Book-, VynH C9 HISTORY WINONA COUNTY, TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC. GATHERED FROM MATTER FURNISHED BY INTERVIEWS WITH OLD SETTLERS, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND OTHER RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AND SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1883. ^(h ■^ JS^ ^ ir t* // PEEFACE. In presenting the history of the County of Winona to the pnbhc, the editors and publishers have had in view the preser- vation of certain valuable historical facts and a vast fund of in- formation which without concentrated effort could never have been obtained, but, with the passing away of the old pioneers, the failure of memory, and the loss of public records and private diaries, would soon have been lost. This locality beinj. com- paratively new, we flatter ourselves that, with the zeal and mdustry displayed by our general and local historians, we have succeeded in rescuing from the fading years almost eve„ scrap of history worthy of preservation. Doubtless the work is in some respects, imperfect; we do not present it as a model liter- ary eifort, but in that which goes to make up a valuable book of reference for the present reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor time has been spared in the accomplishment of the work. Perhaps some errors will be found. With treacherous memories, personal, political and sectarian pre|udices and preferences to contend against, it would be almost a miracle if no mistakes were made. We hope that even these defects, which may be found to exist, may be made available m so far as Ihey may provoke discussion and call attention to corrections and additions necessary to perfect history llie mam part of the work has been done by Messrs. Dr L H Bunnell, Dr. J. M. Cole, Hon. O. M. Lord, Prof C. A. Morev,' Gen. a H. Berry, Hon. W. H. Hill, P. G. Hubbell, Esq., and l^ev W. S. Messmer, and we believe that no corps of writers could have> been found who could have done the subject more PREFACE. ample justice. We are also largely indebted to Hon. Thomas Simpson for extensive criticism and correction of matter furnished by various persons, as well as to Elder E. Ely, for the use ot notes covering the entire history of the county. All these gentlemen have i)ut the citizens of Winona county under lasting obligations for rescuing this most valuable matter from oblivion, whither it was surely tending. The biographical department contains the names and ])rivate sketches of nearly every pei-son of importance in the county. A few persons, whose sketches we would be pleased to have pre- sented, for various reasons refused or delayed furnishing us with the desired information, and in this matter only we feel that our work is incomplete. However, in most of such cases we have obtained, in regard to the mostt important persons, some items, and have woven them into the county or township sketches, so that, as we believe, we cannot be accused of negligence, partiality or prejudice. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter I. Aboriginal History 17 Chapter II. Explorations 22 Chapter III. Among the Indians 28 Chapter IV. Trouble with the Indians 38 Chapter V. Personal Recollections 47 Chapter VI. Winona City in Embryo 61 Chapter VII. Interesting Incidents and Cus- toms 77 Chapter VIII. Prehistoric 89 Chapter IX. Geographical 96 Chapter X. Railroads 1 06 Chapter XI. Navigation 117 Chapter XII. Courts and Officers of Courts. . 119 Chapter XIII. Banking in Winona County ... 127 Chapter XIV. Early Settlers, Pioneei-s, etc. . . 131 Chapter XV. Treaties with the Indians 137 Chapter XVI. The Fur Traders 146 Chapter XVII. Early Land Titles 157 Chapter XVIII. The Pioneers 171 Chapter XIX. First Improvements 180 Chapter XX. Western Farm and Village As- sociation 185 Chapter XXI. The Association Crystallized . . 197 Chapter XXII. Emigrants Coming 204 Chapter XXIII. Other Settlements 215 Chapter XXIV. First Settlements at Winona City 224 Chapter XXV. Incidents of the Early Times . 237 Chapter XXVI. The Association at Rolling Stone 247 Chapter XXVII. Crystallization 264 Chapter XXVIII. Respectability 277 Chapter XXIX. Looking Around 291 Chapter XXX. Reflections 298 Chapter XXXI. Personal Paragraphs 307 Chapter XXXII. Postoftices 325 Chapter XXXIII. Incidents 335 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter XXXIV. A Bloody Conflict 343 Chapter XXXV. A Celebration 359 Chaitkr XXXVI. Chatfield .Settled and Winona County Organized 366 Chapter XXXVII. The District Schools of Winona County 370 Chapter XXXVIII. The State Normal School 383 Chapter XXXIX. Birds of Winona County 399 Chapter XL. Winona Public Schools 405 Chapter XLI. History of Winona City 423 Chapter XLII. Roads 437 Chapter XLIII. Societies 443 Chapter XLIV. Churches 463 Chapter XLV. Business Incorporations 487 Chapter XLVI. Manufacturing Industries 499 Chapter XLVII. St. Charles Township 528 Chapter XLVIII. Rolling Stone Township 554 Chapter XLIX, Dresbach Township 562 Chapter L. New Hartford, Richmond, Ho- mer and Pleasant Hill Town- ships 572 Chapter LI. Wiscoy, Warren and Hillsdale Townships 585 Chapter LI I. Norton, Mount Vernon, White- water and Elba Townships. . 596 Chapter LIII. Hartj Fremont and Saratoga Townships 606 Chapter LIV. Biographical — Pioneers 616 Chapter LV. Pioneers — Continued 656 Chapter LVI. Utica Township 703 Chapter LVII. Early Settlers 711 Chapter LVIII. Early Settlers — Continued . . . . 753 Chapter LIX. Other Prominent Citizens .... 790 Chapter LX. Winona as it Is 839 Chapter LXI. Military Record 910 Chapter LXII. Miscellaneous 932 Il^DEX Aboriginal 17 Adams, A. O 749 Adams, G. R 508 Aldermen 432 Allouez, Claude 22 Anding, C. W 650 Animals 63, 64, 101, 592 Artz, Nicholas 722 Assessors, 254, 338, 432, 532, 558, 573, 576, 586, 589, 591, 598, 605, 607, 612, 706 Attorney, City 432 Aurora Grove of Druids 710 Babcoek, David S 777 Bachelder, Charles (I 790 Bachelor Dinner 170 Bailej^ Hiram D 718 Balch, John E 670 Balcom, H. C ' 639 Balcom, Joseph 639 Balcombe, Dr. John L . . . 234, 236, 349 Banking Houses 127, 426 Banks, State and National. . .128, 131 Baptisms 336 Baptist Church 482, 541, 558, 560 Barker, William M 630 Barr, Thomas C (531 Barrie, J 755 Bartholme, Nick 652 Basford, R. B 805 Batchelor, B. S 505 Bear and Beaver Hunting . . . .63, 64 Beaver Village (i02 Beck, C. C. ." 724 Becker, Fredereck E 820 Bell, J. M 494 Beman, Samuel S 65fi Bennett, Wm. H 524 Bentley, A.N 737 Berry, Hon. Charles H 644, 899 Berry, James P 735 Berry, William C 782 Biever, Nick 765 Birds 10] , 399 Birge, Joseph L 716 Births, 76, 225, 257, 539, 571, 578, 609, 613, 704 Black Hawk 48 Black River 56 Blair, George W 643 Blair, John 946 Blair, John T 947 Blair, Luke 626 Blake, James C 493 Bloody Conflict, A 343, 346 Blunt, John E 525 Board of Trade 881, 885 Bogart, Edwin V. 815 Bohemian Church 486 Bohn, Conrad 509 Bole, John 675 Bonds Authorized, Issued and Re- deemed 894, 899 Bonner, C. L 743 Borrette, Joseph 53 Boschee, Julius F 773 Bosworth, William Dexter 797 Botanical Features 101 Boynton, G. C 748 Boynton's Sons, G. C 747 Boysen, Peter Ferdinand 746 Bracketts' Cavalry Battalion .... 926 Brewer, Hatsel 661 Brewer, Ira Carlos 661 Bridges 251, 336, 526 Brink, John L .^ 815 Brink, V. A 744 Brizius, Jacob 714 Brooks, L. R 490 Brown, Alexander 618 Brown, David W 719 Brown, Enoch 653 Brown, John C- 635 Brown, Nathan 149 Brutal Treatment 537 Bryan, Franklin C 717 Bub, Peter 521 Buck, Hon. C. F 272, 821 Buck, Miss M. A 549 Buck, Hon. Norman 89;* Buckingham, William 82S Bunnell, Bradlej^ 44 Bunnell, L. H . . ^ 47 Bunnell, Willard B. .94, 147, 172, 175, 273, 577 Burger, Andrew 681 Burke, Daniel 744 Burley, Daniel Q 619 INDEX. Burns, John 273, 275, Burns, Robert Burns, Timothy Burt, Rev. David Business Incorporations, 487, 41)9, Busmann, Christopher Byerstedt, Arthur Byrne, A.J Cameron, Peter Camp, (ieor^'e L Cami)l)ell, Alexander Camj)])ell, Joseph ('ampbell, Hiram Cami)bell, Mark Cantield, Ira Carlson, Ciustaf Carver, Jonathan Celebrations 1559, Cemeteries ....5()8, 573, 584, 59(5, 598, (iOO, (ilO, 844, 889, Census and Valuation 892, Chappell, Thdnias. Charter of Winona Citv Chattield Settled " Chicago and Northwestern Rail- road 521, Childs, George F 227, Chickasaw Inthans Chippewa Indians ... Churches.. 254, 42ti, 4()3, 540, 544, 554, 5()0, 5<)9, 578, 580, 584, 587, 590, 595, 598, (iOO, ()03, 605, 608, 609, 705, 708, 844, Churchill, Eben ... Chute's Addition Citizens, Prominent 790, City Officials 431, Claim Shanty, First Claims, Location of, KHi, 257, 259, Claims, Lease of Claim Fight 172, 311, Claim Troubles . . . .191, 2(i6, 279, 281, 289, 311, 317, 343, Clark, George AV 535, Clark, Charles Clerks of Courts Clemmec, Mrs. Mary W Clyde, John D Coon Creek Cole, Andrew Collectors, 531, 558, 576, 586, 591, 594, 598, 605, 607, Co.sgrove, Wm. P Cooms, F. A Congregational Church. .469, 487, Cone, R.I) Cockrell.F. M Cooper, Joseph Consta])les 254, 423, 532, 558, 573, .586, 589, 591, 594, 605, 607, 612, 277 768 503 901 5()6 783 758 786 66 760 943 943 309 ()68 701 723 29 361 892 894 711 427 366 5<)0 229 26 28 932 823 427 839 436 164 261 167 317 536 616 653 121 904 946 56 289 612 527 518 844 641 652 636 706 Cotter, J. B 832 Cotter, F. L 711 Courts 119, 126, 534 Cotton, Samuel E 619 Cox, Lyman D 632 Covey, Stephen 638 Cox, Henry G 697 Ctcur de' Lion Commandery 455 County Organization 337, 362 County Officials 338, 805 County Commissioners. .338, 3()], 363, 367, 424, 531 C( >ngress. Members of 363 Countv Seat 369 Council Acts 114, 847, 853 Cook, Daniel 749 Crops. .99, 100, 262, 559, 571, 573, 576, 588, 590, 840, 846 Crooks, John 822 Crooks, Robert 662 Crow, George H 676 Crandall, Walter S 788 Cummings, J. B 803 Curtis, E. F 774 Dakota Village 567 Dakotah Indians 27 Dakotahs, Song of the 32 Davidson, William 351, 623 Davis, E. S 497 Deaths. . . .222, 237, 243, 248, 539, 557, 568, 609, 613, 705 Deeds, First Made and Recorded, 341 Deer, Elk and Buffalo 63 DeGraff & Co 108 Delworth, Laurence 622 Demoth, Francis 789 Dennian, Jacob S 224, 226 Dentists 426 Denzer, Frederick 756 Detrich, August 761 Dickson, James J. H 799 Dickson (Trader) 39 District and County Attornevs 122, 3b"3, 783 Dixon, F 789 Dobbs, John 689 Doctors 426 Doig, Alex 526 Donoghue, Michael F 825 Doolittle, Clinton 800 Doud, Chauncv 517 Doud, R.T... ." 756 Downing, BenjaTnin F 751 Downing, John L 713 Drake, Reu))en 741 Dresbach, George B 715 Dresbach, George B., Jr 716 Dresbach Townshiji 562, 572 Dresbach Village 565 Drew, Edward B 620 Drew, M. K 806 INDEX. Drew, W. S 806 Drinehahan, Christian 652 Druids, Order of 458, 710 Dubuque, Julien 36 Dunkhorn. Charles P'raneis 762 Dunnell, Hon. Mark 901 Durham, John 502 Dyckson, J. W 777 Dye, W. G 640 Early Land Titles 157 Early Navigators 117 Education, Board of 407, 421 Eggleston, Edward 903 Eitrhtli ^Minnesota Infantry 923 Elba Township .". . .603, 606 Elba Village 605 " Elder Ely's Hat" 326 Elections .253, 363, 424, 431, 532, 558, 573, 576, 612, 706, 840 Elections, Judges of 362, 531, 612 Eleventh Minnesota Infantry . . . 925 Ellis, Edward C ". 829 Ellsworth, A. D 804 Ellsworth, Benjamin 834 Elmer, E. S 778 Elv, Rev. P]d ward.. 215, 329, 335, 540, 830, 877 Evans' Addition 427 Evans, Daniel 686 Evans, (leorge 951 Evans, Royal B 335 Evergreen Lodge, A. F. & A. M . . 615 Execution of Little Six and Medi- cine Bottle 80 Explorations . . .22, 292, 297, 299, 558 Fabrie, Antoine 775 Fakler, David 738 Faransworth, Francis 701 Farming, First Attempt 225 Feigert, Jacob 696 Fellows, John B 650 Fellows, Rebstock & Clarke 649 Ferries 567, 885, 889 Ferrin, Lewis B. 660 Filitz, F 774 Fillmore County 337, 369 Finley, David 684 Fink, Carl 760 Fire Department 865, 869 Fire Department, Present Equip- ment 867 Fire of July 5, 1862 870 Fires 869, 877 First Fire Company 865 First Battery Light Artillery 927 First Heavy Artillery 925 First Minnesota Infantry 911 First Mounted Rancers ... 926 Firth, John H . . . . '. 792 Fish 102 Fleishman, S 822 Floods 162, 561, 604 Fohl, John 795 Ford, Dr. John D 837 Fourth Minnesota Infantry 921 Fourth of July Celebration. . .359, 361 Fox Indians 26 Fox, Samuel 649 Fremont Township 608, 610 Fruit Trees, First Planted 224 Fry, William H .• 820 Fuller, Clark Apollis 731 Fur Traders 146 Gage, A. W 513 Gage, Daniel 513 (jainey, William 683 Gallup, E. M 750 Garlock, William 686 Garrison, Addison 760 Gates, M. H 695 Gates, Reuben 728 Gault, N. C 519 Geological Features 528, 563 (ierdtzen, E. A 685 (jermania Lodge, A.O.U.W 553 Germania Band 462 • Gernes, Charles 836 Gere, George INI 288 Gere, Henry C .281, 311, 313, 315, 317 Gere, William B 279 Gerrish, Charles 653 Gilmore, Alexander 633 Gleason, Amasa 644 Goddard, Abner S 229, 233, 327 Goddard, " Aunt Catharine " . . 229, 233, 316, 335 Goddards' Hotel 230, 233 Good Templars 460 " Gophers " 206, 223 Gorr, Peter 181, 618 Gould, Hon. O. B 765 Goulet, Death of 61 Granger Societies 542 Green Bay, Lake Pepin & Minn. Railroad 113 Gregory, A. S 700 Gregory & Co 699 Groesbeck, John 759 Gunderson, Kjostol 788 Haddock, William 197, 207 Haddock's Letter 186 Hagan, Martin 775 Ham, John 659 Hamberg, Peter 764 Hamilton, Andrew 507 Hamilton, Charles S...277, 279, 280, 336 Hamilton, Rev. Hiram S 277, 279, 281 Hamilton, S. W 711 Hamilton's Addition 427 Hanley, John 666 10 INDEX. Hanley, Michael Hannony Lodge, A.F. & A..M Harris, David Harris, Nathan Harris, Samuel T Harris, Cai)t. Smith Hart Township 606, Hatfh, Major Hatch's Battalion Cavalry Hayes, William Hedge, Asa Heim, Anthony Heintz i<: Brotlier, C Heller, Father Alois Heller, T.J Hemmelberg, William Hennepin, Father Louis 24, Hess, Timothy Hidershide, Peter Hilbert,N.F Hill, E. G Hill, Lemuel Hill. AVeslev Hille, Charles Hillsdale Township 592, Hiltz, David Hiltz, Solomon Hodgins, A. F Holbrook, David R Holland, A Holland, John HoUowell, George Lane Holmes, Thomas Homer Township 271, 576, Homer Village Horton, Charles Hotels, Inns and Taverns. . . .287, 320, 347, 353, 426, 534, 560, 567, 579, 587, 594, 603,606,615, 651, 706, 779, Hubbard, (t. F ■ Hubbard's Addition Hubbell, Father 453, Huff, Henry D 266, 270, Huff House Humboldt Lodge, LO.O.F. ...... Hunt, Oliver W Hurlbert, W. M lams, John 255, 310, Ice Floes .' Improvements 180, 225, 287, Incidents of Interest 210, 239, 241, 243, 246, 333, 836, 342, 351 , 537,571,601,613, 704, Incorporation of St. Charles ( 'ity . . Incorjwration of Winona Citv". . . Incorporations— Business. . . '487, 499, Indian Burials Indian Chieftains Indian Dancing Ground 837 710 665 700 ()63 118 608 79 926 507 346 719 687 832 773 680 133 759 722 806 765 739 7^ 780 596 941 940 505 682 811 664 817 60 580 578 508 782 691 427 457 353 651 446 794 527 55§ 68 845 889 554 431 566 92 138 83 Indian Graves 227, 275 Indian Incidents and Customs ... 77 Indian Imjjlements 91, 227, 564 Indian Jealousy 152 Indian Legends 85, 86 Indian Mounds 90, 564 Indian Names, their Meaning. .18, 57 Indian Sacred Dance 81 Indian Sun Dance 81, 83 Indian " Shanty tax " 179, 238 Indian Tribes 21 Indians, Treaties with 137 Indians, Troubles with 38 Industries, Manufacturing 499, 528 Jacobs, ( )scar 779 Jacobs, Philip 76 Jewell House 779 Johnson Destroys the Shanty. . . . 174 Johnson, S. A 655 Jones, Berry & Smith, Bankers. . . 127 Jones, J. H 488 Jones, Thomas 617 Judges 1 20 Judges of Probate 290, 338, 363 Jury, Grand 338 Jury, Petit ».. . . 338 Justices of the Peace 253, 276, 289, 302, 338, 363, 423, 432, 532, 558, 571, 573, 576, 586, 589, 591, 594, 59S, 605, 607, 612, 706 Kaiser, Emil 520 Keeler, Henry J .... 733 Kellogg, Roderick 323 Kendall, J 767 Kennedy, Robert 60 Keyes, John 355 King, James 505 Kincsburv, Holland & Co 811 Kingsbury, W. F 811 Kinney, H. M 493 Kirch, John B 809 Knights of Honor 460, 542 Knights Templar 455 Kramer, Charles 7:^2 Kramer, Ferdinand 721 Kramer, Joseph 720 Krumdick; G. H 785 La Bath 49 La Bathe, Francois 146 Iva Crosse, Name of 56 La Crosse, Trem])ealeau & P. R. R 847 Laemkuhl, John 701 Laird, John C . .310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 335 Laird, W. H 502 Laird's Addition 427 Lalor, J. W 498 Lamprecht, John 520 Land Titles, Earlv 157 Langley, Benton H 805 Larrabee, II. O 781 INDEX. 11 La Salle 24 Latscli, John 768 Lauer and Anding 650 Laiier, J. W • ... 650 Lawyers 426 Lawsuits, Civil and Criminal . - 302, 314, 342, 537, 539, 848, 851 Legislature, Members of. .2-53, 363, 364, 544 Leonard, Joseph L 740 Le Seur 24 Levee 270 Lewis, Aaron 796 Lewis, Jonathan 795 Lewiston Village 707 Lindeman, Christian 694 Liquor, First Sold 246 Little Crow 43 Lockwood, John W 717 Looking Around 291 Loppnow, Ferdinand 824 Lord, Hon. O. M. . . .207, 253, 306, 308, 559, 621 Lord's Hearty Meal 219 Lord's Lumber Yard 215 Lovers Leap 81 Luark, William T 255, 310 Ludwig,John 802 Lutheran Church . . 483, 598, 608, 709 Lybarger, Hezekiah 632 Lyman, Raymond 640 Lynx, Accident to Steamer 73 McCarty, Hon. David 657 McCauly, Terence 634 McCutchen, Wm. G 808 McKay, George 498 McNie, Alexander 737 McNie and Company 736 McRay, Andrew Jackson 659 Macomber, John 791 Mail Routes 298, 559 Maire, Henry 780 Majerus, Michael 622 Manufacturing Interests and In- dustries. . .426, 499, 528, 561, 666, 579, 841, 845 Marfleld,O.L 519 Marquette, Father Joseph 133 Marquette, Pierre 23 Marriages, 330, 539, 571, 587, 609, 613, 706 Marshals 432, 863 Marsland, J 786 Martin, Isaac 827 Martin, Wesley 753 Martin, William Harrison 741 Marvin, Matthew 807 Masons, Free and Accepted. .449, 542, 580, 615, 710 Mathews, John A 674 Matzke, C 727 May, Thomas 731 Maybury, C. G 690 Maybury and Son 689 Mayors 431 Mead, E. S 497 Mead. Lorenzo D 755 Menard, Rene 22 Methodist Episcopal Church, 475, 540, 544, 569, 591, 595, (500, 603, 610, 708, 844 Military Record . . . .543, 600, 910, 931 Miller, George 789 Minneowah 271, 578 Minnesota City Colony, 247, 325, 560 Minnesota Territory Organization 134 Minnesota State Normal School. . 391 Missionaries 150, 151 Mitchell, Hon. William 712, 899 Monk, Nicholas 515 Montezuma 270, 326 Montgomery, James 652 Moran, Jerry 699 Morgan, E.S 757 Morgan, S. W 741 Morganatic Marriages 77 Morgeneier, Robert 835 Moravian Church, Bethany 932 Morey, Charles Anson 944 Morley, John H 784 Morrill, William H 698 Morrison, R. H. D 507 Morse, H. D 648 Mosher, Jonathan 934 Mount Vernon Township 598, 601 Mowbray, A. G 490 Murder of Sheriff Lester 74 Museum of Science, etc 397 Murrav, Patrick 714 Myers'" Holds the Fort " 173 Myrick, Nathan 76 Navigation 117 Navigation Table 119 Navigators, Early 117 Neiheisel, Peter H 819 Nellson, John 693 Nevill, John 622 Nevius and Brother, W. L 762 Nevius, E. G 764 Nevius, W. L 763 New Arrivals 188, 190 New Hartford Township 572 New Hartford Village 573 Newspapers, Early 354, 365 Newspapers, Winona County Press 400,405, 933 Nicholls, Alonzo D 701 Nicklin, Jolm 309 Nienow, William 824 Ninth Minnesota Infantrv 924 Nisbit, David 694 Noonan, William 512 12 rNi)p:x, NoracoiifT, Isaac M 208, 292, 555 Norton, Hon. D. S 899 Norton James L 502 Norton. Leander 765 Norton. Matthew 502 Norton. Robert F 035 Norton Township 590, 598 Notaries, Public 254 Nusslock, Henry 793 Oak Grove Druids 459 O'Brien, James P 764 O'Brien, Peda<;o^ue 45 Odd-Fellows, Order of 443, 542 Old To-ma-ha 145 ( )lnisted, Hon. David 287 O-man-haugh-tny, Release of ... . 75 O'Neill, H.J 769 Orient-Chapter, R.A.M 542, 551 Orphan.s' Home 905, 910 Overseers of Highways, 533, 598, 612 Overseers of the Poor. . .532, 576, 586, 591, 605, 612 Oviatt, Samuel W 942 Palmer, R. K 494 Parks 842 Parochial Schools 477, 484 Parr, AVilliam R 825 Parrott, H. C 695 Patterson, Richard 937 Patterson, Silas B 829 Pelzer, Edward 712 Pennover, L. A 491 Perkins, H. D 691 Perrot, Nicholas 23 Perrott, Z 774 Perry, James H 933 Personal Paragraphs 307, 325 Pers(jnal Recollections 47 Persons, George 628 Persons, William 687 Peshon, Peter 758 Peterson, Jacob K 776 Peterson, Swan 784 Petheram, William 625 Pfeil, Christopher 732 Phelps, Prof. Wm. F 800, 902 Philharmonic Societv 462 Pickert, John .' 748 Pickwick Village 579 Pike, Robert, Jr. . . .248, 255, 292, 305 Pike, Zebulon M 37 Pierson, Miss Louisa 76 Pilots 73 Pioneers.. 171, 533, 535, 601, 604, 607, 610, 616, 703 Pleasant Hill Township 581 Ploof, John 828 Police Department 863, 865 PoHce Force 865 Population, 170, 248, 335, 425, 554, 558, 560, 563, 603, 606, 707, 839 Porter, Lemuel C 517, 672 Postal Business 879 Postoffices and Postmasters . .248, 325, 535, 557, 5()5, 567, 573, 576, 587, 589, 590, 594, 603, 605, 608, 705, 877, 880 Posz, John 935 Pottle, C. L 770 Prairie 98 Prairie Lodge, I. O. O. F 444 Prehistoric 89 Presbyterian Church 4()3, 592, 609, 709, 844 Preston, Joseph S 666 Projects, Abandoned 290 Protestant Episcopal Church, 472. 541,595, 844 Public Halls 350, 365, 612 Puder, C. C 526 Putnam, Pliny 658 Putnam, Alonzo D 658 Putsch, C. F 755 Railroad History, Prominent Names 109 Railroads, 108, 115, 521, 528, 560, 847 Railroads, First Charter 104 Railwav, Street 851. 853 Randall, C. S 727 Randall, J.J 726 Raymond, W. L 505 Recorders 431 Reed, James 55, 57, 59 Regimental Colors, Presentation of 913, 930 Registers of Deeds 338, 363 Reinortze, Peter 781 Religious Meetings, 233, 235, 254, 335, 540, 558, 575, 932 Rescue Lodge, LO.G.T 933 Rheinberger Brothers 821 Richards, William Franklin 788 Richardson, Thomas A 688 Richmond, Joseph 777 Richmond Township 574 Richmond Village 575 Ridges 97 Rising Moose 42 Rising Sun Lodge, A.F. & A.M 542, 549 Ritz, Nicholas 785 Rivers and Springs 97 Roads. .362, 437, 443, 570, 575, 577, 583, 599 Roan, James 745 Roberts, Nicholas 702 Robinson, James 941 Rocks 102, 103 Rohweder, Prof. Hermann 837 Rogers, William 505 Rolling Stone Settlement 205, 247 Rolling Stone Township 554, 562 INDEX. 13 Rolling Stone Village 560 Roman Catholic Church . . 477, 542, 5()0, 584, 600, 605, 709, 844 Ross, Walter M 790 Rowell, Franklin B 810 Rowell, Mrs. Ruth M <)27 Rowell, Warren 627 Rowley, Lorenzo W 826 Royal Arcanum Society 542 Rude Hospitality 169 Russell, James 489 Sacred Dance of Indians 81 Saloons 426, 560, 707 Sanborn, S 527 Sanborne's Addition 350, 427 Saratoga Township 611, 616 Sargeant, M. Wheeler 356 Savage Hospitality 65 Sawyer, F. P " 497 Scandinavian Grove Druids 459 Schartan, Charles 797 Schell, Nicholas, Jr 772 Schermerhorn, Perry 939 Schermerhorn, William 939 Schmidt, Frank W 810 Schmidt, H. G. C 769 Schmitz, J. P 757 Schnell, Louis 772 Scholars' Names 370 School Money 371 School, State Normal 383, 397, 843 School Statistics 381 School Superintendents 374, 380 School Tax 372 Schools, Private, District and Pub- lic . . 230, 252, 347, 370, 383, 405, 422, 538, 546, 559, 568, 573, 575, 583, 587, 591, 593, 597, 599, 603, 605, 608, 610, 615, 705, 844 Schools, Sabbath. . . .468, 470, 474, 476, 482, 484, 569, 580, 588, 594, 708 Schoonmaker, James H 520 Scott, W. A 523 Schroth, C. F 511 Second Advent Church 485 Second Battery Light Artillery . . 928 Second Minnesota Cavalry 927 Second Minnesota Infantrv 919 Seefield, C.W : 754 Seeman, Bernhard 794 Settlements and Settlers. .215, 217, 219, 239, 570, 572, 575, 591, 593,711, 789 Settler, Oldest Native 226 Settlers, Names of. . .204, 211, 335, 347, 363, 564 Seventh Minnesota Infantry 921 Shank, J. G 780 Shay, Amos 636 Sheardown, J. M 712 Shelton, Leonard M 948 Shelton, Mrs. Louisa 949 Shelton, William Henrv Sheriffs 125, 338, 363, Sherwood, S. F Shooting of Henry D. HuflF Shooting of Simonds Short, John W Sickness 300, Simon, Ghehart Simpson, Hon. Thomas Simpson, V Sims, W. H Sixth Minnesota Infantry Skeletons Found Skidmore, Lewis Slade, A. O Slocumb, William Wright Small, William Smith, A. B., Disappearance of . . Smith, Charles Smith, J. F Smith, John Smith, M. M Smith, H. H Smith, Capt. Orrin. . . 118, 163, 264, Smith, W. E Snow, A. H Snow, Doctor Social Enjoyments 333, Societies. . . .443, 463, 480, 486, 542, 545, 569, 580, 588, Society of Arts, Sciences and Letters Soldiers' Ori^han Home 905, Soil Song Composed by Pike Song by the Dakotah's Sontag, Otto Spalding, Samuel W Speltz, Peter Spielman, Philip Springer, L. H St. Aloysius Young Men's Society St. Charles, City of, Incorporation St. Charles Township . 528, St. Charles Lodge, I.O.O.F St. Paul and Chicago Railroad . . . Steamboat Arrivals, Table- Steamboats 73, 118, Stebbins, Jonas B Stellwagen, John Stevens & Son, Henry Stevens, Silas Stevens, William H 283, 292, Steward, D Stewart, William Riley Stirneman, Jacob Stockton Village Stone, Daniel W Stores and Shops 225, 252, 331, 350, 364, 426, 535, 560, 565, 568, 573, 575, 578, 587, 594, 603, Story, Jacob 948 815 779 266 343 782 570 734 899 642 519 921 5(54 656 746 817 937 320 734 774 723 774 497 270 808 767 76 334 596 397 910 99 360 32 775 (594 758 742 353 462 554 554 552 110 118 426 936 512 833 282 335 549 641 812 594 770. 708 691 14 INDEX. Story, George F ytovall, James W Straw, Henry Hymen Street Railway 851, Sun Dance of Indians 81, Supervisors, 532, 573, 57(5, 588, 5;»1, 594,51)8, ()05, G07, ()12, Surveyor Swayne, Henry Sweet, Rev. William 207, Talbot, George B Talbot, William Taloujian, Winslow Taylor, diaries H Taylor, Henry Taylor, Jonathan F Taylor, Thomas 15 Taylor and Company's Addition. . Teachers' Institute 377, Temperance Societies. . . .4()1, 542, 570, Temple of Honor Tenney, C. A Tenth Minnesota Infantry Third Battery Light Artillery .... Third Minnesota Infantry Thomas, Azariah Thomas, Lauren Thomas, W. AV Thompson, S. K Thornton, Job Thorp, Robert 220, Tierney, James Timber Todd, Addison E Todd, Dexter J Todd, Lorenzo U Tourtellotte, Dr. Francis J Town Clerks. . .532, 573, 57(), 586, 588, 5h S 319 Wilson, David H 798 Wilson, John Q 798 Wilson, Hon. George P 899 Wilson, Hon. Thomas 120, 899 Wilson Township 588 Windom, Hon. William 899 Winkles, J 813 Winnebagoes, Removal of. . . .155, 156 Winona, Attempt to Establish • • ■ ■ 59 Winona as it is 839 Winona & Southwestern R. R 115 Winona & Transit R. R 107 Winona (Chapter, R.A.M 454 Winona City in Embrj'o. .61, 224, 236, 270 Winona City, History of 423, 435 Winona City Council Acts. . . .114, 847, 853 Winona County, Early .Settle- ment 131, 132 Winona County, ({eographical Position 96 Winona County , Organization of. . 369 Winona County Press 400, 405 Winona County Abstract Office . . 649 Winona Encampment, I.O.O.F. . . 446 Winona Equitable Aid Union .... 461 Winona (Trove Druids 458 Winona Harvester Works 802 Winona Lodge, A.F. & A.M 450 Winona Lodge, A.O.U.W 459 Winona Names, Some 899, 905 Winona Postoffice 328 Winona Soldiers' Aid Society .... 930 Winona, State Normal School .... 391 Winona, St. Peter & Mo. R.R.108, 521 Winona, Suggestion of Name. . . . 328 Winters, Frank Marion 726 Wiscoy Township 585 Witch-e-ain 78 Witoka Village 586 Wol{!Ott, William 671 Wollsey, Joseph E 786 Woman's Temperance Union .... 461 Wonder, John 648 Woodlawn Cemetery. . . .844, 889, 892 Wright, James 620 Wright, Thomas 818 Yale, Hon. W. H 833, 899 Yosemite Valley, Discovery of. . . 93 Youmans, A. B 504 Youmans, E. S 504 Youmans,Dr. W. J 904 Young, Henry A 671 Young, James W 729 Zickrick, Rev. Michael 751 Zion (Evangelical) Church 484 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. CHAPTER I. ABORIGINAL HISTORY. A HISTORY of the first settlement of Winona county, and es- pecially that of the city of Winona, requires that some notice be given to the Indian tribes that have occupied the territory in which it lies, and of that adjacent, and also that some notice be given to the early efforts of missionaries and explorers to christianize and render the savages obedient to the wants of commerce and of French or English ascendanc3^ The fur trade was the most important ele- ment in the early explorations and settlement of the Northwest, as commerce generally has been in the civilization of the world. The limited space allowed for this subject admits of but slight mention of the authorities drawn upon, but it is imperative that the aid afforded by the researches of the Smithsonian Institute, of Eev. Edward Duffield Neil, and of Judge George Gale, be acknowl- edged. Absolutely nothing is known of the origin of the Indians ; neither the mound-builders, nor the more modern tribes ; and the naturalist is led to ponder over the suggestion ascribed to Voltaire, "that possibly, in America, while God was creating different spe- cies of flies, he created various species of men." Be that as it may, their differentiations in languages and cus- toms, forming different tribes from more original stocks, or sources, have been noticed by writers upon ethnology ; but aside from the knowledge aflbrded by their various languages and traditions all is doubt and mystery. Their traditions, even, are so blended with superstitions and romances that the most critical judgment is re- quired in giving credit to any portion of them ; the more especially to times and distances that extend beyond the Indian's present capacity to realize. The territory between the lakes and the Missis- 2 18 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. sippi river seems to have been peculiurly fitted by its topograpliy and natural productions for a grand nursery of savage tribes ; and there are evidences still remaining in the languages and traditions of the aboriginal inhabitants of this territory, and in the remains of ancient tumuli, stone and copper implements, to warrant this belief. It is probable, as claimed by tradition, that some tribe of Algonquin origin was in possession of this vast territory, and were • dispossessed by confederated Sioux, whom tradition says came from the New Mexican frontier. The Chippewa names for different local- ities, now corrupted, but familiar to us, warrants this belief, if it does not establish the fact. The Sauks and Min-o-min-ees, both of Chip])ewa origin, say they were the original owners of the whole territory, but they shed no light upon the origin of the mound- builders. Those people may have been drawn to this territory from the far south in search of copper, which to them, probably, was as the gold of California to modern adventurers, and been expelled again by wars, or have voluntarily abandoned their industrious mode of life to become engrafted into the new nations that were springing up around them. Such industrious people would natu- rally become the prey of more warlike tribes, and the more especially so because of their cranial development, indicating a lack of aggress- ive character. In support of the claim to have been the oldest of modern tribes to occupy the territory, the Chippewa race mention the names given by tlieii* ancestors to prominent localities. For ex- ami)le, Michigan, a word of Chippewa origin, is derived from Mich- e-gah-ge-gan, meaning the lake country, or "skye bound waters."" Wisconsin is from Gy-osh-kon-sing, the name of its principal river, and means the place of little gulls. Chicago is from Gah-che-gah- gong, a place of skunks. Milwaukee is from Mim-wa-ke, meaning hazel-brush land, equivalent to good land, as upon good land only will this shrub grow. The astringent bark was used as a medicinal remedy, and hence the shrub was known as the good shrub by the Indians. Galena was known as Ush-ke-co-man-o-day, the lead town ; Prairie-du-Chien as Ke-go-shook-ah-note, meaning where the fish rest, as in winter they are still known to do. St. Anthony's Falls was calhnl Ke-che-ka-be-gong, a great waterfall ; the Mississippi as Mielie-see bee, or Miche-gah-see bee, meaning the great or endless river, or, more literally, the river that runs everywhere ; and Lake Superior was known as Ke-che-gun-me., or "the great deep." Only ABORIGINAL HISTORY. 19 a few Chippewa names have been given, and those simply to show the famiharity of the Chippewas with characteristics of the various localities named by them and now so familiar to us. It may be added that St. Paul, or its site, was known as Ish-ke-bug-ge, or new leaf, because of the early budding out of the foliage below St. An- thony's. It has been a custom of Indian tiibes, as with other primi- tive peoples, to name persons and tribes from peculiarities, from resemblances and from localities. This rule has been followed in naming the separate tribes of the great Algonquin, Iroquois and Dah-ko-tah nations, as well as of those of the Pawnee, Shosh-o-me, Kewis, Yu-mah and Apachee or Atha-pas-can nations. For many years the records of the early Spanish and French explorers were hidden from the researches of modern investigators, but those of Marco-de Nica and of Coronado, have come out at last from their mouldy recesses, and documents that had lain in the archives of France for long years have been copied and published to aid the modern historian. In these records of the early explorers, errors in writing and on maps have been made ; but they are of considerable value to modern research, be- cause of the light they shed upon the explorations of their authors, and upon some Indian traditions concerning them. The Chippewa name for Lake Winnepec is Win-ne-ba-go-shish- ing, the meaning of which is a place of dirty water. The name Win-ne-ba-go was interpreted to mean '' stinking water, " and the Indians of the tribe were called by the early French explorers the "Stinkards," under the impression that they had come from a place of stinking water. Lake Winnebago, in Wisconsin, was supposed to be that locality, but it may be observed here that the water of that lake is not, or was not, before the advent of the white people, impure. Another reason given for the name was, that they had come from the Western sea or ocean, imagined by .the first French ex- plorers to exist in the region of the Mississippi river ; and as the Algonquin name Winnebagoec, for salt and stinking water, was the same, except in accent, their name was supposed by some to desig- nate a people from the Western ocean. The traditions and legends still existing among the Winnebagoes render it probable that they once inhabited the territory adjacent to lake Win-ne-ba-go-shish-ing (modernly called Winnepec), and probably long anterior to the occupancy by the Sioux of the Mille-Lac country, as while acknowl- 20 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. edging tlioir relationship to the Dah-ko-tah nation, they claim a more ancient lineage. Lieut. Pike refers to the statement of an old Chip- j»ewa that the Sioux once occupied Leach Lake; and Winnebago shishing, <)r the ',' Dirty Water lake, " is but twenty-five miles dis- tant from Leach Lake. The Winnebagoes call themselves Ho-chunk-o-rah, meaning "the deep voiced people." The Dah-ko-tahs call them Ho-tau-kah, full or large voiced people, because of their sonorous voices being cons]>i('uously prominent in their dance and war songs. Many words in Winnebago and Sioux are very similar. Wah-tah is the Sioux word for canoe; watch-er-ah, the Winnebago. Shoon-kah is the Sioux word for dog; shoon-ker-ah, is the AVinnebago name. No-pah is nine in Sioux ; Nope is the same numeral in Winnebago. Numerous other examples might be given of resemblances in their respective languages, but these will suffice. The Chip})ewa language is wondeifully artistic in construction and rich in sugges- tions ; hence we find many of their words accepted by other tribes as classic. Manito-ba, God^s land, suggests the idea of a God-given country or Indian paradise. Superior in intellectual capacity to most other tribes, their names seem to have been accepted by others as something better than their own. It is believed by the writer that in this way, probably, the Chippewa name, W^innebago. was given and accepted by the Ho-chunck-o-rah. The Northeastern Sioux claimed to have owned the Mille Lac country from time immemorial. It seems quite probable that before the " hmg war," and during some long era of peace, the Winnebagoes may have inhabited the shores of Lake Winnepec, perhaps while the Sioux were at Leech lake. The Kneesteneau, or (Jhippewas, would have been their neighbors, and from them the Winnebago may have acquired some of the tastes and habits that have so marked his character. As is still customary with bordering tribes, intermarriages were no doubt of frequent occurrence, and in this way, it is conceivable, that the Dah-ko-tah progenitors of the Winnebagoes may have established themselves among some Chippewa tribes, and their off- spring have been led to accept flag-mat wigwams, deer, fish and water-fowl in lieu of skin tents and buffalo meat. The Sioux language even differs in each band. Prol)ably, soon after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, many of the red rovers of the ])lains, as their traditions tell, left for more northern climes. The inviting ABORIGINAL HISTORY. 21 prairies of Minnesota, with their countless herds of buffalo and elk, would for a time, at least, content the warlike Sioux, who, pro- vided with* some of the "big dogs" (horses) of the Spaniards, could roam at will over these boujidless, beautiful plains. It seems also likely that reports of the more than savage cruelty of the Spaniard had gone out, with accounts of the destructive nature of his "deadly thunder"; and if so, a common dread would have kept a superstitious people at peace. Friendly alliances would most naturally have sprung up among border tribes, and in but a few generations old tribes would have been multiplied into new ones, as appears to have been done dur- ing some long era of peace. It is true tliat the problem may be as readily solved by supposing a state of civil war to have existed, but in that case there still must have been lohg eras of peace, or the race would have become extinct. Be that as it may, the forests of Minnesota and Wisconsin limited the range of the buffalo in these states, and in doing this determined the character of the native inhabitants. The Sioux soon asserted his savage sway over the whole prairie region west of the Mississippi river, and drove into the forests of Wisconsin his less formidable neighbors. In after years, by com- bined attacks with firearms, lie was driven back by those he had dispossessed of their patrimony, and was c(mtent to plant himself upon the western shore of his watery barrier ; keeping as neuti-al ground, for a time, a strip of territory along the east side of the Mississippi. This region remained neutral but for a short time only, for w^ Hnd by the accounts of the earliest Fj-ench explorers that the Da- kotah and Algonquin nations were in an almost constant state of warfare when first visited by them, and during the whole time of the French occupation of the territory. The water-courses afforded ready access to the greater part of the region between the lakes and " Great river," and the dense forests concealed the approach of the wily foes. While the " battle- ground " presented opportunities for a surprise, it was no less ser- viceable for those who waited in ambush. Many a war party of both nations have been cut off by a successful ambush, and their people left to mourn and plot new schemes of vengeance. Other tribes suffered by these national animosities, and aban- doned the noted theatres of war for more peaceful localities. 22 hist6ry of winona coxjnty. Thf Winnebagoos, according to their traditions, suffered from tlie incursions of both nations ; and at the time of the first visit of the French at Green Bay thej were found there and on Fox river, living in amity with the rice-eaters, or Min-o-min-nee, and other tribes of Algonquin origin, though known to be closely re- lated to the almost universal enemy, the Sioux. During the summer months the Indians on Fox river appeared sedentary in their habits, living in bark houses and cultivating Indian corn and other products of Indian agriculture, or gathering the wild potatoes and wild rice that served them for their winter stores of vegetable food. During seasons of scarcity from frosts, or fi-om disaster, edible nuts and acorns were secured against times of want ; and if famine came upon them in their extremity, they supported life by feeding upon trie inner bark of the slippery elm, linden and white pine. Those were happy times for the peaceful tribes, and of sorrow for those in enmity with one another. CHAPTEE II. EXPLORATIONS. The Minominnees, Pottawattamies and the Foxes occupied the water-courses tributary to Green Bay, while the Winnebagoes and the kindred tribes of lowas, Missouris, Osages, Kansas, Quajjaws, Ottoes, Ponkas and Mandans, possessed the country south and west, bordering upon the territory of the Sauks, the Illanois and the Sioux. This territory seems to have been visited by the French as early as 1634, and in 1660 Father Rene Menard went on a mission to Lake Superior, where the furs of that region and of Green Bay had ah'eady begun to attract adventurous Frenchmen. Poor zealous Menard, the first missionary, never returned to civilization ; he was lost in the wilds of a Black river forest, separated in a swamp from his faithful follower and assistant Guerin, and all that was ever known of his fate was inferred from the agony of his com])anion and the priestly robe and prayer-book of the aged pre- late found years aftei-ward in a Da-ko-tah lodge. In 1665 Father Claude Allouez, with but six French voyageurs, but with a lai-ge number of savages, embarked from Montreal for ABORIGESTAL HISTORY. 23 Lake Superior, where he established himself for a time at a place called by the French La Pointe, because of its jutting out into tlie beautiful bay of Bayfield. Here at once was erected the mission of the Holy Spirit, and the good offices of the priest tendered to the untutored and savage tribes of that vast wilderness. The peaceful mission of Allouez was soon known among the warring tribes, and Sauks and Foxes, Illani and other distant tribes, sent messengers of peace or curiosity to the "Black Gown," and he was admitted to their counsels. In turn, "their tales of the noble river on which they dwelt," and which flowed to the south, "interested Allouez, and he became desirous of exploring the territory of his proselytes." Then, too, at the very extremity of the lake, the missionary met the wild and impassioned Sioux, who dwelt to the west of Lake Superior, in a land of prairie, with wild rice for food, and skins of beasts instead of bark for roofs to their cabins, on the bank of the Great river, of which Allouez reported the name to be Mississippi. To Father Allouez belongs the honor of liaving first given this name to the world. In speaking of the Da-ko-tahs, he says : "These people are, above all others, savage and warlike. * * * They speak a language entirely unknown to us, and the savages about here do not understand them." In 1669 the zealous Marquette succeeded to the mission estab- lished by Allouez, and his writings give a somewhat florid account of Sioux character. He says: "The Nadawessi (the Chippewa name of the Sioux), are the Iroquois of this country beyond La Pointe, but less faithless, and never attack until attacked. Their language is entirely difierent from the Huron and Algonquin ; they have many villages, but are widely scattered ; they have very extra- ordinary customs. * * * AH the lake tribes make war upon them, but with small success. They have false oats (wild rice), use little canoes, and keep their word strictly. At that time the Dah-ko-tahs used knives, spears and arrow- heads made of stone. About that time, one band of Dah-ko-tahs were allied to a baud of Chippewas by intermarriage and commer- cial relations, and for a time were living in fi-iendly relations with a band of Huron s, who had fled from the Iroquois of New York. Lfostilities breaking out between these people and the Sioux, they joined the people of their tribe at La Pointe. To Nicholas Perrot is due the honor of having first established a trading post on the Mississippi below Lake Pepin, and according 24 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to Neil's History of Minnesota, Perrot inspired the enterprise of La Salle, who sent Louis Hennepin to explore the Mississip})i. Hennepin was first to explore the river above the mcnith of the Wis- consin, the first to name and describe the falls of St. Anthony, the first to present an engravinc; of the Falls of Niagara, and it may be added, the first to translate the Winnebago name of Trempealeau Mountain into French. The Winnebagoes call that peculiar mount- ain Haj-me-ah-chaw, which is well rendered in French as the Soak- ing Mountain, as it stands isolated from its fellow peaks entirely surrounded by water. Afler reaching the Illinois river, La Salle, in 1680, sent Henne- pin on his voyage of discovery, with but two voyageur assistants. After reaching the mouth of the Illinois river he commenced the hazardous ascent of the " Grreat river," traversed before only by -Joliette and Marciuette, when they descended from the Wisconsin. Hennepin encountered war-parties of Dah-ko-tahs, and was taken a prisoner by them up the Mississippi to St. Paul, to St. Anthony's Falls, and to Mille Lac. While in the land of the Sioux he met Du Luth, who had come across from Lake Superior. Du Luth obtained the release of Hennepin, and gave him much information of value. Du Luth seems to have been the real dis- coverer of Minnesota. Owing to the war inaugurated against the English by Denon- %alle, in 1687, most of the French left the Mississippi, and concen- trated for defense under Du Luth at Green Bay. In 16.88 Perrot returned to his trading-post below Lake Pepin, and the year following, by proclamation, claimed the country for France. In the year 1695 Le Seur built the second post established in Minnesota, on an island not far from Red Wing. During this 3x\ar Le Seur took with him to Canada the first Dah-ko-tah known to have visited that country. The Indian's name was Tee-os-kah-tay. He unfortunately sickened and died in Mont- real. Le Seur hoped to open the mines known to be on the Mississippi, and went to France for a license. The license to work them was obtained, but Le Seur was captured by the English and taken to England, but was finally i-eleased. After overcoming great and renewed opposition, and making one more trip to France, he, in 1700, commenced his search for copper, which was said to be abundant on the upj^r Mississippi. EXPLORATIONS. 25 Some time in August of this year he entered Fever or Galena river, whose banks were known to the Indians to contain lead, but Le Seur was the first to mention the existence of those lead mines. After many incidents of interest, Le Seur reached the Blue Earth river, and established himself in a fort about one mile below the mineral deposits, from which the Dah-ko-tahs obtained their paint for personal adornment. In 1701 Le Seur took to the French post, on the Gulf of Mexico a large quantity of this mineral, and soon thereafter sailed for France. At this time, according to Le Seur's journal, there were seven villages of the Sioux on the east side of the Mississippi, and nine on the west. The Wah-pa-sha band was anciently known as the Ona-i)e-ton or falling leaf band, and their village of Ke-ox-ah was upon the prairie now occupied by the city of Winona. Keoxa is difficult of translation, but it may be rendered as "The Homestead," because in the springtime there was here a family reunion to honor the dead and invoke their blessings upon the band. The site of Winona was known to the French as La Prairie Aux- Ailes (pronounced O'Zell) or the Wing's prairie, presumably because of its having been occupied by members of Red Wing's band. The Americans called it Wah-pa-sha's prairie. Under the impression that it drew from Canada its most enter- prising colonists, the French government for some years discour- aged French settlements among the Indians west of Mackanaw ; but very soon the policy of the English in estranging the Foxes and other tribes from the French, compelled a renewal of the licenses that had been canceled by the French authorities. 4l^he Foxes had made an unsuccessful attempt upon the French fort at Detroit (known as Wah-way-oo-tay-nong, or the Wy-an-dotte fort), and smarting under defeat they made an alliance with their old enemies the Dah-ko-tahs. This alliance and the enmity of the Foxes made it unsafe for the French to visit the Mississippi by way of Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and for some , years the Sauks and Foxes scalped the French traders,, and waged war against their Indian allies. The Foxes were finally overcome by the French in 1714, and, capitulating, they gave six hostages as security for a peaceful treaty to be agreed upon in Montreal. Pemoussa, their greatest warrior, and others sent as hostages, died there of small- pox. One who had recovered with the loss of an eye was sent to 2(> HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Mackaiiaw to treat, but he escaped and again stirred up the Indians to revolt. The Chick-a-saws in the south and Dah-ko-tahs in the north made the country exceedingly dangerous to the French. They now became assured that the English were undermining their influence with the Indians, for in a dispatch written about 1726 it is stated that the English "entertain constantly the idea of becoming 7nasters of North America.''' Licenses to traders were once more abundantly issued, and the prohibition against the sale of liquors that had been 'established by the influence of the pious missionaries was removed. In 1718 Capt. St. Pierre was sent with a small force to reoccujiy La Pointe, now Bayfleld. The Indians there and at Kee-wee-naw had threatened war against the Foxes. During this year peace was established at Green Bay with the Sauks and Foxes and Winne- bagoes, who had taken part against the French. An endeavor was now made to detach the Dah-ko-tahs from friendly alliances with the Foxes, and to secure a treaty of peace between the Chippewas and Dah-ko-tahs, with a promise of renewed trade with them if they remained at peace. To accomplish this purpose, two Frenchmen were sent to the Dah-ko-tahs, but it would appear were not entirely suc- cessful, and wintered among the Menominee and Winnebago Indians on Black river. In order to obtain a strategic point it was resolved by the French to build a fort in the Sioux country. On June 16, 1727, the expedition left Montreal, accompanied by missionaries and traders, and on September 17 of the same year reached their desti- nation on Lake Pepin. A stockade was soon built on the north side near Maiden Rock that inclosed buildings for troops, missionaries and traders. The fort was named "Beauharnois," in honor of the governor of Canada, and the mission named " St. Michae^phe Archangel. '' The commander of this fort was De la Perriere Boucher, noted for his savage brutality and bigotry. This fort was overflowed in 1728 and its site abandoned. According to Sioux tradition, tlie prairie on which Winona is now situated was also overflowed at that time. During this j'ear a large force of French and Indians left Canada with the intention of destroying the Sauks and Foxes. On August 17 they arrived at the mouth of Fox river. Before the dawn of day an attempt was inade to surprise the Sauk village, but they escaped, leaving only four of their people to reward the French for their midnight vigils. A few days later the French ascended the rapid stream to a Winnebago village, but it also was deserted; still EXPLORATIONS. 27 pursuing their search, on the twenty-fifth they came to a large Fox village, but that too was abandoned. Orders were now given to advance the command to the grand portage of the Wisconsin river; but thig move was as fruitless as those which had preceded it, and the expedition returned to Green Bay without results. The Foxes retired to Iowa, and, establishing still closer relations with the lowas and Sioux, were allotted hunting-grounds to which have been at- tached some of their names. The Kick-ah-poos and Masco-tens were allies of the Foxes and their conge7iers^ the Sauks, and took part with them against the French. In 1736 St. Pierre was in command at Lake Pepin and regarded the Sioux as friendly, but they still remained objects of suspicion to the French Canadian government, as some of them had attacked an expedition under Yeranderie, undertaken at that early period to open a route to the Pacific. In 1741 the Foxes killed some Frenchmen in the territory of the Illinois, and this so aroused the authorities in Canada that they determined, if possible, to overthrow and completely subdue the Foxes. The officer selected for this purpose was the Sieur Moran or Marin, who had once been in command at Fort St. Nicholas near Prairie du Chien. With the cunning of a savage, Marin placed his men in canoes under cover, as if they were merchandise, and when ordered by the Foxes opposite or near the Butte des Morts to land and pay the usual tribute exacted from all traders passing their village, lie opened fire upon the assembled multitude and killed indiscrimi- nately men, women and children. Marin had anticipated the Foxes' consternation and flight, and before reaching the village had sent a detachment of his force to cut them off. There was great slaughter and but a remnant of the village escaped. These people were again surprised by Marin and his forces on snowshoes in their winter encampment on the Wisconsin, and were utterly destroyed. The Dah-ko-tahs had during this period been at war with the Chippewas, but in 1746 were induced by the French to make peace. Many of the French voyageurs, and in some few instances French offi- cers even, had taken wives, after the Indian method of marriage, from among the Dah-ko-tahs and other tribes, and by this means their in- fluence was still great among their Indian followers. Yet, English influence had commenced its work, and soon after this period French power seems to have begun to wane. The French, however, still continued to make a struggle for existence, if not supremacy. 28 EIISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The t'hippewas of Lake Superior showed a dis))osition to aid the Englisli, and committed a robbery at the Sault St. Marie ; " even the commanchmt at Mackanaw was exposed to insolence." St. Pierre was sent to the scene of disorder. His judgment and courage was undoubted. St. Pierre seized three murderers and advised that no French traders should come among the Chippewas. While the Indians, secured by the boldness of St. Pierre, were on their way to Quebec under a guard of eight French soldiers, by great cunning and daring they managed to kill or drown their guard, and though manacled at the time, they escaped, severing their irons with an axe-. "Thus was lost in a great measure the fruit of Sieur St. Pierre's good management, "as wrote Galassoniere in 1741>. Affairs continued in a disturbed state, and Canada finally became involved in the war with New York and the New England colonies. In the West, affairs were for some time in doubt, but the influence of the Sieur Marin became most powerful, and in 1753 he was able to restore tranquillity between the French, and Indian chiefs assem- bled at Green Bay. CHAPTEK III. AMONG THE INDIANS. As the war between the colonies became more desperate, the French officers of experience and distinction were called from the AVest to aid the Eastern struggle. Legardeur de St. Pierre in 1755 fell in the battle upon Lake Champlain, and Marin, Langlade, and others from the West, distinguished themselves as heroes. After the fall of Quebec the Indians of the Northwest readily transferred their alle- giance to the British. In 1761 the English took possession of Green Bay, and trade was once more opened with the Indians. A French trader named Penneshaw was sent b^^ the English into the country fo the Dah-ko-tahs, and in March, 1763, twelve Dahkotah warriors arrived at Green Bay, and offered the English the friendship of their nation. They told the English commandant that if any Indians obstructed the passage of traders to their country, to send them a belt of Wampum as a sign, and "they would come and cut them off, as all Indians were their slaves or dogs." After this talk they pro- duced a letter from Penneshaw, explaining the object of their visit. AMONG THE mDIANS. 29 In June Penneshaw himself arrived with most welcome news from the land of the Dah-ko-tahs, bringing with him for the commander ot the post a pipe of peace, and a request that English traders be sent to trade with the Sioux ot the Mississippi. A tradition still exists among the Sioux that the elder Wah-pa- sha, or, as we might say, Wah-pa-sha the First, was one of the twelve Da-ko-tahs who visited Green Bay. Notwithstanding the English had conquered all the vast territory between the lakes and the Mississippi, and had the proffered friendship of the Sioux to strengthen their influence with all the other Indian tribes, the lines of trade between the territory of Louisiana and the newly acquired territory of the English were not closely drawn, and French influence was sufficiently potent to send most of the furs and peltries to their post at New Orleans. The cause of Indian prefer- ence for the French may be found in the latter's gaiety of character, and their ability to conform to the circumstances that may surround them. The Canadian voyageurs and. woodmen displayed a fondness for high colored sashes and moccasins that was pleasing to the bar- baric tastes of the Indian women, and many of them, joining their fortunes and their honors with those of the French, raised children that were taught to reverence and obey them. In addition to the influences extended by these ties of blood, the kindness and devotion to their religious faith exhibited by the (Jatholic missionaries won upon the imaginations of the Indians, and many were won over to a profession of their faith. The tribes which came under their influences looked upon the priests as verita- ble messengers from God, and called them the "good spirits," be- lieving that they were the mediums only of '* good spirits." All Indians are spiritists, believing implicitly that the spirits of departed human beings take an interest in mundane aftairs. The English, in contrast with French management, had a bluft' and arbitrary way of dealing, that, however successful it may have been with eastern tribes, was for a time very distasteful to the Sioux. However, the English learned something in due time by contact with these Indians, and from French politeness ; but some years were required before their success with the Sioux was established. For some years the trade seems to have been abandoned west of Mackanaw, to the French. In the year 1766 Jonathan Carver, a native of Connecticut, visited the upper Mississippi, and his reports 30 JIISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. coneei'iiing the beauty, fertility and resources of Minnesota aroused some attention to the vahie of these new possessions. Carver was a man of keen observation and discernment, and some of his predictions regarding the "new northwest," tliough scoffed at by some at that time, proved almost prophetic. Carver died in England in 1780. Alter his death, a claim was set up to a large tract of land said to have been given him by the Sioux, and since known as the ' ' Carver tract. " The claim was investigated after the territory came into the pos- session of the United States, but it was found to be untenable. Carver found the Sioux and Chippewas at war when he arrived among them, and was told that "war had existed among them for forty years." Chippewa and Sioux tradition both make the time much longer. It was supposed by the English that the policy of the French traders fostered war between the Sioux and Chi])pe\va nations. Wliether this be true or not, it is certain that French in- fluence continued paraniount in the country for some years, but as the French that remained after the ti-ansfer of the country to the English were inferior in intelligence to those in authority while the French held possession, we are principally dependant upon Indian and mixed blood tradition for what occurred in this vast territory until after the revolution. , Tradition tells us that an Englishman, located near the mouth of the Min-ne-so-ta river, was killed while smoking his pipe, by an Indian named Ix-ka-ta-])e. He was of the M'de-wa-kan-ton-wan band of Dah-ko-tahs. As a result of this unprovoked murder, no other trader would visit this band, which had already been divided by dissensions, and been driven by the Chippewas from territory formerly occupied east of the Mississi})pi. In earlier times this decision of the traders would have been disregarded, but then it was of vital importance to their well-being if not their existence ; for they had learned to depend ujion guns instead of bows and arrows, and therefore suffered for want of am- munition and other supplies, and were at the mei-cy of their well- armed enemies. After a grand council it was determined to give up the murderer to English Justice. Accordingly a large party of Sioux, with their wives and the murderer, started for Quebec. In order to avoid their enemies the Chippewas, they took the usual canoe route by the Wiscoi)sin and AMONG THE INDIANS. 