards Bishop) McCabe.
The builder and the building committee, with the exception of
A. C. Hickman, who is now one of the professors in the law
department of the State University, have been called to the
hereafter. The first sermon preached in the new church by the
pastor, Rev. M. S. Kaufifman, was from the text, "The glory of
this latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord
of Hosts, and in this place will I give peace." In 1883 the
church was seriously damaged by a cyclone, the building being-
moved on its foundation about six inches and the plastering
inside largely torn off, so that it had to be entirely re-plastered
and put back on its foundation. In 1902, the church was re-
modeled by diminishing the size of the audience room and add-
ing two Sunday school class rooms, and enlarging and improving
the gallery.
The first parsonage was buili the same year that "the little
brown church" was built, and was occupied by Rev. E. R. La-
throp, who was the past spring elected mayor of the city of
Hastings. There seems to be some uncertainty as to where the
first parsonage was built, whether on what is now known as the
John Donaldson property, adjoining the residence of the writer,
or immediately across School street, but at any rate the John
Donaldson property became the parsonage at a later date, and
in 1877 was traded for the present parsonage lot, adjoining the
church, where the present parsonage was built in 1892. In
1908 a large, beautiful pipe organ was added to the attrac-
tions of the church. The church is now one of the largest and
972 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
most commodious and best adapted for church services of any
in the city.
So much for the temporalities of the church. What of the
men and women who have reared and maintained these temples
of worship? In the nearly fifty-four years of the church's his-
tory, it has had twenty-five pastors, including the present occu-
pant, ten of whom have entered into the promised land. Rev.
J. C. Ogle, who was stricken with death while preaching in the
church, held the longest pastorate, nearly five years. The names
of the pastors and the order of their appointments are as fol-
lows: Solomon Wetzel, 1856; Aaron Matson, 1857; J. M. Rogers,
1859; Robert Hoover. 1860; F. A. Conwell, 1861 ; Ira H. Richard-
son, 1862; Thomas McClary, 1864; E. R. Lathrop, 1866; S. T.
Sterrett, 1867; C. Hoovis, 1869; R. Washburn, 1869; J. W. Mar-
tin, 1871; A. B. Bishop, 1873; H. G. Bilbie, 1875; M. S. Kaufif-
man, 1877; John Whistler, 1880; J. H. Dewart, 1882; G. H. Hare,
1885; J. C. Ogle, 1886; R. N. Avison, 1891; Samuel Ellery, 1895;
W. X. Jamieson, 1898; E. H. Goodell, 1902; W\ R. Keesey, 1903;
M. G. Schuman, 1907; D. M. Johnson, 1910. Of those living,
Ira H. Richardson is now out of the ministry and living at
Ortonville, Minn.; E. R. Lathrop, now mayor of the city of
Hastings ; J. W. Martin, chaplain of the Bethel boat in St. Paul ;
A. B. Bishop, practicing medicine in California; H. G. Bilbie,
residing at Owatonna, Minn. ; M. S. Kauffman, who was the
pastor during the building of the present church, is now at Fall
River, Mass.; John Whistler's home is in Denver, Colo., just
where he is preaching I am unable to state ; R. N. Avison is
now pastor of the Hamline Church ; J. H. Ellery is located at
Newport, Minn.; W'. X. Jamieson, First M. E. Church of Man-
kato; E. H. Goodell, Red Wing, Minn.; W^ R. Keesey, North-
field, Minn. ; and M. G. Shuman, Redwood Falls, Minn.
But few of the laity are still living who were here when
the first church was built. Among them, Mr. and Mrs. J. W.
Doolittle, Miss Jane Doolittle, Mrs. Eliza Warner, Mrs. Mary
Baldwin, Mrs. Mary Burdick, Mrs. Mary Laird (Mrs. Laird
died since writing this article), so far as I know, only remain.
In 1865 the church had a membership of ninety-nine. At one
time it got up to 270. It now has 193 members. The high tide
of prosperity in the church, both financially and religiously,
seemed to have been reached at the time of the building of the
present church, when more than $14,000 was subscribed during
the two years, and 143 taken into the church on probation.
The Sabbath school was organized in 1865, with A. C. Hick-
man as the first superintendent, and a membership of 101. Since
then the membership has varied somewhat, but upon the whole
has gradually increased. The superintendents of the Sunday
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 973
school have been, in the order named : A. C. Hickman, J. S.
Woodard, W. A. Sperry, A. W. Rankin, C. B. Wilkinson, A. J.
McCornack, Frank LaBare, E. J. Gleason and James Manuel,
the present incumbent. — By W. A. Sperry.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in
1875, with the following members, including their families: Au-
gust Mollenhauer, C. F. Mattwoig, August Mierke, August
Soehler, Carl Settc, William Mundt, Mr. Keller, William Mogler,
John Ellison, Gustave Buche and W. Wocker. At that time
this circuit included Deerfield, Blooming Grove, Owatonna,
Somerset, Meriden and Aurora.
In the fall of 1875, Deerfield and Blooming Grove were taken
from the circuit, leaving the other appointments, which have
been supplied with the following pastors : Rev. H. Schnitker
was the first preacher in charge, but Rev. Jacob Keller served
the newly arranged circuit; F. W. Buchholz came in 1878; E. A.
Borchardt, in 1879; H. E. Young, in 1880; F. Hogrefe, in 1882;
H. F. Lange, 1884; C. A. Borchart, 1886; George Hoerger, 1888;
J. C. Pfeifer, 1890; E. P. Christ, 1895; C. L. Lehnert, 1898; J. G.
Lehnert, 1898; F. J. Weigano, 1900; H. F. Krienke, 1901; H. J.
Hoffert, 1904; J. F. Steiner, 1906; H. Clement, 1907. In 1910
the Owatonna and the Rochester charges were united, and F. C.
Schultz placed in charge.
When the church was first organized in Owatonna, services
were held in a schoolhouse. At that time a Sunday school was
organized which is still maintained. In 1877 a neat building
was erected at the corner of North Elm and Pearl streets, which
has served as a place of worship ever since. This charge con-
sists at present of two appointments, Owatonna and Aurora.
The Danish-Norwegian Lutheran Church, in Owatonna, was
started about 1868, with meetings in private houses and in the
building now occupied by the Seventh Day Adventists. The
Rev. N. Olsen was at that time the pastor in charge. The
church was regularly organized October 22, 1885, and the church
edifice was erected and dedicated in 1897. The pastors have
been the Revs. S. Strand, G. B. Christiansen, N. S. Nielsen, J. P.
Naarup, N. P. Lang, M. T. Jensen and A. N. Lund, the present
capable pastor. The first trustees of the church were William
Mork, Laust Andersen and Simon Williamscn. The first clerk
was L. C. Larsen. N. P. Jefifersen and Nils Jacobson were also
prominent in the early days. Tlie president of the church is
Iver Anderson ; the clerk, Laurence Christiansen ; the treasurer,
Anton Jacobsen ; the trustees, Christ Stophcnsen, Peter Ander-
sen and Eric Jensen.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, .\bout 1870 the
services of this denomination were held in private houses, and
974 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
an organization was effected. Rev. Emniil came here occasion-
ally from Meriden and preached. The first regular pastor was
Rev. F. Hauser, who came here in 1876, and remained about
one year. Rev. .\. 11. Wetzel succeeded him, and during his
pastorate in 1878 a neat church edifice was erected. F. Johl
served a short time, after which Rev. G. P. A. Schaaf, from
Aurora, filled the pulpit until 1880. Rev. Carl Mende was the
next pastor, and remained until 1883. when Rev. Schaaf again
occupied the pulpit for a short time. At this time came a split
in the church, the congregation withdrawing from the Synod
of Missouri and joining that of Iowa and Minnesota. Those
who remained faithful to the old synod formed another church.
Rev. F. Klein preached his first sermon here on March 1, 1884,
remaining until the fall of 1909, when he was succeeded by Rev.
Conrad Winters. A beautiful new church building was erected
in 1899.
First St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. In the early
eighties, when the Missourian and Anti-Missourian controversy
was rife, a part of the congregation of the St. John's Lutheran
Church decided to withdraw from the Missouri Synod and join
that of Iowa and Minnesota. As this body was in the majority,
the whole church withdrew and made the synodical change,
while the ones who remained faithful to the Missouri Synod
continued their organization, and, being without a house of
worship, met in the members' houses. They were served for a
while by G. P. A. Schaaf and John Schulenberg, from other
congregations, imtil 1896, when the latter became the resident
pastor. In 1897 a fine church edifice and parsonage were built.
Later a school addition was erected. In 1903 the present pastor.
Rev. E. H. A. Paul, took charge. He also has charge of the
congregations in Deerfield and Richland townships. Albert
Bartsch is the secretary of the church and A. G. Kranz the
treasurer. The trustees are Albert Bartsch, Herbert Paul and
Carl Lisher. The deacons are A. G. Kranz, Louis Bartsch and
G. Dulitz. The trustees of the school are F. H. Joesting and
Robert Bartsch.
Church of the Sacred Heart. It is claimed that the first
Catholics in Steele county were Thomas and John Bergan,
Michael Barney, Joseph Kiesel, James McLaughlin and James
Lonergan. Rev. Father Keller was the first priest to hold serv-
ices in the county with any degree of regularity. At that time
he lived at Faribault, and had charge of the mission south of
that point to the state line. At first services were held in pri-
vate houses, then in Dresser's & Butsch's halls until a church
edifice was erected. In 1867 a church committee was organized
to take steps for the erection of a building. It was composed
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 975
of M. J. Toiler, president and treasurer; James Lonergan, Joseph
Kaplan and Charles Schoen, of Owatonna, and William Leary,
of Merton. The building was ready for occupancy on Christ-
mas day, 1868. Three or four years later a parsonage was
erected upon the same lot, which cost $1,200. December 17, 1901,
the old church was burned to the ground. It was at once rebuilt
and was dedicated May 21, 1903. The present pastor is the Rev.
John Pivo.
School of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sales. In connection
with the history of the Catholic Church should be mentioned
the educational institution which is located just north of their
church edifice. This school was established at Owatonna in
1876, and the same year a three-story brick building, with a
stone basement, was erected at a cost of $8,500, upon a lot
which was donated to the order by the Church of the Sacred
Heart. The general management of the school is vested in the
Order of Sisters, the general headquarters of which are at
Joliet, 111. ; but they have also state headquarters at Rochester.
The building is divided into school rooms, furnished with first-
class school apparatus. The course of study here embraces all
the ordinary branches, with the addition of music, drawing,
painting, needlework and languages. To these, if desired, re-
ligious instruction is added. No teachers are placed here except
those educated by the order and in their institutions, and they
are especially fitted for and educated in the branches which they
teach.
CHAPTER XXV.
STEELE COUNTY VILLAGES.
Bixby — Clinton Falls — Medford — Settlements and Hamlets —
Anderson — Deerfield — Steele Center — Riverpoint — Merton —
Berlin — Lemond — Meriden — Havana — Pratt — Sago — Hope
Station — Former Villages — Elmwood — Dodge City — Ad-
amsville — Somerset Village — Somerset Postoffice — Elmira
Village — Aurora Postoffice — Oak Glen — Aurora Station —
Postoffices — Railroads.
Aside from Owatonna, Blooming Prairie, Bixby and Ellendale,
Steele county has several important trading points, among which
Medford and Clinton Falls, settled in the early days, and the more
recently settled Bixby take an important place.
BIXBY.
After the burning of Aurora Station, J. S. Bixby, commonly
known as "Jake" Bixby, succeeded in having the railroad au-
thorities select his land as a more advantageous location for a
station. The station was accordingly opened in a box car, on
a siding built on Mr. Bixby 's farm. Gradually the place assumed
importance, and it is now an extensive trading point for the
farmers within a radius of many miles. Several fires have vis-
ited the place, but these have not dampened the ardor of the
people. The village now consists of the general stores of Sam
Ray and Anton J. Haberman, a railroad station, a postoffice, the
blacksmith shop of Frank Styndl, the Oak Glen creamery, the
Laird-Norton yards, of which George J. Johnson is manager, the
B. B. Sheffield elevator, now owned by McLaughlin & O'Hal-
loran, a boarding house kept by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nelsen, a
public hall ; and, a short distance away, the Danish Lutheran
Church, of which the Rev. M. O. Block is the pastor.
The Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Blooming
Prairie township, is located a short distance from the village of
Bixby. It was organized in 1883, the first trustees being Hans
Jensen, Nils Thimsen and Peter Petersen. The first pastor was
the Rev. S. Strand, who was also the first president of the con-
gregation. Soren Petersen was the first secretary and N. P.
Nelsen, the first treasurer. For some years meetings were held
976
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 977
in the schoolhouse near Soren Petersen's place. The church was
commenced in 1887, and finished and dedicated August 1 of
the same year. The Rev. M. O. Block is the present pastor, the
secretary is R. P. Nelsen ; the treasurer, P. Petersen ; and the
trustees, Nels Larsen, S. Muller and George Johnson. Carl
Rasmussen is deacon and James A. Rasmussen the Sunday school
superintendent. The Sunday school is held regularly after each
service. A young people's society will be organized this fall.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in July, 1906, with the
following officers: President, Mrs. Martin Nelsen; secretary,
Mrs. Nels Nelsen ; treasurer, Mrs. N. P. Nelsen. This society
affords opportunity for social intercourse and has proven a
strong factor in improving the church and keeping the building
in repair, as well as in contributing generously toward the cur-
rent expenses of the church. The present officers are: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Nels Nelsen ; secretary, Mrs. Dick Nelsen ; treasurer,
Mrs. Christiana Johnson. — By Mrs. Martin Nelsen.
CLINTON FALLS.
The village of Clinton Falls was laid out in the fall of 1855
by Dr. W. W. Finch. In the village plat a block was platted as
a cemetery, free to everyone. It was not laid out in lots until
after Dr. Finch left. In 1882 the Oak Hill Cemetery Association
was formed and Dr. Finch deeded the block to them and it was
then platted into lots. This was the first cemetery in the county.
The first burial in it was of the remains of Daniel Morrison,
who died in March, 1855. A postoffice was established here in
the fall of 1856, with James Finch as postmaster. The first and
only hotel ever established here was started by C. M. William-
son and T. Burns, in the summer of 1857. It was run by them
for some time and was known as the Clinton House. The first
religious society organized here was the Medford and Clinton
Congregational Society, which was organized by Rev. O. A.
Thomas.
The first store at Clinton Falls was started by Cyi^us Will-
iamson in 1857, with a small stock of groceries and notions. In
1861, Judge Green went to Milwaukee and secured what was
then considered a large stock of goods, which was hauled to this
place by teams from La Crosse, that being the nearest railway
point. Later the store was owned by Dr. Finch. In 1856, Dr.
Finch commenced building a dam across Straight river, for the
purpose of securing sufficient water power to operate mill ma-
chinery, but one-half interest was to belong to the Williamson
Brothers, who were to build a grist mill, and Dr. Finch a saw-
mill, the grist miU to be completed within a year. When the
978 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
sawmill was put into operation, James Finch had a leg broken
by a log rolling upon him. The Messrs. Williamson failing to
get their grist mill completed early enough, Dr. Finch sent to
Chicago and procured a set of small burrs, or what was called
a "portable mill," and put it in operation in his sawmill. This
was the first grist mill in this county. It w^as truly a Godsend
to the settlers, who had frequently been under the necessity of
resorting to their coffee mills to manufacture their meal for
bread. Wheat thus ground was very appropriately called meal,
as it could not be reduced fine enough to be called flour. Set-
tlers used to come here from a distance of forty or fift)' miles.
Williamson Brothers pushed their work on their grist mill, and
in 1857 Hon. G. W. Green purchased an interest, and later the
whole mill, and it was pushed forward to completion under the
superintendence of Moses Hutchinson, the onl}- practical mill-
wright this section of the country then aiTorded. D. R. Mor-
rison was established as miller. Judge Green became sole pro-
prietor and continued to operate the mill for many years.
A division of the Sons of Temperance was organized here
in the summer of 1876, a charter being granted on the 27th of
December, 1876. The charter members were Frank W. Sher-
man, Ella Boynton, Annie McCartney, Matie Brown, Matie
Green, Nellie Knapp, Susan Larson, R. A. Shadick, M. Shadick,
C. C. Finch, F. H. Church, F. R. Green, W. H. Boynton and
Thomas Griffin. The organization was enthusiastically main-
tained for some time. After a time, however, the interest flagged
and it was finally abandoned.
The village at present consists of a church, a store, a cream-
ery and a mill, as well as several residences. A new dam has
recently been built across the river and the village is enjoying
a settled prosperity. C. M. Finch is the postmaster.
MEDFORD.
The village of Medford is located on sections 8 and 0, in a
beautiful valley through which flows the Straight river. The
village was laid out in 1856, on land which had been entered as
government land by Smith Johnson in 1853. The site was sur-
veyed and platted by Rev. O. A. Thomas, for the proprietor,
Smith Johnson, Sr. At a meeting of the settlers to consult upon
a name wherewith to christen the town. Air. Colling said that
he had a son who was born on board the ship Medford and was
named Medford in honor of the ship, and proposed that the town
should be named Medford in honor of the boy, which proposi-
tion was unanimously adopted. The postofiice at Medford was
established in the fall of 1855, with Smith Johnson, Sr., as the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 979
first postmaster. This was the first postoffice established in
what is now Steele county. The office was then kept at Mr.
Johnson's residence, and he retained the position until the time
of his death in 1860. Succeeding him in the early days, came
the following postmasters : Edwin Drake, Albert McKinney,
D. C. Hunkins, E. T. Howard, Orlando Johnson, L. S. Fowler,
John Bailey and S. M. Freeman. The first frame house erected
in Medford village was commenced by Mr. Kinyon, and com-
pleted in 1856 by Smith Johnson. It was run as a hotel until
about 1867, by A. Stebbins. In 1856 the Abbott Brothers put
up a steam sawmill and set it in operation, and it furnished most
of the lumber for this section of the country. The mill was
removed after running a year or two. The same year Messrs.
Melvin, Rideout & Hall erected a fine steam sawmill a short
distance below the village site. It continued in active opera-
tion until about 1860, when it was burned to the ground and has
never been rebuilt.
The first store in the village was started in the summer of
18.S6 by Albert McKinney. He continued it until July, 1857,
when it was rented by W. P. Francis & Co., who put in what
was considered a heavy stock of goods in those days. They
ran the store for a year or two and then exchanged it for real
estate.
In the fall of 1858, Messrs. Sulley & Francis established a
paper here, called the "Medford Valley Argus," removing the
material from Owatonna. The publication of the paper was dis-
continued within a year. Mention of this is made in the general
chapters of this work.
In the fall of 1867 an extensive grist mill was erected here
by E. T. Howard. It was a valuable acquisition to this part of
the county. It had a capacity of 150 barrels a day. Mr. Howard
ran it for several years, and was succeeded by White & Baynon,
and then Raynon & Mace. In September, 1880, the mill was
destroyed by fire and the owners did not rebuild.
In the spring of 1872, Howard & Johnson erected a cheese
factory, which was the forerunner of the present Farmers' Co-
operative Creamery.
In July, 1866, the firet train of cars was run through the
village, on what has since become the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway. In 1901 the Cedar Rapids, Burlington & North-
ern, now the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, came through.
The Methodist Church in the village was erected in 1875.
The Congregational Church was erected in 1863-4.
On December 20, 1883, a destructive fire occurred in Med-
ford village, destroying five stores and a doctor's office. The
losses were reported to the country papers as follows : Captain
980 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Heath, building and pool table, loss $1,000; G. H. Butler, stock,
loss $550, insurance $400; A. B. Bryant, drug store, loss $800,
insurance $600; J. F. Curtis, drug store, loss $1,500, insurance
$1,000; O. Lee, meat market, barber shop, doctor's office, store
and hall, loss $2,800, insurance $1,350; John Baily's loss was
about $1,000 on store.
A Congregational society was organized at a meeting held
at Clinton Falls, on September 13, 1856. Rev. O. A. Thomas
was chosen moderator and secretary. The following named
were present: Nathan and Phoebe Williamson. Minerva Finch.
Helen M. Finch, Avery Adams, Emma T. Adams, David San-
born, Joseph Sawyer, Anna C. Sawyer and Zachariah Scribner.
At a meeting held in Clinton Falls on April 10, 1857, S. C. Will-
iamson and Zachariah Scribner were appointed as a committee
to hire a minister, and instructed to engage Rev. O. A. Thomas
to preach at Medford and Clinton Falls, as the organization
embraced both points. This plan was carried out and Nathan
Williamson, of Clinton, and Joseph Sawyer, of Medford, were
selected as deacons. In 1864 a church was erected at Medford,
which was dedicated February 18, 1864.
Medford is now a prosperous trading point, and has two rail-
road stations, a postoffice, a fine creamery, several churches, and
the usual stores, shops and the like. Recently the village has
seen a revival of activit}^ and in the past two or three years its
business has increased considerably.
SETTLEMENTS AND HAMLETS.
Anderson, also known as Lysne, the name of the postoffice,
is well located on land originally owned by Thomas M. Ander-
son. It is seven miles southeast of Owatonna, on the C. & N.
W. Railway, and is a hustling little settlement and trading point.
Deerfield is a discontinued postoffice twelve miles northwest
of Owatonna and six miles west of Medford, which is its nearest
shipping point.
Steele Center. A discontinued postoffice six miles south of
Owatonna, the county seat, on the C. & N. W. ; C, M. & St. P.,
and C, R. I. & P. railways.
Riverpoint. A discontinued postoffice ten miles south of
Owatonna, the county seat.
Merton. A discontinued postoffice on the C. & N. W. ; C,
M. & St. P., and C, R. I. & P. railways.
Berlin. A discontinued postofifce nineteen miles southwest
of Owatonna, the county seat. Mail by rural free delivery from
Ellendale.
Lemond. A discontinued postoffice thirteen miles southwest
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 981
of Owatonna, the county seat. Mail by rural free delivery from
Ellendalc.
Meriden. A village on the C. & N. VV. Railway, nine miles
west of Owatonna, the county seat, and six miles east of Waseca,
the banking point. Has a German Evangelical Church. Ex-
press, American. Telephone, Northwestern.
Havana. A postoffice on the C. & N. W. Railway, five miles
southeast of Owatonna, the county seat and banking point. Ex-
press, American. Telephone, Northwestern.
Pratt. A postoffice on the C, M. & St. P. Railway, five
miles east of Owatonna, the county seat and banking point.
Express, Wells-Fargo & Co. The village is named from Horace
Pratt.
Saco. A station on the C, R. I. & P. Railway, six miles
southwest of Owatonna, the banking point and usual postoffice.
Hope Station, six miles north of Ellendale and ten miles
south of Owatonna, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, was
established at the request of the farmers of this vicinity in 1906.
The farmers appeared before the railroad and warehouse com-
mission, August 8, 1905, and at that hearing the railroad agreed
to establish the station at the location desired. It was opened
the following spring. There is now a creamery, an elevator and
a general store at this point.
FORMER VILLAGES.
EUwood village was platted in 1854, in the southwest quar-
ter of the northwest quarter of section 24, Clinton Falls town-
ship, by F. Wilber Fisk.
Dodge City was started in the northwest corner of Merton
township, in 1856 by a Mr. Coburn who opened a small store
there. The country was so sparsely settled that the store did
not pay, and Mr. Coburn sold out to O. T. Jones, who after a
while sold out the stock and closed the store.
Adamsville was the name originally given to the now dis-
continued postoffice of Berlin. The postofiice was established
in 1856 with Hiram Pitcher as postmaster. Mr. Pitcher car-
ried the mail from Owatonna, many times going on foot and in
the winter using snow shoes. The name was changed to Berlin
in 1857.
Somerset Village. — A village called Somerset was platted on
section 20 in Somerset township, in 1856, by John and William
Catlin and Carles Ellison. They divided a forty-acre tract into
streets, lots and blocks. A store building was erected, but
was never occupied as a store, and finally, after considerable
982 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
effort on the part of those interested, the project was aban-
doned and the site reverted to farm property.
Somerset postofifice was the name originally given to what
afterward became River Point in Somerset township. A post-
office was established here in 1857, with Dr. Thomas Kenyon
as postmaster. Other early postmasters were Charles Ellison,
Mr. Bill, Dr. W. H. Twiford, Lewis Robinson, W. R. Catlin
and D. M. Smith. The name was changed sometime in the
late seventies, so far as can be ascertained.
Elmira Village. — In 1857 a village named Elmira was laid
out on section 18 in Somerset near the township line by Thomas
Twiford, who platted about eighty acres of land. A company
was formed through which a dam was thrown across Straight
river and a sawmill was erected. A frame hotel was erected,
which in those days was considered a credit to the county. Mr.
Twiford also established a store. An earnest and determined
effort was made to start a town here, and considerable stress
was laid upon the prospects of the embryo city as to county
seat honors. Five or six thousand dollars was expended in
placing the village on a good foundation; but as it failed to get
the railroad, the proprietor gave up hope and finally vacated
the plat.
Aurora postoffice was established in the southeast part of
Aurora township at the residence of Charles Adsit in September,
1856. It was moved to Oak Glen station, (in what is now sec-
tion 1, Blooming Prairie township) then back to Adsit's place
and was finally located at Aurora station.
Oak Glen station was an old stage coach station on the mail
line from Owatonna to Lansing. The mail contractor in the
summer of 1856, erected a half-way station here and J. B. Per-
ham divided the site into blocks, lots, alleys and streets. The
postofifice, afterward located at Aurora station, was located in
this settlement for a short time.
Aurora Station was an important point in Aurora township
in the early days of the C. M. & St. P. Ry., and bade fair to
become a large settlement. But it was wiped out by fire, and
the present site of Bixby, selected as a more suitable location
for the village between Owatonna and Blooming Prairie.
POSTOFFICES.
There are at present in Steele county, ten postoffices with
postmasters as follows: Havana, Frank R. Herzberg; Pratt,
Matilda S. Lieb; Bixby, Peter C. Johnson; Blooming Prairie,
Theodore P. Fagre ; Clinton Falls, Cyrus M. Finch; Lysne (An-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 983
derson), Louis W. Thumpson ; Owatonna, James M. Diment;
Meriden, Samuel E. Grandprey; Medford, W. A. Bailey.
RAILROADS.
The cities and \illages of Steele county, while depending to
a large extent on the farmers for their trade, have nevertheless
been made possible in a great degree by the railroads, though
a few are off the route of the steam lines, and many were
founded long before railroads in this county were deemed a
possibility. The county is now crossed by three railroads, the
Chicago & Northwestern, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. — The Minneapolis & Cedar
\'alley Railroad Company was incorporated March 1, 1856, with
an authorized capital stock of $3,000,000 to construct a railroad
from Minneapolis to a point of juncture with the Root River
Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad in Dakota county, from
one to six miles from Mendota, and thence in a southerly direc-
tion to Faribault, thence through the valley of the Straight
river to the southern boundary line of the territory. The com-
pany was also to have the right to build at any time, a line from
the Mendota junction to St. Paul, also a like road to Hastings.
The summer previous, 1855, had witnessed a heavy increase
in the population of Steele county. Railroad agitation had
already begun in earnest, all wdio were interested here took an
active part in working the matter up. Railroads, it seemed
absolutely necessary to have and strenuous eiiforts were made
to put the scheme in operation. Persons went to St. Paul to
attend the sessions of the seventh territorial legislature and
the charter above mentioned was granted, and the Minneapolis
& Cedar Valley railroad was incorporated. Among the incor-
porators were : Franklin Steele, Isaac Atwater, D. M. Hanson,
James F. Bradley, Ezra Abbott, R. P. Russell, A. M. Fridley,
II. II. Sibley, John W. North, James Shields, Alexander F'ari-
bault, John C. Ide, Charles Jewett, F. W. Fisk, Benjamin L.
Arnold, William F. Pettit, John H. Abbott, A. B. Cornell, A.
Town, A. B. Vaugn, H. O. Billings, Orlando Wilder and others.
Four men, Henry H. Sibley, of Mendota; Franklin Steele, of
Minneapolis; James Shields, of Faribault; William F. Pettit, of
Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, of Austin, were commissioned to
open books and receive subscriptions. The commissioners suc-
ceeded in securing stock subscriptions to the amount of $200,000.
Owatonna, Faribault and Northfield were the most active in rais-
ing this amount of stock. The first meeting of the stockholders
was held in Mendota in February, 1857, at which time the fol-
08i HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lowing named directors were elected : Ezra Abbott, of St.
Anthony; Franklin Steele, of Ft. Snelling; H. H. Sibley, of Men-
dota ; J. W. North, of Northfield ; James Shields, of Faribault ;
William F. Pettit, of Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, of Austin;
Ezra Abbott, treasurer; Franklin Steele, secretary, and J. H.
Abbott, chief engineer. In June, Mr. Abbott and L. Kellett com-
menced surveying the route and by the close of September, the
location was made and the estimates for the construction com-
pleted.
May 22, 1857, at a special session of the territorial legislature
called by Governor Gorman by reason of the Congressional land
grant, this road was one of four which received a grant of
alternate sections designated by odd numbers, six miles in
width, on each side of the roads and their branches. The com-
panies were to pay 3 per cent of their gross earnings in lieu of
all taxes and assessments, and the lands granted by Congress
were to be exempt from all taxation until sold or conveyed by
the companies. The corporations were generally given ten
years to construct their respective roads. April 15, 1858, the
legislature passed what was afterward known as the five mil-
lion dollar loan, by which state bonds to that amount were to
be issued for the benefit of the roads. Governor Sibley refused
to issue these bonds, but afterward yielded to the Superior court.
The amount issued to the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley road
was $600,000. But for various reasons the railroads were unable
tsQ dispose of these bonds to advantage, and therefore did not
pay the interest, and work on the railroads was suspended. The
controversy was finally ended by the state legislature in 1860,
when it was voted that the state should enforce its liens" and
become owner of all franchise lands and the roadbeds of the
defunct companies. The Minnesota Central Railroad company
was incorporated in 1862 to follow the same route of construc-
tion originally laid out for the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley rail-
road. In 1865 Faribault was reached, and in August, 1866, trains
were running through Steele county. In the meantime a line
was in course of construction in Iowa, and the lines united at
Rose Creek, near Austin, thus making this railroad the first
to connect St. Paul with the east. In 1874 the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul adopted its present title, having in the
meantime absorbed the Minnesota Central and many other
lines.
Chicago & Northwestern. — The Transit Railroad Company
was chartered March 3, 1855, with a capital of $5,000,000 and
the route designed for it by the act of May 22, 1857 was from
Winona via St. Peter to a feasible point on the Bix Sioux river,
south of the forty-fifth parallel of north latitude, also from
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTreS 985
its terminus to any point on the Missouri river south of the
same parallel of latitude. This act was passed at a special ses-
sion called by Governor Gorman, by reason of the magnificent
grant of land made by Congress that same year. The Transit
company was one of the four railroads, which, by this act o£ the
special territorial legislature of May 22, 1857, received alternate
sections, designated by odd numbers, six miles in width on each
side of the roads and their branches.
This road received $500,000 in bonds under the five million
dollar loan, but was unable to dispose of them to advantage,
or to pay the interest, and forfeited its property to the state in
1860. The Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company, which was
an outgrowth of the Transit line, was organized March 10, 1862,
and completed its line from Winona to Rochester in 1864. Two
\-ears later in August it reached Owatonna. In 1867 the Chicago
& Northwestern Railway Company became interested in this
line and under date of June 7, 1900, acquired it by purchase.
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific. — The Burlington, Cedar
Rapids & Northern Railway Company reached Owatonna from
Albert Lea, June 13, 1900. It later pushed its way north and
was in operation through Faribault to the Twin Cities in Jan-
uary, 1902. June 15, 1903, the line was acquired by the Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific.
Red Wing, Duluth & Southern.— In 1887, the city of Owaton-
na voted bonds to the amount of $40,000 to assist in the construc-
tion of a line which was to run from Albert Lea, through Owa-
tonna, thence to Red Wing, and northward. This line was
never constructed, and the bonds were never issued.
The Dan Patch Air Line, designed eventually to become a
part of a system connecting the Twin Cities with Chicago by
electric line, has been surveyed through Steele county and many
of the people of the county have subscribed to its stock.
OWATONNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
The fire department of Owatonna was organized in 1875 by
the election of AI. R. Strong, chief, and I. W. Burch, secretary.
Charles II. Randall was the second chief, serving from 1877
to 1879, at which latter date C. W. Hadley was appointed, serving
until 1884. The membership fee of this company was $1 to join
the fire department, and all members were to run to the fires
without pay. They were also to take charge of their own fire
apparatus, which consisted of two eighty-gallon chemical four-
wheel wagons, weighing about two tons each, which the city
had purchased of the Champion Fire Extinguisher Company, of
Louisville, Ky., paying $2,800 on board the boat at Louisville,
J)86 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Ky. Upon tlie arrival of these fire extinguishers, they made a
test on a burning building situated on South Elm street. In
making the run, a man was killed, the victim being a stranger
who, while helping to draw the apparatus, tripped and fell in
such a way that a wheel passed over him. This apparatus was
used to good advantage, and saved thousands of dollars' worth of
property until the present waterworks were constructed in 1890.
The fire department was disbanded in 1884. by a resolution of
the city council. S. S. Green was then instructed to organize
a fire department, which was to be composed of not more than
forty members, and for compensation they were to receive
twenty-five cents for each meeting, and $1 for each member who
worked at a fire, the member so working to report at the fire
house after the fire fighting was done.
At the reorganization in 1884, S. S. Green became the chief.
In 1886 he was followed by C. E. Luce. In 1887, E. M. Twiford
was appointed and has served continuousl}' with the exception of
the years 1899 and 1900 when Ovid Wood took his place, Mr.
Twiford being mayor of the city those two }'ears. The presi-
dents have been as follows: 1884. H. Luers ; 1886, E. M. Twi-
ford; 1887. S. S. Green; 1890, C. E. Luce; 1892, William Gause-
witz; 1893, L. B. Fanner; 1895, William Gausewitz; 1898, L. B.
Fenner; 1904, L. F. Hammel, who is still serving. The secre-
taries have been : 1884, C. E. Luce ; 1886, Benjamin E. Darby ;
1890, Walter Amos ; 1894, E. A. Brown ; 1896, J. P. Thon ; 1898,
Charles J. Servatius, who is still serving.
The present officers are : President, L. F. Hammel ; secretary,
Charles J. Servatius ; treasurer, John Thon ; chief, E. M. Twi-
ford; assistant, F. G. Schuman; foreman hose cart No. 1, R. H.
Jahreiss ; foreman of hose cart No. 2, William Essler ; foreman
of the hook and ladder company, John Thon.
There are at present twenty-five members of the fire depart-
ment, one of whom is employed continuously and six of whom
sleep in the fire house at the City Hall. There is also a branch
fire house on Rose street, between Oak and Cedar. The appa-
ratus consists of a combination hose and chemical wagon, two
hose carts, a hook and ladder, and other equipment. The chem-
ical wagon has a capacity of fifty-two gallons and has about
200 pounds pressure. There are 16 fire boxes in the city and
125 hydrants, the water having a pressure of about 72 pounds,
gravity, in the business districts. The hose equipment consists
of about 2,800 feet.
The Owatonna Fire Department Relief Association was or-
ganized April 5, 1895, and has been a must im])ortant factor in
the civic growth of the city. Starting with $11 in its treasury,
it has contributed over $11,000 to the city, has cared for its sick
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES DSY
and disabled members, and now lias o\cr $2,500 in its treasury.
The story of its part in the building of the City Hall is told else-
where. The third floor, which was completed by the association,
is a tribute to its generosit)' and artistic sense, the murial decora-
tions alone costing nearly $2,500, and the electrical fittings over
$500. The present officers of the association are: President,
L. F. Hammel; vice president, Henry Sanders; secretary, Charles
J. Servatius ; treasurer, John Thon ; trustees, F. G. Schuman,
Andrew Erdman. E. II. Lipert and J. C. Jahreiss.
CHAPTER XXVI
POSTAL HISTORY
Early Stage and Mail Routes in Steele County — Owatonna Post-
office — Postmasters — Locations — Rural Routes — Free Deliv-
ery — New Building — Present Force — Receipts. — Compiled
With the Assistance of J. M. Diment.
During the winter of 1854-55 Congress, for the purpose of
aiding in the establishment of western mail routes, granted for
that purpose one section of land for every twenty miles of route
operated, under certain conditions. Of course, the stage com-
panies at once prepared to take advantage of this, and stations
were established on these sections, twenty miles apart. The first
stage run through Owatonna was from St. Paul south. This was
late in 1855. Owatonna was the terminus for a time. A post-
office had been established at Medford, but the mail sacks were
not opened at Owatonna until later.
In the winter of 1855-1856, or late in the fall of 1855, as is
claimed by some of the old settlers, stages commenced running
west from Winona carrying mail on west to St. Peter. The first
mail bag that went to the latter place contained one letter of
greeting from the postmaster at Winona to the one at St. Peter.
Stages were not reall}' put on for passenger travel until 1856,
and after that they were run regularly. The manager was a man
named Lord, who lived in Winona and who, as a rule, drove
the stage himself. The route extended from Winona west,
through Owatonna and other points to Travers des Sioux or St.
Peter. The first stage arrived here from the east during the last
week in September, 1855.
A station was located on section 6, near the northwest corner
of Owatonna township. Stages were run weekly to St. Peter
and return to Winona.
In 1856 M. O. Walker, succeeding Lord, became proprietor
of the stage line, and this name became a familiar one in almost
every settlement in the Northwest. This stage line continued
in operation until the railroad reached Owatonna in 1866, and
then moved westward, followed closely by the lines of railway.
Walker at one period, in 1857-1858, became badly involved in
debt. He owned many different lines of stages, and, as the
financial crash, which came at about this time, checked travel,
988
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 98D
many of these lines did not pay expenses. Often the agents or
drivers were unable to pay bills for repairs and keeping con-
tracted along the route, and it seems several of this character
were run up in Owatonna. Finally papers were got out and placed
in the hands of the sheriff, who was instructed to attach Walker's
horses as they drove through, and this procedure was repeated
many times, the sheriff often having from ten to fifteen of
Walker's horses in his charge. Yet it was sometimes a difficult
matter to attach the teams. The stages carried United States
mail, and so long as a mail-sack remained in the wagon, the
sheriff dare not attach the team for fear of violating the United
States statutes in detaining the mails or obstructing the route.
Ordinarily the sheriff would stand behind the corner of the house,
and as soon as the sack was carried into the postoffice he would
walk out and claim the team. The carriers got so they would
watch for this and would get a sack on just as soon as one was
taken off. Walker would invariably pay his bills after a short
delay, and then matters would move on smoothly until the next
creditor would swear out an attachment. In 1859 Nichols &
Wheeler became proprietors of the stage line. They continued
it for about four years, when it was purchased by Burbank &
Co., who operated it until the railroad came in 1877. A north
and south stage line was also put in operation at an early date.
With the beginning of 1856 stages arrived regularly on this line,
which was then operated by Brackett & Co. Williamson & Cot-
ter succeeded them and operated the line until tlie railroad was
built through. Philo Finch, of Clinton Falls, was one of the
drivers on this route for Williamson & Cotter. They also had a
station every twenty miles, located on the lands which they
claimed under the grant. They located a town called Oak Glen
in Steele county, on section 1, in what is now Blooming Prairie
township, and laid plans for the erection of a city. This line
continued in active operation until the railway was put through
in 1866-1867. The proposed city never succeeded in getting a
fair start, and when the railroad reached this locality the village
of Blooming Prairie was laid out on section 25, in the same
township, and Oak Glcn became a thing of the past.
In 1856 a mail route was estaablished from Owatonna to
Geneva, and E. C. Stacy was the first to operate it. Nathaniel
Winship next got the contract and continued to run it for four
years. The mail was carried sometimes with a buggy, again on
horseback and frequently on foot. Hugh Murray is remembered
as having footed it across the country with the mail on his back.
As early as 1857 a mail route was established from Red Wing
to Blue Earth City, and Philo Ilawes became the carrier. Part
of the time he was in company with a partner under the firm
990 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
name of Cotter & Hawes. This was continued until about the
time the railroads were completed to this point.
The following item appears in the issue of the Owatonna
plaindealer, September 22. 1864:
"Burbank & Co. have decided to put on the road between
this place and Rochester, next Monday, two daily lines of stages
each way. owing to the great increase of travel. Last Monday
afternoon there were twenty-seven persons desiring passage
east. Nineteen got on one coach and the rest hired a livery, but
this is not an unusual occurrence. The company have the best
of accommodations on the road for the convenience of the trav-
eling public."
The Owatonna Postoffice was established in 1855, witli S. B.
Smith as postmaster. Up to that time the name of the town had
been spelled "Owatonia," but at this time the "i" was changed to
an "n," and the orthography became the same as it is to-day.
M. A. Dail}' was the second postmaster, and he was succeeded in
turn by John N. Kelley, about 1858; William Wadsworth about
1862, and Twiford E.' Hughes about 1866. April 7, 1870. E.
Easton took possession of the office and remained until January
8, 1876, when he was succeeded by Charles S. Crandall. Mr.
Crandall held the office until April 10, 1884, when he was relieved
by Lewis L. \\'heelock, who was postmaster for some time.
In 1888 Amos Cogswell was appointed, and he was followed
in 1892 by C. E. Luce. M. J. Toher was appointed in 1896 and
the present postmaster, J. M. Diment, was appointed in 1900. Be-
fore Mr. Crandall's administration the postoffice was located on
the north side of Bridge street, on practically the site of the
southern half of the present quarters. Mr. Crandall removed it
to his store, on the present site of 108 West Broadway. When a
syndicate, composed of L. L. Wheelock, E. M. Morehouse, G. F.
Albertus, W. R. Kinyon and H. H. Rosebrock, erected the present
building, extending from Bridge street to West Broadway, the
office was moved to its present quarters.
Congress has passed an act providing for the erection of a
$58,000 postoffice building, on the corner south of the beautiful
building of the National Farmers' Bank. The appropriation will
doubtless be passed at the next session.
This office was made a money-order office in August, 1866.
The first three money orders were purchased by Twiford E.
Hughes, Alverson & Graham and Dr. A. S. Mygatt.
The city free delivery service was established July 16, 1900.
The carriers were: Andrew J. Parolik, Harry H. Luce and
Charles G. Boyer. Arthur H. Lawson was sub carrier. The
service was extended and an additional route assigned for serv-
ice, March 2, 1903, with H. W. Vinton was the new carrier.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 991
The present carrier force consists of Amos B. Colquhoun, Ber-
ton A. Deviny, John A. Diehl, and William J. McDonald. Mil-
ton A. Rions is the substitute.
The rural free deliver)- came into existence in Steele county,
February 1, 1902, with the establishment of routes 1, 2, 3 and 4
out of Owatonna. Routes 5 and 6 were established February 2,
1903. Route 7 was established July 15, 1904; route 8, June 1,
1905 ; routes 9 and 10, November 16, 1906. On this date, Novem-
ber 16, 1906. there was an entire reorganization of the other
eight routes out of Owatonna, and what is known as a com-
plete county rural free delivery service fully established. The
carriers at the present time are as follows: No. 1, T. J. Rions;
No. 2, H. H. Holmes; No. 3, Fred W. Kinyon; No. 4, William
Baldwin; No. 5, William Stransky; No. 6, George W. McCrady;
No. 7, F. W. Schultz ; No. 8, H. A. McCrady ; No. 9, Elias Elia-
son; No. 10, Walter W. Reed.
The Owatonna postoffice force is at present organized as fol-
lows: Postmaster, J. M. Diment; assistant postmaster, J. W.
Andrews; mailing clerk, George C. Toher; money order clerk,
Edward W. Springer; general delivery clerk, Charles F. Rypka;
stamping clerk. Jay S. Whitman ; substitute clerk, Harry C.
McCrady.
The fiscal year at the Owatonna postofifice extends from
July 1 to June 30. Since 1887 the annual postage receipts have
been as follows : 1887, $5,793.89 ; 1888, $6,1 18.38 ; 1889, $6,214.28
1890, $6,936.53; 1891, $7,105.64; 1892, $7,318.63; 1893, $8,348.19
1894, $8,604.49; 1895, $9,368.07; 1896, $9,686.96; 1897, $10,693.01
1898, $11,166.78; 1899, $11,229.77 1900, $13,175.51; 1901
$12,334.15; 1902, $13,742.45; 1903, $14,484.41; 1904, $15,086.08
1905, $16,719.04; 1906, $15,908.91; 1907, $17,645.76; 1908,
$19,622.29; 1909, $21,271.45, thus bringing up the report to
July 1, 1910.
Other postoffices are mentioned in connection with their re-
spective localities.
CHAPTER XXVII
BLOOMING PRAIRIE VILLAGE.
Modern Blooming Prairie — Its Beauties, Situation and Advan-
tages — Coming of the Railroad — Early beginnings — Mu-
nicipal Improvements — Park, Waterworks, Sewer — Fraterni-
ties — Churches — Leading Stores — Elevators, Mill and Cream-
ery — Schools — Grain Industry — Edited by John C. Brainerd.
Blooming Prairie village ranks next to Owatonna in size
and importance in the county, its population numbering about
one thousand souls. Its progress since its founding in 1867 has
been steady, and its situation gives foundation to the belief
that the growth will be more rapid. It receives trade from
four counties, and is not in too close proximity to either Owa-
tonna or Austin. It has a well laid out appearance, a park
which is developing new beauties with the passing years, a
fine system of waterworks, a short sewer, good schools, and sev-
eral excellent churches. Its business men are progressive and
prosperous, and have taken an interest in the welfare of the
village. Good stores, a newspaper, two good banks and a fine
hotel all add to the advantages and comfort of life in this locality.
Blooming Prairie has a population of about 1,000 people.
It contains five churches, a graded and high school, two banks,
one creamery, three grain elevators, one newspaper, a water-
works system, a telephone company, a private sewer system, elec-
tric lights, a railroad station, express and telegraph service, a mill,
a fovmdry and factory, a live stock yard, two lumber yards,
cement sidewalks, a fine park, four blacksmith shops, four physi-
cians, one dentist, one livery, one feed stable, one draying
establishment one undertaker, one real estate office, five general
stores, three lodge rooms, one opera hall, a tow mill, a feed mill,
two meat markets, a hotel, three restaurants, two millinery
rooms, three painting and paper hanging establishments, two
hardware stores, a furniture store and two drug stores, three
agricultural, implement and vehicle dealers, a men's tailor, four
saloons, a cigar factory and a photograph gallery.
Following is a brief business directory of Blooming Prairie.
Physicians, B. Melliy, E. H. Cooley, H. G. Wood, J. W. Warren.
General stores. Alliance Cash Co., Blooming Prairie Mercantile
Co. (also a men's furnishing store), P. H. Dock, A. A. Hrubetz,
992
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 993
Joseph Ruzek. Hardware and agricullural implements, Ed.
Morton, Bell & Herron. Furniture and agricultural implements,
L. S. Ulland ; druggists, Olson & Fjelstad, E. \V. Cooley. Feed
mill, Susan Johnson. Cigar maker, Thos. M. Bruzek. Black-
smiths, T. S. Morton & Son, Walter Rasmussen, Christ Lund,
J. A. Schisler. Tow mill (branch), Union Fibre Co., of Winona.
Men's tailor, Christ Mortenson. Newspaper, Blooming Prairie
Times. Meat markets, R. H. Johnson, B. Betlach. Hotel, the
West. Photograph gallery, Fairbanks Bros. Restaurants, W. C.
Peterson, L. E. Zweiner. Thomas Keefe. Milliners, Blooming
Prairie Mercantile Co., the Campbell sisters. Painting and
paper hanging, Blooming Prairie Paint Co., John R. Harty and
L. Erickson. Other are mentioned in detail in the general his-
tory of the village.
The incorporate limits of Blooming Prairie includes sections
24, 25 and 36 and half of sections 23, 26 and 35 in township 105,
range 19. About 40 acres was included in the original plat. Part
of that tract has been abandoned, a part replatted, and several
additions have been made.
The first buildings erected on the present site of Blooming
Prairie village were the shacks for the men employed in con-
structing the C. M. & St. P. Ry. About this time C. C. Hartley
moved a blacksmith shop from the country to the present site of
the village, and a shack was also built probably as a lumber
office. The first frame house erected was the railroad station.
The second was the residence of C. C. Hartley, long known as
the Western house, and Christ Vollhardt built a place that was
used as a residence, place of refreshment and hotel, being known
as Union hotel.
Christ Vollhart has lived in Blooming Prairie during practi-
cally its entire existence. He came here early in 1867, on a
construction train, and erected hotel. At that time there was
here the railroad station, the boarding house or hotel of C. C.
Hartle)' as well as the blacksmith shop of C. C. Hartley. The
first birth in the village was probably that of his son, Henry Voll-
hardt, in 1868, and the first death was doubtless that of his
daughter, Louise, who died in August, 1868, at the age of
four years.
Among the prominent citizens of Blooming Prairie village
and vicinity, whose names should be preserved for future gen-
erations are the following: A. B. Clark, C. W. Gardner, L.
Ellington, R. I. Fuller, E. B. Sproud, J. N. Dunton, Octave Gar-
riepy, Frank C. Brown, George A. Peterson, John A. McConnell,
J. C. Brainerd, Joseph A. McConnclI, John G. Lennon, C. C.
Hartley, Thomas Feeney, O. A. Veblin, Norman Evans, G. Jen-
sen, Aseph Mayo, M. M. Guthrie, Ole Ecker, L. E. Hatch, Thco.
994 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
L. Hatch, J. Palmer Johnson, C. H. Williams, A. Olson. C. D.
C'liddings, E. Morton, T. S. Morton, George H. Johnson, E. H.
Wheeler, Christ Vollhardt, Aaron Pettie, A. J. Pettie, C. B. Pet-
tie, Harrison Pettie. D. T. Pettie, I. C. Pettie. Dr. Saulsbury,
Thomas Bray, J. A. Beatty, C. E. Hancock, A. Colquhoun,
George M. Topliff, Jos. C. Carey, Peter Haley, Joseph Branning,
Ira Foster, H. A. Gleeson, Alec Hughes. Charles D. Giddings,
George W. Porter, Jacob Ryder, Charles E. Johnson, Thomas B.
Ingersoll, A. G. Ingersoll, J. C. Rae, Charles Rae, Michael Gleen,
Edward Burke, C. H. Scott, Christ Calusen. William Cashman
and H. N. Thurston.
The village of Blooming Prairie is situated in the southeast
corner of the township of the same name, its limits adjoining
the counties of Dodge, Mower and Freeborn. It occupies the
most elevated portion of Steele county and the highest plain
in southern Minnesota, the elevation being about 1,300 feet above
the sea level. A short distance east of the village is the source
of the Cedar and Zumbro rivers, and the Straight and Turtle
rivers rise nearby to the west. The village was very appro-
priately named, as its site is on one of the most beautiful prairies
in the west which was originally clothed with a profusion of wild
flowers changing in their kind and color from the white and blue
of early spring to gold and purple of the autumn day.
The rails of the Minnesota Central Railway, now a portion of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, were laid through here in
the summer of 1867, and a station and a postoffice opened both
named Blooming Prairies. The first station agent was J. C. Note-
man and the first postmaster, Chas. W. Gardner. About this
time the lots and streets were surveyed and staked. The tract
being a portion of the original land grant to the railway company
and was purchased by Selah Chamberlain, of Cleveland, and
George E. Skinner, of Faribault, who shortly afterward formally
recorded the plat.
The tributary country is one of the most fertile in southern
Minnesota, and as it was fast settling up the town speedily be-
came an important trading point and was soon one of the large
primary grain markets. The first stock of merchandise was
placed on sale by A. C. Hawley, generally known as Captain
Hawley, in a small tent near the present depot building with L.
Ellington employed as clerk. It is reported a heavy storm
occurred soon after the grand opening and many unprescribed
mixtures of tobacco, fish, starch, coffee, etc., were made. The
remaining merchandise was removed to a small warehouse on
the railway grounds south of the depot, one part of which was
used for handling grain, the postofifice was also kept in this build-
ing. Mr. Gardner purchased the stock of merchandise a few
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 995
months afterwards and removed it and the postoffice to a build-
ing which he erected in 1868, on block 7, opposite the depot, and
which is a portion of the building still standing there.
In the spring of 1868 one of the first store buildings was put
up by E. B. Sprant, on block 7, and in which he conducted a mer-
cantile business for some two years when he sold out to J. N.
Dunlon & Son. In 1867 the first hotel was opened by Chris
V'ollhardt and operated as such for some years and called the
Union Hotel. The first blacksmith shop was opened for busi-
ness by C. C. Hartley on lot 12, block 13, in 1867. Mr. Hartley
also erected a hotel in the same year in block 13, which was long
known as the Western house. In 1870 Chas. W. Gardner sold
his mercantile business to Mr. Octave Garriepy, of Minneapolis,
and Mr. Ellington, who was in the employ of Mr. Gardner, was
appointed postmaster. Mr. Garriepy continued in the mercantile
business until the year, 1876, when he returned to Canada, his
native home, where he now resides.
In 1870 E. H. Wheeler purchased a building on block 6, and
opened a blacksmith shop, employing T. S. Morton; the next
year Mr. Morton succeeded to the business and removed his shop
the following year to lot 1, block 8. The building has been re-
paired and additions made, but the old building still stands and
Mr. Morton still works at the old place where he has for these
many years conducted a successful business. For some time his
son, Byron H.. has been associated with him in the blacksmith
and machine business.
In 1871 Lewis Ellington and F. C. Brown opened a small
stock in block 14, on Fourth and the postoffice. Mr. Ellington,
postmaster, was removed to this building. Mr. Brown retired
from the business after a few months and Mr. Ellington united
his business with that of Geo. A. Peterson, who had previously
operated a store in .Xustin, but sent his stock here in 1872, doing
business under the name of G. A. Peterson & Co., and under
this firm name the business was conducted. Mr. Ellington retired
in a few months and Air. Peterson became sole proprietor and
continued in business for .some time when he sold to J. A.
McConnell.
Municipal Improvements. — The \illage of Blooming Prairie
was politically a portion of the township and the physical im-
provements were few for some years ; the streets were ungraded ;
the soil was beautifully black, the road and bridge fund very
small and the street in wet seasons almost impassible. A few
boards were laid down for sidewalks in some favored spots and
removed from place to place as occasion seem to require. The
walks on Main street were very individual in character, some
were on a level with the street and some from one to three
996 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
feet higher, each Ijiisiness place had a walk for its own accom-
modation, a few connecting steps and some connecting planks
made walking much safer in the streets, especially in the dark.
During the legislative session of 1873 and 1874 the act incor-
porating the village was passed. At the first charter election
in March, T. S. Morton was chosen president of the council ;
trustees, G. A. Peterson, H. A. Gleason and Octave Garriepy;
recorder, J, C. Brainerd ; justice of the peace. Peter Haley; con-
stable, J. C, Rea ; W, Bowman, assessor. Village improvements
were now the order of the day, the grade of the streets was
established, sidewalks brought to grade, hitching posts taken
out of Main street, all with many a protest, A parcel of land,
centrally located, was purchased and a voting place and a lock-up
were erected, on this site now stands the two-story brick building
fitted for a voting place, jail and storage for fire apparatus.
The village plot was originally bare of trees. Considerable
interest was soon displayed by all in planting trees on the
streets and lots, which are now so beautifully and abundantly
shaded.
In August. 1889. a fire broke out in the hay mow of the large
barn on tlie Skinner farm, adjoining the village; the villagers
were very active in their efforts to subdue and control the fire,
and Mr. Skinner, as evidence of his appreciation of their good
work, presented the village with a block of ground for park pur-
poses. This was promptly planted with trees, mostly maple,
elm, bass and birch. They have made a rapid growth and are
the foundation of a beautiful park.
The present ofificers of the village are as follows : President,
James Bergin ; trustees, E. W, Cooley, A. O. Bensen, G. F. Hyde ;
recorder, A. A. Peterson; treasurer, T. C. Cashman ; justice, M.
Guthrie; marshal, John Driscoll ; board of health, B, Melby, A,
Fairbanks and John Driscoll ; school board. A, Solberg, Alex,
Fjelstad, E. A. Gilmore, C. W. Ricketts, A, E, Johnson,
Blooming Prairie Village Hall.— This neat edifice was erected
during the administration of M. Guthrie as president of the vil-
lage. The lower floor is devoted to the fire apparatus and the
jail, while the upper floor contains the village auditorium and
the coimcil chambers. The fire apparatus, housed in the lower
part of the building, consists of two hose carts, a hook and ladder
truck, a chemical apparatus and a hand pinnp. The fire de-
partment consists of twenty-four members and was organized
June 29, 190.=;, A, O. Bensen is the chief.
Schools. — The first school building was located on lot 7,
block 4, a site donated by Mr, Skinner to the district. A few
years later the location being desired by a church site an ex-
change was made with Mr. Skinner for a much larger portion of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 997
land, and the school house sold to him. This building was
removed to lot 7, block 13. where it is now occupied. On the
new site a substantial brick veneered school building of four
rooms was erected in 1876, this is still occupied and in good
condition. In 1899 the village school district erected a beautiful
eight-room brick building on a site north of the old grounds.
This building is well equipped with library and laboratory. The
school grounds complete comprise a fine tract of ten lots adjoin-
ing the park. The first teacher in the old school building was
J. K. Bucklin. Professor Fate was the first principal in the
four-room building, and L. II. Isaacs, now superintendent of
schools, in South St. Paul, was the first principal in the new high
school building.
Postoffice. — The Blooming Prairie postofiicc, of which Theo.
P. Fagre has been postmaster for four years, does an annual busi-
ness of nearly $4,000, maintains five rural routes and gives the
village and surrounding country most excellent service. The
postmaster is assisted by Miss Florence Keefe, and S. S. Siverson
has also been sworn in as clerk. The rural carriers are H. L.
Wheeler, Ira J. Smith. Carl G. Jolson, Christ. E. Weger and
John Gorvin. The ofifice was established in 1868 with C. W.
Gardner as postmaster. He was succeeded by L. Ellington, who
served until July, 1876, when A. Mayo was appointed and served
until 1886, when M. Guthrie took ofifice. He served two terms
and was followed by John G. Lennon. Then came Mr. Lennon's
bondsmen, and in 1898 W. L. Buckson assumed ofifice. He was
succeeded in 1906 by the present postmaster.
Sewer. — An embryo sewer, with about ten connections, has
been laid in Blooming Prairie by Albert A. Peterson. The out-
let is in a marsh below the village where a private sewer owned
by the West hotel property, had its outlet. This system will
doubtless, in time, result in a municipal sewer.
Blooming Prairie Cemetery. — The cemetery, which adjoins
the St. Columbanus cemetery and lies about half a mile south
of the platted portion of the village, was early set aside for ceme-
tery purposes by George E. Skinner. April 4, 1892, a num-
ber of citizens decided to form an association, and contributed
a sufficient amount to purchase from Mr. Skinner for $125 such
lots as were not already occupied, in the portion not reserved
for the Catholic people. The organizers, and contributors were
T. S. Morton, Ele Ille, A. Palmer Smith, G. H. Johnson, H.
Noble, T. R. Symes, C. E. Hancock, R. I. Fuller, E. H. Wheeler,
J. C. Brainerd and C. B. Pettie. The present officers of the asso-
ciation are : President and actuary, T. S. Morton ; secretary and
treasurer, J. C. Brainerd. There is also a board of directors.
998 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
GRAIN INDUSTRY.
Grain raising was for several years the principal industry of
the farmers of this vicinity, and buying and handling of grain
was a large trade interest. The first buyers were A. C. Hawley,
Ennis Bros., M. Johnson and C. W. Gardner, who handled grain
in the warehouses erected near the depot.
Messrs. Bassett, Huntting & Co., of McGregor, la., soon built
a warehouse, J. C. Noteman, Chris Vollhardt, L. Ellington and
J. C. Rea buying grain for them at different times, this firm was
the first to erect an elevator here which they did in 1875.
W. H. Valleau bought grain here in a warehouse north of
the depot for a couple of years, Geo. Valleau and A. H. Wiggin
were employed by him. Late in 1875 Mr. Chas. Whitton, who
was a grain buyer for some five previous years, built an elevator
at the foot of Fourth street ; this elevator was sold to G. W. Por-
ter in the spring of 1877 and burned the same fall. On its site
H. W. Pratt & Co. built at once ; this was operated for some
years by Mr. Porter and afterwards by M. H. Hitchcock; after
some transfer it was sold in 1895 to the Farmers' Elevator Co.,
who lost it by fire and built a new elevator which they still
own and operate. F. J. Quinn, now of Colorado, was in
charge of the Farmers' Elevator for a time and was succeeded by
J. R. Edmond, who is their present buyer.
In 1875 M. M. Guthrie, formerly of Dubuque, la., was placed
in charge of their elevator by Bassett Huntting & Co. The fol-
lowing year he acquired an interest in the building and the
business. During most of the succeeding years Mr. Guthrie has
purchased grain at this point, and at present is owner of one of
the elevators.
The grain receipts were the largest in 1875, 1876, 1877, when
they were nearly half a million bushels annually.