81 Fox rivers to Green Bay. While on this journey, the ridicule of other tribes and their own dissensions caused a desertion of over half of their number, and upon their arrival at Green Bay, but six, of whom some were women, persevered in their intention to go on. When about to start, the murderer also disappeared ingloriously. The leader of the little band of six, then called Wa-pa "The Leaf," told his followers that he himself would go as an offering to the British commander, and if required, would give up his life that his people might not be destroyed. On arriving at Quebec, his motive and heroism were both appreciated by the English governor, and the chief was sent back to his prairie home, loaded with abundant supplies of the coveted ammunition and Indian trinkets ; and as evidence of his gratitude demanded a British flag to wave over his territory. A gaudy uniform, which included a red cap, common enough in early days, was- also given "The Leaf," or as Grignon calls him, the "Fallen Leaf," and as he represented the Da^-ko-tas as a nation of seven principal bands, he was given seven medals for tlie respective bands, the one for himself being hung by a tassel cord upon his neck by the English commander at Quebec in person. This noble band of Spartan Sioux wintered in Canada and had sraall-pox, though in a mild form, and when the navigation of the great lakes was fully opened in the spring they safely returned to their tribe. Before reaching their village, which ha^ been again divided during their absence, they dressed themselves in their finest apparel, and marching in Indian file at the head of his devoted companions, the chief entered his village with red cap and flag conspicuously displayed. The chief was hailed, after Indian custom as Wah-pa-ha-sha, or ' ' Red Cap, " which, by abbreviation soon became Wa-pa-sha. Wapasha's successful return and denunciation of the cowardly desertion by his comrades,* created another division, which was made permanent by his leaving "Red Wing's " band and removing to the present site of Minnesota City, known to the Wah-pa-sha band as 0-ton-we, "the •village,'' probably because of its having been a very ancient dwelling and burial place of Indians. There, at Gilmore and Burn's valleys, they had th^r cornfields and summer residences. The band also had a village near Trempea- leau mountain and at Root river. At times, when not occupied with field work, they assembled upon the site of Winona (known as 32 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTV. Keoxa) and La (^rosse, lield their sun and otlier religious dances, })layed their games of " La Crosse," or we]>t over the remains of their dead. Nostrils and sight both reminded them of this sacred duty, as the dead of tlieir l)and were phiced upon scaffohls, and left to fester and bleach in the open air until whitened by time. The bones and burial garments were buried in some secluded spot, or placed under stones in some ancient ossuary. This custom was soon abandoned, and in later years their dead were at once buried. Wa-pa-sha was very proud of ^lis success with the English, and during one of his visits to Mackanaw, stipulated that when visiting English forts, the British commanders should salute him and his staff with solid shot, alined a little high. For much of the foregoing tradition, and very much more of like character, the writer is indebted to Thomas Le Blanc, born in 1824, son of Louis Provosal, or Louis Provencalle, an old French trader, whose post was at or near the site of Pennesha's, on tlie Minnesota river, at Traverse des Sioux, and where, for a time, in ancient days, some of Wa-pa-sha's people were encamped. Thomas was related to Wah-pa-sha, to the Grignons and to Faribault, and was well versed in Indian and French traditions. lie spoke French, English and Dah-ko-tah about equally well, and during the four months employed by the writer he was found singularly intelligent and truthful. The first Wah-pah-sha was grandfather to the one removed from his Winona village by treaty in 1851-3. His memory is still held in great reverence by his descendants and the whole Sioux nation. His deeds of prowess and of benevolence are still preserved in tra- ditions and songs that are sung by medicine-men or priests to the young of the ti'ibe ; and even the Winnebago members of the Wah-pa-sha family have learned to sing them. As a s]>ecimen of these rude verses, compelled into rhyme, the following song is given : - • SONG OY THE DAH-K(3-TAIIS. Wah-pa-sha ! Wali-pa-slia ! jiood and great brave, You rode into battle, made enemies slaves; Your war-chief was strong in sjnrit and frame, An4 many the s('ali)S he hung on his chain. Your " lied Caj)" was kudwn in the East and the West ; You honored the English, and hoi)ed to be blessed ; You clothed your red children in scarlet and blue; You ever were kind, devoted and true. AMONG THE INDIANS. Hb The skins of your Te-pee were brought from the plains ; Your moccasins dressed with C^hippewa brains,* Your war-whoop saluted bj' British real shot,t Gave peacefullest token they harmed you not. Then rest thee, brave chieftain, our night has come on, The light has departed from all thou hadst won ; Thy people lie scattered on hillside and plain ; Thy corn-lields, thy prairie, we cannot regain. Notwithstanding the esteem in which his memory is now held, during his lifetime Wah-pa-sha became the subject of dissensions in his tribe, and leaving the cares of chieftainship principally to his son, he roamed at will with a small band of devoted followers of his own tribe, and a few Win-ne-bagoes, one of whom had married his sister Winona, and whose daughter Winona, called the sister of the last Wah-pa-sha (though but a cousin), played so important a part in the removal of the Winnebagoes in 1848. Old Wah-pa- sha finally died at a favorite winter encampment on Root river, and was taken to Prairie du Chien for burial. When news reached the' Mississippi, in 1780, that Col. George R. Clark, of Virginia, was in possession of Illinois, and was likely to take possession of Prairie du Chien, a lieutenant of militia, twenty Canadians and thirty-six Fox and Dah-ko-tah Indians were sent with nine bark canoes to secure the furs collected at that post. Wah-pa-sha was in command of the Indians. The canoes were filled with the best furs, and sent by Capt. Langlade, who had chai'ge of them, out of danger from capture, and a few days afterward the Americans arrived with the intention of attacking the post. During this year, also, a squaw discovered a lead mine near the present site of Dubuque. During 1783-4 the Northwestern Companj^ was organized, but some of the members becoming dissatisfied, an opposition company was formed by Alex- ander McKenzie and others. After a sharp rivalry for some time the two companies were consolidated. In 1798 there was a reorganization of the company, new part- ners admitted, and the shares increased. The new management was thoroughly systematized, and their operations made very profit- able. *The brains of animnls are used in dressing deer skins. t A stipulation at Mackinaw, required a salute to Wah-pa-sha of solid shot when he visited that fort. 3() HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. In about the year 1785 Julien Dubuque, who had settled at "La Prairie du Chien," and had heard of the discovery by a Fox squaw of a lead vein on the west side of the Mississippi, obtained permission at a council to work those mines, and he established him- self upon the site of the city that bears his name. Dubuque was the confrere of De Marin, Provosal, Poquette and others who have prominently figured in the fur trade of that period. The princi})al traders, however, were Dickson, Frazer, Renville and Grignon. James Porlier, an educated French Canadian, was acting as clerk for Grignon, on the St. Croix, at this time, together with the pompous and eccentric Judge Reaume, afterward so noted at Green Bay. Porlier, while with Dickson at Sauk Rapids, gave Pike useful information during his visit to the upper Mississippi in 1805, and afterward, moving to Green Bay, acted as chief-justice of Brown county for sixteen years. The treaty of 1783 failed to restore good feeling between England and the United States, as the British posts were not at once surrendered, and this fact served to keep the Indians hostile. The English pretended not to have authority to give up posts on Indian territory. This excuse was set up in the interest of the En- glish fur traders, but it was finally agreed by the treaty efiected by Mr. Jay that Great Britain should withdraw her troops by June 1, 1796, from all posts within the boundaries assigned by the treaty, and that British settlers and traders might remain for one year with all their former })rivileges, without becoming citizens of the United States. The Northwest Company seized upon this opportunity to establish posts all over Minnesota. They paid no duties, raised the British flag in many instances over their posts, and gave chiefs medals with English ensignia upon them. By these means they impressed the savages with the idea that their power still remained 6U])reme, and this impression was a fruitful source of annoyance, and even danger, to Americans, for years afterward. In May, 1800, the Northwestern territory was divided. In December, 1803, the province of Louisiana was officially delivered by the French to the United States government, and in March, 1804, Cai)t. Stoddard, U.S.A., as agent of the French govern- metit, received troni the Spanish authorities in St. Louis actual possession of this important territory, transferring it very soon there- after to the United States, AMONG THE INTHANS. 37 It was now deemed expedient that this valuable territory, so • recently purchased, should be fully explored, and the Indians be made to acknowledge the full sovereignty of the Federal govern- ment. Upper Louisiana, including a large part of Minnesota, was organized immediately after the transfer, and on January 11, 1805, Michigan territory was also organized. Gen. Wilkinson, placed in command at St. Louis, finding that the laws of his government were still unrecognized b}^ the English traders in the new territory, in 1805 sent Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike to expel the traders and bring some of the prominent Indian chiefs to St. Louis. Pike was cour- teously received and hospitably entertained by the wily Scotch and English traders of that period, but they secretly resolved to dis- regard and circumvent the policy of the United States government in its proposed management of the Indians. Pike visited the different tribes along the Mississippi as far up as Sandy and Leech lakes, and made a treaty with the Dah-ko-tahs for sites for forts at the mouth of the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers. Wintering in the country of the Chippewas, he was enabled to induce them and tjie Sioux to smoke the pipe of peace, and in the early springtime started with representatives of both nations for St. Louis to conclude articles of friendship and commerce intended for the benefit of these hostile races. Upon the "Aile Rouge," or "Red Wing," hearing of a secret attempt to shoot Lieut. Pike by a 3'Oung Sioux, he spoke with vehemence against the character of some encamped at the month of the Minnesota river, and offered to bring the would-be assassin to Pike for punishment. Pike found at the Red Wing village an old chief known as Roman Nose, and who had been the second chief of his tribe, desirous of giving himself up for some instrumentality in the death of a trader. Tlie Indian name of the chief was not given, but it was said he had been deposed in consequence of the murder of tlie trader. Pike thought it impolitic to tell the penitent chief that the matter was beyond his jurisdiction. On his way down the river Pike speaks of Winona prairie by' its French name of "Aile" or "Wing" prairie, and of Wah-pa- shas encampment below La Ci'osse, probably at mouth of Root river. He also gives Wah-pa-sha his French name of La Feuille, "The Leaf" La Crosse he calls De Cross, but when speaking of the game played at Prairie du Chien by Sioux, Fox and Winnebago ;{.S HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. contestancs, lie calls that "a great game of the cross," showing clearly that he did not know the French origin of the name. While at Prairie dii ('hien, Wah-pa-sha sent for Lieut. Pike, "and had a long and interesting conversation with him, in which he spoke of the general jealousy of his nation toward their chiefs," and wished the "'■Nez Corbeau," as the French called the "Roman Nose," reinstated in his rank as "the man of most sense in his nation." This conversation shows another noble trait in the character of Wah- pa-sha. Before leaving Prairie du Chien for St. Louis, Pike established regulations for the government of the Indian trade, but his disap- pearance from "La Prairie" was the signal for Cameron, Rolette, Dickson and their subordinates to disregard them. Cameron and Dickson were both bold Scotch traders, who seem to have disre- garded all regulations and laws, except those of hospitality and humanity. Cameron died in 1811, and was buried on the Minnesota river. Dickson lived to take an active part in the war of 1812, and have few but his ill deeds spoken of in history. CHAPTER IV. TROUBLES WITH THE INDIANS. In 1807 it was becoming evident that the various Indian tribes in the Northwest were forming a hostile league against the United States government. In 1809, a Nicholas Jarrot made affidavit that English traders were suj^plying [ndians for hostile purposes. Indian runners and envoys from the "Prophet" were visiting the (/hippewas, while Dickson, who was the principal trader in Minne- sota, held the Indians along the waters of the Mississippi subject to his will. Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, reported to the secretary of war that *'Tlie oi)inion of Dickson, the celebrated British trader, is that, in the event oi a war with (xreat Britain, all the Indians will be opposed to us, and he hopes to engage them in hostility by making peace between the Sioux and Chippeways, and in having them declare war against us." A principal cause of the great influence of Dick, son was his alliance by marriage with the noted Dah-ko-tah chief "Red Thunder," whose sister he had taken as his wife. TKOUBLES WITH THE INDIANS. 39 In May, 1812, two Indian couriers were arrested in Chicago, supposed to have letters for Dickson. The Indians had anticipated twrest, or else, for greater security, had buried their letters until they should resume their journey, and nothing being found upon their persons they were released. A Mr. Frazer was present when the letters were tinally delivered to Dickson, who was then at "the Portage " in Wisconsin, and said the letters conveyed the intelli- gence that the British flag would soon be flying upon the fort at Mackanaw. During this period, Cadotte, Deace and others were collecting the Chippewas of northeastern Minnesota on Lake Superior, and at Green Bay. Black Hawk was given command of the Indian forces to be assembled. Dickson gave him a certificate of authority, a medal and a British flag. Before it was known that war had been declared, the American commandant at Mackanaw was surprised by the land- ing of British troops and traders, and a demand for the surrender of the garrison. With the British army came well known traders, prepared with goods to trade under the British flag. An American, taken prisoner at the time, wrote to the Secretary of War : " The persons who commanded the Indians are Robert Dickson, Indian trader ; John Askin, Jr., Indian agent, and his son," both of whom were painted and dressed in savage costume. Neill says : "The next year (1813) Dickson, Renville, and other fur traders, are present with the Kaposia, Wah-pa-sha, and other bands of Dah-ko-tahs, at the siege of Fort Meigs." While Renville was seated, one afternoon, with Wah-pa-sha and the then chief of the Kaposia band, a deputation came to invite them to meet the other allied Indians, with which the chief complied. "•Frazer, an old trader in Minnesota, told Renville that the Indians were about to eat an American." * * * '•'The bravest man of each tribe was urged to step forward and partake." * * * A Winnebago was urging a noted Sioux hunter to partake of the horrid feast, when his uncle told him to leave, and addressed the assembled warriors as follows : "My friends, we came here not to eat Ameri- cans, but to wage war against them; that will suffice for us." Trah-pa-sha said: "We thought that you, who live near to white men, were wiser and more refined than we are who live at a distance, but it must indeed be otherwise, if you do such deeds." Col. Dickson sent for the Winnebago who had arranged the intended 40 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. fi'iist and demanded his reason for doing so disgusting a deed. His answer sheds no liglit upon his motive. The fall of Maekanaw alarmed the people of the Mississippi valley, and they called loudly for the defense of Prairie-du-Chien. In May, 1814, Gov. Clark left St. Louis for this purpose, and taking possession of the old Mackinaw House, found a number of trunks full of papers belonging to Dickson, one of which contained this interesting extract : "Arrived from below, a few Winnebagoes with scalps. ^ (rave them tobacco, six pounds of powder and six pounds of ball." A fort was built by the Americans, and named " Shelby." The Maekanaw traders, hearing of this, organized a force under McKay, an old trader, and started in canoes to dispossess the Americans, The British force was guided by Joseph Rolette, Sr., and, land- ing some distance up the Wisconsin river, marched to the village and demanded its surrender. The fort was unfinished and scarcely defensible, but its com- mander, Lieut. Perkins, replied that he would defend it to the last. On July 17 the gunboat, under command of Capt. Yeiser, was attacked by the British and Indians. The boat moved to a com- manding position above, but was soon dislodged by the enemy, who crossed to the island, where they availed themselves of the shelter of trees. The boat was then run a few miles below, but was unable to do much execution. For three days Lieut. Perkins made a brave resistance, but was finally compelled to capitulate, reserving the pri- vate property of his command. After placing his prisoners on parole, the British victor escorted them to one of the gunboats, upon which they had but about a month before come up, and, crestfallen at their discomfiture, they were sent back down the river, pledged not to bear arms until exchanged. Some bloodthirsty savages followed them in canoes, but made no victims. Lieut. Campbell came up from St. Louis about this time with a small force to strengthen the garrison, and, landing at Kock Island, held a conference with Black Hawk at his village nearby. Directly after leaving, news came to Black Hawk of the defeat at Prairie-du- Chien. His braves at once started in pursuit of Campbell's com- mand. A severe encounter was incurred, the lieutenant was TROUBLES WITH THE INDIANS. 41 wounded and some of his men killed. During the fight a boat was captured, and the force was compelled to retreat back to St. Louis. After the capture of Fort Shelly, it was named by the British Fort McKay. In August, 1814, Maj. Zachary Taylor was sent up with a force in gunboats to punish the Indians who had attacked Lieut. Campbell, but to his astonishment found the British and Indians in possession of Rock Island. Fire was opened upon Taylor from a battery, and the first ball fired passed through a gunboat commanded by Capt. Hempstead. Taylor's boats were all disabled and he was compelled to retreat down the river a short distance for repairs. In that engagement one was killed and eleven wounded. With the Americans who came down to St. Louis after the surrender of Prairie-du-Chien was a ' ' one-eyed Sioux, " who had aided in the defense of Capt. Yeiser's gunboat. During the autumn of 1814, in company with another Sioux of the Kaposia band, he ascended the Missouri to a convenient point above, and, crossing the country, enlisted a number of his people in favor of the Americans. After these professions of friendship, most likely from Sioux nearest St. Louis, he went down to Prairie-du-Chien. Dickson, upon his arrival, asked his business, and snatched from him a bundle, expecting to find letters. The Indian told Dickson that he was from St. Louis, and would give no further information. Dickson confined the Sioux in Fort McKay, and threatened him with death if he did not give information against the Americans. The "one-eyed Sioux" was proof against all threats, and he was finally released. The stubborn savage soon left for a winter sojourn among the river bands, and returning in the spring of 1815 he soon heard the news of peace having been restored. As the British evacuated the fort they set it on fire, with the American flag flying as it had been run up, seeing which, the " one- eyed Sioux " rushed into the burning fort and saved the flag. A medal and a commission were given him by Gov. Clark, which he treasured and exhibited upon frequent occasions, while rehearsing his many exploits. These interesting facts taken from Neill's valuable history, relate 42 HIRTOTIY OF WINONA COUNTY. to Ta-ha-mie, tlie ''Rising Moose," mentioned by Lieut. Pike in his journal. He was well known to the writer as the "one-eyed" medicine chief, or priest, of the Wah-pa-sha band of Sioux, though he seemed equally at homo with other bands and with the Winnehagoes, all of whom reverenced him for his bravery and intelligence. His fre- quent boast of having been the only American Sioux during the war of 1812, made him quite famous among the American settlers of Winona county, while the pretentious cock of his stove-pipe hat and the swing of his mysterious medicine-bag and tomahawk-pipe gave him character among his Sioux and Winnebago patrons. His serv- ices were in frequent demand; and even now, in 1882, he is spoken of by the older Indians as a great hunter, a great warrior, and a good priest. His more modern name of Tah-my-hay, "the Pike," corrupted into Tom-my-haw by the American settlers, was probably taken by himself as the adopted brother of Lieut. Pike, after an Indian custom. His Winnebago name of jSTa-zee-kah, an interpreta- tion of his Sioux name, shows clearly that he was known as "The Pike." In regard to the "Tomahawk," that so mystified Dr. Foster, whose interesting and elaborate article is quoted from by Neill, it appears probable, allowing something to imagination, that the father of Lieut. Pike had a tomahawk, the head and handle of which formed a pipe, and that Lieut. Pike had taken it with him on his mission to the Sioux and Chippewas as a calumet or pipe of peace. That, meeting with and forming a close tie of triendship with Ta-ha-mie, the " Rising Moose," he gave him a memento of his everlasting friendship, in peace or war, by presenting the " pipe tomahawk, " in such common use along the (Canadian border in early days. The writer's memory was in fault as to tlie certainty of its being Tah-my-hay who, of all the Sioux, was so expert in the use of the tomahawk, but R. F. Nor- ton, a merchant of Homer, Minnesota, comes to his aid by relating the following incident : During the early days, said Norton, my brother, the doctor, and myself, were listening to an old dragoon settler's account of his skill and prowess with the sabre. Flourishing a stick, he told how easy it was to defend himself against the assault of lance or bayonet. Tom-my-haw happened to be present, and understanding more than the valorous cavalryman supposed, or, as proved agree- able, asked the white warrior to strike him with his stick. This the dragoon declined to do, but, being urged, he made a demon- TROITBLES WITH THE INDIANS. 43 stration as if intending to strike, when, with a movement of Tom-my-haw's tomahawk, the stick was caught, and whirled to a safe distance. Norton described the tomahawk as a combined hatchet and pipe. In liis youth, Tom-my-haj was a noted hunter, and after the disruption of the Me-day-wa-kant-wan band, joined Red Wing's subdivision, and afterward that of Wah-pa-sha. He told the writer that during one of liis hunts, while following the game into a dense Tamarach thicket, a sharp, dry twig entered one eye and destroyed its sight. The vanity of Tah-my-hay was something remarkable, but his devotion to the Americans was vouched for by his tribe. After the war had closed. Little Crow and Wah-pa-sha, by request of the British command, made a long journey, in canoes, to Drummond's Island, in Lake Huron. After lauding their valor, and thanking them in the name of his king, the officer laid some few presents before them as a reward for their meritorious services. The paltry presents so aroused the indignation of Wah-pa-sha, that he addressed the English officer, as appears in Neill's History of Minnesota, as follows : "My Father, what is this I see before me? A few knives and blankets ! Is this all you promised at the beginning of the war? Where are those promises you made at Michilimackinac, and sent to our villages on the Mississippi? You told us you would never let fall the hatchet until the Americans were driven beyond the mountains ; that our British father would never make peace with- out consulting his red children. Has that come to pass ? We never knew of this peace. We are told it was made by our Great Father beyond the water, without the knowledge of his war-chiefs ; that it is your duty to obey his orders. What is this to us ? Will these paltry presents pay for the men we have lost, both in the battle and in the war? Will they soothe the feelings of our friends? Will they make good your promises to us ? " "For myself, I am an old man. I have lived long, and always found means of subsistence, and I can do so still ! " Little Crow, with vehemence, said : ' ' After we have fought for you, endurecl many hardships, lost some of our people, and awak- ened the vengeance of our powerful neighbors, you make a peace for yourselves, and leave us to obtain such terms as we can. You no longer need our services, and offer these goods as a compen- sation for having deserted us. But no ! We will not take them ; 44 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. we liold them and yourselves in equal contempt." So saying, he spurned the presents with his foot, and walked away. Tlie treaty that soon followed at Portage-des-Sioux, won over to the United States the fealty of the Dah-ko-tahs, of Minnesota, and the disgust expressed by "Little Crow" and Wah-pa sha on their return to their pe<)})le, for a time, at least, rendered any further serious difficulty with them improbable. A period has now been reached in the early exploration and occu])ation of the territory of the Dali-ko-tahs, when the traditions relating to that era have been merged in the experiences of the writer, [t is not merely the vanity of self-assertion that induces him to give his own personal experiences in early pioneer life, but, to connect the past, with the present mode of life in Minnesota, he thinks, may give a clearer impression of the character of the early pioneers than has generally hitherto obtained. The writer's father, Dr. Bradly Bunnell, was born in New London, Conneticut, in about 1781, and his mother, Charlotte Houghton, was bom in Windsor, Vermont, in about 1785. Soon after their marriage they came to Albany, New York, where the eldest sister of the writer was born, and where also was born her husband, Stephen Van Rensselaer. From Albany his parents moved to Homer, New Yoi-k, where the eldest son, Willard Bradly Bunnell, was born in 1814. Ten years later, 1824, the writer was born in Kochester, New York. While living in that beautiful city, his father conceived the idea of visiting the Territory of Michigan, and in 1828 went to Detroit. The writer is made sure of the time, by the date of a diploma of his father's membership in the Detroit Medical Society, signed by Stephen C. Henry, president, and II. S. Rice, secretary, and other papers in his possession. In the autumn of 1831, Bradley Bunnell started for Detroit, with the intention of establishing himself in the practice of his profession, but, delayed by the inclemency of the season, and lack of secure transportation, was induced to open an office in Buffalo. His jiractice grew into importance, and during the season of (tholera, 1832, the calls for his services to relieve the distressed and d^-ing were almost c(mstant. The writei' had an attack of Asiatic cholera, and passed into what was 8U]»posed by consulting physicians to be a collapsed stage of the disease, but the heroic treatment decided upon caused a rally of TROUBLES WITH THE USTDTANvS. 45 the vital forces, and the grim enemy was routed. Although but eight years old at the time of the Black Hawk war, that event, and incidents connected with it, he distinctly remembers. The passage through Buffalo of United States troops on their way to the scene of conflict made a vivid impi-ession that years have failed to eradi- cate. In 1833 it was thought advisable by the writer's father to move up to Detroit, but meeting with what he thought a better opportunity to establish himself, after a short delay at Detroit, con- tinued on up to Saginaw. There he purchased forty acres of land, that now forms part of that flourishing city. He also bought forty acres that forms the site of Carrolton. Soon dissatisfied with his purchase, and the felicity afforded by howling wolves and croaking bullfrogs in their gambols and songs of love, he left in the sweet spring-time for metropolitan life in the French village of Detroit. His family, on the score of economy, and most likely for want of ready funds, were left in Saginaw to care for the household goods and garden, and the children to cultivate their unfolding intellects at a country school. The writer was called "Pef' by his mother, and was allowed to run at large with Chippewa children (whose tongue wsis soon acquired), visit their camps, sugar-groves, hunt, fish, swim, skate and fight, to his unbounded satisfaction. His pride was to excel his dusky competitors in all things, and this was soon accom- ])lislied, to the admiration of an old Chippewa warrior instructor by his killing two immense bald eagles at the age of eleven. The writer was not then aware of the importance Indians attach to the killing of an eagle. His mother soon became satisfied that her "Pet" was learning more of the camp than tlie school, more of the hi-yah, of Indian music, than of that taught by his sisters. After a few written notes received from his teacher (confidential), and a vain attempt to take all of "his hide off," after the most approved methods of that ''''good old time''\%'). It was thought best, upon one of his father's periodical visits, to place the writer in a Detroit "classical school." At about the age of twelve the misguided boy was placed in the Latin school of Mr. O'Brien, of Detroit, who has for many years taught the 3'oung ideas "to shoot," fitting many young men with preparatory instruction for useful lives. Mr. O'Brien had been educated for the Catholic priesthood, but discovering some peculi- arity in his character (it was thought to be his temper) un suited to so sacred an office, he opened his Latin school in Detroit. 46 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. There can be no doubt of the masterly ability of O'Brien as a teacher ; but his method was the old one he learned in his bible, to "spare not the rod !" So, after a very short term at that school, receiving in the meantime a few extr'a lessons in the manly art ot self-defense^ the writer one day with a ty-yah ! left the school and his books never to return. A new method was then tried with the young savage, and his experiences at the "Bacon Select or High School," of Detroit, are cherished in grateful memory. The writer made rapid progress toward the goal of his ambition, a liberal education, but the "wild- cat mania" had seized upon his father, and as a consequence of losses, sickness and deaths in his family, the boy aspirant had to be made self-supporting. He was placed in the drug store of Benjamin T. Le Britton, opposite Ben Woodworth's hotel, where he boarded for a time upon his arrival in Detroit, and with that kind and upright gentleman, and his successor in business, he remained until the fires that raged in the wooden buildings of that period had destroj^ed them. Before the destruction of the American or Wale's Hotel by fire the writer was boarded at that house by his employer, and while there remembers that Henry R. Schoolcraft boarded there also for some considerable time, engaged, probably, upon his Indian works. A Chippewa maiden in attendance upon his invalid wife (who was of mixed blood), though shy, seemed pleased when spoken to in Chippewa, which, boy like, the writer would do. For a time, at intervals, though young for the work, he was sent by his employer to take orders and make collections in Ohio, Ken- tuck}' and Virginia. It was now thought advisable to engage the writer in the study of medicine. This was distasteful to him, but finally, with his ex- perience as a druggist to build on, in 1840 he went into his father's office in Detroit, and in winter, for want of other resources, attended private clinics and demonstrations. The reading and confinement involved was too great a change from his former and accustomed habits, but nevertheless, in order not to disappoint the fond expectations of -his parents, he worked against his inclinations. He had continued liis studies, more or less regularly, when a most welcome letter from his brother, Willard B. Uunnell, decided him, in the spring of 1842, to go to Bay-du-Noquet, where Willard was engaged in the fur trade. CHAPTER V. pp:rsonal ep:collp:( rriONS. A POINT has now been reached in this paper where it will be more convenient to use the pronoun oi the first person singular, and accordingly I will say that my recollections of the passage of Gen. Scott and his troops up the lakes, in 1832 ; my intimacy with Indians, annually renewed by their visits to Detroit and Maiden, Canada, to receive payments ; my acquaintance with all the old-time French fur traders and their offspring, at Detroit, and of the traditions told me by the Snelling boys of their father and their grandfather, Col. Snelling, all conspired to imbue me with a romantic idea of ^'^ going out West " into the Indian territory that has never yet been realized. At my father's table I had heard Col. Boyer, the Indian agent at Green Bay, speak in glowing terms of that beautiful sheet of water and its rock-bound islands and harbors ; and I had also heard the Williams, of Pontiac and Saginaw, as well as my mother's cousin, Dr. Houghton, speak in my presence of Indian traditions relating to silver and copper mines upon Lake Superior. I asked myself then, with boyish fancies, why I could not find one. My dream of the conquest of fortune was at first rather rudely dispelled upon my arrival at my brother's house, but upon mature reflection I decided not to return to Detroit. I found my brother in very poor health and about to move to the upper Mississippi. The climate of this lovely region, even at that early day, was extolled by the fur traders for its salubrity, and for persons suffering from any form of lung disease it was thought to be almost a specific. Exposures and excesses frequently incident to frontier life had left their marks upon Willard, and I at once decided to aid in his removal to a dryer atmosphere. Will bought of the Chippewas and fitted out two of their largest bark canoes, and after selling to Mr. Lacy, of Green Bay, all of his stock of furs, and loading his sloop, "The Rodolph," with choice maple sugar, he closed out the remnant of his winter stock of goods to the Indians encamped on the shores of Green Bay, taking in payment their choicest furs and peltries. 48 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Upon his arrival at the city of Green Bay all of the purchases made from the Indians were disposed of at enormous profits, includ- ing one of the bark canoes, capable of carrying about four thousand pounds. The other canoe Will loaded with the lighter fabrics of his trade, and, after a few days' delay in procuring a suitable pilot, or guide, started up through the rapids of Fox river. My brother was accompanied by his wife, nee Matilda Des- noyer, who was of the old French stock of Desnoyers, myself, a voyager, and an old Menominee Indian pilot, who spoke Chippewa well, and said he belonged to the band of Osh-kosh. The Indian went with us only to the head of the rapids, or foot of Lake Winne- bago, as agreed upon, but gave us so clear a description of the route to be followed to Fort Winnebago, that we reached that ancient portage without assistance or difficulty. At tlie Buttes du Mort (the mounds of the dead), we found a most intelligent mixed-blood trader, named Grignon, a descendant of the celebrated French officer Langlade, who oft'ered us generous hospitality and inducements to remain with him. I think that the maiden name of my brother's wife, Desnoyer, influenced the old trader u})on its incidentally becoming known to him, for he spoke in the highest terms of the Desnoyer family as personal friends of his in troubled times. Grignon told us that "the mounds of the dead " had no relation to the battle with the Fox Indians, fought on the opposite side of the stream, but were ancient tumuli, of which none but the most vague traditions existed. After a day's rest, we pushed on up through the intricate wind- ings of Fox river. We were not very heavily loaded, our cargo consisting for the most part of calicoes, red, green and blue cloths, blankets, cutlery, beads, and other baubles, so that upon the whole our trip was a very pleasant one. Some of the Winnebagoes encountered on the way were at first inclined to be somewhat surly, and demurred to the prices fixed u]>on the goods, and no doubt our firm and non- chalant demeanor was all that ])revented an attack from one encamp- ment, where it was intimated a tribute would be acceptable. This intimation angered my brother, and in a choice vocabuhiry oilJank Chi})jjewa, which their association with the Menominees of (treen Bay enabled them to understand, Will poured into their unwilling ears sounds that utterly silenced them. Tiie Ho-chunk-o-raws, or "Sweet Singers," as some translate their name, changed their PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 49 tune and brought out their remaining furs, and would have loaded our frail bark at our own prices, to the top of the gunnels. Willard expected to sell the furs collected on this journey at Fort Winnebago, but failed to do so, as the enterprising trader and commercial traveler of the St. Louis, or Choteau Company, had already made his annual rounds, and had started for Prairie Du Chien. However, by some unexpected delay, we met La 'bath after we had started from the Portage, and were assured of a sale at "La Prairie." At the Portage, our canoe and its bulkj^ cargo were transported by wagon to the Wisconsin, down which, after having been "pocketed" a few times in misleading channels, we journeyed tri- umphantly. At Prairie Du Chien, we met Charles Le Grave, a merchant, whose family I had known in Detroit, and also the trader La 'bath, both of whom were willing to purchase our furs, but at reduced rates. We did not quite realize expectations in the final sale of our Indian commodities, for the season had too far advanced for the profitable sale of furs. Consulting with Le Grave, after a long conversation with La 'bath regarding the upper Mississippi, we took their advice and decided to go to the "Soaking Mountain," known now as Trempealeau. We were told that in the near future the site of the village would be the emporium of trade, and we were assured of a hearty welcome from a hospitable Kentucky pioneer named Reed. By the treaty of November 1, 1837, the Sioux and the Winnebagoes mixed bloods ceded to the United States all their territory on the east side of the Mississippi, and it was su^jposed by the old traders that town sites would become of great value. Francis La'bath, though a half- breed Sioux, had the energy, if not the business capacity, of a railroad magnate, and as a trader and collector of furs for the American Fur Company, he had become familiar with the Indian territory of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. In addition to his trips of purchase for the fur company he had personal interests to supervise, for he had established small posts and wood-yards at several points for trade on the Mississippi between Prairie du Chien and Lake Pepin. La'bath's first post was at the head of the "Battle Slough," where Black Hawk was defeated, and it was generally managed by La'bath in person. He had another 50 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. siiuill post on the east side of the river, about three miles below La Crosse, that coninianded the trade of Root river and vicinity and was an important winter post. Root river was known to the Winne- bagoes as Caii-he-o-mon-ah, or Crow river, and not the Cah-he-rah, or Menominee river, as stated by some writers. The Sioux also called Root river Cah-hay Wat-pah, because of the nesting of crows in the large trees of its bottom lands. In the wintei- of 1838-9 James Douville and Antoine Reed (Canadians) established them- selves at Trempealeau in the interest of La'bath, but more to hold the town site than for the purposes of trading with the Indians. A wood-yard was established on the head of the island opposite Trem- pealeau, and some land cultivated by Douville, but nothing of con- sequence done to induce a settlement at Trempealeau. La'bath was a cousin of the last chief Wah-pa-sha, and as a half-breed was allowed to establish himself where white men were prohibited from settling. In accordance with La'bath's privileges he was interested in the half-breed tract at what is now Wabasha, and had petty posts estab- lished at every point where trade might be secured. At or !iear what is now Minnesota City, on the Rolling Stone, Labeth placed his nephew, Joseph Bonette, to trade with the Wah-pa-sha band, and abandoning his lower posts, established one a few miles below the mouth of White-water, at a point known as the Bald Bluff. This i)Ost was known to the Winnebagoes as Nees-skas-hay-kay-roh, or White- water Bluff, while his Rolling Stone post was called Nees-skas-hone- none-nig-ger-ah, or Little White-water. The Sioux name lor White- water is Minne-ska, and for Rolling Stone E-om-bo-dot-tah. Wat-pah, a river or creek, is sometimes added, though not often, as the creek, like many words in Indian, is to be understood. It should be understood that most of the petty posts established on Indian terri- tory were temporary huts of logs for winter quarters, occupied and again abandoned when no longer serviceable to an ever-changing trade. A short time previous to the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, a war-party of Sauks attacked an encamjjment of Dali-ko-tahs on Money creek. The young daughter of the Sioux war-chief AVah-kon-de-o-tah was captured and was being hurried from the cam]), when her cries were heard by her father. With a spirit worthy of his name he rushed through the rear guard of the foe, and with his own war-club alone brained three of those who had opposed the rescue of his child. At the sound of his war-whoop his braves PERSONAL EECOLLECTIONS. 53 instantly came to his support, and few of the Saiiks were left to tell of their defeat. This attack, though so bravel}^ repulsed, alarmed the Wah-pa-sha band, and after the fight they made their principal encampment in Wisconsin, near the Trempealeau mountain, until after the treaty of 1837. Their spring gatherings and dances were still held, however, at Keoxa. This statement was recently given me by a half-blood Sioux and Winnebago relative of Wah-pa-sha, who was in the fight of over fifty years ago on Money creek. This statement is confirmed by the Grignons, who inform me that their uncle La Bath vacated many petty posts when threatened, and reoccupied them again when the supposed danger was past. The post at the Eolling Stone was finally abandoned in about 1840. Joseph Borrette, who was then in charge of La Bath's trading post, built a small cabin near the site of the Green Bay elevator, at East Moor, which served as a winter post until about 1843, when it too was abandoned. During the winter of 1842-3 I attended a pay- ment held in the oak grove below where the elevator now stands, and which, I think, proved to be the last one made individually to the Wa-pa-sha band. Mr. Dousman and others from Prairie du Chien were present to look after their interests, but with all their sagacity and experience there were transient traders enough with "spirit water" to gobble up a liberal share of the five-iranc pieces then paid the Indians, to the no small disgust of the agent. All after-payments were either paid in goods, or if in coin, the payment was paid in bulk at Fort Snelling. La Bath's relationship to Wah- pa-sha gave him great personal influence, and by his advice James Keed was selected and appointed as their farmer and storekeeper. Soon after Reed's appointment he employed Alexander Chienvere, a son-in-law, to break fifteen acres of land at the Gilmore valley for the band, and Charles H. Perkins, who married Miss Farnam, Reed's stepdaughter, was soon after employed to break ten acres more for Wah-pa-sha on the east side of Burns' creek, on what is now Miss Maggie Burns' farm. When that work was done tlie chief declared himself well satisfied, and sent the workmen back to Reed. La Bath himself was employed by the fur company for a number of years, but his nephew, Joseph Borrette, kept up the trade of his uncle, with varying success, until about 1844, when all of the petty posts were abandoned. Those old cabins served as stopping-places in winter for the old mail-carriers, Lewis Stram, Baptist and Alex. Chienvere, and others, and the one on the Prairie island above 4 54 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Winona was occupied bj old Goulab, a French Canadian, who had been for some years in the service of La Bath, but, growing too old for journeyings in the wilderness, was placed in charge of a wood- yard established by La Bath on the island above the Wah-ma-dee bluffs, now Fountain City. But to return. We renewed our sup- plies of provisions and left "La Prairie" buoyant with hope, a south wind wafting our harh up the Me-ze-see-bee, or great river, of the Chi])pewas. We arrived at La Crosse in the delightful month of June, 1842, and were received by the trading tirm of Myrick & Mil- ler in a very courteous manner. They then occupied a mere shanty or small log cabin, but were at work upon the foundation of what afterward grew to a house of fair dimensions, though the archi- tecture was somewhat of the composite order. To their original structure they afterward added a hewn block-house, Indian room, and frame addition, and this building, a warehouse, stable, and other outbuildings belonging to the firm, formed the nuclei of La Crosse. There has been some discussion between Mr. Nathan Myrick, of the old firm of Myrick & Miller, relating to the first settlement of La Crosse ; and while I concede the possibility of a house having been erected on the prairie before that of Mr. Myrick's was built, I do not believe it, as no evidence of the fact was seen, or the event talked of, by any of the old traders. On the contrary, Keed, who as a soldier had camped on the prairie some years before 1842, spoke of Myrick & Miller as the pioneer settlers of La Crosse. Even though a small cabin had been built before Myrick's arrival, running fires or government steamboats, the crews of which had to provide wood while on their voyages, would have removed every vestige of the fact of the building s previous existence ; and besides this, until the ratification of the treaty of November, 1837, the Winnebago Indians would allow no permanent settlement upon their domain east of the Mississippi without a special arrangement with them. Upon landing at La Crosse, Miller was especially hos])itable, and offered to wager us "theskoots" that we would not find another such a chance for settlement as La Crosse afforded, and urged us to remain and helj) build up a city. We were not then very favorably impressed with the advantages claimed for La Crosse, but thanked Miller for his courtesy and interest in our behalf. Finding us firm in our purpose of visiting the "Rattlesnake hills," as he and Dous- man called the Trempealeau bluffs, he volunteered to aid us in PEKSOlSrAL RECOLLECTIONS. 55 locating a claim, and to break up sufficient ground for a potato-patch should we return after seeing how immense the rattlesnakes were up at "Jim Reed's town." Miller was a man of most generous impulses and strong attach- ment, but crosses rendered him as stubborn as resistance itself, and tliis quality subsequently marred his happiness. After renewed assurances of good fellowship between "Willard and Miller, mellowed, no doubt, by a few private interviews, we continued on up the broad river, resting in the shade of the forest- clad bluffs, while our light canoe ploughed its course at their base, or stopping at other times where a gusliing crystal fountain invited us to blend its limpid waters with our midday lunch. The Eagle's Nest (the remains of which may still be seen), now knoAvn as the ' ' Queen Bluff, " because of its surpassing beauty and perpendicular height, had living occupants, as we were informed, that had held possession for many years before. Subsequently they were disj)ossessed by Reed and some of his Dah-ko-tah friends to celebrate a war-dance. At Catlin's Rocks, now Richmond, we found the red paint discernible that marked Catlin's name; and had it been used to paint one of his savage chiefs, it would have ren- dered the canvas more imperishable than the rocks that still bear his name. The wind rising up for a vesper breeze, we put on all sail, and in a short lialf-hour's run landed at Trempealeau. James Reed, liis son-in-law, James Danville, Joseph Borrette, and others of the family, came down to the river bank to greet us, and after explaining our purpose in coming, and presenting a letter from Le Grave, Reed invited us to liis house, and soon had his whole household interested in our welfare. We were invited to supper, and the manner in which it was done precluded a declina- tion of the hospitality. We retired early, but not until a sheltered place for a winter home had been suggested for us by Reed. Reed was at our camp early next morning, and leading the way to a most refreshing spring in a little valley above the jDresent site of the village, Willard selected it for a temporary residence, until, as he said, he should be able to learn something of the country. We asked Reed in reference to danger from rattlesnakes, and were told that, to annoy him, or retaliate for disparaging remarks he had made about a miserably poor dog having been used in naming the " Dog Prairie " (Prairie du Chien), Dousman had retorted by calling 56 HISTORY OF WmOlSrA COUNTY. his Trempeleau village site "The Rattle-Snake Hills'-; and the worst part of it is, said Reed, "he directs all his letters by steam- boat in that way, and nervous people will scarcely land." It was evident to both Willard and myself that Dousman's name was not entirely a iiction, and we adroitly returned to the subject. Reed finally confessed that though he had been there but two years, having established himself in 1840, he had seen quite a number of rattlesnakes; but his hogs, he said, were fast exterminating them, and he hoped they would soon disappear, for, said he, ' ' old hunter as I am, / step high in going through the ferns and grasses of the hhiffs.'*'' The Winnebago name of the locality, Wa-kon-ne-shau- ah-ga, means the place of rattlesnakes on the river. We were told by Reed that it was the westernmost peak of the range that was called by Hennepin La Montaigne, qui Trompe-a L'eau, and that the name was a translation (probably understood by signs) of the Winnebago name of Hay-nee-ah-chaw, which signified about the same thing, that is, that the mountain was "getting pretty wet." The Sioux called the mountain Pah-ha-dah, "The Moved Moun- tain." La Crosse was so named by the French, because during peaceful eras the most athletic of the Indian tribes in the surround- ing country assembled to play Indian shinny-ball, called Wah-hin- liin-ah, staking horses, blankets, wampum, and sometimes even their squaw slaves, on the issues of their national game. The lower end of the prairie, near Michel's brewery, was the place of assembly; but the game of ball was so common among all Indians, that the name of their game was never given to a locality. At one time, along the foot of the bluffs, back of the sandy portion of the prairie, within the memory even of white settlers, that locality was famous for strawberries, and for this reason the Sioux called La Crosse Wah-zoos-te-cah, meaning the place of strawberries, when La Crosse was designated, but the Winnebagoes, more given to naming localities from peculiarities in the geological formation of their country, called the La Crosse valley to its junction with the Missis- sippi, E-nook-wah-zee-rah, because of the fancied resemblance of two prominent mound-shaped peaks north of La Crosse to a woman's breasts. Coon creek was called Wah-keh-ne-shan-i-gah, and the mounds situated on Coon prairie were said to have been remarkable for the number of stone and copper implements found in and about them. Black river was appropriately called Minnesap-pah, by the Dah-ko- PEESOIS-AL EECOLLECTIOISrS. 57 talis, and ]N"e-slieb-er-ali by the Winnebagoes, both names signity- ing black-water. The Trempealeau river was called Ne-chaun-ne- shan-i-gah by the Winnebagoes, and Wat-a-Pah-dah, both meaning the overflowing river. TJie Chippewa was called by the Winne- bagoes Day-got-chee, ne-shan-i-ga, meaning the river of the gartered tribe, as they called the Chippewas, and the Sioux called it Ha- ha-tone Wat-pah, meaning the river of the dwellers at the falls (as the Chippewas were known to the Sioux), as it was one of the prin- cipal routes of travel to the Chippewa country. Beef slough and Beef river were both called by the Sioux Tah-ton-kah-wat-pah, and by the Winnebagoes Te-chay-ne-shan-i-gah, because of the locality being the last resort of the bufi'alo east of the Mississippi, though some were seen on Trempealeau prairie at a very late date. The Winnebagoes called the site of Winona, De-cone-uck, and the whole prairie Ose-cah-he-aitch-chaw, meaning the prairie village, or its equivalent. The Dah-ko-tahs called it Ke-ox-ah, translated to mean the homestead. The French called it La Prairie Aux-Ailes (pro- nounced O'Zell), or Prairie of W'iug\s,— for what reason I have been unable to learn, but as the Wah-pa-sha village was colonized from the Eed Wing band, it would appear as if the Indians of the village of Ke-ox-ah might have been known to the early French traders as one of the Red Wing villages. Ke-ox-ah seems to have a specific meaning, like Tee-pe-o-tah, or 0-ton-we, both of which mean a village or collection of tents, but Reed thought "The Homestead" as good an interpretation as could be given the word. Reed was not a very good linguist, and said that he had been frequently misled like Gov. Doty, who, while mapping Fox river, supposed Ne-nah, or water, to be the Indian name of the river, and at once put it down on his map as ISTe-nah, or Fox river, and for a number of years it so appeared on the official maps of the state. James Reed informed us that he had been in the United States army under Col. Zuchary Taylor at Prairie du Chien, and that during trips to the pineries of the Chippewa, under com- mand of Lieut. Jefferson Davis and others, the beauty of the site of Trempealeau, and the scenery of the river above and below, had so impressed him that he had resolved to settle there when his term of service should have expired. His purpose was delayed for various causes, as he came to Prairie du Chien when quite young, but finally, after many years, Reed had established himself and was in comfortable circumstances. At the time of our arrival Reed had a 58 HISTORY OF WIlSrONA COUNTY. large drove of cattle and young horses, which tlie Indians never stole, but would ride occasionally, to his great annoyance, as they galled the backs of his horses and thus exposed their brutality. The houses erected by Gavin, the Swiss missionary, and his associates, Louis Stram and others, in 1837-8, upon the land now owned by the Trowbridge brothers, east of tlie Lake of the Mountain, were used by the Winnebagoes and their Sioux relations to catch the horses, as in fly-time the horses would go into the dark log cabins to escape these pests. During the summer of our arrival Reed burnt uj) the cabins to abate the nuisance, saying that they would never be of ftirther use for missionary purposes. By the treaty of 1837 the Sioux, and the Winnebagoes allied to them, had agreed to remove west of the Mississippi. This agreement was not fulfilled until 1840, the year of Reed's settlement at "Monte-ville," as he used to call his location at times, and this fact will account for the persistent efforts of the Swiss to establish their mission. The SiO'Ux Indians, according to Reed, were very willing to have Monsieur Gavin, Lewis Stram, and others on the east side of the Mississippi, culti- vate corn and vegetables to give them (all for the love of God), but they preferred their dog-feasts, sun and scalp dances, to the pious teachings of the missionaries, and after one or two years of hopeless work the missionaries left their Trempealeau mission and farm work in disgust. Like most Kentuckians, Reed was very fond of horses, and had improved his stock by the importation of a young thoroughbred stallion. The brute was a very intelligent animal, and refused to be ridden by any of Reed's family of boys, who were then quite young. Reed bantered me to ride the horse, saying, "If you will subdue him you can use him as your own." Reed himself was a good horseman, but thought himself rather old to ride the colt. I accepted the old Kentuckian's kindly offer, and so won uj^on him by subduing his stallion that a horse was always at my service. The stallion, a beautiful iron-gray, after a term of service, was sold to an officer at Fort Snelling. James Reed was a remarkable man in many respects, and one ot the best types of a ])ioneer hunter and trapper I ever knew. His first wife was a Pottawatomie woman, by whom he had five children, four of whom are still living ; his son John, also a great hunter, died from a gunshot wound accidentally inflicted by his own hand while hunting deer. Reed's second wife was the widow of the trader PEESONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 59 Farnam, a partner ot Col. Davenport, who was murdered at Rock Island a number of years since. Reed's stepdaughter, Miss Mary Ann Farnam, married Mr. Charles H. Perkins, and is still living near Ti-empealeau. Reed's last wife was the estimable widow Grig- non, mother of Antoine and Paul Grignon, of Trempealeau. Mrs. Grignon was the sister of Francis La Bath, the noted fur-trader, and a cousin to the younger chief Wah-pa-sha. She was first married to a French Canadian named Borrette, to whom was born Joseph Bor- rette, who so many years managed La Bath's post at the Rolling Stone. To Mrs. Grignon-Reed and her intelligent family I am much indebted for interesting facts connected with the pioneer settlement of Trempealeau and Winona counties. Mrs. Reed's death was an irreparable loss to her family, and a subject of regret to all who knew her. For several years in succession Reed used the land cultivated by Louis Stram, the first Indian farmer, who had tried to act in concert with his countrymen the Swiss missionaries; and while thanking his stars for finding land already for his use. Reed said that the austere and industrious character of the missionaries ren- dered them unpopular with Wah-pa-sha and his band. According to La 'bath, both Stram and the government black- smith at the present site of Homer were somewhat afraid of the Sioux Indians. Francis du Chouquette, the blacksmith, removed his forge to the island opposite Homer, known as The Blacksmith's Island, and after a raid by a war-party upon the Wah-pa-sha village he left his forge and anvil upon the island and fled to Prairie du Chien. My brother Willard found tlie anvil, and it was in use for some years in Homer. Upon the site of Du Chouqaette's shop in Homer I occasionally find fragments of iron and cinder, and the spring, walled up by him, was intact only a few years since. The next attempt to proselyte the Sioux and establish in their village at Winona was made by the Rev. J. D. Stevens, who, ac- cording to. my information, had an appointment of some kind as farmer and chaplain. His efforts were no more successful than had been his Swiss predecessors Louis Stram and Mr. Gavin. Reed used to regard the discomfiture of Protestant missionaries with resigna- tioT)., and say that if the Sioux would not receive the Roman Catholics, with the influence of the French mixed bloods to aid them, it was simply out of the question for Protestants to succeed. According to Reed and La 'bath, Stevens got lost in an attempt 60 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. to reach the camp of Wah-pa-sha, but was found and kindly treated by one of the band, and after an interview with the chief, in which he was told that/no white man woukl be allowed to settle on their territory, Stevens crossed over to the "Wisconsin shore opposite Winona and made a temporary shelter for himself and assistants, and then left for provisions and to confer with the authorities. He finally abandoned his attempt to make unwilling christians of heathen savages. La 'bath could probably have changed the order- ing of affairs in Wah-pa-sha's counsels, but it was not his interest to do so, and besides, he believed that but one revealed religion existed upon earth, the Catholic, which he professed. The half-breeds were all Catholics; and although they exerted a most potent influence against any Protestant interference with the Sioux, they never inter- fered with the medicine-men, but joined, like Frontenac, in their scalp-dances and ceremonies. Hence their great influence with them. In 1841 another attempt to settle u])on the site of Winona was made by Thomas Holmes and Eobert Kennedy and their families, but they were not allowed to establish themselves on the prairie. After several offers made to Wah-pa-sha, and his refusal to allow the establishment of those men among his people, they opened a trading-post at the Wah-ma-dee, or Eagle Bluffs. This point of trade was for some years known as Holmes' Landing, but is now called Fountain City, from the numerous fountain-like springs that sujiply its inhabitants. Soon after we arrived at Eeed's village of " Monte- ville," we made the acquaintance of Holmes and Kennedy and their families, and a man in their employ named Smothers, Tom Holmes, the moving spirit of the trio, was the, most persistent of pioneers, and had aided in the early settlement of Rockford, and other towns in Illinois, and after leaving the "Landing," commenced the settle- ment of Shockpay on the Minnesota river. Holmes' first wife was the sister of Kennedy, who was from Baltimore, and both were accustomed to good living and knew how to prepare it, as they had kept a hotel in Maryland. My brother and myself took dinner at tlieir house while aiding Captain Eaton (of the firm of Carson & Eaton) to drive cattle up the Chippewa. Eaton and a man named Darby had had their horses stolen from them by the Winnebagoes near La Crosse, and were left on foot to drive a large drove of cattle. Near the head of what is now called the Mississippi slough six shots were fired at us by a small ])arty of WESrONA CITY IlSr EMBRYO. 61 Sioux from Eed Wing's band, one of which broke a leg of an ox, and the others cut twigs of trees over our heads. While this in- teresting target practice was going on I ambushed the Sioux rifle- men, and but for Captain Eaton and my brother would have killed two of the vxtrjparty, as I had them at mj mercy. While relating our experience to Holmes, I observed a peculiar smile and glance of intelligence from his wife, and upon inquiry found that in our ignorance of Dah-ko-tah, Captain Eaton had offered a deadly insult to the Indians while trying to ask our way. However, the Red Wing band subsequently paid for the ox disabled by the Sioux, as I was informed, a year or two afterward. CHAPTER YI. WINONA CITY IN EMBRYO. Afteb considerable exploration of the country, charmed with the scenery and pleased with the soil and water, we decided to build a house in the little valley pointed out to us by Reed, and where we had before built a small cabin. When our determination was made known, Reed, his son-in-law Dauville, and a hired man and team, came at once to aid us, and we soon had raised up a comfortable log house. A year or two after Reed's appointment as farmer and sub- agent of the Wah-pali-sha band, I returned the favor in part by aid- ing Reed to construct the body of the first house ever built in Winona. Tlie men who aided me in "carrying up the corners" were Joseph Borrette, Reed's wife's son, a nephew of La Bath, James Dauville, Reed's son-in-law, and a Canadian named Goulet, alternately em- ployed by Reed as cattle-grazer, woodchojiper and storekeeper. Goulet had been previously emjjloyed by La Bath at Minnesota City, knew Wah-pa-sha and his band thoroughly, and was quite a favorite with them. While in Reed's service at Prairie island, he was found by some of the Sioux in a state of intoxication, badly burnt from having fallen in the fire, and died soon after from the effects of his debauch. After the loss of his oflice by the prospective removal of the Sioux, Reed took down the building and floated the sawed lumber, the valuable portion of it, to Trempealeau, where it was used as an addition to his residence. When he settled upon his 62 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. farm at Little Tamaracli, he sold his residence and lots in the village to Mr. Ben Ilealy, and some clear joists and other lumber that had been used in Reed's Winona building now constitute a part of the large wooden store building of Mr. Fred Kribs, the principal hard- ware merchant of Trempealeau. During a recent visit Mr. Kribs and Antoine Grignon pointed out to me some of the identical joists used in 1844 by us in the construction of Reed's storehouse for gov- ernment sup])lies, and which was also used as a residence for him- self and men while performing their duties. The body of the house was built of white-ash logs, cut by Jolm La Point and Goulet, Reed's men, and floated from the islands above the present city, and it occupied a spot near the store of S. C. White. It has been sup- posed by some that the Rev. J. D. Stevens built a temporary abode upon the site of Winona, but there were no inducements offered liim to do so, and after his decided repulse by tlie Wah-pa-sha band, it would have been foolhardy for him to have attempted it. Reed, the Grignons, and the Indians all agree in this, that no missionaries were acceptable to Wah-pa-sha, and when he made his final treaty, he insisted as a condition of the treaty that money alone should be paid him, and that he should be allowed to manage his own affairs without interference of any kind with his band. Some ash logs left by Reed were used in erecting a cabin which was pulled down by Capt. Johnson, and they were finally cut up for firewood. My brother Willard was much pleased with the game the country afforded, and made frequent excursions with Reed for brook-trout and deer. Reed was a great hunter, but had been too long among- Indians to needlessly offend them by slaughtering their game, but as he had a large family he needed large supplies of meat, and it was no unusual occurrence for him and my brother to return from a fire-hunt with three or four red deer in their canoes, or from a fish" ing excursion with a gross or more of brook-trout. A favorite resort for trout was the S])ring brook or creek upon which the Pick- Wick mills are situated, and which AVillard named Trout creek. The east branch of the creek, where he caught six dozen in about two hours' fishing, he called "Little Trout." As for deer, there was never a scarcity, for the whole range of bluffs on the Minnesota side, or right bank of the Mississippi, was a favorite resort for them. Here were acorns in plenty, and after they had eaten what satisfied them, the deer wont out upon some prom- ontory of bluff to watch theu' enemies, or descended to some breezy WEsroNA CITY nsr embryo. 65 sandbar to escape the stings of the deer-fly. At nightfall the mer- ciless attacks of gnats and mosquitos drove the deer into the waters of creeks and rivers, and as the bewildering firelight of the hunter noiselessly approached them in the light canoe, the deer fell a victim to his curiosity. The flashing eyes of the deer reflected back the torchlight, and told with unerring certainty where to direct the mur- derous shot. Outside of the timber, on the borders of the prairies but a short distance from Winona, elk were abundant, and a little farther west buffalo were still to be found quite numerous. We were told by Reed that only a few years previous to our arrival buffalo- were seen on Trempealeau prairie and on the big prairie slough at the mouth of the Chippewa river known as Buffalo Slough prairie. Upon one of my numerous excursions to St. Paul and Fort Snelling I remember seeing Gen. Sibley return from a successful buffalo hunt, and he told me that in times past they had been seen, from the knobs almost in sight of his establishment. The General was noted as an expert hunter and scientific rifle-shot, but upon tlie- expedition referred to his delight in the chase was cut short by a sprained ankle received by the fall of his horse. On the buffalo slough or channel of the Chippewa, around jutting points, deep trails were visible, where buffalo had repeatedly passed to water, and these were in common use by elk and deer at the date of our arrival in the country. Willard's use of the Chippewa tongue for a time prejudiced his interests as a trader, and he did not embark in the business among the Sioux for some time after his arrival here. In the autumn of 1842 he and a Menominee Indian of great repute went up the Trem- pealeau river to hunt and trap, and in order to escape observation, and perhaps for convenience, he duplicated his Indian comrade's cos- tume throughout. At that time there was some danger from raiding parties of Chippewas, and Will said that if any should be encoun- tered, his knowledge of their language and liis costume, unlike that of the Sioux, would be his safeguard. Will made a very successful Imnt, and as furs were quite high in those days, the skins brought in sold for a considerable sum of money. In an oak grove above the site of Dodge my brother killed three bears in one day. His dog, a very noted one, obtained from Capt. Martin Scott, brought the bears to a stand, and he killed them in quick succession. At Elk creek, named during his hunt, he killed a couple of elk, and the Indian killed some also, but how many I 64 HISTORY OF WINON^V COimTY. have forgotten. The Menominee had, during the fall before, caught over fifty beavers, but while upon the hunt with Willard he had almost totally failed to trap that cunning animal. Finding himself outwitted by the beaver, and surpassed in skill as a hunter, the Indian became moody, and began a fast to propitiate the evil influ- ences that he believed were assailing him. Will tried to reassure him, but to no purpose ; so, after repeated successes on Will's part, and failures of the Menominee to catch the coveted beaver, they dried their meat, and taking tlie skins of the elk killed, they stretched them over a willow boat-frame, and thus equipped, their hunting canoes on each side of their skin boat, they descended the Trem- pealeau just as the ice was about to close the Mississippi. Will returned alone to that once noted resort of beaver, mink and otter, and as the warm spring branches were seldom closed by ice, he was able to catch those valuable furred animals in winter. The beaver skins were at that time worth about $4 per pound. Game was quite abundant in those early days, for there were no vandal hunters to wantonly destroy it, or if they did the Indians were very likel}^ to destroy them. Wild fowl and pigeons nested in the country and raised their broods undisturbed. As for myself, I was no hunter in its proper sense, and having repeatedly missed deer at short range, and standing broadside to me, I determined to learn the only art that would command the respect of the pioneer settlers, or instill a wholesome dread of my marksmanship among the warlike Sioux. M}^ failure to kill deer was more a habit of preoccupation than a want of ability to shoot, for with my rifle, a target gun, I could ])ick off the heads of grouse or pigeons, and at a mark I had repeatedly excelled AVillard and Reed, who were noted among the Indians even as the best hunters on the Mississippi, excepting, perhaps, Joe Rock, of Wah-pa-sha, and Philo Stone, of the Chippewa river. The grand climax, to my chagrin, was reached when Reed accused me of "buck fever." I repelled the accusation with scorn, and aiming at the eye of the next deer I shot at, it fell in its tracks, and for ever after I was able to kill elk, bear and deer, with about equal facility. In September, 1843, in company with Tom Holmes, Wm. Smothers and my brother, I went up the Trempealeau river for the purpose of hunting elk, but our purpose was frustrated by almost incessant rain while we were on the hunt. A few deer were killed by my brother, who knew the ground hunted over, but I killed nothing but a few pinnated grouse, and a goose which I brought WrNOJSTA CITY EST EMBEYO. 65 down with my rifle as it was flying over our camp. Neither Holmes nor Smothers killed anything, but they caught a few beavers and muskrats, the skins of which were not prime. While at the mouth of Elk creek we saw an aerolite pass over our camp, which must have been of unusual size, judging from the attending phenomena. We were afterward informed that several had been seen within the- memory of some old Indians, to their great bewilderment. During the winter of 1842-3 we made some improvements, vis- ited La Crosse, Holmes' Landing, Black River Falls, and made a few trading expeditions to winter encampments of the Sioux and Winnebagoes. Our commerce was carried on principally by the sign-language, sticks often representing numerals above the capacity of the fingers and memory of the Indians to carry. Although the Sioux still called my brother Ha-ha-tone, the Chippewa, he was rap- idly gaining their esteem, and his success as a hunter commanded their admiration. As a consequence he was in demand as a trader. I made several trij)s with him that were very successful, and one with Nathan Myrick that was memorable. Upon one occasion, while Nathan Myrick and myself were attempting to reach Decorah's camp upon the "Broken Gun Slough," a branch of Black river, during an exceedingly cold night in winter, Myrick drove his horse into an air-hole that had been filled by drifted snow, and but for the well-known war-whoop of Decorah, who I had informed of the event upon running to his camp, the horse would have disappeared under the ice, for Myrick was nearly benumbed with the cold when I re- turned to him with the aid the war-whoop had instantly called to our assistance. A few minutes sufficed for the Winnebagoes to get the horse out of the Mississippi, but being unable to rise to his feet, the horse was dragged to the shore, blanketed and rubbed until warmth was restored, when he was taken to Decorah's camp and a fire built for his comfort by order of the chief. It is due to savage hospitality that the event be recorded. The Indians of those early times were not always as humane' and considerate as Decorah. Many times I have been fired at while passing them in a canoe, simply to gratify their innate dislike of white men. Sometimes my canoe would be hit, but as a rule they would direct their shots so as to skim the water at my side or just ahead of me. To vary their diversion, if they caught me pre- occupied, they would steal upon me and discharge their rifles so- near as to give the impression that it was not really all fim that was- 66 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. intended. Reed assured me that I was daily gaining in favor among the Sioux, and that if I would join in one of their sun-dances and go through the ordeal I might become a chief He further informed me that I was called Wali-sheets-sha, meaning the Frenchman, a dis- tinguishing mark of their favor, that most likely had saved my scalp from adornment with vermilion and ribbons. Partly to reciprocate tlieir interest in me, and to confirm them in the good opinion Reed had facetiously said they were forming of me, against the advice of the old ti-aders, I pitched two Winnebagoes out of the house when the next proof of their friendship was offered me, and giving the oldest son of Decorah (then head chief by inheritance) a deserved thrashing for a wanton display of his affection, I was not again troubled by any of their ordeals. Previous to that time Willard and myself had been frequently annoyed, and sometimes angered, by the insults offered us, although aware that our nerve was simply being tested; but we had decided to put an end to all future attempts at Indian levity; and when soon after five rifles of a hunting party were leveled at me when I was unarmed, I told the Indians, who complemented me for not flinch- ing, that it was well for them I had no rifle to aim at them ! Willard and myself were both able, in due time, to make the Indians respect us, but many white people had their traps stolen and their blankets appropriated by the young warriors anxious to win a reputation for bravery. Early in the spring of 1843 Peter Cameron, a transient trader aixl fur buyer, came to La Crosse with a kind of keelboat loaded with goods, and after taking possession of an unoccupied cabin, and securing the services of Asa White to manage his aftairs in La Crosse, concluded to make a trading voyage up the Mississippi in advance of an}' steamboat. Camer(Hi made me a proposition to go with him, allowing me pay for niy services, and the privilege of taking, as a venture in trade, certain goods I wished to dispose of, and of a kind he had not in his cargo. I had almost an intuitive perception of the draft of water, and had picked up considerable of the Sioux tongue. My prospective useful- ness induced Cameron to make me a good offer, and I accepted it. Cameron was a sharp, keen trader, and one of the best judges of furs that ever came up the river. The boat selected for the voyage up the Mississippi was built for WINONA CITY IN EMBRYO. 67 a supply boat on Black river. It was about forty feet long, seven or eight feet wide, and eighteen inches deep, too low for safety, in Lake Pepin, but the trader was anxious and adventurous, and Dous- man, Brisbois, Kice and Sibley had, by astute management, got possession of the trade, not only at Fort Atkinson, but of the entire upper Mississippi. Hence, if any furs were to be purchased by out- side traders, they were required to be sharp and adventurous. It was rumored that the Ewing company of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were first crippled and then floored by Rice, who succeeded Dousman in the management of the Choteau company below, while Gen. Sibley had control of the trade at the mouth of the Minnesota river. The great St. Louis company were also filling up the spaces be- tween their largest stations with smaller traders in their interest. Therefore transient traders had to watch their opportunities, and pounce down upon the tidbits as occasion aftbrded. Cameron and myself decided that if we c6uld get safely through Lake Pepin in advance of the steamboat Otter, which it was under- stood would go through the lake as soon as the ice was out, we would be reasonably sure of making handsome profits on our ven- tures. ^ My packages were light, but Cameron piled in barrel after barrel of whisky, pork, flour and heavy articles that greatly endangered our safety. We started as soon as loaded, taking as pilot an old French voyageur named Le Yecq, and a half-breed that had been employed by James Pteed at times, and who was a most excellent hand when on duty. We rigged a large square-sail, and had a long line to run out ahead in swift water, but were so favored by the southerly spring winds that we ran up to the foot of the lake with- out having had to dip an oar. At the widow Hudson's (now Reed's Landing) we had a good trade, and by my advice Cameron was induced to sell a few barrels of pork and flour to ligliten our boat through the lake. As the nights had been clear we determined to make an attempt to go througli the lake by moonlight if the wind should go down with the sun. Tlie night came on with weird still- ness and gloom, but later on toward midnight the moon came through the clouds and all was changed to brightness. Le Point had been given permission by Cameron to go down to Rock's, or Campbell's, a short distance below where we were to await his coming. Cameron's orders were imperative to be back 68 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. when the wind fell. The wind lulled to a calm, but Le Point did not come; so after many henedictions had been left at the camp we started through the lake. The upper air had given token by scud- ding clouds of fleecy vapor that the calmness of the lower stratum might be broken at any time, but my moral courage was not great enough for me to tell my fears. Cameron was very deaf, and un- conscious of danger that did not aj^peal to him through his sight; and as for Le Yecq, he seemed to have no judgment, and I had lost all faith in him long before we had reached the lake. We coasted along near the north shore until nearing North Pepin we were forced out from the jutting point by ice lodged upon the coast. Here for some time we halted, uncertain what to do, but discovering a narrow opening in the floe, that seemed to extend up to open water, we ventured in, rowing most lustily. We had got almost through the icy strait when I heard a roar as if Dante's inferno had been in- vaded and the troubled spirits let loose. The noise came gradually nearer, and I was then able to comprehend its cause. It M^as the ice piling higher and still higher upon the distant point above us,, and as the wind had veered around to the westward a few points, the ice was being driven down upon us with great rapidity. Time is required to tell the story, but not much was needed for the crisis to reach us. I was steering the boat, while Cameron and Le Vecq were rowing. Cameron at first did not heed my warning to prepare for danger, and showed more courage than discretion ; but when he saw that we had, as if by magic, become blockaded in front, and that no time was allowed us for retreat, he wrung his hands and cried out, as if in agony of grief, "My God, Bunnell ! what shall we do ?" I answered : " Face the danger like men ; our goods, not ourselves, are threatened ; we can run ashore on the ice. " The ice was thick enough to have borne up a horse. Our worthy bishop (LeYecq) seemingly was not of my opinion, for dropping upon his knees, he poured forth such a torrent of invective, or invocation, it was uncertain which, as would have moved anything less cold than ice. The ice, however, came crowd- ing on, and I instantly formed a plan to save the boat. All appeals to the devout Frenchman were useless, so I motioned Cameron to my aid, and we drew the boat to the edge of the ice on the north side of the narrowing channel, where we awaited its close. My plan was to tilt up the shore side of tlie boat as the ice approached to crush it, and thus make use of the overlapping ice to carry us up the d G €-^1^^ s-^^ij-v:s_s^i kSm,i3S^.Tarsdrz wrsroisrA city in embryo. 71 inclined plane of ice that the pressure in tilting the boat would form. I unstepped the mast and placed it in readiness for use as a lever. I placed one oar beside our pilot voyageur, for use when his prayer should end, but all to no purpose — he could not be aroused. I called upon him in most vigorous terms, but in vain. Cameron again offered his services, but I wished him to bale his valuables, and he had scant time to do it ere the floe I knew would be down upon us; besides he was too deaf to hear in the noise, and as the sky was be- coming rapidly overcast, sight could not be entirely depended upon. Exasperated beyond further endurance, I jerked our paralyzed guide from his prayerful stupor out uj)on the ice, and having made him comprehend my intention, he took the oar, the boat was tilted up at the right moment, and all was saved. We were swept toward the shore with great steadiness and power, but as the ice was smooth, without injury of any kind. Le Yecq was sent to sleep on the land, where we had transferred our lighter goods, but Cameron and myself returned to the boat and slept soundly until daylight, when a storm of wind and rain came to break up the ice, and we were able before nightfall to cross to Bully Wells' (now Frontenac) in safety. It was April, and the wind that had subsided with the fall of rain sprang up again. The lake above was all open, but we were held wind-bound to enjoy the pioneer sto- ries of Mr. Wells, who had established himself with a native woman some years before. Cameron chafed at Wells' recitals, and as night fell upon us, insisted that the wind had died out and that we could go on. Wells told him that if we attempted it we would probably swamp or water-log on Point-no-Point, as we could scarcely clear that iron-bound shore with the wind beating on it as it did at the time. I was able to hold Cameron in check until about two in the morning, when, exasperated by his seemingforgetfulnessof the danger we had so narrowly escaped, I told him that if we beached or water- logged, his, not mine, would be the loss, and we started out into the lake to clear the point. We got well out into the lake and had made a good ofiing, before we caught the swell, when it was soon made manifest to me that a sail should be set to give us headway, or we would swamp before reaching the point. I proposed the sail, but Le Yecq said to Cameron, ' ' Suppose you hist ze sail, you go to ze dev. '' Just then a white cap broke over the bow gunnel of the boat, and, taking a 5 72 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. wooden bucket in liand, Cameron gave it to tlie Canadian, tolling him to bail, and without reservation gave me charge of the boat. I caHed him to the tiller while I bent on the sail, and in a few minutes we were skimming the water like a gull. Dropping a lee-board I had taken the precaution to rig, we crawled off Point-no-point, and rounding into the cove above, landed as daylight appeared. This second display of incapacity in Le Vecq ended his career as principal voyageur, and I was installed as captain and supercargo. We run on up to lied Wing atler breaking our fast, and had already disposed of a large quantity of our heavy goods, relieving our boat the better to encounter the more rapid current, when look- ing down the river we saw the Otter steaming to the landing. Le Point was on board, so we at once pulled out for the St. Croix. We made a rapid run to Still-Water and Taylor's Falls, and after soiling out everything at high prices, Cameron commenced buying furs for cash, having ample supplies of coin for that purpose. Taking our way back leisurely, sometimes floating with the current, at others pulling enough for steerage way, we were able to see and stop at every trading post and Indian encampment on our way down to La Crosse. At Wah-pa-sha's Yillage, then situated on the high ground back of the river front, west of Main street, we stayed over night. Wah-pa-sha's sister, We-no-nah, (really a cousin) gave us a tent in which to quarter for the night, saying that it was better than our cloth tent, as there was a cold rain falling at the time. In recognition of the woman's hospitality and forethought, I gave her upon leaving in the morning, a six quart pan of flour from our scanty stores, as we had no goods of any kind left. Cameron's subsequent aireer in La Crosse was unfortunate. Soon after my return to La Crosse I made a trip to St. Louis, and having an Indian's memory of localities, I was able to flx the course of the Mississippi as far as Galena in my mind. There were but two steamboat pilots in those days for the entire river above Prairie Du Chien, and the services of those wore always retained by the American or Chouteau Company, or by the supply steamers of the United States contractors for the Indian and military depart- ments. Louis Morrow, one of the pilots, was in the full vigor of mature manhood, and a more noble specimen it would be difflcult to find ; but the other pilot, Lewis De'-Marah, was getting old, and his sight was failing him so fast, that, as he himself said, he would soon have to WIliTOlSrA CITY EN^ EMBRYO. 73 leave the river to younger eyes. Finding me interested in the course of the channel, De Marah would point it out to me when traveling with him, and in a short time after our first acquaintance he ofi'ered to teach and retain me with him on the river. I declined the offer, but my taste and passion for beautiful scenery led me to study the river while traveling upon it. At that time there were but few boats running above Prairie Du Chien regularly, and those of the smallest kind, such as the Rock River and the Otter. The Harrises of Galena were so successful with the latter boat, that they soon brought out the Light Foot, the Time and Tide, the Senator, the War Eagle and others in quick succession. The demand for those steamers created a demand for pilots, and Sam Harlow, Pleasent Cormack, Rufus Williams and George Nichols came to the front and proved themselves as capable men as ever turned a wheel. Of the lower river pilots I remember Hugh White of St. Louis as one of the best, and his services were always in demand by the Falcon Cecilia, General Brooke and other boats of the lower trade. Although I was never a member of any legislature, I was as welcome to a free ride on any of the boats named, as a modern "dead head" on any of the subsidized railroads. As there was seldom but one pilot on a boat above Prairie Du Chien who knew the river well, my services were thought to be an equivalent for all the favors shown me, and I could go to St. Louis or St. Paul at will. Upon one occasion I saved De Marah from a blunder at night, similar to the one which happened him while on the Lynx in 1844. That new and beautiful steamer was run out in 1844 on the shore below the Keye's residence by De Marah. The night was inky black, and as the fast-running steam- boat steered a little hard, the watchman was called to aid De Marah at the wheel. The Lynx was on her down trip from Mendota and St. Paul, and was running at a fair rate of speed. As they reached the shore at Keye's point, a thunderstorm burst upon them ; and as the lightning flashed, the open sky of Pleasant Yalley revealed the overflowing water at the lower end of the prairie, and it was mis- taken for the Mississippi. The annual fires had at that time kept down all arbol growths except at the water's edge, and the sandy ridge of prairie between the river and the open water beyond had been overlooked during the momentary flash of lightning. The shadows of the Min-ne-o-way bluffs joined with the dense foliage of the islands and shut out the view to the east. The Lynx was run out several rods upon the 74 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. overflowed land before "fetching up," and when she halted, no means at the dis])osal of Captain Hooi)er could get her back into the channel. The most of the men were discharged and with a few pas- sengers left in a yawl for Praii-ie Du Chien. A few days after, while at work ujion ways to slide the boat into river, the Gen. Brooke came steaming up the channel, and was hailed for assistance. After landing and viewing the situation, Capt. Tlirocmorton decided to go on to Fort Snelling and discharge his cargo, lest some accident might forfeit his insurance, but gave Capt. Hooper assurances of aid on his return. Capt. Throcmorton's great experience suggested work to be done during his absence, and on his return he was enabled to at once pull the disabled boat into the river and take her in tow. The Ljn\ was docked and lengthened, but she never recovered her speed, and was soon disposed of by her builders. The brick and mortar thrown overboard on the prairie in taking out her boilers has been taken by some for the remains of an old building. A short time since, while strolling on the river bank near the locality of the disaster, I picked from the sandy shore an iron pulley- wheel that probably was dropped overboard by some one on the Lynx, as the deeply rust-eaten wheel indicated that it had been many years in the sand. It may be seen in the museum of the Winona Normal school. On May 21, 1844, a few weeks before the misfortune happened to the Lynx, Robt. D. Lester, sheriff of Crawford county, Wisconsin, was murdered by a Sioux of Little Crow's band, named 0-man- haugh-tay. A fruitless search had been made for the body, which was known to be in the river, but as the boat from the Lynx was descending, on its way to Prairie du Chien, the occupants of the boat found the swollen body in a pile of driftwood, and towed it to La Crosse, where it was buried. Mr. Lester's successor in office, Mr. Lockhart, subsequently had it removed and buried at Prairie du Chien. The murder occurred within the limits of Winona county, opposite the "Queen Bluff," and not "six miles below Reed's Land- ing," nor "twenty miles from La Crosse," as the historian of La Crosse county has stated. Mr. Lester was returning from an official visit to the Chippewa mills, and stopped at Trempealeau on his way down in a canoe. His old friend Reed offered him hospitality, which he declined, but accepted a lunch to eat on his way. Lester sto|>ped at a spring rivu- let just above the Queen bluff, and while eating his lunch, which WINONA CITY IN EMBRYO. 75 was scanty enough, 0-man-liaugli-tay, on his way up from La Crosse in a canoe, landed and demanded a part of it. Lester declined a division of his scanty fare, and soon after started on his journey to Prairie du Chien. He had proceeded but a few rods, his back turned to the Indian, when the rej)ort of 0-man-haugh-tay's rifle, and the body of the sheriff seen falling out of his canoe informed La Bath, who just then came in sight, that a murder had been committed. 0-man-haugh-tay jumped into his canoe and fled from La Bath's ap- proach, but not before he was recognized by La Bath, who knew the Indian as a vicious member of Little Crow's band. La Bath informed the authorities that though he did not see the Indian until after the shot was fired, there could be no doubt but that 0-man-haugh-tay had committed the murder. After considerable delay and the use of an escort of troops to capture hostages, the murderer was delivered up and taken to Prairie du Chien. He was kept there in prison for some time, and then, for reasons best known to the authorities of that period, he was taken across the river in the night to a landing above McGregor, and was turned loose, as stated by himself to his listening auditors. James Keed happened to be at Keoxa (Winona) when 0-man- haugh-tay arrived. Wah-pa-sha and his band received the Indian with consideration, and while a repast was being prepared for him. Reed listened to the recital of the murderer, who, among his Indian friends, made no concealments of his motives or of the murder. O-man-haugh-tay's conclusion was that the white men of the prairie were gopd to him, but that they were afi-aid of him. During his recital, after the Sioux custom, a i3ipe of friendship was passed around the circle of the tent, and noticing that Reed declined the proffered pipe, 0-man-liaugh-tay oftered it to Reed in person. The audacity of the Sioux fired the old hunter, and although Reed was the only white man present, he struck the ]3ipe to the ground and told the Indian that there was one white man who was not afraid of a dog. That epithet applied to a Sioux was the greatest insult that could be oftered, but it was not resented, and 0-man-haugh-tay soon took his departure from the village. Reed was a man of sterling integrity of character, hospitable, and devoted to his friends, and had the murderer of Lester but have made a movement of resentment, his life would probably have paid the forfeit. Reed was a bearer of dispatches in the Black Hawk war, and had good opportunities for observation. He took dis- 76 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. patches from Prairie du Chien to the commander of the American forces when no other messenger coidd be induced to incur tlie risk, and just after the slaughter at Battle-slough, found a joung squaw whose father and mother had been killed. Heed took her with him on his return to Fort Crawford, from whence she was finally sent to her tribe in Iowa. James Reed had a personal acquaintance with all the historical personages of his time, and it is a subject of regret that his family and friends have not recorded more of his experi- ences in pioneer life. Charles Reed, of "Reed's Landing," should note down his recollections of early times, for the pioneers of Wa- pa-sha county have had interesting experiences. From Reed I learned of the existence in Beef-slough of a large quantity of square timber and shingle logs that had been gotten out under direction of Jefferson Davis and other army officers for use in building Fort Crawford. This timber was said to have been run into the slough under the impression that it was the main channel of the Chippewa river, and as there was no outlet at that time, a large raft of flood- wood and trees obstructing the channel, the lumber was abandoned, and new material prepared and run down the proper channel of the Chi})pewa. Reed's statement was confirmed to me by one made by James T. Ruth, who had also been a soldier at Fort Crawford. In company with James McCain, a Pennsylvanian, we broke the drifts and opened the channel of the slough, and were well rewarded for our labor. During the spring and summer of 1843 Philip Jacobs and Dr. Snow put up a trading-house in La Crosse, and the Doctor gave some attention to the practice of medicine. During the month of November of that year he attended my brother's wife at the birth of her son Porter, who was the first white child born in Trem- ])ealeau county. My brother's daughter, Frances Matilda Bunnell, now Mrs. Frank Ilampson, of River Falls, Wisconsin, who was bom at Homer, Minnesota, on February 22, 1850, was the first white child born within the limits of Winona county. There were eight children in Willard Bunnell's familj^, five of whom are still living. In 1843 Nathan Myriek was married and brought his wife to La Crosse. Accom])anying Mrs. Myriek, as companion and friend, was Miss Louisa Pierson, of Burlington, Vermont. Like most Ver- mont girls. Miss Pierson was rosy and bright, and as fearless as were "The Green Mountain Boys."" If a horse had balked in the INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 77 sand of the prairie, her hand would soothe the stubborn brute into forgetfulness, and he would then do his duty. No saddle or bridle was needed to ride her favorite chestnut, and at her call, even the pacing Indian ponies belonging to the firm would amble to her feet. Such a woman among frontiersmen would command admiration, and for a time, at least, her conquests were numerous and her influence beneficial, but soon it became but too evident that her preference had been given to Myrick's partner, H. J. B. Miller, and her whilom admirers turned their inconstant devotion to the native daughters of the realm. Among the traders of that early period there were some who took squaws for wives, either permanent or after the morganatic fashions of the highly civilized courts of Europe. The usual method of obtaining a help-meet from among the Indians was to pay court to the parents of the maiden desired, and after incidentally inform- ing them of the esteem in which their offspring was held, obtain some approximate idea of her value. It was also thought advisable to make a present to the medicine- man, with an intimation that if the spirits were friendly to your suit a larger gift might be expected. Two traders of my acquaint- ance, Asa White and Tom Holmes, formally espoused native queens, and remained faithfully with them and their children through all changes of fortune and civilization that drove them fartlier and still farther to the frontier. Others, not so true to the parental instinct, because in higher life^ left their squaw wives, but their children remain in the tribe, cared for and reared by their mothers, vigorous emblems of the love once borne for their fathers. CHAPTEE VIL INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. In company with my old-time friend Maj. E. A. C. Hatch, who has quite recently gone to a higher plane of existence, I once attended a virgins' feast at Ke-ox-ah (Winona), presided over by "Wah-pa-sha. The whole band was assembled, and after elaborate preparation and sanctification of the ground, by invocations and in- cense, and sacrificial offerings had been placed for the vestal at the 78 IIISTOEY OF WrNOKA COUNTY. foot of the altar-pole, Mock-ali-pe-ali-ket-ali-pali, the chief speaker, came forward, and in a sonorous address lauded the virtues of chastity and warned "the denouncers" against the sin of bearing false witness. He also told the young braves that if they knew of the lapse from virtue of any virgin applicant for vestal honors, it was their duty, having in keeping the honor of their tribe, to denounce her. These young men were selected as the flower of Indian chivaby, and in addition to their duties as "denouncers," if occasion required, they guarded the sacred precincts of the assem- bly from defilement. In this respect Indians surpass white people, as seldom, if ever", has any police regulations to be enforced. At the conclusion of the chief speakers address, Wah-kon-de-o- tah, the great war-chief of the band, addressed his warriors in a quiet and affectionate manner, and told his braves to maintain the truth as sacred, and not offend the spirits of their ancestors. "VVah- pa-sha then called for the virgins and matrons to come forth, after the manner still in vogue in Mexico, and for some time there was the silence of expectation. Again the call was made for any virgin to come forward and receive her reward. Two maidens came partly forward, but, upon reaching the line of denunciation, faltered and turned back from modesty or fear, when, at this crisis, We-no-nah, the wife of the speaker, and eldest sister (or cousin) of Wah-pa-sha, motioned to her youngest daughter, Witch-e-ain, a maiden of per- haps fifteen summers, and then in confident tones challenged the assembled throng to say aught, if they could, against the purity of her maiden child. No answer was given to this challenge, and, after repeated calls by the crier of the assembly, Witch-e-ain came modestly forward and was crowned goddess of the feast that immediately followed. Her head was encircled with braids of rich garniture and scented grass, and presents of colored cloths, calicoes, yarns, beads and ribbons were lavished upon her as the tribe's representative of purity. Her fame went out among the traders, and soon after that vestal feast she became the wife of a distinguished trader. Like a caged bird, she soon pined for her prairie home, and died of con- sumj)tion ere the leaves of spring bloomed to welcome her coming. Her mother, We-no-nah, is still living,* and visits me occasion- * Since writing the above We-no-nah has gone to her spirit-home. She died about November 1, 1882, and was buried near Treuipoaleau. It was she who pave the notice to my brother's wife, Matilda Bunuell,tluit so excited the war- spirit of the home-guard of Winona county. INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 79 ally, always referring to the good old times of tlie past, when she was young and Wah-pa-sha in power. Her age is not known with certainty, but it is probably at this time, 1882, not less than ninety years. Cho-ne-mon-e-kah, Green-Walk, a half-blood Winnebago brother of the girl, is still living, and the most expert hunter of his band. Wah-pa-sha intimated, upon one occasion, his approval of any choice I might make of a wife from among his people; and iinally, an unusual thing for an Indian maiden to do, Witch-e-ain herself told me of her dislike of the engagement made for her with the trader, and asked me to take her as a free-will offering, saying that as she was the niece of Wah-pa-sha she would be allowed to choose between the trader and myself. I was compelled, kindly, to decline her offer, but assured her of my high esteem and faith in the person chosen for her by her mother. Not Rachael herself, in her highest tragedy, could have' thrown from her sparkling orbs such burn- ing glances of hate as were shot forth upon me by Witch-e-ain at my refusal of her love. Such withering but silent contempt can only be expressed by a woman scorned. Years have passed, and trader and girl are both in the spirit- world, or I would not speak of the incident; but in this article I wish to show that, however different in customs, the Indians still have universal feelings of nature, that make them akin. At another feast Tom Holmes was so enchanted that he decided at once to make the damsel his wife. His offers were accepted, and, so far as I was able to trace his career, she appeared to have made him a good wife. Upon another occasion Major Hatch and myself visited Wah-pa- sha's village in Indian disguise, and if our presence was recognized it was not noticed. Major Hatch was a man of the finest perceptions and most prac- tical judgment. To a stranger he was polite, though taciturn, but to his friends he was open and generous to a fault. The major's descriptive power was quite remarkable. As early as 1859 he gave me a description of the Yellowstone country, that I urged him to have published, as well as some of his experiences among the Wah- pa-sha, Sioux and Blackfeet Indians, with whom he had been inti- mately associated, as trader and agent, for a number of years. The major was not indifferent to his literary attainments, for lie was a close student, but his reply was to the effect that no description 80 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. could do the Yellowstone valley justice, and that any one who deviated from Cooper's or Ned Forrest's model of the American savage would be laughed to scorn in the great republic of letters. In speaking of the true inter])retation of the word Minnesota, the major said, "in that word you have a fair example of the extravagant taste for romance of Americans. The word is compounded from Min-ne, water, and Sota, smoke, and means literally smoky or clouded water, because of the clouded or smoky ap])earance the water of the river assumes in its course to the Mississippi." "Sky- tinted water," said the major, " is entirely fanciful, as any one may see by looking at the river at Mendotah." Major Hatch served the Federal government long and well. He was postmaster at La Crosse in 1846 ; aided in the removal of the Winnebagoes in 1848 ; was appointed agent of the Blackfeet Indians in 1855, and served in that extremely dangerous position in the Yellowstone and Big Horn country for two years. At that time none but those well versed in Indian character, could by any possibility preserve their scalps among those war-like people. Major Hatch became almost an idol among them, and performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of the government. On his return to St. Paul he was appointed, in 1860, deputy col- lector for that port, and in 1863, after again aiding in the removal of the Winnebagoes to the Missouri, he was commissioned major by the war department, and was authorized to raise an independent battalion to serve upon the Indian and British frontier. I was oifered a commission by the major in his battalion. While in com- mand of his battalion, he devised a scheme in which Little Six and Medicine Bottle were finally brought to the gallows. Thomas Le Blanc and an associate in daring crossed the British frontier, and while those Sioux murderers were boasting of their crimes, they were captured and brought into Minnesota, bound on a dog train, and turned over to justice and to death. Major Hatch died in St. Paul of cholera morbus, September 14, last, aged fifty-seven years, loved and honored by his wife and six children, and esteemed by all who had the privilege of his acquaint- ance. As for myself, I regret his departure as a long-tried friend. I was one year his senior in age and strength of body, but not of mind, and in our youth had the good fortune twice to save him from assault where his life was endangered, — once by a vicious son of Decorah, and at another time by a no less vicious white mjm, INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 81 who had assaulted him unawares, and who afterward committed a murder. Those eaily experiences were remembered as a tie between us, that time nor distance could wholly sever, and now that he has left us, I wish to record my esteem and friendship for one of the noblest Romans of them all. There are but few of the earliest pioneers left ; James Reed died June 2, 1873, aged about seventy-five. It would be useless to attempt the destruction of a popular idol, for there is too little of romance in this mattei'-of-fact age, but it is well to state here that the Indians laugh when the legend of the "Lover's Leap" is repeated to them. A very casual survey of the ground at the foot of "The Leap" will show what a prodigious jumper the girl must have been, to have jumped into the lake, as many believe she did. If the legend had any foundation at all, it was most probably based upon the rebellion of some strong-minded We-no-nah (meaning the first-born girl) to a sale of her precious self to a gray-bearded French trader, as James Reed supposed, from a tradition said to exist concerning such an event. As there was an old trading-post, fort and mission established in 1727 on the north shore near the Lovers' Leap, it is more probable that some ti-ader of that post made the purchase, than any at the foot of the lake, as Reed supposed from the Indian account of the affair. It may be that the girl threatened to jump fro'm the cliif, so near to the old post, but if she did, like Reed, I will venture the predic- tion that she was cuffed into submission to the will of her dear mother. I have known of but few instances of rebellion of daughters to the wills of their parents, when sold into matrimony ; hence submis- sion may be said to be almost universal. Extremes will sometimes meet, and here we see the untutored savage, and the belles of Sara- toga and of Paris join hands in sympathy. The American Indians have distinctive customs and traits of character, but none perhaps more peculiar than belong to other bar- barous peoples. The language of the Algonquin race may be regarded as the most manly in expression and in poetic beauty, but the char- acter of the Dah-ko-tahs should be deemed the type of all that is possible in human endurance, craft and ferocity. Their sun-dance, or We-wan-yag-wa-ci-pi can only be endured by men of the most determined will, and that, too, sustained by the fanaticism of a heathen devotion. Their sacred dance, Wah-kon-wa-ci-pi, like the Winnebagoes' medicine dance, Mah-cah-wash-she-rah, is as close and 82 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. exclusive a communion of men of liigli degree, as one given by Kniglits Templars. None but the invited and initiated are ever allowed to be present during some of the ceremonies, but after the ground has been prepared and the dance has been inaugurated by its leader, the less favored barbarians are allowed to witness the splendor of the dresses worn on the occasion, and hear some of the laudations of valor, and the monotonous Hy-yi-yah that forms the burden of their songs. Tlie poetic element is not absolutely wanting in an Indian, but it requires a good degree of imagination in a white man to comprehend their efforts in song, and considerable ingenuity to connect their disjointed rhythms into rhyme. For some days previous to any sacred dance the chief medicine- men, or priests, and their neophites fast, or eat sparingly. If a dog is to be eaten at the conclusion of their fast, or if a beaver has been secured for the feast that will follow, they are both lauded for their respective qualities ; the dog for his feithfulness, and the beaver for his wisdom. The dog is well fed and told not to be offended because of the intention of sending him to the spirit-world, as there he will find all that a good dog can desire, and that his bones shall be pre- served in the medicine lodges of the band. The bones of dogs, beaver, bear and eagles are often taken to the high priests for their blessings ; and they are then preserved in bags or pouches and held sacred as charms against evil. These medicine- bags are a badge of membership in the sacred order, and are sacredly preserved from generation to generation. Upon one occasion I witnessed what might be termed the ago- nized regret of a medicine-chief at the loss of one. While intoxi- cated his canoe and its cargo of household goods had escaped him, and was picked up by a wood-chopper named Johnson, who robbed the canoe of its contents and then set it adrift. I recovered for the learned priest all but his sacred pouch, which had been cast into the fire as a thing of no value whatever, containing, as Johnson said, nothing but a bear's claw, an eagle's beak, a filthy rag, and some bones that he supposed to have belonged to a human hand. The medicine-man was a half Sioux and half Winnebago, named Xe-ra- choose-sep-kah, to whom Black Hawk surrendered after his defeat at Bad-axe, and who, in company with Nee-no-hump-e-cah, delivered him to the military autliorities at Prairie du Chien. Big-nose, as the Indian was more generally known, after vainly searching for the INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 83 medicine-bag, oftered me, if I would find it, all I had recovered for him, which, including coin, was of at least the value of three hundred dollars. I never told the chief that the bag was burned up, and advised the thief, after compelling restitution of all except the bag, to leave the country, which the rascal did at once. The son of the great chief Big-nose stayed at my house two nights recently, and referring to the loss of his father's medicine-bag, he regretted it, he said, because it contained powerfully-charmed relics of both tribes, besides a piece of cloth given him by Black Hawk as a memento of his friendship for having saved him from butchery. I thought it best' to tell him the bag was burned, and he seemed relieved when told the truth, as now he knew that the bag had not fallen into the hands of an enemy to work his destruction, thus show- ing that he had faith in "his own medicine. '^ The only way in which a white man can fully understand an In- dian and secure his full confidence is to join the tribe and be initiated into their medicine-lodges, like Frank H. Gushing, commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution to investigate the history of the Pueblo Indians as it may be traced in their present life and customs. Few men would be found fitted for such an office, and if a similar attempt were to be made among the Sioux, it would probably involve the taking part in a sun-dance, an ordeal that a white man, however brave, would not have fortitude enough to go through. A sun-dance is sometimes given by an individual who has made a vow to the sun, and in such cases, after having gone through the tortures of the ordeal, he gives away all his property and commences life anew. As a general rule the dance is given as a test of courage and faith in the religious belief of the Dah-ko-tah, that the sun is the all- powerful deity of the universe, who controls their destiny and deser\"es their worship. The high ground near the present residence of Mayor Lamberton was the dancing-ground of the Wah-pa-sha band, and, strange as it may appear, the scaffoldings for the dead were in the immediate Ticinity. The dance or altar pole was erected on a level place, and various devices and totems were then cut upon it and figured in yellow ■ochre and vermilion. Conspicuous among the hieroglyphs was a central circle, with rays to represent the sun, and above all were flags and gay streaming ribbons. The ground was sanctified, after the usual Indian method, by incense, down, and evergreens of cedar or juniper, though the white cedar was preferred, and distance marks 84 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. set up to indicate wliicli portion of the ground was to be regarded as sacred. Sometimes young dogs were slaughtered and left at the base of the pole, with head a little raised and their legs stretched out as if to climb up. The blood of those innocent victims was sanctified by the great high priest of the band, and, soaking into the sacred earth, it was supposed to be a sweet savor in the nostrils of the spirits whom it was believed were present at the dance. To show the high estimation in which Christianity is held by the Indians, I will state that I was patronizingly told by one of them that the pup- pies were placed on the altar to call good spirits to the dance, ''just like Jesus." The final ceremonies, fi'om all I could learn, were regarded as too sacred for the unanointed to witness, but I gleaned, from con- versations at various times, that for the most part they consist of cabalistic utterances in dead or extinct languages, or perhaps that of some living but foreign tribes held to be more potent than their own. As morning approaches the camp is aroused, and the whole village moves en masse to the altar-pole. Here quick preparation is made to greet the rising sun with the dance of his votaries and the shouts of his red children. Incisions are quickly made in the skin in various parts of the body of those who are to be tested, and thongs of rawhide are passed through and tied securely to the pole, from which the victim is expected to tear loose during the dance. As the sun appears a universal shout is given as an all-hail, and the dance begins. Drums are beaten by relays of vigorous drum- mers, while each dancer pipes a shrill whistle held in his mouth while dancing. At intervals chosen bands of singers shout their approval of the tortures endured, while the dftncer is stimulated to frenzy by his family and friends to tear loose from his fastenings and join in the honored circle of the dance. After many plunges the brave neophyte breaks loose and dances until exhausted, when he is taken to the tepee of his family and cared for as a hero. Should one of the poor martyrs to his faitli fail to free himself, his friends reproach him, or throw themselves upon him, until their added weight tears loose the thongs, when, without a murmur of pain, he will join in the dance, and, without sustenance of any kind, continue to dance until exhausted. Should it happen that the terrors of the ordeal should overcome the courage and endurance of any who have aspired to the roll of honor, he is at once cast out from INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 85 among the braves and told to fish or work, but never to bear arms. One Sioux of the Wah-pa-sha band was degraded to the rank of a woman, and made to wear the apparel of a female. He left for a time and joined a western band, but his reputation for cowardice fol- lowed him, and he was driven back by the contempt of the squaws, with whom he was again made to associate. He finally settled down- to his fate, and learned some of the industries of Sioux womanhood. The festival of the sun is held in midsummer, and lasts several days. During its continuance the whole band join in merriment and games, and the orators and medicine-men receive large donations as a reward for their most important services. The young graduates of the dance have medicine-bags presented them, made up, for the most part, of old relics of battles fought by their sires, together with- anything most horribly disgusting that may appeal to the credulity of ignorance. With these sacks the medicine-men pretend to work spells that will cause the death of an enemy or chase sickness from tlieir friends. The sun-dance is one of the many evidences of the Dah-ko-tahs' southwestern origin, as the same torture is submitted to by the- Indians of New Mexico, who are also sun-worshipers. The Winne- bagoes are also sun-worshipers, and usually bury their dead at sun- rise, with head to the west. As far as I know, no northern or eastern tribe submits to the torturing pain of a sun-dance, except in a few instances, when it was imposed upon the credulity of one tribe by fanatical emissaries of the Sioux. The Dah-ko-tahs have many legends, and may be regarded as greatly given to romance. They believe themselves to be the very salt of earth, and that Minnesota was the center of creation. How else can it be, say they,* when the water runs off from our land, are we not above all others ? This idea gave them self-importance and arrogance in their dealings with other nations. The Sioux, though generous and hospitable, are yet quarrelsome, and the establishment of the Wah-pa-sha band was the result of a long continued traditional quarrel, first of the Isanti, and then of the Wah-pe-ton, or New Leaf bands of Sioux. According to this tradition, given me by Le Blanc, the chiefs of the Isanti, or knife band, quarreled about the jurisdic- tion of the chert, or knifestone quarries in the Mille Lac country, and to avoid bloodshed, the ancestors of Wah-pa-sha established themselves upon the Me-day-wah-kon, or Good Spirit lake. There- they remained for a number of generations, until by magic the- 86 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. spirits of maligiuuit chiefs entered into the medicine lodges of the tribe, and again tlie band was torn asunder ; tlie peaceful portion emigrating from their pine forests and rice swamps to a country of earlier and different foliage, and the band then took the name of Wah-pe-tou, or the new leaf band. It is somewhat remarkable that the Chi])pewas call the country and river immediately below the falls of St. Anthony, includingthesiteofSt. Paul, Ish-ke-bug-ge-see-bee, or the New Leaf river, because in the early spring-time the leaves shoot out earlier than above the 'falls. The Sioux tradition goes on to relate that there they established themselves in comfort, some going up the Minnesota, where buffaloes were plenty^ others, as their numbers increased at the Wah-coo-tay village, s]»read themselves along down to the Cannon river and to Rem-ne-cha, or the Red Wing village, where for many, many years they fattened on the game and wild rice of the region about them. Again they tell that in this paradise of hunters dissensions once more arose among them, and, disregarding the warnings of previous counsels to avoid strife, the great Red Wing and the noble Wah-pa- sha became involved in that quarrel. The friends and adherents of both were equall}' strenuous in the support of their resjjective chiefs, and after a prolonged council of the entire band, ending in an out- burst of angry passion, the respective ])artisans seized theii' war-clubs and quivers and were about to fight, but before the war-whoop was given for battle Wah-pa-sha commanded silence by a wave of his red cap, and telling the assembled multitude to cease their strife, tlii'ew his totem or badge of authority, the red cap, into air. A whirl- wind took it up and it instantly disappeared. At the same moment a convulsion of the earth was felt, darkness fell upon them, and in the morning, when all was once again serene*, they found that a por- tion of tlie bluff containing the bones of their dead, had disappeared. A party of their principal braves were dispatched in search of the lost mountain, and as they descended in canoes they recognized what is now known as the " Sugar Loaf,"" as the red ca]) of their chief, trans- formed into stone. The distant peak of Trempealeau mountain was soon discovered to be a part of their lost inheritance, and hastening on. the moving or moved mountain, or Pah-ha-dah, as it is called in the Dah-ko-tah tongue, was overtaken just as it made a vain effort to plunge into the lake of Me-day Pah-ha-dah. The other peaks of the Red Wing range had already caught u])on the sandy ])()iiit of the i)rairie, and PREHISTOEIC. 89 therefore, claiming their truant possessions, they made those peaks the dividing line between themselves and the Winnebagoes. It only remains for me to say, in proof of the entire authenticity of this tradition, that until defaced by the growing wants of a city, the bluff resembled in shape a voyageur cap of ancient date, and the red appearance of the face of the clif justified its Sioux name of Wah-pa-ha-sha, or the cap of Wah-pa-sha. CHAPTEK VITI. PREHISTORIC. Going back beyond tradition, we find in our midst evidences of a numerous people having once occupied the adjacent territory. Judge George Gale, the founder of the university at Galesville, Wisconsin, in his very valuable work, " Upper Mississippi, " says, "To us of the New World there is a 'Greece' that literally 'slumbers in the tomb.' A nation or people which for centuries occupied a territory nearly as large as all Europe, and had a popula- tion which probably numbered its millions, have left the graves of their fathers and the temples of their gods so unceremoniously that their very name has disappeared with them, and we only know of their existence by their decayed walls and tumuli, and by their bones, exhibiting the human form, although in a far-gone state of decay. " Judge Gale's book shows great research and critical acumen, and the calamity which befell the plates in the great Chicago fire should be repaired by a new imprint of the volume. My space will only admit of a reference to the work, but I cannot forego the justice to say that, so far as I know. Judge Gale was first to notice in print the mounds and other earthworks in Trempealeau county, Wiscon- sin, and at La Crescent in Minnesota. Few persons have any adequate conception of the vast area cov- ered by earthworks in the United States, or of the immense labor expended in their construction. A mound in Montgomery county, Ohio, according to Gale, contains 311,353 cubic feet of earth. One in Virginia is seventy feet high and 1,000 feet in circumference, and <)0 inSTOIlY OF WIXONA COUNTY. the great Caliokia mound of Illinois is ninety feet high and over 2,000 feet in circumference, containing over 20,000,000 cubic feet, and one in the State of Mississippi covers an area of six acres. Jn these mounds there are sometimes found pearls, sharks' teeth and marine shells, obsidian or volcanic glass, native copper and native silver, sometimes united unalloyed, as found only in Russia and on Lake Superior, where innumerable stone implements are still to be found that have evidently been used in extracting those metals. Lead has also occasionally been found, but not so frequently as copper. Stone implements are found in mounds and upon the sur- face, especially after j)lowing, wherever these ancient works appear. The implements are generally manufactured from syenite or some hard trap rock, and consist of stone pipes, hammers, axes, scrapers or fleshers, pestles, spinners or twisters, still used by Mexican In- dians. Obsidian, chert and copj^er, spear and arrow heads are quite common. About the mounds of the lower Mississippi old ])ottery is qyite common, but among those of the upper Mississippi it is only occasionally found. The mound-builders nmst have possessed some mathematical knowledge, as some of their earthworks show a good degree of geometrical skill, as well as military ideas of defense against assaults of enemies. Ten miles below La Crosse, on Coon prairie, there is a. line of earthworks and mounds of considerable size and interest, and on the Clark farm, on the La Crosse river, the works all seem to be of a defensible character. At Onalaska they are also quite numerous, and about one mile above McGilvray's ferry on Black river there is an old earth fort and mounds that still remain quite conspicuous. At Galesville and vicinity are (piite a number of mounds, includ- ing some built in the shape of man, and many, according to Grale, in the shape of animals. The most conspicuous, because most accessi- ble, are the mounds in and near the village of Ti-enqjealeau. One, west of Mr. Boer's residence, commands a fine view from its eleva- tion above the surrounding surface. In the neighborhood of the Fiaptist church there are also several of an intei-esting character. Near Pine Creek station there are some very fine ones. At La Ci-escent and on Pine ( 'reek, Minnesota, there are a number of mounds of small size ; anil coming u]i to Winona, on the south shore, at intervals they appear at Dresbach, Dah-co-tah, Richmond, La Moille, Cedar Creek, Homer, Pleasant and Burns valleys. Upon the fai'in of Miss Maggie Burns there are several mounds that still PEE HISTORIC. 91 remain undisturbed, but along the public road several very sym- metrical mounds have been leveled in construction and repaii-s of the thoroughfare. Upon the table of West Burns valley the Rheibeau boys plowed up some of the most elegantly-shaped stone implements ever dis- covered in any country. To my chagrin,' after a vain attem]>t to purchase them, I was told that a gentleman from Milwaukee had induced Mrs. Eheibeau to part with them, and thus were lost to the museums of Winona a few celts not surpassed by any in the large collection at the Centennial Exposition. My niece, Mrs. Louise Page, found a number of arrow and spear heads and a few fragments of pottery in Homer, and near the Keys 92 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. mansion she picked from the river bank a large stone hammer, which is now in the museum of tlie Winona normal school. The hammer was imbedded about two feet in the soil, and was most likely buried, like the silver ornaments found near it, in the grave of some dead warrior. The Catholit emblems in silver were those in common use among the Catholic Indians and half-breeds of Can- ada within mj recollection, and most probably belonged to some Canadian voyageur, or perhaps was buried, after the Indian custom, with the body of some Indian (or S(|uaw) convert to the Catholic faith. The high point at Keys' was a favorite burying-ground, be- cause of its extreme height above the river during an ovei'flow of the lower land of tiie prairie. The sites selected for their burying- grounds indicated to the old traders the Indian's anticipations of a possible overflow of the ])rairie. Upon the farm of Myles Roach, in the town of Homer, a num- ber of stone arrow and spear heads have been found by the sons of Mr. Roach, and one of copper was found which was purchased by R. F. Norton, now of the village of Homer. There have also been found along the river front in Winona copper implements, one of which, found by Geo. Cole, is in the possession of his father. Dr. James M. Cole, of Winona. Most of the implements found on the surface have, no doubt, been lost while in use, but those found in mounds and in ossuaries have been placed there with the remains of the dead. The ossuaries of Barn Bluff and of Minnesota City were, no doubt, places of interment of the bones of the dead, which had been divested of their flesh by exposure upon scaffolds or trees. In the early days of my first acquaintance with the Dah-ko-tahs, no other mode of burial would satisfy their ideas of a proper sepul- ture, but after a time the example set by the white people of burying their dead had its influence, and in modern times, except among the wildest bands, the Sioux began to bury their dead soon after their demise. The body of Cliandee, son of Wah-kon-de-o-tah, the war- chief of Wah-pa-slia, was buried upon my brother's property at Homer by special request of his relatives. His sister, Shook-ton-ka, the champion girl racer of the band, and some children of Wah-pa- sha, were buried near the site of the Huff house. After the treaty was decided upon by the band, many bones of the dead were removed and buried in secret places at night, lest they should be disturbed by white settlers, whom the Indians knew would eventually occupy the PEEHISTORIC. 