Farmers' Elevator Co. — This company was incorporated in
1905, by the election of the following officers : President, Thomas
Herron; vice president, C. E. Symes; secretary, G. A. Peterson;
treasurer, H. A. Peterson: directors, O. G. Anderson, Soren Mil-
ler and John G. Johnson. The company purchased the old Pratt
elevator, and placed F. J. Quinn in charge. In March, 1907,
the building was destroyed by fire. The business was continued
in a rented warehouse, and a new elevator was at once erected.
For several years past, James Edmonds has been the buyer.
The firm is capitalized at $5,000 with about 180 shareholders.
The business amounts to over 100,000 bushels annually. The
present officers are the same as above, with John Jurgenson,
Peter Hanson and O. G. Anderson as directors.
Lumber Yards. — The sawed lumber for the buildings erected
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 999
in the village prior to the building of the railway was hauled
by team mostly from Owatonna. When the railway was com-
pleted Minneapolis and other river points became the natural
wholesale supply market for the territory. A Mr. Searles, of
Owatonna, ])ut in a small stock of lumber in 1867 and erected
one of the first buildings, which was used as an office and dwell-
ing, and situated on lot 1, block 13. Mr. Aaron Pettie & Son
soon succeeded in the business, which they continued until 1872.
In 1871 J. C. Rrainerd established a lumber business and in
the following year Chas. Whitton became a partner. For sev-
eral years the firm of Brainerd & Whitton controlled the lumber
and coal trade and were succeeded in 1878 by Brainerd & Gard-
ner. In 1882 Mr. Gardner retired from the firm and J. C. Brain-
erd conducted the business until 1902, when he sold to the North-
west Lumber Co. A. Solberg opened a yard here in 1892,
and in 1893, O. A. Veblin having acquired an interest, the
firm became Solberg & Veblin and continued under that style
until 1900, when Mr. Veblin retired, his interest having been pur-
chased by Geo. A. Peterson, P. A. Peterson and Thos. A. Helvig.
The firm name was changed to Solberg & Co., and in 1893
the}' incorporated under the style of A. Solberg Lumber Co.
Mr. Veblin in 1900 opened a new yard, which was also taken
over by the Northwest Lumber Co. in 1902. Later this
corporation sold all their lumber and coal interests in this place
to the Laird-Norton Yards and Hayes-Lucas Lumber Co., both
Winona firms. At the present time the latter firm and A. Solberg
Lumber Co. arc the only firms doing a lumber business at the
station.
Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery Co. — Dairying has been
one of the principal industries in this vicinity for several years.
Both wild and tame grasses arc luxuriant in growth ; the water
is plenty, easily obtainable and good. The climate fine and all
conditions are of the best to promote the healthy condition of
neat cattle. In the early years of the country butter was made
at the country homes, under conditions which made the product
a variable one and the price in general was very low. With
the introduction of factory system of manufacture and especially
since the advent of the milk separator there have been many radi-
cal changes and great improvement in methods.
In 1885 the first move was made here for the establishment of
a butter factory, a parcel of land was procured in the village by
a few representative dairymen and business men and a contract
was made with P. O'Reily, of Rawler, la., to erect a building.
The gathered cream custom was then in vogue.
For a few years several changes were made and some of the
eflforts were partially unsuccessful, but generally moving toward
1000 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
success. Mr. O'Reily was succeeded by a local corporation, the
Minnesota Creamery Co. and Potter Lucas Co. followed.
The principal and permanent change came when in 1892 a co-
operative creamer}' company was formed under the style of the
Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery Association. The first
officers were: E. Morton, president; N. N. Hagna, treasurer;
G. A. Peterson, secretar}'; directors, C. B. Peterson. P. A. Peter-
son, Ben Benson, C. E. Symes and Ole A. Anderson. In 1897 the
present commodious brick building was erected and the business
has increased from year to year until the patrons number several
hundred and the product manufactured $90,000 annually. The
present officers are E. Morton, president; Ben Benson, treasurer;
John Jurgenson. secretary; N. N. Hagna, Wm. Ferrington, H.
Noble, Alvin Ille, Ole Embrickson and P. P. Haugen directors.
L. G. Campbell Milling Co. — The first flouring mill in Bloom-
ing Prairie was erected in 1875, by Messrs. H. Hegele & Co.,
but was burned the following year, having in the meantime
handled 175,000 bushels of wheat, most of which was flour. The
present flour mill was erected 1892 by A. S. and L. G. Camp-
bell, who at that time were proprietors of a mill at Austin. In
1895, L. G. Campbell became sole owner and enlarged the plant.
In 1904, electrical apparatus was installed, which furnishes lights
for the village streets, business houses and residences.
The Steele County Telephone Co. operates in Blooming
Prairie, Ellcndale, Geneva, Xewry, Lansing, Bixby and Union,
having 360 instruments in use. It was started in the fall of
1900, and the service was first put in operation August 1, 1901.
At that time the officers were: President, O. P. Rask ; vice
president, A. A. Peterson; secretary and treasurer, S. A. Rask.
The present officers are: President, A. A. Peterson; secretary
and treasurer, S. A. Rask. These two gentlemen and their wives
constituted the board of directors.
HOTELS.
West Hotel. — This popular hostelry was the result of the de-
sire of Halvor J. Hanson to open a first-class hotel in this village.
G. A. Peterson owned a desirable location, and a company was
accordingly formed, consisting of O. A. Veblen, H. A. Peterson,
G. A. Peterson and H. J. Hanson. The building, a three-story
brick structure, was completed and opened in the spring of 1899
with H. J. Hanson as manager. After some years, Mr. Veblen
sold his interest to J. C. Brainerd. Later the property was dis-
posed of to the Sylvester Brothers of St. Paul. Three years ago
the place was rented by S. H. Keeling, the present proprietor.
The Sylvester Brothers disposed of the property to C. S. Nelson,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1001
of Minneapolis, who sold it to E. W. Bunker, of Spooner, Wis.,
the present owner.
Union Hotel. — This was the first hotel in Blooming Prairie,
and was erected by Christ Vollhardt in 1867. The building
was afterward sold to Andrew Pettie, and was occupied as a
residence and by George Camp's harness shop, when it was
destroyed by fire in February, 1889. Among the managers of
the hotel were the Messrs. Vollhardt, Dunton, Hartley and A.
Pettie.
Western House. — This building was erected before the Union
Hotel by C. C. Hartley, but did not open its doors as a hotel
until a short time after the opening of the Union Hotel. The
Messrs. Hartley, Dutcher, Vollhardt, Carey and Guthrie were
among the proprietors. The building was destroyed by fire,
January 10, 1886.
Ferrington Hotel. This hotel was built by A. E. Ferrington
in 1882. He sold out to J. A. McConnell. Among the landlords
were J. Laird, A. J. Pettie, Mrs. O'Toole, Daniel Keefe and J. C.
Cummings. George H. Johnson owned and managed the place
for some years and was conducting a successful business when
he sold out to the West Hotel Company. The building is still
standing, but is not used for hotel purposes.
FRATERNITIES.
Prairie Lodge, No. 123, A. F. & A. M., of Blooming Prairie,
was organized May 7, when Brother Daniels, of Faribault, read
the dispensation of the worshipful worthy grand master, to a
few Master Masons assembled. The following officers were
named: J. Palmer Johnson, M. W. ; Thomas S. Morton, S. W.;
C. Whittcn, J. W.; J. C. Rea, secretary. May 25, these officers
were elected with the following additions : C. D. Giddings, S. D. ;
C. E. Hancock, J. D. ; C. H. Williams, treasurer. The first
candidates elected were: Lewis Ellington, E. Morton and J. C.
Brainerd, the latter being the first to receive the third degree.
Feb. 15, 1876, Brother Daniels, of Faribault, again opened the
lodge, and brought the charter, which is dated January 13, 1876,
and signed by James C. Braden, of St. Paul, M. W. G. M. The
following officers were elected : Charles Whitten, W. M. ; T. S.
Morton, S. W. ; Peter Haley, J. W.; C. E. Hancock, treasurer;
E. Morton, secretary; J. C. Brainerd, S. D. ; J. C. Rea, J. D.;
C. H. Williams, S. S. ; A. Colquhoun. tyler. The worshipful
masters of the lodge have been: J. Palmer Johnson, 1877-1880;
T. S. Morton, 1881-1885; Geo. H. Johnson, 1886; J. C. Brainerd.
1887; George A. Reynolds, 1888; J. Palmer Johnson, 1889; J. C.
Brainerd, 1890-1893; C. W. Treat, 1894; Geo. H. Johnson, 1895;
1002 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Thomas S. Morton, 1896-1900; George H. Johnson, 1901; George
E. Johnson, 1902-1903 ; Ed. Morton, 1904-1910. The present offi-
cers are : E. Morton, W. M. ; B. Melby, S. W. ; George E. Mor-
ton, J. W. ; J. C. Brainerd, treasurer; A. E. Johnson, secretary;
A. A. Peterson, S. D. ; Fred Jurgenson, J. D. ; John Jurgenson,
S. S. ; Henry Peterson. J. S. : R. H. Johnson, tyler.
Oak Glen, No. 177, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted
its charter May 12, 1904, with Melissa Brainerd, W. M.; O. P.
Rask, W. P., and Mabel Morton, A. M. as officers. The charter
members were Mrs. Melissa Brainerd, O. P. Rask, Mrs. Mabel
Morton, Albert A. Peterson, Samuel A. Rask, Mrs. Harriet O.
Rask, Mrs. Oline Rask, Laura M. Brainerd. Mrs. Jessie F. John-
son, Mrs. Bertina Olson, Mrs. Francis Mary Thomas, Edwin
Morton, Mrs. Edna Sauer, Mrs. Ragna H. Peterson, Richard H.
Johnson, Mrs. Caroline Johnson, Rena Claire Brainerd, Anton
Olson, George E. Johnson, I\Irs. Arie Marie Johnson, Mrs,
Wealthy A. Johnson and John C. Brainerd. The present officers
are : Mrs. Frances Thomas, W. M. ; Sam A. Rask. W. P. ; Mrs.
Carrie Johnson, A. M. ; Mrs. Melissa Brainerd, secretary; Fred
Jurgenson, treasurer; Mrs. Rena Johnson, C. ; Mrs. Marie John-
son, A. C. ; Miss Minnie Johnson, Adah ; Mrs. Edna Carman,
Ruth ; Mrs. Harriet Rask. Esther ; Mrs. Mabel Morton, Martha ;
Mrs. Bertina Olson, Electa; Miss Rose Johnson, warder; R. H.
Johnson, sentry; Edwin Morton, chaplain; Miss Maude Jurgen-
son, organist.
Haakon Lodge, No. 83, Sonner of Norge (Sons of Norway),
was organized October 16, 1908. The charter members were :
B. Melby, Alex. H. Fjelstad, Hans Roge, A. A. Peterson, A. Sol-
berg, J. O. Johnson, O. K. Odegard, A. Olson, Benjamin A. John-
son, T. O. Rye, Chris Gorvin, Ole O. Hjelmen, Carl O. Bye, H. T.
Holstenson, P. K. Dock, B. B. Johnson, Edward Hanson, A. O.
Benson, J. M. Christinnson, E. C. Rask, E. O. Haberstad, S. A.
Rask, Theo. P. Fagre, E. E. Simes, Fred Jurgenson and S. S.
Severson.
Cedar Camp, No. 1729, M. W. A., was organized August 1,
1892. The first members were : Harris F. Ackerman, Ole O.
Bye, Carl O. Bye, Andrew S. Anderson, Louis F. Bakke, Martin
Strate, Charles Louis Larson, E. W. Cooley; William Ferring-
ton, Carl Nelson, Peter Prahm, Nathan H. Garrison, Nels John-
son, Jens Jorgenson, Hans Rasmussen, John Sorenson, Robert
Whitelaw, Arnt Solberg, Peter V. Rasmussen, John F. Beatty,
Louis Larson. The present officers are: P. C, A. Solberg; C,
J. C. Petersen ; V. C, Joseph Schisler ; E. B., Albert A. Peterson ;
S., Sam A. Rask ; E., Fred Jurgensen ; I. G., Lawrence Zweiner ;
O. G., Christ Lund ; trustees, A. Solberg, T. E. Cashman and
John Jurgenson.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1003
Freia Lodge, 98, Danish Brotherhood of America, received its
charier September IS. 1896. The first officers were: P. P., Hans
P. Munck; P., Soren Petersen; V. P., Peter V. Rasmiissen; S.,
Peter Prahm ; treasurer, F. M. Madsen; G., A. P. Olsen; I. G.,
Christ Sorensen; O. G., Christian Fredericksen; T. R., Jens C.
Petersen. The present officers are : P. P., C. M. Mortensen ; P.,
Fred Johnson; V. P., C. Lund; S., Hans Jensen; treasurer,
Christ Rasmussen; G., Jes. Brown; I. G.. Walter Jensen; O. G.,
Lawrence Jensen; T. R., Peter Bramsen.
Murray Court, No. 826, W. C. O. P., was organized October
21, 1904. The first officers were: C. R., Mrs. Mary Herron;
J. C. R., Mrs. Tillie Pirkle; F. S., Miss Elizabeth Fitzgerald;
R. S., Miss Hannah Keefe ; treasurer, Mrs. Maria Bell ; trustees,
Mrs. Bridget Leehy; Mrs. Sarah Meehan and Mrs. Rose Benish.
The present officers are: C. R., Mrs. Sara Meehan; V. C. R., Mrs.
Etta Cashman; F. S., Mrs. Mary Coggins; R. S., Mrs. Frances
O'Connor; treasurer, Mrs. Kate Feehan ; trustees, Mrs. Ellen
Cummings; Mrs. Ellen Keenan and Mrs. Hannah Goodnature.
Daughters of Erin, Division No. 2, Ladies Auxiliary, A. O. H.
was organized November 16, 1902. The first officers were :
President, Mrs. G. S. Brainerd ; vice president, Mrs. D. T. Holly-
wood ; recording secretary, Miss Elizabeth Coggins ; insurance
secretary, Miss Kathryne Hanlon ; financial secretary, Mrs. T. C.
Cashman ; treasurer, Miss Margaret Farrell. The present officers
are : President, Mrs. William Trotman ; vice president, Mrs.
John Driscoll ; recording secretary, Mrs. T. C. Cashman ; insur-
ance secretary, Miss Kathryne Hanlon ; financial secretary, Mrs.
T. J. Hanlon ; treasurer. Miss Maggie Farrell.
Blooming Prairie Court, No. 688, Catholic Order of Foresters,
was granted a charter June 13, 1897. The charter bears the
names of Daniel J. Sullivan, Thomas C. Cashman, John M.
Feehan, Eugene B. Keenan, Edmond C. Fitzgerald, William
Fceney and Daniel T. Hollywood.
CHURCHES.
St. Columbanus Roman Catholic Church, of Blooming Prairie.
Doubtless several of the early Catholic priests passed through
what is now the village of Blooming Prairie in the early days.
Father Ravoux is known to have traversed this prairie, but the
first mass of which we have any real knowledge was that said
by Father Prendcgast in a construction shack somewhere near
the site of the present village in the early part of 1867. The
mass was said for the spiritual edification of the construction
crews engaged in laying the tracks of the C. M. & St. P. Ry., but
many devout Catholics from the surrounding farms were in at-
1004 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
tendance. Mrs. Thomas O'Connor, now living in Blooming
Prairie, was present at this service. Father Prendegast was at
that time located in La Crosse, but made frequent trips to this
vicinity. Other services were doubtless held here in the earliest
days of the village b}- Father William Hurley, then stationed
at Austin. Father Paul Genis, then stationed at Austin, and
Father Patrick McDermott, who passed through here on his way
from St. Mary's to Austin. Father Joseph Keller, of Faribault,
also held services here at an early day. Father Thomas Pribyl,
of Owatonna, had charge of the parish about five years and
Father Walter Rawley, of Owatonna, for a similar period. The
early regular services of the church were held in a building in
block 8, later occupied by Thomas Feeny as a hardware store
and still later destroyed by fire. In 1868 a small church was
erected. The present edifice in block 8 was erected in 1877 and
dedicated the same year. Since then a sacristy has been added
and other improvements made. A comfortable parish house
was purchased in August, 1883. To this parish, on October 1,
1882, came Father David L. Murray, of Rhode Island, who was
the first resident priest. Father Murray has remained here
since that date, and abh' fulfills the ideal of a parish priest. For
thirty years he has labored in this and the surrounding country,
and his devotion has endeared him to the people of all denom-
inations and creeds.
Among the pioneers of this church who may be mentioned
are James Barry, Thomas O'Connor, John Hanlon, Daniel Mc-
Callister, Patrick Murphy, James Duggan, Frank Zwiener,
Thomas Barry, Patrick Fallon, Thomas Feeney, Octave Garriepy,
jNIichael Fallon. Edward Burke, Richard McCallister, Peter
Gosha, Peter Steinlitzer, Thomas Feehan, Milo Flannigan, Denis
Moran, James Birgen, Thomas Birgen, M. M. Guthrie and others.
St. Columbanus Cemetery. This cemetery adjoins the
Blooming Prairie cemetery, and was a part of the original tract
set aside in the early days for cemetery purposes. The ground
was consecrated in 1893 by Bishop Joseph B. Cotter, of Winona.
The Episcopal Church was organized here early in the sev-
enties by Rev. G. C. Tanner, of Owatonna. Shortly afterward
the society erected the church edifice at a cost of about $1,400.
In 1896 the edifice was sold to the Presbyterian denomination.
The Presbyterian Church. Services of the Presbyterian faith
were held at various times in the days of the early settlement of
Blooming Prairie. The church was organized December 2, 1896,
and the congregation purchased the church edifice, which had
been erected by the Episcopalians. The first pastor was T. N.
Weaver, and he has been followed by J. M. Swander, Irwin G.
Smith and Egerton S. Carey. The first elders of the church
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1005
were James Campbell, L. G. Campbell, Ed. Morton and George
L. Taylor.
Blooming Prairie Congregation of the United Norwegian
Lutheran Church, of America, had its beginning with services
held by Rev. C. L. Clausen, who organized a society. He was
succeeded by Rev. P. G. Ostby, of Austin, who remained until
1878. Mr. Clausen then came back, and took up his abode here,
but failing health necessitated his securing an assistant. This
assistant, Rev. S. Strand, became pastor in July, 1885, and re-
mained until the fall of 1894. Rev. N. Iverson then came and
remained until 1898 when he was succeeded by Rev. Osmond
Johnson, the present pastor. A church was erected at an early
day, but was sold to the Methodist people in 1876 when the
present edifice was erected. A sacristy has since been added, and
the interior renovated and improved from time to time. The
pleasant parsonage was purchased three years ago. The con-
gregation assumed its present synodical relation in 1890. Con-
nected with this church is a flourishing Sunday school, a young
people's society and two ladies' societies. Among the pioneers of
the church may be mentioned Guttorm Hillson, Ingvald Peter-
son, G. A. Peterson, Even E. Lofthus, Ole Embrickson, Lars
Bekkdal, Sven Olson and others.
The First Baptist Church, of Blooming Prairie, had its begin-
ning May 16, 1868. when a few Baptists met at the school house
near Oak Glen, and organized, with O. A. Williams in the pulpit
and Dr. J. M. Finch, of Clinton Falls, clerk pro tern. Sarah
McGuire, Fannie Pettie and Kate Farrington were received by
letter; A. E. Ferrington, James Carey and Mary Carey on pro-
fession of faith ; and Lydia McDaniels, Julia Thimson, Clarize L.
Smith and Cornelius Smith as candidates for baptism. A. E.
Ferrington was elected deacon. The last entry of this organi-
zation is made in the records in February, 1878. In 1886 Rev.
C. D. Belden began holding services in the Methodist Church, in
Blooming Prairie village, and on Sunday, September 24, 1893,
the First Baptist Church was organized, at the Episcopal Church,
to which the congregation had moved. The first board of
trustees of the church consisted of N. H. Garrison, C. B. Pettie,
Fred P. Thimsen, T. S. Morton and F. G. Brown. In 1896, M. B.
Critchct became pastor. One year later came Rev. A. B. Mur-
phy, who was ordained in Blooming Prairie and also served the
church at Ellendalc. In 1898 a parsonage was built. Rev. Mur-
phy left in 1899, and the pulpit was occupied three years by stu-
dents. January 31, the mortgage on the parsonage was burned
and on the same date it was voted to erect a church edifice.
In 1902, Rev. B. L. Bcrgstrom came and served as pastor one
year and nine months, and then the pulpit was occupied by stu-
1006 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
dent supplies until the Rev. E. A. Gilmour, the present pastor,
came in December, 1905. The church has a Sunday school, a
Ladies' Aid Society and a Ladies' Mission Circle. Mrs. F. P.
Thimsen is clerk ; T. S. Morton, treasurer, and F. P. Thimsen,
T. S. Morton, Stillman Noble, Hannibal Noble and C. E. Han-
cock, trustees. Mrs. B. H. Morton is in charge of the Sunday
school.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Blooming Prairie, was
organized shortly after the settlement of the village. A church
was purchased from the X^orwegian Lutlierans and dedicated in
1876. The church is still standing, but is not now in use. Among
the early pastors were Rev. Reuben Washburn, Rev. C. J. Hayes,
Rev. E. S. Bowdish, Rev. Putnam, Rev. Reynolds and others.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.
Blooming Prairie Mercantile Co. Tliomas Feeney, an early
settler of Blooming Prairie township, engaged in the mercantile
trade in 1871 in a building on lot 1, block 13. Mr. Feeney was
interested in business here for many years in general mer-
chandise and afterward in the hardware trade. His stock of mer-
chandise was sold to Geo. Jenson and O. A. Veblin, who, after
a remove or two, purchased the building and the business on
lot 1, block 13, from M. O. Wilson. About this time Norman
Evans became a partner in the firm, Mr. Jenson soon retired and
the firm became Veblin & Evans ; the latter a few years later
removed to Sioux Falls. This business was finally incorporated
under the style of Veblin Mercantile Co., which conducted a
successful business until 1907, when it was sold to T. J. Johnson
& Co., who a few months afterwards were succeeded by the
Blooming Prairie Mercantile Co. This company is now incor-
porated, J. C. Brainerd being president, J. J. Bruzek, vice presi-
dent; Fred Jurgenson, secretary; T. J. Cashman, treasurer, and
G. S. Brainerd, manager. This company divided their stock and
are now doing a business in general merchandise at the old stand
and a clothing and shoe house in block 13.
Alliance Cash Company. Early in 1890, the firm of Gage,
Holland & Hayden, of Albert Lea, opened a branch store in
Blooming Prairie. A block was erected the same year and
opened in September. The following year the firm was incor-
porated as the Alliance Cash Company, the officers being:
President, D. J. O'Leary; vice president, F. P. Thimsen; secre-
tary, F. J. Schisler; treasurer, T. C. Cashman. The firm is now
owned entirely by local people, the ofificers being: President,
T. C. Cashman ; vice president, Martin Nelson ; secretary and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1007
treasurer, F. P. Thimsen. The store handles a line of general
merchandise and is doing a large and increasing trade.
Furniture. The first furniture store in the village was
opened by P. Haley, in 1873. Mr. Haley had formerly lived on
a farm about two miles west of the village. The store was
situated in block 8, nearly opposite the old Western house. For
about two years the business was conducted by Mr. Haley,
after which he sold out to William Marshall. John G. Lennon
next succeeded to the business and sold out to A. B. Johnston.
The next owners of the business were M. Olson, Ole Norval and
Swen Embrickson. L. S. Ulland purchased the stock in 1887,
and is still in the business. He soon added to this line that of
farm implements, vehicles, etc. He has been quite successful
and has a large volume of business.
J. C. Guthrie, M. J. Lee and H. O. Houg were each in the
furniture business for a short time.
Hardware. In 1873. Curtis & Dunton opened a small hard-
ware store with a small stock in one room of a double store
erected by J. N. Dunton & Sons. After a few months' experi-
ence, this company sold its stock to David Giddings, of St.
Charles, Minn., who disposed of the goods to Edward Morton
in the same year. Mr. Morton has been one of the leading
business men of the village, and is still actively engaged in the
hardware and agricultural implement trade. He is also the
proprietor of a fine farm adjoining the village, and owns con-
siderable other land in the vicinity.
The Blooming Prairie Iron Works does considerable busi-
ness in manufacturing seed cleaners, pump jacks and other
articles, and is engaged in general repairing. The company was
organized by the Srsoen Brothers, April 12, 1897, and started
operations at once. In 1909 the business was sold to Frank H.
Skalicky and John J. Pribyl.
Physicians. The first physician to locate at Blooming
Prairie village was Dr. Saulsbury, who came here from Owa-
tonna in 1887 and remained about two years. Among others
who are not now practicing here, but who were in former days
may be mentioned the names of Drs. Theodore L. Hatch, W. S.
Wood, J. Palmer Johnson, B. J. Hawkins, Emma Washburn, A.
A. Finch. A. H. Johnson and Drs. Goudy, Hadley, Eberhardt,
Caldwell and Watson. The present physicians in the village
are Drs. Harry G. Wood, Benedik Mclby. E. H. Cooley and
J. W. Warren.'
CHAPTER XXVm.
^ NEWSPAPERS.
Watchman and Register — Medford Valley Argus — Owatonna
Journal — News Letter — Owatonna Representative — Owa-
tonna Register — Owatonna Democrat — Vidette — Owatonna
Register — Owatonna Plaindealer — ^Journal and Herald —
Owatonna Chronicle — Journal-Chronicle — People's Press —
Our Pastime — Morning Star — Daily Herald — Owatonna
Tribune — Ellendale Eagle — Blooming Prairie Times — Com-
piled and Edited by Benjamin E. Darby.
Steele county is the home of six newspapers, all of which
are well edited and well printed, having a satisfactory circula-
tion and exerting an intiuence for good on the community. In
former days still others have flourished, some having been dis-
continued by removal, some by consolidation and some by lack
of patronage. It will be noticed that there are several repeti-
tions of names, several favorite cognomens being frequently
revived.
WATCHMAN AND REGISTER.
The hrst paper started in the county was under the above
title. It was established at Owatonna, in July, 1856, by J. H.
Abbott and A. B. Cornell, who purchased press, type and fix-
tures of Maj. W. A. Hotchkiss, at that time editor and pub-
lisher of the "Northwestern Democrat," at St. Anthony. Mr.
Cornell acted as editor and business manager for a time, when
the services of H. M. Sheetz, an experienced newspaper man,
were secured as editor. Some time in 1857 the word "Watch-
man" was dropped from the name, and the "Owatonna Register"
was published until some time in the winter of 1857-8, with
Abbott & Cornell and W. F. Pettit as proprietors, and H. M.
Sheetz as editor, and then it was discontinued. It had been a
useful means of advertising the locality, and did its full share
in molding the public mind.
MEDFORD VALLEY ARGUS.
This was the second local journal to lay claim to public favor
in Steele county. It was published at Medford, dating its first
appearance about the middle of August, 1858, and was under
1008
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1009
the control of Messrs. Francis & Sulley. It was printed with
the same material which had been used in the publication of
the "Register," the material having been purchased of the com-
pany by William I". Petlit, and Ijy him sold to Air. Bartholomew,
of Medford. Messrs. Francis & Sulley leased it of Mr. Bartholo-
mew. Mr. Sulley soon sold his interest to J. R. Lucas, and the
publication was continued for a short time, when the enterprise
was abandoned and the material was rented to H. M. Sheetz,
who moved it back to Owatonna.
OWATONNA JOURNAL.
This paper was started by H. M. Sheetz wiiii the material
which he had secured at Medford, and made its appearance
shortly after the demise of the "Argus." It was a seven-column
sheet, neatly printed and ably edited, and was received with
marked favor by its patrons. It was Republican in politics and
the earnest and devoted advocate of all reforms. In October,
1859, Mr. Sheetz died, and the "Journal" was carried on by his
widow for some time thereafter. Hon. William F. Pettit, at
that time state senator from Steele county, had started a project
to allow Mrs. Sheetz, who was a woman of considerable literary
ability, to retain the office as a mark of esteem from the public,
whom her husband had so faithfully served, and has already
received $150 from his fellow members of the senate to aid in
carrying out this benevolent project. But upon returning home
he found that the office had been sold to A. B. Cornell, which
at once put a stop to the publication of the "Journal."
NEWS LETTER.
Shortly after the sus])ension of the "Journal," the "News
Letter" was established by A. B. Cornell. He kept up the enter-
prise until 1862, when he took a sutler's position in the army,
and Mrs. Cornell continued the publication of a small sheet
some three or four columns in width until 1863, when Dr. Kelly,
editor of the "Plaindealer," which in the meantime had been
started, purchased the job office and the good will of the "News
Letter," and its publication was discontinued.
OWATONNA REPRESENTATIVE.
In the summer of 1860 Messrs. William F. Pettit and John
H. Abbott, assisted J. W. Crawford in the purchase of an office
in Mantorville, Dodge county, and the publication of the "Owa-
tonna Representative" was commenced. It was an eight-column
sheet, and was very ably conducted and well printed, reflecting
lUlO HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
much credit upon the enterprise of the citizens who sustained it,
as well as those who conducted it. It was continued for about
eighteen months, when Mr. Crawford entered the army, and
Messrs. Pettit and Abbott sold the material to James E. Child,
of Wilton, A\'aseca county.
OWATONNA REGISTER.
This paper was started by A. B. Cornell soon after his return
from the army. It was published in an independent, neutral
manner, consequentl}' meeting with poor success, yet it con-
tinued to drag out an existence for some little time, when it suc-
cumbed from want of proper sustenance, and publication was
discontintied.
OWATONNA DEMOCRAT.
This was a newspaper aspirant for public favor, starting with
Capt. J. D. Wood as editor and proprietor. It was received with
considerable enthusiasm by the Democracy, as it was a purely
Democratic paper ; yet it did not receive sufficient support to
meet the necessary expenditures, and after trying the experi-
ment for about a year it was discontinued.
VIDETTE.
In the spring of 1867, J. A. Spellman started a paper called
the "Vidette." It was a seven-column folio, and independent
Republican in politics. It was continued only for a short time,
when it was merged with the "Journal," Mr. Spellman becoming
one of the proprietors of that paper.
OWATONNA REGISTER.
In 1867 another Democratic paper was started, which was
called the "Owatonna Register," under the control of C. F.
George. He continued its publication at a pecuniary loss for
about one year, when the office was removed to Faribault.
OWATONNA PLAINDEALER.
In April, 1863, Dr. L. H. Kelly commenced the ])nblication of
a paper called the "Owatonna Plaindealer." The town was then
growing rapidly; the business kept increasing until the "Plain-
dealer" became one of the best paying offices in this part of the
state. It was started as a seven-column paper, but in the spring
of 1866 was enlarged to an eight-column folio. In the fall of
the same year the office was purchased by Tappan, Higbee &
Hathaway. The new firm shortly afterward commenced the
publication of the "Republican Journal," and in a few weeks the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COimTIES 1011
firm became Higbee, Spellman & Bickham, and the name of the
paper became the "Owatonna Journal."
THE OWATONNA JOURNAL.
The files of the "'Owatonna Journal" commenced with the
issue of January 13, 1876; at least it is impossible to find any
copies of prior issues. At that time the paper was running as
an eight-column folio. The proprietors at that time were Cran-
dall & Bickham— C. S. Crandail, W. H. Bickham— and Thursday
was the day of issue. It was very neatly gotten up and well
filled with local and general news, as well as having a good run
of local advertising. During the same winter Mr. Crandail, one
of the firm, was appointed postmaster, and that partially severed
his former intimate connection with the management of the
"Journal." The issue of October 19, 1876, was the last bearing
the names of Crandail &• Bickham as editors. With the issue on
October 26, 1876, the name of F. T. Drebert appears at the head
of the columns as editor and proprietor.
At the time Mr. Drebert came, the office was kept in what
was known as the Dresser building. It remained there until it
was moved to the Temple block. One incident in the history of
the "Journal" was its connection with the failure of L. Bixby's
"Review." Mr. Bixby had rented the material of the office to A.
H. Lewis, and in 1879 he made arrangements with Mr. Drebert
to turn over the subscription in the manner of a consolidation
of the two, the publication of the "Review" to cease, and, accord-
ing to the arrangement, while he did not become a partner in
the publication, he was to get a percentage on the job work and
advertising. By consent of Mr. Drebert he moved a lot of paper
and stock into the "Journal" rooms for storage purposes. As
soon as Mr. Bixby learned of this he got out a writ of replevin
and secured possession of the material, making Mr. Drebert a
co-defendant. \Micn the suit was settled Mr. Bi.xby started a
paper called the "Review," having copied the subscription list.
This paper was afterward removed to Minneapolis and became
the "Temperance Review." February 12, 1886, the "Journal"
was consolidated with the "Herald," which had been established
by the Soper Brothers, and the name of the paper became the
"Journal and Herald."
JOURNAL AND HERALD.
Under this arrangement the firm name became Drebert &
Soper Brolhens— F. T. Drebert, J. A. and W. B. Soper. W. B.
Soper retired from the firm in October, 1886, leaving the man-
agement in the hands of F. T. Drebert and J. A. Soper.
1012 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The "Owatonna Journal" continued under the ownership of
F. T. Drebert and the Soper Brothers until April 27, 1888, when
the Sopers sold their half-interest to W. A. Dynes. This change
was followed a little over a year later by the retirement of Mr.
Drebert. on June 7, 1889, Mr. Dynes buying his interest and
becoming sole proprietor. Mr. Drebert's retirement was gen-
erally regretted, as he was an able and honest editor and highly
respected. He went from Owatonna to Chatfield, where he
bought the "Chatfield Democrat," which he conducted until his
death. On February 14, 1890, W. A. Dynes sold a half-interest
in the "Journal" to I. W. Burch, an old resident of Owatonna,
who assumed the editorial end. It is interesting to note that
even at this early date the "Journal" advocated a reduction in
the tariff. Messrs. Dynes and Burch retired from the business
February 16, 1891, selling to A. J. Truesdell, the eldest son of
J. E. Truesdell. I\Ir. Truesdell considerably built up the paper,
being not onl)- well equipped for business and editorial manage-
ment, but also a most energetic man. In fact, it is generally
believed that his extreme devotion to the end of making a suc-
cess of his venture wrecked his health. He died April 14, 1894,
mourned by the entire community as he was held in the highest
regard.
On May 1 following, J. Frank Dean, who had been in charge
of the mechanical department of the paper, purchased the "Jour-
nal," and from that time on for nearly ten years the "Journal"
had a varied career. For several years Mr. Dean, who was a
very capable business man and especially a clever solicitor,
vastly built up the business. But the establishment of the "Owa-
tonna Chronicle" in 1897, by E. K. Whiting and H. F. Luers,
opened a new epoch in the county's newspaper history, really
the most interesting period of that history, and the competition
thus created gradually sapped tlie "Journal's" prestige and pros-
perity. The history of the "Chronicle" will be later referred to.
Following the establishment of the "Chronicle" and the defec-
tion of its founders, Messrs. Whiting and Luers, from the "Jour-
nal" staff, John Lawson, former editor of the "Northfield Inde-
pendent," was brought to Owatonna to edit the "Journal." His
was a pungent pen. and frequently vitriolic, and the passages-at-
arms which the advent of such a writer invariably causes be-
tween newspapers made spicy reading for Steele county people,
until the publishers at last learned, as is always the case, that
the people soon tire of such arguments and the game is not worth
the candle. Mr. Lawson remained with the "Journal" until May
14, 1903. meantime assisting in starting the "Owatonna Evening
Journal," the launching of which was one of the incidents of
the period of lively competition between the "Journal" and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1013
"Chronicle." During this time both the "Journal" and the
"Chronicle" also tried the experiment of changing from weeklies
to semi-weeklies. This lasted for almost three years, when, find-
ing the experiment iinprofitahle, both papers dropped the semi-
weekly publication by mutual consent. Mr. Lawson was suc-
ceeded as editor of the "Daily and Weekly Journar' by John M.
Cotton, another importation, who occupied the position for two
years.
Meantime, in September, 1903, Mr. Dean, needing new cap-
ital, interested Dr. E. E. Bigelow in the proposition and sold him
a half-interest in the concern. The ownership was vested in an
incorporated company called the Journal Publishing Company,
of which E. E. Bigelow was president and treasurer and J. Frank
Dean, secretary and manager. But the association of Messrs.
Dean and Bigelow was not a success, and the difficulties between
them finally culminated in Dr. Bigelow's application for a re-
ceiver for the company. The district court examined the case
and granted the application in January, 1905, and placed Harvey
S. Dartt in charge of the concern as receiver. The receivership
ended in September, 1905, when Dr. Bigelow bid in the business
at receiver's sale and became sole owner. Meantime Harry A.
Lawson, son of John Lawson, had been placed in editorial charge
and conducted the daily and weekly "Journal" as editor until
March 6, 1906, when Dr. Bigelow sold the concern to C. K. Ben-
nett, who was acting as purchasing agent for Messrs. Whiting
& Luers, the proprietors of the "Chronicle." The consolidation
of the two papers followed as a matter of course, and will be
treated of in connection with the history of the "Owatonna
Chronicle."
The "Journal," at the time W. A. Dynes bought out F. T.
Drebert, was located in the second story of the Lorence block,
on Cedar street. This offiice it occupied until a year or so after
the establishment of the "Chronicle," in 1897. The office was
then removed to the first floor corner office and the front base-
ment of the Metropolitan opera house. Here a very handsome
business office was fitted up, but in general the location was
never ideal, either from a business standpoint or for printing
purposes. The "Journal" occupied this location until its con-
solidation with the "Chronicle" in 1906.
OWATONNA CHRONICLE.
The advent of the "Owatonna Chronicle" into the newspaper
field, as before stated, marked an epoch in the newspaper his-
tory of the county. The founders, E. K. Whiting and H. F.
Luers, who had previously been connected with the "Journal's"
1014 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
business and news departments, were young men with progres-
sive ideas and were well equipped for the task of founding and
conducting a first class modern newspaper.
They obtained a footing in the field by first purchasing the
"Farmers' Gazette," a paper which had been established in 1896.
in preparation for the free silver campaign, first as a semi-weekly,
and a little later changed to a weekly. Up to this time the "Ga-
zette" had been a nondescript aflfair, with limited equipment and
little patronage, and had been leading a precarious existence
despite the efiforts of its publisher, M. D. Toof. The object of
Messrs. Whiting & Luers in purchasing the "Gazette" was to
clear the field and get the advantage of its footing as an estab-
lished paper. The new owners continued the publication of the
"Gazette" only until they could buy and install a complete new
newspaper and job printing plant of capacity equal to the pro-
duction of such a paper as they proposed to publish. So soon
as this was accomplished and the new plant was ready for busi-
ness on the east half of the second floor of the Morehouse Opera
block, the "Owatonna Chronicle" appeared, on September 2, 1897,
and the "Gazette" passed into oblivion, both as to name and
character.
The "Chronicle" met with favor from the start. Its pub-
lishers announced it as a Republican paper, but their policy has
alwaj's been one of independence of the dictation of politicians.
The first big hit made by the "Chronicle" was almost at the very
start, when it secured what still stands as the biggest "scoop"
in the newspaper history of the county — the announcement of
the confession of Leigh Hough, who had murdered Joe Clark a
week or ten daj's before, and was subsequently captured in the
south and brought back to Owatonna. The "Chronicle" alone
learned that Hough was about to confess, and was alone repre-
sented when the confession was made. The force of printers was
hastily and quietly assembled and worked all night, and the first
anyone else, including the publishers of other papers, knew of
the confession was when the improvised newsboys were crying
the "Chronicle" extras on the streets, the first extra edition ever
issued in tlie county.
The ginger shown in this enterprise was characteristic of the
policy which built up the Chronicle in less than a decade into
the newspaper of largest circulation in the county. The "Chron-
icle" "set the pace" (and it was often an expensive one), being
in the forefront in adopting new ideas in the manner of pre-
senting news and improving the attractiveness of the paper. It
was a pace which made the newspapers puljlished a few years
before look like backwoods aflfairs.
The natural result of this stimulating and expensive contest
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1015
for public favor was the elimination of one paper, as in a field
such as presented in Owatonna there is room for no more than
three such expensive newspapers as have been published in Owa-
tonna since the establishment of the "Chronicle." It fell to the
"Journal" to be eliminated, by the process of consolidation al-
ready mentioned in the "Journal's" history.
JOURNAL-CHRONICLE.
The consolidation effected, the name of the "Evening Journal"
was changed to the "Daily Journal-Chronicle," and the combined
weeklies were given the name of the "Owatonna Journal-Chron-
icle." The ownership was vested in a stock company, called the
Journal-Chronicle Company, in which E. K. Whiting and H. F.
Luers were the principal stockholders, C. K. Bennett taking a
small block of stock and acting on the directorate. Later E. A.
Brown, foreman of the mechanical department, was sold a small
block of stock, and Mrs. C. S. Crandall purchased C. K. Bennett's
stock.
Under the consolidation arrangement, the quality of Steele
county newspapers, already recognized all over the state as above
par, made another advance, and the "Daily Journal-Chronicle,"
the weekly "Owatonna Journal-Chronicle" and the "People's
Press" are recognized as brilliant planets in Minnesota's firma-
ment of live country newspapers.
The quarters of neither the "Journal" or the "Chronicle" were
sufficient to accommodate so large and busy a concern as the
consolidation created, and immediate arrangements were made
with the National Farmers' Bank for quarters in its famous new
bank building, then just about to be built. The east end ground
floor and two upstairs offices in the handsome new building were
reserved for the "Journal-Chronicle," and built especially for its
use. The result was the handsomest, most conveniently ar-
ranged and completely equipped newspaper and printing office in
the state, outside the twin cities. Further mention of this fine
printing and publishing office will be given in another portion
of this history.
The president of the Journal-Chronicle Company is H. F.
Luers, who is also editor of the "Daily and Weekly Journal-
Chronicle." He was born and raised and has always lived in
Owatonna, and therefore has that intimate knowledge of the city
and count}-, their history and their people, which is so valuable
and desirable in a man occupying the position of editor in a com-
munity. He first entered newspaper work as a reporter on the
"Journal." in 1896, remaining in that position until he joined
with E. K. \\'hiting in founding the "Chronicle," in 1897.
lOlG HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
E. K. Whiting is secretary and business manager of the
Journal-Chronicle Company, and is a man who has won respect
for character and ability as a business and newspaper man since
his coming to Owatonna, in June, 1894, to accept a position on
the "Journal." He had previously had considerable experience
in the management of a printing office in St. Cloud and in the
printing business in the twin cities, and after coming to Owa-
tonna was entrusted with a large share of the business manage-
ment of the "Journal." Consequently he was well equipped for
the large task of building up a new newspaper from the business
end, and as a testimonial to the success of his efforts stands the
"Journal-Chronicle" of today.
Any history of Steele county newspapers would be incom-
plete without mention of E. A. Brown, foreman of the "Journal-
Chronicle," and a stockholder in the Journal-Chronicle Company,
for Mr. Brown has been in the printing business in Owatonna
continuously for a longer time than any other man not the owner
of a newspaper. He came to Owatonna in 1885, and since that
time has served as foreman, first on the "People's Press," later
on the "Journal," then on the "Chronicle," and finally on the
"Journal-Chronicle." He is an expert in his line, and so regarded
by the other members of the Journal-Chronicle Company, and
the printers' fraternity generall}'.
PEOPLE'S PRESS.
The first issue of this paper made its appearance on Wednes-
day, September 2. 1874, as an eight-column folio. It was estab-
lished by B. E. Darby and N. E. Lemen, under the firm name of
Darby & Lemen.
Although the name of Mr. Lemen appears as one of the pro-
prietors of the "Press," he was not an active partner, and on
September 16, 1874, his name was dropped from the head of the
columns, and that of B. E. Darby appeared as sole editor and
proprietor. Mr. Lemen had been running a paper at Kasson,
Dodge county, and when the "People's Press" was established
he sold Mr. Darby the material with which the "Press" office
was then furnished and agreed to get out the first issue. In
this, however, he failed, as Mr. Darby arrived before that time,
and the first number of the "Press" made its appearance through
his exertions. Mr. Lemen never moved to Owatonna.
Mr. Darby continued the publication of the paper alone until
January 6, 1874, when L. C. Martin became associated with him
as partner, under the firm name of Darby & Martin. Mr. Martin
came here from Prairie du Chien, Wis., and worked as a printer
for Mr. Darby during his first year's residence here. In March,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1017
1876, the day of publication was changed from Wednesday to
Saturday. On March 9, 1878, Mr. Darby bought out his part-
ner's interest, and the firm of Darby & Martin was dissolved,
Mr. Darby again assuming full ownership.
October 4, 1878, the day of publication was again changed,
this time to Friday. On October 26, 1878, the "Press" was en-
larged and the form changed to a six-column quarto. When the
paper was started the office occupied rooms in the Bixby build-
ing, on Bridge street. A year later it was moved to H. R.
Moor's brick block, which was then occupied by Searles' hard-
ware store. In April, 1880, the "Press" office was removed to
Lord's block on the east side of Cedar street.
On June 26, 1885, the "People's Press" absorbed a paper
which had been published for some time previous at Blooming
Prairie, under the name of the "Tribune." Under the arrange-
ment made, the "Press" filled out the "Tribune's" subscription
and advertising contracts, and started a Blooming Prairie de-
partment.
The "People's Press" has always steadfastly held to the
Democratic faith in political matters, yet it is a local paper in
every sense. The paper has never missed an issue since its first
number. All official matters have always been published, whether
the "Press" was the official paper of the county or not; yet it
has been the official paper several years in its history. The
"Press" wields a powerful influence, and is recognized as one
of the ablest and most active exponents of Democratic ideas in
the state.
The "People's Press" was the first newspaper in Steele county
and in this part of the state to cover the county by sending out
each week a representative to the small adjoining towns on the
trains and securing the news of interest of each town without
the help of any local correspondent. This visiting of every little
town in the county put the "People's Press" in close touch with
the news and people of the entire county, and resulted in a very
large and increasing circulation.
March 13, 1903, Benjamin E. Darby associated with himself
his son, George F. Darby, who became the editor of the "People's
Press," and his son, Harry B. Darby, who became the foreman
of the newspaper and job printing office, Benjamin E. Darby
remaining the publisher of the "People's Press" and sole pro-
prietor of the newspaper and job printing business. These sons
had been brought up in the business, and while attending school
as boys learned the trade in the office evenings and Saturdays,
and when they graduated from school were fairly good practical
printers.
George P. Darby was a graduate of Owatonna High School
1018 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
in Latin Scientific Course in 1894, and Harry B. Darby gradu-
ated from Pillsbury Academy in 1898 in the Latin Scientific
Course. George F. Darby is a great reader of newspapers,
magazines and good books, and a good news gatherer and an
interesting writer.
Harry B. Darby has given his entire attention to the mechan-
ical department of the newspaper and to job printing, and is a
capable and successful foreman and a very capable business man.
April 4, 1908, Benjamin E. Darby purchased of W. L. Buck-
sen a No. 5 Mergenthaler linotype typesetting machine, which
Mr. Bucksen had purchased the year previous, and which is a
fine, modern, up-to-date machine.
William H. Darby, third son of Benjamin E. Darby, was
given charge of this business as manager, and the name, Buck-
sen Typesetting Company, was continued.
In 1908, William H. Darby graduated from the Owatonna
High School in the English Scientific Course. He understands
liow to run the Linotype machine and knows how to keep it in
running order. The Bucksen Typesetting Company does all the
typesetting for the "People's Press" newspaper and job office;
also the newspaper composition for several other newspapers,
and such brief and book work as comes in from the printing
trade.
The "People's Press" has been regularly issued as a ten-page
newspaper, pasted together at the back, since January 11, 1901.
Previous to that date it had been an eight-page, six-column
quarto for many years. Each issue of the "People's Press" now
contains editorial correspondence from Ellendale, Hope, Bloom-
ing Prairie, Bixby, Pratt. Meriden, Havana and Anderson, Steele
county ; from Geneva, Freeborn county, and from Claremont,
Dodge county. It contains all the local news of any importance
which takes place in any part of Steele county, and all the most
important news of Ellington, Claremont, Ripley and W'estfield,
Dodge count}'.
OUR PASTIME.
A weekly paper bearing this title was established at Owa-
tonna, in 1875, by the Soper Brothers, J. A. and W. B. Soper. It
was a four-column folio, neatly printed and well edited, the sub-
scription price being 50 cents per year. The paper was con-
tinued, being in the meantime enlarged to double the size under
which it was started, for about one j-ear, when the name was
changed to the "Weekly Review," and under this name it flour-
ished for something like another year. During the time A. H.
Lewis became associated with the Soper Brothers, and the firm
name became Soper Brothers & Lewis. This arrangement only
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1019
continued for about six months, when the "Review" was sold
to Luther Bixby. Lewis' connection with the paper assumed a
variety of characters, in turn being that of a partner, a lessor,
editor on salary, and finally terminated. After this, for a time,
Mr. Bixby employed S. C. Harris as editor and eventually the
paper was moved to Minneapolis and became the "Temperance
Review."
MORNING STAR.
This was the name of a small daily started at Owatonna, in
January, 1876, by Hanson & Howe, two energetic young men.
It was only continued for a very short time.
DAILY HERALD.
This paper was started by the Sopor brothers in 1879, with
S. C. Harris as editor. It was a small paper, a four-column
folio, and was issued daily for about three or four months, when
it was changed to a weekly, and became the "Steele County
Herald." The paper was enlarged to a four-column quarto.
The first issue of this paper bore the date of April 6, 1880.
About a year later it was enlarged to a five-column quarto.
Soper brothers continued the publication of the "Herald" until
February 12, 1886, when it was consolidated with F. T. Drebert's
paper, the "Journal," and the name of the paper became the
"Journal and Herald," with Drebert & Soper brothers as pro-
prietors. A history of this paper has already been given.
OWATONNA TRIBUNE.
The "Owatonna Tribune" was established August 30, 1907,
by the Soper-Merchant Printing Company. On January 1, 1908,
Mr. Merchant withdrew, since which time the business of the
paper has been conducted by the present owners, the Soper
Printing Company. The paper is independent in politics.
ELLENDALE EAGLE.
The "Ellendale Eagle" was founded by J. F. Adams and
George H. Chase, both of White, S. D., and the first issue was
published in six-column quarto size, two pages home print,
March 28, 1901. The second of May following, Mr. Chase dis-
posed of his interest to George W. Delany, also of White S. D.,
by whom the paper was conducted under the firm name of
Adams & Delany. September 19 of the same year, Mr. Adams
disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Delany, and on
October 4 the latter sold a half interest to R. J. Dabell, at that
time the local townsite agent and cashier of the Security State
1020 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Bank. Up to this time the paper had no plant to speak of, and
the press work was done in Albert Lea and the greater part of
the job work sent to Owatonna. With the advent of the firm of
Delany & Dobell, a complete plant was purchased and the num-
ber of pages of home print increased from two to four. March
1, 1902, the business was purchased by C. C. Campbell, of Brook-
ings, S. D., the present publisher, who changed the paper tcr
the seven-column six-page form in which it is now issued. Dur-
ing the first days of its existence the "Eagle" had many abiding
places, one which it occupied for a couple of years being now in
use as an automobile garage. At present it occupies commo-
dious quarters of its own in a good location on the main business
street of the village. C. C. Campbell, the present proprietor, is
a good, capable business man, being both a good job printer and
a good editor. The newspaper, the "Ellendale Eagle," is a credit
to Ellendale and well deserves the success it is achieving under
its present able management. In politics it is Republican.
BLOOMING PRAIRIE TIMES.
The "Blooming Prairie Times" was issued for the first time
on May 18, 1893. It was owned by a corporation under the
name of the Times Printing Company, the stockholders being
mostly business men of Blooming Prairie. W. M. Dynes was
the first editor. The paper was published from the first as an
eight-page paper, and has retained its original form. February
7, 1895, W. H. Annett, of Spencer, Iowa, became owner and
editor, but remained with the paper only a few months, until
October 22 of the same year, when it was sold to W. L. Buck-
sen, of Owatonna. who also became the editor. On August 2,
1897, two young men of St. Ansgar, la., Albert Jeglum and K.
Steenberg, bought the paper. Thej^ published the paper for six
weeks, when it became the property of J. C. Brainerd, with Will-
iam Merchant as editor, on September 17. On October 11 of
the same year, Theodore P. Fagre purchased the plant and stood
by for almost a year, W. L. Bucksen again becoming owner on
July 27, 1898. Mr. Bucksen this time remained at the helm for
almost six years, until June 1. 1906, when Theodore P. Fagre,
who had settled in the village and been engaged in the general
merchandise business, again turned his attention to journalistic
efforts and became editor, with Samuel A. Rask as part owner
of the paper. Mr. Fagre is the present owner and editor.
It will thus be seen that the "Times" has been a "football of
circumstances," having been kicked about considerably, and has
changed hands seven times during its existence of seventeen
years. Its life has proven the prevalent notion that it is difficult
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1031
for one who has once entered Ihe newspaper field to stay out
of it, as Mr. Bucksen owned tlie paper twice, and Mr. Fagre is
now owning it the second time. The paper was run for many-
years on independent lines as far as party politics were con-
cerned, but when Mr. Bucksen became its owner again in 1898
the paper began to lean toward Republicanism, and at present
it is an outspoken organ of Republican principles and policies.
CHAPTER XXIX.
NATIONAL GUARD.
History of Company I, Second Infantry, Minnesota National
Guard— Its Honors and Efficiency— Muster In— First Offi-
cers—Changes in Officers— Erecting the Armory — Social
and Disciplinary Advantages — Conclusion.
Owatonna's crack military organization. Company I. Second
Regiment of Infantry, Minnesota National Guard, deserves a
place in the history of Steele county for especial reasons, in addi-
tion to the fact of its existence for twelve years during the time
when the National Guard was undergoing marked rejuvei.aL.on
and improvement as a means of national defense. These espe-
cial reasons which have made the company notable are such as
pertain to the record of this command alone and make it unique
among the National Guard companies of the state.
From the time it was mustered into service, this company
has continuously shown remarkable ambition. From the first
it claimed first place for efficiency in the regiment to which it
was assigned, and that ranking it has jealously guarded ever
since.
In 1902, at a time in the history of the guard when competi-
tive markings were given the various companies at the annual
inspection, Company I won the distinction of being declared the
best company in the state, and it was the first company working
under the disadvantages of a lone company in a small city which
had ever achieved this distinction, which usually went to one
of the companies in the large cities possessing superior advan-
tages in the form of a large armory, club rooms, etc. The first
rank rating came as the result of an inspection at Camp Lake-
view, where all companies were upon an equal footing. The
inspection markings took into account not only accuracy of
drill movements, but general efficiency, marksmanship, discipline,
care of public property and knowledge of the various duties of
the soldier.
But Company I did not rest upon these laurels, though it had
no opportunity to win them again as the system of competitive
markings was abolished soon after. Ever since that time the
company has maintained an average of efficiency which has
ranked it year after year as one of the five companies rated first
1022
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1023
class, out of from twenty-nine to forty company organizations
in the Minnesota National Guard.
This sustained record, during a time when the Guard was
undergoing vast improvement, is one, we believe, not equaled
by the record of any other company in the state. All companies
have 3'ears when they are good and years when they slump in
form, but Company I is known by every ofificer in the Guard
as a company that always is and always has been first class.
This record has naturally brought distinction to the city in
which the company has its home, has spoken well for the general
character of the city's young men from whom the company has
been recruited, and has reflected credit upon the citizenship of
Owatonna for the evident support and encouragement given the
company.
Another distinction belonging to the company is that it was
the first company in the history of the Minnesota National Guard
to manifest the enterprise to build its own armory, and until
1910 it was the only company in the state owning its own
armory. The armory property is valued at about $11,000, and
is located on west Vine street. The building is 100 by 64 feet,
and has a 32 by 66-foot lawn space in front, on which it is hoped
some day to erect a suitable addition for offices and club rooms.
The armory was built when the company was but three years old,
through the financial efiforts of the members of the company,
aided by generous contributions from business men and others.
The company was mustered into the service in 1898, after
Owatonna had in vain attempted to gain representation in one
of the regiments sent into the Spanish-American war. A com-
pany of 140 men was raised for the Fifteenth Minnesota Vol-
unteer Infantry, but political reasons led the governor to ignore
it. Finally came the Indian outbreak at Leach lake, in which
Major Wilkinson and several men of the regular army lost their
lives. The settlers in that part of the state became frantic with
alarm, and it was brought home to the governor and the people
of the state that they had no military protection, all the Guard
regiments being in the United States service in the war.
Governor Clough thereupon created the Fourth Infantry Re-
serve Regiment of the Guard, and Owatonna provided Company
G of this regiment, which later, as will appear, became Company
I of the Second Regiment.
The company was mustered in October 22, 1898, with Clayton
H. Stearns, an experienced former guard officer, as captain ; W.
E. McClintock, another former guard officer, as first lieutenant,
and Emil W. Theimer as second lieutenant. Lieutenant Mc-
Clintock resigned within a few weeks, owing to the pressure of
private business, and at about the same time, on November 25,
1024 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Captain Stearns was promoted to be a major of the Fourth Regi-
ment. The resulting promotions made Lieutenant Theimer cap-
tain ; Sergeant Harry C. Howe, first lieutenant, and Sergeant W.
C. V. Nelson, second lieutenant, all being commissioned on De-
cember 20, 1898. Major Stearns a little later became lieutenant
colonel of the regiment.
Under these officers the company made an excellent record
at the first annual encampment of the regiment, but the uncer-
tainties of its position made its maintenance, like the other com-
panies of the regiment, very difficult. The equipment provided
by the state was very meager, and the Fourth Regiment had
failed to receive recognition from the legislature so that it could
become a regular part of the state's military force. These con-
ditions, coupled with Captain Theimer's unavoidable absence
from the city at this critical time, finally brought the company,
in the early part of the year I'JOO, to a condition wiicrein strenu-
ous cfiforts were necessary to save the organization.
The result of these efforts made by the loyal and enthusiastic
members, resulted in Mr. Anton Schaefer's being induced to ac-
cept the captaincy. Captain Theimer having resigned on March
28. While Mr. Schaefer had had no military experience, he was
a natural leader of men. a fine athlete, anrl of exceptionally fine
character as a gentleman and as a good citizen. His acceptance
of the captaincy immediately aroused the interest of the leading
young men of the city, who, to the niunber of nearly thirty, en-
listed in the company.
The failure of the legislature to provide any support for the
Fourth Regiment meantime had left the situation very critical,
but Company G was fortified against official dissolution by rea-
son of its record and condition of efficiency. Consequently, when
the regiment finally fell to pieces in April, 1900, the company
was transferred to fill a vacancy in the Second Regiment, and
became Company I of that regiment. At the very first encamp-
ment with the Second Regiment, the fine spirit and efficiency
of the company attracted so much comment and praise that the
company immediately assumed rank as the crack company of
the regiment. This ranking it has never relinquished.
At this point a digression should be made to mention that
from its incei)tion the company had maintained high ideals of
soldierly conduct and duty, and these, consistently maintained
and added to by experience, created for the company traditions
and an esprit dc corps which formed an unshakable foundation
for I lie }'ears to come.
It was under Captain Schaefer, aided by his capable officers.
Lieutenants Howe and Nelson, who were fine drillmasters, that
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1025
the company won its distinction of first place in the State Guard,
in 1902.
Second Lieutenant Nelson resigned on January 12, 1903, be-
cause of removal from the city, and was succeeded by Sergeant
Herbert W. Vinton.
First Lieutenant Howe resigned October 22, 1903, because
of the pressure of his private business. His loss was a severe
one to the company, as he was most enterprising as well as a
very capable officer. He was succeeded as first lieutenant by
Lieutenant Vinton, and First Sergeant Herbert F. Luers became
second lieutenant.
These resignations were soon followed, on April 12, 1904, by
that of Captain Schaefer, who surrendered the command in the
loyal belief that his continual absence from the city, he being a
traveling salesman, was a handicap to the company. His resig-
nation was a most discouraging blow, and one which many com-
panies could not have survived; but Company I's traditions and
esprit de corps then, as since, proved it to be too well organized
to be easily set back.
The unanimous choice of the company for captain fell upon
Second Lieutenant Herbert F. Luers, who thereby rose to the
grade of captain from that of sergeant within a period of six
months. He was commissioned April 25, 1904, as was also the
new second lieutenant, Minot J. Brown, who was invited from
civil life to take this commission.
Under Captain Luers the company continued to hold its posi-
tion in the advance of the great progress being made by the entire
Guard. The debt which remained on the army was reduced from
$4,000 to $2,700; and in addition the armory roof was replaced,
a new hardwood floor laid, and the interior of the building dec-
orated, all at a cost of over $1,200.
First Lieutenant Vinton resigned August 1, 1906, because of
removal from the city, and Second Lieutenant Brown was pro-
moted to his place. Sergeant Albert E. Butsch was promoted to
be second lieutenant.
Captain Luers remained in command for si.x years, the long-
est service of any of the company's commanders, and on July 11
resigned because of that reason which has lost the Guard so
many officers — the pressure of private business. He proved his
intense interest and loyalty to the company, however, by imme-
diately enlisting as a private in the ranks.
The choice of the company for the captaincy fell upon Sec-
ond Lieutenant Butsch, who was formally elected in September,
1910, Lieutenant Brown having declined to consider taking the
captainc)'. Sergeant Hugo B. Theimer, a brother of former
Captain E. W. Theimer, was elected second lieutenant.
1026 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The new captain is, next to Captain Lueis, the oldest member
of the company, having enlisted in March, 1900. He is a sub-
stantial business man, the junior member of the firm of C. Butsch
& Son, hardware dealers, and enjoys the entire respect of the
community in general, as well as of the men of the company.
He has been one of the most valuable members of the company,
both as a soldier and in rendering loyal service in many ways
outside the regular duties of a member, and there is no question
but that under his command the company will maintain its high
ideals and position at the front.
What Company I has meant to Owatonna. aside from the
reputation it has given the city, may be estimated from the fact
that over 500 young men have received a measure of its fine
training and discipline, during the twelve years of the company's
existence.
What this means may be further illuminated by the state-
ment of the fact that, not by order but by force of tradition,
liquor is never allowed either in the armory or upon the company
street in camp, and the use of vile language in the company's
quarters is frowned upon by common consent. This is signifi-
cant of the place the organization holds in the afifection and re-
spect of its members, and of what it means to be, or to have been,
a member of Company I of Owatonna.
The company has always been prominent in the social life of
Owatonna, and it is noteworthy that its inspections by superior
officers are always attended and witnessed by large numbers of
the leading citizens and their families, who feel a most cordial
interest in and respect for Company I.
PART IV-BIOGRAPHICAL
BIOGRAPHICAL
John H. Adair, one of the leading- physicians of Owatonna,
was among the first white children born in Steele county, having
first seen the light of day in Havana township, Jidy 26, 1858. His
parents, Robert and I'lora (Hunter) Adair, were sturdy old pio-
neers, of Highland Scotch ancestry. Dr. Adair attended the
schools of his neighborhood, graduated from Pillsbury Academy,
and then completed a course in Carlton College, at Northfield,
Winn. In 1880 he went to Chicago, entered the Rush Medical
College, and graduated from that institution in 1883. He began
to practice at Winnebago City, Minn., in 1883, but one year
later came to Owatonna, where he has since remained. Dr. Adair
has served in several offices of a local nature, was county coroner
for many years, and has assisted in the progress of the city as a
member of a number of important municipal boards. Being thor-
oughly ethical in his practice, Dr. Adair has allied himself with
the county, state and national medical societies, and has kept well
abreast of his time in all departments of medicine and surgery.
He was married September 15, 1887, to Mary Lundy Davidson,
and this union has been blessed with two daughters, Flelen and
Catherine.
Robert Adair and his brother, John Adair, were the first white
settlers of Havana township. They were born in the Highlands
of Scotland, and after coming to America, lived for a time in
Canada. They came from Racine county, Wisconsin, where they
had lived five years, to Steele county, in 1855, by wagon, arriving
July 15, 1855. They became prominent citizens, occupied a num-
ber of important local offices, and were universally esteemed.
Robert died June 7, 1877, and John ])asscd away August 4, 1897.
John W. Adsit, the genial and accommodating hotel propri-
etor of Owatonna, is a native of Steele county, born in Aurora
township, December 12, 1869. He was reared on the farm, at-
tended the public schools in his neighborhood, and then took a
course at Pillsbury Academy. After leaving school, he spent
three years buying and selling live stock, and then until 1895
was in the boot and slioe business with his brothers, Charles
and W. B. Adsit, under the firm name of Adsit Brothers. In
the meantime, in 1900, tlie subject of this sketch became inter-
1029
1030 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ested in the hotel business. In 1905 he accordingl}- disposed of
his mercantile interests, and since that date, in partnership with
Dr. G. G. Alorehouse, under the firm name of Morehouse &
Adsit, has devoted himself to the management of the Owatonna
Hotel, conducting it on the American plan with great success.
Mr. Adsit is a public-spirited man and takes an active interest
in affairs looking to the welfare of the community. He has
served several years on the Public Library Board, and was one
of the committee of the Hospital Board to select and purchase
the site for its location. He is a member of the Commercial Club
of Owatonna, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and Yeomen. He is independent
in his political opinions and actions, and carefully weighs the
issues of each campaign, choosing to consider the merits of each
platform and the character of each candidate, rather than to
blindly follow the dictates of party leaders. The family attends
the Congregational Church. On September 29, 1896, Mr. Adsit
married Miss Effie L., daughter of Dr. E. and Mrs. Lorinda
(McRostie) Morehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Adsit have two children:
Eugenia L. and Irene J.
Dr. William W. Arms, a skilled optician of Owatonna, is a
native-born son of the city where he now makes his head-
quarters, having first seen the light of day February 22, 1870.
He received his early education in the public schools of Owa-
tonna. This was supplemented by a course at Pillsbury Aca-
demy. After leaving the academy, he attended the Brad-
ley Polytechnic Institute, of Peoria, Illinois. He is also a
graduate of the American Neurophthalmology, Los Angeles,
California. After graduating from this institution, he located
at Owatonna, where he has since remained, doing a large and
flourishing business. Aside from his regular office trade he
has a circuit of towns which he visits every month, doing
optometry work. He is the only person in Steele county
practicing exclusively in this line of work. Dr. Arms was mar-
ried June 29, 1904, at Owatonna, to Miss Nellie R., daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ring, of Medford, Steele county, Minn. The
mother died December 13, 1904. Two children have blessed the
tmion of Dr. and Mrs. Arms, viz.: George E., born December 3,
1906; Edward R., born December 19. 1908. The pleasant family
home is located at the corner of Flowervale street and Riverside
avenue. Dr. Arms affiliates with the Republican party. In relig-
ious faith, he is a Baptist. He takes an active interest in church
work and has long been a member of that denomination. He is
also a member of the I. O. O. F.. a member of Minnesota State
Optometry Association, and a member of the American Optical
Association.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1031
George W. and Abigail (Hughes) Arms, parents of Dr. Will-
iam W. Arms, were natives, respectively, of Wisconsin and Can-
ada, coming to Owatonna in 1861. The father is a retired car-
penter and contractor.
James Adair, manager of the Owatonna Creamery Supply
Company, is one of the rising young men of the city, and in the
eight years that he has been here has already established himself
as a reliable and efficient business man. He was born in Wav-
erly, Iowa, September 13, 1870, and received his education in the
public schools, supplemented with a high-school course, from
which latter he graduated in 1890. After teaching a few years
in his native state, he began work in a creamery supply house,
where he remained five years. In January, 1896, he moved to
Albert Lea, Minn., and there remained five years longer, acquir-
ing a proficiency in his business which might well be envied by
many an older man. In September, 1901, after carefully looking
over the field, he decided that Owatonna, as the center of a rich
dairying district, was a suitable field for a creamery, whereupon
he came here and established the Owatonna Creamery Supply
Company, of which he has since been the manager. He has asso-
ciated himself with the life of the community, has a pleasant
home at 246 East Rice street, and has affiliated with the Odd Fel-
lows and the United Commercial Travelers. He is a self-made
man, and owes all that he is and has to his own faithful efforts.
Mr. Adair was married October 23, 1898, at Waverly, Iowa, to
Ella Bachcr, and to their happy union have been born three
children: Helen M., Marion L. and Robert S., all at home. The
family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. James
and Elizabeth (Stuart) Adair, parents of James Adair, came to
Iowa from New York state in 1857, and engaged in farming.
In 1881, the former was elected shcrifl' of Bremer county. He
died in Waverly, Iowa, October 29, 1886, his wife having died
May 30. 1872.
Reynold H. Bach, one of the honored e.x-mayors of Owatonna,
has taken an active interest in the business and civic progress of
the city. Born in Marion, Olmstead county, April 12, 1868, he
there received his education. He dates his residence in Owa-
tonna from 1891, when he came here and opened a small retail
music store, which grew and prospered. In 1907, Mr. Bach made
his first venture in the jewelry business, which he has since con-
ducted, still continuing, however, to handle music supplies of all
kinds. He now has a well equipped, well appointed store, and
carries a large stock of first-class goods. A branch store of this
concern, known as the Bach Music Company, located in Roches-
ter, Minn., is in charge of A. M. Bach, a brother of the subject
of this sketch. Ex-Mayor Bach has met with marked success in
1032 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
all his undertakings and is possessed of those qualities which
count for popularity and respect in the communit}'. He served
the city of Owatonna two years as alderman of the First ward,
and in this capacity did such good service that he was the unani-
mous choice of his party for mayor, and was elected by a goodly
majority. Mr. Bach and family are active members of the Con-
gregational church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican
party. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., the M. W.
A., and the U. C. T. He is also a member of the Owatonna Com-
mercial Club, and of the National, Alinnesota and Owatonna
Automobile Clubs. Mr. Bach was married November 15, 1894,
to Jessie Newsalt, daughter of Judge Jacob Newsalt. now de-
ceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bach has been blessed with
three children : Lorraine, born December 26, 1904, and Con-
stance L., born October 22, 1906, and one that died in infancy.
The family residence is pleasantly located at 503 South Elm
street. The parents of Reynold H. Bach, Reinhold and Barbara
(Bauer) Bach, were born in Germany, and came to America in
early childhood. The father spent his early life in Wisconsin,
but in 1867 moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota, and took up
agricultural pursuits on the tract of land which he still owns and
conducts. Mr. Bach is a lineal descednant of John Sebastian
Bach, the famous musician.
Armin J. Bosshard, auditor of Steele county, is a lifelong resi-
dent of this vicinit}-, having been born in Meriden township,
November 25, 1878, son of Gottfried and Caroline (Theile)
Bosshard, natives, respectively, of Switzerland and Germany,
the former coming to America in 1851 and the latter in 1849.
Armin J. received his early education in the district schools of
his neighborhood, and in 1892 entered Pillsbury Academy at
Owatonna, graduating in 1896. He then started his career
as an accountant, working two years in the First State Bank
of Owatonna, two years in the First National Bank and one
year in the Farmers' National Bank. In 1903, for a short
period of about two years, re resumed agricultural pursuits on
the old homestead. In 1905 he was appointed deputy county
auditor and was serving in this position in the fall of 1906, when
he was elected to his present position, being re-elected in the
fall of 1908. Mr. Bosshard is prominent in fraternal circles, and
is a high degree Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Elk and a Mod-
ern Woodman. Public-spirited and progressive, he has taken an
active interest in the welfare of Steele county, and has been
closely identified with the dairy interests, being a stockholder in
the Golden Rule Co-operative Creamery Association of Meriden
township. He is also secretary of the North Star Poultry Asso-
ciation. September 18, 1907, Mr. Bosshard was married to Anna,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1033
daughter of John Meschkc, and the youui; couple are pleasantly
domiciled at 415 South Oak street.
Gottfried Bosshard was born in Germany and came to Amer-
ica with his parents in 1851, locating in Wisconsin. Ten years
later he enlisted in Company D, Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry and served three and one-half years with valor. In
1867 he came to Steele county, purchased 160 acres in Meriden
township and started successful farming operations, gradually
adding to his place until he owned 255 acres. In 1893 he retired
from active life and moved to Owatonna, where he now resides,
enjoying an honored old age.
John S. Brick, a prosperous merchant, of the firm of Brick
& Misgen, Owatonna, is a native born son of Steele county,
having first seen the light of day in Berlin township, December
29, 1872, son of Thomas and Mary (Shea) Brick. He received
his early education in the district schools of his neighborhood
and Pillsbury Academy and later took charge of the old home-
stead until 1901, being most successful in his operations. In
1901, he determined to start in commercial life, and accordingly
purchased a furniture establishment in partnership with M. R.
Hastings. This business relation continued pleasantly for four
years, after which Mr. Hastings sold his interest to F. J. Bush.
October 15. 1909, Mr. Bush sold his interest to Charles M.
Misgen. The company now carries on an extensive furniture
business, and also conducts a well appointed funeral directing
and embalming department. Mr. Brick is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and attends the Roman Catholic Church. He is also promi-
nent in fraternal circles, being a member of the C. O. F., the
A. O. H., the K. of C. and the Y. of A. Mr. Brick is an enter-
prising and public-spirited man who has risen in life by his
own efforts, and being 3'et in the [irime of his activities, he has
yet a splendid future.
Thomas Brick, an early settler of Steele county, was born
in Ireland, and from there migrated to the United States and
engaged in railroad work. In 1856 he came to Steele county
and took u]) his abode on a claim of 160 acres in Berlin town-
ship, which he pre-empted. Later he purchased another quarter
section, and on this farm of 320 acres carried on general agri-
cultural operations, bringing the place to a high stage of devel-
opment, improvement and cultivation. He was actively engaged
in farming up to within a few days of the time of his death. In
the family were eight children: John S., an Owatonna merchant;
Mary, who died in youth; Ellen, who is in a convent; Catherine,
who lives in Owatonna ; Margaret, Susan and Elizabeth, who
are dead; William, who lives on the old homestead, and Thomas,
who is a traveling salesman out of Owatonna.
1034 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Lawrence C. Brown is a well known mechanic of Owatonna,
Minnesota, who has made his own way in the world. He is a
native of Washington county, Wisconsin, where he was born
December 6, 1867. His father and mother, Peter and Margaret
(Donsback) Brown were natives of Germany, wiio came from
the Fatherland in 1846 and settled in ^Vashington county, Wis-
consin, where the father took up a tract of land, which he
subdued and improved and where he made a home and reared
his family and carried on general farming until 1907, when he
retired and moved to Fond du Lac county. The mother passed
away October 21, 1903. Our subject grew up on the home farm
in Wisconsin, having the usual experiences of the Western
farmer boy, and after leaving the district school worked on the
farm until he was eighteen years old. He then learned the
blacksmith's trade in his native county and worked at it there
some four years. On May 4, 1889, he took up his residence at
Owatonna, Minnesota, where he followed his trade working for
different parties seven years. On October 1, 18S)6, Mr. Brown
opened a shop and began business on his own account, and has
carried it on with marked success, having become widely known
as an expert horseshoer. He conducted the business in his
own name until April, 1904, when his brother, H. J. Brown,
came in and since then this up-to-date horseshoeing shop has
been conducted under the firm name of Brown Brothers. Since
March 14, 1910, Mr. Brown has operated the shop alone, his
brother moving to Denhoff, North Dakota, where he engaged in
the same business. ,
Mr. Brown is a Democrat in politics and has represented the
second ward of Owatonna in the city council. In 1910 he was
elected a member of the council at large for a term of four
years. He is active in fraternal societies, and is identified
with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Maccabees, the
Eagles and Knights of Pythias. October 13, 1892, Mr. Brown
married Miss Augusta Bartsch whose parents were natives of
Germany. The father, John Bartsch, was in the hotel business
at Mayville, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and thence moved to
Minnesota where both he and the mother died.
Lewis C. Berg, of Owatonna, a veteran of the Civil War,
was born in Norway, August 23, 1838, and there received his
earlier education, coming to America with his mother in 1845.
After attending the public schools of W'isconsin for a time, he
learned the moulders' trade at Beaver Dam. in the same state,
and was engaged in this business at the outbreak of the Civil
War. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-eight Wiscon-
sin Volunteer Infantry, as a musician and served three years,
being discharged at Brownsville, Texas, and mustered out at
L. ( . lilKlW \
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1035
Madison, Wis. For a short time Mr. Berg lived at Hartland,
Wis., and in October, 1865, came to Owatonna, where he became
a moulder for Lowth & Howe, Mr. Lowth having been his former
employer in Wisconsin. He remained with this firm through
various changes in ownership, and in 1888, when it was incor-
porated under the present title of the Owatonna Manufacturing
Company, he became ornamenter and painter, which position
he still holds. In politics Air. Berg is a Republican. For
eighteen years he served as a member of the Owatonna fire de-
partment. He is also an enthusiastic worker in the James A.
Goodwin Post, G. A. R., being now a past commander. A public-
spirited man in every respect, he has taken a deep interest in
the welfare of the community in which for so long he has made
his home. Mr. Berg was married October 29, 1865, at Beaver
Dam. Wis., to Ellen Lowth, daughter of Edward and Mary
(DufTy) Lowth, who took up a government claim in Wisconsin
in the early daj's and carried on general farming until their
decease. Mrs. Berg was born in Pittsford, Vermont, July 9,
1842. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Berg is blessed with two
children : Frank L., who is now a druggist in Minneapolis, and
Alice M., who is now Mrs. Egbert Brown, of Owatonna. The
family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The residence is
pleasantly located at 240 East Broadway. Charles and Karen
S. Stave Berg, parents of Lewis C. Berg, were natives of Nor-
way. The father died in 1840 and the mother came to America
five years later with her five children, locating in Waukesha
county, Wisconsin. She died in 1896 at the ripe old age of
ninety-four.
Byron P. Chapin, a merchant of Owatonna, was born in
Courtland county. New York State, March 20, 1851, son of
Rufus H. and .Abigail S. (Putnam) Chapin, of New York State.
The parents came west in 1870, locating at Owatonna, where
the father engaged in the machinery and livery business. He
continued this business until 1895, wlicn he retired from active
life. The father died February 4, 1908, the mother passed away
February 4. 1898. Byron received his early education in New
York State. After leaving school, he engaged in the livery
business, which he continued until 1870, when he came west with
his parents. He purchased 208 acres of land in Havana town-
ship, Steele county, and engaged in farming which he continued
until 1888. He then rented the farm and came into the City of
Owatonna, where he engaged with his father in the livery busi-
ness until 1892. At this time, he bought twenty-five acres of
land in the city limits and again took up agricultural pursuits,
which he followed until April, 1909, when he rented the land
and bought the second-hand store of J. W. Gillett, which busi-
1036 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ness he has continued successfully since. Mr. Chapin was mar-
ried November 7, 1877, in Havana township to Lena Kate Lan-
don. She passed awaj' February 5, 1898, leaving three children
in the care of her husband, viz : George R.. a farmer of Montana ;
Clara, now Mrs. Charles Stewart, of Montana ; Frank L., also
living in Montana. Mr. Chapin was married a second time May
9, 1901, to Miss Myra Greenwood. This union was blessed
with one child, Elizabeth A. Mr. Chapin believes in the Pro-
hibitionist part}-. He is a frugal, enterprising and progressive
business man, who has gained what he posseses by his own
efforts, a good citizen, well appreciated by all who know him.
His home is located at 127 East Vine street.
Guy J. Clefton, an enterprising and popular business man of
Owatonna, was born in Mukwonago, Wis.. May 9, 1874, son of
William VV. and Sarah A. (Smith) Clefton, natives of Wisconsin
and descendants from old New England stock. The father still
makes his home in Wisconsin. The mother died August 11, 1886.
Mr. Clefton received his early education in the public schools
of Wisconsin, after which he took up and learned the plumbing
and heating business. He came to Faribault in 1890 and in the
fall of the same year he moved to Owatonna. In 1895 he became
identified with the Western Supply Company, of St. Paul, acting
as traveling salesman, selling heating and plumbing supplies.
He remained with this firm until 1905 whence he purchased an
interest in the Clefton Plumbing & Heating Compan3% of Owa-
tonna, with C. J. Clefton. February 1, 1910, they changed from
a copartnership to a corporation and are now known as the
Clefton Company ; Guy J. Clefton acting as general manager and
treastu'er. They sell both wholesale and retail all kinds of
plumbing, heating, gas and electric supplies, and are doing an
extensive and constantly growing business in that line.
The subject of this sketch was married January 5, 1898, at
Owatonna to Ora Z. Barncard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Z.
Barncard, who now reside at St. Paul. Mr. Clefton is a staunch
Republican. He with his family belong to the Universalist church.
He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Masons, B.
P. O. E., K. of P., and the Commercial Club. Mr. Clefton takes
an active interest in public life, and is now serving as alderman
of the first ward. Fle has a pleasant residence at 213 East
School street.
William P. Canfield, jiroprietor of the Canfield School of
Business, Owatonna, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sep-
tember 16, 1864. He is a son of J- Marshal and Mary (Mills)
Canfield, natives of New York and T\entucky respectively, who
came to Iowa in the early sixties, locating at Cedar Rapids. The
father was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods until
CrV ,1. ( I.KI'TDN
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1037
after the Civil War when he established a dyeing and cleaning
business. He died December 3, 1906. The mother survived
him and passed away September 5, 1909. William P. received
his early education in the public schools of Cedar Rapids, which
was supplemented by a course at the Epworth Seminary, Coe
College and a course at the Cedar Rapids Business College,
graduating from the latter institution in January, 1885. His
talents were recognized and he was engaged as a teacher in the
commercial department of the above named institution, which
position he filled for two years. He then went to Richmond,
Virginia, where he was engaged as teacher in the Smithdcal
Business College for a short period. He then established a
business as an expert accountant, remaining in Richmond until
1891. Owing to illness he returned to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where
he went to work for the Goodyear Publishing Company, remain-
ing in their employ for six months, after which he went to
Stillwater, Minn., and conducted the Stillwater Business College.
He remained here until the fall of 1897, whence he moved to
Owatonna and established the Canfield School of Business, which
he has conducted with success ever since. Mr. Canfield was mar-
ried September 7, 1888, at Bromley, Marshall county, Iowa, to
Mary Moore. Five children have blessed their union, viz : Ross
M.; Paul M.; Faith P.; Dwight R. ; Wyne W., all living with
their parents. Mr. Canfield affiliates with the Prohibition party.
He worships at the Methodist-Episcopal church. He is also a
member of the I. O. O. F. The family reside at 512 East Main
street. Mr. Canfield is a loyal citizen, a progressive educator,
and has built up his institution by hard work and persevering
effort.
William B. Clarkson, a hustling and progressive citizen of
Owatonna, Minnesota, was born July 16, 1862, in Bond county,
Illinois. Shortly after his birth, his parents removed to Alton,
Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools. Leaving
school at the age of seventeen, he enlisted as an apprentice boy
for the term of his minority in the United States navy, receiving
an honorable discharge and continuous service certificate on his
twenty-first birthday. He at once adopted the business of selling
farm machinery and associated himself with his brother. James
D., at Carthage, Missouri, severing his connections five years
later to accept employment as a traveling salesman in the same
line of business, and in this form of occupation he has been
continuously employed to the present time. He is at present
associated wiiii the Gale-Monroe Comi)any, of Minneapt)Iis.
Minn., in charge of their southeast Minnesota territory, and
has made his home at Owatonna since September 1, 1906, residing
at 357 East Broadway. The Masonic order claims him as a
1038 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
valued member, and lie is also identified with the order of
United Commercial Travelers of America where his activities
along fraternal lines have been mostly directed. At the time of
this writing he is serving as Grand Junior Counselor in the Grand
Council of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Manitoba. Saskatchewan
and Alberta, United Commercial Travelers of America, one of
the highest offices in the gift of this organization, and a sincere
testimonial to the rank he holds in his profession. September
29, 1886, at Nebraska City, Nebraska, he was married to Edith
Eugenia Madison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Madison,
late of Nebraska City, since deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson
have four children: Bessie Belle, a graduate of the Owatonna
High school and the kindergarten department of the State Nor-
mal at Winona, Minn.; she is engaged in teaching; Carol Lowell,
who is an assistant librarian of the Owatonna public library;
Eugene Douglas, a student in the local High school; and Mil-
dred Edith, also a student in the local High school. The family
are loyal supporters of the Congregational church. James and
Elizabeth (Douglas) Clarkson, parents of William B., were
natives of England, the father being born in Yorkshire, and the
mother in Newcastle. Emigrating to America in 1850, thev first
settled in McDonald county, Illinois, and in 1861 moved to Bond
county, Illinois, near Greenville, the county seat, all of this time
being engaged in farming until the fall of 1862 when they moved
to Alton, Illinois, and entered the hotel business, in which they
continued until after the close of the War of the Rebellion, later
engaging in retail merchandising. Mr. James Clarkson (the
father) passed over in 1874. Mrs. Elizabeth (Douglas) Clarkson
(the mother) still survives, living at her home in Alton, Illinois.
Levi A. Disbrow is a real estate dealer at Owatonna, Minn.
He was born at Alden in McHenry county, Illinois, June 15,
1848, to Nathan and Nancy (Battey) Disbrow, who were natives
of the Empire state. Flis father, born in 1816, and a farmer by
occupation, moved to Illinois in 1834. Lie was the first white
man to make the trip from Chicago to the head of Lake Geneva
with team, driving over the Indian trail and fording Fox river
with the aid of Indians. He established a camp in the woods
on the banks of Lake Geneva, building a log cabin, and there
spent the winter of 1834-35. In the spring of 1835 he pre-empted
a section of land near Alden in McHenry county, Illinois, and
there established his home, experiencing all the hardships and
privations and trials incident to pioneer life in a wild, unsettled
country. But he persevered through all, and improved and culti-
vated his land and here carried on general farming for fifty years
and yet lives to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He sold his pos-
sessions in 1895 and retired from work and now makes his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1039
home with his son. lie was an influential and leading man in
his community and active in all matters looking to the develop-
ment of the country, and took active part in the local affairs of
the Republican party in its early history. His wife passed away
in 1887. Levi A. grew to manhood on his father's farm and
acquired a good common school education, and continued farm-
ing till he was twenty-six years old. In the summer of 1887
he built a creamery at Havana, Minn., which he conducted
eight years, till his removal to Owatonna. Here he engaged in
the manufacture of the combined churn and buttermakers some
three years. For nine years following 1897, Mr. Disbrow gave
his attention to the real estate trade. In 1906 he returned to
the manufacturing business in connection with the Perfection
Churn Manufacturing Company, but a little later sold his inter-
ests here and resumed buying, selling and dealing in real estate.
Mr. Disbrow takes an active interest in fraternal societies, being
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Republican in his
political opinions and action and in religious belief holds to the
faith of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. On March 14, 1888,
Mr. Disbrow married Mrs. Lothera Jones, widow of Mr. William
Jones, deceased, and a daughter of Mr. Robert Hatley, of Havana,
Illinois. Of two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Disbrow, the
eldest, Roy R.. is deceased and Archie S. lives with his parents.
Judge Francis A. Dunham of the Owatonna Municipal court,
has taken an active interest in the growth and progress of Owa-
tonna and Steele county. His articles written to give an im-
petus to local industry have been of good effect, and his work
in behalf of the various municipal interests of the city have
been productive of satisfactory results. The part he has taken
in public life is shown by the fact that he is at the present time
serving as secretary of the Owatonna Commercial Club, secre-
tary of the Steele County Street Fair Association, secretary of
the Owatonna City Hospital Board (resigned, 1910, on account
of press of other business,) and secretary of the Owatonna Busi-
ness Men's Club. Francis A. Dunham was born in Faribault,
Minn., March 1, ]875. son of Cornelius F. and Catherine Dun-
ham, of English and Irish descent respectively. He spent his
early boyhood in Owatonna, graduated from the Owatonna High
school in 1897 and from 1898 to 1901 read law with the Hon.
Thomas H. Quinn, at Faribault, being admitted to the bar in
1901. In 1903 he purchased the law library from the late
C. J. O'Brien, and became a member of the Disbrow, Kinney
Land Company January 1, 1904. January 1, 1908, he purchased
the insurance business of that company, and has been in busi-
ness for himself since that time, enjoying a large patronage.
1040 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
In 1908 he was elected judge of tlie municipal court of Owatonna,
and his excellent work in behalf of the peace and order of the
city won his election to succeed himself in 1910 without oppo-
sition.
Harvey S. Dartt is a wide-awake and influential citizen of
Owatonna, Minnesota. A native of Green Lake county, Wis-
consin, he was born June 16, 1866, to E. H. S. and Lucretia
(Brooks) Dartt, who were natives of Vermont and Erie county,
Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a school teacher
in early life and became a noted horticulturist. He went to
Wisconsin in 1844, and lived there till 1869 when he settled
with his family at Owatonna, where he entered the nursery
business and later engaged in the real estate business and be-
came the proprietor of Dartt's first and second addition to the
city of Owatonna. Meantime he was interested in horticulture
and conducted an experimental station for the state until his
decease, which occurred June 30, 1903. The mother passed
away January- 21, 1876. Harvey S. attended the public schools
at Owatonna and graduated from the high school there with the
class of 1886 and then turned his attention to civil engineering
which he has since followed with marked success at Owatonna,
where he has continuously lived, with the exception of nine
years, during which he traveled for the Northwest Publishing
Companj', of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Dartt made the surveys
for the Crane Creek ditch in Steele and Waseca counties and
also for Judicial District No. 1 of Dodge county. Mr. Dartt
is decidedly a man of affairs and has filled numerous public
offices at Owatonna. He has served as mayor of the city, as
alderman two terms, two terms as county surveyor and three
years as city surveyor, and has been a member of the Owatonna
Hospital Board. He stands high in fraternal orders, being identi-
fied with the local Masonic lodge. Knights of Pythias, Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America.
In politics he adheres to Republican principles. On August 26,
1896, Mr. Dartt married Ella M. Haworth, whose parents, How-
ard and Margaret (Shelton) Haworth, removed from Indiana,
their native state, to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they now reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Dartt have four children, viz : Mabel L., Donna
Emir, Walter Scott and Harvey S., Jr., all of whom live at home
with their parents.
Christ P. Fynskov, a prominent merchant of Owatonna, was
born at Madison, Wisconsin, July 24, 1875. son of Peter J. and
Mary W. Fynskov, natives of Denmark. They emigrated to
America in 1875, locating at Madison, Wisconsin, where they
remained for a short time. In 1877 they came to Steele county,
driving the whole distance by team, they located in Marton
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1041
township, Steele county, where three years later the father pur-
chased forty acres of land and engaged in general farming
for five years. He then sold this first farm and bought eighty
acres in Havana township ; some years later making an addi-
tional purchase of eighty acres in Merton township where he
was engaged in farming until 1902. He then sold the farm and
went to Douglass county where he bought land ; he also bought
land in Todd county adjoining the land in Douglass county, mak-
ing a farm of 270 acres, which he still tills. They were the par-
ents of nine children, viz: James, contractor and builder of De-
troit, Michigan; Christ P., the subject of this sketch; Andrew,
a retired sheep-ranch man, now of Detroit, Michigan; Mary, now
Mrs. Albert Borderson, of Sebeka, Minnesota; Hans, a ranch-
man in Dakota ; Anna, now Mrs. Segward Peterson, of St. Paul ;
Henry. Martin and Ernest, who are all residing with their
parents.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in
the district schools of Steele county. Then came to Owatonna
where he learned the baker's trade; later he became engaged with
the Robson Company, of Owatonna, who were conducting a
dry goods store. He remained with this firm for sixteen years,
ten years of which time he was department manager and buyer.
On November 22, 1906, he formed a copartnership with a Mr.
F. W. Simon. They opened a general store on South Cedar street
where the)- built up a large business. The firm was known as
Fynskov & Simon for three years; then Mr. George Webber
purchased Mr. Simon's interest and the business has since been
conducted under the firm name of Fynskov & Webber. They
are both verj' enterprising and popular young men, doing a thriv-
ing and increasing business. Mr. Fynskov was married June
22, 1898, at Owatonna, to Helen, daughter of H. C. and Lena
(Peterson) Larson, natives of Denmark, who emigrated to
America in 1874, were married here and located in Lemond
township, Steele county, where they have been engaged in farm-
ing ever since. They had seven children, namelj-, Theodore,
who lives at Owatonna; Helen, wife of our subject, was born
January 9, 1878; Walter, lives in Denver, Colorado; Mary, lives
at Owatonna; Alfred, who lives at Mankato; Louis and Edith,
who are residing at home. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fynskov
was blessed with two children, Stanley E., born March 25, 1900,
and Lowell, born March 18, 1904. Mr. Fynskov is a Republican
in politics and belongs to the Lutheran church. He also belongs
to a number of fraternal organizations, viz : K. of P., A. O. U. W.,
B. A. Y. The family is domiciled in a pleasant residence at 309
South Cedar street.
1043 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Henry F. Fritsch was born in Europe, May 17, 1887, son of
Frederick and Anna (Simper) FVitsch, natives, of Austria. They
came to America in 1893 and located at Garner, Iowa, where they
still reside. Henry F. received his education in Austria and
came to America with his parents in 1893 ; he attended school
at Garner for about three years and then entered the studio
with his father and after lie had learned the business formed
a partnership with his father, and conducted a branch at Thomp-
son, Iowa, for one year, when he sold out and bought a studio
at Mason City, Iowa, in 1905, which he conducted for four
years when he again sold out and came to Owatonna and pur-
chased the old Mueller studio at 132 West Vine street. He is
now the sole owner and proprietor and has met with marked
success. He was married May 20, 1908, to Miss Adolphina
Smith, of Garner, Iowa. In politics Mr. Fritsch is an independ-
ent voter, and in his religious belief he is Catholic. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F. and of the K. of C. He makes his
home at his studio on Vine street ; he has won his success by
his efforts and enjoys the respect of all who knuw liim.
Charles Green, of Owatonna, was born in Pittsford, Ruth-
land county, Vermont, May 28, 1853, son of Harvej' and Sophia
(Segar) Green, natives of Vermont. He came west with his
parents in 1866. locating in Somerset township, Steele county,
where the father purchased eighty acres of school land. Fie im-
proved the land, built a home and followed general and diversi-
fied farming up to the time of his decease, March 2, 1874. The
mother died March 13, 1900. Charles received his early edu-
cation in the district schools of Somerset township. After leav-
ing school, he worked at Faribault and Owatonna. In 1889 he
was elected city marshal, which position he filled for seven con-
secutive years. He then purchased a farm in Medford township
and engaged in agricultural pursviits for a period of five years.
At this time he sold the farm, came to the city of Owatonna and
bought an interest, with Mr. Jefferson, in the livery and city
bus line business. This business relation continued until 1901,
when they took in a third partner, Mr. Twiford. They have
built up a large trade making a specialty of the liver\' business.
Their efficient service is recognized and they are popular among
the traveling public. Mr. Green was married October 11, 1884,
to Mary Layman, who died July 24, 1894, leaving four children
in the care of her husband, viz: Ellen S., born October 15, 1885,
married H. H. Peavey of Redwood Falls, Minnesota ; George H.,
born March 24, 1888,' died May 13, 1900; Nora M., born July 29,
1890, lives at home ; Robert R., born February 18, 1894, also lives
with his father. Mr. Green married a second time at Owatonna
September 1, 1895, to Carrie S. Pratt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1043
Pratt. Their union is blessed with two children, viz: Alice J.,
born March 26, 1897; Mary J., born February 25, 1899. Mr.
Green is a Democrat. In religious faith he adheres to the Uni-
versalist church. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being
a member of the I. O. O. F.. the B. P. O. E., the M. W. A., the
W. 0-. \V.. the A. O. U. W. and the F. O. E. He is a loyal
and highly respected citizen and has twice served his city as
mayor. The family lives in a pleasant residence located at 506
South Cedar street.
C. Hudson Gordon, the leading photographer of Ovvatonna,
has received high encomiums for his excellent and artistic work,
taking, as he does, an aesthetic as well as commercial interest in
his chosen line. He was born in Summit township, Steele
county, June 4, 1875, son of Charles S. and Viola A. (Sheldon)
Gordon. He received his education in the public schools, and
after leaving school engaged in the grocery business with his
father. In 1899, after the grocery business was disposed of,
he learned the art of photography and opened a studio, which
he has since conducted, putting out work of the highest degree
of excellence. Mr. Gordon was married January 30, 1901, to
Alice Moran, daughter of Cornelius Moran, and to this union
has been born one son, Charles Irving, November 7, 1909. Mr.
Gordon is a Republican in politics and affiliates with the Masonic
fraternity.
J. D. Gordon, and his worthy wife, were among the earlier
settlers in Berlin township, Steele county, taking up their abode
in that locality in 1857. Mr. Gordon was born in Lowville,
Lewis county. New York, in 1823, and .spent his early life in the
East. After farming in Berlin township from 1858 to 1881, he
and his wife moved to Owatonna and retired. Their golden
wedding anniversary, celebrated January 26, 1907, was the occa-
sion of universal rejoicing among their friends and relatives.
But scarcely had the rejoicings died awaj', when on February
14, 1907, Mr. Gordon fell from a porch, and died March 9, at the
age of eighty-four years. His wife is still living. Of their
three children, C. S. died April 28, 1908; Anna L. is Mrs. A. J.
Chamberlain and Henry died in 1901.
Charles S. Gordon, business man and farmer, now deceased,
was born in Lowville, Lewis county, New York, son of J. D.
Gordon. He came to Steele county with his parents in 1857,
completed his education in the schools of Berlin town.ship, and
farmed for a number of years. In 1885 he moved to Owatonna.
and engaged in the grocery business with his .son, C. H., under
the firm name of Gordon & Son. In 1899, the firm sold out,
and C. S. Gordon retired. April 3, 1908, he was stricken with
paralysis, and died April 28, 1908, at the age of 59 years. His
1044 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
wife, Viola Sheldon, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, whom
he married in 1871. is still living. The sole fruit of this union
is one son, C. Hudson Gordon, of Owatonna.
Stephen C. Goff, Jr., clerk of court of Steele count)', was born
Ala}' 4, 1882, in Lemond township, Steele county, son of Stephen
C. and Florence E. (Bemis) Goff, natives of the United States,
of Scotch and English descent. The father came to Minnesota
in 1879 and located in Dodge county, where he married. In
1881, he came to Steele county, locating in Lemond township,
where he has been engaged in farming up to the present time.
The subject of our sketch received his early education in the
common schools of Steele county. After leaving school, he took
up teaching as a profession, which he followed from 1902 to 1905.
He then accepted a position as shipping clerk for the Owatonna
Creamery Supply Compan}', in which position he was engaged
until in July, 1906. At this time he was elected clerk of court
of Steele county, which office he has now filled for four jears.
Mr. Goff was married May 4, 1909, at Owatonna, to Pearl M.
Barnard, who died October 4, 1909. In politics Mr. Goff is
Republican. In religious faith he affiliates with the Baptist
church. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of
the K. of P., M. W. A.. F. O. E. and the Commercial Club. Mr.
Goff is a progressive young man. He has gained his position
by his own efforts and his uncompromising honesty in discharg-
ing his duties as a public ofificer has won for him the confidence
of the community as a good citizen, well liked by all who know
him.
Peter Ganser, proprietor of the Owatonna City Brewery, is
one of those substantial citizens, who, in building the founda-
tions for their own fortunes, find the time to take an interest
in all wortliy causes that tend toward the development of the
communit}'. He combines liberality with shrewd common sense
and business ability, and from his first settlement here he has
had an unbounded faith in Owatonna's future. Mr. Ganser
was born in Prussia, Germany, June 24, 1836. He received his
early education in the public schools and remained in his native
country until 1854, when he came to America and located in Dane
county, Wisconsin, where he lived for a time and then went to
California. In 1863 he returned to Wisconsin and there remained
imtil 1865 when he came to Owatonna and, together with his
brother, Adam, purchased the city brewery, which they con-
tinued together until 1872, at which time the brother died. The
subject of this sketch then became the sole owner and proprietor.
In 1878 the brewerj' was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of
about $12,000. Undaunted by this loss, Mr. Ganser rebuilt,
but in 1884 again suffered a similar disaster. The present
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1045
building, to which additions and improvements have been made
from time to time, was erected in 1884. In 1879, Mr. Ganser,
in company with Jacob Glaeser, erected the building then known
as the Germania Hall. Mr. Ganser has carried on a large and
increasing business from year to year. In 1894 he sold out his
business and for six years lived a retired life. In 1900 he again
came into possession of the brewery, which he has since con-
ducted. Mr. Ganser was married in 1867 to Mary Knight, who
was born in Indiana. The fruit of this union was three children,
viz: Margaret, now the wife of William Fleckenstein of the
Fleckenstein Brewery at Faribault ; Adeline, now Mrs. W. C.
Zamboni ; Kate, now Mrs. H. D. Brown, of Owatonna. Mr.
Ganser is a Democrat in political faith. He takes an active
interest in public affairs, and served as a mayor of Owatonna one
term, and alderman of the fourth ward for two years. Mr.
Ganser is a self-made man, enterprising in business, and has
won his position by persevering efforts. He lives in a very
fine residence at 508 South Oak street.
Thomas Y. Hostad, a successful real estate dealer of Owa-
tonna, was born in Norway, August 30, 1876, son of Thomas
and Gertrude Hostad, also natives of that country. The parents
emigrated to America in 1877, and located in Dodge county,
Minnesota, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until
1887. They then removed to Westfield township and continued
farming operations until 1906, in which year they died, the
mother December 22, and the father December 24, both being
laid at rest in the same grave. Thomas Y. received his early
education in the district schools of Dodge county, and in the
Blooming Prairie high school, this training being supplemented
with a course at Darling's College, at Rochester, and one at
Breckenridge College, at Decorah, Iowa. He then studied one
and a half years under Attorney Littleton, of Owatonna, and
subsequently took a correspondence course with the Chicago
Law School. After following the occupation of bookkeeper at
Blooming Prairie for a time, he opened a hotel, with livery and
feed stables in connection, at Kenyon, Minnesota, in 1897. He
sold this business in August of the same year and moved to
Owatonna. Later in the season he went to Claremont, Dodge
county, and purchased a stock of furniture and hardware, in
connection with which business he had the agency for the
McCormick farm machinery. He continued this business with
success for one year and a half, then sold out, retaining the
hardware department. This w-as soon burned, causing a loss of
over $1,600. His next venture was at Blooming Prairie, where
he engaged in the general merchandise business with his brothers
and C. P, Stevens, the firm name being Hostad Brothers &
1046 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Stevens. In January, 1900, the subject of this sketch sold out
his interest in this concern, and accepted a position as manager
for a retail shoe store in the same village, a position he retained
one and a half years. Next he clerked for a similar period in
Owatonna, and then took charge of the closing out of the Shea
stock of clotliing, conducting sales in Owatonna, Wells, Minne-
sota Lake and Blue Earth. Subsequently he again clerked for a
short period, and then embarked in the real estate business, in
which he has been most successful. His office is in the Parrott
and Smith building, and here are handled various lines of real
estate, insurance and abstracts in considerable volume. Mr.
Hostad affiliates with the Repul)lican party and belongs to the
Norwegian Lutheran church. He is an enterprising business
man and a good citizen, taking an active interest in everything
that tends toward the progress of the community. November 7,
1895, he was married at Owatonna to Elizabeth M. Mason, of
Blooming Prairie. This union was blessed with two children,
Edna L. and \'era G. November 10, 1009, Mr. Plostad married
Elizabeth A. Ochs, of Owatonna.
Robert W. Hutchinson was born in Andover. Windsor
county, Vermont, May 7, 1834, son of Moses W. and Parynthia
(Dodge) Hutchinson, also natives of Vermont, where they
were engaged in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The subject
of our sketch received his early education in Ando\er. and when
nineteen years of age, came West, locating in Wisconsin. Two
years later, in 1855, he came to Steele county, where he filed
on 160 acres of land. He made final proof of this land and in
1857 returned to Wisconsin. There he joined the union army.
Company L Thirty-second Regiment Wisconsin \'olunteer In-
fantry, August 15. 1862. He served with this regiment until
June, 1865, being honorably discharged at Washington, after
which he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1866.
He then came back to Steele county and engaged in farming on
his claim, which he had filed on in 1855 in Owatonna township.
He remained here until 1894, when he sold eighty acres of the
claim and removed to Owatonna village, where he has lived a
retired life since. Mr. Hutchinson was married October 6, 1862,
to Percilla W. Benedict. She died January 24, 1867. He was mar-
ried a second time December 10, 1871, to Mrs. Augusta (Lord)
Pound. She died March 12, 1902. She had two sons by her
first marriage, Charles L. Pound, of Owatonna, and William O.
Pound, of Billings, Montana. Mr. Hutchinson believes in the
principles of the Republican party, but never has aspired to
public office. He is a consistent member of the Universalist
church, and on account of his distinguished war record, has
allied himself with the James A. Goodwin Post. G. A. R. The
PUBLIC LIBR,
ASTO'ft, LCNOX Aun
TILDEH FOUN
i
TlliiMAS .1, iiowi-;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1047
subject of this sketch is an estinial)lc citizen in every respect,
and has made his way in life unaided by outside influences. His
pleasant home is located at 209 East Broadway in Owatonna.
Although past the alotted "three score years and ten," Mr.
Hutchinson is hale and hearty, and his judgment upon all im-
portant matters is highly valued by his friends.
Carl G. Herold, a progressive business man of Owatonna, was
born in Germany, August 28, 1875. His parents, Jacob and
Christina Herold, natives of Germany, left the shore of Europe
to seek the larger opportunities and establish a home in the
new world, in 1882, locating first at Owatonna and later going
to Todd county, where they have been engaged in farming ever
since. Carl received his early education in the public schools
of Owatonna. After leaving school, he took up and learned the
tinning and plumbing trade, which he followed until 1905. At
this time he formed a copartnership with L. A. Schoen, establish-
ing a plumbing and heating business. This business relation
continued for two years, when Mr. Herold purchased his part-
ner's interest in the firm, and then took as a partner Mr. J. W.
Harty. The firm is now known as Herold & Harty, heating,
plumbing, electrical and gas supplies. Mr. Herold was married
September 16, 1899, to Bertha Buboltz. They reside in a pleasant
residence at 408 Riverside avenue.
He is a member of the order of I. O. O. F. Mr. Herold has
made his way in the world by his own efforts and perseverance.
He is a good citizen, well liked by all who know him, and the
fact that he enjoys a large trade is proof of his business in-
tegrity.
Thomas J. Howe, a primiincnl manufacturer, now deceased,
had an im])ortant part in the industrial upbuilding of Owatonna,
and established the business which under the present name of the
Owatonna Manufacturing Company has grown to wide propor-
tions. He was for many years a familiar figure in and about
Owatonna, where he was a leading citizen. Just to all and
affable to his friends, he established for himself an enviable
reputation in the community. His death was deeply mourned
and his life and work will be long remembered. Thomas J.
Howe was born in I'inckney, New York, January 15, 1827, son
of Gideon and Mary ( Jeffers) Howe, natives of Jefferson county.
New York. After receiving a common school education, he
learned the business of woodworking in a mill owned by his
father. In 1848. he came west to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where
he was emplojed at various occupations. Some ten years later,
Mr. Howe entered the employ of J. S. Rowell & Co. in the manu-
facture of grain drills and seeders, the plant being located at
Beaver Dam. This business occupied Mr. Howe's attention
1048 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
until 1865 when he came to Owatonna, and in company with
Michael F. Lowth, established a plant for the manufacture of
grain drills and seeders. As noted above, this plant has now-
developed an important industry. Mr. Howe was a member of
the Universalist church and a high degree Mason. In 1873 he
was pursuaded to serve as mayor, and so successful was his
administration of public affairs that he was reelected in 1874
and 1875 with no opposition. He also did able service on the
high school and librar}- boards for many years. August 27,
1908, he departed this life, and his body was followed to its last
resting place by a large concourse of sorrowing mourners. The
subject of this sketch was married at Watertown, New York,
May 6, 1861, to Sarah M. Chapman, who died July 3, 1893. To
this union three children were born. Fannie was born April
29, 1864, and died when six months of age. Jessie B. was born
July 29, 1865, married George S. Barr and has one child, Virginia.
Harry C, born November 16, 1873, is secretary and treasurer of
the Owatonna Manufacturing Company. In September, 1903,
Thomas J. Howe married Matilda S. Lieb, who survives him.
Harry C. Howe is closely identified with the manufacturing
interests of Owatonna, in which city he was born November 16,
1873, to Thomas J. and Sarah M. (Chapman) Howe. He received
his education in the public and high schools of his native town,
graduating from the Owatonna High school in 1890. In the
fall of that year he entered llie state university, and was dili-
gently pursuing his course, when, in 1893, his assistance was
demanded at his father's office at the plant of the Owatonna
Manufacturing Company. Here he started as bookkeeper, gain-
ing knowledge of every detail of the business, until in 1903 he
was elected secretary of the company, which position he still
holds, and in 1910 was elected secretary and treasurer. From
1898 until 1903, Mr. Howe served as first lieutenant of Company
I, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guards. He was in
the line of promotion to the captaincy, but was forced to resign
by reason of the increase of his manufacturing interests. Mr.
Howe is well liked in Owatonna, and is regarded as one of the
rising young men of the community. He was married June 20,
1900, to Jane Semple, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Milliken)
Semple. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Howe has been blessed
with two children: Sarah C, born November 10, 1901, and
Samuel S., born October 4, 1909. The family faith is that of
the Episcopal church. Mr. Howe is affiliated with the Masonic
order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and com-
mandery.
The Owatonna Manufacturing Company was started in 1865
as a partnership between Michael F. Lowth and Thomas J.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1049
Howe, the firm name being Lowth & Howe. In 1873, H. N. La
Bare purchased one-half of Mr. Lowth's interest, and the firm
continued until 1878 under the name of Lowth, Howe & LaBare.
At this time, Mr. Lowth disposed of his interest, and the name
was changed to Howe & Co. August 20, 1888, the company was
incorporated under the name of the Owatonna Manufacturing
Company. D. J. Ames was elected president and T. J. Howe
was elected secretary and treasurer. In 1898, Frank LaBare,
son of H. N. LaBare, was elected president, and in 1903, Harry
C. Howe, son of T. J. Howe, was elected secretary, T. J. Howe
remaining as treasurer and general manager. The present offi-
cers are: Frank LaBare, president; Geo. S. Barr, vice-president;
H. C. Howe, secretary and treasurer. The company manufac-
tures grain drills and seeders and a combined churn and butter
worker for creamer}- use.
Hon. Hector M. Hastings was one of the prominent millers
of Minnesota and was universally esteemed both for his quali-
ties as a man and his ability as a promoter. He was born in the
little town of Horseheads, Chemung county. New York, in 1835.
There he was reared to sturdy boyhood, receiving such advan-
tages as the district schools of the neighborhood aflforded. Dur-
ing this period surrounded by the love of a devoted mother and
the care of a just father he laid the foundation of that staunch
character which was to individualize his after-life. At the age
of twelve years, in 1847, he was taken by his parents to Illinois.
While there, he was married in 1854 to Mary A. Roberts who
proved a loving and faithful companion throughout his life. Two
years later the young couple decided to try their fortunes in what
was then the new Northwest and accordingly settled near Elys-
ian, in LeSueur county. There they were residing during the
great Sioux outbreak of 1862. Mr. Hastings' conduct during
that trying period illustrated the indomitable and vigorous
character of the man. First bringing his family to Owatonna
for safety he then proceeded to buy all the powder in the com-
munity, amounting probably to one keg. With this he set out
in a sulky to join Colonel Brackett's force, which was then
proceeding against the Indians. Alone he traveled through the
country and finally joined the command somewhere near the
present site of St. Peter. He took part in the battle of Fort
Ridgely from which he escaped unharmed. Later he witnessed
the hanging of the thirty-eight Sioux ringleaders at Mankato.
With this experience he sought to enlist in the Civil War, but
was refused on account of a slight physical disability. In 1863
Mr. Hastings moved to Steele county and settled in Lemond
township where, in time, he acquired over two thousand acres
of land. In 1885 he formed a partnership with O. E. Edson and
1050 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
W. H. Willsey to go into the milling business under the firm
name of H. M. Hastings & Company, purchasing the Reidell
mill. Shortly afterward Mr. \\'illse3'"s interest was purchased
by the Hon. J. M. Diment. The mill was destroyed by fire in
1891, but such a disaster, great as it was, the property being
uninsured, did not discourage such energetic and forceful busi-
ness men as Mr. Hastings and his partner. They took Lynard
Virtue into partnership and the firm became Hastings, Diment &
Company. This concern purchased the old Beynon & Maes mill
building, which they remodeled, refitted and enlarged. The
business prospered and the fame of the mill grew imtil the name
of the Hastings flour became known throughout this country
and abroad, considerable quantities being shipped to England.
The firm underwent some changes in 1897 when Mr. Hastings
bought out his partners and changed the firm name to The
Hastings Milling Company. But shortly afterward Mr. Virtue
again bought an interest.
Operated for a time by the estate after Mr. Hastings' death
and eventually was sold to L. G. Campbell Milling Company.
Mr. Hastings was a man of strong individuality. Trained
amid the hardships and exigencies of early frontier life, he
acquired a decision of manner and speech sometimes seemingly
blunt, yet, on acquaintance proving a valued quality as men
of plain and fearless speech are rare. He left no doubt in the
mind of the hearer as to where he stood on any question and
his energetic decision in business matters soon caused him to
tower above most of his fellows as a successful man. He had
many excellent qualities of mind and heart of which his liberality
to the poor and the unfortunate deserves special notice. A
staunch Democrat in politics, he was a delegate to nearly every
Democratic state convention, and in 1879 he served with distinc-
tion in the legislature. Aside from his milling interests he was
president of the Central Dakota Telephone Comjjan}-. Mr. Has-
tings died May 7. 1899. He was survived by three children,
George W. Hastings, Mrs. Ida Slaid and Mrs. G. F. Cardofif.
Mrs. Mary Adelia Hastings, wife of the Hon. H. M. Hastings,
was one of Steele county's pioneer women and was held in high
esteem by all who knew her. She was a true type of that ad-
mirable class of w-omen — the wives of pioneers. Devoted to her
husband, bright, unselfish and ambitious, she labored unceas-
ingly and happily to foiuid a home, to care properly for her
family and to advance its material and spiritual fortunes. The
important share which such women have in the success attained
by their husbands cannot be overestimated, and it is certain
that Mrs. Hastings proved a rare helpmate to her husband all
her married life. She was an unusually bright woman and found
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1051
her greatest happiness in searching out and performing such
duties as slie believed fell within her scope of action. One of her
most prominent characteristics was the happiness and cheeriness
of her disposition, which lightened the labors of all near her as
well as her own. A reply she made not long before her death, in
answer to the remarks that the early days must have been hard
ones for women coming out into a new country to find homes,
was characteristic of her. She declared that those early days
of hard work and privation were the happiest of all. Even when
sickness had laid its heavy hand upon her, Mrs. Hastings lost
not one whit of her cheerfulness and hopefulness and to the last
viewed the future with happy optimism as a place of joy and
peace. This fact is believed to have prolonged her life past
the time when the average woman would have succumbed to the
cares of life and to the weight of years. It is not strange that
such a woman should have won respect and confidence even
though she was of a retiring rather than of a naturally sociable
disposition. Mrs. Hastings' maiden name was Mary Adelia
Roberts. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 17. 1837.
While she was 3-et a small child the family removed to Rockford,
Illinois, where in later years she met Mr. Hastings and became
his wife. Aside from the three children mentioned above Mr.
and Mrs. Hastings had a son, Frank, who died in early youth.
Mrs. Hastings passed to the Great Beyond May 1, 1903, and her
death caused a vacancy in the hearts of friends and relatives
which will never be filled until the Last Resurrection.
S. M. Hastings was one of the early settlers of Steele county,
having come from Illinois in 1857. He was a native of New-
York where little more than half of his life was spent, emigrating
from there to Illinois in 1849. He lived to be one of the oldest
residents of the county, and was highly respected by his many
friends. He died in 1886.
Thomas L. Slaid, who, after giving unusual promise of becom-
ing one of the leaders in the business life of this vicinity, was
cut off in the prime of his young manhood, was a native of Wis-
consin, born at Beaver Dam. March 8, 1833. His parents, Oscar
and Emily CIngraham) Slaid, were both natives of Massachu-
setts. In 1844 they went to Wisconsin and there remained until
1869, when they moved their family to Iowa. The father died in
Dumont, Iowa, in 1905, and the mother passed away in 1884.
Thomas L. received his early education in the public schools of
Wisconsin and Iowa. After leaving school he came to Owa-
tonna from Ackley, Iowa, in 1874, and entered the employ of
Buxton & McReynolds, Mr. Buxton being his imcle. He con-
tinued in this employ and some three years before his death was
taken into the firm as a full partner. The firm was doing a
1052 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
large business in tlie sale of agricultural implements and hard-
ware at the time of his untimely death, which occurred February
12, 1881. In politics Mr. Slaid was a Republican. He affiliated
with the Odd Fellows. Mr. Slaid was married October 13, 1880,
to Ida L. Hastings, a daughter of H. M. and Mary Adelia (Rob-
erts) Hastings. To this union one child, a daughter, Thomasia
A., was born August 22, 1881. She was married December 28,
1904, to C. A. Tincher, and to this union one child, Richard S.,
was born December 25, 1906. Her death, April 2, 1907, caused
profound mourning among those to whom her winning ways
and lovable character had enshrined her in their hearts.
Louis F. Hammel, the well-known contractor and builder, is
giving the city of Owatonna an able administration in the
mayor's chair. He is a native of Bayfield county, Wisconsin,
and was born October 1, 1862. After completing his school days
in Owatonna, to which city his parents moved in 1864, he joined
his father in the contracting business, the firm continuing until
the latter's death. From that time until October 1, 1909, Louis
F. and John L. Hammel conducted the same business, under the
firm name of Hammel Brothers, general contractors and builders.
Mr. Hammel is a practical man of affairs and has filled various
local offices, having served eight years as alderman from the
Fourth ward of Owatonna and six months as acting mayor before
being elected to his present position in March, 1909. In the lat-
ter office he succeeded himself one year later. He has also done
good service on the library board. The Democratic party has
found in Mr. Hammel a loyal supporter, and in religious faith
he holds to the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. He is iden-
tified with the Modern Woodmen of America and also with the
Masons, U. C. T., and the Modern Workmen. On June 20, 1889,
Mr. Hammel married Celia, daughter of William and Ann (Hart-
becker) Severin, and this union has been blessed with five chil-
dren : Irwin William, Louis, Maria, Sidney and Kenneth. The
parents of Mrs. Hammel came from Germany, their native land,
and settled at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where the father died and
where the mother now resides. John C. and Maria (Steagut)
Hammel, parents of Louis F. Hammel, were both natives of Ger-
many. The father, who was a contractor and builder, settled
in Wisconsin in 1854, and ten years later removed to Owatonna,
where he followed his regular occupation a quarter of a century,
passing away in 1889. The mother died in 1871.
Fred H. Joesting, proprietor of the Emporium store, Owa-
tonna, was born at La Porte, Ind., Januarj^ 5, 1870. He is the
son of Fredrick and Catherine (Voebert) Joesting, natives of
Germany. They immigrated to the United States in 1863, locat-
ing at La Porte, Ind., where the father was engaged in railroad
L. 1-. JIAMMKI.
ORlf]
A8T0B. LfNOS
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1053
work until 1880. He then removed to St. Paul, Minn., where
he had charge of city parks up to the time of his death, in
August, 1893. The mother returned to La Porte, Ind., where
she now resides. The subject of this sketch received his early
education at the public schools of La Porte and St. Paul. In
1883 he began life as a salesman in a dry goods house at St.
Paul. In 1892 the firm opened a branch store at Little Falls,
Minn. There Mr. Joesting became manager, in 1900. The firm
became incorporated, with Mr. Joesting as secretary and treas-
urer, which position he filled with honor until 1905. He then
sold his interest and came to Ovvatonna, where he opened the
Emporium Department Store, of which he is sole owner and
proprietor. He conducts an up-to-date establishment in every
respect, and the fact that he enjoys a large and steadily increas-
ing patronage proves his ability and honest dealings as a mer-
chant. On June 19, 1899, Mr. Joesting was married, at La Porte,
Ind., to Minnie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Decker, who are
now living with Mr. and Mrs. Joesting, in Owatonna. Mrs.
Joesting was born at La Porte, June 5, 1875. Five children have
blessed their home, viz.: Theodore, born at Little Falls, July 11,
1900; Fredrick H., born in the same place, July 15, 1903; Her-
bert A. was born at Little Falls, Minn., April 17, 1905; Clement
H., born in Owatonna, April 17, 1907, and Regina E., born May
6, 1909. Mr. Joesting is a Republican in politics. In religious
faith he belongs to the German Lutheran Church. The family
resides at 227 East Mill street, Owatonna.
Richard H. Jahreiss, of Owatonna, was i)orn in Germany,
November 6, 1873, son of Leonard and Margaret Jahreiss (de-
ceased). The parents spent their lives in their native land. Rich-
ard received his early education in Germany. He then took up
and learned the cabinetmaker's trade. He immigrated to Amer-
ica when a boy of about seventeen years of age, in 1891. After
arriving in America, he located in Owatonna, where he entered
the employment of Fred Hagedorn. He continued to work at
his trade here for five years. He then tended bar until 1903,
when he entered the employment of Hammel Brothers, con-
tractors, as foreman of their factory, which position he still
retains. Mr. Jahreiss was married November 13, 1894, at Owa-
tonna, to Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. Her
father is deceased; the mother still lives in Owatonna. Three
children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jahreiss, viz.: Ella,
born June 26, 1896; Edwin, Edna, born June 26, 1900. The chil-
dren are all attending school in Owatonna. Mr. Jahreiss is Dem-
ocratic in his political views. The family attends the Presby-
terian Church. He is a member of the F. O. E. and Mystic
Workers. He is also a member of the Owatonna fire department.