93 country. Some of the ancient mounds have been used by modern tribes as receptacles for their dead, but in such cases the fact is readily discernible, as no regard has been paid by the modern In- dians to the strata of earth, clay and sand, or gravel, of which the burial or sacrificial mounds have been composed. It is believed by some that the circle of scnlls found in an ancient ossuary at Minne- sota City were the crania of victims to some religious sacrifice around the altar-pole, or else of captives slaughtered and left, as puppies are left in modern times, with heads to the pole, which might account for the position the sculls were found in. At Bluft" Siding, opposite Winona, along the wagon-road to Galesville, a number of mounds may be seen, occupying an admirable position for defense. The limits of my paper have been reached, and I must hasten to a close ; but I crave my readers' interest in behalf of my brother Willard, in connection with his settlement in Winona county. As for myself, it will suffice for me to say that, dissatisfied with what appeared to me as time thrown away upon the frontier, I returned to Detroit and recommenced the study of medicine in the otfice of Dr. Scoville, an eminently successful physician and surgeon. Upon the appointment of Adrian R. Terry, uncle of Gen. Terry, to the surgeoncy of the 1st Mich. reg. during the Mexican war, I was given the hospital stewardship of that regiment, and served to the close of that war. While quartered in Cordova, Mexico, I was placed in full charge of the post hospital during the illness of Drs. Terry and Lembke, and returned to Detroit, Michigan, at the close of the war in medical charge of one detachment. Having acquired a taste for a free life when the gold discovery in California hecmne a fact^ I went overland through Mexico to Mariposa, where, com- pelled at first to fight Indians in self-defense, I finally became a member of the Mariposa battalion. While on duty in that organi- zation I became one of the discoverers of the now famous Yoseinite valley, the name of which was given by myself, as will appear in my book, ''Discovery of the Yosemite," published by F. H. Revell, of Chicago. During the war of the rebellion I served in the ranks as a pri- vate, and through successive promotions (having had conferred upon me a degree) reached the rank of major by a commission as surgeon of the 36th reg. Wis. Inf Assigned to detached duty on March 27, 1865, witli the 1st Minn., I served in that regiment as its sole medical officer until its return to Washington at the close of the war. 94 mSTOlIY OF WINONA COUXTY. 4 I will close this pa[>er witli an extract troni a series of articles turnished the "La Crosse Chronicle,""' that I hope may be deemed a litting close to my subject. In 1848 and later, my brother Willard was employed in moving the Indians. Some of them, the Winnebagoes especially, were very much dissatislied, and declared they would nt)t leave for the home selected for them on the Minnesota river. Will's influence was great among them at that time, and he succeeded in collecting about three liundred of them. Having arranged with Miller for the use of the ware- house of his old Arm, he quartered them in it. They seemed contented enough until a shoit time before the steamer came to carry them up the river, when they set up a most unearthly yell, broke through their guard, seized their ponies from an adjacent corral and disap- peared. Other means were then resoited to, and they were removed in smaller squads or details ; but they would return again and again to their native haunts as if drawn back by some occult force. Will's discernment would penetrate all disguises of paint, red, green or blue blankets, until at last they yielded to his persisted efforts and remained upon the new reservation. My brother has assured me that many of the Indians receipted for by the officers at Fort Snelling he had removed over and over again. With Indian cunning they would assume a new name with each new disguise, and the officers were unable to discover or remedy it. With the Indians went Asa White and Tom Holmes, both of whom had squaws for wives. Miller & Myrick had already dis- solved })artnership before the Indians were removed, and were vir- tually out of the Indian trade, but their influence was still more or less potent in Indian attairs, and they were advised with as to their management. My brother's })ersevering energ}^ in removing the Winnebagoes was awarded by a permit to trade with the Wabasha band, and he settled upon their reservation. This gave him great advantages, and obtaining the consent of Wah-pa-sha, rewarding him liberally. Will planted old Mr. Burns and his remaining family upon what has since been known as the Burns'' farm, providing each member old enough witli a claim. Will was unable to choose as well for himself as he had for the Burns family, for being under the impression that the site of Winona was subject to overflow, he located at Homer, which he named after his birthplace, the village of Plomer, New York state. Here he FREIII8T01HC. 95 bnilt the first bouse in 1849, and in 1850-5J made a large addition to the building and moved into it. Peter Burns and himself became interested in a scheme to control the trade of the interior, by secur- ing the nearest "high- water landing " below Winona, and for that purpose, in conjunction with Borup, an old trader and a brother of Senator Alex. Ramsey, of St. Paul, they laid out the village of Minne-o-way, building a large hotel and storehouses to accommo- date the very large business destined to reward their enterprise. By some oversight they had neglected to comply with some provision of the law, and a keen-sighted man by the name of Dougherty, dis- covering their neglect, pounced down upon their claim, and in a suit that followed secured land, hotel and storehouses as his homestead. Burns was lucky enough, before the final decision was rendered, to sell his interests for $4,000. As to the site of Winona, known to the Dah-co-tahs as Keoxa, it was firmly believed by the old traders and lumbermen to be subject to overflow in the highest water. From the deck of a steamer pass- ing at the highest stage, the space left dry really appeared very small. In very high water all of the low land of the prairie was submerged and a volume sufficient to run a steamboat ran down south of the city, before the railroad embankment was raised. The Indians laughed at the supposed folly of the white men in building on the "island," and it was an anticipated joke that Will would sometime be seen, pikepole in hand, rescuing the floating property of this embryo city and hauling it out upon his higher landing. Poor Will ! He had been out so long upon the frontier that he failed to realize what money and enterprise would do to improve and protect a city so advantageously situated as Winona. He and his brave wife are both gone now from the scenes of their early hopes and perils. He left in August, 1861, and she in 1868, leaving a family of two sons and four daughters. CHAPTER IX. GF.OGRAPHICAL. The geographical position of Winona county is between parallels 43 and 45 north latitude, 44 passing through tlie center of the county, and between meridians 91 and 92 west, a small poition of the county lying west of 92. It is organized from townships Nos. 105, 106, 107 north, of ranges No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 west, and contains twenty organized townships, fifteen of which are full townships, containing thirty-six sections. "One is organized from half a township, and one is formed of townships Nos. 107 and 108, of range No. 8. Four are irregular in form on the northern boundary, and are fractional. The county is located in the southeastern part of the State of Minnesota, and is bounded on the north by Wabasha county and partly by the Mississippi river, and on the east by the Mississippi, which flows here in a southeasterly direction, and on the south by Houston and Fillmore counties, and on the west by Olmsted and Wabasha coun- ties. In shape, nearly a right-angled triangle, longest on the south- em boundary, being about forty miles or six and a half townships in length, and twenty-four miles or four townships in width from north to south. It is regular in form on the southern and western boundaries, the Mississippi river forming nearly the hypothenuse ol the triangle from northwest to southeast. The surface, within the distance of about twelve miles from the Mississippi river, is bluffy or broken, the river being about five hundred feet below the general surface. Houston county is a trifle higher in altitude ; with that exception this county is the highest on this side, and contiguous to the river from its source to its mouth. Bold perpendicular ledges of rock form the sides of the bluff in many places along the river, and a considerable portion of the south part of the county contiguous to the Root river is of the same char- acter. Four townships of the northwest part of the county along the Whitewater are also rough and rocky. The remainder of the surface is undulating prairie, irregular in extent, comprising not far from six townships, and located in the central and western parts of the county. GEOCiKAPHICAL. 9 7 When the altitude is reached there is great uniformity in the apj^earance of the surface, and any other highland may be visited without materially ascending or descending, the high lands being all connected by a series of ridges which form the divides between the streams which flow into the Mississippi and those which flow into the Root river on the south and the Whitewater on the north. There are no swamp lands in the county, and not a regular quarter-section that would be benefited for agriculture by artificial drainage. There are a few acres in patches along the Mississippi and along the margins of some of the smaller streams of marsh or bog lands, liable to overflow, but ])roducing excellent grass. The waters of the county all find their way to the Mississippi ; those in the north part of the county furnish the south branches of the Whitewater. On the noi"th and east each townshi}) contributes a stream to the Mis- sissippi. The largest and most important of these is the Rolling- stone, which drains nearly one hundred square miles of surface, and afiords water-power for six large flouring mills. There are also several unoccupied powers on the diflerent branches of the stream. Each township of the southern tier also furnishes a stream to Root river. All these streams are formed by springs, and are nearly uniform throughout the year as to supply of water, and, having considerable fall, aflbrd water-power which in the future may be developed. The surplus water of the county finds its way to these streams through the ravines and small valleys reaching out toward the prairie in all directions. Utica, or town 106, range 9, occupies the summit, being drained on the northeast into Rollingstone, on the northwest into White- water, and on the south into Rush creek ; and this township is also nearly the center of the prairie surface. The longest, largest, main ridge of the county begins in the southeastern part, on the divide between the waters which flow in- to the Mississippi and those which flow into Root river, and extends in a noi-thwesterly direction through the townships of Dresback, New Hartford, Pleasant Hill, Wilson and Warren into Utica. From this main ridge branches innumerable extend in every direc- tian. The most important ones are Homer ridge between Cedar and Pleasant Valley creeks, and Minneiska ridge between White- water and Rollingstone, both ridges leading to the Mississippi river. 98 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. In the south part of St. Charles in Saratoga, and the northwest l)art of Fremont, are to be found some broken ridges or liills, none of them rising above the general surface of the county. The valleys surrounding these hills are not so deep as the valleys along the streams in other parts of the county, and in some places they gradu- ally rise and extend into broad upland prairies. In this part of the county, or among these hills, there are several tine groves of timber. Cheatem's grove in the southwest ]^art of rtica, Blair's grove in the northeast part of Saratoga, and Harvey's grove on the line between Saratoga and St. Charles, are the most notable. They contain a tine thrifty growth of oak, po])lar and buttei'nut, with a dense growth of underbrush in some places. At the heads of all the streams, or along their margins, timber of various kinds is found. As we approach the top of the bluffs it consists mostly of white and red oak, with patches of white birch. In the valleys are found burr oak, hard maple, white ash, rock and red elm, basswood, hackberry, black walnut, butternut and poplar. The bluff lands, which include the ])arts of the county lying along the i\[ississip])i, the Whitewater and the branches of Root river, and the ridges connecting them, are generally well timbered, especially on their sides facing the north, the fires of early spring burning the south sides before the snow has left the north sides, or before they become sufficiently dry to burn. Where the tire is kept out timber rapidly springs up. As the line of the county extends to the middle of the channel of the Mississippi, and the channel sometimes passes next to the Wisconsin side, there is in the townships of Tiollingstone and Winona a large amount of bottom-hmds covered with timber. Oak, ash, elm, birch, cottonwood, willow and maple are most abundant. In the two townships last mentioned, there is lying between the bluffs and the river a sand or gravel prairie six or seven miles in length and about three-quarters of a mile in width, which is a few feet above high water, and of nearly unifoi-m level surface. Con- tiguous to this prairie, and next to the bluffs, is a series of terrace or table lands, which are timbered with the three kinds of oak before mentioned. The same character of table-lands also occur at the mouths of all the streams that flow into the Mississippi. As we leave the timber and ridges approaching the jn-airie throughout the whole county, there is more or less grub or brush land, which is usually a small 2:r()wth of oak, red and white. There GEOGRAPHICAL. 99 are also patches of brush land consisting of hazelnut, wild plum and crab-apple. The bluff and ridge lands throughout the county, especially the part that is timbered, consist of a clay loam varjang from one foot to twenty feet in depth. As the Mississippi and the larger streams are approached, the sides of the bluffs are in many jjlaces quite precipitous, the rocks cropping out to the surface. As the bluffs are descended, the soil changes in composition by an admixture of sand and lime from the decomposed rocks. Lands lying close b}'^ the river at the mouth of the valleys have little or no clay at the surface, but the soil is underlaid by a stratum of clay or loess almost impervious to water before reaching the gravel or sand rock of the bed of the river. As we ascend the streams that flow into the Mississippi, if the valleys are broad the soil is a stiff', tenacious clay of bluish cast, but darkens in color on exposure to the air. This clay is evidently local drift, as it is stratified and does not contain any boulders, drift coal, nor other matter indicating true northern drift. Where the valleys have retained the wash of the bluffs, and the water-courses have not interfered, the clay is covered and mixed with vegetable mould, sand and lime, in some places several feet deep. The soil of the upland prairie is a deep dark loam, and is uuder- layed by stiff clay or by rock. This soil does not materially change in color nor in texture by cropping. Among the broken ridges or hills of the south-central and west parts of the county the rocks come very near to the surface of the upland, and the lower ground, though gradually rising into upland prairie, is in places quite sandy. There is upon the surface of this sandy land an accumulation of decomposed vegetable matter very dark in color, indicating the presence of lime in its composition. The soil of the brush or grub lands is similar in appearance to that of the timber lands, but contains a much greater amount of crude vegetable matter. Spring wheat has been considered as the staple crop, but oats, corn, barley and potatoes in the order named are largely grown. The timbered or ridge lands have produced good crops of winter as well as spring wheat for twenty-five years, and winter wheat was also grown in the valleys near the Mississippi for several years very successfully. It has not, however, succeeded on the prairie. 100 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Tlioiigli this county does not claim to be tlie banner county of tlie state in wlieat-raising, it is entitled to its full share of the credit for the popularity to which Minnesota wlieat has attained for (juality and amount to the aci-e under cultivation. It is said to be a fact that any soil which will produce good crops of wheat will also grow good crops of any of the cereals adapted to the climate. Whatever failures m^y have occurred in the production of the common cereals in this county, in no case can the failure be attributed wholly to the character of the soil. For the production of these grains the average yield compares favorably with any portion of the state. One instance of the marvelous productiveness of the soil may be given. Upon the first farm opened in the Rollingstone valley there was sown, in the first week in October, 1852, some winter wheat. It was har- vested the first week in July of the next year, threshed upon the ground with a flail and cleaned with a sheet in the wind, and yielded thirty-seven bushels to the acre. The same ground produced nine successive crops of wheat, and the ninth was the best that had been raised. This ground has now been under cultivation for thirty years without any particular rotation of crops and without artificial manure, and is apparently as productive as ever for any crop except wheat, yielding large crops annually of com, oats, barley or grass. The average yield of wheat has, however, materially decreased in this, as well as in other counties of the state for a few years past. It is believed to be owing entirely to climatic reasons, as there has been no diminution in the yield of other grains. The grass product ranks next to oats in acreage, being somewhat more than corn, and within the last few years stock of all kinds is receiving much atten- tion, and so far no general diseases have appeared among swine, cattle and horses. Of other productions than those already named there is found in our market rye, buckwheat, beans, flax-seed, timothy and clover seed, grapes, tobacco, onions and honey. In the vicinity of the blufls contiguous to the Mississippi, and along the margins of the smaller streams, crab-apples, wild plums and grapes are abundant. In the timbered belt, about the groves, and in sheltered locations, several varieties of the cultivated ap|)les are grown. As reported by the assessors, there are at present growing in the county about 51,000 apple-trees. GEOGK APiriC AL. 101 Of the smaller fruits, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, currants, etc., are grown in all parts of the county, and yield abundantly. In character and variety of wild plants and flowers, this county does not differ materially from others similarly situated. The up- land prairie produces grass mainly. Thei-e is, however, during the summer, a great profusion of wild flowers. Upon the warm hill- sides, or on sandy land, in early spring, sometimes before the snow has disappeared, the well-known anemone is the most conspicuous ; during May and June, blue or violet and scarlet are the predomi- nating colors ; in July and August, white and yellow adorn the roadsides and uncultivated places. In the fall the moist grounds are literally covered with purple and white. In the whole timbered belt and along the margins of the streams the ground is loaded with a dense growth of rank vegetation. Wild deer had been kept out by the Indians, but for a few years after the first settlements were made they gradually increased in numbers ; a few are yet seen every winter. The black bear, being somewhat migratory, has been occasion- ally seen. Both timber and prairie wolves were at first quite common ; the prairie-wolf is still annoying the flocks, but the timber- wolf is rarely seen. Foxes, red and gray, stay about the rocky ravines and bluft's. Beaver were quite plenty in many of the streams. Several otters have been caught, also mink, weasel, and large numbers of musk-rats. The badger, raccoon, woodchuck and polecat are common. The large gray wood-squirrel and the prairie gray squirrel, the red squirrel, the chipmuck (the black squirrel has visited us, but is not at home), and both varieties of gopher are numerous. Of the rabbit the gray is most common. Of the migratory feathered species that remain here a short time in the spring, but do not nest, the wild goose, the brant, and several varieties of ducks, are the most plenty. These confine themselves mostly to the immediate vicinity of the Mississippi river. The curlew is occasionally sfeen, also the pelican. Of those that remain during the summer and nest here, the wild pigeon and blackbird are most numerous. The bittern, the sand-hill crane and bald- eagle are common. The mallard and wood-duck frequent the small streams and nest here, but not abundantly. All the migratory birds common to this latitude are to be seen here. 102 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ( )f tliose tluit ivniain all winter tlie ])rairie-lien is most general ; the partridge, the (jiiail, the bhiejay, and several vai'ieties of owls, are usually about the sheltered ])laces in the timber. Speckled trout were in all the small streams of this county and very plenty. There are a few left in nearly all of them. The state fish commissioners have placed young ones in some of the streams. The water coming from springs and being rapid is nicely adapted to their habits, and some efforts have been made to propagate them. There are several fine springs well adapted to fisli culture. The main difficulty seems to have been to guard against sudden overflow, as the streams are liable to rise very high and (piickly. Fish com- mon to the Mississippi river run up several of the streams in the S])ring and return to the river again. The Mississippi furnishes a large quantity of fish yearly, the greater portion being taken with the seine. The varieties generally caught are buffalo, catfish, pick- erel, bass and wall-eyed pike. There are also sturgeon, suufish, perch, suckers, and several other kinds. The geological formation of the county is quite uniform in char- acter. The ap})earance of the rocks at the surface, in St. Charles, Saratoga, and part of Fremont and Utica, is somewhat difterent from those lying along the Mississippi, the Whitewater, and the streams that flow into Root river. Here, also, the valleys are much broader, antl the loam, or top-soil, thicker and more evenly spread. The hio-hest lands are tillable and nsuallv turfed all over. The lowest visible rock along the Mississippi, and probably underlying the whole county, is the St. Croix sandstone. This sandstone varies somewhat in appearance and texture. In the south- east part of the county the quarries show a fine building-stone of sui)erior quality for working, of a grayish color, that hardens on exjjosure to the air. In some places the rocks are of a reddish cast, probably owing to the presence of iron. Some of the layers are quite sort and are readily excavated. In the south part, Utica, St. Charles, part of Fremont and of Saratoga, the sand-rock cropping out of the hills or low blufts is nearly white in color, loose in texture and disintegrates rapidly, forming a beautiful white sand. 0\er- lying the sandstone is the lower magnesian formation, which also probably underlies most of the county. It is a hard, fiinty, whitish or light gray rock, composed of lime and sand, with streaks of calcite along the larger streams. The upper portion only is visible, the lower part being covered with wash from the blufls. This rock is not GEOGRAPHICAL. IQii available for use, being very hard and of irregular fracture, not easily quarried or worked. In some places along the Mississippi there is seen, overlying the lower magnesian, a sandstone loose in texture, crumbling rapidly and largely forming the soil of the sides of the bluffs. It is probably not more than fifteen or twenty feet in thickness. Corresponding with this sandstone, there extends through a part of the towns of Wilson, Hart, and part of Norton, a'sandstone of similar texture, but deeper colored, more firm, and in some cases regularly and beautifully corrugated. Overlying this sand- stone is magnesian limestone, its layers generally regular, but vary- ing in thickness. This is the generally-used building stone of tfie county. This stone does not change on exposure, and large quanti- ties are used by the railroads and shipped to Wiscorsin. There are some small specimens of fossil remains to be seen in this limestone. In the vicinity of St. Charles the limestone is largely composed of fossil remains, trilobites and cretaceous shells of several varieties. There are no evidences of northern drift in this county. Probably owing to its altitude no boulders are to be found. The clay gener- ally exists in pockets, and is stratified. There are some small deposits of loess usually in the valleys, and mound-like in appearance. Where wells have been sunk in diifferent parts of the county, upon the higher lands, the rocks are found to be of nearly uniform' char- acter, and water is not usually found till the sandstone is reached. The well of Mr. Clawson, in Saratoga, presents an unusual phe- nomena. At the depth of seventy-five feet the drill opened into a crevice or a cave, and the air rushed out with great violence. At the distance of four feet more the rock was again struck, and water obtained at the depth of o- e hundred and forty feet from the sur- face. The current of air in the well changes with the wind, the downward current in winter freezing the water in the pipe to the depth of the crevice, seventy or more feet, and again rushing out, so as to thaw all the ice about the well. In numerous places along the Mississippi, especially upon the gravelly headlands, are yet evidences of the mound-builders. Where the mounds have been examined little has been discovered beyond stone implements, arrow-heads, and in some places skeletons, which are no doubt intrusive burials. Large quantities of clam shells and bones of various animals are also found, mixed with pieces of charcoal and with ashes. In one case a charred package of white birch bark was found of nearly a cubic foot in size, and scattered about the mounds is usually found much fragmentary rude poftei-v. CHAPTER X. RAIT.ROADS. Bkfore the ratitication of the treaty by whicli the Sioux surren- dered their lands for settlement, a party of three, headed by Robert Pike, was dispatched from Minnesota City to ascertain whether a practicable route for a railroad to Traverse des Sioux, on the Minne- sota river, existed. Early in July, 1852, Mr. Pike made a favorable report, and urged the ado})tion of some plan for building the road, but he was then accounted an enthusiast, and his scheme dismissed as visionary and impracticable. Early in 1854, however, the project was revived, and, after several ineffectual attempts at organization, a charter was obtained from the legislature March 4, 1854, b>' Orrin Smith,. Henry D. Huff, Abram M. Fridley, Lorenzo D. Smith, John L. Balcombe, Alexander Ramsey, W. A. Gorman, Henry H. Sibley, J. Travis Rosser, Andrew G. Chatfield, Henry McKenty, O. M. Lord, Samuel Humbertson, Martin McLeod, Benjamin Thompson, William H. Newton, James Hanna, G. Addison Brown and Robert Helm, under the name and style of the Transit Railroad Company, authorizing them to construct a railroad from Winona westward to the Minnesota river. In March, 1855, an amended charter was obtained from the legislature, and the incorporators met at St. Paul on the 25th of January, 1856, accepted the charter, and gave official notice thereof to the secretary of the territory. On the 12th of May the sum of $240,000 had been subscribed to the capital stock of the company, the subscribers being the following named per- sons: L. D. Smith, IL D. Huff, Wm. Ashley Jones, Charles H. Berry, M. Wheeler Sargent, H. H. Johnson, E. H. Johnson, H. J. Hilbert, E. S. Smith, David Olmsted, M. K. Drew, A. P. Foster, Wm. H. Stevens, John Evans, ('has. Hamilton, O.-'S. Holbrook, Orrin Smith, John C. Laird, Wm. H. Laird, M. J. Laird, J. H. Jacoby, Royal B. Evans and L. H. Springer. All these, with the exception of Orrin Smith and L. H. Springer, were residents of Winona. The first officers of the comjjany were H. H. Johnson, president; Wm. Ashley Jones, vice-president ; JT. J. Hilbert, sec- retary and engineer ; H. D. Huff, treasurer. EAILROADS. 107 The organization of the company was only the prehide to a ])ro- longed and bitter contest with parties interested in other localities, and more particularly with the owners and promoters of the town- site of La Crescent. After various vicissitudes, among them the defeat in 1854 of H. D. Pluff for the legislature by Clark W. Thompson on this issue, the conflict finally resulted in a victory for Winona and the Transit railroad. On the 3d of March, 1857, Congress passed an act by which the munificent gift of 1,200,000 acres of public lands was conferred upon the state for the benefit of the Transit road. An extra session of the legislature was at once called to consider this and other grants of lands, and on the 22d day of May, 1857, an omnibus bill was passed con- firming the grants, and amending the charter of the Transit road so as to authorize it to construct and operate a railroad from Winona via St. Peter to the Big Sioux river. In February, 1858, what is known as the five-million loan amendment to the constitution was adopted by the first state legislature, and was ratified by a vote of the people April 15, 1858. By the terms of this amendment state bonds were to be issued and delivered to the various railroad com- panies at the rate of $100,000 for every ten miles graded and bridged ready for the iron, the state taking a first mortgage upon the road-bed so graded, together with the lands and franchises of the company, as security for the loan. The Transit company at once filed their acceptance of the terms of the amendment, and proceeded to^ let the contract for the grading and construction of seventy-five miles of the line as surveyed west of Winona. In the letting of this first contract, as well as in the location of the line out of Winona, there was a most determined effort on the part of a few men to divert the road from Winona, and so build it as to eventually make La Crescent the eastern termiims. Selah Chamberlain, of Ohio, after- ward the builder of several roads in the state, and the largest holder of the state bonds issued under the five-million loan amendment, was a bidder for the contract. It was understood that if he secured it work would be begun at or near Lewiston, and that the matter of the eastern terminus would remain unsettled, with a strong proba- bility that the road would be diverted down the ridge back of Winona to La Crescent. De Graff & Co., also bidders for the con- tract, were favored by most of the directors, who were desirous of beginning the work of construction at Winona, and thus at the outset fixing the terminus and settling that question forever. This 7 108 IIISTOIIY OF WINONA COUNTY. company was composed of ('ol. Andrew DeGrait', B. F. Barnard, Hernando Fuller and William DeGrait', Gol, DeGraff being the head and sole manager of the concern. The contest waxed hot, but on the 8th day of June, 1858, the board of directors, after proti'acted discussion, awarded the contract to De Graff tfe Co. Previous to this time there had been much strife between the various town proprietors as to whether the road should leave the city by way of lower town and the Sugar Loaf valley, or from upper town via the Tiollingstone valley. The history of this feature of the matter more properly belongs to that of the city of Winona, and will not be further discussed here. The upper town interest won the victory, and on the 9th day of June, 1858, ground was broken at or near the present machine-shops, the event being duly celebrated by the delighted people. DeGraff & Company were strictly loyal to Winona, although tem])ting ofiers were made them to carry out the plans of the La Cres(;ent men, and the work of grading the road went rapidly for- ward dui'ing the following summer and winter, until fifty miles of grading and bridging had been completed, inspected and accepted by the state authorities, and $500,000 of state bonds delivered to the company. Then came the financial crisis of 1858-9. These bonds were denounced as illegal and fraudulent. They became almost valueless in the market, and all work came to a standstill. DeGraff & Company were unable to pay their men for work and supplies, and much hardship resulted. Upon default in the terms of the mortgage given by the Transit company to secure the loan made by the state, a foreclosure was had, and on June 23, 1860, the road franchises, and other grants, including lands, were sold to the state for the nominal sum of one thousand dollars. March 8, 1861, the tlie legislature granted and transferred all claim upon the property to Orville Clark, Abraham Wing, John W. Kirk, Robert Higham, W. H. Smith, Nelson P. Stewart and B. W. Perkins, and consti- tuted them a corporati(m under the name of the Winona, St. Peter & Missouri River Railroad (vompany, upon condition that the road be fully equipped and trains running to Rochester and Owa- tonna at certain fixed times. No attempt having been made to comply with these conditions, the legislature, on March 10, 1862, made a similar grant to William Lamb, S. S. LTIomedieu, John W. Kirk, Herman Gebhart and H. C. Stimson, under the name and style of the Winona tfe Saint Peter Railroad (,'ompany, fi-ee and RAILROADS. 109 clear of all claims and liens upon the property, and upon much more lenient conditions. Work was at once resumed by the new owners, and on December 9, 1862, a passenger train was run by Col. De- Graff from Winona to Stockton and back, the day being marked by another enthusiastic celebration. December 10, 1862, the first car- load of wheat was shipped to Winona by L. Raymond and pur- chased by Asa Forsyth. From this time the work of construction proceeded rapidly. In 1864 the trains reached Rochester, a distance of fifty miles from Winona. In 1865 the road was completed sixty- six miles to Kasson ; in 1866, ninety miles to Owatonna ; in 1868, one hundred and six miles to Waseca ; in 1870, one hundred and thirty-nine miles to Mankato and St. Peter; in 1871, one hundred and sixty-five miles to New Ulm ; in 1872 two hundred and eighty- four miles of track were completed west of Winona, and the grading extended three hundred and thirty-one miles to Lake Kampeska in Dakota Territory. In 1879 another line, diverging from the old track at Tracy, in L3'on county, was begun and pushed with such energy that in two years trains were running to Old Fort Pierre, on the Missouri river, connecting with daily stages for the Black Hills. The entire property, save the land grant, liad, however, in Novem- ber, 1867, passed into the hands of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and become a part of that great system, although still retaining its name and corporate existence. The lands thus separated from the general ownership of the company and its franchises became the property of A. H. Barney and a company of New York capitalists, and are still so owned, excepting those since sold to settlers. A brancli from Eyota to Chatfield was opened for business December 8, 1878 ; from Eyota to Plain- view October 22, 1878 ; from Rochester to Zumbrota November 2, 1878 ; from Sleepy Eye to Redwood Falls August 4, 1878 ; from Huron to Ordway November 20, 1881 ; from Watertown to Clark Centre June 18, 1882 ; from Volga to Castlewood September 29, 1882; from Clark Centre to Redfield October 22, 1882; from Ordway to Columbia October 22, 1882, making a grand total of 863 miles of this road now directly tributary to Winona. The following named men, prominent in the railroad histor}^ of the West, have been connected with the Winona & St. Peter company : S. S. Merrell, now general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, was general manager of the Winona and St. Peter railroad from February to May, 1865. Dwight W. 110 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Keyes, now assistant general freight agent of the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul railroad, came with Mr. Merrell to the Winona & St. Peter company as auditor, and was lett in charge of the road in May, 1865. John Newell, now general manager of the Lake Shore & Micliigan Southern railroad, was at that time superin- tendent and chief engineer. H. C. Atkins, now assistant general superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, was superintendent of the Winona & St. Peter railroad during the years 1866 and 1867, being succeeded by J. H. Stewart, now superin- tendent of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad. Gen. J. W Sprague, late general superintendent of the western division of the Northern Pacific railroad, at the same time becoming general manager of the Winona & St. Peter railroad. April 20, 1874, J. H. Stewart was succeeded by Sherburn Sanborn as superintendent, a position which he still occupies. The magnificent iron bridge across the Mississippi river used by this road was built during the winter of 1871-2. The draw-span of this bridge is said to be one of the longest in the world (363 feet). It takes the place of a combination wood and iron draw-span built in the winter of 1870-1, which fell on the 27th day of May, 1871, and was entirely removed. This bridge forms a connection with the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott railroad, of which mention will be made hereafter. The bridge was constructed for the company by the American Bridge Company, of Chicago ; the piling was done by Frank A. Johnston, and the stonework by Jones & Butler, of Winona. The shops of this company are located at the west end of the city, are large and fully equipped for the business of keep- ing the road-bed and rolling stock of the road in the best condition . They have been fully described among the institutions of the city of Winona. St. Paul (& Chicago Railway. — The corporate name of this com- pany in the original charter, dated May 22, 1857, was the Minnesota & Pacific liailroad Company. By an act of the legislature approved March 2, 1867, the directors were authorized to change the name of the company or that of any of the branches of the road provided for in their charter. Accordingly, on the 19th day of March the board of directors gave the name of "The St. Paul & Chicago Railway" to that part of their line to extend from St. Paul to Winona and thence to the Iowa line. Work was begun u])on this line at or near St. Paul in 1865, but nothing was done in Winona county until 1870, when EAILR0AD8. HI the road was built from Minnesota City to Weaver and put in opera- tion by the Northwestern Eailroad Corajmnj. In 1871 the road- bed was completed between St. Peter Junction and St. Paul, and in December of that year was sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Eailroad Company, who immediately took possession, and began operating the road in connection with their line from Chicago and Milwaukee to La Crosse, making connection over the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott road and the bridge at Winona when com- pleted. In 1872, however, the road was extended from St. Peter Junction to La Crescent, on the west side of the Mississippi river, and thereafter all freight trains used this route, being ferried across the Mississippi to La Crosse. Passenger trains, however, continued to run over the Winona bridge and the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott road until 1875, when the magnificent iron bridge between La Crescent and North La Crosse was completed and brought into use for all traffic over the Milwaukee & St. Paul line. As a bonus for the construction of this line the city of Winona, on the 21st day of April, 1870, voted and thereafter issued $100,000 of its bonds, to be delivered upon the fulfillment of certain conditions by the com- pany. The bonds having been prematurely delivered to the con- struction company, suit was brought by the city, in which, after protracted litigation, it was finally determined that the prescribed conditions had not been fulfilled, and that the city have damages equal to the amount of the bonds, with interest, which sum has been paid. The La Crosse, Trempealeau and Prescott Railroad. — After the passage of the bill by congress, March 3, 1857, providing for cer- tain land grants to aid in the construction of railroads in Min- nesota, and among them the Transit railroad, with its eastern terminus at Winona, the next important project was to connect Winona and the Transit railroad with the railroads in Wisconsin and Illinois, and through them with the railroad system of the United States. It was also proposed by means of this connection to cut off La Crosse, Winona's most formidable rival, from the benefits of northern and western connections, as it was thought that but one road would ever cross the Mississippi river in this section of country. It was therefore resolved to keep the matter of this "cut off," or eastern connection, in the hands of Winona men. In the winter of 1858-9, in the midst of the pinching hard times brought on by the financial crisis of that time, Capt 112 HISTORY OF WrNONA COUNTY. Sam Whiting, Tliomas Simpson and M. K. Drew started out one severely cold day to look out a practicable route for a railroad east from Winona to a point of intersection with the pro- posed line of the Milwaukee & La Crosse railroad. They cut their way from Altoona, now Bluff Siding, through the swamps, and camped the first night in the heavy timber. The next morning, after eating frozen bread and meat for breakfast, they proceeded with their work, and in about half-an-hour came out upon a prairie covered with fenced fields and farm-houses. They had spent a night in the snow, which Capt. Whiting said was equal to any of his arctic experiences, within half a mile of a substantial and comforta- ble farm-house. The people of Winona had been so occupied with their own great prospects and those of the country west of them, that they had no knowledge of this well-settled country just east of them. The following spring Z. H. Lake and Thomas Simpson were again sent over the proposed route, and instructed to go to La Crosse to see if that city would not unite with Winona in building this connection, the extreme hard times having somewhat modified the ambitions and claims of Winona. A preliminary survey of the route was made by these gentlemen, which coincides almost exactly with the line as afterward built. They met with a very cool reception at La Crosse, being informed that that city would have nothing to do with the project, and that they would prevent if possible the granting of a charter by the Wisconsin legislature. Subsequent investigation, how- ever, developed the fact that several years before a charter had been granted by the legislature of Wisconsin to some parties to build a railroad from a point, at or near La Crosse' to Point Douglass, opposite Hastings, to be called the La Crosse, Trempealeau, Lake Pepin & Prescott railroad, and that this old charter had been kept alive. Possession of it was obtained, the company reorganized, and Timothy Kirk, Thomas E. Bennett, M. K. Drew, William Mitchell, Thomas Wilson, Thomas Simpson, A. W. Webster, and five men from Trempealeau, were elected directors. Thomas Simp- son was elected president ; A. W. Webster, vice-president ; J. H. Newland, secretary, and Thomas E. Bennett, treasurer. The com- pany began at once to locate the line, obtained right of way, etc., in order to secure vested rights before the Wisconsin legislature could convene and repeal the charter. But no money was to be had. N. F. Hilbert was employed as chief engineer, to be paid whenever the company became able to pay. Others were employed RAILK0AD8. 113 upon similar terms. To board the force, a subscription in provi- sions and supplies was taken up among the citizens of Winona. Upon this subscription being read at a large meeting of all interested, the following items appeared together: "P. W. Gaines & Co., ^ bbl. whisky. Robert Clapperton, 1 loaf bread. " Wm. Lamb, who had been appointed superintendent of con- struction, rose and interrupted the reading with the remark that there was altogether too much bread for that quantity of whisky. The company succeeded in holding their charter, and work was kept up until an agreement was made with parties interested in the Chicago & Northwestern company to complete it and make it a part of that great system, which was done in 1870. The road is still owned and operated by that company, but under the original charter and organization. Green Bay^ Lake Pepin <& Minnesota Railroad. — In February 1873, a proposition was made by the officers of the above-named road to extend its line from Merrillan, Wisconsin, to Winona, pro- vided the city would grant them a bonus of $100,000. As the line would form a valuable connection with the lake system of navigation, and also furnish the city directly with many of the products of the Wisconsin forests, a very decided disposition to accept this proposition was manifested by the citizens of Winona. A series of public gatherings terminated in a large meeting of citizens, at which it was determined by a general expression to accept the proposition. President Ketchum, of the railroad com- pany, being present at the meeting. A committee of eight lead- ing citizens was selected and instructed to proceed to St. Paul and procure from the legislature then in session authority for the city to take the necessary steps in granting the required aid. This committee accordingly went to St. Paul and had the proper bill introduced for the purpose, but only one day remaining of the session it failed to pass from lack of time. The committee returned, and the company, learning of the failure to secure legislation, modi- fied t}ieir proposition and suggested that the citizens should secure them the sum named by subscription or otherwise. Another meet- ing of citizens was held, and a committee appointed to wait upon and confer with the city council upon the matter in hand. As the result of such conference the city council, on March 14, 1873, adopted the following resolutions : '-''Be it resolved^ by the city council of the city of Winona, that 114 illSTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. fifty thousand dollars, or so much thcM-eof as may be practicable, shall be raised for the purpose of securing the terminus of the Green Bay & Lake Pepin railroad at the city of Winona, under and pursuant to the recommendation of the committee ap])ointed by the city council to confer upon said matter, on March 12, 1873. "■And it is further resolved, that the city of Winona hereby pledges its faith to repay to each and every person, his heirs or assigns, all sums of money which said person or persons shall ad- vance for that purpose, with interest on the. sums so advanced not to exceed the rate of ten per cent per annum; provided always, that the obligation so made and taken shall in no event bind the city to such repayment unless the proper legal authority for such repayment be obtained. '-''Resolved, That the recorder be authorized and is hereby required to have prepared, and to issue and deliver under his hand as recorder and the seal of said city, to each person advancing money for the above purpose, a certificate for all sums so advanced by each person respectively, bearing interest as aforesaid. '■'■Resolved, That as soon as practicable proper legislation author- izing and legalizing the present action of the city council, so far as such legislation may be necessary, or any other needed legislation, shall be obtained." Upon the basis of this action on the part of the city council a canvassing committee was set at work, and the sum of $35,000 subscribed by the citizens for the purpose set forth above. The railroad company, upon being notified of the result, finally accepted the situation, and proceeded during the summer and fall of 1873 to build the road as proi)Osed. An act of the legislature authorizing the city to make good its agreement with the subscribers, but un- wiselj^ ])roviding for making up the amount to $50,000 for the company, was approved February 5, 1874, the act providing, how- ever, that the question should be submitted to the people at a general or special election upon five days' notice by publication. A special election was accordingly called for and held on February 23, 1874, which resulted in a defeat of the proposed bonds, largely on account of the provision for making up the sum to be paid the company to $50,000, the vote standing 275 for to 785 against it. The citizens were justified in this vote for the reason that it was sought to make the city liable for $15,000 more than the amount of the subscrip- tion, a provision in the bill insisted on by the representatives of the RAILROADS. 115 company, but for which the subscribers, ahnost without exception, were in no way chargeable. Chagrined and disappointed at this result, and there being grave doubt of their legal liability, the subscribers refused to pay their subscriptions ; but suits were insti- tuted by the company in the United States circuit court against them, and a test case being carried to a final decision it was held that the subscribers were liable, and the several amounts were accordingly paid over, each subscriber receiving, according to the original agreement, stock of the company to the amount of his subscription, which stock was not and never has become of any considerable value. There still being a widespread feeling that the subscribers to the bonus had suffered an injustice, another act of the legislature was obtained March 6, 1876, providing for a special election in April of that year to determine whether the city would indemnify the sub- scribers by an issue of its bonds in the amount of the subscriptions actually paid, the city to take the stock originally issued to the sub- scribers. Accordingly an election was called and held on April 3, but although every moral, if not legal, obligation rested upon the city to indemnity its public-spirited citizens for the money paid by them to secure a railroad connection of conceded value to the town, the proposition again failed to carry, the vote being 737 for to 1004 against the bonds, and liere the matter rests. The road has since practically passed into the hands of John I. Blair, of New Jersey, and its name has been changed to the Green Bay,Winona & St. Paul Railroad Company. Wlno7ia and Southwestern Railroad. — In February, 1856, the legislature of the territory incorporated the Winona & La Crosse Railroad Company, with authority to build and operate a railroad from Winona to a point opposite La Crosse, Wisconsin. February 9, 1872, the state legislature passed an act reviving this old charter and amending it so as to incorporate the Winona & Southwestern Railroad Company, composed of the following named persons, viz : William Windom, Thomas Simpson, Wm. H. Yale, J. C. Easton, John Robson, William Mitchell, H. W. Lamberton, M. G. Norton, E. S. Youraans, R. D. Cone, Tliomas Wilson, M. K. Drew, E. D. Williams, Geo. P. Wilson, Thomas Abbott and Ignatius O'Ferral, and authorizing the building, equipment and operation of a railroad from Winona to the Iowa line east of range 14 and west of the fifth principal meridian, and also granting the right to extend the 116 HISTORY OF WE^ONA COUNTY. line, by tlie most feasible route, from Winona to St. Paul and Minneapolis, the road to be completed and equipj)ed witliin four years from the date of the act. At a meeting of the incorporators held at Winona April 16, 1872, William Mitchell was elected president; E. D. Williams, vice- president; Thomas Simpson,*secret{iry, and M. G. Norton, treasurer. William Mitchell, John Kobson and H. W. Lamberton were made an executive committee, and E. S. Youmans, Ighatius O'Ferral and M. G. Norton were appointed conmiissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock of the company, to collect five p«r centum thereon for the expenses of a survey and for the purchase of necessary raai)s, profiles, etc., for the use of the comjiany. Stock to the amount of $67,500 was subscribed. At the same session of the legislature an act was passed authorizing the city of Winona and the towns and villages on the proposed line of the road to vote a five per cent tax in aid of the road. Under this authority the city of Winona, on April 9, 1872, at a s])ecial election voted bonds to aid in the con- struction of the road to the amount of $150,000. Several of the towns in Winona and Fillmore counties, and the village of Chat- field, voted liberal bonuses tf) the road. Two or more surveys were made under the direction of N. F. Hilbert, one by way of Saratoga and Fremont, the other by way of the Money Creek valley. For a time there was every prospect that the road would be built. ' It would have fiirnished an invaluable outlet for the lumber and other products of the Winona manufactories, and would have been a potent element in the growth of the city. The severe financial crisis of 1873, however, and the subsequent hard times, ])rought delays and embarrassments which prevented the building of the road, and it still remains one of the '"glorious possibilities." In 1875 it was voted by the company to accept the projiosition of certain Iowa parties to build a narrow-gauge road from IIes]>er, Iowa, to Houston, Minnesota, provided the company would build a similar road from Winona to Houston. Money was raised and a prelimi- nary survey made, but nothing further came of the j)roject. The charter was extended by the legislature of 1873, and by reason of the surveys and otlier work done thereunder is considered to be still alive. Both the line to the southwest and the one from Winona to St. Paul are still feasible, and would be valuable to the builders as well as to Winona aiid the territory through which they would pass. CHAPTER XI. NAVIGATION. The "Father of Waters " forms the eastern boundary of Winona county, and with its various channels and sloughs constitutes the only navigable water in the county. Probably the first white man who traversed the forty-five miles of its length in which we are now interested was Father Hennepin, who in the month of April, 1680, explored the Mississippi from the mouth of the Illinois to the falls of St. Anthony. In the month of May, 1689, Nicholas Perrot, accompanied by Le Sueur, Father Marest and others, sailed up the Mississippi from the mouth of Wisconsin river to the mouth of the St. Croix, and formally took possession of the country in the name of the king of France. In September of the year 1700 Le Sueur passed upward with a party of Frenchmen to explore and work some reported mines near the mouth of the Chippewa river. In the year 1766 that enterprising Connecticut Yankee, Jonathan Carver, traveled extensively in the Northwest, and on October 29 of that year passed by the future county of Winona, noting in his journal some shrewd observations upon the numerous mounds which he saw along the shores and bluffs. In September, 1805, Lieut. Zebu- Ion Pike visited this region by order of President Jefferson, to expel British traders, who were found violating the laws, and to form alli- ances with the Indians. In the summer of 1819 a party of officers and soldiers, with their wives and children, passed by our county in keelboats on their way to establish a post at the mouth of the Minnesota river, by order of John C. Calhoun, then secretary of war. The next year Gov. Cass of Michigan headed an exploring expedition by way of the lakes, and, descending the Mississippi in canoes, spent the afternoon of August 4 at Wapashaw village, the site of the present city of Winona. Previous to the year 1823 it had been supposed that the rapids at Rock Island were an insurmountable barrier to the navigation of the upper Mississippi ; but on the second day of May of that year the Virginia, a steamer one hundred and eighteen feet in length, left her moorings at St. Louis, destined for Fort Snelling. Success- fully passing the rapids, this pioneer craft made her way slowly up 118 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the Mississippi, producing tbe greatest terror and consternation among the Indians, who su])posed that it was some enormous water- spirit, cougliing, ])ufiing out hot breath and spUishing the water in all directions. This pioneer steamer passed Wabasha prairie toward the last of the month and reached Fort Snelling in safety. From tliis time occasional trips were made as the necessity of the govern- ment and trading-posts required. Among the great number of steam- ers which have passed and repassed the county in years gone by, all old settlers will remember the Minnesota Belle, Gray Eagle, War Eagle, Northern Belle, Nominee, Ben Corson, The Adelia, Frank Steele, Keokuk, Jeanette, Tishimingo, Annie Johnson, Addie John- son, Phil. Sheridan, and many others. Of the captains of all these and other unnamed steamers Capt. Smith Harris and Capt. Orrin SmitH are most frequently mentioned. The latter was one of the earliest proprietors and admirers of the town site of Winona, and the former, being interested in Kasota, and other towns on the Minnesota river, was never tired of pointing out the disadvantages of Wabasha prairie. It is said that during the high water in 1852, in order to demonsti-ate the truth of his state- ment tliat Smith's town was on a mere sand-bar in the Mississippi, he ran his boat straight by Minneowah up into Lake Winona, and out across near the Den man farm into Crooked Slough and the river again. Captains Hatcher and Bryant, long in the service, afterward made their homes in Winona. Before the day of railroads great importance attached to the coming and going of these river steamers, which formed the only connection with the outside world. The familiar whistle of a steamboat would frequently cause a stampede even from the church service or prayer meeting, particularly if it was the first boat of the season. The following table shows the arrivals of the first boat for a period of years commencing with 1856: Keokuk, April 5. Addie Johnston, March 18. Belle of La Crosse, April 9. Union, April 3. Northwestern, A'pril 6. Lake Superior, April 12. 1876. Dubuque, April 10. Red Winjr, April II. Penguin, March 12. Maj^rgie Reanev, April 4. Belle of Bellvue, March 22. Josie, April 24. Robert Harris, March 1. 1856. Alhambra, April 8. 1870. 1857. Hamburg, April 2. 1871. 18.5^. Brazil, March 23. 1872. 1859. Grey Eagle, March 18. 1873. 1860. Chippewa, March 13. 1874. 18(51. Northern Light, March 26. 1875. 1862. Keokuk, April 2. 1876. 1863. Keokuk, March 20. 1877. 1864. Union, March 16. 1878. 1865. Lansing, March 30. 1879. 1866. Addie Johnston, April 13. 1880. 1867. City of St. Paul, April 13. 1881. 1868. Diamond Jo, March 21. 1882. 1869. Buckeye, April 6. COURTS AND OFFICERS OF THE COURTS. 119 The following table shows the dates of the closing of navigation for a series of years: 1856 November 27 1857 November 19 1858 December 2 1859 December 3 1860 November 24 1861 November 27 1862 December 1 1863 November 27 1864 December 4 1865 December 5 1866 December 9 1867 December 5 1868 December 8 1869 December 18 1870 December 15 1871 November 22 1872 November22 1873 November29 1874 November 30 1875 November20 1876 December 1 1877 December 8 1878 December 13 1879 December 12 1880 November20 1881 Jamiary 2, 1882 1882 December 6 CHAPTEK XII. COURTS AND OFFICERS OF THE COURTS. The territorial courts of record were organized under the act of congress passed March 3, 1849, called the "Organic act," supple- mented by acts passed from time to time by the territorial legis- lature. By the organic act three judges were provided for, which were appointed by the president, "by and with the advice and con- sent of tlie senate." One was styled "chief-justice," the other two "associate-justices." These together constituted the supreme court, one term of which was required to be held annually at the seat of government of the territory. It was also provided that the terri- tory should "be divided into three judicial districts," in each of which a district court was required to be held by one of the justices of the supreme court, at such times and places as the territorial legislature might prescribe, and that ' ' the said judges shall, after their appointment, respectively, reside in the districts which shall be assigned them." Each district court, or the judge thereof, was by such act empowered to appoint its own clerk, which clerk was to hold his office at the pleasure of the court. The supreme court and district courts were invested with chancery as well as common law jurisdiction. Ttie extent of this jurisdiction of these courts was substantially the same as like courts under the present constitution of the state ; that of the several district courts was general. Bj 120 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. act of the territorial legislature the territory now included within the limits of Winona county was made a part of the first judicial dis- trict, and so remained until the adoption of the constitution. Pre- vious to February 23, 1854, what, is now Winona county was a part of the county of Fillmore. On the day last above named Winona county was formed and organized for judicial and other purposes. Up to this time the writer is not aware that any term of the district court was held in Fillmore county, though all other county business affecting this section, such as filing })lat8 of town sites, recording deeds and the levy of taxes, was done at the county seat of Fillinore county, then located at Chatfield. At the date of our county organization Hon. Wm. H. Welch was chief-justice of the territory, to whom was assigned the first judicial district. He was therefore the first judge of the district court in and for this county. He resided at Red Wing, in the county of Goodhue. He continued to fill that oflice until January 1, 1858, when the territorial judicial officers were superseded by judges elected under the state constitution adopted at the fall elec- tion in 1857. Much of the good order of our judicial afiairs in ter- ritorial times, and the ease and regularity with which our state courts were organized and went into effect, were due to this judge. W^hile he was not a man of great learning or superior ability, as the world recognizes learning and ability, yet he had the rare quality in a judge of commanding universal confidence, a feeling among all that the judicial authority was reposed in proper hands. Judge Welch died at his liome in Red Wing. At the fall election in 1857 Hon. Thomas Wilson was chosen as judge of the third judicial district of the state, comprising the coun- ties of Houston, Fillmore, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona. With the beginning of the year 1858, pursuant to a provision of the state constitution, but before the formal admission of the state by congress Judge Wilson entered upon, his duties as judge, and continued to hold until 1864, when, having been appointed to the supreme court, he resigned the office of district judge, and Hon. Lloyd Barber, of Olmsted county, was appointed to fill the vacancy so made. He was elected at the fall election in 1864, for the full term of seven years, and held the office until succeeded by Hon. C. N. Waterman, January 4, 1872. Judge Waterman held the office until his death, which occurred February 18, 1873, and was suc- ceeded by Hon. John Van Dyke, who was appointed for the COURTS AND OFFICERS OF TilE COURTS. 121 remainder of the year 1873. At the fall election of that year Hon. Wm. Mitchell was elected for the full term of seven years, from the beginning of 1874. He discharged the duties during this term, and in 1880 was re-elected for another term, to commence with the ensuing year. At the session of the legislature of 1881 the number of judges composing the supreme court was increased to five. This made it necessary that two judges should be appointed to the supreme court until after the next ensuing general election. Judge Mitchell was selected as one of the new judges, and Hon. C. M. Start, then attorney-general of the state, but residing in the third judicial district, at Rochester, Olmsted county, was ap- pointed district judge, to succeed Judge Mitchell. At the general election in November, 1881, Judge Start was elected for a full term, commencing with the year 1882. At this writing, January 1, 1883, Judge Start is in the discharge of his official duties. Of the seven judges who have presided in our district courts, three. Judge "Welch, Judge Waterman and Judge Van Dyke, are dead. All the others are still living within the district, and engaged in the duties of their profession. Clerks. — As before stated, during our territorial existence clerks of district courts held by appointment of the judge and during his pleasure. The first clerk of the district court in and for Winona county was Martin Wheeler Sargeant. He was appointed by Judge Welch in 1854, and held until superseded by the appointment of John Keyes, on or about July 14, 1856. The record of Mr. Keyes' appointment cannot be found, but his first official act as clerk bears date on that day. Mr. Keyes continued to hold the office until after the admission of the statein to the Union under the state organization, his last official act as clerk bearing date May 25, 1858. Under the constitution the office of clerk was made elective, and at the general election in October, 1857, Henry C. Lester was elected clerk, and entei-ed on the discharge of his duties on the re- tirement of Mr. Keyes. He held the office until April 27, 1861. He resigned to enter the volunteer service of the United States in the war of the rebellion. He was succeeded by E. A. Gerdtzen, who was appointed in place of Col. Lester until the next general election, at which he was elected, and by subsequent elections held without interruj^tion for nearly seventeen years. In November, 1877, John M. Sheardown was elected, has been re-elected, and still holds the office. 