1054 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUxNTIES
The family lives in a pleasant residence at 122 West School
street. Mr. Jahreiss is an enterprising business man, a hard
worker, and has made his \va}- in the world by his own efforts.
Michael H. Keefe, marble and granite worker of Owatonna,
was born in Bombay township, Franklin county, N. Y., Juh' 25,
1851, son of David and Elizabeth (Gardner) Keefe, natives of
Ireland. The father came to America in 1840, locating in New
York, where he engaged in farming. The mother emigrated to
this country in 1847. The father was a stone mason and con-
tractor, which trade he followed together with farming both in
New York state and after coming to Minnesota. They moved
to Minnesota in 1863, locating on a farm in Freeborn county,
where they remained until 1896, when the father retired from
active life and moved with his family to Austin, IMinn., where
he passed away December 13, 1905. The mother died May 28,
1873. Michael received his early education in the district schools
of New York state. He came to Minnesota with his parents
when twelve vears of age. and finished his education in the public
schools of Austin. He then started life as a farmer in Bloom-
ing Prairie township. Steele county, where he owned 160 acres
of land. He also owned considerable land in Freeborn county,
but sold all except the 160 acres in Blooming Prairie, which he
still looks after in connection with his business at Owatonna.
He came to Owatonna in 1905. engaged in what is known as the
Star Granite & Marble Works, and has since conducted a pros-
perous and constantly growing business. IMr. Keefe was mar-
ried February 24, 1881, to Margaret L. Farrell. Seven children
have been born to them, viz.: A\Mlliam R.. who travels for his
father; Charles J., who lives at Kenmare. N. D. ; Mary }■■ de-
ceased; Florence, deceased, and George B., Margaret and John,
residing at home. Mr. Keefe has made his way in the world
by dint of hard work and persevering effort. He is a generous
neighbor, a good husband, a loving father and a good citizen.
He has served Blooming Prairie township as supervisor for sev-
eral years, and as assessor for five consecutive years. He helped
to organize the school district of which he served as clerk. Mr.
Keefe is an independent voter. He adheres to the Catholic faith ;
is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the M. B. A.
S. Grant Kinney, of the firm of Disbrow & Kinney, has inter-
ested himself in the upbuilding of the county and is a thorough
believer in the future possibilities of the agricultural resources
of this vicinity. He was born in Lemond township, this county,
May 24, 1869, and received his earlier education in the district
schools, supplemented by wide reading and ideal home train-
ing;. His father, an advocate of higher education for boys, sent
him to Pillsburv Academv, from which he graduated in 1888.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1055
At once upon graduation he took up work on the home farm, and
there remained until 1895, wlicn he went to Canby, Minn., and
after a short period as a farm machine agent there, went on the
road as a salesman for nursery stock, in which capacity his
genial nature and knowledge of Northwestern farm conditions
won him success and friends. Early in 1897 he was recalled to
Steele county by the death of his father, and until late in 1898
he looked after the family farm and estate. Subsequently he
again went on the road, selling nursery stock two years for the
Cannon Falls Nursery Company, In the meantime he purchased
a tract of land in Dodge county, which he gave more or less of
his attention. In seeing the opportunity for a live real-estate
agency in this locality, he started in that line of business,
with L. A. Disbrow for a partner. The office of this firm is in
the Kelley Block on Broadway, where is done a large business in
real estate and insurance. Mr. Kinney also handles nursery
stock for O. F. Brand, of Faribault. Aside from various holdings
in the county, Mr. Kinney owns stock in the Dan Patch Air Line
Company. He is an independent voter and a member of the
I. O. O. F, and the M. W. A. The family affiliates with the
Universalist Church. Mr. Kinney has never cared to engage act-
ively in politics, but at one time he consented to serve as assessor
of the township of Owatonna. His residence is at 219 East Mill
street. S. S. Kinney was married February 29, 1904, to Sadie
Shank, of St. Paul. To this union has been born one daughter,
Leona M., July 22, 1905.
Judge Willis E. Kenyon, judge of probate for Steele county,
is serving his first term in this position, and has already dem-
onstrated his fitness for the ofifice. He wisely adjudicates the
matters which are brought before his court, and has given gen-
eral satisfaction to the people at large. Willis E. Kenyon was
born in Chautauqua county, New York, November 5, 1852, son
of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Kenyon, the former an early phy-
sician of Steele county. The subject of this sketch secured his
early education in the public schools of his neighborhood, and
after leaving school engaged in farming for six years in Suniiiiit
township. He then purchased eighty acres in Somerset town-
ship and there followed general farming until 1903, when he
sold his farm and moved to Owatonna. In the fall of 1908 he
was elected to his present position. This, however, is not the
only public service he has rendered his county. He served five
years as assessor of the township of Summit and one year as
chairman of the same town. For three years he was assessor of
the township of Somerset. Being interested in the advancement
of the interests of the farmers, he served seven years as secretary
of the River Point creamery. Judge Kenyon was married Janu-
1056 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ary 10, 1884, to Annie Schweiso, and to this union have been
born five children: Nellie M. is a public school teacher; Jessie
M. is also a teacher; Irvin W.. Orrissa M. and Ferna A. are
students in the Owatonna iiig'h school. The family residence is
beautifully located at 235 East University street.
Dr. Thomas Kenyon was one of the pioneer jdiysicians of
Steele county, and his qualities as a man as well as his ability
as a physician merit the high esteem in which his memory is
held. He was born in New York state, November 29, 1812, being
the oldest of a family of thirteen children. His schooling and his
medical education were received in New York state, and there
he practiced until 1856, when he came to Steele county and
located in Somerset township. Here he engaged in farming, and
also practiced his profession, being of the true type of rugged
country ph3'sician. Some years before his death, which occurred
April 17, 1882, he had retired from active practice. Dr. Kenyon
was married August 18, 1833, to Mary Smith, born in New York,
August 14, 1818. To this union were born ten children. Marion
Ambrosia, wdio married Thomas J. Clark ; Phoebe, who married
George Crooker ; Eliza, wdio married L. Robinson ; Edgar, who
married AUecia Twiford ; Lois, who married S. Anderson ; Wal-
ter, who married Abbie Smith; Willis, now judge of probate for
Steele county; Frank, who married Sarah Hurlbert; Darwin,
who married Dora Mitchell, and Fred, who married Minnie
Schweiso. Mrs. Kenyon died January 10, 1906, and is laid at
rest beside her husband in Somerset township.
Emma A. Lewis, a skilled practitioner of osteopathy, is the
only member of her particular profession in Owatonna, and has
won much favor among a wide circle of patients. Dr. Lewis
was born in Junction City, Ore., April 11, 1876, daughter of John
and Rhoda (Thompson) Lewis. She received her early educa-
tion in the public schools, graduated from the high school at
Allison, Iowa, and took courses in the Minnesota School of
Business at Minneapolis and the State Normal School at Winona.
In 1890, after a thorough preparation, she was graduated from
the Northern Institute of Osteopathy at Minneapolis. Her first
office was at Prairie du Chien, Wis., where she successfully prac-
ticed for two years. December 2, 1901, she came to Owatonna,
and opened an office, her success being insured from the very
start. Dr. Lewis has allied herself with the American and Min-
nesota Osteopathic Associations. She has kept w'ell abreast of
her times, not only in her own profession, but also in the profes-
sions closely allied to hers, and her wide circle of friends predict
for her a successful future, even more felicitous than her past.
John Lewis, now living in retirement at Owatonna, was born
in Indiana, and there spent his boyhood. He enlisted at Madi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1057
son, Wis., in Company K, Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infan-
try, and served three years under General Sherman, being dis-
charged at Chattanooga, Tenn. While in the army, Mr. Lewis
contracted the typhoid fever, from the effects of which he has
never fully recovered. I lis wife, Rhoda Thompson, is a native
of Ohio. They are the parents of four children: Nelson H. is
a physician at McDonald, Kan. ; Emma A. is practicing at Owa-
tonna; Zerelda is now Mrs. Charles I. Norman, of Minneapolis;
and Eniillie is now Mrs. George Plood, of Allison, Iowa.
Peter Mallinger, since 1866 a resident of Owatonna, with the
exception of seven years' residence in Barnesville, this state,
was born in Germany, and there spent his early life, embarking
for America April 6, 1855. His first residence in this country was
in PjufTalo county, Wisconsin, where he was living at the out-
break of the Civil War. His excellent record during this con-
flict is appended below. At the close of the war, Lieutenant
Mallinger returned to Wisconsin, and five months later, in the
fall of 1866, he came to Owatonna, engaging in the mercantile
business, which he continued until 1882, when his store was
destroyed by fire. He then retired from active commercial life,
but remained in Owatonna until 1900, when he removed to Ban-
ner City, Clay county, Minn., where he and his wife still reside.
The Mallinger home has been blessed with six children: Anna,
born July 29, 1868, is the wife of John Deviny, of Owatonna;
Minnie, born February 11, 1870, is the wife of Michael Ryan,
of Hillyard, Wash.; Adolph is chief of police at Owatonna;
Gustav, born June 16, 1873, lives in Salt Lake City, Utah;
Charles, born March 4, 1875, lives in Minneapolis, Minn. ; Mary,
born December 3, 1877, is now Mrs. William Pennman, of De-
troit, Mich.
The following record is carefully preserved in the Mallinger
family: "Certificate of Service. State of Wisconsin. Adjutant
General's Office. No. 682, United States, 1895. This is to cer-
tify that the records of this office show that Peter Mallinger,
late a sergeant in Company F, of the Ninth Regiment of Wiscon-
sin Infantry Volunteers, was enrolled at La Crosse, Wis., on
the 4th day of November, 1861, was mustered into the military
service of the United States at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 13th day
of November, 1861, for the term of three years, and was mus-
tered out with Company at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 3d day of
December, 1864: appointed corporal October 10, 1862; sergeant,
January 1, 1863. The records further show that Peter Mallinger
enlisted in Company K, Forty-eighth Regiment of Wisconsin In-
fantry, March 8, 1865, at Fountain City, Wis., was mustered into
the U. S. service March 27, 1865, at Milwaukee, Wis., for one
year; appointed first sergeant, .\pril 5, 1865; commissioned sec-
1058 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ond lieutenant of the same company, November 9. 1865 (not
mustered), and was mustered out as first sergeant with company,
March 24, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The records further
show that said soldier, when first enlisted, was twenty-five years
old, had brown eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, was five feet
ten inches in height, and by occupation a farmer. In testimony
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official
seal, at the capitol in the City of Madison, this 26th day of
December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and ninety-five. Worthie H. Patton. Acting Adjutant General."
Adolph Mallinger, head of the police force of Owatonna, has
given the city excellent service in this capacity. L'nder his ad-
ministration, the peace and order of the city has been excellently
preserved, and the laws of the state have been duly observed.
He was born in Owatonna, July 26, 1871, son of Peter and Cecelia
(Buchstor) Mallinger, who were married July 13, 1866. He
received his early education in the public schools of Owatonna,
and at the age of nineteen years took up railroad work as brake-
man for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, on the
Iowa and Minnesota division. By hard work and strict attention
to business he worked his way up, and in 189.S was promoted to
conductor on the same division, continuing in that capacity until
February, 1901, when he resigned. At this time, he was elected
city marshal of Owatonna, which office he held two terms. In
1904 he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Clinton
Falls Nursery Company. This he followed until March, 1908.
when he was appointed captain of the night police force, serving
in this capacity tmtil April 1, 1909, when he was again elected
chief of police, which position he now holds. He was married
April 5, 1890, at Owatonna, to Nettie Morgan, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Clark Morgan, of Owatonna. Mrs. Mallinger was
born May 24, 1874. Their union was blessed with two children:
Guy, born January 8, 1892, is a graduate of the high school of
Owatonna, and is now an operator for the Chicago & Northwest-
ern Railroad Company, at the above place, which service he en-
tered when seventeen years of age; Claude A., born September
11, 1895, is a student of the liigh school of Owatonna. In political
faith Mr. Mallinger is a Republican. He and his family worship
at the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the
A. O. A. and Maccabees. He is a loyal and genial friend, a good
neighbor, and a public-spirited citizen, taking an interest in every
movement that has for its object the betterment of Owatonna
and Steele county.
Charles B. Misgen, one of the prosperous merchants of Owa-
tonna, and partner in the firm of Brick & Misgen, the well-
known furniture and undertaking house, was born in Pierce
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1059
county, Wisconsin, April 5, 1859, son of John and Christine
(Meyers) Misgen, who, before locating in Pierce county, came
from Germany and lived for a time in Illinois. In 1863 they set-
tled in Richland township. Rice county, and there became sub-
stantial and respected agriculturists. In 1873 they removed to
Berlin township, Steele county, where they have since followed
farming. Charles B. was educated in the district schools of Rich-
land and in the Faribault high school, and after leaving school
took up farming with his father until 1896, when he came to Owa-
tonna and served for three years on the night police force. He
was then elected as sheriff of Steele county, and served in that
office for four years. Subsequently he became chief of police of
Owatonna and held that position for four years. In 1909 he
went to Sauk Center, Minn., and engaged in the restaurant and
confectionery business for a short time, but returned to Owa-
tonna and bought the interest of Mr. Busch in the furniture and
undertaking business, the firm now being Brick & Misgen. He
was married July 12. 1893, at Owatonna, to Mary Degnan, who
died August 18, 1894. He was married a second time January
12, 1897, to Margaret Lonergan. Three children have been born
to them : Harold, Glenerva and Herbert, all living at home with
their parents. In his religious faith Mr. Misgen is a Catholic
and in politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the A. O. A.
and of the E. F. U. By hard work and strict attention to busi-
ness Mr. Misgen has won his success, and he has the respect and
confidence of the citizens of Owatonna.
James E. Malone, the popular insurance agent of Owatonna,
was born in Norway, Racine county, Wis., February 2, 1855.
July 4, 1856, he came to Steele county, at the age of one year,
with his parents. His early education was received in the schools
of Merton township, and later he studied two years in the paro-
chial school in Faribault. This, together with wide reading, pre-
pared him for the profession of teaching, which he followed for
three years. The succeeding eight years were spent on a farm.
In 1892 he came to Owatonna, and for seven years engaged in the
retail coal and wood business. This gave him a wide acquaint-
ance, and in 1899 he determined to enter the insurance business.
Accordingly he sold his other interests and opened an office.
He now represents twelve companies and does a heavy business
in fire, accident, tornado and plate glass insurance. Mr. Malone
is a Democrat in politics, and while living on the farm served
his township as treasurer of the school board and as a justice of
the peace. He has been assessor of the city of Owatonna for the
past nine years. At one time he was vice president of the First
State Bank of Owatonna for three years. He also served a like
period in Company E, Third Regiment, Minnesota National
106O HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Guard. Air. Malonc was married February 10, 1891, to Margaret
Lonergaii. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lonergan. now
deceased. Air. Malone has had his share in the upbuilding of
the county, and liis opinions on public matters are highly re-
garded by his friends. Patrick Malone and Julia Burke, his wife,
were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1836,
landed at Quebec, and then went to New York, from that city
reaching Chicago, and finally settling in Racine county, Wiscon-
sin, where he was married. After five years on a farm there,
the}^ came to Merton township, Steele county, July 4, 1856. Here
they pre-empted 160 acres of land, bringing it to a high degree
of improvement. To this farm was afterward added 160 acres,
making in all a fine place of 320 acres, on which they followed
general farming until 189.^. They then sold their farm and
came to Owatonna, where the mother died October 20, 1899, and
the father in 1904. They were highly respected early pioneers,
and their memory will long be honored in this county.
Dr. George A. Nesse, a promising young dentist of Owatonna,
was born at Mabel, Minn., December 6, 1883, to Theodore and
Clara (Larson) Nesse, natives of Illinois. The father when
first coming to Minnesota engaged in and conducted a flour mill;
later he engaged in the hardware business for several ^ears,
when he was burned out, stock and building being completely
destroyed. He then engaged in general and diversified farming
in Fillmore coiint_v. Minnesota, which vocation he has ever since
followed. The subject of this sketch received his preliminary
education at the district schools of Fillmore county, which wa5
supplemented by one year at the Decorah Normal school at
Decorah, Iowa, and two years at the State Normal of Winona.
In 1906 he entered the State University of Minnesota, graduating
from the dental department in 1909. On July 20, 1909, he came
to Owatonna and opened a dental office, where he follows his
profession successful!}- in all its branches. Dr. Nesse is inde-
pendent in politics and does not affiliate with any party. Besides
our subject there are three brothers and one sister in this family,
viz.: Charles, James and Arthur, at the State University: Ella,
who is a graduate of the university, is now a registered pharma-
cist at Minneapolis. Dr. Nesse is an enterprising and painstak-
ing young man, and has met with a marked degree of success at
Owatonna.
George Parrott, of the firm of Parrott & Smith, successful
hardware merchants, was born in Schoharie, N. Y., April 11,
1852, son of William and Maria (Beck) Parrott, substantial resi-
dents of that state. He received his education in the public
schools and then attended the Schoharie Academy, after which
he learned the tinner's trade. In 1879 he came to Owatonna,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1061
and followed his trade until 1884, when, with John Smith for a
partner, he purchased the hardware business of D. O. Searle,
forming the firm of Parrott & Smith. The firm owns its own
building and carries a fine modern stock of hardware of all
descriptions. In 1906 the store was destroyed by fire, entailing
a loss of $15,000 above the insurance. Undaunted by this dis-
aster, they at once erected a large fireproof brick block, three
stories high, on the corner of West Vine and North Cedar
streets, where they are now doing business. Mr. Parrott is a
Republican in politics, and is now serving his seventh year as
president of the school board, which board he has participated in
as a member fourteen years. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., the
K. of P., and the M. W. A. Mr. Parrott was married November
17, 1882, at Owatonna, to Mary Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
James Cole. This union has been blessed with two children :
Alfred Cole, born December 14, 1883, now clerk for his father,
and Roy William, born November 20, 1888, clerk in the National
Farmers' Bank. William and Maria (Beck) Parrott, parents of
George Parrott, came from England in 1830, and located at Scho-
harie, N. Y., where the father followed his trade as a baker.
Later he established the Parrott House, which he conducted at
Schoharie for several years. The hotel still bears the same name.
He then engaged in farming the remainder of his life, passing
away in 1895. His wife died in 1854.
Christian Peterson, M. D., was born in Denmark, April 5,
1857, son of Cresten and Anna (Vaber) Peterson, natives of
Denmark. The father died in Denmark in 1869. The mother
immigrated to America in 1875, locating at Cleveland, Ohio.
She moved to Minnesota in 1878 and passed away at Owatonna
in 1903. The subject of our sketch received his early education
in Denmark. He emigrated to America when a youth, coming
here May 10, 1872. He first located at Perth Amboy, N. J.,
where he remained for three years. In 1875 he came to Cleve-
land, Ohio, and followed the seafaring life on the lakes for a
year. He then removed to Clinton, Iowa, where he was occupied
as a clerk in a store one year. Leaving this occupation, he went
to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1878, and attended the high school of
that place one year. He later attended the medical department
of Michigan State University one year, and then went to De-
troit, Mich., where he was employed as a pharmacist. In 1880
he removed to Rochester, Minn., where he was employed in a
drug store two years. From there he went to Blooming Prairie,
Steele county, Minn., and purchased a drug store, conducting
same until 1884. At this time he moved his stock of goods to
Owatonna and entered into the drug business, which he con-
ducted with success for twelve years. In 1896 he went to Chi-
1062 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
cago, where he took up the study of medicine at the Illinois Uni-
versity, graduating from that institution the same year. To
gain an additional knowledge of the subject, he took a course in
the Chicago Physicians' and Surgeons' College, supplemented
by a course in the Illinois Medical College at Chicago. He has
been in the practice of medicine and surgery at Owatonna since
1896, and has met with a marked degree of success. Dr. Peterson
was married December 29, 1883, at Blooming Prairie, to Anna
M., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jens Johnson. Their home is
blessed with two children, viz. : Alvin C, born November 28,
1884, is now engaged as a telegraph operator and secretary at
the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific station at Owatonna ; Ella J.
is engaged with the Olkon Dry Goods Company. Dr. Peterson
is a Democrat in political sentiment ; he is a member of the
Lutheran Church, also a member of the A. O. U. \\'., the Danish
Brotherhood, the E. F. U.. and the M. N. R. He has held a
number of local offices, having served as county coroner one term
and one term as justice of the peace. He was elected city physi-
cian in 1899, which office he held for eight consecutive years.
He was again elected in 1908 and 1909, and is still holding that
office. The doctor resides in a pleasant residence on Flowervale
street and West side. He enjoys a very extensive practice and
makes a specialty of the treatment of the eyes.
Rev. John N. Pivo was born in Bohemia on May 12, 186.^,
son of Francis and Theresa (Svoboda) Pivo, natives of Bohemia.
They came to America in 1888 and located at Chicago, where
they remained for a period of fifteen j'ears, when they removed
to Jackson, Minn., where they now reside. Rev. Pivo received
his education in the classics at Budweis, Bohemia; he then went
to Belgium and took up the study of philosophy in the American
Seminary of Louvain ; he came to America in 1887 and entered
the St. Paul Seminary and graduated from that institution Xo-
veinber 15, 1890. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at
St. Paul by Rt. Rev. McGolric,'of Duluth, Minn. He first took
up his duties at Madison, Minn., but remained there only three
months, when, on the death of Father Singer, pastor of the
Sacred Heart Church, he received a call to that parish, on June
14, 1891, where he has since remained. He has a congregation of
100 families.
Joseph W. Rowland, register of deeds for Steele county, was
born in Liverpool, England, March 7, 1864, son of Dr. Henry M.
and Ann Jane (Wren) Rowland, natives of England. His father
was a physician and practiced his profession in the city of
Liverpool until his death, December 23, 1864. His mother is still
living. Joseph acquired his early education in the private schools
of England, and after leaving school went to work in a cotton
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1063
broker's office in his native city, where he remained for six years.
In 1884 he came to America and located at Owalonna. He
worked at farming for tyo years and then entered the hardware
store of E. Y. Hunnewill, where he remained two years and
then accepted a position as bookkeeper at the Owatonna cream-
ery, where he was engaged two years. He then moved to Minne-
apolis in 1889 and became assistant bookkeeper for the Minnesota
Creamery Company. After remaining there for one year he went
to Dukith and took charge of the wholesale commission house
of the Potter-Lucas Companj-, where he remained for two years,
and then returned to Owatonna and opened a real-estate and
insurance office which he conducted until he was elected register
of deeds of Steele county in 1904. He was re-lected in 1906 and
1908 and still holds the office. In politics Mr. Rowland is a con-
sistent adherent of the Republican party. Before assuming his
present position, he served in various public capacities, including
a three years' term as city recorder. Mr. Rowland has achieved
his success by fidelity and hard work, and well deserves the hon-
ored position he has attained. Amid a life filled with industry
he has found time to develop the social side of his nature, and
has affiliated with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias,
the Royal Arcanum and the IModern Woodmen of America. The
subject of this sketch was married March 11, 1891, at Owatonna,
to Eva M. Doolittle, and this union has been blessed with two
children, Frances M. and Josephine W., both living at home.
The family residence is at 405 East Vine street, Owatonna.
Henry R. Sander, a wide-awake merchant of Owatonna, was
born in Columbus, Wis., March 23, 1879, son of Henry and
Elizabeth (Reickman) Sander, natives of Germany. The father
emigrated from his native land in 1873, locating at Madison, Wis.
In 1874 he went to Columbus, Wis., where he engaged in the
bakery business until 1879. He was married in 1877, to Miss
Elizabeth Reickman. He then came to Owatonna and en-
gaged in the same business, which he continued until 1902,
when he sold out to his son, Henry R., and retired from
active business. He died April 2, 1907. The mother is still
living in Owatonna. The subject of this sketch received his
early education in the public schools of Owatonna, which
was supplemented with a course at Pillsbury Academy. Leav-
ing school, he entered the employment of his father in the
bakery in which capacity he continued until 1902. At this
time he formed a co-partnership with Clarence Porter, and
they purchased the bakery business from his father. In 1903
Mr. Emil Buboltz purchased Mr. Porter's interest, and they
then continued under the name of Sander & Buboltz until Janu-
ary 14, 1908, at which time Mr. Sander bought out Mr. Buboltz,
10G4 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and lias since been tlie sole owner and proprietor. He conducts
an up-to-date bakery and restaurant. He also manufactures ice
cream and candy. He sells wholesale and retail and does a
flourishing and steadily increasing business. Mr. Sander was
married June 28, 1905, at Owatonna, to Mamie, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John Huber, of Owatonna. Mrs. Sander's mother died
November 27, 1896. In religious faith he belongs to the Lutheran
Church. Mr. Sander is a good citizen and a deserving young
business man. He resides at 117 North Cedar street.
Dr. Clayton H. Stearns, one of the leading dentists of Owa-
tonna, is well qualified both by nature and training for the pro-
fession that he has adopted. He has a well equipped ofifice, and
his skill has attracted patients from even beyond the limits of
the county. Dr. Stearns was born in Dodge county. Minnesota,
July 2, 1859, son of Truman and Cornelia (Thayer) Stearns. He
grew to boyhood on the parental farm, and attended the neigh-
borhood schools, after which he took up the study of dental
practice and surgery. After thoroughly mastering his chosen
profession, he started practice in Elkader, Clayton county, Iowa,
in 1878. In April, 1880, he went to Zumbrota, in Goodhue
county, Minn., where he followed his profession until 1897, when
he was attracted to Owatonna by the wider opportunities offered.
His well equipped ofifice, which he has since maintained, is a
model for service and convenience. While in Zumbrota, Dr.
Stearns served five years in Company D, Third Regiment, Minne-
sota National Guard, and a part of that time was on the colonel's
staflf, with the rank of captain. After coming to Owatonna he
was instrumental in organizing a company which was known as
Company I of the Fourth Regiment, and was made captain. Later
he was promoted to major and one year later to lieutenant
colonel, in which capacity he served until the regiment was mus-
tered out. Pillsbury Academy had the advantage of five years
of his service, during which time he had charge of the military
features of that school as commandant. In the profession of
dentistry Dr. Stearns takes high rank. He has devoted much of
his time to the advancement of his chosen life work, has sub-
mitted several results of his study and research to the state and
national societies, and has written articles that have occasioned
wide discussion. He is a member of the National and State
Dental Associations, and of the Southern Minnesota Dental Asso-
ciation. Of the latter he was one of the organizers and first
president, and he has also been president of the state association,
serving with credit. Although a stanch Republican in politics,
he has not found time to mingle in public life. Dr. Stearns is
a Chapter Mason, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and
the Odd Fellows. Clavton H. Stearns was married May 17,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1065
1886, at Waseca, to Clara Beierwalter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Beierwalter. This union has been blessed with three chil-
dren : Josephine, Genevieve and Geraldine. The two older chil-
dren are students at Carleton College, at Northfield, Minn. The
family residence is located at 908 South Cedar street. The par-
ents of Dr. Stearns were Truman and Cornelia (Thayer) Stearns,
natives of New York state. They came westward to Minnesota
in October. 1856, and were consequently early pioneers. They
located in Dodge county, took up a claim, and engaged in farm-
ing in Ashland township. The mother died August 2, 1890, and
the father, after renting his farm, took up his home with his son,
and resided with him until his death, April 13, 1907.
Andrew Stageberg, secretary of The Kelly Company, Owa-
tonna, was born in Minneola township, Goodhue county, Minn.,
April 12, 1872, son of N. A. Stageberg, of Goodhue county. An-
drew received his early education in the district schools of Min-
eola township, which was supplemented by two years in the Red
Wing Business College. Leaving school, he started life as a
clerk in a general store at Roscoe, Minn., which vocation he fol-
lowed for three years. Having learned the details of the general
merchandise business, he accepted a position as manager of a
store at Zumbrota, remaining there one year. The following
year he engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at
Zumbrota. September 28, 1899, he came to Owatonna and
engaged as manager of the shoe department for J. H. Robson,
in whose employ he remained for four years. At this time Mr.
Robson sold to Mr. Kell)', and the establishment was incorpo-
rated and is known as The Kelly Company. Mr. Stageberg
became a stockholder in the new company, and was elected sec-
retary, which position he still retains. Mr. Stageberg was mar-
ried June 1, 1903, at Owatonna, to Marie J., daughter of C.
Larson, of Lemond township, Steele county. One child was
born to this union, viz.: Norman Clifford, born April 7, 1905.
Mr. Stageberg affiliates with the Republican party. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, also a member of various fraternal
organizations, viz.: M. S., B. A. Y., K. of P. Mr. Stageberg is
a very enterprising young business man.
F. M. Smersh, M. D., one of the honored physicians of Steele
county, was born in Moravia, Austria. October 4, 1848, son of
Thomas and Rosalie (Maca) Smersh. He came to America with
his parents and lived in Pittsburg, Pa., and Davenport, Iowa,
before coming to Owatonna in 1878. Dr. Smersh obtained his
early education by much toil and self-sacrifice, mostly in the
night schools of Pittsburg. He took a course in the Owatonna
high school, and then attended the Kings Medical College of
Des Moines, Iowa, one year, graduating from the Bennet Col-
106G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lege of Eclectic Surgery, March 20, 1888. Subsequently he
attended the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio.
His first practice was at Allegheny City, Pa., but the climate not
being suited to his health in that city, he came to Owatonna,
where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profes-
sino, having also an interest in the Smersh & Kubat Drug Com-
pany. Being thoroughly ethical in his practice and profession,
Dr. Smersh has allied himself with the national, county and
state medical associations, and also belongs to the Minnesota
Anti-Tuberculosis Society and the American Public Health Asso-
ciation of the United States, Mexico and Canada. He has been
chairman of the board of health of Owatonna since May, 1894,
has served as alderman from the Third ward for a total of seven
years, and has served on the library board for a number of terms
past. The wide scope of his ofifice-holding shows the wide diver-
sity of his interests, and the service he has given shows his
ability as a man, a citizen and a physician. Dr. Smersh was
married June 20, 1891, to Amelia Slezak, and to this union have
been born three children : Jerome, Rosaria and Clement. The
family residence is at 216 North Oak street. In addition to the
sanitarj' and medical societies mentioned above. Dr. Smersh is a
member of the I. O. O. P., the M. B. A., the P. O. E., the Sons
of Herman, the Z. B. G.. and the C. S. P. S. His wife is also
prominent in fraternal circles. Dr. Smersh is also at the head of
the Ancient Order of Aztecs, being the chief ofificer of its grand
lodge. Casper Slezak and Anna, his wife, were natives, respect-
ively of Bohemia and Steele county. The former makes his home
with Dr. Smersh, and the latter died July 29, 1898. Thomas
Smersh and Rosalia Maca, his wife, parents of Dr. P. M. Smersh,
were natives, respectively, of Moravia and Bohemia. In the old
country the father was a weaver. They came to America in
1867, and located in Pittsburg, Pa., remaining until 1876, then
going to Davenport, Iowa. In 1878 they came to Owatonna, and
here the mother died in Fel^ruarv, 1888. The father died June
25, 1900.
Harry W. Stout was born in Kasson, Minn., October 1, 1881,
and received his early education in the neighborhood schools
and in the Kasson high school. This he supplemented with a
course in the Mankato Commercial College. In 1901 he came to
Owatonna, and for two years worked for the Owatonna Hotel
Company, winning many friends. In 1903, seeing a good busi-
ness opening, he purchased the cigar stand and tobacco house of
C. W. Zoehrlout. In this business he has since continued, the
place having increased rapidly in popularity and volume of trade.
Mr. Stout keeps everything found in an up-to-date store of this
kind, and caters to the most fastidious tastes. Aside from his
r\i'
'ji
C. J. SKKVATirs
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1067
case trade, he does a large wholesale, jobbing and manufacturing
business. In the manufacturing line, he makes a specialty of
La Pelata, a clear Havana, which has met with much favor from
discriminating smokers. The Force, a popular five-cent cigar,
has also met with wide sales. The output of the cigar-making
department of the establishment is about 300,000 cigars annually.
Mr. Stout is a self-made man, and has made all he possesses by
his own effort. That he has succeeded in life is testified by his
constantly filled tobacco house and his large amount of orders.
Although not an active politician, he is a stanch Republican in
politics. Being of a fraternal nature, he has affiliated himself
with the Knights of Pythias and the Union Commercial Trav-
elers. June 9, 1909, Mr. Stout allied himself with Louise C.
Rasskopf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Rasskopf, of Owa-
tonna. The family residence is at 362 East Main street. John
L. and Jennie (Hemingway) Stout, parents of Harry W. Stout,
came from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, and in 1870 located in
Dodge county, where the father engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business in the village of Kasson. In 1903 they
removed to Kentry, Kan. John L. Stout is now practically
retired, but still looks after his extensive real-estate interests.
Charles J. Servatius was born in Faribault, Rice county,
Minn., on Christmas day, 1868, a son of Henry and Margaret
(Mayer) Servatius, natives of Austria, who came to America
as children, the father locating first in McHenry county, Illinois,
engaging in farming. In 1856 they came to Minnesota and a
short time after reaching the state settled in Rice county, farming
until 187(S, v.hen they moved to Owatonna and took up the busi-
ness of market gardening, which vocation he followed until his
death, on April 11, 1885. The mother is still living with her
son. Charles received his education at the Sacred Heart Acad-
emy of Owatonna. After leaving school, he commenced work
for himself and filled various positions of trust until 1904, when
he was elected city clerk of Owatonna. He has been elected
every year since and still holds the office. His political affilia-
tions are with the Democratic party, and in his religious belief
he is a Catholic. He has been secretary of the Commercial Club
for the past four years, has been a member of the Owatonna fire
department for over nineteen years, and has served as secretary
of the department for the past twelve years. He has been con-
nected with the management of the Metropolitan Opera House
for the past nine years, is now its active manager and has been
for the past four years. Mr. Servatius is one of the enterprising
young men of Owatonna, and is interested in all that pertains to
the best interests of the city and county. He lives at his pleasant
IOCS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
home on South Oak street, with his aged mother, and enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
Herman Schmidt, a prosperous real-estate dealer of Owa-
tonna, was born in German}-, Jul}- 27, 1838, son of August and
Augusta (Frank) Schmidt, natives of Prussia. The father, who
was a school teacher all his life, died September 17, 1862. The
mother passed away December 23, 1880. Herman received his
early education in the public schools of Prussia. Leaving school,
he took up the mercantile business, which he followed until 1859.
At this time he entered the military service, in which he remained
two years and eleven months. He then clerked in a store for
some time, and in 1864, when the war with Denmark broke out,
he was again called to serve his country. He was discharged
from service with honor the same year. At this time he obtained
a pass from his government and emigrated to America, locating
in New York City, where he remained for a short period. He
entered the service of the United States during the time of the
Civil War, being enlisted three years in the Army of the Poto-
mac, Company C, Fourth Regiment New Jersey \^olunteer In-
fantry, of the Sixth Corps. He was discharged with honor July
16, 1865, at Hall's Hill, Va. After being discharged from the
army, he went to Columbus, Wis., and engaged in the mercantile
business, which he conducted until June, 1866. At this time he
went to La Crosse, Wis., thence to St. Paul, thence to St. Cloud,
and from there to Faribault. Leaving the latter place, he came
to Owatonna, June 5, 1866, and engaged in the saloon and mer-
cantile business, which he continued until 1878. At this time he
sold out his mercantile establishment on account of ill health
and engaged in conveyance, insurance and real estate, which
business he has continued w-ith success ever since. Mr. Schmidt
was married September 5, 1872, at Owatonna, to Mrs. Margaret
Ganser (nee Bauer). Six children were born to this union, viz.:
Mary, wife of C. F. Albcrtus, cashier of the Security Bank ; Carl
A., who is engaged in the grocery business at Peever, S. D. ;
Alfred, a clerk in the Security Bank of Owatonna ; Carl A. ;
Hugo; and Ella, deceased. Mr. Schmidt is an independent voter
and a member of the A. O. U. \\'. He is a man who is held in
high esteem, and has served the city and county in a number of
local ofifices, being six years a member of the city council, five
years on the school board, tw-elve years county commissioner,
serving eight years out of the twelve as chairman ; three years
on the library board, serving part of this time as secretary of
that board ; and thirty years as trustee of Forest Hill Cemetery.
In 1895 Mr. Schmidt built a beautiful modern residence at 805
South Cedar street. He also owns a block on North Cedar
.1. II. VJ.NKK
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1069
street, and is the owner of 124 acres of land in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota.
John Smith, of the firm of Parrott & Smith, hardware mer-
chants, was born at Dittersbach, Austria, April 30, 1860. He
was the son of Frank and Mary (Marek) Smith, natives of Aus-
tria, where they w^ere engai^ed in farming. The father died in
1885 and the mother in 1888. John was educated in the public
schools of Austria, and emigrating to America in 1875, located
in Owatonna township, where he went to work on a farm. He
attended school in this country two winters and by persevering
effort acquired a good knowledge of the English language. He
followed farming until 1881, then came to Owatonna, where he
clerked in the hardware store of D. O. Searle. He remained in
the employ of Mr. Searle for three years, during the last part of
which period he acted as manager. In 1885 he formed a co-part-
nership with Mr. George Parrott. This partnership purchased
the store from the D. O. Searle estate, and they have since con-
tinued to do a flourishing business, enjoying a wide patronage
and universal confidence. Mr. Smith was married January 1,
1883, at Owatonna, to Eva Morrison, daughter of Isaac N. and
Mrs. Morrison, of Clinton Falls township. The father died
March 20, 1906. The mother is still living at Clinton Falls. In
politics Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Republican party. In
religious faith he, with his family, belongs to the Congregational
Church. Mr. Smith is also prominent in fraternal circles, belong-
ing to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the A. O. A. Mr.
Smith is a good citizen, and takes an active interest in the public
affairs of his community. He served as alderman of the First
ward two years — 1900-1901. He was elected county commis-
sioner and served four years — 1903-1907. The family is domi-
ciled in a beautifid residence at 222 South Grove street. Novem-
ber 19, 1906, the store of Parrott & Smith was completely de-
stroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $15,000 above insurance. Not
daunted by this loss, they immediately commenced to rebuild,
erecting a beautiful three-story fireproof brick block, where they
are now located.
John H. Viner, the well-known proprietor of the Ideal Cement
Tile Company, at Owatonna, is a native of Skane, Sweden, and
was born May 25, 1868, a son of Hans and Annie (Person)
Viner, both natives of that country. The father, a farmer by
occupation, was active in political affairs, and represented his
district in the Riksdagsman, or Swedish Congress, eleven years.
He died March 28, 1883. The mother passed away in November,
1898. John H. spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended
the public schools, and after leaving school worked as a farmer
1070 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in Sweden till he was thirt)--one years old. In 1899 he came to
this country, landed at New York, November 11, and went
thence to Chicago, where he was variously employed till the
spring of 1900, when he came to Minnesota and for two years
was employed at cement work. Settling at Owatonna, May 28,
1902, he there followed the same occupation one year, and in
February, 1903, purchased the business owned by Mr. Nels Nel-
son, taking contracts for building sidewalks. He continued that
line of work alone some six years. In the spring of 1909 Mr.
E. L. Haines came into the business, and the present company
was formed and the scope of the work enlarged to include all
kinds of cement tile blocks, building material and every descrip-
tion of cement work. Air. Viner has made a careful study of his
line of work and is known as a thoroughly informed expert in
everything pertaining to it. He has devoted himself closely to
his business and has had little time for outside afifairs. He is a
Democrat in his political principles, but has never sought or held
any office. He is interested in fraternal fellowship, being identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal
Arcanum, and in his religious faith holds to the tenets of the
Presbyterian Church. On October 5, 1900, Mr. Viner married
Annie Nelson, who came from Sweden, where her father now
lives, and where her niothed died in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Viner
have one child, Aneta Viola by name.
O. E. Williamson, alderman of the Second ward in the city
of Owatonna, and a prosperous business man, was born in Nor-
way, February 20, 1875, son of Erick and Martha (Ristie) Will-
iamson, who in 1879 came to America and engaged in farming in
Kenyon. Goodhue county, Minn., where they still remain, being
honored and esteemed citizens, now living retired from active
work in Kenyon.
Our subject came to America with his parents when but four
years of age. He received his early education in the country
schools. He then engaged in the meat cutting trade with D.
Gochnauer & Son, of Kenyon, in whose employ he remained for
nine years and three months, learning the trade from A to Z,
from the slaughter-house to the block. In 1902 he came to the
city of Owatonna and entered the employ of J. M. SchafTer,
where he remained for two years. Then he entered the copart-
nership with P. J. Rockwood, conducting a market until 1909,
at which time he sold his interest to Mr. Rockwood and pur-
chased the meat business of D. H. Denison, which is the old
Schafifer place, where he first started in Owatonna. Mr. William-
son is now the sole owner and proprietor, and carries on a very
successful business. He buys and slaughters all his beef and
manufactures all his lard, sausages, ham and bacon, etc. He
O. ]•:. WILLIAMSON
-T-UE ME"^ YCU..
THE NEW
PUBLIC
ASTOM, LtH.
TILOK" FOUN'
K. T. WOODAKT)
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1071
keeps an up-to-date market, sanitarj^ in every respect. His hon-
est dealings and integrity answer for his large and flourishing
trade. Mr. Williamson was married T'ebrnary 4, 1903, at Austin,
Minn., to Miss Charlotte E. Furtney, a faithful, loving and de-
voted wife. Mr. W'illiamson is a Republican in political senti-
ment. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the
A. O. U. \V.. I. O. O. F.. F. O. E., K. O. P., and the Owatonna
Commercial Club, which he aided in organizing. In January,
1910, he was elected chancellor commander of the Knights of
Pythias. In 1906 he was elected alderman nf the Second ward
and re-elected in 1908 and 1910 without opposition. Ilis home is
beautifully located at 222 East ?ilain street.
William Wavrin, proprietor of the Owatonna Dye Works,
was born in Steele county. December 4, 1879, son of Joseph and
Paulina (Belina) W avrin, natives of Rohemia. The parents emi-
grated from their native land in the fifties, locating in Steele
county, where the father engaged in farming. William received
his early education in the district schools of Merton township,
which was supplemented with a high-school education. He later
took a business course at Canfield Business College of Owatonna.
Leaving the latter institution, he started life on his father's farm,
where he remained until 1903. At this time he went to Owa-
tonna and bought the dye works from his brothers, who had
previously conducted that business. Mr. Wavrin is doing a flour-
ishing business, his ability and business integrity being recog-
nized by the public. Besides our subject there are four brothers
and one sister in this famil}-, viz. : John, Frank and Joe, who are
all farmers in Steele county ; A. M. works with William in the
dye business; Anna, later Mrs. Jos. Martinck, died in the vear
1904.
Mr. Wavrin is a Democrat in political failh. lie is prominent
in fraternal circles, being a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, the C. S. P. S., the A. O. A., and the Z. C. B. T. and
C. A. O. S.
Rufus T. Woodard, who has the distinction of having been
one of the famous Roosevelt Rough Riders, has seen life in
various parts of the globe, and has had a wider experience than
usually falls to the lot of a native-born Minnesotan. He first
saw the light of day in Berlin township, Steele county, August
12, 1872. a son of R. L. and Julia (Barrett) Woodard, natives of
Pennsylvania. He received his education in the schools of Fari-
bault, and from several correspondence schools, and first started
out for himself as an acrobat, traveling with a circus for two
and one-half years, and visiting every state in the Union. He
then traveled all over Europe with Colonel Cody's Wild W^est
Show. He was there for a j'ear and one-half, and visited every
1073 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
country in Europe. After his return to America he located in
Chicago, 111., and worked at the trade of bricklayer, going from
there to Kansas City, Mo., and thence to Galveston, Texas,
where he worked at the concrete business for a while, and then
moved to St. Paul, where he learned the sculptor and carver's
trade. In the spring of 1898 he went to San Antonio, Texas,
and at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted
in Troop H of the United States Volunteer Cavalry, "Roose-
velt's Rough Riders." They were first ordered to Tampa, Fla.,
and thence to Cuba. He participated in all the battles of his
regiment, and was mustered out September 4, 1898, at Montauk
Point, Long Island. He then returned to San Antonio, where
he put together a moving picture and vaudeville show, which
was known as "Woodard's Congress of Rough Riders." and
which he conducted for six months. In the spring of 1899 he
went to St. Paul and engaged in the concrete business until
August, when he returned to his old home in Faribault. During
the year 1901 he went to California and worked in all the princi-
pal cities to better acquaint himself with his line of business.
In 1902 he returned to Faribault and in the spring of 1903 came
to Owatonna and formed a copartnership with Mr. C. K. Ander-
son by purchasing the Hammel interests in the contracting, con-
crete and cement company of Hammel Brothers & Anderson,
the business now being carried on under the name of "Guar-
antee Concrete and Construction Company." Mr. Woodard was
married September 9, 1892, at St. Paul, Minn., to Marie Dahl, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dahl, of Walcott township.
Three daughters have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
ard: Alivetta LaFlossetta. Virginia Lorina and Bluedella Corine.
Mr. Woodard's political affiliations are with the Republican
party, and in his religious belief he is a Congregationalist. He
is a member of the U. C. T. and the F. O. E. and of the Owa-
tonna Gun Club. He is also a member of the Armory Athletic
Association, of which he has served as instructor for several
years. He is a member of Company I, Second Regiment of the
Minnesota National Guard, and also belongs to the North Star
Poultry Association. Mr. Woodard is a self-made man, and
lives at his pleasant home, No. 416 Glendale avenue. He is inter-
ested in all that pertains to the best interests of his adopted city
and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. R. L.
Woodard and Julia Barrett, his wife, were natives of Pennsyl-
vania. They came to Steele county at an early day and located
in Berlin township, engaging in farming until 1880, when they
removed to Faribault, where R. L. is still living, his wife having
died March 25, 1909.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1073
Hans Peter Anderson was born in Denmark, April 3, 1859,
son of Andrew and Stina Jacobson. The father was a car-
penter and builder in Denmark, and lived there until his death
in 1878. The mother died in 1860. Hans Peter received his edu-
cation in Denmark ; coming to America in 1882, he attended the
American schools for one year, and then located in Steele county
and engaged in farming. In 1890 he purchased a farm of seventy-
five acres in section 20, Blooming Prairie township, and here he
has followed general farming ever since, dairying being his chief
industry. Hans Anderson was married March 9. 1883, to Stina
Jensen, of Denmark, and three daughters have blessed their
union : Mary, born November 22, 1884, now Mrs. Amond Ander-
son of Blooming Prairie township; Emma, born March 2, 1886;
and Agnes, born July 3, 1890. In politics Mr. Anderson is a
Republican, and a member of the Free Christian Church. He has
twice served his township as supervisor, the first time for a
period of three years, and was again elected in 1909, and still
holds the office. He has served as a member of the school board
of district No. 84, and is also the manager of the Union Creamery
Association of Blooming Prairie township. He has a fine farm
which is well improved. He is a self-made man and is highly
respected by all who know him.
John Antel, a well-known farmer of Havana township, Steele
county, Minn., was born in Bohemia, June 27, 1850, where he
passed his boyhood and received his education. He left the
Fatherland in 1876, locating in Steele county, engaging in farm-
ing. Ten years after his arrival in this country he purchased a
quarter section of land, where he continued general diversified
farming for some time. Later he sold eighty acres of this tract
and, in 1899, bought what was known as the Hewett farm, con-
sisting of 120 acres of good land, located in section 5, Havana
township, Steele county. This, with his other eighty, now con-
stitute his farm, on which he is still actively engaged in its culti-
vation and improvement, having built up one of the most up-to-
date and well cared for farms in the county. Mr. Antel has
always given much of his time to dairying and is one of the
stockholders in the Havana Creamery. In politics he is inde-
pendent, believing in the best man for the office, regardless of
his party affiliations. Community affairs have always claimed
much of his attention, however, and he is at present serving his
school district as a member of the school board. As to religious
belief, he is a follower of the tenets of the Presbyterian Church.
He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and
the C. S. P. S. June, 1887, he married Anna Relina, by whom he
has four children, who. named respectively in the order of their
ages, are: Wencl, Fredrick, Venc and Anna.
1074 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
L. J. Brynstad, a native of Norway, was born September 17,
1862. He passed his boyhood in his native country and there
received his education, coming to tliis land of opportunity at the
age of twenty years, and locating in Steele county, Minnesota,
where he was engaged in carpentering for five years. He then
purchased ninety acres of land in section 14, the cultivation of
this taking his time and attention for the ne.xt five years, after
which he bought 160 acres in section 26. Numerous buildings
were erected Ijy him and other improvements added from time to
time, in keeping with j^rogressive agriculture, thus making his
farm one of the most modern and up-to-date in the county. Mr.
Brynstad is a follower of the principles of tlie Republican party,
and is always interested in enterprises for the upbuilding of the
county. He is at present serving his school district as clerk, this
being his fifth year of office. He has in\ested his savings in bank,
creamery and elevator stock. The Lutheran Church claims him
as a member. Januar\' 23, 1886, he was married to Elsie Quit-
ber, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Ouitber. Seven children
have blessed this marriage: Clara, who is a student at the State
Normal School at Winona; Jennie, a teacher, and .\lma, Robert,
Laurence, Alice and Lydia, who live at home with their parents.
Jens and Engel (Joakim) Brjmstad. parents of L. J., were
natives of Norway, residing in the fatherland all their lives. The
father was a sergeant in the Norwegian army. His decease
occurred in 1908, the mother having died eighteen years earlier.
Mrs. L. J. Brynstad's father. Axel Ouitber, was a native of
Sweden, born January 31, 1827. in St. Olaf, in Skone. At the age
of sixteen he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at this
until thirty years of age, at which time he emigrated to America
and located in Louisiana and Florida, where he kept up the same
trade for three or four years. He came to the state in Minnesota
in 1861 and located in Geneva. At that time the country was
wild and part of it was surrounded with water so that people
could paddle a canoe from Geneva to Owatonna. The same year
he purchased 160 acres in section 26, which w'as covered with
timber and shrubs. He was prominent in all doings which be-
longed to a newly settled life. He w-as among the first ones that
organized a congregation here. This congregation belonged to
the Lutheran Church. It was called the Beaver Lake Congre-
gation. He improved his farm from time to time until his death,
which occurred October 23, 1889, when he left his property to his
wife and daughter. Mrs. Carrie Quitber, mother of Mrs. L.
J. Brynstad. was born in Aurland Sogn in Norway, where she
spent her childhood, until the age of thirty years, when she emi-
grated to this state. She died in 1898 and is now resting by her
husband's side in the Geneva cemeter}-.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1075
George S. Brainerd, a prominent business man of Rloomini^
Prairie. Minn., is a native of that town, being born August 7,
1871. He received his education in the public schools, afterwards
going into tlic lumber business with J. C. Brainerd and Company,
his father being the principal stockholder. The company had a
very extensive patronage, having yards located in Blooming
Prairie, Bixby, Watham, Elkton and Albert Lea, all of Minne-
sota, George S. being the manager of the Blooming Prairie
branch and a stockholder. In 1904, they reorganized, incor-
porating as the Northwest Lumber Company, Mr. Brainerd,
becoming a director and retaining the management of the Bloom-
ing Prairie yards until 1905, when he disposed of his lumber
interests to Laird Norton and Company. The clothing business
engaged his attention lor the following three years, after which
he purchased the stock of the Veblin Mercantile Company, which
he incorporated as the Blooming Prairie Mercantile Company.
He is still proprietor of this establishment and has met with
marked success. Mr. Brainerd is a staunch adherent of the
Republican party and has served in numerous ofifices, being a
member of the State Board of Equalization in 1904, a delegate
to the National Farm Land Congress at Chicago, in 1909, and
was a delegate to the celebrated Conservation Congress. He was
also town treasurer for two terms. He is affiliated with num-
erous benevolent and patriotic organizations, being a Mason, a
member of the Blue Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America and the Order of Hoo
Hoo and is also a leading spirit in the local Commercial club.
The Universalist church claims his attention in religious matters.
August 9, 1893, he united in marriage with Mary A. Toher,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Toher, of Ovvatonna. They
have six children, Marie, born August 21, 1894; John C, born
April, 1896; Richard K., David L., Thomas E., and William G.
The family residence is on Second street. Mr. Brainerd is the
son of John C. and Melissa ( Burnliam) Brainerd, whose sketch
appears elsewhere.
Andrew A. Berg was born in .Xorway. January 10, 1860, son
of .Abraham and Xccolaia (Loceth) Berg, natives of Norway
who came to America in 1864 and located in Wisconsin, where
they engaged in farming until 1871, when they came to Minne-
sota and located in Freeborn county, where the father followed
his occupation of a farmer until his death October 1877, the
mother died in 1901. .Andrew received his education at the dis-
trict schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1880 he purchased
eighty acres of land in Section 27. and since that time has added
to it until he now has a farm of 280 acres all in Berlin township,
on which he has built his home and buildings and carried on
1076 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
general diversified farming. He owns in addition 240 acres of
land in Grand Forks county. North Dakota. Andrew was mar-
ried December 9, 1880, to Miss Isabelle Lageson. a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. (Elling) Lageson and twelve children have blessed
their home: Edwin, with the Ellendale Mercantile Company;
Nels, who conducts a saw mill and threshing machine ; Albert
at home, farming part of home farm ; Henry, an engineer working
for his brother, Nels ; Louisa, student at Pillsbury academy ; Ida,
housekeeper for Albert; Arnold, Louis, Enoch, Mabel, Lillian
and Bennett all living at home. In politics Mr. Berg is an inde-
pendent Republican, and he attends the Norwegian Lutheran
Church. He has served as a director of the school board for a
good many years. He is a co-partner in the Ellendale Mercantile
Company, vice-president of the Farmers Telephone Company,
of Ellendale, is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company,
and also of the Ellendale Creamery association. He has won
his success by his own efforts, and has the respect and confidence
of all who know him.
W. A. Bailey, the genial postmaster of Medford village, is
a native of Minnesota, and was born May 28, 1860, in Waseca
county, St. Mary's village. He is a son of John and Elizabeth
(Erwin) Bailey, the former a native of New Hampshire and the
latter of New York State. The father came West in 1855 and
located in Waseca county, Minnesota, where he was married.
He went into the general merchandise business at Waseca vil-
lage. From there he went to Faribault remaining for some two
jears and then removed to Prairieville, Rice county, where he
conducted a general merchandise establishment until 1865. and
then came to Medford, Steele county, establishing a similar busi-
ness which he continued up to the time of his decease, December
7, 1898. The mother still lives in :Medford, and will attain the
venerable age of eighty-three years next August, 1910. Besides
our subject there is a twin brotlier in this famih', who lives in
Chicago. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in
the public schools of ]\Iedford. Leaving school he was employed
in his father's store, which occupation he followed until 1880
at which time he and his brother. Arthur S.. bought an interest
in their father's store. Arthur S. Bailey died in 1891. He bought
his father's interest about one week before the latters death.
Mr. Bailey continued this business until 1901. He then sold his
stock and merchandise to John Brown of Lamoni, Iowa, being the
first carload of goods shipped over the Rock Island road from this
point. Mr. Bailey, as well as his father, has held positions of
trust in their community for a long time. His father served as
postmaster for many years, and W. A. still continues to fill
that position up to the present time. He is also dealer in coal.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1077
Mr. Bailey was married in 1882 to Ella M., daughter of
James and D. V. ( ) McNitt, who were natives of
New York and Michigan respectively. The family is blessed
with two children, viz: Nellie V., now Mrs. C. E. Sanders, of
St. Paul, and Leona E., who lives with her parents. A daughter
was born to C. E. Sanders and wife June 11, 1910, named Eliza-
beth Jane Sanders.
In political faith Mr. Bailey is affiliated with the Republican
party. His family belong to the Congregation Church. He is
also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Yeoman; was a
member of the Modern Woodmen. He is secretary of the Strait
River Telephone Company.
Mr. Bailey is distinguished as having had the longest con-
tinued residence in the village of Medford.
Ezra C. Bryant, was born in New York State, March 20, 1852,
son of John A. and Clysta A. (Sage) Bryant, natives of New
York State. They emigrated west in 1854, locating in Oshkosh,
Wis., where the father engaged in farming remaining there until
the spring of 1868, when he came to Meriden township, Steele
county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits on 195 acres of
land, which he had acquired. He followed farming all his life
and passed away June, 1880, the mother is still living in Min-
neapolis. Ezra C. received his early education in Wisconsin,
and came to Steele county with his parents in 1868. He bought
126 acres of land in Meriden township. This he later sold and
removed to Lemond township, where he purchased 126 acres
of land on which he carried on general and diversified farming
until 1895. At this time, he moved to Owatonna, where he en-
gaged in rug work for three years, then in 1903, he organized
the Owatonna Rug Company, manufacturing all kinds of rugs,
carpets and curtains. Mr. Bryant was married April 3, 1877, to
Mary E. Davis. She died February 7, 1903. Eight children were
born to this union. Earl C. of Esterville, Iowa ; James died May
19, 1908; Bessie G., now Mrs. Walter Kitzman, lives in Ester-
ville, Iowa; John A., lives in Minneapolis; Hattie lives at Fari-
bault; Mary E. also lives at Faribault; William C. lives at Ester-
ville, Iowa, and Angle died August , 1898. Mr. Bryant does
not affiliate with any political party but votes for the man, who
according to his opinion is the best qualified to fill the office.
Anton M. Belina was born in Owatonna township, Steele
county, January 22, 1876, son of Anton and Frances (Pavack)
Belina, natives of Bohemia. They emigrated to the United States
in 1855 locating on a farm in Owatonna township, where they en-
gaged in general and diversified farming, the father following this
occupation up to the time of his decease. February 25. 1887. The
mother survives him and still resides on the old homestead.
1078 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the
district schools of Owatonna township, which was followed by
a course in the public schools of Owatonna. While attending
the public schools in Owatonna, he also learned the tinner's
trade. In 1895. he entered Carlton college and took a general
course after which he became salesman for the Black Manu-
facturing Company of Erie, Pa. This he followed for two years.
He then entered into the sporting goods business at Owatonna,
where he is now located. He keeps a full line of everything car-
ried in an up-to-date store of this kind, and in connection with
this business, he also conducts the leading automobile garage
of the city.
Mr. Belina was married June 11. 1901. at Owatonna. to
Mary S., daughter of I\Ir. and Mrs. Andrew Erdmann (deceased).
A daughter and son have blessed their union, viz, Geraldine
Evel3n born January 23, 1904, and Kenneth A. born September
25, 1905. Geraldine Evelyn died June 23, 1904, when six months
of age. Mr. Belina is a self-made man. He has gained his posi-
tion by hard work and determined efifort. He is a good citizen
and generous neighbor. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat.
The family adhere to the Lutheran Church. He is also prominent
in fraternal circles, belonging to the K. of P., the E. F. U., and
the A. O. -A. Mr. and Mrs. Belina live in a pleasant residence on
Franklin avenue.
Charley F. Brown, a native of Minnesota was born in Aurora
township, Steele county, on October 6, 1874, son of F. C. and
Mar}' (Clark) Brown. Charley received his education in district
No. 27. of Aurora township, and after leaving school he engaged
for six }-ears in buying and selling horses, and in 1903 com-
menced farming on his father's farm of 180 acres, located in
Aurora township, in Sections 26 and 27. He has followed gen-
. eral farming in all its branches, but dairying has been his chief
pursuit, and he is also engaged in breeding short horn cattle,
and Norman and Clyde horses. He was married February 27,
1898, to Bertha ^lallman and they have one child: Edna E. born
August 4, 1909. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he is
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Modern Wood-
men of America. He has served his town as constable for one
year, and is now serving his fourth year as road overseer, and he
is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Brown also breeds a large
quantity of poultry each year, Rhode Island Reds and Barred
Rocks being his favorite varities. He is a stockholder in the
Oak Glen Creamery, and is an enterprising and successful farmer
respected by all who know him.
Thomas M. Bruzek, cigar manufacturer of Blooming Prairie,
was born in New Prague, Scott county, Minnesota, December
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1070
4, 1880. lie is a son of Frank ami Anna (Jelenek) liruzek, na-
tives of Austria-IIungar}", and of Cecil parentage. The parents
located in Scott county, Minnesota, where the father enii^aged in
farming. He died October 10, 1881, the mother is still living in
New Prague, Scott county. Thomas received his earl}- educa-
tion in the public schools. Leaving school, he took up and
learned the cigar makers trade in Waseca, Minn. In 1902, he
engaged in the manufacture of cigars at New Prague, which he
continued until 1904. From there he went to Spokane, Wash.,
where he engaged in the same line of business. In 1907, he came
to Blooming Prairie village and established a cigar factory,
where he is doing a strictl}' wholesale business. His leading
brands are the Lord Digby, ten cents, and the Club, five cents.
He has a large and steadily increasing trade having established
a reputation on the goods that he manufactures. He has met
with a marked degree of success and is highly repected and very
popular with the business men of the village. In political senti-
ment, Mr. liruzek is a Republican. He is a member of the
Catholic Church, also a member of the I. O. O. F.
Henry J. Brown, known as an expert horse shoer and skill-
ful workman in his line, was born in \\'ashington county, Wis-
consin, June 6, 1876. He is a son of Peter and Margaret (Dons-
back) Brown, who came hither from Germany in 1846 and set-
tled on a tract of land in Washington county, Wisconsin, where
they made a home and lived until 1907. The father was a pros-
perous and thrifty farmer and after some sixty years of general
farming, retired from active work and moved to Fond du Lac
county. The mother died October 21, 1903. Henry J. grew up
on his father's farm and attended the district schools and had all
the ordinary experiences of the W^estern farmer boy. Of a
mechanical turn of mind he worked as a carpenter in early life
and in 1898 learned the blacksmith's trade making a specialty of
horse shoeing. After moving to Owatonna he joined his brother
L. C. Brown, and together, under the name of Brown Brothers,
they built up an extensive trade in their special line, and were
known near and far as expert, reliable and skillful mechanics. Mr.
Brown has devoted himself to his business and has never held
or sought any office. He is a Democrat in his political principles,
and in religious belief holds to the Catholic faith. He is identified
with several fraternal societies, being a member of Knights of
Columbus, the Yeomen, Aztecs and Eagles. On October 4,
1904, Mr. Brown married Annette, daughter of D. J. and Minnie
(Inuker) Trisko, who came from Germany, their native land, to
W'isconsin and thence moved to Owatonna where they now re-
side and where the father has followed his trade for thirty-three
years. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Raymond H., by
1080 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUX'TIES
name. In March, 1910, Mr. Brown severed his connection with
the firm of Brown Brothers and moved to Denhoff, N. D., where
he engaged in the same business.
Claude C. Campbell, editor and owner of the "Ellendale
Eagle" of Ellendale, Minn., was born in Garrettsville, Ohio,
January 19, 1875. At the age of eleven he came with his parents
to South Dakota, living successively at Sioux Falls. Holabird
and Brookings. At the latter place he completed his education
in the public schools and in the State Agricultural College, also
of Brookings. He then entered the employ of the "Brookings
Register," being connected with that paper at intervals till 1902.
During this time, together with Richard Phenix, he established
the "Converse County Press" of Douglass, Wyo., and was also
associated with S. A. Cochrane in the publication of "The Indi-
vidual" at Brookings. In 1902, he removed to Ellendale. Minn.,
and purchased the "Ellendale Eagle," a weekly newspaper, of
which he has been sole proprietor and manager ever since. The
paper's circulation has been tripled since he took charge. It is
known as one of the newsiest and most fearless sheets in the
county, and wields a wide influence throughout this section of
the state. Mr. Campbell also has a large and increasing business
in job and commercial printing, and is a co-partner with \\'. E.
Galloway in the Ellendale Realty Company, one of the live insti-
tutions of the village. He has served as postmaster since August
8, 1909, which, together with his other affairs makes him a very
busy man.
The Ellendale Telephone Company numbers him among its
stockholders. In politics, he is an active supporter of the Repub-
lican party and is keenly interested in all that pertains to the
welfare of his community. He has served one year as a recorder
and two years as president of the village council. The Modern
\Voodmen of America and the Masonic Order, count him a
loyal member of their respective organizations. He w^as also
identified with Company G, of the First Regiment of the South
Dakota National Guard, while in South Dakota. March 20,
1898, he was united in marriage with Lillian L. Lewis, at Brook-
ings, S. D. They have two children: Cecil R.. born January 1.
1899, and Richard V., who was born February 13, 1903. Daniel
R. and Araminta (Sapp) Campbell, parents of Claude C, were
born in Ohio, being of Scotch-Irish-Dutch descent. The father
was a marble and granite importer, designer of monuments,
vaults, etc., for many years, afterwards becoming engaged in the
manufacture of pottery at Wellsville, Ohio, where he remained
till 1883. He then went to Sioux Falls, S. D., residing there
three years, when he joined the tide of landseekers drifting west-
ward and located at Holabird in the same state. The country
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1081
not developing as rapidlj- as anticipated, he took a position as
general agent for the Masonic Aid Life Insurance, of Yankton. S.
D., and established his headquarters at Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The family was removed to Brookings because of the educa-
tional advantages offered there, with the intention of taking
up their residence in Winnipeg later. These plans were upset
by the death of Mr. Campbell which occurred at Winnipeg, Sep-
tember, 15, 1888. The mother is still living with her son Claude,
who is her only child, a daughter. Bertha, having died at Brook-
ings in 1892, at the age of twenty-three years.
Robert Campbell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July
22. 1850. son of Robert and Jane Campbell, natives of Scotland,
where the father died. The mother came to America in 1857, and
died in Webster township, Rice county. Robert attended the
public schools of Scotland until he was seven years of age, and
then came to America with his mother. They located for one
j'ear in Wisconsin, then moved to Minnesota and took up their
home in Webster township, and there followed general farming
imtil 1900 when he sold the old home and came to Steele county
and purchased a 200 acre farm in Blooming Prairie township.
Sections 26 and 27, where he has since followed general farming.
He was married October 1, 1887, at Northfield, Minn., to Grace
Campbell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell, of Dodge
count3^ Her mother died in 1896 and her father is now living
at Blooming Prairie village. Seven children have blessed the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell : Jennie, born December 6,
1888; William, born March 26, 1890; James born September 13,
1891; John, born April 7, 1893; Robert born April 20, 1896; Mar-
garet, born August 15, 1898, and Grace born March 17, 1901. Mr.
Campbell's political affiliations are with the Republican party and
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is now treasurer
of school district No. 45 of his township, and is a stockholder
in the Farmers Elevator Company, of Northfield. He is a self
made man. and a good citizen, respected by all.
Jay J. Cotter, a well-known farmer of Steele county, was born
in Owatonna. October 8. 1876. His education was received in
the public schools and completed with a course in Pillsburj'
academy. He then came to Havana township and located on his
father's farm where he has been engaged in general agriculture
ever since. Mr. Cotter also owns forty acres in Section seventeen
and eighty more in Section sixteen, all of which is largely under
cultivation. The Farmer's Elevator Company, of Owatonna and
the Havana Creamery count him among their stockholders and
patrons. As to political faith, he is a believer in the tenets of
the Democratic party, but has never sought public office, his large
farming interests taking all his attention. He was married,
WS-i HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
June 10, 1903, to Fannie E. Holmes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.,
Byron Holmes, of Owatonna. The father is deceased. James
A. and ^liranda (Jones) Cotter, parents of Jay J., were natives
of Pennsylvania. The father emigrated to Minnesota as a boy
in the early pioneer days, locating in Owatonna, then but a rough
frontier outpost, wdiere he received his education. .A-fter his
school days, he worked in a grocery store for several years, later
being elected clerk of the county court and holding this ofifice
for many years. He then purchased a hundred and sixty acres
in Havana township, soon afterwards selling eighty of them, and
followed general farming for a time. His election as deputy
auditor put an end to his farming operations, and while holding
this ofifice, he died from the effects of a stroke of apoplexy in May,
1909. His wife is now living at Owatonna.
M. J. Dunigan was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, October
24. 1858, son of Patrick and Margaret (Murphy) Dunigan,
natives of Ireland who came to America in 1848 and located
first in Washington. D. C, where they remained only a short
time and then moved to Indiana, going from there in 1855 to
Wisconsin w-here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits
until 1862. This }'ear they moved to Goodhue county, Min-
nesota, where they remained for one year and then went to Free-
born County, Minnesota, remaining there until 1873 when they
moved to Steele county locating in Berlin township on 240 acres
of land in Section 34, which he had bought in 1871. Mr. Duni-
gan broke, cleared and subdued this land with the help of his
son, brought to a high state of cultivation, and here he followed
general diversified farming until his death which occurred April
28, 1878. His faithful wife followed in October, 1892. M. J.
Dunigan received his education in the district schools of Free-
born county, coming to Steele county in 1873 he engaged in
farming with his father until his father's death, when he to-
gether with his brother, Thomas, conducted the home farm tuitil
1892, when he started out for himself on a 160 acre farm in
Section 33 and 34 which was left him through the death of his
father. In the Spring of 1893 he traded tliis farm for another
160 acres in Section 33 of Berlin township, where he is now
engaged in farming. Fie was married November 14, 1892 to
Anna Wright, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wright,
who were early settlers of Steele county coming here in 1856.
Both are now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Dunigan: Mildred, born November 17, 1894; Luella,
born February 10, 1900, and Gerald, Ijorn July 15. 1905, and
two died in infancy. In politics Mr. Dunigan is a Democrat,
and in his religious belief he is a Catholic. He is a member
of C. O. F. and the B. A. F. He served the town as supervisor
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1083
for two jears, and was chairman of the tdwn board for fourteen
years. He has served as director on the school board both
in district No. 96 and in district No. 33. He is a stockholder
in the I'"armers' Elevator Co., and has been president of the
Farmers' Rural Telephone Co. since its organization. He is
one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers.
Thomas E. Dunigan is a native of Minnesota, having been
born in Freeborn county, August 7, 1873. He is a son of Patrick
Dunigan. Thomas received his education at the district schools
after which he took up farming on the home farm with his
brother, M. J. Dunigan, until, by the death of his mother in
1893, he inherited 160 acres of the home farm in Section 34,
Berlin township, on which, in 1905, he begun farming for him-
self. He has greatly improved the land and the buildings. In
1908 he erected a two story house, thoroughly modern and up-
to-date. He is also a breeder of short horn cattle, and has met
with great success in this line of work greatly improving his
herd from year to year. In his religious belief he is a Catholic,
and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He
is a stockholder in the Farmer's Elevator Company, and in the
Ellendalc Creamery. He has never aspired to public office,
although always interested in whatever is for the best interests
of his town and county. He is a single man with his sister
Hannah as housekeeper, he is happily and comfortably situated
in his beautiful farm residence where he enjoys the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Louis C. Ditlevson was born in Denmark, September 4, 1850,
son of Chris, and Carrie (Jenson) Ditlevson, natives of Den-
mark. The father was a weaver by trade, and died in his native
land in 1888, the nv)ther died in 1858. Louis received his edu-
cation in Denmark, and then learned the weaver's trade which
he followed until he came to America in 1873. He first located
in Geneva in Freeborn county, Minnesota, he engaged in farm-
ing and remained there for two years. In 1875 he came to
Steele county and followed farm work for two years, and in 1877
purchased eighty acres in Section 17, of Blooming Prairie town-
ship. He has added to this at different times 140 acres and now
has a farm of 220 acres all in Section 17. At the time of pur-
chase it was nearly all wild land, but he has it now all under a
fine state of cultivation, and within the last eight years he has
erected a new home and all new out-buildings. He follows a
general diversified farming. Mr. Ditlev.son was married Feb-
ruary 9, 1875, to Mary Paulson, who was born in Denmark,
November 6, 1857, and came to America in 1874. Sixteen chil-
dren have blessed their union: Chris, born January 7, 1876, of
Blooming Prairie township: Mary, born Mav 13, 1877, died
1084 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
February 22, 1880; Hannah, born March 10, 1879, now Mrs. N.
C. Nelson, of Blooming Prairie township ; Fred, born October
17, 1880, now living in Wisconsin; Andrew, born July 16, 1882,
now of Blooming Prairie township ; Henry, born May 6, 1884,
now of Owatonna; Alay, born March 21, 1886, at home; Caro-
line, born January 13, 1888, also at home ; William, born April
7, 1890, now at Appleton, Minn., keeping books ; Eddie, born
January 3, 1892; Arthur, born February 22, 1893; ilaggie, born
March 11, 1894; Emanuel, born April 16, 1895; Myrtle, born
April 9, 1897; Lawrence and Ella, twins, born December 6, 1899,
the eight youngest children are living at home with their parents.
In his political affiliations Mr. Ditlevson is a Republican, and he
is a member of the Baptist Church. He has been a member of
the school board of district No. 85 for seven years and he is
now treasurer of the district, he is a member of the Union
Creamery Association, and is a stockholder in the Farmer's
Elevator of Blooming Prairie His is a good citizen and highly
respected by all who know him.
Edward Q. Ertel, a well known and popular physician of El-
lendale, Minn., was born in Brookville, Ind., February 13, 1881.
He received his early education in the district schools, and later
attended the High school of Madison. S. D., after his graduation
completing a course in the scientific department of the Valpariso
University, of Valpariso, Ind. Leaving here, he entered the
Chicago Medical college in which he remained two years, and
then entered the medical department of the Cincinnati university,
receiving his degree, in 1907. .\fter a year of service in the
Good Samaritian hospital of Cincinnati as interne, he removed
to Ellendale, Minn., opened offices, and launched into the prac-
tice of his profession, having achieved an unusual degree of suc-
cess and won the confidence of the community. He enjoys a
large village and country' practice, and is an active member of
the cotmty, state and American medical associations. In politics,
he casts his ballot as the best interests of the community dictates,
and takes an active part in public affairs, now serving as Chair-
man of the local board of health and as a member of the Village
Council. The Modern Woodmen of America count him a
loyal member of their organization. December 9, 1908, he was
married to Martha Spiegel, at Kewanee, 111. George and Caro-
line (Knecht) Ertel, parents of our subject, were natives of
Indiana, where the father followed general farming up to the
time of his decease in December. 1891. His wife passed away
the same month and year.
Theodore P. Fagre, of Blooming Prairie village, postmaster
and editor, was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, December 30,
1869, he is a son of Nels and Ingeborg (Swenson) Fagre, both
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1085
natives of Norway who came to America at an early day and
located in Alitchell county, Iowa, where the father was engaged
in farming all his life. He died in 1873 and the mother now
resides with her children. Theodore received his education at
the district schools of Iowa, and also attended the Cedar valley
seminary, at Osage, Iowa, and the St. Angers seminary at St.
Angers, Iowa, and after being graduated from the latter school
attended the State university of Minnesota for three years. In
1896 he came to Blooming Prairie and purchased the "Bloom-
ing Prairie Times," becoming the manager and editor. lie con-
ducted the paper for one year and tiien sold out and entered into
the general merchandise business which he conducted for nine
years when he sold out and again purchased the "Times" and has
been its editor ever since. The "Times" is a weekly newspaper
having a large and increasing circulation for a village publica-
tion. He also makes a specialty of commercial and job printing.
In 1906 Mr. Fagre was appointed postmaster of Blooming
Prairie and he still holds the office. He was married May 15,
1898, at Mitchell county, Iowa, to Anna K. Maakestad. Three
children have been born to them : Kinley I., born October 24,
1901, Nora O. born January 28. 1905 and Alfred T. born March
17, 1908. In his political views Mr. Fagre is a Republican
and in his religious belief he is a Lutheran. He has served as
president of the Commercial club and as trustee and recorder of
the village for several years. His pleasant home is located on
second street in the village of Blooming Prairie. He is a self
made man, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know
him.
Michael J. Fallon is a native of Minnesota, having been born
in Blooming Prairie township on December 29, 1867, son of
Michael and Martha (Powers) Fallon, mother born in New York
State and the father in Ireland who came to America in 1856 and
to Steele county in 1862 locating in Blooming Prairie township,
where they look a homestead of 80 acres in Section 22. It was
wild land and the father broke and cleared it and erected build-
ings and later he added 40 acres adjoining and there he carried
on general farming until his death February 21. 1909. The
mother died in 1880. They had six children: John, Stephen,
Elizabeth, Augusta, Ellen and Michael J., of whom only Michael
J. and Augusta are now living. Mr. Fallon received his edu-
cation at the district schools and after leaving school he followed
farming with his father, and in 1888 he went to Dakota, and
thence to the -State of Washington, where he was engaged at
civil engineering for the Great Northern R. R. for four years.
In the fall of 1893 he returned to the old farm and took charge
and has remained there ever since doing a general diversified
inSG HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIEiJ
farming. Mr. Fallon is unmarried, in his political views he is
an independent Democrat, and in his religious faith he is a Cath-
olic. He has served for two years as constable, six years as chair-
man of the town board of supervisors, and as a director of school
district No. 45 for fifteen years. On his farm he breeds Jersey
hogs, norman horses and short horn cattle. He had three uncles,
his father's brother, Patrick, who came to Steele county at the
same time his father did in 1862, their names were Patrick,
George Tapliff and Thomas F., and they all took homesteads
in Blooming Prairie town.ship, all are now deceased.
H. F. Gronowski, a self made and progressive farmer of
Havana township, Steele county, was born in Posen, Germany,
November 22, 1862, emigrating to America with his parents at
the age of twelve years and locating at Owatonna, Minn., where
he completed his education. In 1880. he took charge of the
160 acre farm in Section 4, Havana township, which his father
had recently purchased. Here he has been engaged in general
farming ever since, owing his success to hard and intelligent
work. Mr. Gronowski erected a $3, .^00 house in 1909, and also
a large, modern barn, making his farm, with the other improve-
ments he has made from time, one of the best equipped and up-
to-date in the county. y\I1 enterprises tending for the good of
the community have always had his hearty support. He is a
stockholder in the Havana creamery and in the Farmer's Elevator
of Owatonna. In politics, he follows the guidance of the
Democratic party. Public office has never attracted him, his
other interests claiming all his time and attention. Joseph and
Anna ( tlope) Gronowski, parents of our subject, are natives
of Germany, leaving the Fatherland for America in 1874. They
still live with their son on the i)ld homestead.
Christopher N. Hillstad, a self made and progressive farmer
of Havana township, Steele county, was born in Norway, Feb-
ruary 19, 1858. He received liis education and passed his boy-
hood in the Fatherland, emigrating to America at the age of
fifteen, and locating in Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he was
engaged in farming till 1877, when he removed to Havana
township, Steele county, continuing in the same line of work.
In 1892, he purchased an eighty acre tract in Section 21, Havana,
later acquiring 100 acres of improved land in section 27 , same
township, where he has followed general farming ever since,
achieving his success by hard work and up-to-date farming
methods. Mr. Hillstad owns a fine herd of cattle and pays much
attention to dairying and stock raising. He is a stockholder in
the Havana creamery. In jiolitics, he is a follower of the Repub-
lican party, and though he has never sought public office, is
interested in all that pertains to the good of the county. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1087
Lutheran Church numbers him among its members. June 27,
1884, he was united in marriage with Olena Nelson, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Xels Nelson who died on the same day, March
28, 1909, of old age. Mr. and Mrs. Hillstad have eight children,
Christina, who is married to Theodore Thompson, of Havana,
N'ilda, Eddie, Richard, Clarice, Cora, Ruth and Morris.
Anton J. Haberman, a merchant of Bixby, was born in Steele
county, Minnesota May 27 , 1885, son of John and Thresa Haber-
man, natives of Germany. The parents emigrated from their
native land in 1883, locating in Aurora township, Steele county,
Minnesota, where the father has followed agricultural pursuits
ever since. The mother died in 1903. Anton received his early
education in the district schools which was supplemented with a
course at the Canfield school of business of Owatonna. Leaving
school he directed his attention towards mercantile pursuits,
and in 1909 purchased the stock of F. R. Harzberg, general
store at Bixby. He has carried on a thriving business at this
place since. The Bixby Post Office is in Mr. Haberman's store,
his brother being the postmaster. Mr. Haberman is not married.
He does not affiliate with any political party, but casts his vote
for the candidate who is best qualified in his judgment to fill
the office, regardless of party principles. In religious faith he
adheres to the Catholic Church. Aside from his store, Mr.
Haberman is owner of twenty acres of land in Section 9, Aurora
township. He is a public-spirited citizen, always interested in
everything that is for the betterment of hi.s village and Steele
county.
G. J. Hovland was born in Norway, September 14, 1852, son
of Gens and Rosa Hovland who came to America in 1875, and
located in Wisconsin and engaged in farming which they still
follow. G. J. Hovland received his education in Norway and
came to America in 1872 and located in Wisconsin where he
farmed for seven years and in 1879 he came to Steele county
and located in Aurora township and bought 160 acres of land in
Section 10, he has since erected a fine dwelling house and out
buildings and has greatly improved his land, nearly all of which
is under the plow. He carries on a general diversified farming,
dairying and stock raising. He was married July 26, 1879, to
Belle Thompson and eight children have blessed their home :
Peter; Louis (deceased); Sena, now Mrs. Louis Olson; Belle;
John; Gilbert, deceased; Rodena, a student at Owatonna High
school; and Melvin. Mr. Hovland's political affiliations are
with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He has served as town treasurer for two 3^cars, and has
also served as treasurer of school district No. 13, for twelve years,
and as road overseer for five years. He is a stockholder in the
1088 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Pratt Rural Telephone Company, and is one of the prosperous
and successful farmers of Steele county, having the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Jas. F. Harty was born November 26. 1877, in Bath, Free-
born county. Minnesota, son of Roger and Mary (Gannon) Harty,
nati\"es of Minnesota. The father is a prominent farmer in
Freeborn county. The subject of our sketch received his early
education in the district schools, which was supplemented with
a High school education at Albert Lea and Owatonna. After
leaving school he began his career as teacher, and has followed
the same ever since in Steele and Freeborn counties, largely in
Steele. Since 1897. he lias also conducted a store in Blooming
Prairie village, corner IMain and Railway streets. He carries a
full and up-to-date line of wall paper and painter's supplies;
also a line of holiday toys in season. During the summer months,
he is engaged in paper hanging and painting. Mr. Harty was
married September 25, 1907, to I\Iayme A. McNerney, who was
born in Summerset township. March 17. 1880. She is a daughter
of Patrick and Anna (Flemming) McNerney, a prominent
farmer of Summerset township. The father is still living, the
mother died March 5. 1894. ]\Ir. Hart}' is Democratic in his
political views. In religion he adheres to the Catholic Church.
He is a very promising young business man. always interested
in what is for the good of Blooming Prairie and Steele county,
a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
William Henry Hart, a sturdy old pioneer, who contributed
much to Steele county's upbuilding, was born in New York city,
November 6, 1838. His father and mother were born and reared
in Ireland and came to New York city in 1837. \\'hen William
was six years of age. his parents with an older son James, emi-
grated to Fox Lake, Wis., where they engaged in farming.
When the Civil war broke out James enlisted as volunteer in
the Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, leaving William
with the cares of the home. In 1866 he moved with his parents
and brother to Havana township where he now resides. After
one year of hard frontier life, William returned to Fox Lake,
Wis., to bring home a bride Katherine Cruden. Seven children
were born to them: Harriet, George, John. William, Charles,
Edward, and Alice, all of whom are living but John, who died
when an infant of one year. William Hart is a prosperous and
successful farmer. He has educated each of the six children so
that they are ideal prosperous citizens. He has been foremost
in the upbuilding of all new enterprises in the county. He
worked hard for the location of Pratt station which has helped
the growth of Havana township. He was one of the main
leaders in the building of co-operati\"e creameries in this county
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1089
and has been a staunch worker in that line since. lie has helped
lay out and build every mile of road in his vicinity. He advocated
and practices the keeping up of good roads. In politics he is
Democratic, but he has always worked for the best man for the
place, upholding the right and condemning the wrong. Steele
county owes much to her early settlers who bore so many hard-
ships and worked with untiring zeal for the building up and
beautifying of it.
Andrew Hjelmen, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie
township, was born in Dodge county, April 11, 1864, son of Ole
and Ingeborg (Anderson) Hjelmen, natives of Norway. The
parents emigrated to America in 1862, locating in Dodge county,
where the father filed on a homestead of 80 acres. He added to
the original homestead until he had 280 acres. This is all in
Steele county except the original 80 acres. The father cleared
and broke the wild land, made improvements, erecting farm
buildings and turned the wilderness into a fertile farm, on which
he followed general farming until 1889. He died November
26, 1898. The mother passed away December 25, 1909. Andrew
received his early education in the district schools. Leaving
school, he took up farming with his father until he was twenty-
two years of age. He then rented the old homestead and con-
tinued to do so until the decease of his father. At that time, he
fell heir to 80 acres of the homestead located in Section 13,
Blooming Prairie township. In addition to the 80 acres, he rents
land. He is a very progressive farmer and has met with very
marked degree of success. Mr. Hjelmen was married April 18,
1885. to Thea Bekkedahl. Three children ha\c blessed the
union, viz: Ida Marie, dressmaker; Olga Louise and Iver
Alfred, both students in the Blooming Prairie High school. Mr.
Hjelmen is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He has served on the township board as supervisor of
Blooming Prairie township. He is now serving the sixth year as
a member of the school board of district No. 73. He is a stock
holder in the Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery, also, in the
Farmer's Elevator. He is a good citizen, highly respected by all
who know him.
Charles D. Hosfield, for many \ears an honored and respected
citizen of .Steele county. Minnesota, was born on his father's
farm near Ogsiluby, N. Y., September 6. 1856. He received his
early education in the district schools, later being graduated
from the Faribault High school after his removal to Minnesota,
in 1874. His school days over, he engaged in general farming in
Deerfield township, Steele county, with much success, until
1892. when he entered the grain buying business in which he
remained up to the time of his decease. April 2, 1899. He was
1090 HISTORY OF RICE A.XD STEELE COUXTIES
also interested in the I\Icdford Creamery as a stockheldcr. Mr.
Hosfield was known as a progressive farmer, an upright business
man, and in his home a tender and loving husband and father,
being universalh- esteemed and respected by all with whom he
caine in contact during his active and useful life. In politics, he
gave his support to the Republican party, and was ever ready
to assist any project for the welfare of the community. The
Knights of Pythias counted him a valued member. December
7, 1880, at Owatonna, he was married to Lillian A\'ier. by whom
he had seven children, all of whom are living with the exception
of Roy and Maude. Of the others. Ruby H. is a teacher in
Warsaw township: Raleigh W.. is attending the State university;
Fanny B., is engaged in teaching at Medford; Percy C, attends
the Faribault High school; and Elizabeth L. is living at home.
The famil}' worship at the Congregational Church. William
Hosfield, father of our subject, emigrating from England to this
country in his younger days, and settled in New York State,
where he followed farming till his decease in 1865. The mother
passed awaj- October 13. 1883. Mrs. Charles D. Hosfield was
born to George and Isaljelle (Tupper) Weir, in Wisconsin,
October 12, 1859. Her father was a native of England and her
mother of Maine. The father came to America in his youth and,
locating in Maine, was engaged as a millwright for several years.
In 1850, he joined the pioneer movement West, settling with
his family at Green Bay, Wis., where he conducted a sawmill
until his removal to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1879. Here he
followed diversified farming imtil his ileath, Xo\ember 18, 1883.
His wife's demise occurred five years later.
Wencl J. Jerele was born in Bohemia, October 15, 1873. son
of Wencl and Barbara (Ripka) Jerele, natives of Bohemia. They
came to America in 1877 and located in Steele cotmty and en-
gaged in farming until 1903 when they retired and moved to
Owatonna. The mother died in April, 1898. Wencl received
his education in the district schools, and after leaving school
and in the year 1897 he purchased 67 acres of wild land in
Aurora township, near Bixby on Section 34 and 27. lie broke
and developed it and has erected a good home and out buildings,
where he carried on general diversified farming. He married
Anna Ducek and they have three children : Rosa, Albert and
Alice. In politics Mr. Jerele is an independent voter and he is
a member of the Catholic Church and of St. Joseph Lodge No.
7. He is now a director of school district No. 64.
O. P. Jensen, of Blooming Prairie township, was born No-
vember 10, 1875. The parents, Nels and Carrie (Olson) Jenson,
natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869, locating in
Summit township, where the father followed agricultural pur-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1091
suits until the time of his decease, September, 1889. The mother
resides at Ellendale, Minn.
O. P. Jenson received his early education in the district
schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course
in the high school at Albert Lea, Minn. After leaving school,
he returned to the old homestead where he remained until he
became of age. He then learned the butter-maker's trade. His
first position was in Ellendale, where he remained for one year.
From there he went to Wells, Minn., where he remained four
years. Thence to Walters, Minn., where he was engaged for
two years. In 1903, he accepted a position as butter-maker of
the Union creamery association, which is located in Section 17,
Blooming Prairie township. He has carried on the work success-
fully there ever since.
Mr. Jenson was married June 4, 1893, to Nora Towns. He is
a Republican in political sentiment, and is a member of the
Danish Lutheran Church. Mr. Jenson is a self made man, a
highly respected citizen, well liked by all who know him.
George J. Johnson, manager of the Laird-Norton lumber yard
at Bixby, was born in Denmark, November 6, 1865. He is a son
of Hans and Christina (Jorgenson) Johnson natives of Denmark,
who emigrated to America in 1876, locating in Blooming Prairie
township, Steele county, Minnesota. The father died in Feb-
ruary, 1877. The mother still lives in Blooming Prairie. George
received his early education in the public schools of Denmark and
the district schools of Steele county. He being the eldest of the
children, the responsibility to provide for the family fell on
him at the time his father died. He remained on the old home-
stead of 40 acres, in addition to which he owned 140 acres adjoin-
ing in sections 4 and 11, until 1893. In 1893. he took up car-
penter work, which he followed for three years. Then he
accepted a position as manager for the J. C. Brainerd Lumber
Yard at Bixby. Later this yard was sold to the Laird-Norton
people, Mr. Johnson being retained as the manager, which
position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Johnson was
married July 7, 1897, to Freda Reeves. The wife died December
12, 1902, leaving a son and a daughter, viz : ElmCr, horn August
25, 1900, Alice, born October 30, 1902. Mr. Johnson is a Repub-
lican and a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He served
as clerk of the .school board for district Xo. 47 for some time.
He is a respected citizen and by his honest upright dealings,
he has established a good reputation for the company he is
connected with.
Peter J. Johnson, a farmer of Berlin township, was born in
Sweden, January 11, 1852. He is a son of John Benson and
Carrie (Peterson) his wife, natives of Sweden, who engaged
1093 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The mother died in her
native country in 1880. The father survived her five years, when
he died also in his native countr}'. The subject of our sketch re-
ceived his education in Sweden. In 1887, he left his native
country to search the larger opportimilics of the new world.
After arriving in America, he located at Red Wing, Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where he remained for three years. He then
went to Dodge Center, Dodge county, remaining there one
y^ear. whence he came to Steele county and located in Berlin
township, where he purchased a farm of 153 acres in Section 16.
Here he erected a residence and all the necessary out-buildings,
improving the farm until it is now very productive, he has fol-
lowed general farming ever since. Air. Johnson was married in
June. 1887. to Jennie Sundahl, a native of Sweden. Their home
is blessed with three children, Arthur B., Alma F., Carrie E.,
who are all residing with their parents. Mr. Johnson is a Repub-
lican in his political faith but he has never aspired to a public
office. He with his family belong to the Baptist Church. He is
a very progressive stock farmer, being a breeder of Holstein
cattle, Poland-China pedigree hogs, and Percheron horses. He
takes a great pride in and pays a good deal of attention to the
above named stock. He is actively interested in the public wel-
fare of his community, being a stockholder in the Farmer Ele-
vator of Ellendale. He has acquired all he owns by his own
efiforts and hard work.
Smith Johnson, lately of Aledford, is a native of New York
being born on February 28, 1828. He was a son of Smith and
Elizabeth (Carpenter) Johnson, natives of Vermont and New
York respectively. The parents came to \Visconsin in the early-
days and thence emigrated to Minnesota and located at Medford
where they farmed up to the time of the father's decease. Mrs.
Johnson died in Wisconsin in 1869. The subject of this sketch
came to Minnesota when a young man, and located at Medford
where he erected a house for his parents. He was one of the
first white settlers to come to this section of the country. He
carried on general farming here, and later when his father died
he became postmaster, following his father who was the first
postmaster in Medford. lie held the office about one }ear and
then again took up farming, which he followed up to the time of
his death, which occurred .\ugust 12, 1907. On November 10,
1857, Mr. Johnson married Sabrina, daughter of Kendall and
Polly (Laughling) Wilkins, natives of Vermont. The father
carried on farming in the above named state until he arrived at
an advanced age when he came to Minnesota and lived near his
son, where he resided until the time of his death. Mother also
died in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Mary
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1093
L.. now Mrs. George B. Corey, who resides at Medford. Mrs.
Johnson lives with her daughter in Medford. In politics Mr.
Johnson was a Republican, and lie with his family belonged to
the Universalist Church.
George E. Johnson, the well known dairyman of Blooming
Prairie, Minn., was born in St. Charles, Winona county, Minne-
sota, October 22, 1859. He received his education in the public
schools of St. Charles, afterwards assisting his father in the
management and working of the home farm till 1883, when he
removed to Blooming Prairie and conducted a farm for Edwin
Morton seven years. Mr. Johnson then bought an eighty acre
tract, partly inside the city limits and lying evenly on the bound-
ary line of Steele and Dodge counties. Here he followed general
farming, giving special attention to dairying, till 1900, when he
started milk and cream routes, and now devotes his attention
exclusively to dairying and the selling of the product. Thorough-
bred Jersey and Shorthorn cattle are features of his establish-
ment and have assisted him in the building up of his thriving
business. In politics, he gives his allegiance to no party, always
casting his ballot as the best interests of the community seem
to dictate. He has served his village as alderman for a number
of years, and held the office of Master Mason two years. The
Blooming Prairie .Creamery Association counts him among its
stockholders. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Order of Blue
Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. He is also indenti-
fied with the Presbyterian Church. In February, 1886, he was
married to Mary A. Nelson, of Copenhagen, Denmark. They
have five children, all of whom live at home with their parents,
with the exception of Edith, who died in 1906. Named in order
of ages, they are: Minnie, George H., Rose and Clinton. Mr.
and Mrs. G. H. Johnson, parents of George E., are natives of
Connecticut. Migrating west, they located in St. Charles, Minn.,
in April, 18.^6. the father following farming.
Alfred E. Johnson, cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants'
State Bank of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Austin,
Minn., April 28, 1870. He received his education largely in the
public schools of his birthplace, and then completed a course
at the Bayliss Business College of Dubuque, Iowa. After school
he acquired his first business experience with the John W.
Thomas Dry Goods Company, of Minneapolis, being connected
with this firm till 1892, when he returned to Austin and entered
the employ of George Hirsh (clothing) as a salesman, in which
capacity he remained five years. He then entered the Citizens'
National Bank of Austin as a bookkeeper, the value of his serv-
ices being recognized two years later by his appointment as
cashier, which position he capably filled until the fall of 1903.
1094 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Johnson thence removed to Madison, Wis., where he was
engaged as secretary of the American Plow Company till Janu-
ary, 1904. In ]\Iay, 1904, he entered upon his duties as cashier
of the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Blooming Prairie,
with which he is still associated, both as cashier and as a stock-
holder. In politics the Republican party claims his allegiance.
All movements for the good of the county or village are sure
of his support. He is now serving his second term as a mem-
ber of the local school board, and while in Austin held the office
of cit)- treasurer. The Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, in which he
officiates as secretary, and the Sons of Norway count him as a
valued member of their respective organizations. January 2,
1895, he was married to Clara J. ]\Iiller, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Miller, late of Austin, now deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson have two children : Charles Seymour, born De-
cember 23, 1895, a student in the local high school, and Grace
Laurene, born November 4. 1901. The family worship at the
Episcopal and Lutheran Churches. Their residence is on First
street. Seymour and Lena (Johnson) Johnson, parents of our
subject, were born and reared in Norway. Coming to this
country in their younger days, they settled at Waupon, Wis.,
then but a rude pioneer village, the father being engaged as a
blacksmith until the opening of the Civil War. He then enlisted
with a volunteer regiment of infantry from Wisconsin, serving
his adopted coimtry faithfully until he was mustered out with
the rest of his comrades at the close of the war in 1865. Nearly
all of the important battles of the struggle saw him as an active
participant. He bore arms in Sherman's famous march to the
sea. After the war he returned to Waupon for a short period.
Later, in 1867, removing to Austin, Minn., he continued black-
smithing and also carried a line of farm machinery, till 1902,
when he disposed of his business interests and retired from active
work. He still resides with his wife at Austin. Of his brothers
and sisters, Frank and Florence died in infancy, and Stella L. is
married to Dr. O. H. Higge, of Austin, having three children :
Milda, Ralf and Valfreid.
Lee Brothers, both natives of Minnesota, having been born
on the farm where they now reside, in Berlin township, Steele
county, Edward was born March 16, 1879, and Andrew, April
8, 1886. Their parents were Ole and Mary (Johnson) Lee,
natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, and first
located in Wisconsin, where they resided until 1866, when they
moved to Steele county and located in Berlin township and en-
gaged in general farming on 228 acres of land in section 26.
This land the father broke and improved, built a home and out-
buildings, and farmed until 1907, when he sold the farm to his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1095
two sons, Edward and Andrew. He then retired from active
work until his death, which occurred January 28, 1908; the
mother died April 27, 1908. Edward and Andrew received their
education in the district schools and Andrew attended the Can-
field School of Business at Owatonna, Minn., for two winters.
After leaving school they took up farming with the father on
the old homestead until 1907, when they purchased the place,
and have followed general farming since that time. Two years
previous to buying the old home Andrew farmed in Otter Tail
county, Minnesota. In politics both brothers are Republicans,
and they are members of the Lutheran Church. Edward has
served as road overseer and as director of his school district.
No. 83. Both are prosperous and successful and are highly
respected by all who know them.
John Johnson Lysne was born in Norway, November 2, 1846,
and there he received his education. He was first married in
1867 to Julia Johnson and they had one child, John Lysne. In
1871 he came to America and located for one year at Kenyon,
Goodhue county, and in 1872 he came to Steele county and
located in Aurora township. In 1875 he purchased forty acres
of land in section 23 ; he has added to this at dififerent times
until he now has 220 acres, 140 in section 26, and eighty in sec-
tion 23. He has built a fine home and outbuildings and follows
general diversified farming. When Mr. Lysne came to America
he had only one cent and he owed $25, but by his own perse-
verance and industry he has won success in his new home. In
1900 he was married a second time to Anna Luthen, and six
children have been born to them : Joseph, Raymond. Martin,
Nunda, Harry and Margaret. In politics Mr. Lysne is an inde-
pendent voter, and in his religious faith he is a member of the
Lutheran Church. lie is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Cream-
ery Association of Bixb}-. He has never held or aspired to pub-
lic office, but he is interested in all that pertains to the best
interest of the community where he resides, and is a good citi-
zen, respected by all who know him.
Hans Larsen, thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township,
was born in Denmark, October 8, 1850. His parents, Lars and
Anna (Christiansen) Christiansen, natives of Denmark, died in
their native country. Hans received his early education in the
public schools of Denmark. After leaving school, he learned the
milling trade, which he followed for five years. He then engaged
in the bakery business. He served in the standing army of his
country from April until September. In August, 1878, he immi-
grated to America, locating in Blooming Prairie township, where
he purchased a farm of 160 acres in sections 20 and 21. He has
been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. Mr. Larsen
1096 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was married November 1, 1878. to Kirsta Johnsen. Two children
have blessed the union: Mary, died December 11, 1902; Peter,
born December 25, 1885, living with his parents. Mr. Larsen is
a Republican in ])olitical sentiment. He is a member of the
Baptist Church and a good citizen. He is one of those men
who have aided in building up this great state.
Hans P. Mork, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Steele
county, was born in Denmark, March 16, 1859. He received the
most of his education in the Fatherland, emigrating to this
countr}^ with his parents at the age of thirteen, and remaining
on his father's farm in Havana township. Steele county — which
his father purchased immediately after landing — until attaining
manhood. Since leaving home, he has been very successful in
his farming operations, now owning 120 acres of improved land,
sixty of which are under cultivation, the remainder furnishing
a good income as pasturage and woodland. Stock raising is
carried on quite extensively. Shorthorn and Durham cattle,
Poland-China hogs and good horses being raised. An apple
orchard of 100 trees is one of the profitable features of this farm.
Mr. Mork has lived on his present place since 1892, and has
added numerous improvements. In politics he is a believer in
the doctrines of the Republican party, but his other interests
have prevented him from seeking office. In 1884 he was united
in marriage with Carolina Mortson, by whom he had nine chil-
dren, eight of whom are living : Alfred, Mary, William, Lillie,
Otto. Harry and Clarence and Charles are twins. The family
attend worship at the Lutheran Church. Nels and Anna (Lar-
son) Mork, parents of our subject, came over from Denmark in
1872, and located in Havana township. Steele county, where the
father followed general farming up till 1900. Five children, all
boys, four of whom are living, were born to them. They are
now living, retired, with their son.
Erik J. Moe, a prosperous farmer of Havana township. Steele
county, was born in Haflo-Prastjald, Indre-Sogen, Norway,
April 4, 1857. He acquired his education in his native land and
assisted on his father's farm till his emigration to America in
1879. Arriving in this country, he first located near Sleepy Eye,
Brown county, Minn., where he was engaged in farming for
eight months, afterwards remo\-ing to Havana township, Steele
county, and continuing in the same occupation till 1883, when he
took a ten months" trip to the Pacific coast, returning to Steele
county. Later, in 1890. he purchased a farm of eighty acres in
section 9, Havana township, on which he has followed up-to-date
farming ever since with marked success, making a specialty of
raising and breeding high grade Durham cattle and Poland-
China hogs. In June, 1902, Mr. Moe lost his barn, machine
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 109?
sheds and other outbuildings by lire, but rebuilt the following
fall, erecting his barn and other buildings after the most modern
patterns. The Havana Creamery values him as a stockholder
and patron. In politics he is a loyal adherent of the Republican
party. The Lutheran Church also claims him as a member.
December 24, 1883, he was married to Anna Johnson by Rev.
Ole Melby, at Havana. They have six children : Lena and
Mettina, who reside in Owatonna; and Anna, Agnes, John and
Gerhard, living at home. Erik J. is a son of Johannas E. and
Mattie (Quam) Moe. natives of Norway, where the father still
follows farming. The mother died in 1901.
Father David L. Murray was born in Providence, R. I., Sep-
tember 1. 1850. He is a son of Lawrence and Mary (Ken^-
neally) Murray, natives of Ireland, father of the city of Dublin
and mother of the city of Cork. The parents immigrated to
America in 1842, locating in Providence, R. I., where the father
engaged in the lumber business all his life. The firm was
known as Albert Daley & Co. The father died June 14, 1878,
and the mother died August 15, 1888. The subject of our sketch
received his early education in I^rovidence, and in 1871 entered
the Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., graduating from
the said institution in 1877. He then entered the Grand Semi-
nary of Montreal. Canada, from which he graduated in 1881.
September 25, 1882, he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood
at St. Paul. Minn., by Bishop Ireland. On October 1, 1882. he
came to Blooming Prairie as priest to the St. Columbanus parish,
where he has about 360 souls. Father Murray is a Democrat
in political sentiment. He is a member of the K. of C, Daugh-
ters of Erin, Ladies' C. O. F., A. O. H., C. O. F. Father Murray
has always taken an active interest in the welfare of Blooming
Prairie, and is very highly honored by all who know him.
H. C. Nelson, proprietor of Pleasant Hill farm, of Blooming
Prairie township, was born in Denmark, April 15, 1857, son of
Nels and Elizabeth (Christensen) Nelson, natives of Denmark,
where they passed their lives. The subject of our sketch received
his early education in his native land. Then he learned the
weaver's trade, which he followed for a period of six jears. He
then followed agricultural pursuits until 1882. At this time he
emigrated from his native land to seek his fortune and establish
himself in the new world. Arriving in .\mcrica, he located in
Blooming Prairie township. In 1884 he purchased a farm in
the above mentioned township, where he engaged in farming
until 1892. At this time he sold his first purchase and bought
eighty acres in section 23, where he erected a home and has fol-
lowed general farming since. Mr. Nelson was married August
22, 1889, to Mrs. Hannah (Johnson) Peterson. She had two
lOOS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
daughters by her former marriage. The union of Mr. and Airs.
Nelson is blessed by one daughter, Alice, who lives at home.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican and belongs to the Free Mission
Church. He has served as a member on the school board.
Roy H. Naylor, a native of Minnesota, was born in Merton
township, Steele county, on December 9, 1877. He is a son of
Arthur C. and Carrie (Jarrett) Naylor. The father was born
in Illinois and the mother in Dodge county, Minnesota. In 1855
the father located in Merton township, on section 35, where he
carried on general farming until 1909, when he retired and
moved to Owatonna. Roy received his education in the district
schools in Merton township, and then took a two years' course
at the Faribault high school and three 3-ears in the Owatonna
high school. He then attended the Canfield School of Busi-
ness and in 1903 accepted a position as steward at the state
public school at Owatonna, which he now holds. He was mar-
ried on August 27, 1904, at Prescott, Wis., to Miss Jessie K.
Johnson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naylor :
Sherwood L., born August 29, 1905, and Stanley R., born August
3, 1909. In politics Mr. Naylor is a Republican, and he is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the
Masonic Order, the I. O. O. F.. and the B. A. Y. He lives at
his pleasant home, No. 446 Flora street, in the city of Owa-
tonna, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all whom
know him.
Robert P. Nelson, who owns a fertile farm in Blooming
Prairie township, was born in Blooming Prairie village, Novem-
ber 24, 1872. His parents, Peter and Christina (Miller) Nelson,
natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869. They
located in Blooming Prairie township, where they acquired some
land, which they greatly improved, cleared, broke, erecting the
necessary buildings, etc. The father was engaged in general
and diversified farming here imtil 1904, when he removed to
Kerry county, Nebraska, where he now resides. The mother
died in 1887. Robert received his early education in the district
schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course
at the St. Ansgar College at St. Ansgar, Iowa. He also studied
at the Decorah Seminary, of Decorah, Iowa. Leaving school,
he returned to Blooming Prairie and took up house painting.
Later he accepted a position with Siegel, Cooper & Co., of Chi-
cago, as traveling salesman. This he followed until 1902. He
then took up painting, which he followed for four years. In
1904 he returned to the old homestead and engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. The farm is located in sections 15 and 22 and
consists of 160 acres. Mr. Nelson is a progressive farmer. He
makes a specialty of raising Duroc-Jersey hogs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1099
Mr. Nelson was married May 20, 1903, at Ellendale, Steele
county, to Hannah Jorgensen. Their union is blessed with two
children: .Myrtle, born August 4, 1904; Loring, born June 6,
1908. Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the M. W. A. and
the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Nelson takes a good deal of interest
in co-operative enterprises and is a member of the Union Cream-
ery Association and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at
Blooming Prairie. He is a good, highly respected citizen.
Lewis Odegard, who conducts a general mercantile business
at Anderson, Havana township, Steele county, was born in
Norway, February 5, 1856, coming to America with his parents
the same year, who located in Dane county, Wisconsin. Four
years later they removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where
Lewis received his education, supplementing this with a course
in St. Olaf College at Northfield. After school he followed farm-
ing for two years in Steele county, and then went to Yellow
Medicine county, same state, where he engaged in the carpenter
trade, following this line throughout Dodge, Goodhue, Free-
born, Yellow Medicine and Steele counties until April, 1907,
when he started a general store at Anderson station, Steele
county, of which he is still sole proprietor. Mr. Odegard is
also postmaster of Lysne, which, with his thriving mercantile
trade, makes him a very busy man. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and has always taken a keen interest in the welfare
of the community, having served as town clerk, justice of the
peace, assessor, and was at one time in charge of the Sioux
Agency in Yellow Medicine county during the pioneer days.
He is a follower of the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Janu-
ary 7, 1904. he was married to Mary Johnson (Nelson). They
have no children. Ole and Anna Odegard, parents of Lewis,
were born in Norway, emigrating to America in 1856, and, set-
tling in Dane county, Wisconsin, remained there four years.
They then removed to Holden, Goodhue county, Minn., where
the father carried on farming. Later went to Yellow Medicine
county, in 1880, continuing to follow farming there ever since.
The mother died in September, 1909.
Nels H. Ohnstad was born in Urland, Norway, in 1847, son
of Hans Nelson and Annie (Olson) Ohnstad, and came to
America with his parents in the year 1870. They lived on a
small farm near Cannon Falls, Goodhue county, Minn., until the
death of Mr. Ohnstad, Sr., in 1890. Nels H. came to Steele
county in 1874 and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 25
of Berlin township, where he now resides. Later he purchased
forty acres, and then 180 acres more, making in all a farm of
380 acres. He was married in 1874 to Miss Isabelle Hanson
1100 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Vaugan, and nine children have been born to them, of whom six
are now living. Hans died in 1876. at the age of one year; Hans
Olai also died in 1878; Andrew is now a farmer in Berlin town-
ship; Henry died in 1902. at the age of twenty-one years; Oli-
ver, now a farmer in Berlin and Summit townships ; Isabelle,
now Mrs. Charles Johnson, of Xew Richland; Hannah, now
Mrs. Carl Aronson. of New Richland: Gabriel and Nicolai, both
living at home with their parents. Mr. Ohnstad is a successful
farmer. He has erected new buildings and greatly increased
and improved his farm. He is a stockholder in the Ellendale
Bank, the Ellendale Creamery, the Farmers' Elevator Company
of Ellendale, and the Farmers' Telephone Company of Ellendale.
Three years ago he made a visit to his old home in Norway, and
was present at the coronation of the new king. In his political
views he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Norwegian
Lutlieran Church.
Peter Pump, for many }ears a prominent citizen of Meriden,
Steele county, was born in Holstein, Germany. September 28,
1845. After receiving a good education in the Fatherland, he
emigrated to this country in 1866, locating in Illinois, near St.
Louis, and opening a blacksmith shop, though a locksmith by
trade. A new country had more opportunities for a blacksmith,
however, and so he continued in this line of work until 1876,
removing to Meriden Station, Steele county, in 1870. For a
time during the early days, when money was scarce, he was in
very straightened circumstances and had difificulty in keeping
the wolf from the door, but by hard work and economy he grad-
ually fought his way upward. In 1876 he turned his attention
to farming, meeting with much success, now owning 180 acres
of well improved land in Meriden township, with a fine home on
it, occupied by his son, Theodore, who conducts the farm. He
is also the owner of a comfortable home in Aleriden Station,
situated on an acre and a half of land. In political convictions
he is a Democrat, and is still actively interested in local politics,
now serving as chairman of the town board, and was formerly
town treasurer four years. He was married in 1870, to Mary
Vogelman, by whom he had six children, four of whom are
living, named as follows : Metta, married to F. W. Schultz, a
farmer of Meriden township; Lena, wife of Carl Kujaht, who is
engaged in farming in Waseca county; Emma, now Mrs. Charles
Enzenauer; Theodore, who has charge of the home farm, mar-
ried Zena Altenberg. Thies and Metta (Page), parents of
our subject, are still residing in Germany, their native country.
The father has been across on a visit to his son. Marcus and
Anna (Grimm) Vogelman, parents of Mrs. Peter Pump, passed
all their lives in Gcrmanv. Thcv arc both deceased.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1101
John Pichner, Jr., a well-known farmer of Owatonna town-
ship, was born in Steele count}', October, 16, 1868. lie is a
son of John Pichner, whose sketch also appears in this volume.
After receiving his education in the district schools, John, Jr.,
assisted his father in carrying on the old home farm until his
marriage in 1891. when he launched out for himself in Owa-
tonna township. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land.
which he has been very successful in making a paying proposi-
tion. About half of the farm is under cultivation, the remainder
yielding rich returns as woodland and as pasturage. Dairying
claims much of Mr. Pichner's attention, since he has an un-
usually fine herd of Durham cattle. He is a stockholder and
patron of the Havana creamery. Mr. Pichner has been very suc-
cessful in breeding and raising high bred Duroc hogs. In poli-
tics he follows the guidance of the Democratic party, and has
served seven years as township supervisor and five as town
clerk. The C. S. P. S. and the Z. C. B. J. orders of Owatonna
number him among their active members. He was married Sep-
tember, 1891, to Mary Wavrin, daughter of Joseph Wavrin.
AVilliam, John, Edward and Vlasta. all living at home, are the
children of this marriage. Joseph Wavrin, father of Mrs. Pich-
ner, is a native of Bohemia. Coming to Steele county at an
early date, he engaged in railroad work for a number of years,
and then purchased a farm in Owatonna township, on which
he still resides.
Louis Peterson was born in Denmark, July, 1872, and came
to America with his parents, Nils and Johannah Peterson, when
he was one year of age. In 1874 they located in Aurora town-
ship, Steele county, and purchased eighty acres of land in sec-
tion 23, where the father farmed until his death, December 12,
1890. Louis received his education in the district school, and
after leaving school engaged in farming on the home farm with
his father until his father's death ; since then he has conducted
the farm with his mother. They are engaged in general diversi-
fied farming, and give especial attention to dairying and stock
raising. Mr. Peterson has one brother and one sister: Mary,
who lives at home, and Peter, of Blooming Prairie township.
He is a single man, a Repulilican, and a member of the Lutheran
Church. He is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Creamery Com-
pany of Bixby. He has never held public office, but is a good
and respected citizen.
John J. Pribyl, of the Blooming Prairie Iron Works, was
born in Summit township. Steele county. May 10, 1886, son of
John and Anna (Seykora) Pribyl, natives of Bohemia. The par-
ents emigrated from their native land in the early years, locating
in Summit township, where they purchased 200 acres of land,
110-.' HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
on which they have done general farming ever since. John
received his early education in the district schools of Summit
township. After leaving school he engaged in farming and
carpenter work, which he followed until 1909. At this time he
purchased the Srsen interest in the Blooming Prairie Iron
Works, forming a co-partnership with F. H. Skalicky. They do
all kinds of repairing, and manufacture flax cleaners, pump jacks,
letter boxes for farm use, Srsen friction pulleys, Srsen roller
feed mills, wood saws, three and four horse eveners, grain ele-
vators, water tanks, trip hammers, emery stands. They also
deal in automobile supplies, threshing machinery supplies, pipes
and fittings, shafting hangers, rubber and leather belting, ma-
chine oils, etc. They also manufacture hay slings. Mr. Pribyl
is not married. He affiliates with the Democratic ])arty. In
religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He is also
a member of the Catholic Workmen. Mr. Pribyl is a promising
yoiuig business man, a good citizen : he has made his way in
the world by his own liard work and persevering efforts.
Joseph Pirkl, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township,
was born in Bohemia, Februar_y 12, 1856. Fle is a son of Ber-
nard and Josephine (Matejcek) Pirkl. The father was born
May 8, 1824, and the mother, February 24, 1825. They came to
America in 1870, locating in Wisconsin, where they remained
for one year. They then moved to Steele county and located in
Summit township, where the father was engaged in farming all
his life. He died May 5, 1881. The mother died February 12,
1890. Joseph received his early education in Bohemia. He
immigrated to America with his parents in 1870. He was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm until twenty-
four years of age. He then bought 120 acres of land in section
16, Blooming Prairie township, to which purchase he added until
he now has 200 acres. He erected buildings on this land, made
all necessary improvements, and has been engaged in general
and diversified farming ever since. Mr. Pirkl was married May
2.3, 1879, to Josephine Strancky. She is a daughter of Joseph
and Josephine (Skalicky) Strancky. Fourteen children have
been born to them, viz.: Marie R.. born June 4. 1880, died March
14, 1881; Joseph, born August 14, 1881; Marie, born July 11,
1882, died July 14, 1885; Adolph, born April 26, 1884, died' July
2, 1890; Josepliine, born December 26, 1885, died February 15,
1907; Anna, born February 26, 1887, died June 8, 1894; Marie,
born June 25, 1889; Matilda, born May 19, 1891, died September
6, 1894; Frank, born January 16, 1893; John, born June 14.
1895; Albert, born December 28, 1896; Ludmila, born January
24, 1900; Albina, born and died the same day; Adolph, born and
died October 4. 1901. Mr. Pirkl is a Democrat. In religious
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1103
faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He is a stockholder
in tiie Union Creamery. He makes a specialty of breeding
Shorthorn and Durham cattle, and has met with a marked degree
of success in the enterprise. He is a progressive farmer and a
good citizen.
Peter Peterson was born in Denmark, May 11, 1844, son of
Thomas and Walberg (Juul) Peterson (deceased). The parents
spent all their lives in their native country. Peter received his
education in Denmark. Then he took up agricultural pursuits,
which he followed until he immigrated to America in 1872.
After arriving here, he spent three years in Iowa, Illinois and
Wisconsin. In 1875 he made a visit to his native land, Den-
mark. Returning in 1876, he located in Blooming Prairie town-
ship, where he bought 160 acres of land from William Rice, of
Owatonna, in section 21. This being wild land, he had to clear,
break, erect buildings, and make all necessary improvements.
He developed the wilderness into a fertile farm, where he fol-
lowed general and diversified farming until 1904. Since this
time the farm has been conducted by his eldest son, Thomas.
Mr. Peterson was married October 27, 1876, to Ilelene Marie
Skov. The wife passed away April 16, 1907, leaving a family
of six children to mourn her loss, viz.: Thomas, who resides on
the old homestead ; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Jensen, of Blooming
Prairie township ; Anna, now Mrs. Alvin E. Ashley, of Mason
City, Iowa; Hans, who lives in Canada; Emma and Sena, both
living at home. Mr. Peterson is a Republican. He belongs to
the Lutheran Church. He was treasurer of the township for a
good many years. He is also a stockholder in the Union Cream-
ery, and the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming Prairie. He is a
good citizen and highly respected by all.
Thomas Peterson, a native born son of Minnesota, was Ijorn
on the farm where he is now located, northeast quarter of section
21, in the month of March, 1877, son of Peter Peterson. He
received his early education in the district schools of .Steele
county, which was supplemented by a course at Eekhom Col-
lege of Iowa, where he went to school two wmters. He then
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years,
two years in Canby, Yellow Medicine countw and three years
in Blooming Prairie, Minn. In 1904 he returned to the old
homestead, took charge, and has continued to improve it. and
has looked after the farm since. Mr. Peterson is not married.
He is a Republican in political sentiment, is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He takes an active interest in public affairs,
and although a young man. has served the township as assessor
for tv.'O vears. He is now serving tlie fourth \ear as secretary
1104 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
of the Union Creamery. He is a progressive, enterprising farmer,
a good and highly respected citizen.
Soren Peterson, manager of the Oak Glen Creamery, of
Bixby, was born in Steele county, Minnesota, November 6,
1876. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nis. Peterson. Soren received
his early education in the district schools of Steele county, which
was supplemented with a course at the Elkhorn College, of
Shelby county, Iowa. In 1899 he engaged in butter-making,
first at the Union Creamery Association of Blooming Prairie
township, where he remained for nearly three years ; then he
came to Bixby as assistant buttermaker for the Oak Glen Cream-
ery. In 1906 he accepted a position as head buttermaker for
the above named institution. He has filled that position with
credit ever since, and has won a reputation for himself among
the patrons of the creamery. Mr. Peterson was married October
15, 1908, to Martha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Ray. Their
union is blessed with one child, Mildred Anna, born August 13,
1909. Mr. Peterson believes in the principles of the Republican
party. He is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He
is recognized as a good citizen, a loving husband and father.
Sam Ray, an enterprising merchant of Bixby. first saw the
light of day in Aurora township. Steele county, June 25, 1882.
He is a son of Nels and Annie Ray, natives of Norway. The
father immigrated to America in 1877, the mother in 1880. The
father first located in Freeborn count}-, where he remained for
years. In 1879 he came to Steele county, locating at Aurora
township, where, in 1880, he purchased 160 acres of land, on
which he has followed agricultural pursuits ever since. Sam
received his early education in the district schools, which was
supplemented by a course at the Canfield School of Business at
Owatonna. After leaving school he went West, where he
remained for a period of four years. During this time he was
engaged in various occupations, such as lumbering, farming, and
for some time hotel clerk at Fargo, N. D. June 25, 1909, he
purchased the stock of L. W. Thompson's general store at Bixby,
where he has since been engaged in the general mercantile
business. He carries a full line and has built up a good busi-
ness. Mr. Ray was married November 12, 1907, to Jennie,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson, of Aurora township.
Their union is blessed with one child, Arnold Ray. Mr. Ray
affiliates with the Republican party. In religious faith he is a
member of the Lutheran Church. He is a good citizen and
enjoys the respect of the whole community.
T. A. Runge, a prosperous farmer of Havana township,
Steele county, is a native of that township, his date of birth
being April 10, 1872. He received his education in the district
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1105
schools, helping his father with the working of his large farm
meanwhile, and later devoting all his attention to it until 1897,
when he bought 160 acres in section 15, Havana township, where
he has followed generad diversified farming ever since. He is
now completing a commodious and up-to-date barn, thirty-two
feet by seventy, and has added numerous other improvements
from time to time. Mr. Runge is a believer in intelligent farm-
ing and his quarter section is a fine example of the results of
such a course. As to politics, he stands independent, believing
that no party should dictate his vote, and always casting his
ballot for the man he considers the best qualified for the office.
He is an adherent to the tenets of the Lutheran Church. In
Ma}% 1897, he was married to Mary Schroeder, by whom he
has four children : Adeline, Elsie, Bertha and Mary. Fred and
Fredricka (Hanebuth) Runge, parents of our subject, were born
in Germany, where they resided till their emigration to Amer-
ica. Immediately after their arrival in the land of promise, they
located in Chicago, soon afterwards removing to Steele county,
Minnesota, and buying 320 acres of land in Havana township,
where they followed farming till the father's death. They were
among the very earliest pioneers of this county, and had their
full share of the usual harrowing experiences and hardships.
The mother is still living.