122 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. Of the live persons who have held tlie (office, two, Mr. Sargeant and Mr. Keyes, are deceased; CoL Lester has removed from the state, wliile Messrs. Gerdtzen and Sheardown still reside at the city of Winona. DintHct and County Attorneys. — Under the territorial organiza- tion, the United States attorney, as he was called, usually attended at the sessions of the district courts, and performed most of the duties now devolving upon county attorneys. An ofHcer called a district attorney was also provided for by territorial statute, and was elected in each of the organized counties. In the act organizing the county of Winona, approved February 23, 1854, such officer was to be elected at an election to be held in April of that year. The election was duly held, and C. F. Buck, Esq., then residing at Minneowa, was elected. We may say in passing that the village of Minneowa was a rival of Winona for metropolitan honors, and stood on the Mississippi river, about one mile above the present village of Homer. The curious in such matters may still find some traces of it on the river bank, and especially in the office of the register of deeds, where the plat was recorded. Its proprietors were Isaac Van Etten, William L. Ames, brother of Oakes Ames, of credit mohilier and Union Pacific railroad fame. Governor Willis A. Gorman, and S. R Babcock, all of St. Paul. The fact is noteworthy as showing the confidence of shrewd and far- seeing men in the then future existence of the city of southern Minnesota at or near this point. Their selection was probably made more from an examination of the territorial map than of the respect- ive sites of Minneowa and Winona. If not, time has demonstrated that, however close they shot to the mark in this their judgment was slightly at fault. But to return to the district attorney. Mr, Buck held the office until the beginning of 1856. Edwin M. Bierce had been elected in the fall of 1855, and held the office during the years 1856 and 1857. By the constitution adopted in that year it was provided that "each judicial district might elect one prose- cuting attorney for the district." Under this provision Sam Cole, Esq., was elected " prosecutiiig attorney" for the third judicial dis- trict, comprising the counties of Houston, Fillmore, Olmsted, Wa- basha and Winona. Although this office was wholly unknown to teri-itorial laws, continued in force by the constitution, and no state legislation had been had to supply the deficiency, still Mr. Cole, as COURTS AND OFFICERS OF THE COURTS. 125 an officer of the courts, qualified witli the judges at the beginning of the year 1858. As no legislation was ever had upon the subject of the duties of this office, we shall probably continue in ignorance as to what they were. Practically Mr. Cole did about what the United States attorney had done in territorial times, and which comprised about all that was required under the statutes of the district attorney. The effect of it was in a large degree to supersede the last-named officer, and for two years no district attorney was elected in Winona county. In this county at least the constitution operated as an extinguishment of the office. By act of February 6, 1860, the office of county attorney as now existing was created. Under this act the board of supervisors of Winona county, on the 15th day of March, 1860, appointed one A, S. Seaton count}^ attorney, who held the office until the 1st of January, 1861. At the general election in 1860 Hon. William H. Yale was elected, and held the office one term of two years. On the 1st of January, 1863, he was succeeded by Hon. William Mitchell, who was county attorney during the years 1863 and 3 864. Mr. Yale, in the fall of 1864, was re-elected, and held during the years 1865 and 1866. He was succeeded at the beginning of 1867 by Hon. George P. Wilson who, by re-election was continued in office until the beginning of 1871, when he was succeeded by Norman Buck. Mr. Buck held during the years 1873 and. 1874, and was succeeded by A. H. Snow, Esq., who by re-election held from the beginning of 1875 to the 1st of January, 1879. Mr. A. N. Bentley then suc- ceeded for one term, followed by Mr. M. B. Webber, one term, closing with 1882. At the fall election in 1882 Mr. Patrick Fitz- patrick was elected, and now holds the office. Of the twelve persons who have held these offices, only one (Mr. Cole) is known to have died. Both A. S. Seaton and E- M. Bierce left this county about 1860, since which little or nothing seems to be known of either. Mr. Buck is now associate justice of the territory of Idaho. Hon. George P. Wilson is following his profession at Fargo, Dakota Territory. All others still reside in the city of Winona. Sheriffs. — The first sheriff of the county was John lames. He was elected on the first Tuesday in April, 1854. He was succeeded by Charles Eaton, who was elected in the fall of 1855, and held the office for two years. At the election in 1857 Mr. F. E. Wlijton was elected, and held during the years 1858 and 1859. At the fall elec- 126 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. tion in 1859 Messrs. L. R. King and E. D. Williams were opposing candidates for this office. The canvass was close and spirited, and the register of deeds, whose duty it was " to canvass the votes," was unable to determine which had been the successful candidate. The greatest number of votes cast at the election for one office was 2,023. As allowed by the register, the whole number of votes cast for both candidates for sheriff was 1,970. In reaching this result votes were rejected as irregular, and the conclusion was arrived at that each candidate had received 985, making it "a tie." It thus became necessary to decide "by lot" which of the candidates was elected. Various stories were told as to how this "casting of lots" was per- formed — one to the effect that a game of "euchre" was played between two persons, each representing one of the opposing candi- dates. The writer cannot affirm that such was the fact, though the circumstantiality of the account, other things considered, gives it some weight. But, however the lot was cast, Mr. King was declared elected, and to him was awarded the certificate. The case was then taken by appeal to the district court. Judge Wilson presiding. After a long' and patient hearing the decision of the canvassing officer was affirmed, and Mr. King was declared sheriff. By re-election from term to term he held the office without interruption for eight years. J. F. Martin was his successor, beginning with the year 1868. Mr. Martin was twice re-elected and held for six years, and was succeeded at the close of 1873 by Wm. H. Dill. Mr. Dill was re-elected three times in succession, and held the office in all eight years, ending with the year 1881. Mr. E. Y. Bogart succeeded and is now (1883) in office. Ex-Sheriffs lames, Whiton and King are deceased. Probate Courts. — By the act of congress organizing the terri- tory probate courts were established. A special election, to be held in April, 1854, was authorized for the election of county officers by act organizing the county of Winona. A judge of probate was one of the officers to be elected. Andrew Cole was elected. He held the otHce until January 1, 1855, when he was succeeded by Alfred P. Foster. Mr. Foster filled the office until October 10, 1856, when it was made vacant by the removal of Judge Foster from tlie territory, and on that date Sam Cole was appointed to fill the vacancy. E. II. Murray succeeded by election, and held during the years 1857 and 1858, followed by Warren Powers, who was elected in the fall of 1858. By re-election Judge Powers held until his death, which occurred in June, 1865. He was succeeded by Mr. Norman Buck, BANKING IN WINONA COUNTY. 127 who was appointed to fill the vacancy in July of that year. In the fall of 1865 Judge Buck was elected. He held the office until the fall of 1867, when he resigned, and was succeeded for the remainder of the year by appointment of C. N. Wakefield. At the general election in the fall of 1868 Jacob Story was elected to the office. Judge Story has been re-elected at the expiration of each succeeding term, and is still the incumbent of the office. Aside from Mr. E. A, Gerdtzen's tenure of the office of clerk of the district court, which was about seventeen years, Judge Story has enjoyed a longer official term than any other officer of Winona county. CHAPTEK XIII. BANKING IN WINONA COUNTY. As is generally the case in new towns, several branches of business ai-e conducted by the same person or firm. It was so in Winona in the banking business. The United States land office for the Winona land district, having been opened in Winona in December, 1854, land agents, money loaners and speculators in real estate soon followed. ■ The first office of this kind was opened in June in 1855, by Will- iam Ashley Jones, Charles H. Berry and E. S. Smith, under the firm name of Jones, Berry & Smith. They were succeeded by Berry & Waterman, who added to their law business that of receiving deposits and selling exchange on different points. This was done more as a convenience to others than of profit to themselves. This was continued until others engaged in more exclusive blinking business. Early in 1856 Timothy Kirk and his brother had a banking office on the corner of Front and Main streets. John Mobley opened a banking and exchange office near the corner of Second and Main streets in 1856, and did considerable business for some two years, and retired in 1858. J. T. Smith had an exchange and loan office, in 1856 or 1857, on Center street, between First and Second streets. He was here about three years. r2. (Trovenior Ramsey, by proclamation, made the first apportion- EARLY SETTLEMENT, PIOlSrEERS, ETC. 135 ment of council districts. The settlements on the west bank of the Mississippi, south of the Crow village to the Iowa line, were included with a part of St. Croix county on the east side of the river and con- stituted the first council district. The settlements on the west side of the river were of half-breed Sioux. The iirst territorial legislature held its session in St. Paul, the capital of the territory. It began on September 3 and adjourned on November 1, 1849. The members from the first council district were : James S. JSTorris, in the council ; Joseph W. Furber and James Wells, in the house. David Olmsted, of Long Prairie, was president of the council ; Joseph W. Furber, of Cottage Grove, spea'ker of the house. James Wells was the first representative to the territorial legis- lature from the country along the west side of the Mississippi. He was an Indian trader living on the shores of Lake Pepin, twelve miles below Red Wing. Among his friends and associates he was generally known as "Bully Wells." He was elected by the half- breeds and a few traders and government employes at the election held on August 1. The total votes polled were thirty-three. At this election Hon. H. H. Sibley was elected delegate to congress without opposition. The first territorial legislature, at its session in 1 849 (October 2T), created several counties, two of which, Dakota and Wabasha on the west side of the Mississippi, included all of the territory, south of the Minnesota river — Wabasha in the eastern part and Dakota lying west along the Minnesota. In 1853 (March 5) the county of Wabasha was divided by act of the territorial legislature and a part of the southern portion desig- nated as Fillmore county. In 1854 (February 23) Fillmore county was divided, and from the portion along the river the counties of Houstou and Winona were created — Houston next to the Iowa line and Winona between Houston and Wabasha counties. The bound- aries given Winona county in the act by which it was created have since been maintained unchanged. These outlines of history gene- alogize this county from the days of the advent of the first white man to the present time, a period of little more than two hundred years. In this abstract of jurisdiction an omission has been made — the proprietary of this part of the country before it was so formally taken possession of by Captain Perrot. At the time France assumed control it was held by tribes of savage Indians. Of them, prior to 186 iriSTOHY OF WINONA COUNTY. that period, but little is known with any degree of certainty. Hav- ing no written records their earliest traditions have long been for- gotten, their more modern history only known by its connections with that of their successors, the white race. Traditions, with mounds and relics antedating traditionary lore, afford speculative study for the antiquary, and present corroborative evidence to the historian that in the unknown periods of the past this section of country was inhabited, and that its population was p7'ohahly of the Indian race. Their first occupancy is veiled in dark obscurity. Their rights of possession have, however, been continu- ously acknowledged and recognized from the time jurisdiction was claimed for France in 1689 until the treaty by which their lands west of the Mississippi, in what is now the State of Minnesota, were pur- chased and ceded to the United States, when their title was formally transferred to their successors. Tlie Dakota nation, which held tliis country, was probably one of the largest warlike nations of the aborigines of North America. When first visited by Europeans their territory extended from Lake Superior to the Eocky Mountains. This Indian nation was composed of numerous general divisions and subdivisions or bands, having a language common to all (only varied by dialects), with man- ners, customs, etc. , differing but little in different localities. Although united as a confederacy for common defense or warlike purposes, each division held a separate interest in the localities they occupied. The eastern division of the Dakota nation was the Mdaywakan- tonwan, or Spirit Lake villagers. It was this division that made prisoner of Father Hennepin in 1680. At that time they were in possession of the country on the east side of the Mississippi to Lake Superior. The country south of the lake was held by the Ojibways, who were the first to hold communication with the traders. They were the first supplied with fire-arms, which gave them su(;h an ad- vantage over the more warlike Sioux that they drove them back and took possession of, their homes in the Mille Lac region. The Sioux were forced to the southward and westward, but successfully main- tained their lands on the west side of the Mississippi, and a strip along the east side, from about a hundred and fifty miles above the Falls of St. Anthony to about one hundred and fifty miles below. There were seven bands in this division. The villages of three of them were on the Mississippi, below the falls ; the others were on the lower part of the Minnesota river. CHAPTER XV. TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. By treaty in 18<»5, tlirougli Lieut. Pike, the first representative of our government that visited this part of the "Louisiana pur- chase," this division of Sioux made the first sale of any of their lands. For the establishment of military posts the United States purchased from them a section of country nine miles square, on each side of the Mississippi, which included the Falls of St. Anthony and the present site of Fort Snelling. A section of country nine miles square, at the mouth of the St. Croix, was also secured for the same purpose. It was not until several years after that this purchase was utilized by government. The corner-stone of Fort Snelling was laid on the 10th of September, 1820, but it was not occupied by soldiers until the following year. The site was first taken possession of by Col. Leavenworth with a company of soldiers in 1819. The transportation of troops, supplies, material, etc., for the fort was principally by keelboats, which at that time, and for some time afterward, were used in the navigation of the Upper Missis- sippi. The trip from St. Louis to this point was a long and tedious one. The first steamboat that ever came up the Mississippi to Fort Snelling at the mouth of the Minnesota river was a stern-wheel boat called the Virginia, in 1823, By treaty in 1830 government secured from this part of the Sioux nation the section of country known as the "Half-breed Tract," for the benefit or exclusive use of their descendants of mixed blood. This tract of land was on the west side of the Mississippi and Lake Pepin, fifteen rniles wide, and extending down the river, from Barn Bluff, near Red Wing, thirty-two miles, to a point opposite Beef river, below the present village of Wabasha. In 1837 a deputation of chiefs of this division of Dakotas was induced to visit Washington, where they made a treaty by which they "ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Missis- sippi river, and all of their islands in said river." This treaty was ratified by the senate on the 17th of July, 1838, when the Sioux re- moved all of their bands to the west side of the Mississippi. 188 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Until 1851 the Mdaywakiintonwan Sioux were the only division of the Dakota nation with whom the United States had made formal treaty stipulations for the sale of any part of their lands. They were the only branch ol' the whole Sioux confederacy who received annuities from the government. Under the treaty of 1837 they re- ceived annually, for twenty years from the date of the treaty, $10,000 in money, $10,000 in goods, $5,500 in provisions, and $8,250 "in the purchase of medicines, agricultural implements and stock ittid for the support of a ])hysician, farmers and blacksmiths, and for other beneficial objects." In the first article of this treaty it was provided that a portion of the interest on the whole sum invested — $5,000 annually — was "to be applied in such manner as the presi- dent may direct." This occasioned some trouble, as it was proposed to expend tliis sum for the purposes of education, schools, etc., which the Indians strongly opposed. This fund was not used, but allowed to accumulate until the treaty of 1851 before settlement was effected and the amount paid over to them. At that time these seven bands comprised a population of about 2,200 in number. The nominal head chief of the division was Wa- basha, who was also chief of a band. His village was at Wabasha Prairie, and had a population of about 300. The Red Wing band — chief, Wakoota — numbered about 300; the Kaposia band — chief. Little Crow — had about 400; the Black Dog band — chief. Gray Iron — had 250 ; Cloud Man's band, at Lake Calhoun, 250 ; Good Road's band, about 300 ; Six's band — chief, Shakopee — about 450. The last four bands named were on lower part of the Minnesota river. By treaties made in 1851 the Sioux sold their lands in what is now the State of Minnesota. The Sisseton and Wahpaton divisions in the west, called the "upper bands," signed the treaty at Traverse des Sioux, July 23, 1851, and the "lower bands," the Wahpakoota and "Mdaywakantonwan divisions, signed the treaty at Mendota, August 5, 1851. These treaties were amended by the senate at Washington the fol- lowing year. The amendment was ratified by the "lower bands" at St. Paul, September 4, 1852. The treaties as amended were formally ratified by the president's proclamation, dated February 24, 1853. By this sale the Dakotas relinquished possession of their lands in this vicinity — their title t(j it, held from time unknown, was extinguished for ever. Prior to this, occupancy of these lands by TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 139 the whites was considered trespass, except by special permit or license from government. After the treaty in 1 851, and before its ratification, settlements were made or commenced by the whites, without action on the part of the government, and without much show of opposition from the Sioux. It was during this period that the first bona-fide settlements were made within the boundaries of what is now known as Winona county. Previous to this, however, Indian traders and government employes had located temporarily at different places along the Mississippi, some of whom remained and afterward became citizens of the county. The Mississippi river is the eastern boundary of this county, and from time immemorial has been what may be called the grand highway between the north and the south, and, through its tribu- taries, the means of communication between the east and the west. Over its waters the savages paddled their canoes, and the Canadian voyageurs propelled their batteaux. It was the course over which the early traders carried on their traffic. Their goods, brought from the east by way of the great lakes, and down the Wisconsin river, were transported up the Mississippi to their trading stations in the north. The furs for which they were exchanged were returned over the same route. With the increase of this commercial business Prairie du Chien became the emporium of the fur-traders, and held its^ importance for nearly a century. During this period French names were given by the traders and voyageurs to persons, places and things which were in common use, the names designative of localities which served as land- marks in their adventurous expeditions being the most important. There are not more than one or two localities in this county that can now be identified by the names thus given, and in no instance has the name been preserved. The most familiar, if not the only locality, is that of the prairie on which the city of Winona is now situated. This was designated as the "•Prairie aux Aile," the literal translation of which is the "Wing Prairie." Its signification is unknown except as a matter of opinion. This prairie and vicinity was the home of one of the most influ- ential of the Dakota chiefs. It was the grand gathering-place of his once numerous warriors. The Dakota name of this chief was Wa-pa-ha-sa. It was hereditary. Besides being chief of his own 140 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. band, lie was the head chief of the bands along the Mississippi. These official ])Ositions were also hereditary. The early voyageurs gave him the name of Wa-pa-sa. The more modern traders and river men called him Wa-ba-shaw, and gave the same name to the prairie on which his village was located. It was known as Waba- shaw prairie until the name was superseded by Winona, its present one. Winona ( Wee-no-nah) is a Dakota name, signifying a daughter, the Urst-born child. It is a name usually given to the lirst-born child, if a daughter, and never conferred upon a locality by the Sioux. The name was selected by the early settlers on Wabasha prairie as the name of the post-office established there, and was afterward adopted by the town proprietors for the village. When the county was created the same name was conferred upon it. The following story in Neil's History of Minnesota gives another name to Wabasha prairie. The story is apj)arently founded on the Dakota legend of Maiden's rock, on the eastern shore of Lake Pe])in. This is the only instance known where the name of "Keoxa" has ever been given to Wabasha's village on this prairie. It is indeed a query whether it is a Dakota name. "In the davs of the great chief Wapash aw there lived' at the vil- lage of Keoxa, which stood at the site of the town which now bears her name, a maiden with a loving soul. She was the first-bom daughter, and, as is always the case in a Dahkotah family, she bore the name of Weenonah. A young hunter of the same band was never liappier than when he played the flute in her hearing. Having thus signified his affection, it was with the whole heart reciprocated. The youth begged from his friends all that he could, and went to her parents, as is the custom, to purchase her for his wife, but his proposals were rejected. "A warrior who had often been on the war-path, whose head- dress plainly told the number of scalps he had wrenched from Ojibway heads, had also been to the parents, and they thought that she would be more honored as an inmate of his teepee. "Weenonah, however, could not forget her first love, and though he had been forced away, his absence strengthened her affections. Neither the attentions of the warrior, nor the threats of parents, nor the persuasions of friends could make her consent to marry simply for position. "One day the band came to Lake Pepin to fish or hunt. The dark green foliage, the velvet sward, the beautiful expanse of ■^^^-^^-g^ fT^^-t^K-J TEEATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 143 / water, the shadj nooks, made it a place to utter the breathings of ove. The warrior sought her once more and begged her to accede to her parents' wish and become his wife, but she refused with decision. '' ^^ile the party was feasting Weenonah clambered to the lofty bluff, and then told to those who were below how crushed she had been bj the absence of the young hunter and the cruelty of her friends. Then chaunting a wild death-song, before the fleetest runner could reach the height she dashed herself down, and that form of beauty was m a moment a mass of broken limbs and bruised flesh "The Dahkotah as he passes the rock feels that the spot is Wawkawn." '■ The name of Wabasha rightfully belonged to this locality: Its alienation was not from premeditated design. Before Wabasha prairie was settled, or even a white settler had located in what is now Winona county, the settlement on the "half-breed tract" was c;alled Wabasha. The first postofiice along the river was established there and given the name of Wabasha postofiice, although it was for a while at Eeed's Landing. It having been thus appropriated, but little eftoit was ever made to reclaim it. But few of the settlers cared about preserving or adopting it in a second-hand condition When keelboats and steamboats took the place of the canoes and batteaux m the navigation of the river, the names conferred on localities by the Dakotas and French were quite generally dropped and less expressive ones usually substituted. Where Dakota or French names have been retained in this state, they have in very many instances been so modified by "Yankee improvements" that It IS dilhcult to trace their derivation. In this county no distinctive name of locality or landmark given by the French has been retained. Neither is there a single instance where the name given by the Dakotas to mountain or stream, hill, valley or prairie, has been preserved and is now in use by the whites. Nothing designated by the Sioux, the immediate predecessors of the present generation, is now known by its Dakota name. It is not so much a matter of surprise that Indian names have not been retained, or that they are now unknown to the present inhabitants of the county, if the abruptness of the change of occu- pants IS taken into consideration. When the Sioux relinquished possession ef their lands here they at once left this vicinitv Tl.- 144 IILSTOUy OF WINONA COUNTY. wliite settlers tbund the country without a po])ulatioii. The two races were strangers — unknown to eacli othei-; no association or intercourse ever existed between them. There are two or three instances where the Enii:lish interpretation has been substituted for the original Dak(jta. White Water is the name of a river which runs through the northern part of the county. It is the translation of the Dakota "Minne-ska," signifying "White Water." The village at the mouth of that stream in Wabasha county is called Minneiska. The name of Rolling Stone is another instance. This is an interpretation of the name given by the Dakotas to the Rolling Stone Creek, "Eyan-omen-man-met-pah," the literal trans- lation of which is "the stream where the stone rolls." Its true signification is not known. It was called by the French traders of more modern times "Roche que le Boule." These names were obtained from O. M. Lord, who acquired them from Gen. Sibley. Wabasha and the most of his peojjle left their homes on the Mississi])pi in 1852. Nothing marks the localities in this county as evidence of where, for so man)- generations, their race once lived. Even the old and deeply worn trails, over which they filed away toward the setting sun, are now, like the wakes of their canoes, obliterated and unknown. Some "old settlers" ma}' perhaps from memory be able to point out the general course of these trails, over which they explored the country in their "claim hunting" excur- sions, and on which they were accustomed to traverse the country until the plow and fences of improvements debarred further use of them. The Sioux were, by the conditions of the treaty, transferred to a reservation on the head-waters of the Minnesota river. Here they were taught and encouraged to adopt a new system of life and be- come an agricultural people. It was supposed that some progress was mtide toward civilization, but, as in many similar philanthropic efforts, the ultimate results proved a failure. The Sioux massacre of 1862 originated with the bands of Wabasha's division, which had given the most encouraging prospects of their becoming "good Indians. " The first outrages were perpetrated by some of Shakapee's band. A war party was at once organized with the bands of Gray Iron, Little ( 'row and detachments from other divisions. The band of Wabasha and the Red Wing band were compelled to participate in tlu! proceedings, and the whole Dakota nation was soon involved in the affair. TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 145 This chapter would perhaps be considered incomplete without mention of one of the chiefs of Wabasha's band who was more gen- erally known to the early settlers of Winona county than any other of the Indians who originally claimed this part of the country. The most of the " old settlers " probably remember " Old To-ma-ha," the old one-eyed Sioux, who kept up his rounds of visitations to the settlements until about the time of his death, which occurred in 1860 at about one hundred years of age. When on his customary visits among the whites he was usually accompanied by a party of his own descendants and family relatives — from ten to twenty in number. His figure was erect and movements active, notwithstanding his advanced age. His dress on these occasions was a much worn military coat and pantaloons of blue cloth trimmed with red, and an old stove-pipe hat with the same color displayed. He always carried with him a large package of papers inclosed in a leather or skin pocket-book, and also a large silver medal, which he wore suspended from his neck in a conspicuous place on his breast. His large red pipe-stone hatchet pipe, with a long handle, was generally in his hands. It was his usual custom to attract attention by his presence and then allow the curious to examine his pipe and medal, when, if there appeared to be a prospect of getting money for the exhibition, he would produce his pocket-book and allow an examination of its contents, for which privilege he expected, and usually received, at least a dime, and perhaps from the more liberal a quarter of a dollar. This Indian was a historical character. His pocket-book contained his commis- sion as a chief of the Sioux nation, given him by Governor Clark, of Missouri territory, in 1814, who at the same time presented him with a captain's uniform and a medal for meritorious services ren- dered the government as a scout and messenger. His papers con- tained testimonials and recommendations from prominent govern- ment officials and other persons. Mention is made of him in the reports of officials who had jurisdiction in the northwest territories, one by Lieut. Pike, who was sent by the government of the United States in 1805 to explore the northern part of the "Louis- iana purcliase," then recently acquired, and to make treaties with the Dakotas. In 1812, when the Sioux joined the English in the war with the United States, Tomaha went to St. Louis and gave his services to fight against the British forces. He had the confidence of the military officers, and in all of the frontier difficulties on the upper Mississippi, where fighting was done, he was employed as 146 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. scout and messenger. When bis services were no longer required by government be returned to bis Dakota home. Wlien tlie Sioux left tbis vicinity and went to tbeir reservation on tbe Minnesota river, Tomaba remained to die in tbe locality wbere he was born and where be spent his youth. He sometimes visited bis friends on tbe reservation, but never made it bis home. CHAPTER XYI. THE FUR TRADERS. The first white men to establish themselves among these Indians were tbe fur traders and voyageurs — tbe early pioneers of com- merce. Of tbe hardy adventurers who in generations past engaged in commercial pursuits in tbis vicinity nothing is now known. The earliest of these traffickers, who bad a fixed place of busi- ness in this county, of which there is even a traditional record, was Francois La Bathe. His business location was in the nortbei'n j)art of tbe county, on tbe Mississippi. Tbe date of bis establishment of a trading station in this vicinity is not now detinitely known. He bad trading posts in other localities along the river at the same time — one at Bad Axe, below La Crosse. His more permanent stations were usually under tbe charge of partners and assistants or clerks. Mr. O. M. Lord informed tbe vn-iter that Hon. N. W. Kittson, of St. Paul, was in tbe employ of La Bathe & Co. for a year or two, in 1840, or about that time, and bad charge of a trading station above the Rolling Stone. Tbe location of tbe station was described by Mr. Kittson as being above Minnesota City, at tbe foot of tbe bluff, wbere tbe slough leaves tbe mainland (Haddock's slough). Tbe land in tliis vicinity is now owned by D. L. Burley, who has occupied it about thirty years. Mr. Burley says be has never seen any indications that would lead him to think the locality bad ever been occupied for any pur])08e prior to bis taking possession of it. Others say La Bathe's trading post was above that place. Near where tbe river leaves tbe mainland, about four miles below tbe mouth of the Wliite Water, there is a bluft and a location that re- semble the description given to Mr. Lord. At that place tbe early THE FUR TRADERS. 147 settlers of 1852 found the ruins of a large cabin. The writer saw it frequently in 1854. There was a huge stone fireplace and chim- ney then standing entire, in a tolerable state of preservation, but the logs were a mass of ruins, and bushes were growing up among the logs where the house once stood. It is said that La Bathe spent the most of his life with the Da- kotali Indians ; that though of French descent he was in some way related to them either by birth or marriage, or perhaps both. His influence with the Indians was an advantage to him in his commer- cial transactions. He was intimately connected in business affairs with prominent traders. His history is unknown in this vicinity. La Bathe went with the Sioux to their reservation on the head-waters of the Minnesota river, where he was killed by the savages with whom he had spent his life. He was among the fii'st victims at the outbreak of the Sioux massacre in 1862. Although there were quite a number of traders who lived on the Wisconsin side of the river, at La Crosse and at what is now Trem- pealeau and Fountain City, who traded with the Sioux on the west side of the river, there are but two or three others of this class to mention who were established in business and had a residence in Winona county. First among these were Willard B. Bunnell and Nathan Brown, both of whom came into the Territory of Minnesota after it was organized. "Bill" Bunnell had been for five or six years prior to his coming here living on the east side of the Mississippi, at La Crosse and at what is now Trempealeau village, but the most of the time in what was called the Trempealeau country, hunting, trapping and trading with the Indians. His Indian trade was principally with the Win- nebagoes who were living in that vicinity and in the Black River country. He had, before coming to the Mississippi river, been a trader in the vicinity of Green Bay, with the Menomines and Chip- pewas. From his fluency in speaking the language of the Chippe- was the Sioux for some time after his arrival in this vicinity were jealous and suspicious of him as a friend of their hereditary enemies. He was unable to secure their confidence until he had learned their language and proved himself to be a "professional" hunter and their friend. He joined them in their hunting excursions, and for the time adopted their style of "undress," — a breech-clout, buckskin leggings and moccasins. In this rig, with his rifle or fowling-piece and blanket, he spent weeks with them on Root river and its tribu- 148 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. taries. He was the lirst white resident of tliis locality to explore tlie country back of tlie bluffs. Willard Bradly Bunnell located as a licensed trader with the Sioux of Wabasha's band, August 20, 1849. His house was on the bank of the river, in what is now the village of Homer. It was built of hewed logs, and had a shingled roof — the first shingled roof ever put on any structure in this part of Minnesota. This was the first permanent improvement made in the settlement of the county. To this place Bunnell brought his family. It was the home of an estimable wife and their three children. It was here that the first white child was born. Frances Matilda Bunnell was born February 20, 1850. She was the first white native resident of this part of the territory. Mrs. Bunnell was the first white woman that came into this part of the Territory of Minnesota to live — the first to make her home within the boundaries of Winona county. She was a model repre- sentative of a frontier woman. Although remarkably domestic in her habits, and observant of matters connected with her household duties, which make home desirable, she was able to paddle her own canoe, and was a sure shot with either the rifle or fowling-piece. While in general appearance and manners ladylike and modestly feminine, she had remarkable courage and self-possession, and was decisive to act in cases of emergency, when danger threatened her- self or family — qualifications that were respected by her dusky neighbors, the friends of the trader. Possessing good mental abili- ties, her experience in frontier life and intuitive knowledge of Indian character gave her an influence over the wild customers who visited their trading-post, that was as much a matter of surprise to herself as to others. The Indians respected and feared her although only a "woman." Mrs. Bunnell was of French descent. Besides sj)eaking French, she was able to converse fluently with the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and Sioux, and had some knowledge of other dialects. She was brought up in the Catholic faith, but in the latter part of her life she professed the Protestant religion, and became a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Bunnell died in April, 1867, at about the age of forty-five. Some of her children are yet residents of this state. The house, a story and a-half building, built by "Will" Bun- nell in 1849, is still standing in the upper part of the village of Homer, at what was once called BunnelPs Landing. The building THE FUR TRADERS. 149 and grounds are now tlie property of" Dr. L. H. Bunnell, a younger brother of the trader. The house lias been moved a little back from where it was originally built, and, to keep pace with the times, this relic of the first settlers' early home has been somewhat modern- ized by a covering of clapboards and painted. It is still a com- fortable dwelling, and is occupied by Dr. Bunnell as his residence and permanent home. Willard B. Bunnell took an active interest in the early settle- ment of this county, and was connected with many of the incidents of pioneer life which will be noticed in the progress of events. He died in August, 1861, at about the age of forty-seven. His death was caused by consumption. ISTathan Brown came into the territory as a trader September 29, 1849. His location was on the river below Bunnell's, in what is now the southern part of the county. Mr. Brown was then a young man without a family. His cabin in which he made his home was a one-story log building, 12x16. His storehouse, 12x16, was a story and a-half, of hewed logs. These buildings were covered with shingled roofs and substantially made. Although Mr. Brown was a trader with the Indians, he did not hold his position through a license from government. He made a sort of miniature treaty with Wabasha and his braves, and pur- chased from them the privilege of occupying as much of the locality as he chose to carry on his business. For this permit he paid them $50 — making payment in flour and pork from his store. Mr. Brown states that "during the early days of his residence there, while engaged in trade with the Winnebagoes and Sioux, he never locked his cabin door, not even when absent from home, and never lost anything by theft, through either Indians or white people." Mr. Brown and Mr. Bunnell, as the last of the Indian traders, appear to constitute a connecting link between the past and present condition of this part of the country. Both settled here while the land was held by the Sioux. Both were residents of Winona county after its organization. Following in the order of pioneer life, the missionaries have been among the first to venture into countries inhabited by the savages, and the first to attempt to improve their condition. Their zealous efforts entitle them to be called the pioneers of civilization. Fore- most among these have been the missionaries connected with the Catholic church. 150 JIISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. In the earliest explorations of this part of the country, the traders were accompanied by the priests. The early French traders and voyageurs were of that religious belief, and their descendants, for all of them intermarried with the Indians, were taught the same faith. Tiiese missionaries were the first to visit the Dakotas — the first to visit the west side of the Mississippi river. From the days of the Rev. Louis Hennepin to more modern times they held a strong influence over the traders and voyageurs, and their descendants, and perhaps, to a limited extent, succeeded in influencing the savage natives by their teachings. The first Catholic missionaries of more modern times, of whom there is even traditionary knowledge in tliis section of country, were at the half-breed village where now stands the city of Wabasha, There the first church in southern Minnesota was built in 1845. With the exception of the very Rev. A. Ravoux, the names of these missionaries are unknown. The first attempt to establish a Protestant missionary station in this vicinity, of which there is any record, was in 1836. Rev. Daniel (xavan, a French num, sent out as a missionary by the Evan- gelical Society of Lausanne, Switzerland, established a mission for the benefit of the Sioux of Wabasha's band. At that time the Sioux held possession of the east side of the river. Mr. Gavan located on the Wisconsin side, and built his cabin near Trempealeau mountain. He remained here until the fall of 1838, when he visited the missions on the Minnesota river, at Lac qui Parle, for the purpose of learning the Sioux language from the missionaries, who were then translating the Scriptures into that tongue. While thus engaged he became acquainted with and afterward married Miss Lucy C. Stevens, who had been a teacher in a mis- sion school at Lake Harriet, near Fort Snelling. Miss Stevens was a niece of Rev. J. D. Stevens, a missionary. Mr. Gavan, after his marriage, removed to Red Wing, where he remained until 1845. In 1838 the Rev. Jedediah D. Stevens came into this vicinity in th'e double capacity of missionary or teacher, and "Indian Farmer." Mr. Stevens was one of the earliest Protestant missionaries to visit the Dakotas on this side of the river. In the spring of 1835 he with his. family came to Ft. Snelling, and shortly afterward removed from there to Lake Harriet, as missionary to "Cloud Man's" band of Sioux, where he remained until the fall of 18^8, when he Was THE FUR TRADERS. 151 appointed "Indian Farmer" to the Sioux of Wabasha's band, at Wabasha jjrairie. Ma]. Talliaferro, the Indian agent for the Sioux, aided some of the early missionaries by such appointments, with the design to benefit the savages by thus providing them with means of civilization. Late in the Ml of 1838 Mr. Stevens moved his family to his appointed field of labor, but was not favorably received by the Indians. He, however, located himself on the Wisconsin side of the river on the island, about opposite where Laird, Norton & Go's saw-mills now stand, where he built a comfortable log cabin for his family, and a stable for the team of horses he brought with him. He there passed the winter with his wife and children and a young girl, an assistant and companion of Mrs. Stevens. Mr. G. W. Clark says the ruins of this cabin were to be seen when he came here in 1851. Expecting to get his winter supply of provisions from down the river before the close of navigation, he brought only a small supply with him, and was seriously disappointed to learn that no supplies could be procured from that source. He was compelled to go to Prairie Du Chine for the provisions he had ordered. This trip, over one hundred miles distant, he made with his team on the ice, leaving his family alone. It was during this winter that Mr. Gavin, who had been living near Trempaeleau, was visiting the missions on the Minnesota river. Neither Mr. Stevens nor his family were in any way molested or disturbed by the Sioux during the winter, but he failed to secure the confidence or friendship of Wabasha or his people, although he was able to converse with them in their own tongue. They were dissatisfied with his appointment as "Indian Farmer," and from the time of his arrival had refused to recognize him as a govern- ment agent, or in his capacity as a teacher. In the spring, when he began to make preparations to build on the prairie, their dissatis- faction began to assume a threatening form of opposition. His perseverance excited their hostilities to the extent that he was ordered to keep on the east side of the river, where he was then living, and not attempt to locate on their lands. Deeming it unsafe to remain with his family, against the opposition exhibited, Mr, Stevens resigned his position and left the locality. He went down the river and found more civilized society. The young girl (now Mrs. Griggs) who lived with Mrs. Stevens on the island during that winter, resides near Minneapolis. 152 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. Tliis appointment of Mr. Stevens to the position of Indian farmer at Wabaslia Prairie was the lirst special appointment made for the Sioux in this locality. It was made in accordance with the terms of the treaty in 1837, by which they sold their lands on the east side of the Mississippi, witli all of their island in the river. This treaty was not ratified by government until the following year, 1838, only a short time before Mr. Stevens was assigned to the locality. Althongh the Sioux continued to occupy the islands and lands on the east side of the river in common with others, during their stay in this vicinity, they never assumed jurisdiction over them, Tlie Sioux were jealous of the rapid advances of the white people, and firmly opposed any measures which gave them privileges on their lands. The trader was to them a necessity. The Catholic missionaries had for generations been mysteriously associated with the presence of the trader and tolerated. But the missionary Indian farmer they were not prepared to receive — they were indifferent as to what Mr. Stevens knew about farming or schools. It was sup- posed by some that the Indians were influenced in this matter by the traders and half-breeds, with a design to drive Mr. Stevens off and make a vacancy in the position. This may have been the case ; but it was evident that Wabasha did not favor measures that tended to civilization. Afterward, when the treaty was made for the sale of their lands, in 1851, he opposed the sale until the treaty was ready for signature, and then acquiesced only because he feared the treaty would be made with(jut his touch of the pen. He was opposed to the terms of the treaty, and in a speech in opposi- tion to it, he said to the commissioners in council : "You have requested us to sign this ])aper, and you have told these people standing around that it is for their benefit ; but I am of a different opinion. In the treaty I have heard read you have mentioned farmers and schools, physicians, traders and halt-breeds. To all these I am opposed. You see these chiefs sitting around. They and others who are dead went to Washington and made a treaty (in 1837), in which the same things were said ; but we have not been benefited by them, and I want them struck out of this one. We want nothing but cash turned over to us for our lands." At about the time that Mr. Stevens was appointed Indian farmer, a government blacksmith was also assigned to this band. Ilis name, the place where located, or the length of time he was here. THE FUR TRADERS. 153 is somewhat uncertain. It is said by some that he was located near La Bathe's trading station. Of this nothing reliable is learned. About the same time a blacksmith was assigned to the half-breeds. Oliver Cratt, from Fort Snelling, was appointed to that position, and he located himself at the half-breed settlement, now Wabasha. Whether he also supplied Wabasha's band is not known. Dr. Bunnell, of this county, says that he learned from some old Indians, Sioux and Winnebagoes, and from descendants of half- breed natives of this vicinity, that the first blacksmith appointed to Wabasha's band was a halt-breed Sioux. That he located himself on the very site where W. B. Bunnell afterward settled, and which is now the property of Dr. Bunnell. He says that in cultivating his garden, in that locality, he has found cinders and scraps of iron that would confirm the statement. The tradition of the Indians is that the half-breed blacksmith did not stay but a short time on the west side of the river. To avoid threatened danger to himself he moved his blacksmith-shop onto an island opposite Homer. In this way he held for awhile his position of an eiuploye under govern- ment. The doctor also states that after W. B. Bunnell was located at his trading station, he found on the island an old anvil and evidence that a blacksmith had occupied the locality. The island was given the name of "Blacksmith Island" by the trader, and it is yet known by that name. The Sioux of the "lower bands" along the river were all opposed to the payment of teachers or for the establishment of schools, etc., from their annuities. No schools were ever established with Wa- basha's band. It was not until several ^^ears after the treaty of 1837 that the consent of any of this division was obtained. Little Crow, of the Kaposia band, was the first to ask for a school, in 18-16. The mission schools were previous to this, and until after the treaty of 1851, supported at the expense of missionary societies. In 1842 James Keed was appointed Indian farmer to Waba- sha's band, and held this position under government for three years afterward. He built a log storehouse on Wabasha prairie, which he used as his headquarters when engaged in his official duties. This building stood about where S. C White's store now stands, on the corner of Second and Center streets, in the city of Winona. The lands cultivated by the Sioux, under the management and instruction of Mr. Reed, were in the mouth of what is now called 164 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Gilmore valley, the bottom lands in front of the residence of C. C. Beck. Prior to this the same locality had been used by generations of Sioux squaws for cultivation after their primitive manner. This was the favorite planting-grounds of Wabasha's village, although other localities were also used for purposes of cultivation. The mouth of Burns valley was another favorite locality and the special home of the chief Wabasha and his family relatives. The main village of this band was on the slough at the up])er end of the prairie, near where the railroad machine-shops are now located. James Reed was a native of Kentucky. When a young man he enlisted as a soldier and was stationed at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chine. After his discharge he adopted the life of a hunter and trapper, and spent the greater part 'of his life among the Indians along the upper Mississippi. As was common among men of his class, he took a wife oi* two among the people with whom he was living. His last wife, to whom he was married in 1840, or about that time, in Prairie du Chine, was a half-breed Sioux, a cousin of the chief Wabasha, and said to be a sister of Francois la Bathe, the trader of whom mention has been made. The section ot country fixed upon by James Reed as his favorite locality was the Trempealeau country, where he was successful in raising stock on the free ranges of government lands. He made it his home at what is now the village of Trempealeau. It was here he was living when he was appointed Indian farmer for the benefit of the Sioux on Wabasha prairie. He did not change his residence while holding this official position. Mr. Reed lived in the Trempealeau country until his death, which occurred but a few years ago at what is called the "Little Tamerack," in the Trempealeau valley. How much the Indians were benefited by the instructions of an inexperienced agriculturist it is now difficult to^ determine. The first settlers on Wabasha prairie found some parts of broken plows among the ruins of the old storehouse used by Mr. Reed. An old breaking plow was found and taken 2)Ossession of by some of the settlers at Minnesota city. This was claimed and carried away by some of the squaws in 1852. It is questionable whether the people of this band were benefited by agents of government or missionaries while they remained in this section of countrv. There is no evidence to show a single THE FUR TRADERS. 155 instance where a missionary was ever permitted by Wabasha to locate witliin what are now the boundaries of this county. The Catholic missionaries were the religious instructors of the half-breeds. To what extent they had influence with this band is now unknown. From several graves disclosed by the caving of the bank of the river, in the lower part of the city of Winona, a number of large silver crosses and other Catholic emblems were taken by some boys fishing in the vicinity. One of these crosses was pur- chased by W. H. St. John, a jeweler in Winona, who exhibits it in his store as a relic of the past. The graves were evidently those of females. In the summer of 1848, the Winnebago Indians were removed from the reservation in the northeastern part of Iowa, which they had occupied for a limited time, to a reservation established for them by government on Long Prairie, on the east side of the Mis- sissippi, about forty miles back fi-om the river, and about one hun- dred and forty miles above St. Paul. They were opposed to the arrangements, and objected to their removal to the locality selected for their future Borne. Military aid was required to induce them to move. After considerable delay a part of them were persuaded to start up the Mississippi in their canoes, under charge of H. M. Rice, accompanied by a company of volunteers from Crawford county, Wis., in boats. The other portion was induced to start by land, with their ponies, under the care of Indian agent Fletcher, with a company of dragoons from Fort Atkinson, and a train of baggage wagons. By agreement these two parties were to meet at Wabasha Prairie. The party by water reached the prairie and landed near where Mrs. Keyes now lives, where they camped. The land party came into this part of the country by following up what is now called Money Creek valley, and arrived at the prairie by following the Indian tr4il on the divide between the Burns and Gilmore valleys. This trail led down a steep ravine back of where George W. Clark now lives. It was here necessary to let the baggage wagons down with ropes attached to the trees on the east side of the ravine. This trail over the ridge was afterward known to the early settlers as the "Government Trail." When the Winnebagos reached Wabasha Prairie they revolted, and decidedly refused to go farther. With the exception of one small band, who remained on the bank of the river, they all went 166 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. round the lake? to tlie mouth of Burns valley, where they camped with Wabaslia's band, which liad collected there, and with whom they were on friendly terms. Finding it necessary to have more aid, reinforcements were sent for. AVhile the government officials were waiting for helj) from FortSnelling, the Winnebagos negotiated with Wabasha for the pur- chase of the prairie, and expressed a determination to remain here. Wabasha and his braves joined in with them — took an active inter- est in their proceedings, and encouraged them in their revolt against the authority of Indian agent J. E. Fletcher and his assistants. A steamboat brought down from the fort a company of soldiers and two pieces of artillery, which were landed at tiie camp on the lower part of the prairie. A council with the Indians was agreed upon, the day appointed, and the place selected. The location was above the camp and back from the river. To guard against a surprise the officers in charge made their strongest preparation lor defense, in case an attack should be made. The teamsters and every available man of the party was armed and detailed for active duty. On the day fixed all of the .warriors of the combined tribes of Winnebagos and Sioux, many of them mounted on their ])onies, marched around the head of the lake from Burns valley and moved down the prairie. When about half a mile from the council grounds, where the Indian agent awaited them surrounded by his forces, a detachment rode forward as if to reconnoit'er. The whole body of Indians then moved down as if at a charge, and began the wildest display of their capacity to represent demons, on foot and on horseback. Their man(puver8 might indicate a peaceful display or represent a threatened assault. It was supposed at the time that an attack was designed by the wild devils. One of the land escort, McKinney, pointed out the locations and described the incidents to the writer, and said that he certainly expected to lose his scalp that day. As he watched their wild evo- lutions, circling on every side, charging with fierce yells and firing of guns, his scalp seemed to fairly start from his head. His fear of attack was, however, second to his astonishment and admiration of the extraordinary and unexpected display. The council was held without any attending difficulty, but the agents failed to secure the consent of the Indians to move on up the EARLY LAND TITLES. 157 river. After a delaj here of about a month the Winnebagoes con- sented to go to Long Prairie. Many of them, however, went back to Iowa, or crossed the river to their old homes in Wisconsin. Wabaslia was arrested and taken up to Fort Snelling for the part he had taken in the affair. The sale of Wabasha Prairie to the Winnebagos was never consumnated, or agreed to by the Sioux. The negotiations for it were simply "talks" to delay any move- ments. The Winnebagos were then desirous of going to the Mis- souri river country, instead of up the Mississippi. CHAPTER XVII. EARLY LAND TITLES. Following the trader, the missionary and the government em- ploye, the town-site hunters, the pioneer land speculators, crowded the advance of civilization. In this county the town-site speculators were in the van of settlers seeking permanent homes. In the selec- tion of town sites the traders had some advantage in securing the first choice of locations ; but their selections did not always prove to be the most successful speculations. The professional town-site operators were generally more than their equals in management after selections were made and the tide of immigration began its movement. It may perhaps be truly said that the first town-site claimants — the first to secure locations for town sites in what is now Winona county — were the traders W. B. Bunnell and jSTathan Brown. Bun- nell's selection for his trading station was made more directly with a view of convenience for the special business in which he was en- gaged, but with the design of making it his future home. The Territory of Minnesota had just been organized, and he was aware that the time was not far distant when the Sioux would be compelled to move back and give way to the advance of the white race and civilization. His selection was made in anticipation that when this part of the country should become settled it would be an important business point. Bunnell was familiar with the back country and with the 158 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. river, and took possession of his chosen locality with the impression and an honest, belief that he was securing the best steamboat landing and town site on the west side of the river, between Lake Pepin and the Iowa line, and there waited the progress of events. Nathan Brown's trading-post was a town site. B. W, Brisbois, a trader residing at Prairie du Chine, and F. S. Richards, a trader at the foot of Lake Pe])in, made choice of this locality with the same ideas of the future development of the country that had influenced Bunnell. They selected Mr. Brown as a proper person, one in whom they had conlidence and considered trusty, to join with them in this speculation, and hold the location by establishing a trading station. The location was not the choice of Mr. Brown. At the time this proposition was made to him he was at St. Anthony, where he liad about decided to locate himself. He consented to become a partner, but not with the design of making it liis future home. By agreement they were to take his share off from his hands whenever he should choose to leave, and to pay him for holding the situation. This they failed to do when required, and Nathan Brown became a permanent resident of that locality. Brisbois and Richards furnished Brown with goods for the Indian trade, and he here carried on quite a flourishing business, principally with the Winnebagoes, who lived across the river in the Trempealeau country. His trade with the Sioux was more limited. He also engaged in furnishing wood for steamboats, employing choppers during the winter for that purpose, paying them principall}^ from his store. Another town site was selected by Chute and Ewing about three fourths of a mile below Brown's, in which Capt. D. S. Harris had an interest for awhile. This was also a trading station. A Canadian Frenchman held the locality for about a year, when he left, and Jerry Tibbits took his place. Mr. Tibbits is still a resident of that vicinity, living in the town of New Hartford. This town site was, after two or three years, attached to the one held by Mr. Brown and its name of Catlin dropped. This trading station Nathan Brown held for the company from 1849 to 1855, when it was duly entered at the United States land ofl&ce as a town site under the name of Dacota. As a speculation it did not prove to be a successful undertaking or a profitable investment for its proj)rietors. A few settlers made it their home for awhile, but were compelled to leave and earn a living elsewhere. Mr. Brown says he could not aftbrd to support EARLY LAND TITLES. 