Nels S. Ray was born in Xorway, January 13, 1853, son of
Samuel Olson and Ingeborg (Nelson) Ray. The parents were
natives of Norway, and the father died there in 1860. The
mother came to America in 1880 and died in 1996. Nels re-
ceived his education in Norway, came to America in 1878, locat-
ing at Albert Lea, Freeborn county, and remained there for
two years. In 1870 he came to Steele county and rented farms
for two years, and then bought his present farm of 156 acres,
located in section 34, of Aurora township, and here he has built
his home and has followed general farming ever since. He
was married June 6, 1881, to Anna Boe and six children have
been born to them: Samuel, a merchant at Bixby ; Iver; Mar-
tha, now Mrs. Swen Peterson; Sownwin, lives at home; Ilogan,
of Faribault; and loa. In politics Mr. Ray is a Republican. He
has been supervisor for two years, and treasurer of school dis-
trict No. 63 for two years, and he is a stockholder in the Oak
Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is a good citizen and has the con-
fidence and respect of all.
Fred R. Rosskopf was born in Washington county, Wiscon-
sin, April 3, 1853, son of F. and Thresa (Miller) Rosskopf, both
natives of Germany, who came to America in 1840, and located
in Washington county. Wisconsin, where they engaged in farm-
ing. In 1867 they moved to Waupon, Wis., where they re-
1106 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
mained three }c'ars. In 1870 llie father came to New Ulm,
Minn., and lived there until his death, in 1891. The mother died
in W'isconsin. 'Mr. Rosskopf received his education in the pub-
lic scliools of Wi.^consin and Minnesota, and after leaving school
he first engaged in tlie liver}- business at New Ulm, Minn., in
company with Iiis brother Charles, where they remained for four
3'ears. In 1875 he came to Owatonna and engaged in the cigar
business for a while, and then tended bar for ten years, when he
again entered into the livery and transfer business, which he
followed for sixteen years, when he sold a one-half interest to
Mr. Jefferson and later his remaining interest to Mr. Green,
going to Spokane, Wash., in 1901, where he engaged in the
furniture business for a year and one-half, when he sold out
and returned to Owatonna, where he assumed the management
of Ow-atonna City Brewery, where he has since remained. Mr.
Rosskopf was married July 13, 1877. to Miss Matilde Knight, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Knight, of Owatonna. Five chil-
dren have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rosskopf: Lillian,
Louise, now Mrs. H. F. Stout, of Owatonna; Harry, Magde-
lene and John. Mr. Rosskopf's political affiliations are with the
Democratic party, and in his religious faith he is a Congrega-
tionalist. He is a member of the F. O. E. and the U. C. T. He
has won his success by his own efforts, and has the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Alois L. Srsen, a prominent and respected business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Somerset township, Steele
county, December 20, 1877. He received his education in the
district schools, afterwards taking up tinsmithing at Owatonna
for three years. He then learned the machinist's trade, follow-
ing this line of work all the while in Owatonna, til! 1898, when
he came to Blooming Prairie and opened a machine shop, which
he conducted with much success until April 14. 1909. Mr.
Srsen then sold out, and started a plant for the manufacture
of automobiles and gasoline engines, in which he is still engaged,
having a growing and thriving business. The Blooming Prairie
Iron Works numbers him among its stockholders. In politics
he follows the guidance of the Republican party, and is inter-
ested in all that stands for the good of his town and count}'.
Numerous fraternal organizations claim him as a member — the
Modern Woodmen of America, E. F. U., Z. C. B. J., and the
Western Bohemian Brotherhood. He attends the Catholic
Church. September 21, 1899, in Somerset township, he was
united in marriage with Anna Kapplan, by whom he has two
children: Alfred, born December 29, 1900. and Hubert, l^orn
August 17, 1902. Charles and Catherine (Mach), parents of
Alois L., w'cre born and raised in Bohemia, leaving the Father-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1107
land for America in 1865, and locating in Somerset township,
Steele county, where tlic father followed general farming till
1895, when he removed to Owatonna with his wife and family.
He died in December 1900. and the mother in February, 1908.
Emil Stangler, one of Steele county's leading farmers, was
born in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, July 25, 1869. He re-
ceived his education in the district schools, afterwards engag-
ing in farming with his father until 1892, when he removed to
Dakota, returning the following year to Le Sueur county.
Three years later he purchased 200 acres of improved land in
sections 30 and 31, Havana township, Steele county, where he
has been engaged in general diversified farming ever since. Mr.
Stangler is a stanch believer in scientific, progressive agricul-
ture, and his farm is a splendid example of what an up-to-date
farmer can accomplish. He has a full line of modern machinery'
and his farm buildings are the best of their kind. Dairying has
always claimed much of his time, and he is an active supporter
of the Pratt creamery, having served as its president two years,
and is still a stockholder. In politics he follows the guidance
of the Democratic party. He has served his township as road
superintendent. The Owatonna Catholic Order of Foresters,
No. 678, counts him a loyal member. January 7, 1896, he was
united in marriage to Ernstina Springer, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Springer. They have two children : Leonard and
Margaret. Joseph and Barbara (Spindler) Stangler, parents of
our subject, were natives of Europe. They emigrated to this
country in 1864, settling in Le Sueur county, where the father
followed farming till his retirement in 1893. The mother died
June 4, 1906. Her husband is still living.
Joseph Skalicky, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
shi]), was born in Bohemia, May 5, 1855, son of John and Emelia
Skalicky, natives of Bohemia. The parents both died in their
native country. Joseph acquired his education in Bohemia. He
emigrated from his native country in 1874 to seek the opportuni-
ties of the new world. Arriving in America, he located in
Blooming Prairie township, where he engaged in farm work.
Two \-ears later he purchased forty acres of land and in 1878
he purchased 120 acres additional, adjoining the first forty
acres. This was wild, unimproved land, which he has developed
into a fertile farm, and on the place he has erected fine farm
buildings. Mr. Skalicky was married January 21, 1876, to
Matilda Pirkl. Thirteen children have been born to their union :
Matilda, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. B. Hurska, of Summit
township; two Annies, deceased; Annie, now Mrs. Vine.
Mikyska, of Wisconsin; Helena, married Frank Skalicky, of
North Dakota; Frank, Ludmila, Frances, all deceased; Ma-
1108 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tilda, now Mrs. Frank Vasesicek. of North Dakota; Josephiena,
Joseph, Bessie, all residing at home. Mrs. Skalicky was born
October 1, 1859, daughter of Bernard and Josephiena Pirkl.
The parents immigrated to America in 1851. They are both
deceased. Mr. Skalick}- is a Democrat in political sentiment.
He with his family are members of the Catholic Church. He
is interested in several commercial enterprises, being stock-
holder in tlie Farmers' Elevator in Blooming Prairie, and a
member of the Union Creamery Association. He is a good citi-
zen, highly respected by the community.
A. Solberg, for many years a prosperous and respected busi-
ness man of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Norway,
November 24, 1848. He received his education in the Father-
land, coming to America at the age of nineteen with his parents
and locating at Durand, 111., where he worked at the carpenter's
trade with his father. Removing to Chicago, 111., in 1871, he
pursued the same line until his arrival in Blooming Prairie, in
1889, continuing in the same line for two years. He then started
the retail lumber business, in which he has been engaged ever
since with marked success. In Alay, 1903, the company was
incorporated as the A. Solberg Lumber Company, with T. A.
Halvig, president ; Soren Peterson, secretary and treasurer,
and with Mr. Solberg as manager, under whose direction the
affairs of the firm have grown and prospered to large propor-
tions. Besides a well selected stock of all varieties of lumber,
they carry a first-class line of windmills and pumps, with all
accessories. In political matters the Republican party has his
allegiance. He has ably served his village as president of the
school board, and one year as assessor. The Modern Woodmen
of America, Sons of Norv\'ay, and the local Commercial Club
count him among their loyal members. He is also affiliated
with the Lutheran Church. April, 1875, at Oxfordville, Wis.,
he was married to Carrie Brunvald. They have four children:
Laura, wife of Anton Thorson, of Mackvvell, N. D. ; /\lfred, de-
ceased; Ina, now Mrs. T. N. Osnuin, of Mackwell, N. D., and
Melvin, of Wabasha, Minn. Johannas and Olava Solberg, par-
ents of our subject, were natives of Norway. Coming to this
country, in 1867, they settled in Durand. 111., still in its pioneer
days, where the father followed his trade as a carpenter until
his removal to Chicago, in 1872, continuing in the same line
till 1877. He then moved to La Crosse, Wis., where he resided
up to the time of his death, in 1891. The mother died in 1896.
Frank Skerik, a native of Flavana township, Steele county,
was born November 10, 1874. He received his education in
the district schools, later assisting in the management of the
home farm, and after the death of his father. May 13, 1906,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1109
assuming complete charge. Here he has followed general farm-
ing ever since, having built up one of the best equipped and
most productive farms in the county. Mr. Skerik is a valued
stockholder of the Havana Creamery, and also of the Farmers'
Elevator Company of Owatonna. In politics he is a supporter
of the Republican party, and has served his school district,
No. 24, as treasurer. The Presbyterian Church covmts him a
loyal member. Joseph and Katherine (Janousek) Skerik, par-
ents of Frank, are natives of Bohemia, emigrating to America
October 28, 1873, and settling on an eight}'-acre farm in section
30, Havana township, Steele county, where they engaged in
farming. In 1895 they bought an adjoining tract of sixty acres,
erecting a new home and adding modern outbuildings to their
then 140-acre farm, which their son Frank now manages. Mr.
and Mrs. Joseph Skerik had five children : Joseph, now of Silver
Lake, McLeod count}', Minn.; Anna, wife of Joseph Wavrin ;
John, a minister, located at Moravia, Austria ; Frank, our sub-
ject ; and Mary, who is the wife of Carl Jirousek, of Owatonna.
Erick E. Simes, a native of Norway, was born September
13, 1871. He received his education largely in the Fatherland,
supplementing this with a two-year course in the Valder Sem-
inary of Decorah, Iowa, shortly after his arrival in this country
in 1894, first locating at Leroy, Minn. After school he spent one
year in a lumber yard at Blanchard, N. D., returning to Leroy
and engaging in milling for the next six years, after which he
traveled a season for the International Harvester Company. Mr.
Simes then, in 1905, removed to Blooming Prairie, Steele county,
and entered the employ of the L. G. Campbell Milling Company,
as foreman of the loading department, soon afterwards being
promoted to buyer and foreman of the feed department, and in
September, 1909, was appointed local manager of the company,
in which capacity he has been very successful. In politics the
Republican parly numbers him among its supporters, though he
has never aspired to political oftice, his other interests demand-
ing all his time and attention. The Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and the Sons of Norway count him a loyal member, as does
the Lutheran Church. December 2, 1901, he was united in mar-
riage with Josephine May Herman, at Osage, Iowa. They have
one child. Kenneth Eugene, born August 11, 1908. The family
residence is located on First street. Erick E. and Elizabeth
(Hammer), parents, of our subject, are natives of Norway,
where they still reside, the father being a captain in the royal
army.
George B. Stearns, manager of the Farmers' Elevator at
Ellendale, is a comparatively new comer in Steele county, but
during his residence he has been closely identified with its
1110 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
business interests. Air. Stearns was born in Fond du Lac
county, Wisconsin, December 26, 1854, and was taken by his
parents to Waseca county, ^Minnesota, in 1856. He there grew
to young manhood, receiving his education in the district schools
and farming with his fatlier. In 1877 he purchased a farm of
eighty acres in New Richland township, Waseca county, which
he operated until 1884, when he became foreman for the famous
Carsondale .Stock Farm, in the same county. In this position
he remained three \ears. He tlien engaged in the general liard-
ware business for himself in New Richland village, successfully
continuing this business until 1894. In that year he disposed of
his l)usiness and became a co-partner with Frank Blakeslee in
circus life, their show being known as the "World's Fair and
Wild West Hippodrome." After a short period he withdrew
from this concern and became wheat buyer for tlie New Rich-
land Milling Company, continuing for five and a half years. He
then again entered the hardware business, this time conducting
a store at A'V'orthington, Minn., for one year. .After a short
period on his father's farm in Otisco, he came to Ellendale,
Steele county, and accepted his present position as manager of
tlie Farmers' Elevator and Milling Company, which position he
now holds. He is also interested in the hardware business in
Ellendale. .A. Republican in politics, Mr. Stearns was treasurer
of New Richland village for two years.
Gust Thiele, postmaster and general merchant at Pratt, is
one of the highly respected and prosperous men of Steele county,
who has risen to his present position by dint of his own energ\-
and persistent industry. He was l^orn in Wisconsin. February
8, 1866, his parents migrating thither from Germany. His
schooling was received at North Bend. Wis. i\Ir. Thiele was
a farmer in Somerset township from 1894 until 1902. In the lat-
ter year he purchased a general mercantile business at Pratt
village, Aurora township. He is also postmaster, having been
appointed to that position in 1907. As a merchant. Mr. Thiele
has met with marked success, and enjoys a very flourishing
business. He was married October 2, 1894, to Libbie Sholes.
Four children have blessed this union: Ethel, born .April 19,
1896; Harvey, born August 14, 1900, died March, 1901; Hazel,
born June 6, 1902; Archie, born November 14, 1906. Mr. Thiele
is a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He is clerk of school district No. 59 and a stockholder
in the Pratt Creamery. Gust Thiele and his wife, Mary Ahl-
born, the parents of Gust Thiele, of Prait, are natives of Ger-
many. They came to America as small children, and after
their marriage they located in Wisconsin, and engaged in farm-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1111
ing until 1907, when they sold their farm and retired to a village
home at Iron River, where they now live.
J. A. Volker has served his community for nine years as
chairman of the supervisors of Havana, and is a fine example of
a prosperous and self-made farmer. He was born in Eleysing,
Minn., August 24, 1866, where he received his education in the
public schools, afterwards taking up general farming with his
father. In 1884 he came to Steele county, being located in
Aurora township for nine jears, then coming to Havana town-
ship, where he purchased 120 acres in section 31, later adding
eighty acres in section 32. He has erected commodious and
modern buildings on his premises and through intelligent and
progressive farming methods has achieved much success. Mr.
Volker is a Democrat in political faith, and has always taken a
lively interest in the affairs of the comtnunity. He is now serv-
ing as secretary of the Pratt Creamery Association and is a
stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Owatonna.
The German Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Our
subject is a self-made man in every sense of the word, having
but $200 to his credit when he left the parental roof and started
in life for himself. May 2, 1893, he married Lena Zimmerman,
by whom he has three children, named, respectively, Fred, Carl
and Harry. Air. and Mrs. August Volker. parents of our sub-
ject, were natives of Germany, where they passed the most of
their lives.
Harry G. Wood, a physician located at Blooming Prairie,
was born in Faribault, September 6, 1882. His parents, Fannie
S. and William C. Wood, came \\'est in the sixties and reside in
Faribault. Dr. Wood graduated from Shattuck School, at Fari-
bault, in 1899, and received his medical degree from McGill
University, Montreal, in 1904. He spent one year following
graduation as interne at the Montreal General Hospital, and
since 1905 has practiced medicine in Blooming Prairie. He is
a member of the county and state medical associations, also of
the B. P. O. E., the Masonic Order and the Ancient Order of the
Mystic Shrine.
John C. Wilker, a substantial farmer of Meriden township,
was born in that township, June 19, 1876. He received his edu-
cation in the schools of district No. 39, and after leaving school
he worked on a farm until he attained his majority. In 191(>
he settled on his present farm of 160 acres of well improved land
and is at present following diversified farming with much suc-
cess, his fine herd of Durham cattle being equaled by few in
the county. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican
party, and has served the community as a school officer for six
year.s, now being both a member of the school board and of the
1113 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
board of supervisors. He was united in marriage Alarch 2, 1910,
with Anna Ahlers, daughter of John Ahlers, a native of Ger-
many. They have two children : Ewaldt, born September 3,
1903, and Erwin, born December 5, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. \\'ilker
attend the German Lutheran Church. John H. and Emelia
(Welk) Wilker. parents of our subject, are natives of Gutten-
burg, Iowa, and of Stravabelauf, Germany. The father came to
this country with his parents in 1856, and purchased land in
Meriden township, where he followed general farming for many
years, seeing the gradual development of the county from its
earliest pioneer days to present times. The Republican party
claims him as a member, and he has held many township offices
of trust. In religious matters he is a follower of the teachings
of the German Lutheran Church. Seven children were born to
him by his first wife, only two of whom survive their mother,
who died in 1891. They are John C, our subject, and Albert H.,
who is farming on the old homestead. Mr. Wilker was married
again to Emma Drache, to whom was born one child, Minnie.
The famih' reside on Walnut street, the father having retired
from active work.
Frank Zwiener, a retired farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
ship, was born in Prussia, March 8, 1827, son of Frank and Lena
(Stark) Zwiener, natives of Germany. The father was a mason
by trade. The parents lived all their lives in Germany and died
there. Frank received his education in Germany and then
learned the cooper's trade, which he followed until coming to
America. He immigrated to America in May, 1854, locating
first in New York state. He then came west to Milwaukee,
where he followed his trade for three years, after which he
removed to Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where he engaged
in farming. In 1876 he came to Steele county, locating in Bloom-
ing Prairie township, where he purchased 160 acres of land,
eighty acres in section 11 and eighty acres in section 12, where
he erected his home and farm buildings, broke and improved
the land, and followed general and diversified farming until
1909. At this time he sold the farm to a son, F. A. Zwiener,
but still resides on the old homestead. He also owns sixty-four
acres in section 1 and seventy-four acres in section 2.
Mr. Zwiener was married in Germany, February 28, 1852, to
Thresa Bartsch. The wife died July 27, 1907. Five children
were left to mourn her death : Anton J., farmer and clerk of
Blooming Prairie township ; H. L., bookkeeper at Ortonville,
Minn.; E. A., lives at home; F. A., who now owns and con-
ducts the old homestead; and Almond, hardware merchant of
Ortonville. Mr. Zwiener is a Democrat in political sentiment.
In religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He enlisted
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1113
in the Uniun army, August 12, 1862, in Company E, Twentieth
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to corporal
and served in nine prominent battles with his regiment. He
was discharged at the end of the service, in 1865, at Galveston,
Texas, and mustered out at Madison, Wis. He is a member of
the James A. Goodwin Post, G. A. R., of Owatonna. He has
served seven years as supervisor of his township. He is also a
stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming Prairie.
Eli Martin Morehouse, M. D., was an ideal representative
of that type of rugged pioneer physician now long since passed
from this section of the country. He was the first physician in
Steele county, locating in Owatonna in 1855, with no other phy-
sicians nearer at that time than Rochester, Mankato, the Twin
Cities and McGregor. In the days of his early practice he kept
relays of horses stationed at difTerent points quite long distances
from town and would often be absent several days at a time,
sometimes making hundreds of miles at a trip, his itinerary cov-
ering all of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. For the
first two or three years his riding was done on horseback, even
in the winter months. With this experience he acquired a wide
acquaintance and obtained a greater popularity than any other
physician in southern Minnesota if not in the entire state. This
popularity continued until the day of his death. The majority
of his staunchest and truest friends were among common people.
While he had a very large clientele among those in the higher
walks of life, they received no favors that were not bestowed
with equal cheerfulness upon the poor. As a practitioner of
medicine Dr. Morehouse was a man of infinite resource. He pos-
sessed that intuition which many men inherit from the maternal
side, and which gives them an insight into the mysteries of
nature often deeper than can be obtained by any manner of in-
ductive reasoning. Dr. Morehouse was born at Warren, Trum-
bull county, Ohio, March 2, 1835. His parents were Nelson and
Sarah (Johnson) Morehouse. His father, Nelson Morehouse,
was a mill owner and his grandfather, Eli Morehouse, was a
veteran of the War of 1812. Eli M. received an academic edu-
cation in his native town and commenced reading medicine when
a mere lad. At seventeen he had graduated in medicine and at
eighteen commenced practice at Warren, having received his di-
ploma from the University of Medicine and Surgery at Philadel-
phia. In 1853 Dr. Morehouse crossed the Mississippi and engaged
in practice at Independence, Iowa. Early in 1855 he came to Min-
nesota and from that time until the day of his death was in con-
stant practice at Owatonna with the exception of a short period
in 1864, when he took a trip to the Northwestern states and ter-
ritory in search of gold and adventure. He was absent for about
1114 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
two years, practicing jiart of the time at Virginia City, Nev.
After this trip he again resinned his practice in Owatonna. In
Maj^ 1871, he was one of the leading spirits in the formation
of the Minnesota State Eclectic Medical Society, of which he
was the first president. He was also a member of the National
Eclectic Medical Association, having in his early life received
diplomas from the New York and Cincinnati Eclectic Medical
Colleges. He was chosen a member of the state senate in 1877
and the following year was upon seven committees, including
those of public lands, Indian affairs. State University and State
Library. In the early days he was a Republican, but after the
war became a Democrat. Aside from this he held many po-
sitions of public trust and private honor and there were few po-
sitions in the gift of his fellow citizens that could not have been
his for the asking. He was an Odd Fellow and a high degree
Mason. From his arrival in Owatonna until the date of his death
Dr. Morehouse took an interest in the commercial prosperity of
the city. In 1874 he built the old Morehouse Opera House, later
the ]\Ierchants Hotel and still later the present Morehouse Block,
which houses the Owatonna Hotel and many business concerns.
In addition to this he owned hundreds of acres of improved land
throughout the county. He was several times alderman from
the Third ward, and at the time of his death was serving his
third term as mayor of Owatonna. He was the prime mover in
the installing of the water works system in Owatonna. For
some years he was engaged in the general mercantile business.
His death occurred May 23, 1891, at the age of fifty-six 3'ears.
His funeral services were held in Central Park and were at-
tended by probably the largest assemblage ever present on such
an occasion in the history of the county. On August 19, 1868,
Dr. Morehouse was united in marriage to Lorinda A. McRostie,
a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y. To this union four children were
born, viz: Eli Martin, practicing medicine at Yankton, S. D. ;
Effie L., wife of John W. Adsit, of Owatonna; Timothy N., de-
ceased ; Guel G., physician and surgeon of Owatonna.
Dr. G. G, Morehouse, one of the younger of the successful
physicians of Steele county, is a native born son of Owatonna,
having first seen the light of day October 27, 1876. He attended
public schools and then entered the high school, graduating with
honors in 1897. Determined to follow in the footsteps of his
father as a medical practitioner, he entered the Bennett Medical
College at Chicago, receiving his diploma in 1902. The follow-
ing year he spent at the University of Indiana at Valparaiso,
graduating in 1903. He then took the usual hospital practice
in the Cook county hospital for one year and a half. Thus being
admirably equipped he returned to his native town in 1904 and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1115
has since continued the practice of medicine and surgery with
considerable success. He has buik up a large practice and is
highly regarded by his wide circle of friends. Being thoroughly
ethical in practice he associated himself with the American state
and county medical associations. He is a high degree Mason
and affiliates also with the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to
the Commercial Club and is a prominent member of the Minne-
sota State and Steele County Automobile Clubs. Since 1905 he
has served as examining surgeon for Company I, Second Regi-
ment Minnesota National Guards. Aside from his professional
interests Dr. Morehouse possesses business holdings in Owa-
tonna and is one of the proprietors of the Owatonna Hotel, which
is the leading hostelry of Steele county.
Norman Evans, banker, financier and business man, is a fine
example of successful American manhood, having by hard work,
frugality and honesty attained his present rank of trust and
honor in the community. He was born in the country village
of Minerva, Essex county, New York, amid the picturesque
scenery of the Adirondacks, his parents, Richard and Cynthia
(West) Evans, being native New Yorkers. His ancestors on his
father's side were of an old Welsh family, who settled in New
York City in the eighteenth century, and on his mother's side
were men and women of colonial and Revolutionarj' fame, who
trace their lineage to the Mayflower. The early education of
Norman Evans was received in the district schools of his native
village. Being thorough believers in education, his parents sent
him to a neighboring high school, and later on — after he had
decided to devote his life to business rather than to the profes-
sions — he pursued a business course in the Bryant and Stratton
commercial college at Troy, N. Y. With this preparation, he
started in life for himself as a general merchant in "Minerva. In
1878, with a view of securing greater opportunities and a wider
field, he came to Minnesota, and for three years conducted a gen-
eral store at Dover, in Olmsted county, subsequently maintain-
ing a similar store in Blooming Prairie, Steele county, for seven
years. A venture in the shoe business in Sioux Falls, S. D., while
proving a success financially, strengthened him in his resolve to
make Minnesota his permanent home; consequently he came
to Owatonna, and for eight years engaged in the drygoods busi-
ness. He then started his career as a banker by buying a private
bank, which he conducted in connection with a large real estate
business in Dodge county. Later he organized the Farmers
National Bank of Dodge Center, and became its president. In
1904 he purchased a large interest in the First National Bank
of Owatonna, becoming one of the directors of that institution
which he served for three years. A trip to the coast, during
11 IG HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which he visited the large cities of the West, studying business
conditions, was followed on his return by the purchase of a con-
trolling interest in the Security State Bank of Owatonna, of
which he has since been its honored president. Mr. Evans is a
high degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the
Modern Woodmen. He is also a member of the Congregational
church, of which he was a trustee for nine years. Although never
active in politics, Mr. Evans did efficient work on the public
school board, during his residence in Dodge county, and has on
many occasions served his community in matters of trust and
honor. He is an admirable citizen, and his record speaks for
itself as to his ability, as well as to his interest in public affairs.
He was married February 7, 1875, to Helena M. Bradley, daugh-
ter of Commodore Henry Bradley, a prominent citizen of Essex
county, New York. Two sons have been born to this marriage,
Paul H., who is cashier of the Security State Bank, and Robert
K., who is still in school. The family residence is "Gynnedd
Crag" on South Cedar street. Richard and Cynthia W. Evans,
parents of Norman Evans, spent the earlier years of their lives
in New York state and moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota,
in 1879. In 1890 they moved to Owatonna, making their home
with their son the remainder of their days. Richard Evans was
a heavy land owner and lumber dealer in New York and amassed
a comfortable fortune, of which he gave generously to many
Owatonna institutions.
Paul H. Evans, the efficient cashier of the Security State
Bank of Owatonna, was born in Minerva, N. Y.. April 5, 1876,
son of Norman and Helena M. (Bradley) Evans. When two
years of age he was brought by his parents to Dover, Minn., and
from there went to Blooming Prairie, Minn. After attending
the public schools of Blooming Prairie, he entered Pillsbury
Academy at Owatonna, having moved to Owatonna in 1890 and
graduated with honors in 1895. This was supplemented with
a two years' course in Beloit College at Beloit, Wis. Thus
equipped with a liberal education, he came to Owatonna and
became a reporter on the Owatonna Journal, filling this position
one year. In 1898, in company with his father and W. G. Brown,
he engaged in a banking and real estate business in Dodge Cen-
ter, Minn. This business continued until 1904, when the Farm-
ers National Bank of Dodge Center was organized. The same
year the Evans interests in this bank were sold, and Norman
and Paul H. Evans purchased heavy holdings in the First Na-
tional Bank of Owatonna. The subject of this sketch was elected
cashier and director of the institution and held these positions
until 1907. The Kinyons then acquired the Evans holdings by
purchase, and Norman and Paul H. Evans secured a controlling
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1117
interest in the Sccuril}- State Bank of Owatonna. Paul H. be-
came cashier and director of this institution, and has had an im-
portant part in bringing the bank to its present high standard
of soundness and progressiveness. Mr. Evans is a high degree
Mason, and belongs Ijoth to the Commercial Club of Owatonna
and to the Tomahawk Club. He served four years as a private
in Company I, Second Minnesota National Guard. Amid a
career filled with business activities, he has found time to attend
to the higher duties of life, and has done good service as super-
intendent of the Congregational Sunday school. Mr. Evans was
married July 26, 1905, to Adeline C. Wheelock, daughter of
Lewis L. Wheelock, of honored memory. Mrs. Evans is a grad-
uate of the Owatonna high school and a former student of Carl-
ton College at Northfield. The Evans home has been blessed
with two daughters: Norma W., born August 4, 1907, and Ruth
B., born February 7, 1909. Mr. Evans is a progressive young
man and is greatly interested in everything that tends toward
the material development of Steele county.
S. A. Kubat was born in Steele county June 20, 1870, son of
Samuel and Matilda (Blazek) Kubat, natives of Bohemia. The
father emigrated to America in 1856, locating at Freeport, 111.,
where he remained only a short time. He then came to Minne-
sota in 1858, locating at Owatonna township, Steele county,
where he engaged in general farming until 1906. At this time
he retired from active life and moved to Owatonna, where he
now resides. The subject of our sketch attended the district
schools of Owatonna township, which was supplemented with
a course in the high school at Owatonna. In the summer of 1892
he entered the employ of Parrott & Smith, in whose employment
he still reniains, now being the head man of their firm. Mr.
Kubat was married in 1896 to Inga, daughter of Ole and Kath-
erine Krogh, natives of Norway. The mother died when Mrs.
Kubat was five years of age. Mrs. Kubat was born in Vadsa,
Norway, February 21, 1872, came to America in 1886 and made
her home in Owatonna ever since. Mr. Krogh has been in Alaska,
but is now in the state of Washington. Besides our subject,
there are two brothers and five sisters in this family, viz : Anna
M., now Mrs. William Zatocill, at Michigan City, N. Dak. ; Will-
iam O. lives in Owatonna; Henry L. farms in Havana township;
Matilda, now Mrs. C. H. Markytan, farms in Owatonna town-
ship ; Josie is married to J. W. Slezak and lives in Somerset town-
ship ; Olga and Elsie live with their parents. Mr. Kubat is a
Republican. The family reside at 139 West Mill street.
Mr. Kubat is prominent in fraternal circles and is a member
of the following orders: Star of the West, No. 14; I. O. O. F.,
Canton No. 12; .Mma Rcbckah, No. 27; OAvatonna .A.erie, No.
1118 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1719, F. O. E.; Tenoch Council, No. 16, A. O. A.; Grand Lodge,
A. O. A. ; Owatonna Camp. No. 387, M. W. of A. He also be-
longs to the Owatonna fire department and tlie Owatonna mili-
tar)' band. In the Odd Fellows especially, Mr. Kubat has been
an earnest worker. He has had all the honors in the subordinate
lodge. Encampment and Canton. He has been district deputy
grand master in the subordinate lodge, district deputy grand
chief patriarch in the Encampment, and at present is captain of
the Canton. He is a charter member of the Ancient Order of
.\ztecs and has been honored with all the different offices therein.
He is now grand vice commander and chairman of the finance
committee of the grand lodge, A. O. A.
Nels Lee, deceased, was born in Norway in May, 1843, where
he received his education. He came to America in 1867 and lo-
cated in Steele county, and three years later bought a farm in
sections 22 and 22 of Aurora township, where he built his home
and outbuildings and followed general farming until his death,
which occurred May 11. 1903. In his political views ;\Ir. Lee was
a Republican and he was a member of the Lutheran church.
He never held or sought public office, but he was a good citizen,
interested in evervthing that was for the best interests of his
town and county, and respected by all who knew him. leaving an
honored heritage to his children. Air. Lee was married in 1870
to Anna Larson, and to them were born seven children : Mrs.
Albert Anderson, of Pratt: Mrs. John V'ass, of Owatonna; Mrs.
Charles Watts, formerly of Minneapolis, now deceased; Mrs.
Thorvold Nylius, formerly of Minneapolis, now deceased; Rena
Lee, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. August Arndt, of Owatonna ; Mrs.
Edward Jackson, of Owatonna. Mrs. Anna Lee died in 1884.
Mr. Lee was married June 6, 1887, to Hannah Johnson, born in
Norway May 27, 1854, came to .\mcrica in 1884 and still survives
her husband. Two children were born to this union. Bertha,
born February 28, 1888, is now JNlrs. John Johnson, and lives on
the old farm. Agnes, born March 2, 1892, is now Mrs. Knute
Moe, of Aurora township.
Roy H. Naylor, a native of Minnesota, was born in Merton
township, Steele county, December 9, 1877, a son of Arthur C.
and Carrie (Jarrett) Naylor, both parents were natives of Eng-
land, they came to America, and in 18,^5 the father located in
Merton township on section 35, where he carried on general
farming until 190'^', when he retired and moved to Owatonna.
Roy received his education in the district schools in Merton
township and then took a two years' course at the Faribault
high school. He then attended the Canfield school of business
and in 1903 accepted a position as steward at the State ]niblic
school at Owatonna, which he now holds. He was married on
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1119
August 27, 1904, at Prescott, Wis., to Jessie K. Johnson. Two
children liave been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naylor: Sherwood L..
born August 29, 1905, and Stanley R.. born Augu.st 3, 1909. In
politics Mr. Naylor is a Republican and a member of the Metho-
dist church. He is also a member of the Masonic order, the I.
O. O. F. and the B. A. Y. He lives at his pleasant home. No.
446 Flora street, in the city of Owatonna, where he enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
Martin Nelson was born in Denmark January 1, 1841. He
came to America in 1868, first settling in Illinois. In 1875 he
moved to Steele county and settled in Aurora township, where
he farmed until 1895, when he rented his place and moved to the
village of Bixby. In 1899 he sold the old homestead and is now
conducting a feed stable.
Francis M. Bassett, a successful and well known business
man of Owatonna, and who has a beautiful home at 129 East
Rose street, was born in New York City January 17, 1870. He
is the son of Walter I. and Melissa (Nash) Bassett, of Brooklyn.
N. Y. The father is a plumber by trade. In 1878 he emigrated
West to Minneapolis to take charge of the plumbing business
for J. J. Dunnigan, a large plumbing and steam fitting establish-
ment. He had charge of all the plumbing and steam fitting at
the Capitol and the Ryan Hotel at St. Paul, where he is now
located. Our subject received his education at the public schools
of St. Paul : then took up the plumbing trade for three years.
He was then employed by the St. Paul Bottling Works for eigh-
teen years, having charge of it for five years. He was also with
the Highland Springs Company of St. Paul. On July 5, 1904,
he came to Owatonna as manager of the Mineral Chemical Com-
pany and has held that position ever since. Mr. Bassett was
married September 6, 1896, to Kate Reinhard. Their home was
blessed with one child. May Kate, who was born May 28, 1898.
Mr. Bassett is a Republican. He belongs to the Episcopal
church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., I. O. F., A. O.
A. and F. O. E.
James A. Kent, a well known dentist of Blooming Prairie,
Minn., was born in Hamilton, Ontario, September 20, 1865. His
education was received in the public schools of his birthplace
and at the Niagara high school, near his home. He then went
to Philadelphia and was enrolled in the Philadelphia Dental Col-
lege, receiving his degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, in
1887, and opening offices in Minneapolis the same year, where he
remained in the practice of his profession until 1890, when he
removed to Red W'ing, Minn., in which place he was engaged
in dentistry for three years. In 1893 he removed to Blooming
Prairie, his present location, and enjoys a large and growing
11-20 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
practice. As to politics, Dr. Kent is a believer in the principles
of the Republican party and has served one term as justice of the
peace. The Knights of Pythias value him as an active member,
as does the Congregational church. March 26. 1890, he was
married to Laura Tubbesing. daughter of Peter and Margaret
(Vogt) Tubbesing. of RecJ Wing, where the father still lives, the
mother is deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Kent reside on Fourth street.
E. R. and Sabra (.Angle) Kent, parents of James A., were natives
of Sheffield, England, coming to Canada in their younger days
and locating at Hamilton. Ontario, the father being engaged as
a crockery and glassware manufacturer until 1881. He then en-
tered the real estate business together with C). -\. Prav. R. F.
Hulbert. Mr. Minnford and C. G. Pillsbury. of Minneapolis, the
company having e.xtensive land and mining interests in Minne-
sota and northwestern Canada. In 1888 he retired and returned
to Hamilton, where he died in .Vpril. 1889. The mother died in
Xovember of the same year.
E. F. Laughlin, a hustling and progressive farmer of Merton
township. .Steele county — his birthplace — was born Julv 2. 1868.
After receiving a good education in the district schools he imme-
diately engaged in farming, first with his father and later for
himself. He now owns a hundred and si.xty acres of productive
land, a hundred of which is tillable, the remaining sixty acres
being used mostly for pasturage. In addition to general farm-
ing he carries on stock raising on an extensive scale, breeding
and raising thoroughbred Percheron horses, Holstein cattle and
Duroc Jersey hogs : also breeder of Scotch collie dogs. The use
of modern buildings and machinery add to the profits of the
place, a large up-to-date barn, forty by sixty-four, fourteen-foot
post, comfortably housing all the stock. Mr. Laughlin also has
a modern dwelling house. As to political convictions he is a
Democrat and has always taken an acii\e ])art in local affairs,
having served as assessor during 1902 and 1903 and has been
town clerk since 1905. He was married, in 1895. to Bertha A.
Conlin. by whom he has si.x children: James .A.. Catherine L..
Edward E., Marv- E., Raymond P. and Lucile. John H., the
father of our subject, is a native of Pennsylvania ; his mother,
Katie, (Conway) of Steele county. Minnesota. The father joined
the Westward tide of emigration, in 1866, locating on his farm
in Merton township, Steele county, where he still resides. Be-
sides attending to the working of his farm he was a stock buyer
for three years during his younger days. His good wife lives
with him on the old place. Patrick and Mary (McGrath) Conlin,
parents of Mrs. E. F. Laughlin, are old settlers of Alinnesota,
where the father carried on farming for manv vears. Thev are
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES U-'.l
now living in California on a fruit farm, and also own some min-
ing property.
William Wanous, a hustling farmer of Steele county, was
born in Owalonna township September 2. 1879. His boyhood
was spent on his father's farm, meanwhile receiving his edu-
cation in the district schools. Leaving .school he engaged in
farming on the old homeplace with his father, and now has entire
charge of his father's 160-acre farm in Owatonna township, and
has succeeded in making it one of the most productive pieces of
land in the county. Much of his attention is given to stock rais-
ing, owning a well selected herd of Durham cattle and a large
number of Poland China hogs. In politics he is a follower of the
tenets of the Republican party. The C. S. P. S. and the Modern
Brotherhood of America number him among their members.
October 25, 1905, he was married to Emma Truhlar, daughter
of Frank Truhlar, of Owatonna. Mr. and Mrs. Wanous have
two children : Viola, born August 27. 1906. and Elmer, born
March 27, 1910. Our subject is a son of John and Anna
(Jerouscek) Wanous, the father being born in Bohemia August
10, 1830. After acquiring his education in his native land he
worked at the cloth-making trade for a time and then served
nine years in the regular army. In 1862 he came to America,
locating in Chicago two summers and subsequently removing
to Steele county, where he followed farming on a rented farm
for two or three years. He then purchased twenty acres of land,
and by thrift and economy gradually became the owner of 455
acres of good farm land. In politics he has always adhered to the
doctrines of the Republicans and has been a loyal member of the
C. S. P. S. for many years. In 1861 he was married to Arna
Jerouscek, by whom he has eleven children, named as follows:
John F., a farmer of Owatonna township: Joseph, also engaged
in farming in this state ; Wcncl, farming on the homeplace : Anna,
wife of Frank Simon, a farmer of Clinton Falls; Josephine, a
dressmaker at Owatonna: Samuel, whose sketch appears else-
where, is engaged in farming in Havana township; Mary, wife
of Milo Kubat, a jeweler of Owatonna; Ida is clerking for E. J.
Kasper & Co. ; ^\'illiam, our subject ; Eva, wife of Ben Reinhart,
a lumberman ; and Aggie, wife of Frank Dostal, an electrician.
Peter Eliason, a prosperous farmer of Deerfield township, was
born in Sweden of Norwegian parents, February 10, 1854. Peter
attended school in Norway. AN'hen he was eighteen years old he
came to America and was employed a year by the Great North-
ern Railway Company at St. Cloud. Coming to Goodhue county
he worked near Zumbrota for five years before buying the 150
acres of land upon which he has since made his home. The tim-
ber with which much of his land was covered furnished materials
1122 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
for farm buildings and improvements. j\Ir. Eliason in his gen-
eral farming has taken special pride in the Durham cattle which
nourish in his pastures. In the fall of 1877 Peter Eliason was
married to Sarah Larson at Owatonna. Eleven children have
resulted from this union, seven of whom are now living: Elias M.
is a mail carrier at Owatonna ; Mrs. Pauline Schroeder has a
home in South Dakota ; Mrs. Annie Lawrence ; Hans, a married
brother, and Mrs. Mary A. Beese live in Deerfield ; Tina attends
high school in Owatonna ; Palma is still at home ; Louis was
killed in a railroad wreck at twenty-four years of age, and three
children died in infancy. Mr. Eliason is a member of the Luth-
eran church and the society of Modern ^\'oodmen. For more
than twenty years he has served as chairman of the town board.
.School district Xo. 92 was organized liy Mr. Eliason. who built
the school house and has acted as clerk of the school board ever
since. He is a stockholder in Meriden Creamery and the farmers
elevator at Owatonna and has helped in the promotion of these
enterprises. Elias Olson and Margaret Gilland. his wife, parents
of the subject of this sketch, were natives of Norway, where the
mother died in 1875. The father came to this country and made
his home with his sons. He died at Peter's home in Meriden
in 1897.
Henry T. Blume is a nali\e son of Minnesota, having been
born in Havana township, Steele county, on April 30, 1870. He
is a son of Henry and Dorothea Blume. natives of Germany, who
came to America and located at Havana township and engaged
in farming and have lived there ever since. Henry received his
education in the district schools of Havana township and after
leaving school engaged in farming with his father until he was
twenty-six years of age. In 1896 he came to Aurora township
and purchased a fine farm of 240 acres located on sections 27 and
34. He has erected a fine dwelling house and some fine and
commodious farm buildings, has greatly improved his land and
does general farming. He has a fine herd of Durham cattle and
makes a specialty of dairying. Mr. Blume was married June
27, 1897, to Caroline Kruger. and six children have been born
to them, of whom four are now living: Albert, deceased: Annie,
deceased; George, Elsie, Dora and Herbert. In politics he is a
stanch Republican and he is a member of the German Lutheran
church. He has served his town as constable for two years and
also as road overseer. He has served on the school board twice
by appointment to fill out unexpired terms. He is a stockholder
in the Oak Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is a good citizen and
one of the substantial farmers of Steele county.
Charles F. Sette, a respected citizen of Owatonna, Minn., was
born on his father's farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, October
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1123
26, 1855. His boyhood was passed largely in Steele county,
Minnesota, where his parents removed nine years after his birth,
and in the characteristic district schools of those rude pioneer
times he acquired his education. After school he bought a farm
near the old homestead and there followed general farming four
years, then removing to Hand county. South Dakota, in 1884,
where he purchased a 200-acrc tract of land on which he was
engaged in progressive agriculture till 1905, having one of the
model farms of that county. Mr. Sette then came to Owatonna,
buying a charming home which is still his residence. In poli-
tics the Republican party claims him as a member. He served
the community as treasurer of his township and school board
many years wiiile in South Dakota. Anything for the good of
the city has his support. The German Methodist church counts
him as one of its loyal members. December 11, 1878, he was
married to Minnie Grabinski, who died in South Dakota June
10, 1904. leaving two daughters, Esther, now Mrs. William Ebert,
of Webster, S. Dak., and Clara, wife of Fred Hoffman, of Lane,
S. Dak. Mr. Sette was married a second time October, 1906,
to Mrs. Matilde Sorenson Bletner. Carl and Minnie (Franz)
Sette, parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, coming
to this country in their younger days and locating in Dodge
county, then in its infancy, where the father followed general
farming until 1864. They then removed to Steele county, pur-
chasing a quarter section in Owatonna township, on which the
father was engaged in farming till his retirement in 1898. His
wife died in 1900 and his decease occurred in 1903.
Ole J. Anderson is a son of John and Christy (Hove) Ander-
son, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1864 and settled
on a farm in Wisconsin, where they remained until 1872. when
they came to Steele county, Minnesota, and purchased eighty
acres in Berlin township and here the father continued farming
until his death in 1898; the mother died in 1896. After the death
of his father Ole took charge of the farm and has conducted it
ever since. In 1904 he purchased 240 acres of land and follows
general farming, giving especial attention to dairying. In 1887
he was married to Mary Ellingson and twelve children have
been born to them: John, who died in 1896 at the age of nine
years; Annie, age twenty-one; Edward, age nineteen; Clara, age
seventeen; Henry, age fifteen; Joseph, age thirteen; Jennie, age
eleven ; Mary, age nine ; Edna, age seven ; Louisa, age five ; John,
age three; Ole, age one and a half: all the children are living at
home. In politics Mr. .Anderson is a Republican and he is a
member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He has served the
town as supervisor for four years and was a trustee of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church for six years, of which he is a member.
1154 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
He is a stockholder in the Ellendale Creani<.r\ and in the I'^arni-
ers Elevator Company of Ellendale. Mr. Anderson is a very
successful farmer and has won his success by his own eft'orts.
He is a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
August Petersen, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie, was
born in Denmark February 28. 1855. son of Peter and Monstina
Petersen, natives of Denmark. The ])arents immigrated to
America in 1885. The mother died in 1906. The father is still
living with our subject. August received his early education in
the public schools of Denmark. When t\\cnty-six years of age.
in 1881, he left his native land to seek the larger opportimities
of the new world. Arriving in America he located in Blooming
Prairie township, where he purchased 160 acres of land in sec-
tion 21. On this land he has made extensive improvements and
followed general farming up to the present time. Mr. Petersen
was married in November, 1880, to .\nna Hansdu, a native of
Denmark. Ten children have blessed their union, viz.: Hannah.
Fred. Mary. Peter. Albert, Dena, Alfred, Har\-ey, Richard. Luella.
Mr. Petersen is a Republican in political sentiment. In re-
ligious faith he adheres to the Baptist church. He is a good
citizen, a jirogressive farmer and one of those men tliat have
aided in making Minnesota one of the most productive states in
the Union.
Henry Nelson, a prosperous merchant of Blooming Prairie,
was born in Denmark .August 17, 1867, son of Conrad and Mary
(Francis) Nelson, natives of Denmark. The parents emigrated
to America in 1872, locating at Saginaw, Mich., where they re-
mained for about two 3-ears. In 1874 they came to Freeborn
county, Minnesota, where the father engaged in agricultural pur-
suits up to the time of his decease in 1898. The mother died in
1875. Flenry received his education in the district schools. Lea\'-
ing school he learned the harness-makers' trade. He followed
his trade in different places in Minnesota and Iowa, going to
Owatonna in July, 1891. He remained there two years and then
located in Pdooming Prairie, where he opened a business for
himself. He has met with a marked degree of success and now
conducts two stores in the village. He manufactures light and
heavy harness, does ail kinds of repair work and carries a com-
plete line of horse furnishing goods. Dr. E. W. Coole}' is asso-
ciated with Mr. Nelson as a partner.
Mr. Nelson was married August 28, 189,^, to Mamie Jefferson,
of Owatonna. Their union is blessed with eight children, \'iz :
Mande, Rajmond, Helen. Leonard, Doris, Lucile, Carol!, Ruth,
all living at home. The family home is located on Sixth street.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He worships at the Baptist church.
He is also a member of the M. W. A. Mr. Nelson is an enter-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1135
prising business man. a good and respected citizen. He has
served on the city council for tliree terms.
Rasmus Petersen, of Blooming Prairie township, was born
in Denmark Fel)ruary 3, 1861. He received his early education
in his native land, after which he followed the occupation of
farming. In 1881 he left his native country for the New World.
After arriving in .\merica he located in Blooming Prairie town-
ship. In 1884 he went to Michigan, where he was engaged in
the iron mines for one year. He then returned to Blooming
Prairie, where he followed farm work, and in 1898 he purchased
a 160-acre farm in section 14, Blooming Prairie township. He
has greatly improved this farm and follows general and diversi-
fied farming, but pays more attention to dairy and stock raising.
Mr. Petersen was married September 5, 1888, at St. Paul to Lena
Andersen, a native of Denmark. Their union is blessed with
four children, Peter N., George. .Albert and Agnes. Mr. Peter-
sen is a Republican in political faith. He with his family worship
at the Danish Lutheran church. He is a member of the M. W.
A. He is interested in everything that is for the good of the
community and is a stockholder in the Blooming Prairie Cream-
ery. He has made his way in the world by his own hard work
and perseverance. He is a good citizen, respected by all.
J. F. Finley, city weigh master of Owatonna, was born Octo-
ber 22, 1860. in Richland township, Rice county, Minnesota. He
is a son of J. H. and Emalinc (Close) Finley. natives of Ohio
and Indiana respectively. The parents came West in 1855. lo-
cating in Richland township, Rice county, where the father was
engaged in general farming up to 1892. At this time he entered
the hotel business in Owatonna, conducting what was known
at that time as the Alooney House. Tie continued this business
for a few years, then sold out and has since lived a retired life.
Mrs. Finley died in 1873. The subject of our sketch received
his education in tlie district schools of Richland town.ship. Leav-
ing school he worked on a farm for some time, and in 1892 he
came to Owatonna, entering the machine business in partnership
with J. F. Wilson. They continued this business for five years,
when they sold out their machine business, Mr. Finley going to
Dodge Center, where he engaged in the harness business. He
remained there for about one year, then returned to Owatonna
and bought the dray business of George McCarty. He continued
this business for about six months. About one month after pur-
chasing the business he was taken seriously ill, and was unable to
do anything for about four years. After recovering from his illness
he entered the coal business, which he continued for six months,
and then sold out to Pike & Robins. He then went to .Austin.
Minn., and l)ought a half interest in a grocer\- and butcher busi-
1126 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ness, which lie continued for about four years. Disposing of his
interest, he returned to Owatonna and engaged in buying and
shipping stock, which he continued to do for about two and one-
half years. He then bought a livery business of Henry Conklin
and Gil Russel. He was engaged in this business for about one
year, then sold out to Philip Anderson. In the spring of 1908
he was appointed city weighmaster, which position he has held
ever since. Mr. Finley was married in 1881 to Addie M.,
daughter of Edgar and Maria (Atwater) Horton. The parents
were natives of New York state, where they both died. Four
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Finley : Lelia, now Mrs.
Herbert Cruikshank; Alta, telephone operator at Faribault; Mat-
tie and Clifford are both residing at home. The family resides at
504 East Vine street. Mr. Finley is a Republican. He is a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church, also a member of the M. W. A. and
the E. F. U. Mr. Finley served as city treasurer of Owatonna
four years. He also ser\ed four years as deputy sheriff under
Sheriff Misgen.
Orie H. Ferrell is a native of Minnesota, having been born
in Owatonna March 7, 1869, a son of Theodore and Lucinda
(Brown) Ferrell. Orie received his education at the district
schools of Havana townsliip, supplementing with a course at
Pillsbury academy. After leaving school he first engaged in
farming, but in 1890 he removed to Owatonna, purchased five
acres of land and engaged in market gardening, and for three
years was employed as night moulder at the Owatonna Manu;
facturing Company. He has purchased more land from time to
time, and now has fifty-eight acres on which he follows farming.
In 1902 he engaged in the sand and gravel business, both these
products being found in abundance on his land. He was mar-
ried on November 8, 1888, at Owatonna, to Frances A. Chase,
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chase. The father died
April 22, 1902, and the mother is still living at Spokane, Wash.
Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell: T.
Howard, born April 11, 1893, and Kenneth Paul, born January
6, 1902. In his political principles Mr. Ferrell is a Prohibitionist,
and in his religious belief he is a Baptist. He is a member of
the A. O. U. W. and of the B. A. Y. He has succeeded by hard
work, and the assistance of his devoted wife and lives at his
home which is located at No. 3 Rose street, respected by all who
know him.
Alfred Camp, a native of Minnesota, was born in Freeborn
county September 4, 1886, a son of Christopher and Ivatherine
(Larson) Camp. Both parents were natives of Denmark, who
came to America in 1880 and located at Albert Lea, Minn.,
where they remained until 1898. They then moved to Blooming
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1127
Prairie, Steele county, where the father followed his trade of a
mason for a few years, and from there moved to Summit town-
ship, where he is now located, and is doing general farming.
Alfred received his education at the public schools of Blooming
Prairie. After leaving school Alfred came to Owatonna and
learned the butter making trade, which he has followed ever
since. On May 1. 1909, he accepted a position with the Farmers'
Gilt Edge Creamery Association, and has full charge of their
business. Mr. Camp is a member of tiie Lutheran Church, and
his political affiliations are with tiie Republican party. He is
also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Though
still a young man, he holds a responsible position and enjoys the
confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of all
who know him.
Leonard L. Bennett, president since its organization of the
establislniicnl now known as the National Farmers' Bank, is
one of the honored figures of Owatonna life. Few men can lay
down a chosen profession in the prime of manhood and attain
success in a line of activity entirely different, but Dr. Bennett,
after attaining an enviable position for himself as a practitioner
of medicine, turned from his profession and at the age of thirty-
five took up the business of banking, becoming a leader in the
financial circles of this part of the state. Dr. Bennett was born
in Plainfield, Will county, Illinois, October 7, 1839, son of
Robert Bennett and Sally Loomis Kent, his wife, the former
being descended from a genuine old Connecticut "Yankee"
family, while the latter, a New Yorker by birth, was of more
immediate English descent. Their son, the subject of this sketch,
was educated in the common schools in the neighborhood of the
old Bennett homestead in Lake county, Illinois. In 1857 he
graduated from the academic course in the Wauconda Academy,
at Wauconda, 111., and in 1862 he was graduated with honors
from the Rush Medical college, of Chicago. The following year
he came to Owatonna, and practiced medicine successfully from
1864 to 1874. attaining a substantial position in his profession. It
was during that period that Dr. Bennett acquired that intimate
knowledge of farm life and the character of the farmers in Steele
county, that has made his bank the financial center of this agri-
cultural region. In 1873, Dr. Bennett established the Farmers'
National Bank, of Ow-atonna, and became its president, remain-
ing in that position to the present day, the institution having
become the leading financial enterprise in Steele county. One
year after opening the bank, Dr. Bennett, gave up the medical
profession. During all the years that have passed since then,
the people of Steele county, in loving recognition of his services
as a practitioner, have retained the title of "Doctor," in
1128 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
addressing him. \\ bile devoting to his business much more
time than the average man works, Dr. Bennett has still found
time for public service, and his contributions to the progress of
the community by four years work as county coroner, and many
years as a member of the board of county commissioners and
the city schol board will be long remembered. His fraternal
association has been with the A. F. & A. M. and his church
affiliations are with the local body of Universalists, of the
founders of which, he and his wife are the only ones living.
Dr. Bennett was married May 25, 1863, to Arabella Fidelia
Brown, and to this union have been born two sons, Carl Kent
Bennett and Guy Brown Bennett, both now holding official
positions in the National Farmers' Bank, of Owatonna.
Guy B. Bennett, cashier of the National Farmers' Bank, of
Owatonna. i> actively identifying himself with the financial
progress and stability of Steele county, and is regarded as one
oi the rising young men of the city of Owatonna. He was born
in Owatonna. September 27. 1871. a son of Leonard Loomis
and Arabella I'idelia Bennet, long-time residents of this vicinity.
The subject of this sketch attended the public schools and grad-
uated from the Owatonna high school in 1889. The following
fall he entered the academic department of Harvard University,
and in 1893 received his degree from that institution. Returning
to Owatonna he entered what had at that time just liecome the
National Farmers' Bank, as bookkeeper. Gradually mastering
the details of the business he was promoted to bookkeeper,
paying teller, and assistant cashier successively, until August,
1905, when he assumed his present position in which he has
since served with credit and ability. In addition to his banking
interests, he has found time to serve the city as member of the
school board. For three years he was a bugler in Company E,
Third Regiment. Minnesota National Guard. For ten years
he has been treasurer of the Universalist Church. Mr. Bennett
was married. June 30. 1900, to Winifred Fay Niles, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. John N. Niles, of Owatonna, and to this union one
son has been born. Leonard N., July 22, 1909.
Carl K. Bennett, vice president of the National Farmers'
Bank, of Owatonna, had in charge the jjlanning and erecting
of the solidly beautiful building which houses the institution of
which he is an officer. The search for a suitable architect was
his, as was also indeed, the inception of the idea that a building
may be so designed as to exjircss its purpose. Mr. Bennett was
born in Owatonna, October 6, 1868, a son of Leonard Loomis and
Arabella (Fidelia) Bennett, l^ith descended from old New
England families. He attended the public schools and in 1886
graduated from Pillsbury Academy. He then entered Harvard
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1129
University and graduated with a special degree in 1890. Since
then he has taken his place in the business and social life of
Uwatonna. In the summer of 1890 he entered the then Farmers'
National Bank as bookkeeper, in December, 1890, he became
assistant cashier, in August, 1891, cashier, and in August, 1905,
vice president, which position he still holds. Mr. Bennett is
president of the Perfection Churn Company, president of the
Sperry Manufacturing Company, and one of the owners of the
Owatonna Creamery Supply Company. For six years he was
a member of the city council representing the first ward. He
served on the library board ten years and a larger part of that
time was secretary of that body. He is now president of the
park commission. Being interested in preserving the records
of the past as an earnest of the future, he has allied himself
with the Minnesota chapter of the Sons of the American Revo-
lution. Mr. Bennett was married November 21, 1898, to Lydia
Honoria Norwood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Norwood, of
Owatonna, and to this union have been born three children —
Beatrice, Sylvia and Arabella. The family attends the First
Baptist Church, of which Air. Bennett was organist for many
years.
Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock, jurist, soldier and orator, now
deceased, exerted on city, county and state, an influence that will
be long remembered. A memorial of his life has said, "Judge
Wheelock was not only a learned and well-equipped jurist, but
a thoughtful student of jniblic afifairs. Honored and trusted
by all who knew him, faithful to every cause which he espoused,
considerate, brave and firm, he earned and maintained a high
place in the afifectionate regard of his fellows. A man of wit,
he was never caustic, except in defense of right. His conversa-
tion was illumined with humor that was always kindly, wisdom
that was always impressive and permeated with a deep under-
lying principle of religious feeling. He was conservative in
judgment and charitable in thought as well as in deed. A man
among men, he had a heart tender as a child's and pitiful as a
woman's." Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock was born in Mannsvillc,
Jeflferson county, New York, November 12, 1839, son of Lewis
Lorenzo and Mary (Howe) Wheelock. Left an orphan at the
age of ten years, he secured an education through his own
exertions, and at the age of twenty started teaching in Macedon
Academy, Wayne county, New York, in which capacity he was
serving at the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted as a
private in the 160th New York Volunteer Infantry. August 13,
1862; was promoted to first lieutenant of Company C, Septem-
ber 1, 1862; and promoted to captain of the same company,
June 9, 1865. He assisted in the fitting out of the Banks F.xpcdi-
1130 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
tion to the Department of the Gulf, and with his regiment went
to New Orleans in December, 1862. He served in independent
command under Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, being engaged in
numerous battles and skirmishes, including the destruction of
the Confederate gunboat "Cotton," the reducing of Camp Bis-
land, the siege and capture of Port Hudson, the expedition to
Sabine Pass, Texas, and the battles of Bank's Red River cam-
paign. He was then ordered north with his company and partici-
pated in the battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia, July, 1864, under
Hancock. He was then ordered to the Shenandoah valley under
Sheridan. He participated in the battle of Opequan, Va., Sep-
tember 19, 1864. In this engagement he was wounded in the
right arm, and sent to the rear, being unable to join his regi-
ment until after the battle of Cedar Creek. He marched in the
Grand Review at Washington, and was discharged with his
regiment November 1, 1865. After his discharge he assisted in
the reconstruction by serving in the Freedmen's Bureau in
Washington. After this he chose the law as a profession. His
first training was received in the office of his colonel. Judge
Charles C. Dwight, Auburn, N. Y., after which he entered the
Albany (N. Y.) law school, graduating in 1869. In the meantime
he established a residence in Owatonna, where he subsequently
had a highly honorable career, serving as city attorney, judge
of probate and state senator. The law firm of \Vheelock and
Sperry, with Hon. W. A. Sperry as a partner, was formed in
1879, and continued until the death of Mr. Wheelock. Judge
Wheelock was a zealous member of the G. A. R., and served
two terms as department commander for the state of Minnesota.
He was selected by the Department Encampment of Minnesota
as one of the committee to frame the bill for the establishment of
the Soldiers' Home and Soldiers' Relief Fund. May 5, 1886, he
was elected a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, through the Commandery of Minnesota, and was a mem-
ber of the council from May 8, 1906, to May 14. 1907. The
committee of this commandery at the time of his death passed
the following resolutions following a recital of the biographical
facts of his career: "Judge Wheelock was greatly beloved by his
comrades throughout the state; his cheer}' disposition witty
sayings and good judgment making him a great favorite. As
a citizen Companion Wheelock was interested and active in
everything that promoted the public welfare; he served as presi-
dent of the board of education, and at the time of his death was
president of the Owatonna Free Public Library board, as well
as a director of the First National Bank. At one time he was
postmaster. His large law business and public duties did not
exhaust his energies. He was active in Freemasonry and was
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1131
the prelate of the Commandery of Knights Templar at the time
of his death. In the realm of things spiritual, Companion
Wheelock was a sincere and devout believer. He belonged to
the Congregational Church, but his breadth of view embraced
all followers of the Christian religion. For more than forty
years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, and with
great ability occupied the pulpit when occasion required. And
many were the souls he inspired to higher ideals in things
spiritual." Lewis L. Wheelock was married in 1871 to Adeline
Burch, of Hillsdale, Mich., who died February 24, 1901. To this
union seven children were born. Of these four are living.
Arthur B. resides in Seattle, Wash. ; Dwight is in Oro Fino,
Idaho; Paul is a student at Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Mrs. Paul H.
Evans lives in Owatonna. Mr. Wheelock was again married in
April, 1902, to Mrs. Miranda A. Inglis, who resides at the family
residence in Owatonna.
C. K. Anderson, of the Guarantee Concrete and Construction
Company, has taken an active part in the upbuilding of
Owatonna, and the many beautiful buildings in whose construc-
tion he has had a part, will long stand as a monument to his
work. He was born in Owatonna, February 5, 1868, son of
Silas and Adeline Amanda (Davenport) Anderson, long-time
residents of Owatonna. The subject of this sketch received
his early education in the graded and high schools of Owatonna,
and after leaving school learned the bricklayers' trade with the
idea of following in his father's footsteps as a general contractor.
After thoroughly mastering this trade, he became a member
of the firm of liammel Brothers & Anderson. In 1907, Mr.
Anderson entered into partnership with R. T. Woodward under
the firm name of the Guarantee Concrete and Construction Com-
pany, doing all kinds of cement contracting, etc. The firm does
a large business, and its work is its best recommendation. Mr.
Anderson is a Democrat in politics, and his services for six
years as alderman from the second ward have given general
satisfaction. Being of a fraternal nature, he has interested him-
self in the K. of P., the M. W. A., and the F. O. E. He was
married in 1893, at Los Angeles, Cal., to Efifie Runklc, whose
parents are residents of California. This union has been blessed
with one son, Harold W. The family faith is that of the
Universal ist Church, and the residence is a comfortable home at
605 East Vine street. Silas Anderson, contractor and builder,
was born in Pembrooke county, New York, August 5, 1832. His
wife, Adeline, w-as born in Scoharie county. New York. They
were married December 21, 1857. In 1865 he enlisted in Company
F, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and saw service in the
southern states. He came to Minnesota with his wife in the
113-2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
early sixties and established a business at Ovvatonna, success-
fully continuing same until his death. July 9, 1905. His wife
died June 21, 1910. Their children were: Willard Edward,
deceased; Cyrus K. ; Myrtie, now Mrs. George Lull, of Roches-
ter: Charles, deceased; Nellie, deceased.
Charles S. Crandall. Few men have contributed so greatly
to the prosperity of southern Minnesota as Charles Scheretz
Crandall, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Erie county,
Ohio, January 18, 1840. and came to Steele county in 1857.
During the more than fifty years that ho has resided here, he has
taken an active part in county and state affairs, and for decades
his council and advice have been sought by men of many walks
in life. As journalist, law-maker, committeeman, merchant,
county ofticer and postmaster his conduct has fulfilled a high
ideal of manhood, and his influence has been of great impor-
tance. In 1862, failing health and chronic asthma forced his
retirement from farm life, and in that year he came to Owatonna
and became a deputy in the offices of the register of deeds and
the county auditor. Subsequently he was appointed register
of deeds upon the resignation of that official. He held tne office
fourteen months under this appointment, and was after that
elected to the office for two terms. He served with distinction
in the house of representatives of the state legislature one term,
and in the state senate two terms. He was eight years post-
master of Owatonna. and was eight years editor of the
"Owatonna Journal." Having been instrumental in securing
the location of the state public school at Owatonna, he was
appointed by the governor a member of the board of control
of that institution, and held the office twelve years, giving good
service. He was also one of the board of managers of the State
Reformatory at St. Cloud, Minn., for several years. He was
removed from these boards upon the election of a Democratic
governor, and his loss was keenly felt by those who had the
interests of the institutions at heart. In addition to his other
work, Mr. Crandall was one of the building committee of the
Baptist Church building, though not a member of that organiza-
tion. He was also one of the committee which constructed the
Metropolitan opera house, to which he, as well as many other
citizens, contributed. Mr. Crandall was married in February,
1864, to Marietta E. Allen, a widow. To this union were born
two children — Mary Elizabeth, February 22, 1865, and
Georgiana Caroline, June 23. 1872. Marietta Crandall died in
September, 1892, and Mr. Crandall married Irene A. I^uers, a
widow, in October, 1893. Charles Chapin Crandall, father of
Charles S. Crandall, was born at Canadagua, Ontario county.
New York, and died in Lorain county, Ohio, in 1850. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1133
mother. Caroline Scheretz, was born in Erie county, Ohio, and
died in Steele county, Minnesota. Her family was of German
origin. Her parents came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, which
was then a wilderness, in 1809, and settled in the Connecticut
Western Reserve.
Herbert F. Luers, the energetic editor of the "Owatonna
Journal-Chronicle," has taken a vital and active interest in the
welfare of the city and county, and his editorial boostings of
all things concerning this locality, have resulted in increased
impetus in the progressiveness of Owatonna and Steele county.
He was born in (3watonna, August 9, 1875, son of Herman
Henry Luers and Irena A. Snedigar, his wife. Herbert F.
started out in life with the intention of becoming a musician.
At the age of ten years he started studying the piano and after
eight years took up voice culture also. After attending the public
schools of Owatonna, he graduated from Pillsbury Academy in
1893, and from the vocal music department of the same school
two years later. He attended the University of Minnesota,
1893-94, in the academic department. He studied vocal music
and the organ in New York City in 1896, and the year previous
to that had taken a special course in the Curtiss Business College
at St. Paul. After reaching maturity, Mr. Luers' tastes and
energies demanded an occupation more connected with the
world's work than the musical profession, and he therefore
started on his journalistic career in 1896, as a reporter for the
"Owatonna Journal." Jn 1897 he founded the "Owatonna Chron-
icle" with E. K. Whiting. The story of the consolidation of these
papers is found in the newspaper chapter in this work. Mr.
Luers is now president of the "Journal-Chronicle" Company,
and editor of the "Journal-Chronicle," daily and weekly.
He is also secretary of the Steele County Good Roads Asso-
ciation. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Luers was
elected captain of a company of 140 men, raised for the Fifteenth
Minnesota Regiment, but this comjjany was not accepted by the
governor. The subject of this sketcli enlisted in Company G,
Fourth Infantry Reserve (later Company I, Second Infantry),
Minnesota National Guard, in March, 1900. He was promoted
through the grades of corporal, first sergeant, and second lieu-
tenant, and was commissioned captain of the company, in April,
1904. In March, 1910, he received a medal for ten years' faith-
ful service, and in July, 1910, he resigned the captaincy on
account of the pressure of private business. W'iiilc at college,
Mr. Luers joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, lie was married
March 5, 1901, to Anne Stuart Richardson, of Princeton, 111., and
to this union have been born two children — Charles Herman
Rich.irthon, aged S, and Irene \'ictoria, aged 7. Mrs. Luers
1134 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
attended the University of Michigan, and is an accomplished
vocalist, having studied with leading teachers in New York
and elsewhere. Herman Henr}- Luers, father of Herbert F.
Luers, was born in Germany and was a prominent druggist in
Owatonna from 1874 until 1887, the latter year being the date
of his death. His wife, now Mrs. Charles S. Crandall, has taken
an active part in club work, and is an officer of the State Federa-
tion of Women's Clubs.
Samuel A. Rask, an energetic and hustling business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born near Caledonia, Houston
county, Minnesota. After receiving a common school education
in the district schools of his county, he took and completed a
course in the high school of La Crosse, Wis., subsequently com-
pleting a course in English literature at the University of Chi-
cago. Leaving school in 1894, he held a position with the Security
Savings and the Exchange State Bank, of La Crosse, Wis., until
1897, when he removed to the Twin Cities and engaged in the in-
surance business till the outbreak of the Spanish-American War
in 1898. He was then a member of Company F, of the First Min-
nesota National Guard, which became Company F, of the Thir-
teenth Minnesota Yolunteer Infantry after the company entered
active service. Mr. Rask went to the front with his regiment as a
corporal, but shortiv afterwards was taken sick and remained in
the hospital at Camp Merritt, in San Francisco, Cal., until 1899,
when he returned home, arriving but a few months before his
company. Coming to Blooming Prairie, he was connected with
the State Bank of Blooming Prairie as bookkeeper until 1901,
when he was elected cashier, and five years later when the bank
was reorganized as the F^irst National Bank of Blooming Prairie,
he was retained in his present position as cashier and became a
stockholder and director. He is also a director in the Citizens'
National Bank of Austin, Minn., and is serving as secretar}' and
treasurer of the Steele County Telephone Company, of Blooming
Prairie. In political convictions he is a stanch Republican, and
takes an active interest in local affairs. His fraternal affiliations
are with the Masonic Order, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, and Sons of Norway.
June 23, 1902, he was united in matrimony with Harriet O.
Miller, of La Crosse, W^is. They have one child, a daughter,
Catherine Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Rask have a comfortable home
located at the corner of Hazel and Second streets. Peter O.
and Louise (Sundt ) Rask, parents of our subject, emigrated from
Norwa}' to .America in 1856, first locating in Winneshiek county,
Iowa, and, in 1858, settled in Wilmington township, Flouston
county, Minnesota, where the father was engaged in farming
until the spring of 1886, when they removed to La Crosse, Wis.,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1135
where tliey now live retired. Mr. and Airs. J. P. Miller, parents
of Mrs. Samuel Rask, were among the early pioneers of La
Crosse, Wis. The father died January 3, 1908, and since then the
mother has resided with her daughter and son-in-law at Bloom-
ing Prairie.
Merton J. Parcher, deputy county auditor of Steele county is
a native son of Minnesota, he was born in Owatonna on
March 17, 1874, son of Johnson and Sarah (Grandprey) Parcher.
Merton received his early education at the public schools of
Owatonna, then going to Big Stone City, S. D., where he finished
his schooling. IJe then learned the meatcutters' trade which
he followed for several years at Big Stone City, Ortonville and
St. Paul Park, then he returned to Owatonna in the year 1889,
and followed his trade until 1900, when he became a buyer,
on the road of hides, wool and furs for Willet & Kilty for four
years, and then with D. Bergman & Co., in the same line for
four years. He then accepted a position with the Albert Lea
Hide and Fur Company, but after working for them for six
months again entered the employ of Willet & Kilty and con-
tinued with them until February 1, 1909. On January 1, 1910,
he was appointed deputy county auditor under A. J. Basshard,
and is now holding that position. He was married at Owatonna
on January 15, 1901, to Anna Brandick, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Brandick. Two children have blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Parcher — Irene and Dorothy, both living at
home. In his religious faith Mr. Parcher is a Roman Catholic
and in his political views he is a stanch Republican, he is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of Ainerica, and has been
secretary of his lodge for the past four years, he is also a member
of the F. A. E., the K. of P.. and the U. C. T., and of the Consoli-
dated Casualt}- Company, of Detroit, Mich. He has won his
success by his own efforts, and has the esteem and respect of
all who know him. Mis home is on the corner of University
and Grove streets in the city of Owatonna.
William H. Montgomery is of that race of pioneers, who,
when Minnesota was still in the possession of the Indians, came
to this state, and, undaunted by hardships and discouragements,
persevered in their endeavors until the present prosperous con-
ditions developed from a pioneer frontier. He was born in
Madrid, St. Lawrence county. New York, July 20, 1834, and came
to Minnesota in the fall of 1850, locating in Hastings, when the
country was still occupied by the Indians. He was one of the
early jurors of Dakota county, and in other ways participatea
in public life. In 1865 he came to Steele county, and until 1872
engaged in farming, afterward conducting a hardware business
in Owatonna for eight years. Then he established the retail
furniture store, now conducted bv Boice & Ilanna. With \V. S.
1136 HISTORV OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Boice as partner, he remained in this business and then sold out
to Milan Hastings, his retirement being necessitated by his
wife's illness. Mr. Montgomery is a stanch Republican and a
member of the Congregational Church. He was married May 18,
I860, in Jefferson county, N. Y., to Diana Boice, who after a
life of Christian piety and faithful devotion, died October 17,
1890. To this union were born five children — Bion, Ella, Lester,
and another son, not named, died in infancy. Nora, now of
Los Angeles, married George Brown, a banker. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown have two children, Stanley H, and Wilbur W., the joy
and pride of their grandfather's heart. John and Margaret
(Raney) Montgomery, parents of William H. Montgomery,
were natives of Ireland, but of Scottish descent. They came to
America in 1818, located in New York state, and engaged in
farming and the general mercantile business. The father died
in New York state in 1840 and the mother came to Owatonna
where she died in 1877.
John N. Schoen, a well patronized jeweler of Owatonna, was
born there December 6, 1878. He is the son of Charles and
Elizabeth (Meyer) Schoen, natives of Germany. They emigrated
from Germany as children, the mother in 1842, the father in
1846. They were married at Prescott, Wis., in 1861. The father
first located in New York City, from where he moved to Mil-
waukee, Wis., later removing to Madison, Wis., where he
engaged in the manufacture of wagons. In 1865 he came to
Owatonna and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and
carriages, conducting a prosperous and steadily increasing busi-
ness until 1900, when he retired from active life. He passed
away October 17, 1902. The mother survived him jnd is still
living at Owatonna. John N. received his education in the
public and high schools of Owatonna, graduating from the latter
in 1896. After leaving school, he took up the jewelry trade with
Mr. Louis Watowa, remaining with him until 1905, learning
every detail of the business. At this time he formed a co-part-
nership with Mr. L. J. Mosher ; together they purchased the
jewelry business of Julius Young. They conducted this business
for three years after which, in 1908, Mr. Schoen sold his interest
to Mr. Mosher, and formed a co-partnership with John Jurgen-
sen. They together purchased the jewelry business of his old
employer, Mr. Louis Watowa, located on West Park street. The
company carries everything found in an up-to-date jewelry store,
making a specialty of all kinds of repairing. Mr. Schoen was
married August 6, 1907, at Madison, Wis., to Miss Christine,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bollenbeck. Their union is blessed
with one daughter, Esther C. born June 27, 1908. Mr. and Mrs.
Schoen are domiciled in a ])leasant residence at 819 South Cedar
F
-M. I). AVIIITMAX
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1137
street. Mr. Schocn is a Democrat in politics. In religious faith
he is a Roman Catholic. He is identified with a number of
fraternal organizations, viz. : the K. of P., M. W. A., and Com-
mercial Club. Mr. Schoen is a wide-awake, enterprising young
business man. well thought of by his large circle of friends and
acquaintances.
Adolph Uber is a wide-awake business man of Owatonna,
Minn., who has achieved his success by persevering effort in the
line of a settled purpose. He is of German parentage and was
born in Washington county, Wisconsin, July 27, 1871. He is
a son of Charles Uber who emigrated from the fatherland in
1854, and settled in Washington county, where the father, a
tanner by trade, followed that occupation all his life, his decease
occurring in 1894, and where the mother still resides. Adolph
acquired a good English education in the public schools of his
native place and after leaving school learned the tanner's trade
and worked at it with his brother under the firm name of Uber
Brothers. He followed his trade also in Chicago, in New York
and al Philadelphia, and in 1893 returned to Washington county
and joined his brother in business. A year later, in 1894, he sold
his interest to his brother and took up his residence at Owatonna
and established the business to which he has continuously
devoted his attention ever since, making a specialty of tanning
sheep pelts and shipping the bulk of his products to eastern
markets. In politics he is a Republican. He is identified with
the Modern Woodmen and in his religious convictions holds to
the faith of the Lutheran Church. On January 25, 1892, Mr.
Uber married Miss Kate Komp, whose parents lived in Wash-
ington county, where the father followed his trade as a harness
maker, and where he died. The mother still lives there. Mr.
and Mrs. Uber have two children, named respectively, Ilarley
and Cordelia.
M. D. Whitman, an old and respected pioneer of Steele
county, was born in Grafton county. New Hampshire, October 8,
1839. After receiving a limited common school education, he
engaged in farming until the call to arms in 1862, when he
entered the service of his country with Company H. of the
Twelfth Vermont Infantry, enlisting at Bradford. His first
assignment was on picket duty about the national capital. Later
he was transferred to the First Army Corps, in which he served
until he was mustered out with his company at Brattlcborough,
Vt.. at the close of the war. Returning home, he remained there
until 1867 when he migrated west to Winnebago county, Illinois,
and carried on farming eight months, subsequently removing to
Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and continuing to make his
living as a farmer for a year and a half. He then came to
1138 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Meriden township. Steele county, a year later moving into Som-
erset to\vnshi]j and purchased a quarter section of school land,
his present farm. In spite of his seventy-one years, he takes an
active interest in its operation, his youngest son, Lynn, assisting
him. All modern buildings and machinery of the latest types are
found on this farm, which has greatly aided in making it one of
the model farms of the county. It is located six miles from
Ovvatonna. A beautiful modern home contributes to the com-
fort of the occupants. Shorthorn cattle, Poland China and Berk-
shire hogs are raised. Mr. Whitman was one of the main pro-
moters of the Steele Center creamer}', which is situated almost
at his door, and has held every office in the gift of the creamery
association. In politics, he is an adherent of the Republican
party, and has always taken an active part in the affairs of the
community, having filled the office of postmaster at Steele Center
for twenty-five years, and also that of chairman of the township
supervisors. He is now acting as treasurer of his school board.
The Owatonna post of the Grand Army of the Republic numbers
him among its active members. He was married in 1867, to
Anna (Bryant), daughter of Augustus and Angeline (Sage)
Bryant. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman have seven children — Clarence,
formerly a minister of the Baptist Church, located near Boston,
but now a missionary to Africa ; George, an electrical engineer
of Minneapolis; Frank, manager of a creamery at Avon, Minn.;
Arthur, located at Good Thunder. Minn.; Hattie, wife of Geary
Felton, a farmer of Merton township; Charles, engaged in farm-
ing near Lyman, Lincoln county, Colorado; and Lynn, who
assists his father in the working of the old home farm. The
family are prominent in the Baptist Church. The parents of our
sitbject were natives of New Flampshire where the father fol-
lowed farming up to the time of his death. The mother also
died in the east.
Galen A. Merrill, the efficient superintendent of slate public
school for Dependent and Neglected Children, was born in Kala-
mazoo county, Michigan, December 28, 1859, a son of George
and Sabra (Wallace) Merrill. His mother was a native of New
York and his father of Connecticut. They went to Ohio at an
early day and moved from there to Michigan, where the remain-
der of their life was passed. The father died in the year 1867
and the mother in 1889. Galen A. was brought up on a farm
and received his early education in the district schools of Michi-
gan and in the high school at Ludington, Mich. lie first took
up teaching in 1879 and also commenced the study of medicine
at the State University, but failed to complete the course, drop-
ping it to accept the position of assistant superintendent of the
State Public School for Dependent Children, a position which
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1139
he held from 1882 to 1884, when he was appointed state agent
of the same school, his duties heing to visit the children placed
out in homes from that institution. He held this position for
two years and in 1886 received a call as superintendent of the
new institution of the same kind established by the state of
Minnesota at Owatonna, a position which he has held since his
appointment in that year. In this capacity for nearly a quarter
of a century he has more than demonstrated his fitness. He
combines those qualities of gentleness, firmness and justness
so necessary in dealing with children, and scores of fatherless
children who have now attained positions of responsibility and
respectability in various communities regard him as a foster
father and acknowledge their indebtedness to him for the impress
of strong and honest humanity that his life has left upon their
characters. Mr. ]\Ierrill is an active worker in the Methodist
Episcopal Church and in 1896 was one of the lay representatives
to the general conference of that church held at Cleveland, Ohio.
Having attained prominence in his chosen line of work, he is an
honored member of the National Association of Charities and
Corrections, and as such was a delegate to the conference on
the care of dependent children, held at the White House in
1909 at the call of President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Merrill's
interests, however, have not been confined to his own profession,
and at various times he has done valued service on the school
and library boards of the city of Owatonna. He was married
at Augusta, Mich., September 26, 1886, to Estella Ogden, and
to this union two children have been born : Maude, now a
student at Oberlin College. Oberlin. Ohio, and Paul O., a student
at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna.
L. John Mosher, one of our most highly respected business
men, was born at Owatonna, Minn., on February 12, 1874, his
parents being Alonzo John and Mary (liogan) Mosher, the
former a native of New York state and the latter of Wisconsin.
They came to Owatonna in 1865 and the father engaged at his
trade of carriage finisher, which vocation he has followed ever
since. The subject of our sketch received his education at the
public schools at Owatonna and liis first start in business life
was that of railroad despatching agent. This he followed until
1903, when he started in the jewelry business, forming a co-part-
nership with Mr. J. N. Schoen. Two years and a half later he
purchased the interest of Mr. Schoen and from that time he
has been sole owner and proprietor. He carries a very heavy
up-to-date stock, makes a specialty of high-grade cutglass and
china, and docs an extensive repairing business. The fact that he
enjoys a very large and steadily increasing trade goes to prove
that his square dealing and uncompromising honesty has won
1140 HISTORY ()1< RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
lor him the enviable position which he now holds in this oily.
Mr. Mosher was married to Julia E. Hughes at Dubuque, la.,
on May 23, 1907. One son has thus far blessed their union,
Donald Byron, who was born September 31, 1908. Mr. Mosher
is an independent voter and worships at the Roman Catholic
Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Knights
of Columbus. He has proved himself, by the interest he has
taken in the betterment of this community, to be a good citizen,
and is held in high esteem by all that know him. His store is
located on West Main street.
Charles W. Vinton, an enterprising business man of Owa-
tonna, who resides at 134 East School street, is a native son of
Minnesota. He was born in Summit township, .Steele county,
July 4, 1862. to Charles E. and Birtena (Hulburtj Vinton, who
came to Minnesota in the early fifties and located in Steele
county on 160 acres of land in Summit township, where the
father was engaged in general farming until 1878. He then
removed to the village of Geneva, Freeborn county, where they
are still located. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa-
tion in the district schools of Summit township and in the public
schools at Geneva. He then engaged in various labors, such as
farming, trucking and teaming, until 1899, when he opened a
store and creamery at River Point, Steele county, which business
he successfully conducted until December, 1908. At this time
he sold his business and came to Owatonna, where he entered
into a co-partnership with Mr. William Cartin, which relation
was continued until December, 1909, at which time Mr. Cartin
sold to Ml'. Vinton's nephew, Mr. George Burke. The business
is continued under the name of V^inton & Burke. The\" are
doing an extensive business in grain, flour and feed. Mr. Vinton
was married March 17, 1887, at Albert Lea, Freeborn county,
Minnesota, to Julia Scheveisco. This niiinn is blessed with
three chihiren, viz. : Earl, born Januarys 13, 1889, who is engaged
as a teacher of manual training at Lisle, Minn.; Austin, born
September 30, 1891, works with his father; Pdanche, Ijorn July
15, 1894, lives at home. Mr. Vinton is not affiliated with any
political party, but votes for the best candidate, regardless of
party ])rinciples. He is a good citizen and true friend. He
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the A. O. A.
N. P. Peterson, a prosperous contractor and builder of Owa-
tonna, Minn., has attained his success by persistent and perse-
vering hard work. He was born in Denmark, February 26,
1858, and is a son of Peter and Christina (Nelson) Peterson.
His parents came from Denmark, their native country, in 1875,
with their family, and settled on a one hundred acre farm in
Somerset township, Steele county, Minnesota. Here they made
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES lUl
a home and reared their family, and the father carried on general
farming until his decease in 1884. The mother survived till the
spring of 1895. Our subject grew up in Denmark as a farmer
boy and there attended the public schools and came to this
coimtry with his father and mother. At the age of twenty-two,
in 1880, he took up the carpenter's trade and followed it in St.
I'aul and Minneapolis some four years. Returning to his home,
in 1884, he established himself in business at Owatonna as a
builder and contractor and so continued until recent years,
during which he has worked more especially as a cement con-
tractor, building sidewalks and doing other work in that line, for
the most part in the city of Owatonna. Mr. Peterson is known
as a straightforward, upright, reliable man in his line of work
and by his honorable dealing has gained the confidence of all
who know him. He has given himself closely to his business
and has had little leisure for outside affairs. In his religious
belief he adheres loyally to the tenets of the Baptist denomina-
tion. In political sentiment he is a Republican. On December
14, 1887, Mr. Peterson married Miss Hannah, daughter of Lars
and Marie (Jensen) Peterson, who came from Denmark in 1883
and settled on a farm in Blooming Prairie township, Steele
county. The father carried on farming there till 1901, when he
sold the home farm and moved with his family to Owatonna.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four children, of whom Mae C,
the oldest, is a student at Carleton College ; Louis F. is a student
at Pillsbury Academy, and N. Paul and Dorothy Harriet are
home with their parents.
Theodore Chambers, a substantial and respected resident of
Owatonna and honored veteran of the Civil War, was born in
Warrenville, Du Page county, Illinois, October 29, 1844, son of
Joseph and Charlotte (Bargy) Chambers. He attended the com-
mon schools and was a lad of but sixteen years of age when the
news of the attack of Ft. Sumter was flashed through the North.
He impatiently waited a year and in June. 1862, at the age of sev-
enteen, enlisted in Company I*", 9Stli Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
serving through the war and being mustered out at Springfield,
III., August 17, 1865. At the close of the war he came to Minne-
sota and reached Owatonna September 6, 1865. After doing
various work a short time he wooed and won as a wife Emily
Arnold, whom he married September 14, 1866, at Faribault. Six-
months later he rented a farm in Owatonna township and
engaged successfully in farming two years. He then purchased
a farm of eighty acres in Meriden township, where he remained
six years. He next moved to Berlin township, where he farmed
twenty-six years. In 1905 he moved to Owatonna and took up
his residence at 1005 South Cedar street. For a short time he
114-3 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was engaged in the draying and the coal and wood business in
Owatonna. Mr. Chambers has served with distinction as chair-
man of the county board of supervisors several terms, and when
working on his farm he was several times chosen chairman of
his township. Mr. Chambers is a Republican in politics and
affiliates with the G. A. R. Of his five children. Edward lives
in Osage county, Kansas ; James S. is a farmer in Lemond town-
ship ; Marion is the wife of W. W. Day, Jr., an Owatonna coal
dealer ; Frank C. lives in Frankfort, S. D., and Grace is now
Mrs. L. O. Holmes, of Owatonna. Joseph Chambers and Char-
lotte Bargy, his wife, were born in Xew York state and came
to Illinois in the early forties. In 1863 they came to Owatonna
and here remained. Joseph Chambers served eleven years as
city treasurer and died in 1881. His wife died at Rochester in
1897. Benjamin L. and Celia Stokes Arnold, parents of Mrs.
Theodore Chambers, were pioneer hotel keepers of Owatonna.
The former was born in Toledo, Ohio, and the latter in England.
They came to Owatonna in 1855 and located on a farm where
the state school is now located. In 1857 they erected the Eureka
House, located where the Security Bank now stands, and in
1866 they built the Arnold House, which is located on West
Vine street. Mr. Arnold died in 1879 and his wife passed away
one year earlier.
John H. C. Schuldt, known as one of Steele CDiinty's progres-
sive farmers, was born on the farm he now owns. January 13,
1867. His education was received in the district schools, assist-
ing his father most of the time while attending, and afterwards
devoting his entire time to the work. Since his father's death,'
in 1900, he has had entire charge and has more than maintained
the three hundred and twenty acre farm in the well kept con-
dition his father left it. Two hundred and eighty acres are
under cultivation, and by hard work and adherence to common
sense principles of agriculture he has developed one of the most
productive farms in the county. He has a large number of
unusually fine Poland-China hogs. A beautiful and thoroughly
up-to-date residence adds to the comfort of Mr. Schuldt and his
family. In political convictions he is a Democrat and has served
the community as pathmaster. March 14, 1895. he was united
in marriage with Mathilda Abbe, daughter of William Abbe,
now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Schuldt. Named in order of ages they are : Alfred, Martin,
Edwin, Harold and Juanita. All live at home with the excep-
tion of Edwin and Harold, who died in infancy. Anton and
Katharena (Jans) Schuldt, parents of our subject, were natives
of Mecklenburg, Germany, where the father was employed in
railroad work. At the age of thirty he emigrated to this country,
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A.\'l'(>.\ AMI KATIIARKiNA SCIU'LUT
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1143
locating in Clayton county, Iowa, two years, and then removing
to Steele county. Minnesota, with the aid of a yoke of oxen.
Arriving here he homesteaded a claim in Lemond township,
subsequently buying the place his son now operates and con-
tinued to follow farming until his death in 1900. His wife died
six years previously. Ten children were born to them : Mary,
Henry, William, Fred, who died some years ago, Wilhelmina,
Anna. August, John H. C. Emma and Bertha. The family are
all loyal Lutherans, the father and John H. C. holding many
offices of trust in the church. The father was also prominent in
local politics, first as a Republican and later as a Democrat^
serving in many town offices.
Nels C. Bailey, one of Steele county's progressive and thrifty
farmers, was born in this county, June 29, 1864. His education
was acquired in the district schools, after which he assisted his
father for a time on the home farm before striking out for him-
self. He is now the owner of a hundred and sixty acres of well
improved land, on which he successfully follows general farming.
Sixty acres are under the plow, almost every acre of which has
been cleared by his own efforts. The buildings and machinery
are well abreast of the times. Stock raising and dairying are
important factors, high bred Durham and Holstein cattle yield-
ing profitable returns. As to political convictions, the Repub-
lican party claims his allegiance. He has always taken an active
part in local affairs and is at present serving as patlimaster and
as a school officer. In 1889 he was united in marriage to a
daughter of James McKibbon, a native of Ireland. Two chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey : y\rchie and Elmer,
both living at home. Levi and Sana (Clark) Bailey, parents of
our subject, migrated from Pennsylvania in the early days to
Minnesota, settling in Somerset township, Steele county, where
the father followed farming until quite recently. He is now
living retired at Owatonna. Of his family of thirteen children
eleven are living.
John W. Engel, wlu) holds the position of head buttermakcr
of the Pratt Creamery, was horn February 19, 1882, in Meriden
township. After receiving his education he first took up farming
for seven years in Meriden township. He then engaged in the
carpentering business for one year and in 1904 entered the Meri-
den Creamery as helper, remaining there one year. Mr. Engel
then became buttermaker at Deerfield Creamery, staying there
four years. On April 1, 1910. he accepted the position as head but-
termaker in the Pratt Creamery. Mr. Engel was given recently an
eight-piece silver dinner service, awarded to him as first prize as
the champion buttermaker of Minnesota for 1909. Average score
for six months, 95.58. Lie took part in the Educational Butter
1144 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Scoring Contest and was awarded this prize by the dairy and food
department of Minnesota. This is something of which Mr. Engel
may well be very proud. He was married on April 16, 1907, to
Anna Dusbabek. Two children have been born to them — Elden
J., born December 23, 1907, and Emily K., born December 30, 1908.
Mr. Engel politically affiliates with the Democratic party and at-
tends the Catholic Church. He is a good citizen, much esteemed
by all who know him. William Engel and Laura Engel, his wife,
parents of John W. Engel, are of German parentage, Mr. Engel
having been born in Germany. They located in Meriden town-
ship in 1880, where the father worked at his trade as blacksmith
until 1886, when the family removed to Iowa, remaining there
until 1894. They returned to Meriden township at this time, where
Mr. Engel resumed his trade for a short period, then removing
to Waldorf, Waseca county, where he has been employed at his
trade ever since. Wencl Dusbabek and Amelia, his wife, parents
of Mrs. John W. Engel, are natives of Bohemia and German}-,
respectively. They located in Rice county, Shieldsville town-
ship, where they are now farming. Mrs. Engel was born there
on August 15, 1883.
Andrew Gregerson, manager of the EUendale Lumber Com-
pany, first saw the light of day in Racine, W'is., on January 9,
1869. He received his education in Freeborn county, after which
he engaged in farming until 1901. Coming to EUendale, Mr.
Gregerson was employed by the EUendale Lumber Company
and in the spring of 1904 was made manager of the company,
which position he now holds. On August 22, 1905, Mr. Greger-
son was married at Owatonna to Agnes Schultz, of Owatonna.
They have one child. Elsie I., born I'ebruary 8, 1908. The sub-
ject of this sketch is an independent voter and a member of the
Baptist Church and of the B. A. Y. He served two terms on
the EUendale city council. Mr. Gregerson has a pleasant home
in EUendale and is a splendid citizen, always looking out for
the welfare of his home community. Jens Gregerson and Elsie
Anderson, his wife, parents of Andrew Gregerson, were natives
of Denmark, coming to .'\merica in 1867 and locating in Racine,
Wis. In the spring of 1869 they moved to Freeborn county,
where they carried on general farming. Jens Gregerson died on
the home farm in 1903. The mother still lives in Freeborn
county.
Jacob Haberman, a native of Bohemia, was born in that
country on April 14, 1851, where he acquired his education. In
1871 Jacob came to the United States with his parents, locating
in Blooming Prairie township in 1890, where he got eighty acres
from his father and added 120 acres, all in Section 19. When
bought this land was very wild and by the hardest toil Mr.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1145
Haberman now has a splendid farm as the result of his efforts.
He has a comfortable home and outbuildings and takes great
pride in his Holstein cattle. Mr. Haberman keeps seven' fine
horses. The subject of this sketch was married on October 6,
1884, to Amelia Blazk. Thej' have been blessed with six children
— Amelia and Jacob, who died; Jacob, who is a farmer; Edward
Joseph, Elsie and Freddie, all at home. Mr. Haberman is inde-
pendent in his voting, serves as road overseer and owns shares
in the F'armers' Elevator at Blooming Prairie, and is also a
member of the Creamery Association. He acts as agent for the
New York Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Haberman is
a self-made man and is a progressive citizen, esteemed by all who
know him.
Wencl Haberman and Rosa, his wife, parents of Jacob Haber-
man, wxre natives of Bohemia, coming to America in 1871 and
locating in Blooming Prairie township, where they engaged in
farming the rest of their lives. Mr. Haberman died in 1893,
his wife surviving him until 1903.
Frank Hanzlicek, a progressive farmer of Blooming Prairie
township, is a native of Bohemia, where he was born September
1, 1848. He received his education in his native land and coming
to America in 1881 located in Blooming Prairie township, where
he bought 120 acres in Section 18. Mr. Hanzlicek has built good
substantial buildings and improved his farm generally. He was
married to Josic Matjeck in Bohemia in 1871. Their home has
been blessed with nine children: Tillie, died when nineteen years
of age ; Frances, now Mrs. John Potz, of Blooming Prairie town-
ship; Amelia, now Mrs. Frank Krakora ; Mary, now Mrs. Luther
Wheeler, of Blooming Prairie village; Josie, now Mrs. Irvin
Treat, of Blooming Prairie township; Frank, who lives in North
Dakota; Joseph, still at home; Rosa, now Mrs. Edward Ruzek,
of Summit township ; Libbie, who stays at home. Mr. Hanzlicek
is a member of the Democratic party and an attendant of the
Catholic Church and a member of C. S. P. S. He has made his
way by hard work and honest labor and is a man respected by
the people of his section.
Anton J. Hondl, a successful farmer of Aurora township, is a
native of Bohemia, having been born in that country on October
14, 1871. He attended the public schools of Bohemia and fin-
ished his education in the schools of Aurora township, where
he came with his parents in 1880. Leaving school, Anton worked
with his father on the farm for three years. In the year 1890
he decided to try farming in central California, where he
remained three years. Returning to his old home in Aurora
township, Mr. Hondl farmed for two years, finally purchasing
the old home farm, which he has greatly improved. Very neat
1146 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
and up-to-date buildings have been erected, including a very
commodious barn, 36x72 feet. He has added more land during
the past few years, until now he owns 360 fertile acres. Mr.
Hondl and Lena Haubenshild were united in marriage on No-
vember 22, 1898. and enjoy a family of five children: Helen,
Beneta, Clarence, Myrtle and Clemance. The subject of this
sketch is independent in his voting, is a member of the Catholic
Church and of the M. W. A. Lodge. Mr. Hondl is a stockholder
in the Pratt Creamery and a very enterprising citizen, highly
respected by all who know him. John Hondl and Anna Groh,
his wife, parents of Anton J. Hondl, were natives of Bohemia,
coming to America in 1880. They lived in Columbus, W'is.,
one winter, after which they removed to Aurora township, where
Mr. Hondl purchased 200 acres of land in Section 19, later adding
sixty acres. Here he conducted general farming until his death
in 1907. His wife passed away in the 3-ear 1905.
Joseph E. Jerele is a native of Minnesota, where he was born
in Aurora tDwnship, April 18, 1886. After receiving his early
education at the district school he worked with h.is father on the
home farm until the spring of 1910, when he rented the farm of
eighty acres, all under cultivation, which is located in Section li,
Aurora township, and now carries on general diversified farming.
Mr. Jerele is single, having his sister Lydia as his housekeeper.
Politically he is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church,
and a highly respected and promising young man.
Louis F. Jerele was born August 4, 1881, in Aurora township,
where he attended the district schools during his boyhood. Fol-
lowing his school days he worked on his father's farm until
1903, when he engaged in farming for himself in Aurora town-
ship, where he has eighty acres of land in Section 'hZ, which he
has improved by careful cultivation. His farm buildings are
up-to-date and he employs progressive methods in conducting
the farm. Mr. Jerele makes a specialty of breeding Durham
cattle and has some fine stock. On November 2i, 1904, Agnes
Falteysek became the wife of Louis F. Jerele. They have one
child, Edward, born September 15, 1905. Mr. Jerele afSliates
with the Democratic party and is a consistent member of the
Catholic Church. He is a good and respected citizen, whom the
community holds in esteem.
John Jansa, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
ship, was born on August 2, 1849, in the land of Bohemia. John
gained his education in his native land, coming to America in
1874 and locating in Summit township in 1880. He then located
in Blooming Prairie township, purchasing 160 acres of land in
Section Z2. Here Mr. Jansa has followed general diversified
farming ever since, making splendid improvements upon his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1147
land. On February 10, 1880, he was married to Albina Pirkl,
daughter of Bernard Pirkl and Josephina Matejcek. They were
married in Somerset township. Six children have blessed their
home : John, born December 6, 1880, lives at home ; Annie, born
April 19, 1882, is now Mrs. Joseph Pirkl, a carpenter; Ludmelia,
born July 8. 1885, died December 26, 1906; William, born June 1,
1889; Martha, born September 28, 1895, is at home; Helen, born
September 1, 1899. Mr. Jansa politically is a Democrat and
attends the Catholic Church, is a member of the Z. C. B. J. and
D. P. J. He has served his township as road overseer for several
years and owns shares in the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming
Prairie township. Wencl Jansa and Terszi Bures, his wife,
parents of John Jansa. were natives of Bohemia, where they both
died. Bernard Pirkl and Josephina Matejcek, his wife, parents
of the wife of John Jansa. were natives of Bohemia, coming to
America in 1869. They located in Summit township, farming
there until the time of death came to both of them.
Joseph F. Kvasnicka, a section foreman for the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railway Company, is a native of Bohemia,
where he was born August 4, 1881. He received his education
at the district schools of Aurora township, after which he worked
with his father on the farm until he became of age. Joseph then
took up railroad work for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway Company as section laborer, which work he followed
until April, 1907. when the position of section foreman was
offered him. His section covers six miles of line, three and
one-half miles north from Pratt to two and one-half miles south
from Pratt. In the year 1907 Mr. Kvasnicka was joined in
marriage to Stella Hruska. One child has been born to them —
Eli-zabeth, born June 22, 1908. The subject of this sketch is a
Democrat in politics and attends the Roman Catholic church.
He served his township as constable for two years. Mr. Kvas-
nicka owns his home at Pratt and is a citizen esteemed by the
people of his community. Joseph Kvasnicka and Frances Her-
dana, his wife, parents of Joseph F. Kvasnicka. are natives of
Bohemia. They came to the United States in 1881 and located
in Aurora township, where they have conducted general farming
€ver since.
Lars Larson, a representative Steele county farmer, was born
in Norway, July 29, 1855. At the age of eleven he emigrated
to this country with his parents and gave what assistance he
could to the building of the new home in Section 16, Lemond
township. Steele county, Minnesota. The chances of acquiring
an education were very meagre in those days and Mr. Larson,
like most other pioneers, is self-educated. Shortly after attaining
his majority he launched out for himself and now owns his
1148 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
present farm of a hundred and sixty acres, whicli he has cleared
and raised to a high state of productiveness entirely by his own
efforts. Durham cattle and Poland-China swine are raised very
successfully, contributing much to the profits of the farm. He
spent five years in Owatonna while educating his family, work-
ing for a lumber company and hauling gravel, afterwards return-
ing to the farm, where he now resides. A comfortable house at
144 Rose street, Owatonna, is his property also. In political
convictions he is a Republican and has always borne his part in
local affairs, having served as school supervisor for many years.
In 1882 he was married to Julianna Hendrickson, by whom he
has four children : Harry, living at home ; Jesse, interested in
the automobile business in South Dakota; and Raymond and
Grace, who are both living at home. The family are loyal
attendants of the Lutheran Church. Hans Larson, father of
our subject, came over from Norway in 1866, locating in Lemond
township, Steele count}-, where he was engaged in farming up
to the time of his death.
August Linse, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township,
Steele county, was born in Germany, September 7, 1851. After
receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to this
country with his parents at the age of seventeen, locating with
them on a farm in Dodge county, ^Visconsin. In 1872 he removed
to Steele county, doing farm work for a time in Somerset town-
ship and then in Owatonna, gradually acquiring the means to
purchase the 160 acre farm he now owns in Aurora township,
and on which he is still engaged in general diversified farming,
making a specialty of the breeding and raising of high class
Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. A nearby creamery-
affords a good market for his milk and helps to make the dairy
end of his business a profitable one. In politics he follows the
guidance of the Democratic party and has always been actively
interested in local aft'airs, at present serving as a member of
the school board and has had several years in ofiice as super-
visor. In 1875 he married Sophia Mueller, by whom he has five
children : Mary, wife of August Longrehen, a farmer of Havana
township; Minnie, married to Paul Howe, a railroad man of
Minneapolis; Laura, wife of Ernest Hargefelt. a harnessmaker
of Owatonna: William, a carpenter by trade, living at home;
and August, who assists in running the home farm. Gottlieb
and Minnie (Herford) Linse, parents of our subject, left Ger-
many in 1868 for America, locating in Dodge county, W^isconsin,
where the father followed general farming until his death in
1872. The mother later made her home with a daughter in
Somerset township, and died there in 1893.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1149
Edward Linse, a progressive farmer of Aurora township, was
born on Januarj- 8, 1880, in Aurora township, where he received
his educaiion in the district schools. He then took up farming
with his father until he became of age. Purchasing eighty acres
from his father in Section 16 of his home township in 1901, and
adding sixty more, making 140 fertile acres, Mr. Linse has
greatly improved and developed his land. He has erected a new
home and outbuildings in the past few years and carries on his
splendid farm in a very up-to-date manner. On May 1, 1901,
Mr. Linse was joined in marriage to Emma Ahlborn and their
home has been made bright by four children : Ervin, Mamie,
Elmer and Edwin. The subject is independent in his voting, a
member of the Lutheran Church and a good citizen, respected
by his community. Carl Linse and Augusta Lutz, his wife,
parents of Edward Linse. are natives of Germany, coming to
America at an early date. In 1874 they removed to Steele
county and purchased 100 acres, which he sold later and again
purchased 160 acres in Section 17, Aurora township, to which
he added from time to time until he owned nearly 700 acres, all
in Aurora township. He continued his general farming business
until 1907, when he retired and removed to Owatonna, where
he still lixes.
Ferdinand Liebrenz, a very successful farmer of Merton
township, is a native of Germany, having been born on May 28,
1872. Ferdinand attended the schools of his native land, cominsT
to America when he was eighteen years old and locating in Rice
county, where he worked out on diflferent farms for two years.
Removing to Steele county, he worked out until 1898, then pur-
chasing 245 acres in Section 28, Merton township. Since that
time Mr. Liebrenz has sold forty acres, leaving 205 acres, upon
which he has done general farming up to the present time. He
has made many splendid improvements. Within the past few
years Mr. Liebrenz has planted an apple orchard and made a
grove around his home. In 1897 he was joined in marriage to
Hattie Schuelcr, to whom has been born three children : Annie,
Alfreda and Myrtle. Mr. Liebrenz politically is a Republican
and religiously is an attendant of the German Methodist Church.
The subject is a self-made man, for whom his community has
respect and admiration.
Frederick Liebrenz and Tina, his wife, parents of Ferdinand
Liebrenz. were natives of Germany. The father died in 1905,
the mother in 1907.
John Lageson, who conducts a general mercantile business at
Ellendale, is a native of Houston county, Minnesota, where he
was born March 1, 1875. He received his early education at the
district schools. John then became interested in a general store
1150 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
at Cooleysville. Upon leaving tlie store he attended the X'alder
Business College at Decorah, la. Returning from college, he
again started in business, remaining until 1901. At this time
Mr. Lageson formed the Ellendale Mercantile Company, of
which he is general manager. On September 30, 1899. the sub-
ject of this sketch was married to Isabella Torgerson. Four
children have been given ]Mr. and Mrs. Lageson: Edgar. Julian,
Arnold and Melvin. Mr. Lageson is a Republican politically
and a member of the Lutheran Church. He has served as alder-
man for three 3-ears, is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator
■of Ellendale and is interested in the Ellendale Rural Telephone
Company. Mr. Lageson is a self-made man and a citizen much
respected in his community.
Filing Lageson and Martha Bakke, his wife, parents of John
Lageson, were natives of Norway. They emigrated to America
at an early date, locating in Wisconsin in 1851. Filing Lageson
removed to Houston county, Minnesota, where he carried on a
farm until 1876. Coming to Berlin township. Steele county, he
conducted a farming business until compelled because of old
age to retire from active life. Mr. Lageson died in December,
1906. Mrs. Lageson still lives on the old home farm.
Louis Monson, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, Minne-
sota, is a native of Lerdoll. Bergen Stift, Norway, being born in
1845. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, having the
usual experience of a Norwegian farmer boy and acquiring his
education in the public schools. Leaving school at the age of
eighteen, he spent a couple of years at various kinds of work in
Christiania. and then emigrated to America, making the voyage
on the "Quebec," one of the fast sailing ships of that period.
Arriving in this country, he located near Decorah. Illinois, where
he spent a summer working on a farm. The following year.
1865, he removed to Steele county, and after several years of
hard farm work amassed the means necessary for the purchase
of his present well improved farm of eighty acres. In politics
he inclines toward the doctrines of the Democratic party, but
always casts his ballot for what he believes the best interests of
the community. He was married, in 1875. to Ida Anderson, by
whom he had eleven children, six of whom are living: Ole A.,
a farmer of Summit township ; Martha, wife of William Wein-
knecht ; Dora, married to Cunar Fenkedall. a carpenter ; Martin,
who resides at home ; Richard, of Summit township, and Edna,
living at home. The family attend worship at the Lutheran
church. The parents of our subject were natives of Norway,
the father being engaged in farming all his life.
Theodore Monson, a live and energetic young farmer of
Steele county, is a native son of that county, his natal date being
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1151
January 20, 1882. After receiving his education in the district
schools he engaged in farming with his father and now conducts
the old home place of 180 acres with his brother Mons. The
brothers are believers in modern buildings and machinery and
their farm is a splendid example of up-to-date agriculture. About
sixty acres is under the plow, but much of the farm is devoted
to stock raising, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs being
their specialty'. Andrew Monson, father of our subject, was
born in Lerdahl, Norway, May 9, 1846. Completing his educa-
tion in the Fatherland, he emigrated to this country at the age
of twenty, first settling in Wisconsin and then in Steele county,
Minnesota, where he followed farming until his death in 1908.
Me was married to Betsie Thompson, also a native of Norway,
by whom he had eight children, six of whom are now living:
Mons, born in Steele county, April 12, 1872, is engaged in farm-
ing in Havana township; Louis is a farmer of Waseca county;
Anna is the wife of Edward Hanson, a farmer of Lemond town-
ship ; Theodore, the subject of this sketch; Andrew is located
at Waterloo, la., and Margaret is living at home. The family
are loyal members of the Lutheran Church, in which the father
held many offices of trust. In politics he was a Republican.
Hans P. Paulsen, a very progressive farmer of Blooming
Prairie township, is a native of Denmark, the date of his birth
Ijeing June 14, 1865. Hans received his education in his native
land, after which he engaged in farming until coming to America
in 1884. Locating in Blooming Prairie township, in 1894, Mr.
Paulsen purchased an eighty acre farm in Section 11 and in 1902
sold this property and bought 160 acres in Section 9 of Blooming-
Prairie township. He has built new and modern buildings,
which include a s])lendid barn, 56x60 feet, and fully improved
this land, upon which he makes his home. He makes a specialty
of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and takes pride in his
Belgian and Percheron horses. Mr. Paulsen was joined in mar-
riage on October 20, 1894, to Mattie Nelson. Their home has
been made happy by eight children, who are all at home : Rasmus,
Esther, Mable, Emma, Lillie, Arthur, William and Clarence.
Mr. Paulsen is a loyal Republican and religiously affiliates with
the Danish Lutheran Church. He has always been interested in
the welfare of his community, having been constable for two
years, and is at present treasurer of the school district, which
office he has held for six years. He is a member of the Union
Creamery Association and a man highly respected by the people
of his section. Christian Jensen and .^nna D. Paulsen, his wife,
parents of Hans P. Paulsen, were natives of Denmark. Christian
Jensen died in his native land in 18(S8 and Mrs. Jensen still
remains in the old Denmark home.
1153 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Herman Frederick Pauzer, an enterprising farmer of Berlin
township, was born in Prussia, Germany, thirl3'-eight years ago,
coming to America with his parents in 1876 and settling in
Owatonna. In 1896 Herman came to Berlin township and pur-
chased eighty acres of land in Section 3, where he now lives.
He conducts a general diversified farming business. Mr. Pauzer
was married to Hannah Sommers on March 31, 1896. to uhom
six children have been born: Ernest, who died September 21,
1897: Grace, William, Herman, Rose, all at home; Hannah Eliza-
beth, died April 24. 1910. Mr. Pauzer politically is a Democrat
and an adherent of the German Lutheran Church. He has served
his township as supervisor for two years, was constable for four
years, justice of the peace for two years, and has been a trusted
officer of the Deerfield Insurance Compan}- for eight years. Mr.
Pauzer is a good citizen, always alert to the needs of his.
community.
Mr. Panzer's father, after coming to the United States in
1876, worked out by the day until 1877. when he purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Somerset township. u])on which farmingi
was continued until the time of his death in 1899. The mother
died in 1881.
Joseph W. Brierton, of Aurora township, first saw the light
of day in Lee count}-, Illinois, on July 21, 1851, where he acquired
his education in district schools. Coming to Aurora township,
Joseph farmed with his father until October 1. 1891, then bought
the home farm of 160 acres in Section 7, Aurora township, and
added 160 acres adjoining in Section 8, making 320 acres. In
1902 he rented his farm and moved to C)watonna and resided
there until 1907. when he returned to the home farm.
John S. Renchin, for many years a well known farmer of
Aurora township, is a native of Bohemia, his natal date being
December 2h. 18.^1. At an early age he emigrated to this country
with his parents, who located in Steele county, Minnesota, the
father engaging in farming. John S. received his education in
the district schools, after which he gave his whole attention to
farming, with such success that he acquired his present farm of
160 acres. Sixty of this is under the plow, the remainder being
well utilized for pasturage and .woodland. Dairying is exten-
sively carried on. a fine herd of Shorthorn and Durham cattle
supplying milk, which nets a good price at a nearby creamery.
Poland-China hogs have also been a factor in the success of this
farm. All modern improvements have been added and a beauti-
ful home adds to the comfort of the family. It is an eleven-mile
drive from his farm to Owatonna, the usual market. In political
faith Mr. Renchin is a Democrat, and though he has never
aspired to office, he has served many years as treasurer of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1153
his school district. In 1890 he was married to Celia Zak, daugh-
ter of Joseph Zak, a retired farmer. Five children have been
born to this union : Josie. Johnnie, Walter, Lewis and Alice.
The family worship at the Catholic Church. John and Catherine
Renchin. parents of our subject, emigrated from Bohemia, locat-
ing in Steele count}', Minnesota, where the father was engaged
in farming up to the time of his death. The mother is still
living at Owatonna.
Peter Sorenson, a well known farmer of Steele county, was
born in Denmark, July 14, 1863. At the age of nine years he
crossed the waters with his parents, who located on a farm in
Lemond township. Steele county, where he passed his boyhood,
receiving a somewhat scanty education in the district schools.
After leaving school he worked in St. Paul for three years and
then returned to this count}- and engaged in farming on his
present place of a hundred and twenty acres, every acre of this
having been won from the wilderness by his own efforts. The
entire farm is under cultivation, and through common sense agri-
culture and hard work Mr. Sorenson has made it one of the
model farms of the county. In politics he is a staunch adherent
of the Republican party and is keenly alive to all that tends for
the welfare of the community. He has served on the town
board over ten years. June 13, 1891, he was married to Lena
Erikson, daughter of Martin Erikson, of Bixby. They have five
children: Harry, George, Alice, Herman and Clarence. The
family are believers in the faith of the Lutheran Church. August
and Lena (Hansen) Sorenson, parents of Peter, emigrated to
this country in 1873, at once locating on a farm in Lemond town-
ship, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father followed farm-
ing up to his death in 1891. The mother died a year later. Mr.
Sorenson was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran
Church. Five children were born to them : Hans, a farmer near
Owatonna; Mary, wife of Frank Johnson, of Owatonna; Chris,
who married Sophia Peterson: Henry, engaged in farming in
Clinton Falls township ; and Peter, our subject.
A. G. Schmidt, an enterprising farmer of Meriden township,
Steele county, was born in West Prussia, Germany, November
2, 1874. At the age of eight he emigrated to America with his
parents, who settled on a farm in Meriden township, on which
he passed his boyhood, receiving his education in the district
schools. After school he assisted his father on the home farm
for a time, and then struck out for himself, acquiring his present
farm of eighty acres of highly productive land by hard work
and industry. Fifty-five acres are under the plow, the remainder
yielding a good income as woodland and pasturage. A large
herd of Holstein cows yield liberal returns, the milk being dis-
1154 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
posed of to a nearby creamery at good prices. Poland-China
swine are a specialty of Mr. Schmidt's. In politics he is a
believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, and though he
has never desired office has served three years as supervisor of
Meriden township. He is associated with the Mutual Aid Insur-
ance Company of Iowa. During 1905 he was married to Minnie
Kottke. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt :
Alice, Carl, Alvin and Mildred. The family attend worship at
the Lutheran Church. Herman John and Carolina Schmi<lt,
parents of our subject, crossed the waters in 1882, locating for
a short time in .Somerset township, .Steele county, Minnesota,
and then in Meriden township, where the father followed general
farming up till 1904. He then moved to Owatonna with his
wife, having since retired from active work. Four sons were
born to them: A. G., our subject: .August and Emil, of Meriden
township ; and Rudolph, of Iowa.
O. D. Selleck, a prominent farmer of Steele county, was born
in Racine, \Vis., June 19, 1854. While still an infant he came
with his parents to Steele county, receiving what education pos-
sible in the crude schools of those times and afterwards assisting
his father on the farm before engaging in agriculture on his own
account. His present place consists of 120 acres of productive
land, all of which is under the plow with the exception of twenty
acres devoted to woodland. Besides general mixed farming,
dairying and cattle, sheep and horse raising is extensively car-
ried on, Mr. Selleck having thirty head of high bred Shorthorn
and Holstein cattle, which supply milk of the best quality to a
nearby creamery, and seventy head of Shropshire sheep, which
contribute heavily to the net profits. Good all-around horses are
bred and raised. Up-to-date buildings and machinery assist
much in the working of the farm. As to political convictions
he is a staunch Republican and has filled many positions of trust,
having served as town clerk, supervisor, school board member,
and four years as county commissioner. The Knights of Pythias
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen count him among
their valued members. In 1874 he was married to Margaret
Russell, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell, pio-
neers of Steele county. Mr. and Mrs. Selleck have one daughter,
Ada, who is engaged in teaching. Alson and Mary A. (Kent)
Selleck, parents of our subject, are natives of St. Lawrence
county. New York. Joining the tide of emigration westward, in
1849, they located in Wisconsin, where the father continued a
farmer six years, then removing to Steele county and pre-empt-
ing the farm he still owns. After living in a tent for a short
while they moved into a then luxurious log cabin, which was
their dwelling for many years. Indians and other pioneer trials
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1155
liad to be endured. Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell,
parents of Mrs. O. D. Selleck, now deceased, were also pioneers
of this county, coming from New York state in 1867.
Joseph Shubert is one of the prosperous farmers of Blooming
Prairie township, where he has lived about thirty-five years.
He was born in Bohemia and came to America in 1874, living a
year in Indiana before coming here. He is assisted on his farm
of 200 acres by his son, Anton Shubert, one of the well-liked men
of the community.
John Virtue, an old and respected farmer of Steele county,
was born in the northern part of Ireland, December 14, 1833.
After receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to
America, locating in Columbia county. New York, where he
followed farming seven years. He then removed to Steele county
in 1859, purchased his present 460-acre farm, on which he still
resides, his son Emmett attending to the management. In poli-
tics he has always been an active Democrat, serving one term
as a member of the state legislature during 1893, and has filled
all township offices and served as a member of the school board.
The E]3iscopal Church values him as a loyal member. In Octo-
ber, 1856. lie was united in marriage with Mary Dinan, who
came over from Ireland in 1850. The children, five of whom are
living, are : D. E., a manufacturer of Owatonna ; W. J., engaged
in farming near Owatonna; Leonard, who owns and conducts a
farm near Blooming Prairie; Emmett, who operates the home
farm ; and Alice M., who lives at home. Emmett J., who con-
ducts the home farm, was born on the old homestead, April 17,,
1871. After receiving his education in the district schools and
completing with a course in the Owatonna high school, he gave
his attention to farming, which he has since followed, now
having entire charge of his father's farm, and in addition owns
200 acres of fine pasturage. High grade Shorthorn cattle are
raised on an extensive scale, and modern improvements and
equipments make economical farming. As to political convic-
tions he is a Democrat, having served in numerous township
offices. The C. O. F. and the Knights of Columbus count him
as an active brother. In religious matters he follows the guid-
ance of the Catholic Church.
Albert Wilker, a prosperous farmer of Meriden township, is a
native son of Steele county, his natal date being February 4,
1878. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, receiving
his education in the district schools. His school days over, he
engaged in farming, now owning 240 acres of finely cultivated
land, with buildings and equipment of the most modern type.
He makes a specialty of breeding and raising Shorthorn and
Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. In politics he is a fol-
1156 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lower ami belitvcr in the tenets of the Republican party. March
7, 1903, he was married to Lena Ahlers, daughter of John Ahiers,
a prominent farmer of Steele county. Two children have blessed
this marriage, Edna and Irma. The family are loyal attendants
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Wilker is a son of John and
Emelia (W'elk) \\'ilker, the father a retired farmer of Owatonna.
William Woker, an up-to-date farmer of Steele county, was
born in Washington county. Wisconsin. October 29, 1858. At
the age of eight years he removed with his parents to Steele
county, his father soon afterwards settling on a 160-acre farm
in Meridcn township. After receiving his education in the dis-
trict schools he assisted his father in carrying on the home place
until 1880. when he bought his present farm, consisting of 160
acres of well improved land, which he has brought to a high
state of productiveness through hard work and modern methods
of agriculture. Fine Durham cattle and Poland-China swine
are his specialties. The Democratic jjarty claims his allegiance
in matters of politics and he has ably served on the town board
and thirteen years as school treasurer. October ,3, 1880, he was
imited in marriage with Othilia Stelter, daughter of \\'illiani
Stelter, a tailor by trade. Seven children have come of this
marriage : George, an engraver and watchmaker of Oskaloosa,
la. : and Ernest. Ida. Alfred, Eddie, Luella and Charles, all reside
at home. The Lutheran Church counts the family as valued
members. Herman and Wilhelmina (Hager) Woker, parents of
our subject, were natives of Lippedepenold, Germany, where the
father followed farming. Emigrating to America about 1848, he
located near Freeport, 111., and engaged in farming three years,
subsequently removing to AN'ashington count}', Wisconsin. In
1866 he came to Steele county and after residing a year in Owa-
tonna purchased a quarter section in Meriden townshij) and con-
tinued farming until his death in 1887. The mother died five
years later. He was prominent in the Lutheran Church and in
the Democratic party, serving four years as justice of the peace
while in Wisconsin. Eight children were born to him and his
wife: Louisa, Riche. Christian. Henrietta, Minnie, Caroline.
W'illiam and Fred.