161 the settlers who located there, and bought out all who had an interest in the town and converted the tillable land into a farm. It failed as a steamboat landing, but the railroad station, Dacota, on the river road, marks the location of the ancient town site and trading station of Brisbois, Richards and Brown, Indian traders and town-lot speculators. Nathan Brown yet lives on the same claim, and near the site of the cabins he built there in 1849. He has a large farm in that vicinity, and is now the oldest resident in the county or in southern Minnesota, having occupied the same locality about thirty-four years. Mr. Brown and Mr. Bunnell came here about the same time. In conversation relative to early days Mr. Brown said : ' ' The first time I ever saw Bunnell was in the spring of 1849. [ was going down the river, footing it on the ice, on my way from St. Anthony to Prairie du Chine. Finding the traveling unsafe, i left the river at Holmes', now Fountain City, and took the trail along the blufl's. I got wet crossing the Trempealeau river, and as it was then dark I camped. In the morning, after going a short distance, I came to a cabin wliich I found occupied by Bunnell's family. He had been living there during the winter." Aside from the trading stations already mentioned, there were no other settlements made or commenced in this vicinity until after the treaty with the Sioux in 1851, when the first settlement was made on Wabasha prairie. This prairie had but little to recommend it to the attention of either the town-site hunter or settlers seeking choice locations for farms and homes in the new country which the Sioux were soon to relinquish to the whites. It was a sandy plain, apjjarently level as viewed from the river, and scantily covered with a stunted growth of wild grass. A few trees and bushes fringed the immediate bank of the river, while but a single tree stood on any other part of the prairie on which the city of Winona now stands. A striking con- trast with its present appearance — covered as it now is with such vast numbers of lofty and beautiful shade-trees, giving it a resem- blance to a forest, with varied thickets of undergrowth through which broad avenues and partial clearings had been made. The one lone tree was in the lower part of the city. It stood in the valley, between Third and Fourth streets, in front of where the Washington school building now stands. 10 162 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Ill tlie time of high water, when tlie Mississippi seemed to dis- regard boundaries, this prairie was but an ishmd, apparently so low and level that it was but little above the water which lapped onto its banks. A rushing torrent then flowed through the slough above, where now the embankments of the railroads form a dam. In the rear a broad current of water, tliree fourths of a mile wide, separated it from the mainland. Bunnell, the trader, living three or four miles below, had learned through the traditions of the Indians from the Sioux, with whom he was intimate and had familiar ac(iuaintance, that the whole of Wabasha prairie had been entirely submerged during some of the most extreme floods of the river. No story was more current during the earlier days of the settle- ment of this locality, or told with more apparent candor and truth- fulness, than that about the general overflow of high-water on this prairie. Frond the traditionary evidence flrst citqd, it soon reached the stage where positive proof could be readily made. Many of the old experienced river men claimed, and positively asserted, that they had passed over the highest part of the prairie on rafts and with boats. Not to be behind in experience, steamboat men stated that they, too, had found there sufficient depth of water for any boat. The story that steamboats had passed over may possibly have started from the fact that during the high water of 1849 a small steamboat did get aground on the lower part of the prairie. The pilot of the Lynx mistook the channel one dark, stormy night, and ran his craft out on the low land, just below where the house of Mrs. Keves now stands. To return the boat to the river it was necessary to take everything out of her, even her boilers and the brickwork of the arches in which they were set. It was said that during the high water of 1852 it was not uncom- mon to hear the raftsmen hail the residents of the prairie with, ''You'd better get out o' there or you'l get drowned out. I've seen that prairie all under water." A raftsman was considered a green one if in his experience he liad never seen Wabasha prairie covered with water. Strangers — passengers on the steamboats — were commonly enter- tained as they approached the prairie with the stereotyped remark, "It looks like a nice place to build a town, but it overflows." The persistent repetition of such remarks was as annoying to the settlers as it was irritating to the proprietors of the eml)ryo city plotted there. EARLY LAND TITLES. 163 The proprietor of a rival town site was holding forth on this subject to a crowd of passengers, as the steamboat approached the prairie from below, saying, "It is true it does look like a nice place to build a town, but, gentlemen, I have passed ovei- the highest land on Wabasha prairie in a boat." He was here interrupted by a passenger, a resident of the prairie, the dignified and gentlemanly appearing Rev. H. S. Hamilton, who removed his hat as he stepped forward and gravely said: "Excuse me, sir, but can it be possible that your name is Ngah ? There is no record that any one has passed over that prairie since the days of that ancient navigator of the deep." The town-site blower was forced to retreat from the laughter of the amused crowd of passengers. To Capt. Orin Smith belongs the credit of selecting Wabasha prairie as a location for a town site. He was the founder of the city of Winona. At that time he was a citizen of Galena, Illinois, and the captain of the steamboat Nominee, running between Galena and St. Paul. He had seen western towns spring up like magic, enriching the lucky proprietors. Land speculations and town-site operations were the most common topics of conversation among his passengers. From a desire to engage in some profitable speculation, should opportunity ofi^er, he watched for a chance to secure a town site on the river. His observations convinced him that eventually, when the Indian title should become extinct on the West side of the river in the Territory of Minnesota, an important point must spring up, and he early comprehended that Wabasha prairie possessed the most favorable and decided advantages for the rapid growth of a large commercial town when the country should become settled. The treaty with the Sioux in 1851 presented an opportunity which Capt. Smith at once took advantage of, although the treaty had not been ratified and the Indians were still occupying tlie country. He was familiar with the river, and was aware that there were but two locations suitable for steamboat landings on Wabasha prairie. One, the present levee — the other about a mile below. Capt. Smith was aware, from his own personal knowledge (he had navigated the upper Mississippi many years), that Wabasha prairie was liot subject to an entire overflow, neither had it been submerged within the traditional recollections of the "oldest inhabitants"' among the whites ; yet he was to a certain extent influenced by the Indian traditions, by Bunnell's opinion and by the opinions of some of the old river men of his acquaintance in his first choice of location. 164 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. He selected the lower landing for his town site because the banks were higher, the shore bolder, with a good de])th of water at all seasons of navigation. He was also aware that the up])er landing was subject to overflow, although available and satisfactory at other times. He therefore decided to secure and control both landings. In accordance with this plan he made his arrangements to take })08session, and selected as his agent in this transaction Erwin H. Johnson, the carpenter on his steamboat, the old Nominee. He made a written agreement with Johnson to hold the two claims he had selected, for which Johnson was to have an undivided half of both claims. Capt. Smith ^ilso agreed to pay Johnson twenty- live dollars per month and furnish all necessary subsistence, John- son was to engage in banking steamboat wood, which Captain Smith proposed to have cut on the islands opposite during the winter. Capt. Smith landed Erwin H. Johnson from the Nominee at the lower landing on Wabasha prairie at about ten o'clock at night, on the 15th of October, 1851. He also left with him two men, em- ployed as wood-choppers. One of these men was Caleb Nash. The name of the other is unknown ; he left on the return of the Nomi- nee' down the river. Johnson was furnished by Capt. Smith with a small quantity of lumber for a shanty, a yoke of oken and abundant supplies of pro- visions and blankets. These, with Johnson's tool-chest, a few neces- sary tools, a bucket or two, an iron pot, a bake-kettle, an iron spider and a few dishes, comprised the entire outfit. They camped for that night on the beach where they landed, and slept under a few boards which they laid against the bank above. The next day they built a small cabin on the same locality where they had passed the night. This structure was about 10x12, with a shed roof sloping toward the bank. The back end of this cabin was the bank against which it was built. A fireplace was formed in one corner, a hole above in the lower part of the roof afforded exit for the smoke. The material used for this fireplace was the brick thrown from the Lynx when aground about half a mile below in 1849. This shanty, as it was called, was the first "claim shanty" put up on Wabasha prairie. It stood on the beach, below the high bank of the river, nearly in front of where the planing-mill of the Winona Lumber Company now stands. Johnson built a stable for the oxen EARLY LAND TITLES. 165 on the bank ten or fifteen rods back from the river. This was made of poles and covered with coarse grass from the bottoms. In the absence of any other means of conveyance a crotch of a tree was used as a sled to transport such things as the oxen were required to haul. Johnson afterward built a rough sled for his use in banking wood on the island during the winter. Not long after Johnson's arrival on Wabasha prairie another town- site speculator made his appearance in this locality. On the 12th of November, 1851, Silas Stevens, a lumber dealer in La Crosse, landed from the Excelsior at the upper landing, abcnit where the L. C. Porter fiouring-mill now stands. With him came Geo. W. Clark, a young man in his employ, and Edwin Hamilton, a young man from Ohio, looking for a chance to speculate in claims, who had been induced to come up from La Crosse, where he had been stop- ping for a short time. Mr. Stevens brought with him lumber for a shanty, a cooking stove, and a liberal supply of provisions, blankets, etc. It was about eleven o'clock at night when this party left the steamer Excelsior. Mr. Stevens was aware that Capt. Smith had made a claim here and placed a man on it to hold possession, and the party at once made search for his cabin. The night was intensely dark, and they were compelled to hunt for sometime before the/ found Johnson. His locality was unknown to eitlier of them. Mr. Stevens had a few days before been up the river as far as Bunnell's landing, and from the bluff above hatd seen some men and a yoke of oxen on the lower end of the prairie, but no cabin was in sight. Fortunately, by following down the bank of the river, they dis- covered the shanty and were furnished by Johnson with the best accommodation the cabin afforded,— a bed of hay on the floor where all slept together, covered with blankets. Johnson had not then completed his shanty. He afterward improved the interior by putting up a shelf or two to hold his supplies and dishes, and two double berths, one over the other in one corner. These were made of poles, his supply of lumber was insufficient. For comfort these berths were filled with dry prairie-grass, covered with blankets. This party took breakfast with Johnson before beginning the business of the day. Up to this time the question of boundaries to their claims had not been considered either by Capt. Smith or John- son. Capt. Smith had simply proposed to claim the two landings, with at least 160 acres of prairie in each claim, and as much more as 166 IIIvSTOHY OF WINONA COUNTY. they could control. It now became necessary to have their bounda- ries more accurately defined. Mr. Stevens had come u]) for the express purpose of securing one of the landings, not being aware that Capt. Smith proposed to hold them both through Johnson, who he supposed was only an em])loye, without an individual interest in the matter. Mr. Stevens expected to take possession of and hold the upper landing through an employe of his own, Mr. Clark, who had come for that jnirpose. He was somewhat surprised to lind that Johnson had already laid claim to it, with the approval of Capt. Smith, but no improvements had been made. Not being of an aggressive nature, Mr. Stevens hesitated to take advantage of this and take possession without Johnson's con- sent, which he could not obtain. After a general consultation, in which the whole party })artici- pated, it was finally agreed that the land along the river should be divided into "claims" of half a mile square, and that Johnson should have the first choice of two of the claims, one for Capt. Smith and the other for himself. Accordingly, on the morning of November 13, 1851, the first claim-stakes were driven on Wabasha prairie, and the first defined claims made within what are now the boundaries of Winona county. The stake agreed upon as the starting-point was driven on the bank of the river below the present residence of Mrs. Keyes. From this stake a half-mile was measured off with a tape-line up the river, where another stake was driven. This half-mile was chosen by Johnson for Capt. Smith and was called "Claim No. 1." The next half-mile measured off up the river bank was called "(ylaim No. ,2." This was at once chosen and claimed by both Stevens and Nash. Mr. Stevens expected that claim No. 2 would be awarded to him. lie had been influenced by the recommendations and per- suasions of Capt. Smith to come up and select a claim to hold possession, and he now supposed that after Smith and Johnson he was entitled to the next choice ; but he was again disappointed, and again gave way to Johnson's decision in the matter. Nash, sup- ported by and under the instructions of Johnson, claimed it by seniority as a settler. He had been a resident on the prairie about three weeks, and claimed the land by his rights of first discovery. The next half-mile, claim No.' 3, was assigned to Mr. Stevens. It could hardlv be called his choice. Claim No. 4 was awarded to EARLY LAND TITLES. 1(>7 Johnson as per agreement. The next half-mile, claim No. 5, was selected by Edwin Hamilton, who claimed precedent. He had seen the prairie some weeks before from the deck of a steamboat while on a trip up the river with Mr. Stevens. No farther measurements were made at this time, but the next half-mile was duly awarded to George "W. Clark, the junior settler and the last of the party. No one disputed his rights to claim No. 6. These claims, made as described, were afterward designated by the numbers then given and by the names of the persons to whom they were awarded by this party until after the government survey of the public lands in this part of the territory. The township lines were surveyed in 1853, but the subdivisions were not completed until 1855. The following cojiy of a lease is presented as documentary evi- dence to show that these claims were generally known by the num- bers given, and also as a relic of early days in this locality. " Wabashaw, July 8th, 1852. " Whereas I have this day lUDvecl into the shauty on Claim No. T), called Hamilton's claim, on Wabashaw prairie, Minnesota territory ; there fi^re I here- by aie. Neither vegetables nor fruit were on this bill of fare. They had already learned to dispense with such delicacies. To this feast Johnson, Nash, Gilmore and Wallace were invited. THE PIONEERS. 171 All without a single apology promptly responded to the alarm for help from the Stevens shanty. This was the first special assemblage of the settlers on Wabasha prairie for social enjoyment. No rivalries or claim jealousies existed among them at that time. With this little party on the outskirts of civilization genuine friendship in the rough was the prevailing feel- ing exhibited, uninterrujited by the hilarities which accompanied. As a closing ceremony at this first reunion of the settlers on the prairie, Hamilton gave as the parting toast, ' ' May the six bachelors here assembled be long remembered by each other." This was responded to by a shake all around as they separated. The success of the Christmas dinner-party induced Johnson to return the "compliments of the season," and extend a general in- vitation to all to assemble around his hoard on New Year's day. This was marked as another of the really enjoyable days of that winter to the lonely bachelors of the prairie. The crowning dish on this occasion, the one most vivid in the recollection of Mr. Clark, was an unlimited supply of wild honey, which Johnson had secured from a bee-tree on the island. CHAPTER XVHI. THE PIONEERS. Quite a number of persons came up from La Crosse on the ice about the first of January, 1852, to see the country and select claims on Wabasha prairie. As everybody stopped at Bunnell's, he, too, became infected with the prevailing epidemic of claim-making from his guests. Although he had no confidence in the success of Capt. Smith's undertaking to build up a commercial port on "that sand-bar in the Mississippi," Bunnell had the shrewdness to surmise that there might be a chance for speculation in the attempt, provided he could sell out before it should be again flooded with water. He at once concluded to take a chance in the venture, and decided that he, too, would have a claim on Wabasha prairie. At that time Capt. Smith's claim' on the lower landing, claim No. 1, was considered the most valuable and the most desirable as a 172 illSTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. town site. No. 4 was estimated as the next in value. Nos. 2, 3, .5 and were valued in the order named. Having determined on making a claim Bunnell went up to the prairie and looked the ground over. lie found that the most de- sirable locations had already been taken. Notwithstanding this he fixed upon one of the unoccupied claims, and selected claim No. 4 for his purpose. This claim he considered really the most valuable. To get possession Bunnell stated to Johnson that he had been looking for a claim, and had found one that suited him just above the Stevens claim that was not occupied, and he intended to take possession of it. Johnson replied by telling him that he could not have it ; that he had already made a claim there and should hold it. Bunnell inquired how many claims he expected to hold ; that he was already holding two at the lower end of the prairie. This Johnson denied, and explained to him that the one he was living on was Capt. Smith's and that the other belonged to Nash. Bunnell then tried to convince Johnson that it would be to the advantage of all who had claims there to give him an interest on the prairie, for the Sioux were then talking of driving the whites away until the treaty was ratified ; that with his influence over them lie would be able to prevent trouble. Johnson replied that he would not give up that claim to an 3' man, that he was not afraid of trouble with the Indians, that he should hold both claims as long as he staid there. Finding that Johnson could not be influenced by argu- ment, he left with the threat that he would have it, even if he had to help the Indians drive them all ofJ' from the prairie. Not long afterward Bunnell drove up to the prairie again and brought with him on his train two fine-looking young Sioux braves in their holiday attire. He saw Johnson and told him the Sioux were getting to be more dissatisfied with the settlers for coming on their lands without their permission ; that there would soon be a disturbance unless something was done to keep them quiet ; that he should not try to control them unless he could have that claim ; if the settlers got into trouble they would have to go to some one else for help. Although no serious difficult}' was anticipated, the alarm was given as soon as Bunnell came (m the prairie with the Sioux and the "boys" who were on the island chopping came Jumie in a hurry. After explaining matters to the others, Bunnell told Johnson he had come uj) on pui*pose to have a talk with him about that claim, and THE PIONEEES. 173 asked him what lie was going to do about it. " Nothing," was John- son's reply, and remarked that he did not believe such good-natured looking fellows as Bunnell had on his sleigh would do any harm if they were well treated. Bunnell had taken a dram or two and was excitable. He lost his temper, talked loud and made a great many violent gestures. The Sioux sat quietly in their places on the train and indulged themselves with their pipes and some of Bunnell's tobacco. They were impassive and apparently indifferent spectators of the pro- ceedings. Johnson, believing that this was a ruse of Bunnell's to try and frighten them, told him that he "did not scare easy and could not be bluffed with a little noise." Bunnell was annoyed that his dra- matic display was a failure, and as he got on his sleigh answered : " You will have to take care of yourself if the Indians get after you; I shall not interfere again." Johnson laughed and gave some derisive reply, telling him "not to bother himself about the affairs of others until he was asked." The next trip Bunnell made to Wabasha prairie he brought with him two men, Harrington and Myers, and built a small log v'shanty or pen on Johnson's claim at the upper landing. The logs used in the construction of this claim shanty were once a ])art of Indian farmer Reed's old store cabin, tiie ruins of which furnished material sufficient for the body of the crib. It was covered with broad strips of elm bark brought from the Indian tepees in the month of Burns' valley. In this little pen, not more than six feet square and not high enough for a man to stand up in, Bunnell left Myers to hold the fort and guard the claim, which he had now taken possession of in a formal manner. Bunnell furnished Myers with supplies and brought up some lumber and put up the framework of a board shanty, but did not complete it for want of material to cover it. Myers remained in quiet possession of the claim for about a week, when, considering everything safe, as he had not been disturbed or observed any hostile movements, the settlers on the prairie being absent on the island, he ventured down to Bunnell's for a little recreation and relief from his lonely and uncomfortable confine- ment. Although no demonstrations had been made, Johnson had watched these proceedings and closely observed all of the movements ] 74 lUSTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. of Myers. It was a gratification to see the man with his gun leave tlie prairie, lie at once took advantage of the absence of the occu- pant of the cabin and demolished the impnivements. He leveled the structure with the ground, and then deliberately cut the old logs and the lumber into firewood. Bunnell was enraged when he found that Johnson had destroyed his shanty, and threatened to whip him the next time he saw him. Myers did not return to Wabasha prairie. He was dismissed by Bunnell for neglect of duty and left the country. Bunnell sent messages to Johnson warning him to leave the prairie, or the next time he came up he would whip him like a dog. Johnson sent back answers that he was prepared to defend himself and his claims ; that if Bunnell came on the prairie again it would be at his peril. Neither of these men were cowards, and serious trouble was anticipated. They were small men — hardly of medium size, John- son a littlt' larger and heavier of the' two and of coarser make-up. Bunnell was firmer built and active in his movements, a dangerous antagonist for a much larger man in any kind of a fight. Satisfied tliat "talk" w^ould not vrin the claim and irritated by Johnson's successful opposition, Bunnell, in company with Harring- ton, drove up to the prairie one evening for the purpose of assault- ing Johnson if a favorable opportunity offered. Both had stimulated to a fighting degree and were primed for the purpose. Going first to the Stevens shanty, Bunnell there found Clark and Nash, who had called on a social visit. He inquired for Hamilton and learned that he was at Johnson's. Gilmore and Wallace were on the other side of the river at Farrell's. After a short visit they left without betraying the object of their evening visit on so dark a night. Tliey went directly down to Johnson's shanty. Bunnell knocked at the door. On being told to "come in" he entered, saying, as he rushed toward Johnson, who with Hamilton was sitting by the fire, "Get out of this if you want to live." Johnson sprang for his revolver, which was in his berth, but the attack was too sudden ; he had no oi)portunity to use it before he was knocked down and dis- armed. Hamilton bolted from the shanty at the first clash of the combat and ran for hel]). He arrived almost breathless at the other shanty, a mile away, and gave the alarm by excitedly exclaiming, " Bun- THE PIONEERS. 175 nell is killing Johnson ; come down quick as jou can.'' Clark and Nash at once started back with Hamilton on a run for the scene of conflict. When about half way thev were met by Johnson, who, although apparently injured, returned with them. They found that the shanty had been demolished, but the assailants had disap- peared. Johnson was taken up to Clark's shanty, where he was provided tor and carefully attended. He was found to have been badly bruised about the head, chest and arms. His face and hands were badly swollen and covered with blood, but no bones were broken. It afterward proved that no serious injuries had been received. Johnson had been terribly beaten by Bunnell and was compelled to lay up for repairs. When the battle-ground was visited in the morning the full extent of damages to the "pioneer claim shanty" was revealed. The first evidence oi actual settlement on Wabasha prairie had been destroyed. The pile of brick and stone which formed the fireplace, with some broken dishes, marked the locality where the little cabin once stood. It had been turned over and with its contents thrown on the ice of the river. Johnson's supplies and other traps were secured and carried up on the bank, where they were sheltered with the lumber from the shanty. The stable and cattle had not been disturbed. Johnson and Nash lived with Clark until their shanty was reconstructed. Johnson's revolver and double-barreled gun were carried off' by Bunnell as trophies of his victory. Soon after this affray, Peter Gorr and Augustus Pentler came over from the island to visit the settlers on the prairie. Mr. Gorr had his rifle with him, which he was induced to leave with Johnsoii after hearing the incidents of his quarrel. Johnson then sent word to Bunnell that he would shoot him on sight if he ever made his appearance on the prairie again. Bunnell had no design to interfere with the occupancy of the claim at the lower landing. His attack on Johnson and destruction of the shanty was for retaliation and to intimidate him. He became satisfied that he would not be able to hold the claim at the upper landing without some serious fighting, and, having no desii-e to kill Johnson or be killed himself in the attempt, he decided to abandon his claim speculation on Wabasha prairie and turn his attention to what he thought was something better nearer home. The scheme 176 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of building \i\) a town along the bluflfs abov^e the present villag*^ of Homer was stiirted about this time, in which Bunnell was for awhile interested. Bunnell returned to Johnson the revolver and gun he had taken from him, peace was negotiated, and the "little diifer- ence " that had existed between the parties "dropped" without farther action. Bunnell, however, became more emphatic in main- taining and more free in expressing his opinicms of " that sand bar up there," and more zealously advocated his tlieorj that the "main land" was the only place for a permanent settlement. This was the first attempt at "claim jumping" ever made in the settlement of this county. It was afterward a common occurrence. M. Wheeler Sargeant, an early settler, once gave a very appro- priate definition of a claim in an address before the Winona Lyceum in 1858. He said: "A claim is a jightmg hitei^ed in land, osten- sibly based upon priority of possession and sustained by force." Many of the old settlers will readily recognize the pertinency of this description. The law of might, as well as the law of right, was often the means by which possession of claims were retained. Soon after this first claim quarrel, a claim association or club was was formed for the mutual protection of settlers in holding possession of their claims. The first meeting was called to meet at Bunnell's about March 1. The prime movers in the matter were some resi- dents of La Crosse who had recently selected claims on the west side of the Mississippi. They came up prepared to complete the busi- ness and the organization was created at this meeting. It was called the Wabashaw Pi-otection Club. The important matters of consti- tution and by-laws were duly discussed and gravely adopted, and officers elected with customary formality. The settlers from Wa- basha prairie attended the meeting, but were in the minority and failed to secure any of the offices. The officials were residents of La Cn^sse. Mr. George W. Clark was a member of the club and was present at that meeting. He says from the best of his recol- lection the president was George G. Bai"ber, the secretary, William B; Gere. The Wabasha Protection Club was the first regular organization of any kind among the settlers ever formed in the county. It was not entirely a fable coined by Bunnell when he repre- sented to Johnson that the Sioux were dissatisfied with the manner in which the settlers were taking possession of tlieir lands before the treaty was ratified. Whether l^unnell was aware of the fact or not WILLIAM GARLOCK. THE PIONEERS. 179 is not now positively known ; but it is very probable that he knew the Indians designed to demand a bonus from the settlers for the privilege of remaining undisturbed. It was supposed that the treaty would be ratified during that winter, but it was not fully confirmed by government until the next year. During the winter some officious personages had given the , Indians begging letters addressed to the settlers recommending that contributions be given to the Sioux of Wabasha's band to keep them quiet and peaceable until the ratification of the treaty. That the Indians were needy, and to prevent dissatisfaction the settlers were advised to contribute to their wants, and suggested that a barrel of flour, or its equivalent in money, be given for every cabin built on their lands. Some of Wabasha's band came over from the other side of the river where they were camped and presented their written docu- ment. To avoid any difficulties or annoyance from them, Johnson agreed to give them the flour, but told them they must wait until the Nominee came up in the spring. To this they consented and went off apparently satisfied with the arrangement. Johnson sup- posed this was one of Bunnell's tricks to alarm them and that was the finale of it ; but in the spring the Indians returned and demanded the flour. This "shanty tax'' assessed by the Sioux was paid by a few of the earliest settlers. The Sioux and Winnebago Indians visited the settlers on Wa- basha prairie frequently during the winter and were at all times friendly. There was not a single instance where it was known that they disturbed a settler or his property, not even in the absence of the owner. Johnson rebuilt the shanty on Capt. Smith's claim, but put it on the bank a little way back from the river and a few rods below where it first stood. This was an improvement on the first struc- ture. It was about 8 x 12. The fireplace so much valued by Johnson in his first cabin was omitted in its reconstruction. John- son induced Augustus Pentler with his wife to occupy this shanty. He boarded with them and made it his home until he built a shanty on his claim at the upper landing. Mr. Pentler lived in this place three or four months and then made a claim on the river below Bunnell's along the bluffs, where he lived for several years. He is now living in the western part of the state. Mrs. Pentler was the first white woman among the early settlers 180 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to make Wabaslia prairie her place of residence — the first white woman that settled in what is now the city of Winona. About March 1, Silas Stevens and his son, William H. Stevens, came up from La Crosse on the ice. They brought with them a pair of horses, wagon and sleigh. This was the lirst span of horses brought into the county by a settler. There had been no demand or use for horse-teams. In banking wood and hauling logs ox-teams were the most useful and economical. Bunnell kept a saddle-horse, which in winter he drove harnessed to a kind of sleigh called a train, a kind of conveyance peculiarly adapted to travel over un- broken trails drifted with snow. On the arrival of Silas Stevens Mr. Clark delivered up to him his claim and gave possession of the shanty and other property en- ti-usted to his care. About this time, or not long afterward, Mr. Nash put up a small log cabin on claim No. 2. Clark and Gilmore occupied this with Nash as their headquarters until they built shan- ties on their own claims. Tliis shanty stood about two blocks back from the river on what is now High Forest street. It was about 10 X 12, built of small logs and covered with bark. The bark for the roof and the lumber used in its construction was taken from the old Indian huts or tepees, which were standing on the prairie about a mile above the upper landing. CPIAPTER XIX. FIRST IMPROVEMENTS. During the latter part of the winter and early in the spring of 1852 quite a number of claims were selected, and on some improve- ments commenced. These "betterments " were simply a few logs thrown together, forming a sort of pen and designed to represent the nucleus of a future residence. When the Indians assessed the settlers they did not consider these improvements sufhcient to justify the levying of a tax, notwithstanding the importance attached to them as evidence that the land was claimed and settled upon. The claim made by (xeorge W. Clark in the fall previous was staked ofi and possession indicated by a few logs. The half mile west FIRST IMPROVEMENTS. 181 of it was taken by Jabez McDermott and the next by Josiah Keen. These two young men had been living at Bunnell's Landing, but about the time they made their claims they went up to the Rollino- Stone, where they engaged in getting out black walnut logs with Noracong and McSpadden, Clark also selected a location across the slough, which he held in the name of his brother, Scott Clark, then living in New York. This claim is now the farm on which George W. Clark resides. Allen Gilmore made his claim next west of the one selected for Scott Clark. He built a log cabin in the grove west from where the Clark school-house now stands. It was from Allen Gilmore, and because of his living nearest, that Gilmore valley was given its pres- ent name. Mr, Gilmore occupied this locality until his death, which occurred March 29, 1854r. It was purchased from the administrator of the estate. Dr. John L. Balcombe, by Orin Clark, a brother of G. W. Clark, who came into the county that spring. Mr. Clark occupied it for many years. He now lives in the city of Winona, but still retains possession of the grove. The other portion of the claim is owned and occupied by Mr. Celestial Peterman. George Wallace made choice of a location back of the lake, where John Zenk now lives. It also included what is now Wood- lawn cemetery. Peter Gorr made a claim on the river just above Bunnell's. He here built a small log cabin, which he occupied with his wife and three children. In narrating some incidents of early days, Mr. Gorr says that during the winter of 1850-51 Augustus Pentler worked for Bunnell by the month chopping on the islands. In the spring he returned to Blinois, where his wife was then living. During the summer Pentler and Gorr came up the river together and stopped off at La Crosse, where they remained for a few days, but not finding employ- ment, they crossed the Mississippi and came up the river on foot over the trail along the bluffs. At Brown's they stopped to rest and get something to eat. Mr. Brown furnished them a luncheon, but, learning that they were going up to Bunnell's for work, he declined to receive pay for the refreshments provided. In speaking of Mr. Brown he very emphatically remarked : "I have known Nathan Brown a great many years. He was the whitest white man among all the old settlers in this county. He always had the courage to do right and never wronged any man 18 -J HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. willt'ullv that I ever hoard. He feared no man, but he treated evervlK)dv witli decency and gentlemanly. That was the reason why he was respected by everybody. Even the 'cussed' Indians respected hhn and had confidence in his integrity. Strangers as well as acquaintances were always welcome to his hospitalities. No one ever left Brown's suffering from hunger if he made his wants known.'' Gorr and Pentler worked by the month for Bunnell during that season. In the fall they built a comfortable log cabin on* the island oi)posite Bunnell's and brought their families from Illinois, with the design of settling on the Sioux lands in the spring. They moved across the river about the last of February, 1852, and made their first settlement in this county. About the time of the quarrel between Bunnell and Johnson, some difficulties occurred from business transactions between Bun- nell and Gorr. These choppers took sides with Johnson against their employer. Johnson went down with his oxen and sled and moved them off from the island and drew the logs for the shanty. Mr. Gorr selected this location as a temporary stopping-place for his family to live until he found a more suitable place for a per- manent home. Bunnell objected to his occupying it. Anticipating trouble about the matter, Johnson and the settlers on Wabasha prairie went down and helped put up the cabin. Bunnell met them and strongly protested against their building a shanty on his claim. Gorr started toward him in a threatening manner and told him to "•drvup and go home." Bunnell, being alone, considered discre- tion the better part of valor, and did not interfere with the house- raising. "When W. B. Bunnell and Timothy Burns, lieutenant-governor of the State of Wisconsin, with others, originated the scheme of making that locality a town site, they found Gorr an encumbrance. Lieut. -Gov. Burns offered him twenty-five dollars for his cabin, with a promise of further payment in lots when the town sjte was sur- veyed, provided he would abandon tlie locality. This offer, Mr. Gorr accepted, and on June 6 made a claim in what is now Pleasant valley, about a mile above wliere Laird's fiouring-mill stands. He built a log house on it and moved his family there on June 9. The valley was for several years known as Gorr valley — until it was given its ]>resent name. Mr. Gorr was the first to settle in this \-alley. and among the first in this county to make farming a busi- FIEST IMPKOVEMENTS. . 183 ness occupation. He settled here with the design of making it his permanent home, and occupied this farm about ten years, when lie sold out and invested in other farming lands. Mr. Gorr is yet a resident of the county and is now living on the bank of the Missis- sippi, above the village of Homer. The locality was once the town site of Minneowah. His house is within ten yards of the site where he built the log cabin which lie sold to Lieut. -Gov. Burns in the spring of 1852. Henry J. Harrington made a claim in the mouth of Pleasant valley, of what is now known as "Hamilton's Farm." During the season of navigation Mr. Harrington was employed as mate on one of the steamboats running on the upper Mississippi. Early in the spring of 1S52 he brought his family to Bunnell's, where they boarded until he had a shanty built on his claim. His first cabin was a low one-story structure, made of small logs or poles, roofed with bark from the Indian tepees in that vicinity. This shanty stood in a grove on the table east of the present farm buildings and on the opposite side of the stream. Here Mrs. Harrington, with a family by the name of Chamberlain, lived until Mr. Harrington built a more permanent house on the west side of the stream. This second building was a very comfortable story and a half hewed log house, about 16x20, with a cellar under it, walled with stone. This building formed a part, of the old farm buildings on "the farm." Mr. Harrington made some improvements. He had about ten acres of breaking fenced in with a rail fence, which he planted to corn. He also cultivated a garden and set out some fruit- trees. It was his design to open up a stock farm here, but he did not live to carry out his plans. He died in 1853. His funeral was on Sunday, June 12. Mrs. Harrington leased the house and cultivation to Patrick Nevil, who came into the county that fall. She stored her household goods in a part of the house and went down the river among her friends to spend the winter, leaving the care of her property to her agent, George M. Gere, Esq. Early in the spring Mr. Gere sold the claim to M. K. Drew for $1:00, giving a quit claim deed subject to the lease of Mr. IN'evil. Some incidents relative to this claim will illustrate the uncertainty of real estate transactions while the title to the land was in the United States. Mr. IS'evil lived on the Harrington place through the winter, and in the spring made a garden and planted the enclosed field with 184 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. corn. During this time he made a claim in the valley opposite to Gorr's, where he had some breaking done anremises. Under no pretext was anyone per- mitted to pass the boundaries of the fence which inclosed the impi-ovements. Mr. Gere, justice of the peace and agent of Mrs. Harrington, with the constable, Harvey S. Terry, attempted to obtain entrance to the house by demanding the household goods of Mrs. Harring- ton stored in the dwelling. They were met at the "bars," by the whole Walker family. Mr. Walker, with his gun in his hands and revolver in his belt, Mrs. Walker, armed with a huge carving knife, the children carrying an ax, a scythe and a pitchfork. The officers of the law hesitated " to storm the castle against such an armed lorce," and called a parley for negotiations. Mr. Walker did not object to deliver up the goods, but would not admit them into the enclosure. He stood guard while Mrs. Walker and the children brought the furniture from the house and delivered it outside the fence. Walker refused to relinquish the claim to Mr. Gere, but sent word to Mr. Drew that he did not desire to be mean about the transaction, and would pay him $400 for the claim, the amount he had paid to Mrs. Harrington, provided they would give a quit claim and leave him in peaceable })ossession of the property. Finding the s [peculation an unprofitable one, and glad to get his money back, Mr. Drew accej)ted the proposition and the claim became the "Walker Farm." Mr. Walker occui)ie(l this locality about ten or twelve years, when he sold out and went south. Hirk Carroll made a claim in the timber below Harrington's, which he sold to Silas Stevens. He also made other selections along the river at various places, but did not locate on any until he made a claim on the head waters of Pine .creek, in what is now the south- ern part of this county, where he made a permanent settlement and home for his familv. WESTERN" FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. 185 The sale made by Hirk Carroll to Silas Stevens was the first "• real estate" transaction, the first sale of a claim ever made in the early settlement of this county. Mr. Stevens had such confidence in the development of the country and future growth of a com- mercial town on Wabasha prairie that he gave Carroll $50 if he would relinquish the claim and let him have possession of it. It was held by Mr. Stevens for a year or two afterward in the name of his son, Wm. H. Stevens. It was the design of Mr. Stevens to make this locality a site for a steam saw-mill, expecting to use the slough for the purpose of storing logs brought down the river. Mr. Stevens gave his claim on Wabasha prairie into the hands of his son, Wm. H. Stevens, to hold possession, and returned to La Crosse, where he continued to carry on his lumber business. CHAPTEE XX. WESTERN FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. On February 26, 1852, William Haddock and Arthur Mur- phy arrived in this part of- the Territory of Minnesota. They were agents of an organization called the Western Farm and Village Association, explorers and prospectors for a town site and farming lands. With packs on their backs, each carrying a buffalo-skin and some camp supplies, they came up the river on skates from La Crosse. In a letter or report to the Association, published in the ofiicial organ of that body, " The Farm and Yillage Advocate," Mr. Had- dock says: "After leaving La Crosse we pursued our journey slowly up the river on the ice, hugging as closely as possible the Minnesota side of the river, for the purpose of making observations. After traveling until about noon we stopped for dinner at a young trader's, who happened to have a smoking dinner just ready for con- sumption. " Having no time to lose, we resumed our tramp. Without per- ceiving any cabin or other dwelling, we proceded on our journey until the shades of evening began to gather round. Having brought up at the lower extremity of a sandy island, we doffed our 186 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. buffalo-skins, selected a spot for a camp, collected wood, lit uj) a fire, spread out our skins, and entered u])on the full enjoyment of the dubious pleasures of 'camping out.' To camp out, however, is not a very agreeable thing to a person not accustomed to it, especi- ally in a cold February night. " A few miles of travel in the morning, after camping, brought us to a new town site, just developed, called Waubashaw, situated on a small prairie running out from the foot of a range of bluffs toward the river. " According to the opinion of many persons at La Crosse, this place is destined to be the largest town below Lake Pepin. Although there are only four or five shanties on the prairie at the present time, yet the whole site is taken up, and already have the claimants begun ,to fight about their 'claims.' Waubashaw will yet furnish some rich examples of discord, and is destined, I fear, to become a prey to speculation, whatever may be its natural advantages. In our opinion it has not much to boast of except a good landing. The land is poor and generally low, and a portion of it subject to over- flow. "A few miles above Waubashaw we came to a quiet little open- ing in the almost endless range of bluffs, and hove to on our skates for the purpose of making observations. On reaching the shore we passed over an open, but rather a low and marshy prairie, for about half a mile, when we came to a most beautiful opening of compara- tively high table-land, covered with oak. "The extent of this opening is fully large enough for our entire village plat, exclusive of the low land on the river, which can ulti- timately be filled up and divided, as business plats among all our members, proving a source of great gain as business increases and the town becomes settled. There is considerable variety of surface in the town plat which settlement will remedy, but take it as a whole, I do not know that I have seen anything to surpass it. In- deed, I may say that it is beautiful, and throws Waubashaw and Prairie La Crosse entirely in the shade." Haddock and Murphy, on their way from La Crosse, passed Wabasha Prairie and skated up Straight Slough, supposing it to be a main channel of the river. On their way up the slough their at- tention was attracted to the general appearance of the mouth of the TtoUing Stone Valley. On examination of this locality these town- site hunters found, to their disappointment, that their ideal village WESTEKK FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. 187 sight, SO opportunely discovered, was occupied. Civilization had already sprouted on this part of the late "Sioux Purchase." Israel JVI. Noracong claimed one hundred and sixty acres in the mouth of the Kolling Stone Valley, where he had built his shanty, his claim covering the present village of Minnesota City. They put up with Noracong and explained to him the object of their visit, the designs and advantages of the association represented by them, and the benefit the organization would be in the settlement of the part of the territory in which it was located. Mr. Noracong at once be- came interested in their plan of colonization. Finding that he was willing to compromise matters with them, they made arrangements hy which he was induced to relinquish all of his claim, except about fifteen acres of land where his cabin stood, which included a mill-site on the stream. This mill-site is the local- ity where the flouring mill of A. E. Elsworth now stands. After satisfactory arrangements had been made with ISToracong, and before any explorations of the surrounding country had been at- tempted. Haddock and Murphy, in the name of the association, made claim to all the lands in the valley of the Rolling Stone, and to all the country lying adjacent. This was the largest claim ever made in the county under any pretense whatever. They at once commenced to lay out a village plat in accordance with a general plan, previously adopted by the association, which they had brought with them. This was the first town site survej^ed and platted in southern Minnesota. A rough plat of the locality was made, with which Mr. Murphy returned to New York city to report their discoveries. Mr. Had- dock remained to hold the claim and continue his survey of village lots. The survey was commenced with a pocket compass; the measurements were made with a tape line belonging to Mr. Nora- cong. This locality was the scene of many important events in the early settlement of this county, some of which will be noted in other chapters. In the spring of 1852 the ice went out and the Mississippi was open in this vicinity on March 15. The first steamboat from below was the Nominee, which arrived at Wabasha prairie on April 1. This boat only went up as far as Lake Pepin on account of the ice. On its second trip it passed through the lake April 16, and was the first steamboat to arrive at St. Paul. ISS HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Ciipt. Smith brought up on the Nominee quite a number of pas- sengers, who landed on Wabasha prairie, and also some lumber and supplies for the settlers. As soon as the material arrived, Johnson built a shantv on No. 4, his claim at the upper landing. This build- ing was on what is now Center street, between Second and Front streets. It was 12 X 16, with a shed roof of boards, the eaves of which were about five feet from the ground. This was f(jr awhile the hotel, the general stopping-place for all who got off at what was then known as Johnson's Landing. Every claim shanty was, how- ever, the stranger's home, if application was made for shelter and food. Jabez McDermott built a log shanty on his claim, a little south- east from where the shops of the Winona & St. Peter railroad now stand. The roof was a covering of bark. All of the material for this shanty was taken from the Indian tepees which stood near by. This locality was the site of Wabasha's village — the village of the band of Sioux of which he was the chief, and their general gather- ing-place. There were seven or eight of their cabins standing when McDermott made a claim of their village. These Indian tepees were constructed with a framework of posts and poles fastened together by withes and covered with broad strips of elm bark. The roof was peaked, the bark covering supported by a framework of poles. For the sides the strips of bark were of suit- able length to reach from the ground to the eaves. They were oblong in shape, about 15 X 20 feet, the sides about four or five feet high. The bark covering was fastened by poles outside secured by withes. No nails or pins were used in their construction. Inside they were provided with benches, or berths, from two to three feet wide and about two feet from the ground, extending around three sides of the hut. These seats, or sleeping-places, were composed of poles and bark. Some sawed lumber was also used about these tepees. The lumber, boards and planks, found there by the early settlers was probably taken from the river, brought down by floods from wrecks of rafts. There were two or three of these tepees in the mouth of Gilmore valley near the Indian cultivation. One much larger than the others was about 20 X 30. There were also two or three in the mouth of Burns valley. They were all of the same style of architecture and similarly constructed. These cabins were but summer residences for the Sioux and were WESTERN FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. 189 but temporarily occupied in cold weather, when they usually fixed their hunting camps, of skin or cloth tents, in the timber on the river bottoms. The Indians sometimes halted in their migration and stopped in them for two or three days at a time after the first settlers came here in 1851, but they abandoned them entirely in the spring of 1852. These tepees were torn down in the forepart of this season. While the Sioux remained in this vicinity they sometimes visited the settlements, and were at all times friendly without being familiar or troublesome. Soon alter tlie opening of navigation another town site was dis- covered on the Mississippi below the mouth of the White Water. Two or three brothers by tire name of Hall selected this location. It was known as Hall's Landing. No special effort was made to develop its advantages until the following year, when the town ol Mt. Yernon was laid out, about two miles below the mouth of the White Water. During 1851 and 1852 there was quite a rush of immigration to the country on the upper Mississippi. Among the localities in the western part of the State of Wisconsin which attracted considerable attention from this moving population was La Crosse. After the treaty with the Sioux in 1851 many of these immigrants made La Crosse a temporary halting place until opportunity was given to make selections of locations on the west side of the river. A very large majority of the first settlers in southern Minnesota were of this class. With the exception of the colony that settled at Minnesota City, Winona county was first settled almost entirely by these temporary residents of La Crosse. During the winter some of these citizens of Wisconsin came up the i-iver on the ice and selected locati(m8 on Wabasha prairie and in its vicinity. In the spring they, with others, visited this part of the territory to see the country, and made claims in a more formal manner. These claims were usually marked by writing the name of the dawi-maker on the stakes which defined the location selected, or, if in the timber, the trees were blazed and the name of the claimant conspicuously displayed. As the season advanced it became neces- sary to represent some improvements. A few logs laid up, as if a future cabin was contemplated, a few furrows with a plow, or a little corn or vegetables planted, gave evidence that the claim was occu- pied. ' These claims were usually acknowledged by the settlers and 190 IIISTOKY OF AVINONA COUNTY. mutual protection given, although the laws governing claims were not fully com})lied with. Among those who came up during the winter and selected loca- tions, and who afterward became residents of Wabasha prairie, was "William B. Gere, commonly called "Beecher Gere." He made a claim south of and joining both of the claims of Johnson and Stevens. Although a settler could not hold, legally, but 160 acres, this claim was laid on a sliding scale, and for awhile Beecher Gere's claim covered twice that amount of land. Enos P. Williams, then in the employ of Silas Stevens at La Crosse, selected the location adjoining Gere's on the east. This is now known as Hubbard's addition. Elijah Silsbee selected the one next west of that claimed by Gere, and a man by the name of Hobbs took that next to Silsbee's on the west. Frank Curtiss discovered that there was room for another claim between that selected for Scott Clark and the claims of McDermott and Keene, and located himself there. Walter Brown selected a location in what is now Gilmore valley, in the mouth of the ravine about where the brickyard of Mr. Ber- sange is now located. George G. Barbei* made choice of one adjoining Brown's in the valley above. Rev. George Chester, a Methodist minister — the lirst that settled in La Crosse — made a claim in Gilmore valley where the county farm is now located. The first sermon ever delivered to the early settlers of Winona county was j^reached by Mr. Chester on Wabasha prairie while on this visit to Minnesota. Mr. Chester never made any improvements on his claim, neither was he ever a resident of the county. A colored man, a barber in La Crosse, by the name of Williams, made the first claim across the slough on the upper ])rairie. It is now the residence of George I. Parsons, The claim shanty was near the railroad. Some of the early visitors from La Crosse who came up with Mr, Chester, Mr. Barber and others, returned without selecting locations, although they afterward became residents of Wabasha i)rairie. Dr. John L. Balcombe, John C. Laird and Abner S. Goddard were among this number. Mention will be made of them at a latel* date. Henry C. Gere came up from La Crosse early in the s[)i'ing, and WESTEKN FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. 191 landed at what was then known as Jolmson's landing, with his family, household goods, and lumber for a shanty. During the winter previous he visited the prairie and professed to have selected a claim, but refused to point it out, — none of the settlers were aware of his choice of location. It afterward appeared that about the time of the "difference" between Bunnell and Johnson, a friendship, or rather an acquaint- ance was formed between Gere and Bunnell, and a plan laid to jump the Stevens claim. As Mr. Stevens was a non-resident, Gere was to locate himself on the claim with his family, and Bunnell was to aid him to keep possession of it. It was represented by Bunnell that he had selected this claim for -H. C. Gere, and had made some designative marks on the back side of it, next to the claim selected by Wm. B. Gere. Until spring no boundaries were marked on any of the claims, except the claim-stakes driven along the bank of the river by Stevens and Johnson in the fall of 1851. After the frost left the ground in the spring these claims were marked by corner stakes in the rear. Gere also pretended that he was a partner with Stevens in the lumber business at La Crosse when the claim was made, — that it was a joint speculation which Mr. Stevens ignored. A day or two before Gere left La Crosse with his family, Silas Stevens learned that he professed to have an interest in claim No. 3 on "Wabasha prairie, and that he was going there to live. Being well acquainted with Gere, and fearing trouble from him, Mr. Stevens came up to the prairie and there awaited his arrival. "With well-assumed confidence that he had an undisputed right to the Stevens claim, Gere seciired the services of Johnson with his oxen and sled, loaded with lumber, and started with a friend or two to take possession of it. As he approached the west boundary of the claim with his load of lumber, he was met by Silas Stevens, Wm. H. Stevens, George "W. Clark and Allen Gilmore. With the excep- tion of Silas Stevens this party was armed, although no revolvers were in sight. Each carried a strong cudgel, except Wm. H. Stevens, who handled a gun and assumed the position of leader. He ordered Gere to halt and not attempt to cross the claim line with his lumber. This claim boundary was a line due south from the claim stake, which stood on the bank of the river about midway between what is now Walnut and Market streets. Meeting so firm an obstruction, Gere and his party with the load of lumber moved back on the 1V>2 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. prairie alona; the designated line, escorted by the Stevens pai'ty, until the south boundary of the claim was passed. The escort then stood guard while Gere put up a shanty on the claim of his nepliew, Wm. B. (^ere. The shanty built by II. C. Gere stood on the east side of Franklin street, between Wabasha and Sanborn streets, on the lot where Thomas Burk now lives. It was 12 X 12 wlien first built, and cov- ered with a board roof, but was afterward enhirged to 12x18." and centered with a shingled roof, sloping the length of the shanty. Mr. Gere lived there until the s])ring of 1854, when he moved onto a claim in the mouth of West Burns valley. The writer occupied this shanty as his residence and business ofHce in July and August, 1854. This was but the beginning of Gere's efforts to get possession of the Steven/ claim. Other incidents relative to this claim will be given. Among the earliest arrivals this spring were John Evans and S. K. Thompson. Mr. Thompson did not at once make a claim, but lived on Wabasha prairie, a passive looker-on for some time before he took an active part as a bona-fide settler. Mr. Evans was an old pioneer, familiar with pioneer life and the settlement of a claim country. He at once commenced prospecting, and soon discovered that Clark was holding two claims. Consider- ing this to be a favorable oppoi'tunity to secure a good location near the landing, he selected the one Mr. Clark had made and was hold- ing in the name of his brother, and announced his. purpose to make that his claim. Clark earnestly protested against this, but Evans asserted that he had a right to it, that Scott Clark had never been in the territory, and George W. Clark was then holding a claim on the prairie. Evans, with the helj) of Th()mi)Son. had already com- menced cutting logs for a cabin, but seeing that Clark was extremely anxious to retain the claim across the slough, offered to let him take his choice of the two he was holding. Finding that Evans was determined in the matter, Clark very reluctantl}' decided to relin- quish the first claim he had made, claim No. 6. provided Evans would abandon the other. John Evans then took possession of the claim relinquished by Clark and commenced making improvements. This was afterward known as the " Evans Claim.'' Chute's and Foster's additions were parts of that claim. It was on what is now known as Foster's WESTEEN FARM AND VILLAGE ASSOCIATION. 