Samuel Wanous, a farmer of Havana township, Steele cotmty,
was born in this county. ]\larcli 7, 1872. Completing his educa-
tion in the district schools, he immediately engaged in farming
and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Havana township,
which he purchased in 1902. Two-thirds of this land is under
the plow, the remainder being utilized to the best advantage as
woodland and pasturage. Strictly modern and up-to-date build-
ings and machinery, which have all been added by the present
occupant, have been material in raising this farm to its high state
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1157
of productiveness. High-grade slock furnishes milk tiiai brings
the highest returns from the local creamery. Mr. Wanous also
owns a large number of Poland-China hogs. In political convic-
tions he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in all public
affairs. He was married, in 1901, to Rosa Stursa, daughter of
John and Anna Stursa. They have four children : Rosa, Georgia,
Samuel and Alice, all living at home. John and Anna, parents
of our subject, came over from Bohemia forty-seven years ago,
at once locating in Steele county, where the father followed farm-
ing. He is still living at Pratt, Steele county, enjoying a ripe
old age. Eleven children were born to him and his good wife,
all of whom are leading a useful life.
N. O. Partridge, a self-made farmer of Steele county, was
born in Dane county. Wisconsin, December 12, 1854. His edu-
cation was received in the common and high schools of Dane
county, concluding with a course in a commercial college at
Madison. After his graduation he taught school for ten years
and then emigrated west to Montana, where he accumulated most
of his property, afterward returning to Wisconsin for a time,
coming to Steele county in the spring of 1889 and purchasing
eighty acres in Clinton Falls township and forty acres one mile
east of Owatonna. The entire 120 acres is under the plow and
in spite of poor health he has been successful in his farming
operations. Much attention is given to dairying, graded stock
being bred and raised. All modern improvements conducive to
up-to-date farming and the comfort of the family have been
added, the home being fitted with heat, gas and the other con-
veniences. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic
party and has always taken an active part in local affairs, having
served as county commissioner, chairman of township board of
supervisors, president of Merton Creamery, president of Deer-
field Insurance Company, vice-president of the Farmers' Ele-
vator and Mercantile Company, secretary of Steele County Good
Roads Association, and director of the school board.
He is now a member of the Minnesota Co-operative Dairies
Association, for the marketing of Minnesota butter; secretary
of Merton Telephone Company, and member of town board.
In 1889 he was married to Anna Van Buren, by whom he has
three children: Jessie R., attending the University of Minne-
sota as a junior; Charles A., a graduate of the Owatonna high
school: and Osborne V. B., who is in his senior high school year.
Joseph and Ruth Ann (Scott) Partridge, parents of our subject,
were born and reared in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, respec-
tively. The father was a merchant and shipper of Boston for
many j-ears, but later removed to Wisconsin and engaged in
farming. He died in 1861. The mother deceased at Owatonna
1158 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in 1885. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are
living. Martin and Rose (Buhhnan) Van Bnren, parents of
Mrs. N. O. Partridge, resided in Wisconsin until the spring of
1901, when they moved to Owatonna. He died in 1904.
Conrad Henry Wilker, a well known farmer of Meriden town-
ship, Steele county, was born in Guttenburg, la., August 22,
1854. Two years after his birth his parents came to Steele county
and here he received his education in the district schools and
grew to manhood. Leaving school, he assisted his father in the
carrying on of the home farm until he became of age, and then
engaged in farming on his own account, having since acquired
a well improved and highly productive farm of 320 acres, well
stocked with cattle and high-bred hogs of the Duroc-Red variety.
As to political faith he is loyal to the Republican party and has
ably served four years as county commissioner and is now round-
ing out his fifteenth year as a member of the district school
board. He has also filled numerous township offices. April 5,
1876, he was united in marriage with Dora Abbe, daughter of
Henry Abbe, a resident of Meriden township, before his decease.
Ten children have been born to this marriage : Martha, who is
married to Fred Henkensiefken, a farmer of Berlin, has two
children, James and Elsie; H. C, engaged in farming in Berlin
township, is married to Lena Vanberg and has five children,
Mamie, Oliver, Clarence, Alice and Ruby ; John, a farmer of
Meriden, is married to Martha Dinse, has one child, Irena ;
Emma, is the wife, of Carl Ruel, a farmer of Summit township,
and has two children, Esther and Mabel ; Ella, now Mrs. Fred
Dinse, has one child. Alma; and Mary, Mathilda, Herman, Clara
and Dora all live at home. The family are loyal adherents to
the faith of the German Lutheran Church. Christopher Henry
and Louisa (Ribbe) Wilker, parents of Conrad Henry, are
natives of Hanover, Germany. The father emigrated to the
United States at about the age of twenty-one, and after working
on a canal for a time and seeing a good deal of the country, he
finally located in Guttenburg, la., where he followed farming.
In 1856 he came to Steele county, together with other hardy
pioneers, and homesteaded the farm now known as the Mrs.
Brase place, in Meriden township, remaining here until 1890,
when he removed to San Diego, Cal., where he now lives retired
from active life. Ten children were born to him, six of whom
are still living: John H., of Owatonna; Conrad Henry, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; Anna, wife of John Scholljegerdes, a farmer
of Lemond township ; William, engaged in farming in Summit
township ; E. L., a farmer of Havana township ; and Mary, mar-
ried to Frank Janke, a prominent fruit grower of California and
interested in politics.
ii. w ii.Ki.i;
PUB.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1159
T. E. Barker, one of Medford township's substantial farmers,
is a native of tiie state of New York. He was born in Homer,
Cortland county, April 28, 1845. In 1863 the Barker family
came to Minnesota and located in Lemond township, where the
subject of this sketch attended the district school. Upon leaving
school Mr. Barker followed farming and when about twenty-four
years of age purchased railroad land in Lemond township. Here
he lived and labored for eighteen years. Selling this property,
he bought land in Medford township, which he cultivated for
three years, then disposed of this farm and removed to Missouri,
where he bought land and lived six years. Returning to Minne-
sota, Mr. Barker rented a farm for a year before he secured the
162 acres in Medford township, upon which he still resides. In
1874 T. E. Barker was united in marriage to Clara Curtis. Their
home has been blessed by eight children: Ella Grace, Clara
B., now a teacher in Oregon; T. F. Barker, a farmer in
Havana township; W. G. Barker, now a resident of North
Dakota; Charles B., deceased, W. S., Josephine and Esther still
remain under the parental roof. Mr. Barker is a stanch Repub-
lican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and holds the
office of pathmaster in Lemond township. He is interested in
all that promotes the prosperity of his home community and is
a stockholder in the Medford Creamery. Barzillai Barker and
Serena Chollar, his wife, parents of T. E. Barker, were natives,
respectively, of Rhode Island and New York. Mr. Barker was
a blacksmith by trade, but left this occupation to engage in farm-
ing. In 1863 he came to Minnesota and located in Lemond
township, where he bought land, i)ut only lived one year after
coming West. The mother died later on the old homestead.
Riley A. Case, a progressive farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born August 22, 1868. After receiving all the
education possible in the neighboring district school he engaged
in farming on the home place with his father, now having the
entire management. The farm consists of 160 acres of well
improved land in Somerset township and is well equipped with
modern buildings and machinery, far diilferent than it was in the
early days when the grain was mowed with a scythe and a log
cabin sufficed for a dwelling. A large herd of Durham cattle
furnish milk of a grade which commands top prices at a neigh-
boring creamery. Poland-China hogs are also a profitable fac-
tor. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican party.
Phelps and Catherine (Powell) Case, parents of our subject, were
among the earliest settlers of this county, the father coming here
from Connecticut and pre-empting the quarter-section now
owned by his son in 18.S6. Every man had to depend on himself
in those days, and the hardships and privations discouraged all
1160 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
but the stoutest spirits. Mr. Case proved to be of true pioneer
stuff, however, and now lives with his wife on his son's farm,
enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Nine children were born
to him: William, the oldest is an architect at Duluth ; Addie
May is deceased: Sam S. is engaged in the livery business at
Rochester, Minn.; Delbert is connected with the wholesale firm
of Stone, Ordey & Wells, of Duluth; Riley A., our subject;
Charles, a farmer of Dodge county ; Jeanette is married to E. H.
Naylor, a farmer of Merton township ; Mamie is the wife of T. A.
Kuchenbecker; and Frankie died in infancy. Phelps Case has
always been an active member of the Republican party, serving
for eighteen vears as town clerk and in many school offices.
Alexander Chambers, a live and progressive farmer of Steele
county, was born in Havana township, Steele county. January
12, 1873. The beginning of his education was received in the
district schools of Havana, later attended Pillsbury Academy,
and concluding with a course at Lawrence University, of Apple-
ton, Wis. After leaving school he engaged in teaching five years
and then liought a general store at Pratt, ]\linn.. in partnership,
with Willis Chambers, remaining in this business for two years.
After disposing of his mercantile interests he purchased the farm
which he now operates, consisting of a hundred and sixty acres
of well improved land, mostly under cultivation. All machinery
and buildings are of up-to-date style, a cement silo furnishing a
large proportion of the feed for his herd of thoroughbred Hol-
steins. Fie is actively interested in the Havana Creamery, having
served as its president five years and as secretary and manager
one. A large number of Yorkshire hogs add to the productive-
ness of the farm. Mr. Chambers takes an active part in local
politics as a Republican, now serving as chairman of the trustees
of Havana village. June 28, 1899, he was married to Rose M.
Crickmore, daughter of Robert Crickmore, whose sketch appears
elsewhere. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cham-
bers, four of whom are living. Named in order of ages they are:
Robert Burton, Lindsey Alexander (deceased), Emma Lucy,
George William, and Charles Frank. George and Emma (Burns)
Chambers, parents of our subject, are natives of Belfast. Ireland,
and New York, respectively. The father emigrated to this country
at the age of twenty-one, locating in Cattaraugas county. New
York, as a foreman on the Genessee Valley Canal. In 1856 he
came to Steele county, shortly afterwards spending a winter in
Winona, and then returned and purchased a farm in Havana
township of Danforth Potter, on which he followed general farm-
ing until his death in 1898. His wife followed him to the great
beyond seven years later. He was prominent in local politics,
serving as a member of the town board many years. In religious
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1161
faith he was a Presbyterian and in his early days was an elder in
the church of that denomination at Owatonna. Seven children
were born to him : Sarah Isabel, wife of M. E. White, of Clare-
mont : Minnie May, married to Emery Reynolds, of Indianapolis ;
Margaret Jane, now Mrs. W. E. Williams; Alexander, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; AVilliam J., who operates a tiling machine in
partnership with his two younger brothers. George J. and
Frank R.
D. Searls, an old and prominent resident of Merlon township,
Steele county, was born in New York state, March 27, 1838. His
education was received in the district schools, afterwards work-
ing on his father's farm until the outbreak of the war, when he
enlisted with Company B, Thirty-fifth New York Volunteer
Infantry, in May, 1861, the time of the first call to arms. His
regiment formed part of the Army of the Potomac and he saw
active service in all the battles of his regiment, among them being
those of first and second Bull Run, in the latter of which he was
wounded. South Mountain, Maryland, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville and Chantille. At the close of the struggle he
was mustered out at Elmira, N. Y. Returning to civil life, in
1865, he migrated west and settled on eighty acres, which he has
now increased to 200, in Merton township, Steele county. Single-
handed he attacked the virgin soil, gradually bringing it up to its
present state of productiveness. At first he lived in a rude log
shanty, but this was soon supplanted by a comfortable frame
dwelling. He has about one hundred acres under cultivation
and does general farming, raising cattle and Poland-Oiina hogs
with much success. Roy, Ralph and Erwin, the three boys living
at home, attend to the working of the place, though Mr. Searls
takes an active part in the direction of affairs. In politics he is
an adherent of the Republican part\'. James A. Goodwin Post,
No. 81, Grand .'\rmy of the Republic, counts him a valued lucm-
ber. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Celestine Wallace,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (Putnam) Wallace, of Vermont. Six
children have blessed this marriage: Walter, of the state of
W^ashington; and Marion, Gertrude, Roy, Ralph and Erwin, all
living at home. The family attend the Methodist Church.
Walter and Charlotte (Cook) Searls. parents of our subject, were
born and raised in New York state, where the father followed
farming up to the time of his death. The mother is also deceased.
Eight children were born to them, four of whom are still living.
Peter Brosen, an energetic young farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born July 6, 1880. After receiving a common
school education in the district schools and a thorough knowledge
of farming on his father's farm he launched out for himself, now
■carrying on extensive farming operations on 160 acres of his own
1162 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
in Section 26, Merton township, and on 400 adjoining which he
rents. High-grade Durham cattle are raised, which supply cream
of the best quality to a neighboring creamery, of which Mr.
Brosen is a stockholder. Poland-China hogs are also a monej'-
making factor. The house and barn, together with all the numer-
ous outbuildings, have been remodeled and are now strictly up-to-
date. As to political convictions he is a Republican, but has
never aspired to office. In 1902 he was united in matrimony
with Georgia Naylor, daughter of George and Jennie (Smart)
Naylor, well known pioneer settlers of this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Brosen have two children : George N. and Lester Emerson.
Nels and Mary (Scott) Brosen, parents of Peter, are natives of
Denmark. In 1873 the}- emigrated to this country, farming it
in Wisconsin for a year, and then removed to Merton township.
Steele county, still residing on the old farm, consisting of forty-
three acres, adjoining their son"s property.
Wilhelm F. Wilker, one of Sunnnit township's prosperous
citizens, was a native of the state, having begun life in Meriden
township, January 29, 1859. Here he went to school in a log
cabin in the pioneer days of Minnesota. In 1880 Mr. Wilker
was married to Minnie ]\Iueller, daughter of Adolph Mueller.
Nine children have been added to their home: Carl, living in
Summit township; Bertha, living in Owatonna : Anna, living in
Arkansas ; Minnie, now in Meriden township ; August, Alma,
Arthur, Elda and Wilhelm, Jr., still remain at home. Mr Wilker
has a fine farm home of 160 acres in Summit township, twelve
miles from Owatonna, where he has lived fourteen years. Prior
to this he lived in Meriden township, also on a farm. A fine herd
of Durham cattle thrive in his pastures, the milk from which is
sold at the creamery. He raises Poland-China hogs and is pro-
gressive in all his methods. Mr. Wilker is a member of the
Lutheran Church, chairman of the township board, member of
the town board and is a public-spirited citizen.
Leonard Virtue, who is serving his county as state representa-
tive, is one of its most honored and respected citizens. He was
born in Clinton Falls township. Steele county, April 2, 1865,
receiving his education in the district schools, the Owatonna
high school, and concluding with a course in Pillsbury Academy.
Leonard then taught school for two terms, after which he assisted
his father on the old home farm until 1888, when he removed to
Owatonna and engaged in the flour, feed and grain business.
Two years later he became associated with the Hastings and
Diment Mills, known as the Hastings ]\Iilling Company after
Mr. Diment's retirement in 1893. Mr. Virtue's business ability
soon made itself felt, and when the company was re-incorporated
after Mr. Hastings' death he was elected president, successfully
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1163
managing the plant till 1907, when he disposed of his interest and
removed to Blooming Prairie. Here he purchased what is known
as the "V'ig P"arm," consisting of six hundred acres of fine land,
all in the corporate limits. On this magnificent estate Mr.
Virtue still follows general farming, dairying and stock raising,
having one of the finest herds of Durham cattle in the state.
The Democratic party counts him as a very active supporter,
his wide popularity making him a valuable candidate. In 1890
he served the city of Owatonna as alderman of the Second Ward ;
1895, he was elected mayor of the city, holding the office three
times ; and in 1907 he was appointed on the Owatonna state
school board of control by Governor Johnson for a term of six
years. Two years later, in 1909, he was obliged to resign, having
been elected state representative, which position he is now ably
filling. During 1907 he was a member of the Owatonna free
public library board for a few months, resigning shortly after his
election on account of his removal to Blooming Prairie. Mr.
Virtue was one of the stockholders in the old Security Bank of
Owatonna. The Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Owatonna Gun Club count him an
active member of their respective organizations. He was identi-
fied with the Owatonna Commercial Club for several years. At
Minneapolis, Alay 30, 1889, he was united in marriage with Mabel
L. Carpenter. They have one child, Gladys L., who is a student
of the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn.
The family attend the Universalist Church. John and Mary A.
(Dinnin) Virtue, parents of Leonard, are natives of Ireland.
Emigrating to America in 1855, they settled in New York state
till their removal, four years later, to Clinton Falls township,
Steele county, Minnesota, where the father has been engaged in
general farming ever since. His wife died on June 25, 1901.
Mathias P. Afdem, the well known poultry breeder of Bloom-
ing Prairie, Minn., was born in Norway, August 1, 1871, where
he acquired his education and had the usual experiences of a
Norwegian farmer boy. In 1893 he left the fatherland and came
to America, engaging as a hired man on a farm at Madelia, Minn.,
for three years. Then he removed to Chokio, Minn., where
he engaged in the painting and decorating business until his
removal to Blooming Prairie in 1900. Here he continued to follow
his trade until 1909, when he launched into the poultry business
to which he has devoted himself with much success ever since,
making a specialty of raising and breeding thoroughbred stock
of all the approved varieties. He has specialized to Single and
Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds, Single and Rose Comb White
Orpingtons, Partridge Wyandottes, besides many others. Six
incubators of the most modern type having a capacity of 1,500
1104 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
eggs, are kept continually in use. Mr. Afdem's trade is con-
stantly increasing and his product is becoming more widely and
favorabl)' known each year. He is an adherent to the principles
of the Republican party, but always votes for what he considers
the best interests of the community. As to religious belief, the
Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Peter H. and Gurie
Afdem, parents of our subject, were natives of Norway, where
they followed farming all their lives. The father died in August,
1908. and the mother in December. 1893.
Thomas J. Rions, a native of Minnesota, was born in Dodge
county July 24, 1860, a son of John P. and Angeline (Strock)
Rions. Thomas J. received his education at the Concord public
schools, after leaving school he worked as a clerk in a store in
Dodge county for twelve years, and then worked at farming
until 1892, when he came to Owatonna and took a position at
the Forest Hill Cemetery until July 1. 1908, and since then has
had charge of the Catholic Cemetery. He also does job printing
at his home where he has a full equipment for this line of work.
He was married on June 10, 1886 at Dodge Center, to Eva E.
Race, a daughter of John J. and Lovina (Miller) Race, of New
York state, who came west and located first in Wisconsin, and in
1875 moved to Dodge Center, Minn. The father was a carpentei
by trade and followed this line of work all his life. He died
February 19, 1883. and the mother died June 23. 1887. Two
children have been born to !Vlr. and Mrs. Rions: M. A., born
December 4, 18S)0, now a teacher at Avon. S. D., and Raymond
A., born August 8. 1898, living at home. They also have one
adopted child, Ethel M,. born April 6, 1895. In politics Mr.
Rions is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He also belongs to the Modern \V^oodmen of
America and the Maccabees.
John P. Rions was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
January 2^', 1820, the only child of George and E. Margaret
Rions. The father died when J. P. was an infant and several
years later the mother married William Pittman, who served
in the war of 1812. J. P. left home when he was sixteen years
of age, and then started out in life for himself. He was married
December 29. 1841. to Maria Richardson, who died ten years
later, leaving three children who are now dead. June 23, 1852.
he married Angeline Strock, of Beaver, Pa., to whom was born
eight children. After fourteen years working on the steamboats
between Pittsburg, Pa., and Mobile, Ala., he came to Minnesota
in 1855 and located in Concord, Dodge county. In the spring
of 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, and in the spring of 1860 to the
Yankton Sioux reservation. In February, 1863, he enlisted in
Company E.. Third Minnesota Yohinteer Infantry, and served
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1165
until mustered out at Ft. Snelling, September 16, 1865, at the
close of the war. In 1887, he and his wife spent a season in
their old home in Beaver, Pa. Mr. Rions died June 14, 1896.
Anton Burzisnski, a prominent member of the Owatonna fire
department, was born in Medford, Minn., May 24, 1885, removing
with his parents at the age of six years to Owatonna, where he
received his education in the Sister's school. His school days
over, he was engaged in various kinds of labor for several years,
after which he became a drayman, being located in Owatonna,
all the while, with the exception of five months spent in Grace-
ville, Minn., during the year 1905. Outside of his regular work
in the draying line, he is a very active and loyal member of the
fire department, having his residence in the Firemen's Hall. In
political faith, he is a stanch believer in the principles of the
Democratic party. Mr. Burzisnski is a popular member of the
Catholic Order of Foresters and of the A. O. A. He is affiliated
with the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lanara Burzisnski,
parents of our subject, are natives of Poland, emigrating to this
country in 1875, and locating at Dulutli, Minn., where they
remained till their removal to Medford township, Steele county, in
1887. Here the father was employed as a railroad section hand
for four years, then removed to Owatonna and took up farming on
a small tract inside the city limits on which he is still engaged.
Benedik Melby, a prominent physician of Blooming Prairie,
Minn., was born at Whitehall, Wis., July 24, 1878, shortly after-
wards removing with his parents to Merillan, same state. He
received his education in the public schools, graduating from
the Merillan high school, and then entered the medical depart-
ment of the Alinnesota State University from which he was
graduated in 1903. After some practical experience in hospital
work, he went to Hayfield. Minn., where he was engaged in the
practice of his profession till 1905. Dr. Melby then located in
Blooming Prairie, succeeding Dr. Rakke, and has built up a
large and growing city and country clientage, which he still
enjoys. He is affiliated with the .Steele County Medical Associa-
tion, State Medical Association and the American Medical Asso-
ciation, being highh- esteemed by his professional brethren.
The Modern Woodmen of America, Masons and Sons of Norway
also number him among their loyal members. In politics he is a
believer in the principles of the Republican party and takes an
active interest in all that is for the good of his county and
village. The Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Olaf
and Johanna (Nelson) Melby, parents of Benedik, are natives of
Norway, coming to this country in 1870, and settling at White-
hall, \\ is., where the father conducted a general merchandise
business till 1888, when he removed to Merillan. Wis., and
116G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
engaged in railroad work for several years. Later he returned
to Merillan where he now resides with his wife.
J. W. Lane, a progressive farmer of Merton township, was
born in Merton township in 1877, on February 24. He acquired
his education in the district schools of Merton township after
which he engaged in farming. In 1898 he rented his father's
farm and at the time of his death became owner of the farm,
where he has done a general farming business ever since. He
has made a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Lane was married on
January 19, 1898, to Nellie S. Carson. Their home has been
blessed with five children— John Albert, Alice, Mertie, Cloe and
Florence, all at home. Mr. Lane politically is a Republican. He
holds stock in the Merton Creamery and is a good citizen. John
Lane and Sarah, his wife, parents of J. W. Lane, were natives
of the state of Ohio, coming to Minnesota and locating in Merton
township, where they homesteaded land before the war. Mr.
Lane responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the
Civil War and enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota, being in the
service three years. At the close of the struggle, he returned
to the home farm where he farmed until his death in 1901. His
wife died in 1882.
D. D. Hansen, a progressive and up-to-date farmer of Lemond
township, Steele county, was born in Waseca county, Minnesota,
January 30, 1870. After leaving school he at once engaged in
farming and his present farm of a 160 acres of highly productive
land is ample e\-idence of his success. Eighty of this is under
cultivation, the remainder rendering good returns as woodland
and as pasturage for his numerous stock. Durham cattle of
good blood are raised, the milk being very profitably disposed
of to a near by creamery. Poland-China hogs also help to swell
the profits. The machinery and buildings are all of the best
patterns for modern farming. In politics, he is a believer in the
doctrines of the Republican part}', and has always taken an active
interest in local affairs, having served on the town board eight
years, four years as chairman, and as a school officer. In 18''4
he was united in marriage with Tilda Jacobson, daughter of
Peter and Lena Jacobson. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have eight
children — Holly, Hazel, Eldora, Guy, Helen, Ethel, Alice and
Deloris (deceased in infancy). The family attend worship at
the Norwegian Lutheran Churcli. Torger and Mary Hansen,
parents of our subject, came over from Norway, their native
land, about fifty years ago, locating in Minnesota where the
father followed farming. He is now residing, retired, at New
Richmond, Minn., with his wife. Seven children were born to
them, all of whom are living.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1167
Joseph F. Wolesky, the popular and efficient buttermakcr of
the Steele Center Creamery, was born in Zhor, near Aska
Trebova, Bohemia, June 27, 1878. After receiving an education
in the old country, he emigrated to the United States at the age
of fourteen, locating at Bixby, Minn., and working a year and
a half on the farm of P. A. Reichstatter, and then a year for
William Boyle, after which he spent eight months on a Summit
township farm, subsequently working for Christ Larson in
Somerset township. His first creamery experience was next
acquired, serving as helper in the same creamery he now operates
for eighteen months, and deciding to make this line of work a
life profession, he entered a dairy school at St. Anthony Park,
Minn., and completed a course in butter and cheese making. He
showed his ability to use his knowledge in practice when shortly
after returning to Steele county, he started the creamery at
River Point and successfully operated it for two years. Leaving
here, he conducted the Cooleyville Creamery for a time, and then
took charge of the River Point creamery again two years and
three months longer, being called to the Steele Center Creamery
where he is now giving the best satisfaction to all concerned.
As to political convictions, he is a Democrat, and has served
as constable. October 10, 1898, he was married to Anna
Schuster, daughter of Frank and Anna Schuster, of Bohemia.
Three children have been born to this marriage — Louis, Joseph
and Alfred. The family attend the Catholic Church. In addi-
tion to their comfortable home near the creamery, Mr. Wolesky
owns a residence in Owatonna. Joseph and Frances (Zoufal)
Wolesky, parents of our subject are natives of Bohemia, where
the father followed his trade as a tailor up to his death, Feb-
ruary 28, 1909. The mother is still living in the fatherland. Two
children were born to them — Joseph F., our subject ; and Frank,
a buttermaker at Owatonna, whose wife was formerly Lillie
Kubicek. They arc stanch supporters of the Catholic Church.
Henry Behne, an energetic and progressive farmer of Steele
county, was born in Aurora township, this county, December 18,
1873. His education was acquired in the district schools, after
which he worked on a farm for several years, and then rented
a farm which he conducted successfully for four years when he
acquired his present place. It consists of 120 acres of pro-
ductive land, sixty-five of which is under the plow, the remainder
being profitably devoted to pa.sturage and woodland. Dairying
is an important factor, cream being sold to a near by creamery
at good prices. Jn politics, he votes absolutely independent of
party, giving his support to the man he believes best qualified
to serve the people. April 16. 1898, he was married to Elizabeth
Kruckeberg. sister of Henry and John Kruckeberg whose
1168 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
sketches appear herein. They have five children — Lawrence,
Herman, Robert, Helen and Myrtle. The family attend wor.ship
at the German Lutheran Church. August and Mary (Ahrns)
Behne, parents of Henry, are natives of Hanover, Germany, the
father coming to this country at the age of seven years, and
locating in Steele county, where, after attaining maturity, he
engaged in farming. He is still living in Aurora township with
his wife, actively interested in the management of his farm. He
is a Democrat, and prominent in the German Lutheran Church,
having served as a trustee. Eleven children were l)orn to them,
all living except one.
Fred Ahrens, a wide-awake and up-to-date farmer of Steele
county, was born in Germany, June 17, 1850. He passed his
bo)diood and received his education in the fatherland, coming
to America with his parents in 1866. and locating in Havana
township, Steele county, where he followed farming for a few-
years with his father. He then purchased eighty acres of the
parental homestead, acquiring tracts of wild land from time to
time, which he cleared and improved, now owning 640 acres
of the best farming land in the county. 520 acres of this being
located in sections 28 and 33 in Havana township, and the
remaining 120 in section 3, Aurora. Air. Ahrens is a stanch
advocate of scientific, intelligent farming and every acre of his
vast estate is utilized to the best advantage. The buildings are
all of the most modern type, and in machinery and other equip-
ment he is well abreast of the times. Dairying and stock raising
are carried on on an extensive scale, having 125 head of cattle,
seventeen horses and seven mules, besides a large amount of
thoroughbred stock. Mr. Ahrens makes a specialty of breeding
Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Shropshire sheep. In
politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and in spite
of his large agricultural interests, he has always found time
to take an active part in community affairs. He has served four
years as county commissioner during the time the erection of the
court house was in progress, and was chairman of the Havana
town board four years. The German Lutheran Church numbers
him among its loyal followers. June 6. 1875, he was married to
Dora Miller, by whom he has seven children — Elvina, now Mrs.
Robert Bartsch ; Hulda, wife of George Hintz; Bertha, who
resides at home ; Mary, married to Peter Nelson of Red Wing,
Minn. ; and William, Robert and Fred H.. who live at home.
Christopher and Corodena (Myer) Ahrens, parents of Fred, were
natives of Germany, coming to this countr3% in 1866, and locating
in Havana township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father
followed farming until his death. The mother is also dead.
HISTORY OF RICE ANt) STEELE COUNTIES 1169
M. T. McCrady was born in Fond Du Lac county, Wisconsin,
February 3, 1859, he is a son of Peter and Ellen (Shay) McCrady,
his father was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and his mother
of Kilkenny, Ireland. His father came to America in 1826, and
his mother in 1846, the father first located in St. Lawrence
county, New York, from there moved to McHenry county, Illi-
nois, and thence to Wisconsin where he was married in 1853. He
came to Steele county, Minnesota, in November, 1866, and located
on section 15, in Aurora township, where he bought 160 acres
of wild land which he broke and developed, erecting a home and
out buildings and followed general farming for the remainder
of his life. He died in June, 1894, and the mother died in Feb-
ruary, 1901. Mr. McCrady received his education in District
No. 13, Aurora township, and then engaged in farming with
his father until 1893, when he began to work for himself on the
old "Cogswell" farm owned by the Hon. Amos Cogswell, his
wife's father. This farm covers 200 acres in sections 9, 10 and 15
of .Aurora township. There he has erected his home and out
buildings and has greatly improved his land and follows general
diversified farming, making a specialty of raising White Leghorn
fowls. Mr. McCrady was married June 3, 1893, to Abby Cogs-
well, a daughter of Hon. Amos Cogswell. She was born on
the farm where she now lives on March 29, 1861. Four children
have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. McCrady— Francis C,
born October 4, 1894; Amos C, born April 21, 1896; Lynn C,
born July 11, 1899, died April 11, 1906; and Mark C, born May 2,
1901. The family faith is that of the Catholic and Presbyterian
churches. Mr. McCrady is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the
M. W. A. He has served his town as assessor for one year,
served as clerk for eight years, and has been both treasurer and
clerk of School District No. 13. He is a director of the Pratt
Rural Telephone Company and was for two years secretary
of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has twice
been a delegate to the conventions of the Modern Woodmen of
America held at St. Paul in the years 1899 and 1901, and in 1901
was also a delegate to the National Convention of the M. W. A.,
which was also held in the city of St. Paul. In 1902 he was a
delegate to the Republican State Convention held at St. Paul.
He is one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers
and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
S. D. Morford, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, IMinnc-
sota, was born in Ontario township, Wayne county. New York,
May 11, 1843. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to
Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he received an elementary
education in the district schools, concluding his schooling after
coming to Owatonna in 1858. War breaking out in 1861, he
1170 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
entered the service of his country in May of the same year, at
Owatonna, being formally mustered in as a private in Company
G, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at Fort Snelling, May 23,
1861. Fle was actively engaged in all the battles of his regiment
up to Second Bull Run, bearing arms in the first battle of Bull
Run, at Berry ville, W. Va., Gainsville. Yorktown, Fair Oaks,
Seven Day Battle, Savage Station. Peach Orchard and Mel-
bourne Hill, most of these occurring under McClellan in the
famous Peninsular campaign. During the summer of 1862 he
was confined four weeks in a hospital at Harrison's Landing with
malarial fever, and while serving in Pope's campaign, he was
disabled by a spent ball and honorably discharged May 23, 1864,
having proven himself a valiant and courageous soldier and
winning the respect of his fellow comrades-in-arms. After leaving
the service he returned to Owatonna and gave his attention to
farming, later, in 1872, buying an eighty acre farm in Clinton
Falls township, on which he remained till 1885, when he disposed
of this property and purchased a 120 acre tract in section 29,
Havana tov^mship. Here he followed general diversified farming
up to the time of his retirement from active work in 1897, having
erected new modern buildings throughout, and by application
of the principles of scientific agriculture and hard work built up
one of the finest farms in the county. He is now living retired
at Havana Station, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Mr.
Morford has ever been a loyal supporter of local enterprises, and
served as a member of the board of directors of the Havana
Creamery, of which he is still a stockholder, over twelve years,
acting as president of the board three years, and as manager eight
months during the absence of the regular manager. In politics,
he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is actively inter-
ested in all that tends for the improvement of the county. He
is now serving the community as town clerk. September 24,
1864, he was united in marriage with Tirzah E. Woods, of Som-
erset township, Steele county, by whom he has three children —
Nellie, a graduate of the State Normal School at Winona, now-
teaching at Faribault : Roy D., married to Nellie Hickok, lives
at Havana Station, but conducts the old home farm : Gertrude M.,
a State Normal School graduate, teaches school at Faribault.
The family attend the services of the Baptist Church. C. W.
and Mary A. (Dwight) Morford, parents of our subject, were
natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively. After the
death of the mother in New York. 1843. the father migrated west
with his family, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and
engaging in farming, encountering the usual hardships and priva-
tions of those pioneer days. He also devoted a large share of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1171
his time to his trade as a carpenter, doing the first work in his
line on the W'aiipun state prison. His decease occurred in 1857.
John Kruckeberg, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township,
Steele county, his birthplace, was born September 29, 1860. After
receiving what education he could from the pioneer district
schools, he engaged in farming with his father, now owning
the old homestead consisting of 480 acres, 150 of which is under
cultivation. In addition to general farming, stock raising and
dairying is carried on very successfully, a large herd of high
bred Durham and Shorthorn cattle supplying milk of a quality
which commands top prices at a neighboring creamery. Poland-
China hogs crossed with Duroc Jerseys are a paying factor.
All improvements tending to facilitate up-to-date and economical
farming have been added. A commodious, modern barn, and a
beautiful dwelling house are conspicuous. As to political con-
victions, he is a Republican, and has served in numerous school
offices, and si.x years on the town board, one term as chairman.
On January 3, 1883, he was married to Emelia Ohrmann, daugh-
ter of William and Sophia (Behne) Ohrmann, by whom he has
eight children, all living at home: George, John, Erna, Lydia,
Arnold, Emelia, Nettie and .\lfre(l. The family are loyal attend-
ants of the Lutheran Church. Fred and Sophia (Meyer) Krucke-
berg, parents of our subject, came from Hessen, Germany, in
1854, locating in Illinois for a short time and then in Aurora
township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father home-
steaded eighty acres of land, gradually adding to this until at
one time he owned over 1,000 acres. He died in 1894, and the
mother in 1892. Thirteen children were born to them, ten still
living.
Samuel S. Hanson, was born in Lemond township, Steele
county, on April 6, 1881, where he received his education. After
gaining his schooling. Samuel engaged in farming with his father
until September 1, 1906, when he came to Ellcndalc village and
went into the livery business, which he conducted up to July 16,
1910. Mr. Hanson met with success in his light and heavy livery
and draying business. He runs an automobile in connection with
his livery, is now general agent for the Northwestern National
Life Insurance Company, of Minneapolis. Mr. Hanson was
married to Julia Jacobson on June 11, 1903, and their home
has been made bright with five children — Elsie, who died in
infancy ; Stanley, Joyce, Lester, Clayton, all at home. The
subject of this sketch is a Republican politically, and religiously
affiliates with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has made
his success in life by his own hard work and is a good citi/^en,
respected by his home village. Seming Hanson and Emma, his
wife, parents of Samuel S. Hanson, are natives of Norway,
1172 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
coming to America and locating in Steele county in 1860. Mr.
Hanson engaged in farming until 1902, when he retired from
active life.
Fred E. Ribstein, a well known farmer of Merton township,
Steele count}-, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin. At the
age of six he came to Steele county with his parents, receiving
his education in the district schools. After school, he assisted his
father in the working of the home farm for a while, and then
engaged in farming on his own account, now having a highl_\-
productive tract of 360 acres most of which is under cultivation.
In addition to general farming, dairying and stock raising are
important factors. Durham cattle and Percheron horses being
specialties. All modern equipment and up-to-date buildings are
found here. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Republican
part}-, active!}^ interested in local affairs, having served on the
town board, part of the time as chairman. The Knights of
Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America number him
among their loyal members. Fred and Sophia (Smith) Ribstein.
parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, the father a
carpenter by trade. Coming to this country about 18.^0, he
located at Ithaca. X. Y.. continuing at his trade here and after
his removal to Dodge county, Wisconsin. Migrating to this
county about 1868, he purchased land and engaged in farming
up to the time of his death which occurred in 1892. The mother
passed away a year later. Nine children were born to theni, five
of whom are li\-ing: Lou, a hardware merchant at Bruce. S. D. :
Frank, a wheat buyer, also located at Bruce, .S. D. ; Edward, in
the hardware business in Idaho : Flora, wife of Henry Partridge,
of Kenyon, Minn. ; and Fred, our subject. The family attend
the Lutheran Church.
Joseph Simon, of Aurora township, was born in Austria, Jan-
uary 20, 1867. His parents, John and Barbara Simon, both lived
and died in the old country. Joseph spent his boyhood in
Austria where he received his education. At eighteen years of
age, lured by the call of America and the freedom and oppor-
tunities it offered, Joseph came to the United States and located
at Faribault. Here he remained until 1892, employed by Donald
Grant. In that year he purchased 146 acres of wild land in section
28, Aurora township, Steele county, and with his wife located his
home there. Here he has since lived. The unbroken prairie,
under his industrious management, became fertile, cultivated
acres. In 1907 new btiildings were erected, including a barn
28x70 feet in size. He follows diversified farming and is a
stockholder in Oak Glen Creamery. In politics, he is a Repub-
lican and in his religious affiliations an adherent of the Catholic
Church. On ]\Iarch 23. 1892, Joseph Sinion was married to Mary
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES IHS
Haberman who was run over and killed by a railroad train while
taking cream to the creamery on the crossing of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, at Bixby, Alinn., September 12,
1903. Mr. Simon was united in marriage on November 20, 1904,
to Anna Palinka. Seven children bless his home. Four by
his first marriage : John, George, Mollie and Edward. Three
by his present wife : Freda, Joseph and Mary.
Wm. Lonergan came to Berlin township in 1857, where he
acquired over a section of land that is now owned by his sons,
Peter A., Maurice J., H. Robert and Mrs. J. F. Lonergan. His
other son, Wm. P., is at present living in Alberta, Canada, where
he has two large farms and is engaged in ranching. Mr. Loner-
gan has three daughters — Mrs. L. P. Devlin, of Bristol, Wis. ;
Mrs. F. C. Annett, of New Richland. Minn., and Sister Claudia,
of the Winona Seminary, Winona, Minn.
William Hegland, a prosperous farmer of Merton township,
Steele county, is a native of Goodhue county, his natal date
being December 8, 1872. While still in his infancy, his parents
removed to Steele county, locating on the farm he now operates.
After receiving his education in the district schools, he assisted
his father for a time on the home farm, and ever since has been
engaged in general farming with the exception of four years
spent in Duluth running a dray line. In 1904 he purchased his
present farm, consisting of 200 acres all under cultivation and
well improved by his father and self. Holstein cattle, Poland-
China hogs and Percheron horses contribute heavily to the suc-
cess of the farm. In politics he inclines toward the tenets of the
Democratic party, but casts his ballot as he considers for the
best interests of the community. He was married November 3,
1904, to Randi Strandemo, daughter of E. Strandemo, of Elling-
ton, Dodge county. They have two children — Edroy Tillman
and Grace Angeline. The family are prominent in the Nor-
wegian Lutheran Church, the father now serving as secretary.
T. A. and Anna Hegland, parents of our subject, were born and
raised in Norway, the family emigrating to this country in 1871
and locating in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he followed
his trade as a carpenter for five years. He then removed to
Steele county, buying the farm his son, William, now occupies,
conducting the farm and doing carpenter work until his death
in 1904. The mother is still living. Nine children were born to
them, all living: Ella is married to Peter Ruen who lives in
Kenyon ; Jennie is a dressmaker in Minneapolis ; Annon is a
clothing merchant of Duluth ; Mary is married to Charles Jacob-
son, a Steele county farmer; William, our subject; George con-
ducts a general merchandise store in North Dakota ; James has a
harness shop at Minneapolis; Tilla is a missionary, located at
1174 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
JMadagascar ; and Martin is a professor, a graduate of the United
Lutheran Church theological school at Hamline, and a minister
of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
Edward R. Webster, a hard working and enterprising farmer
of Clinton Falls township. Steele county, was born in Aurora
township, this county, December 12, 1872. His education was
received in the public schools of Aurora and Owatonna, subse-
quently engaging in farming in which he has had unusual suc-
cess. His present place is one of the best improved in the county,
consisting of 310 acres practically all under cultivation. Holstein
cattle and thoroughbred Belgian horses contribute to the profits.
As to political convictions he believes in voting for the man
best fitted for the office, regardless of his party affiliations. The
Independent Order of Odd Fellows counts him a loyal brother.
December 29, 1899, he was married to Fanny Schultz, daughter
of D. C. Schultz, of Clinton Falls. Four children have been born
to them, who. named in order of ages, are: Harlan, Pearl, Leon
and Gilbert. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian
Church. Richard and Fanny (Connor) Webster, parents of
Edward R., were natives of Portsmouth. N. H.. and Ireland,
respectively. The father was a carpenter by trade, working in
the navy yards of Portsmouth for four ^ears. He received an
honorable discharge. In 185.T he immigrated west, locating in
Dixon, Lee county, and engaging in farming. Two years later
he removed to Aurora township. Steele county, being one of the
pioneer settlers, and purchased a homesteader's rights, following
farming up to his death. April 25. 1898. In politics he supported
the Republican party. Four of the nine children born to his
wife are living. Abbie, wife of Lewis Johnson, a hardware mer-
chant, of Beltrami county. Minnesota: Jennie S.. teaching at
Yakima, Wash.: Fannie E., living at home: and Edward R.,
the subject of this sketch.
Albert A. Peterson, of Blooming Prairie, was born in Austin,
Minn., January 28, 1872, son of George A. and Isabella (Sletter)
Peterson, natives of Wisconsin, of Norwegian parentage. The
father is a prominent farmer of Dodge county, Minnesota. He
is secretary of the A. Solberg Lumber Company, of Blooming
Prairie, and director of the Farmer & Merchant State Bank.
Albert received his early education in the public and hi.gh schools
of Blooming Prairie, which was supplemented with a course
at the Pillsbury Academy of Owatonna, from which institution
he graduated in 1895. Leaving school he took up agricultural
pursuits for a few years, he then went into the telephone industry.
In 1901, he organized the Steele County Telephone Company of
Blooming Prairie, becoming its president and general manager,
which position he has since filled. Mr. Peterson has worked up
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1175
& large business for this company and tlieir lines now extend
through Steele, Dodge, Freeborne and Moore counties. Mr.
Peterson was married October 23, 1901, at St. Paul, to Miss
Regna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Peterson. Two chil-
dren have been born to their union, viz.: Irene J., born t'eb-
ruary 22, 1905: Gladys S., born December 11, 1907. In political
faith Mr. Peterson is a Republican. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He is a High Degree Mason, being a member
of the Shrine, was secretary of Prairie Lodge No. 123, of Bloom-
ing Prairie, of which lodge he was secretary for three years, the
Eastern Star, serving as secretary since it was organized, also
member of the M. W. A. Mr. Peterson has taken an active
interest in public aflfairs, serving four years as justice of the
peace. He is now a city recorder and is also a member of the
Commercial Club. On May 6, 1898, he became a member of
Company G, Twelfth Regiment Minnesota National Guard.,
During the Spanish-American War he was stationed at Chicka-
mauga, Ga., and Lexington, Ky. He was discharged with honor
at New Ulm, Minn., November 6, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson
reside on Fifth street. Mr. Peterson was instrumental in getting
a franchise for the building of the city sewerage. He owns
seventy-five acres of land in Dodge county which is used for the
outlet of the city sewerage. During the time of the Boer War
Mr. Peterson was engaged by the English government to buy
horses in Montana. During the last five years he has been
engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock. He is an enter-
prising business man and a good citizen, always interested in
what may be for the upbuilding of his city and Steele county.
Alex H. Fjeldstad, a hustling and up-to-date business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., is a native of Grand Meadow, Minn.,
his date of birth being May 23, 1873. A few years later his
parents removed to Blair, Wis., and here he received his early
education, completing this with a course in the high school of
Alma, Wis., from which he was graduated in 1893. He then
entered the pharmacy department of the Minnesota State Uni-
versity, receiving his diploma two years later, and immediately
thereafter accepted employment in a drug store of Minneapolis
in which he remained six years. Mr. Fjeldstad thence removed
to Blooming Prairie, forming a co-i)artnership with A. Olson in
his previous line of work. The firm has one of the best equipped
and thoroughly modern drug stores in this section of the state,
making a specialty of their prescription department, and also
carrying a well selected line of paints, oils, wallpaper, china,
silverware, stationery and the usual sundries. The Steele County
Retail Druggists' Association, which he is serving as president,
the Alumni Association of the Pharmacy Department of the
1176 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
Slate University, also member ^Minnesota State Pharmaceutical
Association, and the N. L. Y. V. S., of which he is treasurer, all
number him as a loyal member of their various organizations.
He is a stockholder in the Minnesota Pharmaceutical Manufac-
turing Company, of St. Paul, and in the American Druggists'
Association, of Long Island City, N. Y. In politics he gives his
allegiance to the Republican party, being a member of the Steele
Count}- Republican committee, and has served as village recorder
four years, and clerk of the board of education three years, and
was a delegate to the Minnesota Conservation and Agricultural
Development Congress held March 16 to 19 of this year — 1910.
He is affiliated with the local Commercial Club as secretary, and
with the Sons of Norway. Mr. Fjelstad is also a valued supporter
of the Lutheran Church. May 21, 1902, at Minneapolis, he was
married to Marie Olson, daughter of Mrs. Julia Olson. They
have two children — Alvin A., born August 29, 1903, and Ralf A.,
horn January 2, 1909. The family residence is on Hazel street.
Andreas and Olive (Lee) Fjelstad, parents of our subject, were
natives of Norway. Emigrating to America in 1866 they located
at Sparta, Wis., the father being engaged for a time in railroad
work and logging, and later entered into the mercantile business,
first at Grand Meadow one and one-half years, then at Sparta
two years, then at Blair, Wis., until 1893, where he remained until
his retirement in 1893. He then removed to Minneapolis and died
January 12, 1908. The mother still resides in Minneapolis.
Edward C. Wolff is one of the prosperous young farmers of
Steele county. He is a native of Aurora township and conducts
the farm in section 17 on which he was born March 22, 1883.
He received his education at the district school and worked upon
liis father's farm until 1909. Since that time he has conducted the
place himself. He is unmarried. His sister. Emma, keeps house
for him. Politically Mr. Wolff is a Democrat and he is an
adherent of the Lutheran Church. As a citizen, he is industrious
and thrifty and well liked. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolff, the
parents of Edward C. Wolff, were natives of Germany. In
1876 the mother died. It was in 1879 that the father migrated
to America, purchasing 203 acres in section 17, Aurora township,
Steele county, Minnesota. Here he continued to farm until
1909 when he retired from active life and removed to Owatonna
where he is now located. The care of the farm was given over to
his son, Edward C, who with the aid of his sister, Emma, now
manages It.
Phillip A. Reichstetter is one of the substantial Minnesota
farmers whose thrift is an asset in the development of the
state. His home is in Aurora township, Steele county. Bohemia
is his native land and Mav 1, 18.38, the date of his birth. There
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1177
Phillip secured his education and continued to live with his
parents until 1881, when he emigrated to America, settling in
Steele county. It was not until 1886 that he made his first pur-
chase of land in section 3i and llien lie bought only twenty
acres. In the years since he has added to this by successive
purchases in the same section of adjoining lands until today his
farm comprises 140 acres. This tract is all under cultivation
with a pleasant country home, barns and buildings. He was
married March 2, 1885, to Thcresia Ripka. They have six chil-
dren — Mary, who is now Mrs. John Koasnicka, and Minnie,
both living in Owatonna; Edward, Anna, Helen and Emil, living
at home. Politically Mr. Reichstetter affiliates with the Demo-
cratic party and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He
owns nine shares in the Oak Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is
regarded as a good citizen in the community where he has lived
for more than a quarter of a century. John Reichstetter and
Thcresia Fritscher. his wife, parents of Phillip Reichstetter, were
natives of Bohemia, where their lives were .spent. Both are
deceased.
Perry J. Rockwood, a business man of Owatonna, was born
February 22. 1877, at Owatonna. He received his early educa-
tion in the public school and in the high school of that place,
then after leaving school he took up and learned the meat market
trade, which he has worked at and followed since sixteen years
of age. December 23, 1902. he entered into the business, his
first store being located on corner of Broadway and Cedar streets
where he continued a flourishing business for a number of years.
February 14, 1909, he formed a co-partnership with his brother.
They handle all the produce that can be found in an up-to-date
meat market. Their large and steadily increasing trade is due
to their courteous manner and uncompromising honesty. They
have enlarged their business and conduct two markets at this
time, one at 119 North Cedar street and the other at 154 Bridge
street. Mr. Rockwood was married June 24, 1903, at Owatonna,
to Lillian Plummer. She was a school teacher, teaching four
years in the district schools and three years in the public schools
of Owatonna. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rockwood is blessed
with three children, viz.: Wayne P., born July 15. 1904; Dorothy,
born February 28, 1907 ; Lorane A., born February 18, 1910. Mr.
Rockwood is a Republican in politics. He worships at the
Baptist Church. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being
a member of the K. of P., F. O. E., and the B. A. Y. The home
of Mr. and Mrs. Rockwood is located at 239 Broadway.
Hubert G. Rockwood is a native born son of Minnesota, being
born in Owatonna May 31, 1879, son of George W. and Emily
(Gillitte) Rockwood, natives of New York state. The parents
1178 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
immigrated west, lirst locating in Wisconsin; from there tliey
came to Owatonna wliere the father engaged in the grocery
business. Hubert G. received his earl>- education in the public
schools of Owatonna which was supplemented by a high school
education. After leaving school he was engaged as a clerk in a
general merchandise store for three years. In 1893 he went to
Minneapolis, where he conducted a real estate business for two
years. Leaving Minneapolis he came back to Owatonna and
engaged in the hotel business, which he continued for two years.
After this he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years.
He later returned to Owatonna and bought an interest in the
meat market business with his brother. The firm is now known
as Rockwood Brothers. They have two markets and are doing
a very extensive business. Mr. Rockwood is an independent
voter and does not affiliate with any political party. He is a
member of the F. O. E., and the K. of P. He served for some
time as a member of the Company I, Second Regiment Minnesota
National Guards.
Herman Wolff is a farmer living in Aurora township, Steele
county. He owns 160 well cultivated and fertile acres in sections
7 and 18 of that township, on which he has built a new and
modern dwelling" with substantial barns and outbuildings. Stock
raising and dairying largely engage his attention and he takes
much pride in his Durham cattle and Percheron horses. Mr.
Wolff is a native of Germany, where he was born April 6, 1872.
He came to America with his father when he was seven years of
age, locating in Steele county. Herman received his education
at the district school and worked on his father's farm until 1896,
then purchased the land on which he has since lived. He
attends the Lutheran Church and politically is an independent
voter. Our subject is much interested in good roads and has
served as road overseer. l\lr. Wolff owns stock in the Pratt
Creamery. He is unmarried. Edward W^olff and his wife, the
parents of Herman Wolff, were natives of Germany, where Mrs.
Wolff died in 1876. In 1879, with his three children, the father
emigrated to America and located in Steele county where he
engaged in farming. In l')09 he retired from active life and now
lives in Owatonna.
Edwin Morton, a prosperous citizen of Blooming Prairie, was
born in Liveri)ool, England, July 1. 1849. He received his earl}^
education at St. Charles and later in a private school at Rochester,
Minn. He received a business training of three years at St.
Charles and in 1873 came to Blooming Prairie where he engaged
in a hardware and implement business. Mr. Morton also owns
a farm of 330 acres in Newray township, Freeborn county, where
he makes a specialty of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. August
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1179
20, 1873, Edwin Morton was united in marriage at St. Charles,
to Mabel Johnson. They have three children— Mabel W., now
Mrs. George Taylor, of Manterville, Dodge county; Grace E.,
now Mrs. Warren Carmen, of Blooming Prairie; George E., who
works for his father at home. Mr. Morton is an active Repub-
lican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, .served as mayor
of Blooming Prairie for seven years, and again for four years, and
is a Mason and a Shriner. He is a progressive and respected
citizen, working to upbuild home industries. He has stock in
the Blooming Prairie Creamery Company. George Morton and
Elizabeth Sharpless, his wife, were natives of England. In
1849 they came to America, living for seven years in New York
City. In 1856 they came to St. Charles, Minn., and engaged in
farming. Mrs. Morton died in New Jersey in 18.S8, Mr. Morton
surviving her until 1864.
Dr. E. W. Cooley, the well known physician and business man
of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Easton, N. H., March 17,
1860. He received his education in the public schools and in the
New Hampton high school from which he was graduated in
1885. A complete course in the Burnett Medical College of
Chicago completed his education, receiving his degree as a Doctor
of Medicine and Surgery in 1887. In June of the same year he
came to Blooming Prairie where he has ever since been engaged
in the practice of his profession, enjoying a large clientage. Dr.
Cooley is aLso a partner in a harness business, and also conducts
a drug store, and is sole owner and manager of the Cooley opera
house, a commodious and up-to-date two story brick structure
which he erected in 1896. It is well located on Fourth street,
having a large store on the ground floor, the theater and the
doctor's ofifice and residence taking up the second story. He
is a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank. In
politics, the Democratic party has in him a stanch supporter. He
has twice been a candidate for the state legislature, and has
served his village twelve years as a councilman. Any enterprise
that has for its object the good of the town or county is sure of
his active sympathy. The Modern Woodmen of America and the
Brotherhood of Yeomen claim him as a member. Alonzo and
Emmeline (Wallace) Cooley, parents of our subject, were natives
of New Hamjjshire where the father followed farming with much
success till his decease in July, 1907. The mother died in
December, 1908.
Henry Lips, one of the progressive farmers of Wheeling town-
ship, was born in Switzerland. March 2i. 1855. He came to
America with his parents in 18.56 and attended the district schools
of Wheeling during his boyhood. Leaving school he worked
on his father's farm until 1876, when he purchased the place
llsu HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
where he continued to conduct a general farming business. In
1883 he married Amelia C. Schroeder. Ten children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Lips — Wesley is married and lives in
South Dakota where he is engaged in the livery business ; Lydia,
now Mrs. Eugene Bailey, of South Dakota ; Edward rents his
father's farm ; Benjamin works out ; Ella died in infancy : Herbert,
Arthur, Minnie, Esther and Emih- remain at home, the three
3-ounger girls attending school. Mr. Lips is a Republican and a
Methodist, a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank and in the
Farmers' Co-operative Creamery. He is one of the substantial
citizens who have helped to make the Gopher state one of th&
greatest in the Union. Henry Lips and Elizabeth Bosshardt,
his wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of
Switzerland where they were farmers. Coming to America in
1856 they located in Wheeling township. Rice county, where Mr.
Lips took a homestead of 160 acres in section 13 which he lived
on and improved up to the time of his death in 1875. Mrs. Lips
died in 1870. Charles and Rosa Schroeder, parents of Mrs. Lips,
were natives of Germany, who came to America in the early
sixties and located in Indiana, where Mr. Schroeder followed
his blacksniithing" trade up to the time of his death in 1901. Mrs.
Schroeder still lives in Indiana.
E. M. Twiford, who has contributed much to the welfare and
safety of Owatonna during his many years of service as chief
of the fire department, was born in Pleasant Valley, Ohio,
August 30, 1852, a son of Dr. Willis Twiford, whose sketch
appears elsev^'here in this volume. At an early age he came to
Somerset township, Steele county, with his parents, receiving
his education in the district schools, and subsequently working
on a farm until twenty-five years of age. He then came to
Owatonna, acting as engineer for the Diamond Milling Company
for a year and a half, after which he entered the hardware busi-
ness with W. A. Dynes under the firm name of \V. A. Dynes &
Co., in which he remained until he opened the Fountain meat
market a few years later which he conducted for two and a half
years. Disposing of his interests here he embarked in the grocery
business with D. W. Sperrj', the firm being known as Twiford and
Sperry, for eight years, when J. N. Niles purchased Mr. Sperry's
interest. He remained in partnership with Mr. Twiford in the
general mercantile line under the name of Twiford and Niles,
five years. Mr. Twiford then entered the livery business in
which he has ever since been engaged, operating alone as the
Park livery for a time, and then formed his present partnership
with N. P. Jefiferson and Charles Green, the firm being known
as JeiTerson, Green and Twiford. They are doing a thriving
general livery and transfer business. In politics he loyally adheres
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1181
to the Democratic party, and served as ma3or two terms during
1893 and 1894. lie has also ably filled the office of chief of the
fire department many years. His fraternal affiliations are with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He
was married February 16, 1882, to .Anna Howard, daughter of
David Howard, of Geneva, Freeborn county, Minnesota. Three
children ha\e been born to them — Edna, a stenographer for the
Great Northern Railroad at St. Paul ; Guy, an attorney at Minot,
N. D. ; and Nettie, attending Carleton College of Northfield,
Minn. The family are loyal attendants of the Universalist
Church.
James B. Gallea, a prosperous farmer of Medford township,
first saw the light of day in New York state, where he was
born on September 28, 1854. James received his early education
in the district schools of Clinton Falls township, and upon leaving
school worked on his father's farm. In 1896 he bought 120 acres
in Medford and later purchased forty more acres, upon which
he has done a general farming business up to the present time.
He was married in 1887 to Stella Tuttle, and four children have
been given them — Evart, Ernest, Mae and Philo. Mr. Gallea is a
Republican in politics and the family attends the Congrega-
tional Church. He has served and is still serving on the school
board. William Gallea and Polly Gilbert, his wife, parents of
James B. Gallea, were natives of New York state where Mr.
Gallea was engaged in farming. They came to Wisconsin in
1859, where a general farming business was carried on for four
years, after which they removed to Minnesota. Mr. Gallea
took part in the Indian outbreak, after which he returned to his
farm and lived there up to the time of his death on March 18,
1903. Mrs. Gallea still lives in Medford.
George B. Gallea, an up-to-date and progressive farmer of
Clinton Falls township, Steele county, was born in that county
November 23, 1872. After receiving his education in the district
schools he engaged in farming with his father and now owns the
old homestead, consisting of 250 acres of productive land, 200 of
which is under cultivation. Much attention is devoted to
dairying and stock raising, a large and well selected herd of
Holstein cows supplying milk of the best quality to a near by
creamery. Poland-China hogs are also a profitable factor. Modern
machinery and buildings assist in the economical working of the
farm, and at present the old barn, 40 x 50 feet, is being remodeled
and a new barn of the latest type, 40x80 feet in dimensions,
with concrete foundation and floor is being constructed. A fine
brick house, built by the father. William Gallea, adds to the
comfort of the family. In politics, our subject inclines toward
118-2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tile tenets of the Republican party, but has never been an office-
seeker. He was married in 1899 to Martha Rabey, daughter of
Robert and Maria (\\'arren) Rabey, the father now engaged in
farming in this state, formerly of New York. Mr. and Mrs.
Gallea have two children — Robert Burton, born September 24,
19(X); and William Donovan, born December 10, 1909. William
and Policy (Gilbert) Gallea. parents of our subject, were born
and raised in New York state, the father being a sailor in his
younger days and a captain of a vessel on the Great Lakes. In
1863 he came to Steele cotmty with his wife and family, settling
on the farm now owned by his son, George. In the spring of
1864 he enlisted in the second Minnesota cavalry and remained
in service until the close of the war. He then returned to his
farm and conducted it until his death in 1899. The mother is
still living with her children, enjoying a ripe old age. Ten
children were born to them, eight of whom are still living.
Ulrick C. Jansen was born in Denmark January 2, 1849, he is
a son of Ulrick Christianson and Anna Jansen, both natives
of Denmark where they lived and died. LHrick received his
education in Denmark and came to America in the spring of
1871, locating in Freeborn county, Minnesota, and engaging in
farming, in 1876 he purchased a 160 acre farm on section 19, in
Summit township, Steele county, where he farmed for three years
and then sold and went to Bath, Freeborn county, where he
purchased 120 acres, and later he added to this 240 acres, making
in all a farm of 360 acres where he followed general farming,
dairying and stock raising until 1905, when he rented his farm
and inoved to Ellendale where he now lives retired from active
work. He was married May 20, 1876, to Hannah Jensen, and
nine children have blessed their home — Christ, of Bath, Freeborn
county, Minnesota ; Mary, now Mrs. Christ Thompson, of
Geneva, Minn.: Emma, now Mrs. Gilbert Thorson, of Bath,
Minn. ; Arthur, of Nebraska : Carl, of Albert Lea ; Helen, now
Mrs. Walter Peterson, of Bath, Minn.: Annie, Nickoli and
Hannah, all living at home. Mr. Jansen is a member of the
Danish Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
He has served on the school boards for thirty-five years and is
now clerk of the Ellendale village school board. He was very
instrumental in the organization of the Ellendale Creamery and
has been its president since its organization in 1893. He was
one of the organizers of the Farmers' Elevator Company, of
Ellendale, and has been the treasurer of the company si