193 addition that Mr. Evans placed his buildings. It was here that he lived while a resident of the county, and where he died. While living here Mr. Evans opened up a farm and inclosed the whole claim with a rail fence. He at one time had a field under cultivation which comprised about half of his claim, on which he raised several crops of wheat, corn, etc. He then disposed of a part of it (Chute's addition), and divided a portion into suburban lots, retaining what is now Foster's addition as his homestead. Mr. Evans did not bring his family here until late in the summer of 1852. — not until he had built a house for them to move into. His house was covered with the first shingled roof ever put on. any build- ing on Wabasha prairie ; the first shingled roof in the city of Winona. The family of Mr. Evans, when he located here in 1852, consisted of a wife, two daughters and a son. One of the daughters married O. S. Holbrook ; the other became the wife of Erwin H. Johnson. Another daughter, the wife of James Williams, came here about two years after. James Williams is yet a resident of the county. Mr. Evans and all of his family mentioned above are now dead, except his son, Royal B. Evans, who is a resident of the county, living in the town of W^ilson. Wlien George W. Clark relinquished his claim. No. 6, to John Evans, he took possession of the land across the slough in his own name. When his brother came on he aided liim in securing another location. Mr. Clark never speculated in city lots or suburban prop- erty. His choice of claims was undoubtedly the decisive point in his life as to his future business occupations and liome. Mr Clark left the State of New York in 1851. with the design to secure to himself a farm somewhere in tlie western country. He first went to Fond rlu Lac, Wisconsin, where he had relatives; but learn- ing there of the rush to the upper Mississippi country, he with others started on foot across the state to La Crosse. He there sought employment and secured a situation in the lumber yard of Silas Stevens, where he proposed to remain until he should learn of a satisfactory location for a permanent settlement. Influenced by a higher rate of interest than he had been familiar with in the east, he placed what funds he had with him in the hands of his employer. Familiar acquaintance increased a mutual confidence of the two in each other, and when Mr. Stevens decided to make a speculative investment on Wabasha prairie, in the Territory of Minnesota, he 194 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. selected Mr. Clark as his agent. His arrival here on November 12, 1851, has already been narrated. The force of circumstances compelled Mr. Clark to make selection of the farm for which he had left his father's house and come west. Having decided to locate on his claim across the slough, he gave his whole time and attention to its improvement and increasing his possessions by securing adjoining i)roperty by way of speculation. Tlie tirst rails used by Mr. Clark in his farming o])erations were the relics of a fence built by the Sioux to keep their ponies from ranging over their cultivation in the mouth of the valley above. This Indian fence .extended from the bluffs to the lake or slough on the bottom, about on the west boundary of his claim, and nearly on the west line of his farm. These were some of the circumstances of his first settlement here, which, with his determined purpose to locate on a farm, made George W. Clark, the pioneer farmer, the first practical farmer to settle on a claim held exclusively for farming purposes. He began his first improvements on this claim in March, 1852, using the horses of Mr. Stevens for his first team-work, to haul the logs together which he had cut for the purpose of building a claim shanty, before it was jumped by John Evans. Mr. Clark's original claim shanty was located about where his hay-shed now stands, in the meadow near where the lane leading to his present residence leaves the Gil- more valley road. Mr. Clark has lived on the farm he now occupies about thirty- one years. The little log shanty and straw-covered sheds have been superseded by a large farmhouse and a commodious barn and sheds. He has been a prosperous farmer. Although -others engaged in farming ojierations early in the season of 1852 and made as much improvement on their claims as Mr. Clark, he was the first to settle on any land now held as a farm in this county. CHAPTER XXI. THE ASSOCIATION CRYSTALLIZED. The association by which Minnesota Qty was first settled origi- nated m the city of New York in the summer of 1851. This organi- zation was never generally understood by the western public, nor its special objects clearly comprehended by the early settlers in this part of the territory. It is, indeed, more than probable that some of Its members had but indifferent ideas of its operations and special design when practically demonstrated. The people generally consid- ered the association to be a body of fanatical communists— a social- istic organization with such visionary and impracticable theories ot colonization that failure was but an inherent destiny. These mis- taken ideas and false impressions prejudiced other settlers against them from the first. The apparently clannish exclusiveness and mysterious manner of the colonists confirmed these vague opinions and excited a jealous rivalry with settlements in other localities A mutual antagonism resulted, which time alone dissipated, but not until long after the association had ceased to exist as an organization. This association was composed of persons of dift'erent nationali- ties, different religious and political opinions, and of difierent busi- ness occupation, united for a special object. It was an emigration society, designed to aid its members in leaving the city and forming a colony on government lands in the west. The organization was but a temporary one, and never designed for any other purpose. That the plan of colonization was practicable under favorable circumstances, in the hands of practicable men and under the man- agement of practicable leaders, there is but little doubt. That it was, to a great extent, a failure, that the results were not fully in accordance with that anticipated from its programme of operations was evidently attributable to the incapacity and inexperience of the leaders rather than to radical defects in the plan. Justice to these pioneer settlers of the county exacts a brief sketch of the organiza- tion by which the colony was located. _ William Haddock, one of the discoverers of the town site at the mouth of the Eolling Stone valley, was the founder and president of 198 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. tlie association. In July, 1851, Mr. Haddock, then a journeyman printer living in New York city, conceived the idea, and in a public lecture at a meeting of mechanics called by him for the purpose, pre- sented the outlines of a plan whereby the mechanics of the city would be able to secure "homes in the west," to leave the city and locate on government lands, to go in a body and form a colony. His audience manifested considerable interest in the subject of his lecture, and appointed a committee to take the matter into con- sideration and draw up a code of laws for an organization on the plan proposed. The committee made a report the following week, and a form of organization was effected, with William Haddock as presi- dent and Thomas K. Allen secretary. It was not, however, until about the middle of September that the association was considered fairly organized, although weekly meetings were held for the pur- pose of perfecting the laws and in many ways modifying the original plan proposed by Mr. Haddock. That tfie plan adopted may be impartially presented, the follow- ing extracts have been copied from the " Constitution and By-Laws of the Western Farm and Yillage Association." PREAMBLE. Whereas, We whose names are hereunto subscribed are desirous of locat- ing ourselves advantageously on governinent lands in some of our western states or territories, and, AVhereas, We wish at the same time to avail ourselves of all the advan- tages of civilization which can be immediately secured only bj'^ emigrating in large companies and settling in close proximity, we do hereby adopt, for the more effectual attainment of our object, the following constitution and by-laws, t(3 which each one of us subscribes and pledges himself to conform : CONSTITUTION. Article I. Section 1. This assot-iation shall be styled "The Western Farm and Village Association, No. 1, of the City of New York." (Sec. 2 enumerates the officers.) Article II. Object and plan of action. Sec. 1. The object of this association shall be the organization aftd setth'- ment of one or more townshii)s and villages on the public lands, in some of the western stati'S or territories of the United States, with the view of obtaining, if possible, a free grant of the same from congress. Sec. 2. The number of members which this association may embrace shall not exceed five hundred, and shall consist of a pro])ortional number from each of theprincii)al departments of industry. Sec. 3. The condition upon which congress shall be solicited to make a free grant of land to members of this assoi'iation shall be actual settlement and im- THE ASSOCIATION CEYSTALLIZED. 199 provement; and no member shall be allowed t.. subscribe for more than KiO acres and a village plat of four acres. Sec' 4 As soon as the funds of this ass..ciation shall permit, an experienced and reliable member shall be commissioned to look for a site or sites for a township and village, who shall, while thus employed, act under the instruc- tioiis of this association, and make such reports to the same from time to time as he may deem necessary, or may be required of him. Sec. o. When the member thus commissioned shall have performed the abor assigned him a competent committee shall be elected to re-examine such locahties as may have been reported by him, or such other places as may be authorized by the association ; which committee shall give a full and true -ic- count of each locality to this body. Sec. 6. The sight of the township and village shall be determined by a vote of this association before any choice of land shall have been made by anv of its members; such determination to be based upon the committee of examina- tion, or upon such other facts, circumstances or information as may be deemed important. _ Sec. 7. When the site of the township shall have been chosen by the asso- ciation, the different kinds of land outside the village plat, such as timber prairie and suburban land, shall be so laid off as to render all the landed advantages growing out of this association as equally available as possible. Maps shall be drawn representing the village, suburban, farming and wood plats, accompanied by a brief description of each and every lot When this shall have been done and approved by the association, the order of choos- ing aniong the members shall be settled by numbers, after which each shall make his selection of lots according to the number of his choice. Sec. 8. The village site shall be so surveyed as to allow each member of this association, after deducting liberally for streets and parks, to have a village plat ot ab(jut four acres. Sec. 9. The time of emigration for this association shall not extend bevond the 15th of April, 1852. Article III. (Defines the duties of officers). Article IV. Membership. Sec. 1. The qualifications for membership in this association shall be good moral character, industrious habits, and a willingness to conform to the consti- tution and by-laws. Sec 2. Applications for admission into this association may be made through any member of the same, at any regular meeting ; whereupon the application shall be immediately laid before the board of directors • if upon investigation, he or she shall be found acceptable by a majority of the board they shall report accordingly at the next meeting, when, if the candidate re- ceive a majority of votes of the members present, he or she shall be entitled to a certificate of membership on payment of the initiation fee. Sec 3. Every person on being elected a member of this association, shall pay an initiation fee of one dollar. (This was afterward raised to five dollars). Sec 4. No member of this association shall be allowed to subsci-ibe for or hold more than 160 acres of land and a village plat of four acres. 200 lilSTOIlY OF WINONA COUNTY. Sei'. 5. An)' ineiuber of this association may be suspended or expelled (nr misconduct or neglect of olHcial duties; but no member shall be expelled without a fair trial ])y a committee of five members. Sec-. 6. Should any member desire to withdraw from this association, he or she may transfer his or her interest to any person not already a member, sub- ject to the api)roval of the association ; the said |»erson shall pay a transfer fee of fifty cents, which shall be an acknowledgment of his or her member- .ship. But in the event nf this association obtaining a free grant of the land, this section shall be rendered null and void. Sec. 7. In the event of the death of a member of this association, all moneys paid by the deceased into the society shall, at the option of the association, be promptly restored to his or her legal representatives. Sec. 8. Persons residing at a distance may, on being elected members of this association, remit their initiation fee and weekly dues to the financial secretary, in sums of one dollar for every eight weeks. Article V. On the election of otficers. Sec. 1. All othcers shall he elected by ballot, and shall .serve until the ob- jects of this association shall be attained, unless disqualitied by misconduct or incapacity. Article VI. Dues. Sec. 1. The weekly dues of all members of this association shall be twelve and a half cents, commencing the first day of August, 1851. Sec. 2. No dues or initiation fees shall be refunded to members of tWs association in conse((uence of their withdrawal" from the same. Sec. .3. If any member of this association shall neglect the payment of his or her dues for a longer time than four weeks, he or she shall be subject to a fine of twelve and a half cents for each succeeding week while in arrears. Article VII. (Relates to drawing money on deposit). \ Article VIII. On disbursement of moneys. Sec. 1. All moneys paid into this association shall be devoted to the pay- ment of such expenses as are necessary to the attainment of its object, and to no other purpose, and no moneys shall be paid out without a vote of the association. Sec. 2. When this associati( »n shall di8s'e\v York, Ai)ril 3, 1852. » Dear Sui, — The iis.sociation at length have the i)leasnri' of iiiAjrmiu^ you of their location. Mr. Arthur Murphy, one of our locating committee, has just returned tf) this city, having in conjunction with our jiresident selected a spot which has been unanimously adopted as our homes. It is situated in the Ter- ritory of Minnesota, on the Mississippi river, about forty miles above Root river, and six miles above a i)lace called W'abesha i)rairie, on a stream of water known as Rolling Stone creek; for a full description of which, with the report THE ASSOCIATION CRYSTALLIZED. 203 (.f the committee, the curresi)C)ndini; sea-etary refers you tc. the forthcoming Advocate. In the meantime, lie has been instructed to send you the following circular, embodying so much of the report of its last meeting as is herein coh'- tained. After the adoption of the report of Mr. Murphy, the association, on motion, went into the choosing of lots; all members whose dues were not paid up to the first of January being declared by vote ineligible to participate. A com- mittee, consisting of Messrs. Cauldwell, Potter and Bannan,were appointed to choose ^ for country members. The names of all those eligible were then placed in one hat, and numbers to the corresponding amount of members in another. Messrs. Thorp and Stradling presided over the names, and Messrs. Gilbert and Fitzgibbons superintended the numbers. A number was then taken from a hat, and a name from the other, and the number so drawn was the choice of the member whose name was drawn with it. The entire list of drawing so made is herein contained, with a map showing the position of the lot up to 132. The reason of there being none higher than this is that the committee, deeming that sufficient, surveyed no more ; and members who have drawn a choice over that number will be allowed to choose on the ground, from lots to be surveyed, or from lands forfeited by the non-settlement of mem- bers in July, in the order they run above the lots numbered. Mr. Haddock, who is now on the ground, has been telegraphed to survey 100 more ; and per- sons joining now will choose in the order as admitted members. In addition to the above, the corresponding secretary has to state that the pioneer squad will start from here on Wednesday, the 7th, and passing over the Erie Eailroad, will probably arrive at Chicago on or about the 14th ; thence by rail and team to Galena, and boat up the river. This will also be the route of the main body, and all members who live near the city, or who can make New York in their route, will meet here on April 14, to start on the loth, so as to arrive at Galena by May 1. Should the lakes not be open on April Li the association will not start on that day, but wait until they are. Those of our members who may not arrive at Galena by May 1, can learn full particulars of us by inquiring of Col. James Robinson there. Very respecthdly, your obedient servant, ^'"' E. B. Thomas, Cor. Sec'y, 102 Nassau street. Accompanying this circular was a plat of the village site and a list of the names of 174 members, with the order of their choice and the number of the lot chosen by or for 132 of them. CHAPTER XXII. EMIGRANTS COMING. It was designed that settlement on the lands selected for the colony should be made simultaneously by the members of the asso- ciation, or as near so as practicable, to prevent intrusion from per- sons not belonging to the organization. As soon as thejlocality was formally decided upon a volunteer party already organized started west for the Rolling Stone, to hold possession of the "claim" made by Haddock and Murphy, until the arrival of the main body of the association. This advance guard, to which the name of "pioneer squad " had been given, was a j^arty of eleven men who left New York cit}^ on A])ril 7. On their way they were joined by three others, making the total number of this guard fourteen. All of these were }' oung unmarried men except one. Mr. B. Mauby, of New York, was accompanied by his wife and seven childi-en. The pioneer squad of the Western Farm and Village Associa- tion came up the Mississippi from Galena on the steamboat Caleb Cope, and landed at Johnson's Landing on Wabasha prairie on April 14, 1852. The Caleb Cope was under the command of Ca]jt. Harris, who had chartered her to run as an opposition boat against the Nominee, in place of the West Newton, which was not then ready for the early spring business. The fare, on this trip, was but fifty cents each, for passengers from Galena to Wabasha prairie. Freight was in about the same proportion of discount from regular rates. This party of immigrants were warmly vi^elcomed at the landing by Mr. Haddock, who had been anxiously expecting them, and had come from Rolling Stone on purpose to meet and guide them to " the promised land." The following names of this })arty were furnished by a member of the squad who yet lives in Rolling Stone, at Minnesota City. The names of some of his old comrades have faded from his memory. He is the only one of the "old guard'' that is now a resident of Winona county. His name heads this list of names : Hezekiah Jones, Wm. Stevens, J. W. Viney, David Robertson, D. Hollyer, EMIGRAISTTS COMING 205 R. H. Boothe, S. K. Schroeder, John Hughes, Talmadge, Randall, and D. Maiibv and family. They had with them quite a large amount of supplies and camp fixtures, including a large tent, household furniture, a cook-stove, tools, etc., and also brought with them two yoke of oxen and a wagon. The cattle, wagon and household furniture were the prop- erty of Mr. Mauby. The oxen and wagon were purchased for him in Illinois, by Mr. H. Jones, who came west in the fiill before, .and joined this party at Cherry Yalle\% then the terminus of the rail- SCENE NEAR THE FiRST SETTLEMENT OF RoLLlNC StONE.* road. The team and wagon were used in transporting tlieir baggage from Cherry Valley to Galena, where their supplies were ])urchased. This party landed at about the foot of Main street ; their freight was piled on a mound on the bank of the river and covered with the tent. It was there left in charge of one of their number, whose name is now forgotten, but who was designated as the "cigar- maker."" Leaving Mr. Mauby and his family here the others has- tened on to their destination. * The above cut is from a sketch taken and kindly furnislied by Anstin W. Lord. 200 lIISTOrvY OF WIXONA COUNTY. Mr. INFauby engaged Johnson's shanty, at the upper hmding, as a home for his family, until he could buihl a cabin for them at the Rolling Stone. He remained with them until the}'' were settled in their temjiorarv abode. No prt)vi8ion had been made for tlie subsistence of the cattle. No supplies had been brought ah)ng for them, as it was supposed that hay could be readily prf)cured, but none was to be had. There was an unusual rise of water in the river for the time of year, and a strong current was running through the slougli, making it difficult for strangers to ford to the upper prairie, and no wagon trail had yet been opened along the bluffs. It was decided to leave the wagon with the freight, but to take the cattle along, as they might have use for them. The oxen were taken up to the Rolling Stone, where they were turned loose to procure a living for themselves, from the old grass on the bottoms, and such l5rowse as they were able to get from the brush along the stream. Temporary supplies were packed up by the party. They were ferried over the slough by the Indians in canoes. AYith Mr. Had- dock as guide, they followed the trail along the bluffs to Noracong's shanty, where Mr. Haddock was living. Noracong and his i)arty were then away rafting the black walnut logs they had cut during the winter. Noracong's little shanty, about S x 12, stood a])out where the rail- road crossing now is — north from Elsworth's flouring-mill. It was the headquarters of the pioneer squad. Finding their accommoda- tions insufficient, some of the party constructed a kind of hut, to which the name of '' Goi)lier house'' was given. One of these ''gophers " was built on the table, about fifty rods above where Troosts' flouring mill lately stood. Another one was on the table, about forty rods west from where the school building now stands. These huts were of logs, placed in the form of a house roof, and covered with dry grass from the bottoms, over which was a layer of earth covered with strips of turf arranged to shed the rain. The earth inside of the hut was excavated to the depth of a foot or more to in- crease the area inclosed. These huts were filled with dry grass and used as sleeping quarters. This advance guard had volunteered to come on for the express purpose of keeping off trespassers. Although designated the ])ion('er squad, n<> other duties were assigned to them or expected from them. They spent their time in explorations of the immediate EMIGRANTS COMHSTG. ' 207 viciiiitv of their camp, and in hunting and lisliing, furnishing plenti- ful supplies of ducks and trout. They all lived in common, each contributing from his own stores for general use. A cook was ap- pointed to take charge of this department, who called for assistants when aid was required. Mr. Jones and one or two others assisted Mr. Haddock in his survey of the village plat, to which he was giving his whole attention. In this survey, the base of operations was a straight line along the edge of the table on which Troosts' flouring-mill recently stood. It was there the tirst street was laid oif, extending from the lower end of the table to the bluff at the upper end. The village lots and' streets were laid off parallel with and at right angles to this street as a base line. Mr. Haddock attempted to make the survey with his pocket compass, to wliicli he affixed some sights of his own invention or construction, but was cora])elled to abandon this uncertain process, and rely on his guide poles and measurements. A long rope and poles superseded the tape-line and pocket compass. About two hundred acres were thus surveyed before Mr. Haddock procured a surveyor's compass and chain, with which the survey of village lots and farms were completed. Mr. Mauby built a log shanty for his family. This stood near where the railroad station at Minnesota City now stands. It was about 12x16 feet in dimensions. The shed roof was covered with strips of elm bark, fastened to poles. This cabin was built on the village lot drawn by Mr. Mauby at the meeting of the association in New York city, March 31. On May 1, 1852, O. M. Lord, Eev. William Sweet and Jonathan Williams landed on Wabasha prairie from the Dr. Franklin. They were left by the boat at the lower landing, at about ten o'clock in the evening. Applying for lodgings at Pentlers, they found the little cabin already full, densely crowded to overflowing. On look- ing about to discover what other chances were possible for sleeping quarters, they saw what in the darkness they su]>posed to be a hay- stack, apparently not far back on the prairie. ■ As nothing more favorable presented itself, they started out from the landing with the expectation that they would be able to make a comfortable bed from the hay at the stack. After traveling a short distance they suddenly became aware that what they had imagined to be a stack was but the form of the bluffs — the outlines of which could be seen in the 20^ HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. distance — tliey were in front of the "Sugar Loaf," tlie top of which, a mile and a lialf awav, could be dimly seen above the horizon. Disappointed in their ])ursuit of lodgings in that direction, they re- turned to the river and passed the night on the sand, sleeping soundly wra])ped in their blankets. A.t daylight they prefaced their explorations of tlie country by taking observations of their surroundings. Exce])t the broad river, then a raging flood overflowing the lowlands, and the general pictu- resque views extending in every direction from the landing, there was nothing in Capt. Smith's town site to excite their admiration or arouse any practical interest. The barren, sandy prairie, recently burned over, was almost entirely destitute of any appearance of vegetable life, excej^t that the few trees and bushes along the river bank were just beginning to exhibit a taint appearance of green. Wabasha ])rairie was of no apparent value to these practical men, prospecting for good farming land. Without longer delay than to indulge a good ap]ietite for break- fast, they started for the Rolling Stone, their point of destination. Following the trail along up the river to the np])er landing, they took a straight course over the prairie toward the mouth of the Gil- more valley.- They were compelled to ford the slough, which was then flooded from the high water in the river. The crossing place, on the ti-ail which they struck, was about a quarter of a mile above where the bridge, on the Gilmore Valley road, now stands. To keep their clothing dry they stripped, and carried it over on their shoulders, with their packs. Following the trail along the bluffs they readily reached Noracong's shanty, and found themselves on the grounds claimed by the Western Farm and Village Association, and were hospitably received by Mr. Haddock and such of the ]>ioneer guard as were not absent on foraging expeditions to the trout streams in the valleys. Mr. Sweet was the only one of his party who was a member of the association. Mr. Williams, although not a member, was a proxy repi'esentative, prospecting for his son-in-law, H. H. Hull, who belonged to the organization. Mr. Lord was not then in any way connected with the association. He was favorably impressed with its plan of colonization, but was desirous of exploring the sur- roundings of the locality before deciding to make it his home. He was,, however, afterward prominently identifled with the afl'airs of the colony. EMIGllAIs^'i\S COMING. 209 Although the ahiianac phiinly showed that the day of their arrival at Rolling Stone was Sunday, the Rev. William Sweet and Deacon Jonathan Williams accompanied the more liberal-minded O. M. Lord on a Sabbath day's journey into the wilderness back of the bluffs, to view the land. Proceeding up the valley of the Rolling Stone, they followed the trail leading out through what is now known as Straight Valley, onto the dividing ridge between the Roll- ing Stone and Whitewater. Following up this divide they came upon a beautiful prairie, on the edge of which they camped for the night. The next day they explored this locality, and each made choice of a claim. They gave it the name of Rolling Stone prairie, by which it was for a while designated. After selecting their claims they returned to the headquarters of the embryo colony, Nora- cong's shanty, -and made report of their discoveries. This party of three was the first of any of the settlers to visit the country back of the- bluffs of tljie Mississippi. The claim made by Mr. Sweet was the farm occupied by him for many years after- ward. The name of Rolling Stone prairie was, because of his resi- dence here, changed and given the name of Sweet's prairie. Mr. Sweet is now living near Minnesota City. The claim made by Mr. Williams, adjoining that of Mr. Sweet, was for H. H. Hull, who was then living at Scales Mound, near Galena. Mr. Hull came on with his wife later in the season, and occupied the claim shanty of Mr. Sweet through the winter. In the spring he sold the claim made for him by Mr. Williams, and located himself a few miles farther south, in what is n(^w the town of Utica. He lived there a few years, when he sold out and went back to Illinois. After making this claim Mr. Sweet went back to his home -and brought on a part of his family. About the middle of June, he with the aid of the settlers at Rolling Stone built a small log-house, and made some improvements on his claim. In the fall he returned home, leaving his son, a boy about twelve years, to remain and live with Mr. Hull, who, with his wife, was to occupy Mr. Sweet's shanty during the winter. It was made the duty of tfiis boy to drive the cattle down into the Whitewater Yalley to water. The boy was treated with a great deal of severity. During one of the coldest days of that winter, the boy without sufficient protection was sent to drive the cattle down into the valley — but he never returned. Mr. Hull found him a few rods from the house frozen to death. The body was put into a sink-hole, and not buried until the next spring. 210 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Tlie cliiiin made by Mr. Lord on Sweet's i)rairie was never im- proved by him ; some otlier settler had the benefit of his choice. On the second of May a large detachment of the main body of colonists, about fifty in number, men, women and children, bound for the Rolling Stone, came up the river on the Excelsior from St. Louis. This party did not land at Wabasha prairie. Supposing it to be practicable for steamboats to go through Straight slough, if the ofiicers of the boats were inclined to make the attempt, and on account of the extreme high water which made it difticult to get to the mainland from Wabasha prairie, Mr. Haddock had advised this party to make it a condition of their passage that they should be landed at Rolling Stone. Captain Ward, of the Excelsior, promised to land them anywhere they wished, provided it could be done w^th safety to the boat. On arriving at Wabasha prairie, the pilot refused to attempt the passage through Straight slough, deciding that it was not a navi- gable channel. The party continued on, expecting to find a land- ing-place somewhere above. At Holmes' landing (now Fountain City), the boat stopped to replenish its supply of wood. They here found Thomas K. Allen, the secrehiry of the association, who, with Augustus A. Gilbert, one of the directors, had landed from the Dr. Franklin during the previous night. Mr. Gilbert had taken a canoe and crossed over to the Minnesota side of the river, leaving Mr. Allen in charge of their baggage. A cow and a breaking plow was a part of their freight. Learning that there was no prospect of landing from the steam- boat near their destination, they bargained with the master and owner of the wood-boat to transfer them to the other side of the river. The German agreed to undertake the trip for fifteen dollars, although he was unacquainted witli the river in that vicinity, pro- vided they would help him get his boat back to his woodyard again. Taking Mr. Allen and his freight on board with the loaded wood craft in tow, the steamboat proceeded on up the river, unloading while on the way. The colonists with their freight and live stock were transferred to the empty scow, which was cast off when about a mile below the mouth of the White Water and near the Minne- sota shore. From there they drifted down to. Rolling Stone. It was late in the afternoon when they left the Excelsior. By carefiilly hugging the shore they fortunately succeeded in safely landing, about fifty rods above where Troosts' flouring-mill recently stood. EMIGRANTS COMING. , 211 It was long after dark before the weary immigrants gathered around the camp-iire of the pioneer squad, which had been a beacon to guide them as thej poled the sluggish craft across the overflowed bottoms from Haddock slough, down which they had drifted until nearly opposite theii- landing-place. ISToracong's little shanty was literally packed full of children with a woman or two to care for them. The "gophers" were crowded to their fullest capacity. The colonists not provided with shelter bivouaced around the camp-fires. The night was a cool but pleasant one. Xone seemed to suffer from the exposure they were subject to on the first night of their arrival in their new home. Among the party landed from the wood-boat were S. E. Cot- ton, wife and child '; H. W. Driver and wife, Lawrence Dilworth, wife and four children; James Wilson and wife; James Ilatton, wife and four children ; Mrs. Charles Bannon ; Dr. George F. Childs, wife and niece ; David Densmore, John Shaw, M. Fitzgib- bons, D. Jackson, William Harris, Horace Ranney, William Sperry, A. A. Gilbert, Thomas K. Allen and others — some families whose names are now forgotten. It was under such circumstances and condition of affairs that this colony was settled, and some of tlie members of the associatir»n initiated into the mysteries of pi(^neer life. Many were, greatly disappointed ; the realities presented to view served to somewhat cloud the illusive fancies pictured in their imaginations, of com- fortable homes in the west. Some were discouraged and home- sick. Others, strongly dissatisfied with the location, decided to abandon the colony and return down the river. Some of the more courageous announced that they had come to stay, and notwith- standing the prospective hardships to be endured, they cheerfully set about making their arrangements accordingly. At daylight the next morning tlie freight was unloaded from the wood-boat, and a party of nine, principally members of the pioneei- squad, among whom were H. Jones and William Stevens, assisted the proprietor to land it on the Wisconsin side of the river. On their return the same day they brought with them a small flat- boat, which was at first hii-ed and afterward purchased by the asso- ciation. This craft was called the Macedonian. It was a roughly-constructed affair of sufficient capacity to carry about three cords of wood, and proved really serviceable to the settlers. The following morning some of the pioneer squad started with 212 JIISTOm OF WINO.NA COUNTY. the Macedonian for Wabasha prairie to bring u]) their freight and baggage left on their arrival in charge of the "cigar-maker." Dr. ('hilds, William Sperry, and two other disaffected ones, who had decided to abandon the colony, embraced the opportunity and en- gaged passage with their families and all of their possessions and moved down to Johnson's landing. The liatboat was landed on Keen\s claim, a little north from where the fair grounds were once located. From there the party walked to Johnson's and waited for a steam boat to take them back down the river. Dr. C^hilds remained in charge of the goods until they were hauled down by Johnson's ox-team, which, with Mauby's wagon, moved the freight of the pioneer scpiad up to the landing-place of the Macedonian. The tlatboat returned with the goods of the pioneer party and also car ried u]) the family of Mr. Mauby, who had been living in Johnson's shautv at. the upper landing. The Macedonian was used as a freight boat during the time of the high water and was most of the time under the control of Cap- tain Jackson. On this first trip it was under the management of^ Mr. Jones. In speaking of the matter Mr. Jones said: *'The wind was blowing quite strong from the' east that day and we were heavy loaded both ways. The trip down was a hard one. Think- ing to make the return trip easier, I tore off two or three strong- poles from the Indian tepees, which we passed on our way up from Johnson's, and rigged a sail by hoisting a portion of the canvas of our tent. We went up at a good rate of speed, but ke])t in shoal water to ])lease some who were afraid to venture out." 'This flat- boat was usually [)ropelled by oars and poles or was dragged over the flooded bottoms on the upper prairie by means of long ropes, the men who performed this service sometimes wading in the shal- low water. The large tent, which had been brought along by the advance party and uswl to shelter their goods at Johnson's landing, was put up al Rolling Stone as soon as it arrived at that place. Its location was about twenty rods east of where Stewart's hotel now stands. It afi:'orded some accommodations for the houseless settlers, until they could build more comfortable places for themselves. With their cooking-stoves arranged under the trees, where they cooked and took their meals, the tent aflbrded shelter and sleeping quarters for several families, besides protection for some of their most valuable goods. They were abundantly supplied with provisions. Unaccus- '£0, U OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 215 toraed to pioneer life they hardly knew what to do or where to begin to make homes for themselves on the village lots apportioned to each member before he left New York. They were mechanics of different trades, and were willing to use any means in their knowledge to make their families comfortable, but they could not build houses without lumber, and none was to be obtained at any • price. But few of the men were handy with the axe or understood how to build a log house. Seeing the urgent necessity and imperative demand made for lumber, O. M. Lord, accompanied by Mr. Densmore, went up the Chippewa river and brought down a small raft of lumber, which he landed safely about where the wood-boat with its passengers reached the shore. Mr. Lord here opened the first lumber yard ever in operation in this county. He leadily retailed liis lumber in small lots and soon exhausted his stock without supplying the demand. He was then engaged by the members of the association to go up to the mills on the Chippewa and purchase a large bill of lumber which they ordered. He was to attend to the sawing, rafting and delivery of the same. This raft was brought down from the Chippewa, attached to a large raft destined for some point on the Mississippi below, and cast off at the head of the slough. He made a successful trip and landed his raft at "Lord's Lumber Yard." CHAPTER XXin. OTHER SETTLP]MENTS. Late in the evening of May 4, 1852, a party of immigrants, destined for the colony at Eolling Stone, landed from the Nominee at Johnson's landing. With this party were Rev. E. Ely, E. B. Drew, C. R. Coryell, W. H. Coryell, Jacob S. Denman"i ' E. b! Thomas, Robert Pike, Jr., Ira Wilcox, Isaac A. Wlieeler, H. Clary, D. Jackson, William Christie, and others whose names are now for- gotten. Rev. Edward Ely came up fi-om La Crosse as a passenger on this boat. He did not belong to the association, neither was he 216 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ever a member of that organization. It was, liowever, through its inilnence that he was induced to come to Minnesota. Mr. Ely was at that time a Baptist preacher — a shepherd without a flock, a pastor awaiting a providential call to a ministerial charge. While in St. ^iouis with his family, 171 transitu from the State of Ohio to wherever the Lord in his wisdom might send him, he was accosted by Horace Ranney, an acquaintance of his boyhood,- who was a member of the Western Farm and Village Association, and one of the party then embarking on the Excelsior for the colony at Roll- ing Stone in the Territory of Minnesota. In a few words Mr. Ranney explained the object of the associa- tion, and readily induced Mr. Ely to put his faifiily and effects, which were then on the levee, on board the steamboat and accompany 'them to the promised land. This party was the one that landed from the wood-boat on May 2, as already related. He accompanied them as far as La Crosse, where he stopped off with his wife and two children to afford them comfortable quarters while he visited the colony and acquired some knowledge of the country into which he had almost involuntarily drifted without any special information relative to its demands or resources. Leaving his family with some kind Baptist friends, he came up on the Nominee to Wabasha prairie, intending to join Mr. Ranney and his friends at Rolling Stone. The disaffection exhibited by some of the members who landed with him, and the action of Dr. Child, influenced him to abandon his design to locate himself in the colony and perhaps decided his future course in life. He settled at Johnson's landing on Wabasha prairie and became a pernument resident of the county and of the city of Winona, where he yet lives. The estimable qualities of his excellent wife endeared her to the early pioneers. Words will hardly express the high esteem enter- tained by the citizens of Winona for Mrs. Ely. Her remarkable talent as a portrait i^ainter, duly appreciated by her many friends, has been for many years utilized as a source of income. E. B. Drew and the Coryell brothers, C. R. and W. H. Coryell, were relatives— cousins. They were also partners in their business transactions. These hardy young men were practical farmers and had previously had some familiarity with pioneer life. They brought with them three yoke of oxen and a cow. A large breaking ])low and an assortment of farming tools formed a part of their outtit and OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 217 freight. The big covered wagon with which they came through from Chicago to Galena, where they took the boat, was one that had been constructed for them the year before for a proposed trip across the country to Oregon. The wagon-box was made water-tight, that it might be serviceable as a float in fording streams. This was liberally stored with supplies. J. S. Denman was accompanied by his mother, wife and four children, and brought with him a team of four horses and a large covered wagon, which he used in transporting his family fi'om Brooklin, Michigan, to Galena. He also had a breaking plow, farm- ing tools and abundant provisions. E. B. Thomas was from the city of New York. From the first organization of the associ-ation he had been an active official member, the corresponding secretary and a financial agent. Robert Pike, Jr., and Elder Wilcox were on a prospecting trip, having left their families in Illinois. As soon as it was light, they, with others, went directly to the colony. Mr. Pike had been engaged for several years in teaching and lecturing on a system of mnemonics, which he had cultivated and on which subject he had published a book of about one hundred and fifty pages. He joined the association in the fall previous, while living in the State of New York, and came to Illinois, where he had been lecturing on his favorite topic and teaching a school during the winter. After he came here he became prominently identified in the matters of the colony and in county affairs, and held official positions. Isaac A. Wheeler, with his son John and H. Clary, came on with Mr. Drew's party. They each brought with them a yoke of oxen. These men remained at Rolling Stone until fall, when they left and went down the river to Indiana. The reports brought down by Dr. Childs were somewhat dis- couraging to these members of the association. Mr. Denman and Mr. Thomas forded the back slough on horseback and went up to Rolling Stone. Having been previously prejudiced, they very promptly expressed their dissatisfaction of the selection made for the village site and at once abandoned all ideas of settling in that locality. Without delay they returned to the landing. Greatly surprised at this abrupt and decisive action on the part of these members, Mr. Haddock accompanied them down. He did not like to lose the aid and influence of his ardent co-worker in the 218 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. organization and management of the association without some effort to rechiim him, but he failed by any arguments presented to induce him to reconsider his decision. Learning that Mr. Thomas designed to witluh-aw from them entirely, Mr. Haddock made a formal demand for the funds in his hands. Mr. Thomas had in his possession a small amount of money, initiation fees and weekly dues, but he declined to surren- der it until his accounts were properly audited and accepted. He was then denounced as a defaulter to destroy his influence with other members. This tinancial matter was subsequently settled at the flrst meeting of the association in Rolling Stone. Mr. Drew and the Coryells wei-e not satisiied with the reports made by Denman and Thomas, nor influenced by the 0])inions of Dr. Childs and his friends, who were then stopping in Johnson's shanty. They "proposed to go up there and look around for them- selves." In the afternoon Mr. Drew and C. R. Coryell accom- panied Mr. Haddock on his return. At the crossing place on the back slough an old canoe was kept for the accommodation of the settlers. It would carry two persons comfortably but was unsafe with more. Mr. Coryell took the pad- dle to set Mr. Haddock across, intending to return foi- his partner. To save time Mr. Drew stripped and, throwing his clothing into the canoe, followed them over. The water was about four and a half feet dee]) on the trail, but deeper above and below. The current was strong, and a person was liable to drift into deep water. By permission, the following entries have been copied from the diary and memoranda of E. B. Drew : "Landed on Wabasha prairie, Minnesota Territory, Tuesday night after 11 o'clock, May 4, 1852. " "Wednesday, May 5 : Went up to Rolling Stone this afternoon and visited the new settlement. Some are homesick and talk of leaving. Found O. M. Lord, from Michigan, there. He was help- ing to cover Mauby's shanty with a roof of elm-bark. He has been back twenty-five or thirty miles and reports a good country and rich soil, and says he shall settle in this part of the country. We have no women or children to get homesick, and we shall stop here too. Took the flatboat down to the lower prairie. Mr. Lord came dovm to our camp and staid all night with us. "Thursday, May 6: Left Wabasha prairie. It is a barren, sandy, desolate-looking place, recently burnt over. Would not OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 219 give ten cents an acre for the whole of it. Forded the slough with our teams and cow ; crossed witliout accident, although the water was deep with a strong current. Had to raise the wagon-box on the bolsters to keep the water out. All our traps are now at Eoiling Stone." Mr. Clary crossed the slough with his oxen at the same time and went up with Mr. Drew. Mr. Wheeler remained on the prairie for a day or two before he joined them at the colony. When Mr. Lord was consulted relative to these incidents he assumed a reflective attitude for a moment and then with an almost audible smile, replied : " That is correct. Wheeler did not come up with Drew. I have reason to remember it. I went down to the prairie the next day and stopped. at his camp, not far from where the road now crosses to the upper prairie. After the usual saluta- tions, Wheeler remarked : ' I suppose you are hungry about this time of day.' I was hungry as a wolf, and I told him I would take a bite if it was handy. We were not very regular in our meals at that time, and I saw the coffee-pot and a few brands smok- ing where they had had a fire. He then took out two or three handfuls of hard biscuit, which he laid on the box where he had been sitting, and said to his son, ' Bring on that meat.' Just then he discovered that his cattle were straying off and started after them. ''The boy brought the meat in a frying-pan and put it on the box. I took hold and made out quite a hearty meal before Wheeler got back. When he returned he glanced at the empty frying-pan and called out to his son, 'Ho, Donald! didn't I tell you to cook some of that ham for. supper ? ' ' Yaas, ' replied the youngster, in a surly tone ; ' I got a right smart chance on it, but that chap gobbled it all.' Wheeler saw the state of affairs almost as soon as I did, and said, 'Wal, wal, cut some more, can't you? there's plenty of it. ' I was somewhat surprised and not a little chagrined to discover that I had eaten up the supper of two hearty and hungry persons, which they had just prepared for themselves. I supposed that they had just completed their meal as I came into their camp." E. B. Drew's loaded wagon was the first to ford the slough and the first along the bluffs. No wagon trail had ever been opened. O. M. Lord was the pilot and guide on the trail. In crossing the slough Mr. Drew gave his special attention to the care of his cow. In his anxiety for her safety he was forgetful of self and got a "duck " or two. His clothing was in the wagon and did not suffer from his mishaps. 220 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. This loaded wagon was the first to make its entrance into the colony of the Western Farm and Village Association. They crossed the creek near Noracong's shanty, Mr. Noracong himself selecting the fording place and directing their movements. This covered wagon was used b}^ Drew and the Coryells as their headquarters — their home for some time after their arrival. The cow was an important item of their possessions. Bread and milk, mush and milk, and milk as a beverage, were staple luxu- ries. Fresh butter of home production was sometimes indulged in. Their cooking was done by their camp-fires. Bread was baked in a tin oven before the fire. Sometimes they used an iron bake-kettle, which they covered with hot ashes and coals. For boiling, a kettle was usually suspended over the fire from a pole supported on crotches. Mr. Drew says a heavy tin bucket made the best camp- kettle. It would heat quickly and economized time in cooking. These, with the frying-pan and coft'ee-pot, were the most important cooking utensils of their camp outfit. Their supplies furnished them a variety in the way of diet. Fresh brook trout were plentiful and common in their camp. About daylight on the morning of Simday, May 9, 1852, another large party, on their way to Rolling Stone, was landed on Wabasha prairie from the Dr. Franklin. Among these passengers were Robert Thorj) and son, Robert Taylor, wife and three children, D. McRose, wife and three children, John Burns, wife a d three children, James Gardner, wife and daughter, a young woman, and quite a number of others. On account of the flood and insufticient means for transportation they were detained at Johnson's landing several days. They built a shelter on the bank of the river by piling up their boxes, forming a small inclosure which they covered with boards found near by. One of the party, Robert Thorp, furnished the following inci- dent. He is yet a resident of the county, a hale and hearty old farmer, living in the town of Rolling Stone. He has preserved his certificate of membership and a copy of it has been procured to show the form of this relic of the association : No. 37. This is to certify that Robert Thorp has paid his initiation fee and has been elected a member of the AVesterii Farm and Villa>re Association No. 1 of the city of New York. William Haddock, President. CiiARLivS K. Whkklkk, Financial Secretary. October 1."), IS;")]. OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 221 These certificates are embellished with emblems of industry and civilization. But two of them have been preserved. The other is held by James Wright, of Minnesota City, to whom it was given. It is No. 15, and dated August 15, 1851. When the association was first organized its members were mechanics of different occupations living in the city. Mr. Thorp was a blacksmith, and had worked at his trade in New York for about twenty years. He was born in England. He left New York on April 15, 1852, with the members of the association who started at that date, taking with him his eldest son, John. The remainder of his family, consisting of his wife and three boys, Thomas, Robert and William, remained in the city about a month before they joined him in Minnesota. All except the last are yet living. Mr. Thoi-p brought with him his blacksmith tools and all things necessary to start a shop in the new colony, and also some house- hold goods. On account of delay in the transfer of his heavy freight at Dunkirk he was left behind his party. On reaching Chicago he shipped his own goods and the goods and baggage of William Christie, D. Jackson and others down the canal and Illinois river to St. Louis, taking passage over the same route. At St. Louis Mr. Thorp bought his supplies in connection with Taylor, Burns, McE-ose and Gardiner, members of the association, who were there on their way to the colony. They took passage to Galena, where they were transferred to the Dr. Franklin. To his great surprise and sorrow Mr. Thorp learned that William Christie, who left liim at Chicago and whose baggage was with his own freight, had died but a few hours before and was then lying in Johnson's shanty. Mr. Christie had arrived a few days previous on the Nominee and had been up to Rolling Stone. On Saturday he came down expecting to meet Mr. Thorp at the landing. On his way he forded the back slough, and without changing his wet cloth- ing lay down to rest, complaining of not feeling well. He was taken with what was supposed to be cholera, and died before morning. Mr. Christie was a Scotchman — a large, strong and healthy young man when he landed here. He was highly respected by his acquaintances for his good qualities. He joined the association in New York city, where he was working at his trade as a machinist. For economy he, with others, walked from Cherry Valley to Galena "222 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. and cuine up tlie i-iver as deck passengers, While at Rolling Stone he had been almost without shelter; the demand was much greater than the accommodation. Provisions of every kind were abundant and none suffered from want of sufficient food. The colonists werje libei-al in relieving each other when aid was required. William Christie was buried on the Evans claim. Ilis coffin was made by E. H. Johnson from the common unseasoned pine boards lying on the bank of the river. A short funeral service was held in the open air in front of the shanty by the Rev. Edward Ely. Mr. Thorp, with other members of the association, accompanied by the settlers and strangers on the i)rairie, followed the dead body to the grave and aided in depositing -it in its last resting-place. The occurrence was one long to be remembered. William Christie was comparatively a stranger. He had died suddenly, far away from the land of liis birth and from his personal friends and relatives. His death was the first on Wabasha prairie, the first among the members of the association and the first among the settlers in the county. His funeral was the first, but before the summer was passed funerals were frequent both on Wabasha prairie and in the settlement at Rolling Stone. A young man by the name of Morgan, a stranger, died after a short sickness not long after Christie's death. A fatal sickness attacked the families camped on the bank of the river. Robert Taylor lost two of his children here. He removed his sick wife to La Crosse, where she soon after died. Mr. McRose lost two children ; one of them died on the fiatboat while on the way to Rolling Stone. Mr, Thorp stopped at Johnson's landing for a few days until he could got transportation for his freight and su])plies. He then went to Rolling Stone to prepare for the arrival of his family. For tem- porary accommodation, which could be the most readily provided, he built a ''gopher" on the lot drawn by him before he left New "^'ork. This location was in the field a little above where the bam of James Kennedy now stands. This hut was an improvement on the ordinary structures of the kind. It was about 12x12. The basement, or part below the surface, was lined with a framework of logs. It was here that the family of Mr. Thorj) began housekeeping in Minnesota. In the morning of May 12th another large ])arty of immigrants for the colony landed from the Caleb Cope at .Johnson's landing. OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 2^3 Owing to unfavorable I'eports in circulation down the river relative to the condition of affairs, some left their families at Galena and came up to explore the country. Among these were James Wright, John Nicklin, David Durjee, James Brooks and many others. Some who landed with their families were compelled to put up temporary shelters on the bank of the river to protect themselves from the drizzling rain while waiting for transportation. Although the day proved to be stormy, a large number of the men went directly to Kolling Stone. As there was insufficient shelter, a company of nine built a "gopher" for their immediate use. This was constructed by digging a hold about 8x12 and about eighteen inches deep, over which a cover was made. The body of this struc- ture was of small basswood logs, about eight feet long and about eight or ten inches in diameter. These logs were split and placed on end close together along the sides and one end of the hole in the ground, with the tops resting on a ridge-pole supported on posts with a crotch at the top. This framework was covered with coarse, dry grass and a layer of earth, over which was laid a covering of sod. The turf, by careful arrangement, made a roof that readily shed the rain of ordinary showers. In this "gopher hole," on a floor of dry grass, the nine men of this company slept the first night of their arrival, and occupied it as their lodging-place for a week or two afterward. This "gopher" was built on the land now owned by James Wright, and where he now lives in Minnesota city. It was afterward used as a stopping- place for the family of Mr. Wright. The most of this party of explorers decided to continue in the colony. Some sent for their families, others went down the river to escort them up. Mr. Wright and Mr. Mcklin were among the latter. Mr. Charles Bannon came up the river on the Caleb Cope. He was one of the directors of the association and one of its earliest members. He, with his wife, started from Xew York with the party that landed from the wood-boat at Rolling Stone. While on the way up the river he left the boat at Davenport and, in company with M. A. Allen, stopped to buy cattle. Mr. Bannon purchased three yoke of oxen and Mr. Allen two yoke, which they drove through the country to Dubuque, where they took passage with their stock. These oxen were designed for use as breaking-teams and for general farm work. CHAPTER XXIV. FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. To catch the drift from the colony above, Jolinson offered the choice of an acre of his claim on Wabasha prairie to eacli of tlie disaffected ones who would stop tliere, build a house, and make it their residence for one year. At that time the claim had not been surveyed or divided into lots and streets. This ofier was accepted by several and a number of locations selected. Rev. E. Ely made choice of an acre south of Johnson's shanty, about where the Ely block now stands, on the corner of Center and Second streets. Jacob S. Denman selected an acre adjoining that of Mr. Ely's on the east ; Dr. Childs an acre on the south of Mr. Ely's ; E. B. Thomas on the south of Mr. Denman's and east from that of Dr. Childs' ; John Evans selected an acre west of Jolm- son's shanty ; John Burns, a member of the association and one of the party who camped on the bank of the river from the Dr. Frank- lin on the 9th of May, accepted the offer of an acre from Ed. Ham- ilton on his claim on the same conditions as the others. The acre chosen by him was in what is now the front yard of the residence of Hon. H. W. Lamberton, on the corner of Huff and Harriett streets. Mr. Burns planted a small garden and set out a few small apple- trees, which he had brought up the river. Some of these trees afterward grew to be of considerable size. These were the first fruit-trees, or trees of any kind, planted on Wabasha prairie by the early settlers. These fruit-trees were planted in a trench near together, as in a nursery. When Mr. Huff took possession of the namilt(m claim he built a fence around the few trees that had escaped the ravages of the cattle, and after two or three years trans- planted them in his garden. W. H. Stevens gave the use of his shanty on the Stevens claim to Mr. Denman until he could ]»rocure lumber and build a residence for his family. Mr. Denman found occupation for his team and plow by breaking the land selected for himself and others. They all made small gardens by way of occupancy and improve- ments. Mr. Denman enclosed his acre and that selected by Mr. FIRST SETTLEALENTS AT WINONA CITY. 225 Thomas with a temporary fence and planted the field with com. This was his first attempt at farming in Minnesota. It was not a profitable enterprise. The fence that enclosed this corn-field was the first fence built on the prairie by the settlers. It was put up by George W. Clark and his brother Wayne Clark. Mr. Denman paid them for it by breaking four acres of land on Clark's claim across the slough. Neither Mr. Thomas, Dr. Childs or Mr. Burns ever made any other improvements on the lots selected. They abandoned them and made locations elsewhere. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Burns held claims in the colony, but left the territory in the fall. Dr. Childs , remained on the prairie for several years after. Mr. Denman built a house on his acre of prairie as soon as he could procure lumber. Mr. Ely built one in the fall. During the summer his famil}^ lived in Johnson's shanty after they came up from La Crosse, where they staid for a short time. He paid John- son four dollars per month rent for the use of the "Hotel." The house built by Mr. Denman stood on Lafayette street, be- tween Second and Third streets. This was the first house built by the settlers on Wabasha prairie, not expressly designed as a "claim shanty." It was a balloon frame building of considerable preten- sions for that date of improvements, about 16x32, one story high, the sides boarded "up and down" with rough boards and the cracks battened. The roof was of boards, and because of its pecu- liar construction the building was given the name of " car-house," from its fancied resemblance to a railroad car. The doors and win- dows were furnished with frames and casings — the first improve- ments of the kind. The floor was of dressed lumber, a luxury heretofore unknown. This building was divided into rooms by board partitions, and parts of it ceiled with dressed lumber. Mr. Denman occupied this house as his residence until fall, when he moved on his claim. About the first of July he opened a store in the front room of this building. He brought up from Galena a small stock of goods suitable for the market, and here started the first store on Wabasha prairie for the sale of goods to the settlers. Jacob S. Denman was the first merchant to establish himself in business in what is now the cit}^ of Winona. It was in the "car house" that the first white child was born within the limits of this city. While living here the family of Mrs. Denman was increased by the addition of a daughter on the 18th of 226 - HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. July, 1S52. Mrs. (loddard, after consultation with Mrs. Ely. tjave to this first native settler the name of "Prairie Louise Denman," tlie name by which she was afterward known. She has been dead many years. The oldest native settler, born in the city of Winona, who is now living, is Mason Ely, the second son of Rev. Edward Ely, born in 1853. The primary object of all of the early settlers was to secure land for farming purposes on which to locate a future home. About the first thing done was to "make a claim." Mr. Denman began prospecting as soon as he landed, and on the 9th of May discovered •and formally made a claim on the upper ^ prairie. He and his mother there held 320 acres. The high water flooded the bottom lands, and their claims covered all of the land not overflowed, lying east from the Rolling Stone creek, to about where the highway now crosses the railroads, and extended south far enough to include the table next to the bluffs. It was on this table that he blazed the trees and inscribed his name as proprietor of the claim. It was on this table that he built a very comfortable log house, made other improvements, and moved his family there in September. The land selected by Mr. Denman had been previously claimed by Had- dock and Murphy for the Western Farm and Village Association. Mr. Denman was duly notified that he was trespassing on grounds claimed for the colony, but he persisted in holding it and making imj^rovements, without regard to the protestations of the members of the association. This was the first collision of a settler with that organization. The first person to encroach on the territory claimed was an ex- member. To get Denman off, the colonists tried "moral, legal and physical suasion, but he tenaciously adhered." He lived in this log cabin under the bluffs for about three years, until he built a more modern house and large barns near the center of his farm. This claim, or, more properly, the claims of Denman and his mother, are now known as the Denman farm. It is at present owned and occu- pied by Mr. George Fifield. Mr. Denman sacrificed this large farm, which he had secured by honest industry and years of hard labor, in his mistaken zealous efibrts to aid the "Grange movement" for chea])er freights, cheaper supplies and cheaper agricultural implements. He removed to Texas", but his good luck at farming failed him there. It is said that Mr. Denman is now a poor man, and in his old age again a pioneer, FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WLNONA CITY. 227 looking for "a home in the west" in one of the territories. None of his family are now living in this county. Dr. George F. Childs, with his wife and niece, lived for a short time in Johnson's shanty. While there liis niece was taken with the measles and died after a few days' sickness. The remains were taken to La Crosse for burial. About the middle ol May Dr. Childs bought the east half of the claim made by Jabez McDermott. He paid McDermott eighty dol- lars for a quit-claim deed and possession of the eighty acres. This was the lirst claim sale on Wabasha prairie. Whether this deed was ever made a matter of record is now very uncertain, as at that time there was no county organization in Wabasha county, of which Winona county was a part. All matters of record were filed in Washington county, with which Wabasha was connected for -all judicial purposes. Possession of land was then more important than title-deeds. The land still belonged to government and no surveys had been made. The machine-shops and surrounding buildings of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, the Winona wagon-works and the Winona plow-works are on what was once the McDermott claim. This locality was a favorite camping-place of Wabasha's band. When Dr. Childs took possession there were about half-a-dozen of their large bark cabins, or tepees, yet standing, but in a somewhat dilapidated condition, the settlers having taken material from them for use in other localities. In the vicinity of the machine-shops was an old Indian burying-place. The graves were scattered over that locality ; very many were exposed and destroyed in the excavations made. Relics of the past — stone hatchets, flint arrowheads and pipes of red pipestone — were found. Sometimes fragments of bones or a tolerably well preserved skeleton would be unearthed and used to help form a railroad embankment in som§ other locality. Indian graves have been found in several places on Wabasha prairie and in the mouths of the valleys. Quite a number were exposed by the caving of the river bank on the lower part of the prairie. Two modern Indian graves were on Johnson's claim when the whites first took possession of the prairie. They were left undis- turbed for several years. The covering of sticks which were placed over them by the natives marked their location until the ground was plowed by Johnson in the spring of 1855. These graves were on lot 2, block 17. When it was improved and buildings were erected, 228 HISTORY OF wlnona county. tlie boTies buried there were thrown out in excavating a cellar and taken j)ossession of by Dr. Franklin Staples. These bones were the remains of young persons and were vei-y much decayed. It has been stated that some of Wabasha's children wjere buried in these graves, but there is no evidence contlrming this statement. Wa- basha's special home was in the mouth of Burns valley. The Indian village located on the McDermott claim, a ])art of which was purchased by Dr. Childs, was said to be the grand gathering-place of the Mdaywakantonwan division of Sioux. It was in this vicinity that Wabasha's bands met for their amusements, sports and games, as well as more serious and important affairs. From this village the Indian trails diverged as fi-om a common cen- ter, some leading to the valleys, others up and down the bank of the river. The wild grass, common on every other part of the prairie, had almost entirely disappeared around this village or sum- mer resort, and had been replaced by a fine turf of blue-grass found in no other place exce])t along the bank of the river on the lower part ()f the prairie, where Mrs. Keyes now lives. Mr. George W. Clark says "That on McDermott's claim there was a large flat stone, the center of a large circle of smooth, level ground, with well defined boundaries, plainly to be seen in 1851. This stone was taken away by some of the early settlers. " Dr. Childs lived during the summer of 1852 in the little cabin with a bark roof which McDermott occupied as his claim shanty. He built a comfortable cottage near by it, in which he lived for sev- eral years. The logs and poles of the Sioux tepees were used in the construction of sheds and as posts for his fences. The bark covering of the huts was carefully gathered and used as firewood for his kit- chen stove. It was the custom of Dr. Childs to date all of his correspondence and business papers from his residence on this claim, to which he gave the name of "Ozelle cottage." This name was derived from the one given by the old French voyageurs to Wabasha prairie. Ozelle was but the French pronunciation of A/x Aile anglicized by Dr. Childs in writing. When Dr. Childs left New York he supposed that he would find the Indians occupying this part of the territory, and brought along an assortment of goods for the purpose of bartering with them, but found that the Sioux had forsaken their liomes in this locality. He FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. 229 after a time traded his Indian goods with tlie Winnebagoes for dressed deerskins and got rid of his goods without loss. Dr. Childs was a botanic physician, but never practiced liis pro- fession in tliis vicinity, or only to a very limited extent. He engaged in mercantile business for a year or two after he sold his land. He moved to Minneiska, Wabasha county, where he lived for awhile. Dr. G. F. Childs is now a resident of the State of Maryland, where he has charge of a benevolent institution, a home for aged people. Among the passengers who landed at Johnson's landing from the steamer Caleb Cope on May 12, 1852, were Abner S. Goddard, wife and three children, from La Crosse. They arrived at about four o'clock on a dark and rainy morning, and went directly from the landing to the shanty on the Stevens claim, in accordance with a previous arrangement made with Silas Stevens. On reaching the shanty they were surprised to find the table, benches and other fur- niture of the cabin, which they supposed to be occupied, irregularly piled outside. When the inmates were aroused they discovered that the furniture had been removed to aftord sleeping quarters for the occupants. William H. Stevens and a young man living with him held one corner, while the family of Mr. Denman, seven in number, were in possession of the remainder of the little 10X12 shanty, not occupied by the cook-stove. To accommodate the new- comers, the future occupants of the cabin, Mr. Denman provided for his family by making a shelter for them with the lumber he had laid up loosely to dry for use in the house he was then building. While living in tliis manner the loose boards were blown from over their , heads during a severe thunderstorm one night when they were all in bed. They were compelled to seek shelter in Johnson's shanty, but again occupied their lumber piles in the morning and continued to do so until their house was finished. During the previous winter Mr. Goddard had been living in La Crosse. He there taught the village school — the first school ever taught in La Crosse, the first school ever taught on the Mississippi river between Prairie du Chien and St. Paul, if the Indian mission schools at Ked Wing and Kaposia are excepted. His schoolroom was in the court-house, which was built during the fall and fore part of the same winter. To add to their income and to accommodate some personal friends, Mrs. Goddard opened a boarding-house. ''Aunt Catharine's" table was then, as it is now, always full, with- out soliciting patronage. Silas Stevens became a boarder and made 230 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. it his home with them while in La Crosse. After the attempt of Mr. Gere to jump the Stevens claim Mr. Stevens ofiered to furnish Mr. (4oddard a shanty of sutticient capacity to keep a boarding-house on Wabasha prairie if he would go up and live on his claim, and also promised him an acre of the claim on which to build a house if he would continue to reside there. Others, then living in La Crosse, who had made claims, urged him to accept Mr. Stevens' proposition. As Mr. Goddard had been up to the prairie with a party of claim- hunters early in the spring, and had been solicited by the settlers in that locality to come up, he was the more readil}" induced to change his residence. Immigrants were landed from every boat, and the little shanty was crowded with hungry guestte as soon as their arrival was known. Meals were provided for all that came, but they were required to look out for their own lodging-places. The beds of their guests were sometimes the soft sands of the prairie, the bed clothing their ordi- nary wearing apparel with the addition of a blanket. Three. or four days after the arrival of Mr. Goddard, another shanty was put up by Mr. Stevens to meet the increasing business and the demand foj* better accommodations. This shanty was a one- story building about 16x32. To increase its capacity an awning of canvas was stretched from one side, which served as a shelter for the cooking department. The two rooms were subdivided by can- vas partitions. It was customary, however, for guests who lodged there to blow out the candle and go to bed in the dark. This was a rule of the house. This shanty stood about where the "Davenport house" now stands, not far from the corner of Third and Kansas streets. The original shanty on the Stevens claim was torn down, and the material used in the construction of this second one. " Goddard 's " was the favorite stopping-place — the most popu- lar and commodious " hotel" on Wabasha prairie. This shanty was the "home" of many of the early settlers of this county who came that season. It was here they gathered for social enjoyment, to get the latest news, to discuss the matters of claims and current events. It was the yjlace of gathering for all public meetings, and the headquarters of the Wabasha Protection Club, of which Mr. Goddard was elected secretary. A select school was oi)ened here by Miss Angelia Gere, a young daughter of IL (1 Gere. This was the first school attempted on tlie prairie. It was kept in opera- FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WUSTONA CITY. 283 tion but a short time. Here the first stated religious meetings were held, with regular preaching on the Sabbath day. This history would be incomplete without some special notice of Mr. Goddard and his familj-, so intimately were the early settlers connected with this "settlers' home." The summer of 1852 was known in the west as the sickly season. The extreme high water of the early spring was followed by another extreme of low water, with remarkably dry and hot weather. This occasioned a general epidemic of severe forms of malarial diseases, which were unusually fatal. These diseases prevailed extensively along the river. Wabasha prairie and the colony at Minnesota City were seriously affected by it. The settlement of this county was retarded through the loss of many of the settlers by death, and the removal of very many others to escape the tlireatened dangers of sickness in a locality where there was so limited accommoda- tions, even for the healthy. The settlers considered themselves fortunate, indeed, if in their attack of sickness they could get in at Goddard's. The accommo- dation was prized, for there they felt sure of kind attention and watchful nursing. There were no regular medical practitioners in the county who followed their profession — none nearer than La Crosse, and domestic management was an important" consideration with the sufferers. The following extract from a letter to "Aunt Catharine " (Mrs. Goddard), written a score of years afterward, will illustrate some- what the general sentiments of the early settlers in connection with the occurrences of that year : "■ I cannot forget the many deeds of kindness and motherly care my brothers and myself received at your hands when your house was a hospital and you the ministering angel. With nine sick persons, including your husband ; with but two rooms in which to lodge and make comfortable your sick house- hold, how admirably and patiently all was managed." In the latter part of this season Mr. Goddard and his two young- est children were prostrated with the prevailing diseases and died. Mr. Goddard's death occurred September 11. The loss of a citizen of such promising usefulness in the new settlement was a calamity seriously felt. He was a man of the strictest integrity and of cor- rect moral principles. In his native state, Pennsylvania, Mr. Goddard was honored with the office of justice of the peace, and held that position for 14 234 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. many years, lie there acquired the title of " Squire Goddard," by which name he was generally known. He was appointed post- master, and received his commission during his last sickness, but never qualified or attemj)ted to serve in that capacity. Mrs. Goddard, now known as Mrs. Catharine Smith, is yet a resident of Wabasha prairie. She is the oldest female resident of the citv of Winona. Indirectly through her some of the best citizens of Winona became residents of this county. She is a sister of the Lairds'. Although the mother of many children, she has but one living, a son, Orrin F. Smith. Aunt Catharine is a woman whose social nature, kind heart and real worth have secured to her hosts of sincere friends. Her Easter parties, birthday gatherings and social reunions of old settlers are annual enjoyments to herself as well as to her numerous relatives and friends. Mrs. Goddard was connected with many incidents of pioneer life which might be mentioned, some of which will be noticed. Prominent among the settlers who located on Wabasha prairie this season was Dr. John L. Balcombe. About April 1 he came up the river on the Nominee and stopped at La Crosse. Being a gen- tleman of much more than usual general intelligence, with fine social qualifications, and also an invalid, he readily formed acquaint- ances and found friends'among the best citizens of that place. Wa- basha prairie was then attracting considerable attention from the residents of La Crosse, and not long after his arrival he was induced to join a party who proposed to explore the late Sioux purchase for farming lands. Their prospecting excursions only extended to the valleys along the river, where some claims were selected. It being too early in the season to attempt any very extended trip without a more suitable outfit than could be procured, they returned to La Crosse. In the forepart of May Dr. Balcombe again visited Wabasha prairie. He brought with him a horse, or pony, and camp supplies. He Irere secured the services of lid. Hamilton, whose robust strength and experience as a cook made him a valuable acquisition in the exploring excursion he proposed to make. After transporting their outfit across the slough they started for the back country, Hamilton leading the way on the trail with a heavy pack of supplies, the doctor following on horseback with the balance of their outfit, which included a sack of corn and a bundle of hay. FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WESTONA CITY. 285 Following the trail to Minnesota City thej went up the south valley and out on Sweet's prairie on a trail marked by the settlers of the colony. They spent three or four days in exploring the country along the branches of the White Water and Root river as far as the western part of this county. In the vicinity of what is now the town of Saratoga they saw a large herd of elk, the last that have been seen in this vicinity. They returned through the Rolling Stone and arrived at John- son's landing on the evening of May 12, and went directly to the shanty of Mr. Goddard, where the doctor was provided for as a guest with such accommodations as the place afforded, although Mrs.. Goddard had hardly taken possession of the premises. The next day he returned to La Crosse. About the last of May another exploring party was organized in La Crosse by Dr. Balcombe, Rev. J. C. Sherwin, Rev. William H. Card, and other prominent citizens. Provided with horses and necessai-y supplies for camping out, they took passage to Wabasha prairie. The services of Ed. Hamilton were again secured. As the grass had by this time become sufficient for the support of their horses, the trip was only limited by their inclinations or the extent of their camp supplies. This party went out through Gilmore valley. Keeping on the divide between the Root river and the White Water and Zombro rivers, they explored the country as far west as the head-waters of the Cedar river. On their return they camped on the head-waters of the White Water, spending the Sabbath in the vicinity of the present village of St. Charles. Religious exercises were observed and Elder Sherwin delivered a sermon to his companions. This was the first religious meeting held in the country back from the river. While on this excursion Dr. Balcombe made discovery of many choice locations. His habits of close observation, with a retentive memory, gave him a decided advantage over other explorers, which were afterward of pecuniary value. He could long afterward point out the choicest locations to the early settlers seeking farming lands. While on this trip he first discovered and located the present site of High Forest. It was not until a year or two afterward that he found sale for his rights of discovery. This exploring excursion satisfied Dr. Balcombe that the resources of this part of the Sioux purchase, when developed, would amply 236 iirsTouY of winona county. Bupport a large commercial town on the river and that the outlet must be in this vicinity. He decided to locate on Wabasha prairie, and accepted Johnson's offer of an acre of ground on the same terms offered others. The acre selected was west of and adjoining that chosen by John Evans. He built a shanty on Main street, between Front and Second streets, near the alley. It was 12x16, one story, of little better style than common claim shanties. It had a gable roof instead of the ordinary shed roof. This was at first of boards, but was afterward covered with shingles. Dr. Balcombe also bought an undivided one-third of the Hamil- ton claim, No. 5. Mark Howard, a gentleman residing in Hartford, Conn., purchased another third, Edwin Hamilton retaining one- third. Walter Brown, of La Crosse, was appointed agent for Mr. Howard. This property is now known as Huff^'s addition to the original town plot of Winona. The claim was valued at $200. The shares were $66.66 each. Mr. Hamilton then sup])osed he had made a good sale. About June 1, Dr. Balcombe brought his wife from Illinois, where she was on a visit with her son. Stopping at La Crosse for awhile, she came to Wabasha prairie on June 13. They boarded at Goddard's until they commenced housekeeping in their own shanty in July.. About July 1 he built a shanty on the Hamilton claim, which he leased to O. S. Holbrook, of which mention was made in earlier pages. Early in July Dr. Balcombe went down the river and brought up some household furniture and supplies. He also brought back with him a span of horses ajid a colt, double and single harnesses, a lumber wagon and a buggy. This was the first buggy ever brought iiito the county and the only one for nearly a year afterward. After spending the summer and fall in Minnesota, Dr. Balcombe sold his interest in the Hamilton claim, with his horses and wagons, to Edwin Hamilton for $661, and with his wife went down the river on the last boat in the fall. He spent the winter with his only child, a son, St. A. D. Balcombe, then a druggist doing business in Elgin, Illinois. He returned the following spring. Further attention will be given him in the occurrences of that year. CHAPTER XXV. INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. Among the settlers who came into this county in the spring of 1852 were Wayne Clark and Scott Clark, brothers of George W. Clark. Wayne arrived about the first of May, Scott a little later in the season. Scott Clark was an invalid, and came on from the State of New York with the hope that the climate of Minnesota would prove beneficial to his health. Re made a claim in the mouth of Gilmore valley. It included the Indian cultivation and extended onto the table where the residence of C. C. Beck now stands. His claim shanty, a small log house, stood on the same plateau but near the point next to the creek. He held this claim until his death, which occurred in June, 1854. He was buried on the grounds of what is now Woodlawn cemetery. His grave was the first in that locality. He was, however, buried there several years before the spot was selected as a public cemetery. Wayne Clark did not come to Minnesota for the express purpose of making it a home as an actual settler. His principal object was speculation. He brought with him quite a number of land war- rants, which he expected he would be able to use in securing lands on the "Sioux purchase" in the territory, but the lands had not been surveyed and he found that land warrants were not available property here. To preserve them, he carefully laid them away in his trunk, in which he also secreted other valuables. He brought with him from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the trunk and "good clothes " of his brother, left there the year before, when George abandoned all superfluities of that kind. These trunks were stored in Kash's slianty on claim No. 2, which they then occupied as their headquarters. Nash and Gil- more were away, rafting logs for Farrell that had been cut on the islands opposite during the winter. Although living in this shanty on the prairie, they were engaged in making improvements on the claim of George Clark across the slough, putting in a crop of potatoes, corn, making garden and building a cabin. One day, while engaged in putting the cabin in a habitable 2;-i8 HISTORY OF WINONA COLTNTY. condition, they were alarmed by a messenger, William H. Stevens, crossing over in haste to inform them that the Sioux threatened to burn the shanty on the Nash claim, and that they had better come over and take care of their traps or their property would be burned up in it. Startled by this report, they hastened to secure their valuables from threatened destruction. On arriving at the landing they found all of the settlers gathered at Goddard's shanty, with about half a dozen Indians as the center of attraction. They here learned that the cause of the alarm was from the -neglect of Nash to pay the Indian tax which had been levied on the shanty by the Sioux, or to provide for its payment as he had promised the Indians. On this visit the Indians collected a barrel of flour from Gere, and another from Dr. Childs. There were but six inhabited claim shan- ties on Wabasha prairie at this time. All had paid their tax except Nash. Wabasha's ''infernal" revenue collectors were somewhat irritated at not being able to secure the delinquent tax on the shanty of claim No. 2. The leader and spokesman of the party expressed his dissatisfaction forcibly and emphatic in the Dakota language. The settlers standing around readily comprehended what he meant, although they could not understand but a single word of all that he said. By signs lised in his demonstrations he intimated that they had promised to give them the flour when the Nominee came up in the spring, but had failed to do as agreed. Gesticulating with his hands, he pointed down the river, then moving them slowly up until he pointed up stream. This he performed several times, each time repeating, distinctly, "Nominee," pointing toward the shanty, shak- ing his fist and giving strong expressions of dissatisfaction. The interpretation as understood was that the Nominee had been up and down a number of times and Nash had not furnished the flour. Apparently becoming terribly excited in his manner, the Indian rushed to the cook-stove of Mrs. Goddard, which stood at the side of the building, and drawing out a blazing fire-brand, started to- ward the delinquent shanty as if he was gohig to set it on fire. This the settlers comprehended as only a threat that they would burn it if the flour or its equivalent was not forthcoming. lie was easily pacified and induced to drop the incendiary torch when assured he should have the flour. Johnson furnished it from his own supplies and settled the matter at once. This was tlu' only "Indian scare" ever attempted by the Sioux INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. 239 with the eai'ly settlers in this county. The alarm was soon over, and an amicable shake all around indicated a satisfactory adjust- ment of difficulties and a truce to all hostile demonstrations. In transporting the flour collected by the Indians, the barrels were opened with their hatchets and the flour transferred to sacks. The barrels were then destroyed. The only claim shanties on Wabasha prairie for which this tax was paid to the Sioux were on claims Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and on the claim of Dr. Cliilds and for Henry C. Gere's shanty. John Burns paid them for his privileges in the mouth of Burns valley. Four barrels of flour settled all Indian claims on the colony at Minnesota City. These were all that paid the Indian tax that season. Finding the settlers were becoming too numerous to be easily alarmed, the Indians abandoned their compulsory plan of begging and let them remain undisturbed. Notwithstanding the amicable adjustment with the Sioux in relation to the shanty they were occupying on the prairie, the Clarks removed their deposits and transferred all of their efiects across the slough, where they were under their personal care. They commenced housekeeping in their own shanty, George W., Wayne and Scott Clark living together. Wayne Clark spent that season in Minnesota, exploring the country looking for chances to speculate, but went down the river on the last boat in the fall vrithout making a claim or investing his surplus funds in a country where securities (claims) were such un- certain property. ■With the crowd of passengers brought up the river by the Nomi- nee on the 19th of May, who landed on Wabasha prairie, were quite a number of immigrants for the colony. For convenience in dis- charging freight and live stock. Captain Smith landed them at the lower landing, his favorite claim and special preference for a town site. Among the members of the association who stopped here were Hiram Campbell, wife and three children, Mrs. Thorp (wife of Kobert Thorp) and three sons, H. B. Waterman, wife and son, Asa Waterman, Eufiis Waterman, Andrew Petee, D. Q, Burley, H. Shipley and son, Mr. Hunt and others. Tliis party had quite a large herd of cattle — oxen, cows and young stock. The greater part of them belonged to Hiram Campbell. Mr. Waterman had two yoke of oxen and two cows, and Mr. Hunt 240 IIIf^TORY OF WINONA ("OTTNTY. two joke of oxen. As soon as tlie cattle were landed they scattered (»ver the prairie in si)ite of the efforts of their owners to restrain them. The new-comers were not then aware that they were on an island, from which their cattle would not attempt to escape even if allowed to range over it. It was not until late in the day that all of tlie frisky herd were collected at the lower end of the prairie. The tents were pitched and the party remained at the landing until the next morning, when the wagons were loaded, the cattle collected, and all moved up to the upper end of the prairie, where they again cam})ed near the landing-place of the Macedonian. The following morning the cattle were again collected and after much trouble driven aci-oss the back slough at the crossing on the trail below where they camped. Mr. Campbell divested himself of all clothing and followed them over alone to aid his young stock if occa- sion required. The wagons, with the men, women and children, were transferred across the slough to the upper prairie by the Macedonian, landing about where the present road is laid. Several trips were made to carr}" them all over. From here they made their way along down the slough and then moved on up to the table-land along the bluffs above the mouth of Gilmore valley, where they camped for the night. The next day, May 23, they made their entry into the settlement and mingled with the crowds there collected. Some of this party are yet residents of that vicinity. On account of the difficulties in getting to Rolling Stone from Wabasha prairie, and because of the strong feeling of jealousy and rivalry that began to be exhibited ])etween the two localities, Mr. Haddock urgently requested the members of the association, by messages and letters sent to those on their way uj), not to land on Wal^asha prairie. If the boats could not be induced to land them at Kolling Stone by going up Straight Slough, they were advised to continue on up the river and land on the Minnesota side below the mouth of the White Water. From there he supposed it would be practicable to reach the colony by land, or tliey could be brought down by water on the Macedonian. But one small party attempted to reach the colony over this route. They came up the river on the Dr. Franklin. At Johnson's landing, where the boat stopped, they were advised by O. M. Lord, who chanced to see them, that they had better land there with the other passengers, and assured them tliat it would be more difficult to get to Rolling Stone from above than from the prairie. OCCIDENTS OF THE EARTY TIMES. 241 Mr. Wright, who had previously visited the colony, and who now assumed the leadership, had such unlimited confidence in the judg- ment and advice of Mr. Haddock in the matter, that he decided to follow the instructions of the president of the association. They continued on and landed on the morning of May 23 about three miles below the mouth of the White Water and about a mile below Hall's landing, afterward known as Mt. Vernon. The members of this party were James Wright, wife and six children, Jolm JSTicklin, wife and two children, and S. M. Burns, wife and three children. Mr, Wright was one of the directors of the association and one of its earliest members. He had been a resident of the city of New York, where he followed the occupation of a wood-turner. Mr. Nicklin was from the same place, where he was a lithographer. Mr. Burns was from eastern Pennsylvania, where he had been a hotel-' keeper, or keeper of a restaurant. It was said that Mr. Burns brought more money with him than any other member of the colony. With their freight they had a large supply of provisions and quite an amount of household goods. Mr. Burns brought with him a very fine pair of horses, a wagon and a general assortment of farming tools. The experiences of this party during their stay here are given as related by Mr. Wright to illustrate some of the inci- dents of pioneer life in the early settlement of this county. When the horses of Mr. Burns were landed from the steamboat, they were not securely fastened by the deck-hands who had them in charge. Their halters were loosely tied to the brush that grew along the bank, and by their restlessness they soon released themselves. Attracted by the fresh grass, they quietly enjoyed their liberty by grazing in the vicinitj^ Thinking it safe, Mr. Burns indulged them while he was putting liis wagon together, which had been taken apart for convenience in transportation. After completing his task Mr. Burns attempted to secure his team, but the horses playfully eluded his grasp of their halters and kept just beyond his reach. Startled by some sudden movement, they sprang off as if for a race, but again halted to feed until he came near, when they again left him. At length, turning up a valley, they disappeared. He would occasionally get a glimpse of them on the sides c^f the ravine and then lost sight of them entirely. He fol- lowed tlieir trail to the ridge on the top of the bluffs, where he lost 242 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. all trace and returned to the river at evening, tired and hungry, without his horses. During the day, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin arranged their goods in the form of a hollow square, and with poles and blankets formed a temporary covering over it. This provided a common shelter for the whole party. A cook-stove was adjusted for business near by, and as they had a variety of provisions and good cooks, their camp was comfortably established and well provided for, ex- cept protection from heavy rains. Plenty of dry grass and an abundance of blankets and quilts furnished them beds of whic;h they had but little reason to complain. They had the material for tents in their boxes, but they did not consider it worth while to un])ack them for the short time they proposed to stay there. The following morning Mr. Burns resumed his search for the truant animals. As the fiatboat was" expected from Rolling Stone, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin remained in camp. When at Wabasha prairie they had sent word to Mr. Haddock, notifying him of their arrival and asking to have the boat sent up for them. In the afternoon Mr. Robei'tson and Mr. Woodcock came up from the colony with the report that an attempt had been made to bring up the Macedonian, but it was found to be almost impossible to manage it and the effort had been abandoned ; that Capt. Jackson proposed to take them down in his small boat and would come up in the morning to begin the undertaking. They also reported that there was no roadway along the bluffs that was passable for wagons, although there was a well-worn Indian trail. Mr. Burns returned without his horses. He was unable to trace them, and for awhile was himself lost and gave up his search. He was tired out and discouraged with his fruitless efforts to find his stray property. He had paid a high price for his horses in Chicago, and, being fearful that he would lose them without a chance for tlieir recovery, he offered a reward of fifty dollars for them delivered in camp or at Minnesota City. Stimulated by this liberal offer Robertson and Woodcock volun- teered to hunt for the estrays. After a late but hearty dinner they took the trail at about four o'clock in the afternoon and found them before dark in the head of the north Rolling Stone valley and rode them to Minnesota City the same evening. The horses were returned to Mr. Bums uninjured by their frolic. He promptly paid over the reward. INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. 243 Captain Jackson made the attempt to transfer this party with his Bmall boat, and commenced with the family and freight of Mr. Nick- lin. To accomplish this required several trips. He was successful except with the last, which was a valuable load in bulky boxes. The boat was capsized and the cargo a total loss— ''no insurance." Some relics of the contents of the boxes were found the following winter in the brush on an island, but nothing of value recovered. This acci- dent suspended that line of transportation. Robertson and Woodcock, with an eye to speculation, offered to deliver the goods of Mr. Wright and Mr. Burns at Rolling Stone for fifteen dollars. A bargain was at once closed with them and they proceeded to construct a raft from some dead oak-trees standing on the bank of the river. After the logs were secured together and loaded with a barrel of pork, a barrel of beef, a barrel of vinegar and "a cask of hams, but little of the raft was above water. Lashing the freight to the logs they added a cook-stove, shoved off into the cur- rent and safely landed it at "Lord's lumber yard" without accident and without delay. After the raft \iad left the shore, Burns decided that he would not move down to the settlement. He had made an arrangement with the Halls for an interest in their town site and concluded to remain on the river. He immediately commenced to build himself a log house, and moved his family and goods up to the landing. On Saturday Mr. Hunt and Mr. Shipley came up along the bluffs with two yoke of oxen and a wagon for the pui-pose of moving them down. This was the first wagon that ever passed between the two places. They met with no serious obstruction for the passage of an empty wagon, although the way was rough and uneven. When they left Rolling Stone Mr. Shipley was apparently in his usual health. He had that morning parted with his son, a young man about sixteen years old, and sent him down to Galena to bring up his family, which he had left there two weeks before. While on his way up along the blufi's he began to complain of not feeling well, and soon became too sick to even follow on the trail. Mr. Hunt made him as comfortable as he could on a bed of grass in the wagon, and brought him through to Wright's camp. Here everything was done for his relief that they were able to do, but without avail. He died a few hours after his arrival, at about twelve o'clock at night. His disease was supposed to be cholera. The remains of Mr. Shipley were buried the next day at about 244 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 12 o'clock, Sunday, May 30, 1852. The grave was on the bank of the river, near where he died. His coffin was a few pieces of slabs taken from the drift-wood of the river and arranged around the body, while lying in the grave. After the grave was filled, a piece of a slab was placed at the head and his name, "H. Shipley," marked on it. The last resting-place of this early pioneer is now unknown. The personal effects of Mr. Shipley were taken in chai-ge by Mr. Wright and sent to his wife. The oxen and wagon belonged to Mr. Hunt. Mr. Shi])ley had no interest in them. Mr. Wright now became anxious to leave that locality, and as soon as the rude burial was completed he loaded the wagon with some of his household goods and decided to attempt to go through by land, but the attempt proved a failure at the start. The wagon was upset within a few rods of where it was loaded, the boxes were smashed and their contents scattered as they tumbled and rolled promiscuously down tlie bank, almost into the river. A large look- ing-glass rolled on the edges of its frame for several rods and lodged in an upright position against a tree, without injury. The same mirror is yet in use by Mrs. Wright in Minnesota City. At about the time the loaded wagon uj)set a steamboat appeared in sight, coming down. Mr. Wright abandoned his damaged [)rop- erty and devoted all his energies to attract the attention of the pilot. He hoisted signals of distress and hailed the boat most vociferously, and was actively seconded in his efforts b}-^ his family, one using a tin horn and another beating an accompaniment on a tin pan. Alarmed by these jjroceedings, the captain of the boat cautiously ran over toward the Minnesota shore, expecting to learn that the Sioux had risen against the settlers. He was, however, soon re- lieved of any anxiety on that score, and discovered as he drew near that they were some of the passengers he had landed there on his way up — that their noisy demonstrations were made because they were anxious to leave that locality and go down to Johnson's landing. He good-naturedly consented to take them on board. As the boat swung round to the shore the captain hailed Wright and inquired, "Where's your freight ? " Pointing to the wreck of the wagon-load, Wright replied, "There is some of it, as soon as we can get it together." Observing the condition of affairs, the captain called to the men forward as the gang-plank was launched out, " Get ashore there, some of you, and bring them duds aboard in bulk." To Mrs. Wright's extreme surprise, and before she could rally INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. 245 from her helpless astonishment, her clean household stuff, bedding and clothing of every description, was carried off in the arms of the dirty roustabouts, and before she could offer even a feeble remonstrance they were piled promiscuously on the greasy, dirty deck. All of Mr. Wright's goods were taken aboard except four barrels of flour which he had brought up for the association, designed to be used in payment of the Indian tax on the shanties in the colony. The flour was taken down by Mr. Hunt in his wagon, the firet freight carried through by a wagon over tlmt trail. When Mr. Wright reached Johnson's landing he there found Willie Shipley, waiting foi- the down boat. He informed the astonished boy that his father, from whom he had parted not two days before, looking healthy and strong, was dead and in his lonely grave on the bank of the river. Mr. Wright gave him the property found with his father — his watch, a pocket-book with papers and a small amount of money — to be carried to his mother. His family were not left without means of support. Mr. Shipley had left a considerable sum of money on deposit in Galena, under the control of his wife. The family returned to their former home. Their experience in the west was a sorrowful one. At Johnson's landing Mr. Wright, with his family, was per- mitted by Mr. Denman to pass the night in the unfinished house he was then building. They reached Minnesota City the next day, June 1, and went directly to the "gopher" Mr. Wright had helped to build nearly three weeks before. It was near here that his pro- visions and cook-stove had been stored when landed from the raft. This gopher-house was their first home in the colony. Mr. Wright has retained possession of and lived continuously with his family on the same land and in the same locality ever since that period, about thirty-one years. They occupied the "gopher" and a tent until he could procure lumber and build a more comfortable place to move into. Soon after their arrival the whole family were prostrated with sickness in some form. Two of the children died with measles, then prevailing. - Like most of the members of the association from New York city, Mr. Wright's previous experience had but poorly fitted him to meet the demands of pioneer life. Many things were learned from practical experience. Incidents that may now be pleasantly related, and are amusing to listen to, which occurred in their acquisition of a western education, were once really serious matters with them. 24t) HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The provisions brought down on the raft were jointly owned bj Mr. Wright and ^Ir. Burns. The morning after his arrival Mr. Wright went out to inspect the condition of his supplies, and discov- ered that his cask of hams liad been broken open and the contents carried off. The fact becoming known, the indignant colonists pro- ceeded to investigate the affair. A careful examination of the matter was commenced, but tlie mystery of the transaction was soon revealed without a shadow ot suspicion resting on any member of the association. The cattle of the settlers had been corraled in the bend of the stream near by to prevent their wandering off* to parts unknown or trespassing in the settlement. In their eagerness to get salt, the cask had been broken open and the hams eaten by the ravenous bovine monsters. All of the cattle in the settlement were under suspicion as being implicated in the transaction, but the herd of Hiram Campbell were charged with being the principal and lead- ing offenders. The fragments of partly eaten hams were found scattered over the ground in the vicinity of the empty cask. To prevent any further loss to Mr. Burns, it was proposed by Mr. Wright that an equitable division of the pork and beef be made. In the absence of Mr. Burns, friends of both parties were selected to make the division. The meat in each barrel was taken out and accurately weighed. One half of each was then piit into one of the barrels for Mr. Burns and the other half into the other barrel and turned over to Mr. Wright as his individual property. This was apparently a just dissolution of partnership, but Mr. Wright soon discovered that the mixing of the two kinds of meat did not improve the quality. It was soon understood that Mr. Wright and Mr. Burns had a surplus of meat, and some less fastidious persons pur- chased it at less than cost. Although transportation had proved to be barely possible from Hall's landing to Rolling Stone without considerable expense in open- ing a wagon trail, there was to Mr. Burns more than a glimmer of a prospective landing-j)lace for the colony, and he located himself where he could have the benefit of the river trade in the business in which he proposed to engage. Having money to invest, he built a large hotel. His bar was the main source of profit. He ])aid no license, for the law prohibited the sale of intoxicating drinks. His hotel became a favorite resort for the rivermen and traveling public, and was not entirely shunned by -the settlers. The Indians resorted to Burns' for trade. During the years of 1852-3-4 there was THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STOKE. 247 more liquor sold by Mr. Burns than in all other parts of southern Minnesota. He brought on quite a stock of general merchandise and opened a store. A postoffice was established and S. M. Burns was postmaster. He furnished employment for a large number of men cutting steamboat wood on government lands, on which large profits were made. After a heavy expense trying to bujld up a business point at this place, Mr, Burns was forced to abandon the attempt, and the village of Mt. Yernon ceased to exist. The scheme to make it the land- ing-place for the colony did not prove practicable, although a wagon road was opened between the two places. The town of Mt. Vernon, ' in the northwest part of Winona county, took its name from the village of that name at what was once known as Hall's landing, on the Mississippi. Not a trace of any of the improvements made by Mr. Burns are now to be seen. The village site is almost unknown. CHAPTER XXVI. THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. The Western Farm and Village Association, as organized in the city of New York in 1851, was transferred to Rolling Stone in 1852 under the same officers and with the same laws governing its mem- bers. The mode of doing business adopted and practiced in the east was continued in the west. The first regular meeting of the association held in the colony at Rolling Stone was on May 6. The officers present were Wm. Haddock, president ; Thos. K. Allen, recording secretary ; and a majority of the board of directors, Augustus A. Gilbert, James Wright, Charles Bannon, John Hughs and D. Robertson. At this meeting fifty-two responded to their names when the roll of members was called. Some of these were young unmarried men, but a majority of the members present were men with families. At a general meeting of the colonists on Sunday, May 9, the name of Minnesota City was given to the village of the colony. The name was unanimously adopted by a viva-voce vote. Prior to this 248 HISTORY OF winona corxTv. the locality was only known as Rollin<^ Stono, and afterward it was the most familiar name to the early settlers. At this same meeting, May 9, a Congregational minister from La Crosse, by the name of Reynolds, preached the first sermon ever delivered in Minnesota City. Elder Reynolds was a missionary sent out by the Home Mission Board of the denomination to which he belonged. Business meetings of the association were called to consider mat- ters relating to the common interests. At one of these meetings, about the first, Robert Pike, Jr., was elected surveyor for the colony, to establish the lines of claims designated as farms, which were to be assigned to the choice of the members of the association according to numbers drawn for that purpose. E. B. Drew and C. R. Coryell were Pike's assistants in these surveys, which were made under the general supervision of the president, Mr. Haddock. ^ At a meeting held on May 19 the question of making application for the establishment of a postoffice was considered and a choice for postmaster made by ballot. Robert Pike, Jr., received a majority of votes. A petition in proper form was drawn up and signed, soliciting the establishment of a postoffice at Minnesota City and recommending Robert Pike, Jr., as a proper appointment for post- master. This petition was forwarded to the Postoffice department at Washington. In due time Mr. Pike received his commission and the office was established, but with the proviso and on condition that the mails should be transported to and from the nearest postoffice on the river free of charge to the Postoffice department. The near- est postoffice was then at La Crosse. The mail was dependent on chance opportunities or private enterprise. Even such postal facilities were considered of advantage to the settlement. The family of Mr. Pike, consisting of his wife and two children and two of his sisters (afterward Mrs. H. Jones and Mrs. D. Ken- nedy), came on about the last of June. While on their passage up the river the postoffice keys were handed to Mrs. Pike at La Crosse by Brooks and Hancock, two members of the association there on a visit, to be delivered to her husband on her arrival at Minnesota City. This was the first knowledge Mrs. Pike had of the matter. On May 20 a census of the colony was taken, when it was ascer- fciined that there were ninety male members of the association on the grounds and about 400 women and children. The first death in the colony was on May 25, that of David ^'TO'^'^.'iyt^ THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. '251 Densmore, a man about sixty years of age. He was from the State of Maine. He had no family with him. Mr. Densmore was buried in the grounds selected lor a cemetery, a little above the forks of the Rolling Stone creek, near Minnesota City. The first bridge built in the county was across the Rolling Stone, near where James Wright now lives in Minnesota City. Long logs, used as stringers, were laid over the stream from one bank to the other. Across these stringers logs were laid instead of plank. The colonists all united in this public improvement. The next morning after this bridge was completed the settlers found that their engineering was not practicable in this structure. The long stringers of green timber, without central support, had given way and broken down from weight of the green logs b}'- which they were covered. The middle of the bridge was resting in the center of the stream, the logs retained in their position across the stringers. Although not available as a wagon bridge, it was used during the season as a crossing-place by persons on foot. The first bridge that was of any practicable use was one built by the colonists across the Rolling Stone just below the forks of that stream, above Minnesota City. The location is now covered by the mill-pond. This was called the "herd bridge" by the settlers. The cattle belonging in the colony were placed under the charge of a herdsman, who had the general management of them during the grazing season. Robert Pike, Jr., was the first appointed and acted in that capacity for that season. A fence was built running from the bluff on the south side to the stream, and the cattle were allowed to range above it in the south valley. The "herd bridge*" was designed and built, under the direction of Mr. Pike, to serve as a crossing-place for the stock under his charge. It was, however, used as a wagon bridge for two or three years after a road was opened up through the south valley. During that season the wagon trail leading to Wabasha prairie was on the south side of the stream, next to the blufts, and the only practical fording-place of the stream was where Elsworth's mill now stands. Late in the fall, or early in winter, the settlers opened a road along down the table, on the north side of the stream, about where it now is, and built a bridge near the angle where the creek leaves the bluff and flows north, about a mile below the present vil- lage of Minnesota City. This was the first public bridge in common use in the county. It was maintained for three or four years until 15 252 IIISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. the present road between Minnesota and Winona was opened and another bndtj;e was built about fifty rods beh)w, in tlie same locality where the present bridge stands. The first store for the sale of merchandise to the settlers in the colon}' was opened about June 1 of this season by a Mr. Robertson. He closed out his establishment and left the colony early in the fall. The first school opened in the county was a select school, started in Minnesota City in the early part of this season. The first district school in the county was established here later in the season. The district was organized under the general law of the territory and comprised the whole colony. Miss Ilouk was the teacher. Schools have been uniformly maintained in that locality from that time to the present. The first blacksmith-shop started in this county by the early settlers was in the colony at Minnesota City. James and John Prosser, father and son, opened a shop and commenced business early in the season. Josiah Keene also started a shop. The Prossers left the colony in the fall. O. M. Lord bought their shop, tools and stock, and also that of Keene, and carried on the business for a year or two afterward. This was the only blacksmith-shop in the county until the spring of 1854, when a shop was opened at Winona, pre- vious to which the settlers on Wabasha prairie were dependent on Minnesota City, or they were compelled to go to La Crosse for their blacksmith work. Sometimes jobs of blacksmithing were ordered by the boats from Galena. The first horseshoeing done in the county was by O. M. Lord. In the fall of 1852 he shod a pair of horses for Hon. Wm. 11. Stevens, of the city of Winona. The shoes were brought up from La Crosse. In the spring of 1853 he shod fourteen horses for Wm. Ashley Jones, a government surveyor. From 1849 to 1853 the county of Winona was a part of Wabasha county. By act of the First Territorial Legislature, October 27, 1849, " all that portion of said territory lying east of a line running due south from a point on the Mississip})i river known as Medicine Bottles Village, at Pine Bend, to the Iowa line, was erected into a county to be known by the name of Wabashaw.'' The extent of territory included in the boundaries of Wabasha county by that act was what is now a part of the coimty of Dakota and the present counties of Goodhue, AVabasha, Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Fillmore, Houston and Winona. THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 253 ■ Wabasha county was lirst created for the special pur])ose of affording certain political privileges to the settlers within its bound- aries, nearly all of whom were half-breed Sioux, living on the "Half- breed Tract," who were recognized as bona fide citizens. The other parts of the county were then in possession of the Sioux. It was made part of a council district, but was declared to be a representative district, entitled to elect one representative to the territorial legislature. The first representative from Wabasha county was James Wells. He was also a member of the second and fourth territorial legisla- tures in 1851 and in 1853. In the third legislature, the session of 1852, Wabasha county was represented by Fordyce S. Richards, another trader, living at Reed's landing. The fourth territorial legislature in 1853 (March 4) divided Wa- basha county and created Fillmore county from the southern por- tion along the Mississippi, which included the present county of Winona. The same council and representative districts were, how- ever, continued until 1855, when a new apportionment was made by the legislature. At the election held in the fall of 1853, Hon. O. M. Lord, of Minnesota City, was elected, from Fillmore, representative of this district to the fifth territorial legislature, which held its session in 1854. At this session Winona county was created, February 23, 1854. When Wabasha county was created in 1849 it was "declared to be organized only for the appointment of justices of the peace, constables and such other judicial and ministerial officers as might be specially provided for." It was attached to Washington county for judicial purposes and was entitled to any number of justices not exceeding six, and to the same number of constables, who were to receive their appointment from the governor and to hold their oflice for two years, unless sooner removed. The first justice of the peace appointed by Gov. Ramsey in accordance with this act creating Wabasha county, was Thomas K. Allen, the recording secretary of the association at Minnesota City. Mr. Allen was compelled to go to the capital of the territory — to St. Paul, in order to qualify — to take the oath of office required. There was no one nearer who was empowered to administer it to him. At a general meeting of the members of the association living in the colony at Minnesota City, held July 12, 1852, an election pre- 254 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. cinct was organized and the following officers elected by ballot : Thomas K. Allen, justice of the peace; Josiah Keen, constable; James Wright, assessor ; and Augustus A. Gilbert, notary public. These proceedings were without proper authority, and only de- signed to represent an expression of the wishes of the people in the colony. The governor was duly notified of this action of the settlers and the appointment of the officers selected formally recommended and solicited. Gov. Ramsey confirmed the election by making the appointment accordingly. Mr. Allen took the oath of office on July 28, 1852. By vote of the association, O. M. Lord, John lams and Hiram Campbell were elected road commissioners for the colony or precinct. The first sermon delivered to the settlers in Rolling Stone was by the Rev. Mr. Reynolds, a missionary of the Congregational church. He kept up regular appointments and ])reached during the summer at Minnesota City and at Wabasha prairie. His audiences were representatives of all denominations, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, etc. A general Sabbath-school was started in the early part of this season. The members of the association held to the religious faith or belief they had professed before joining the colony. If there was any change it was exhibited in a general feeling of toleration. The Protestants and Catholics shared with each other in their comforts and privations, and in their joys and sorrows, with- out question of religious opinions. All grades of liberalism, spirit- ualism and other "isms" had advocates. The first church organized in this county was by the Baptist members of the association. This was the first Protestant church organization in southern Minnesota. The appropriate ceremonies were held on July II, 1852. The pastor of this church was the Rev. T. R. Cressey, a missionary appointed by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society at a salary of $600 per annum. He made Minnesota City his headquarters, but preached in other localities. After remaining in this vicinity for two or three months, Mr. Cressey had a call to locate himself in charge of the Baptist church in St. Paul. As the failing condition of the colony in the latter part of the season offered less inducements to remain, he left this county and located himself in the capital of the territory. Another Baptist preacher. Rev. Henderson Cressey, a brother of T. R. Cressey, preached to the settlers at Minnesota City and on THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 255 Wabasha prairie for about two years afterward, but did not reside in this vicinity. He held a claim for awhile on the upper prairie. There was such a general immigration of preachers among the early settlers that about every settlement was represented by one or more of some denomination. It is now difficult to ascertain the names of many of those who for a time held claims in this county. The most of them apparently preferred the blouse of the settler to the garb of their profession. The Eev. William Sweet occasionally preached, but made no regular appointments. The Rev. Mr. Henderson, a member of the association, living at Minnesota City, was, or had been, a Metliodist paeacher. It was said that he gave the settlers a most enthusiastic, patriotic sermon on Sunday, July 4, 1852. From many peculiarities of belief or opinions expressed in public, his influence among the Methodists, of which denomination there was quite a number, was not sufficient to induce them to acknowledge him as a leader or combine in a church organization. Mr. Henderson, with others holding different "isms," made an unsuccessful effort to create a society called "The Universal Church." It is difficult to ascertain the exact date of the arrival of very many of the early settlers who, as members of tlie association, located in this county. The greatest number and largest bodies of them arrived in May, but they continued to come during June and until about the middle of July, after which but few if any of the immigrants in this part of the territory were members of that organ- ization. Among those who located in the colony in Rolling Stone whose arrival has not been specially mentioned were the following.v The most of these came in May. The list might be largely extended by adding the names of those who remained so sliort a time that with propriety they should be classed as a part of the transient population of tlie colony. Prominent among the more permanent settlers were Wm. T. Luark, John lams, S. D. Putnam, S. A. Houk, O. H. Houk, George Foster, Egbert Chapman, Harvey Stradling, P. D. Follett, Samuel Hancock, John Cook and V. G. Wedon. The last is but the nom de plume of Robert Pike, Jr. The time set by the association for drawing numbers for the choice of farming lands was May 15. The drawing took place at that date, although the survey was not completed ; neither was there a full representation of members present. The selections of claims 256 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. were afterward made as fast as the reports of the surveyor were received, which were almost daily. All of the available farming land in each of the valleys of the Rolling Stone were surveyed and assigned to the colonists. Some made choice of lands and made claims which they retained and still occupy as farms, but the most of the selections made by the numbers drawn were abandoned. The selections first made were not in all cases satisfactorj'-, and ex- changes were effected without disturbing the harmony of the settlement. By special action of the association before they left New York, exemptions were given certain members who were unable to move in the spring, by which their rights and privileges were protected by proxy. These exemptions were, however, but temporary arrange- ments. The limit of this e:ttension of time was fixed to expire on July 15, at which date a general meeting of the association was to be held for the purpose of determining which village lots and farming lands had been forfeited. The following extract from the diary of Mr. E. B. Drew notes this general gathering : "Thursday, July 15, 1852. The Western Farm and Village Association all met at Mr. Lord's new house to transact important business pertaining to individual interests in city lots and farms. Some interesting times. The population is now over three hundred." "July 16. To-day O. M. Lord arrived with his family, bringing with him a horse-team and a cow." Mr. Lord's new house, mentioned by Mr. Drew, was located on the same table, but about a Imndred rods above where O. M. Lord now lives in Minnesota Cit}^ The "interesting times" was the scramble for forfeited village lots and farms. The horse-t^am brought by Mr. Lord was the first span of horses brought into the colony. The village lots of the colony, which embraced over 1,000 acres, covered the land from below the farm now owned by Robert Duncan to the bluffs neai" the farm of D. Q. Burley and up the valley above the fork of the stream, including the Watei*man farm. The bottom lands and a part of the Denman farm were plotted as suburban lots. The most of the improvements on village lots were from where James Kennedy now lives to about half a mile above where Troost's mill stood. It was here that a large number of the settlers who wintered in the colony made their homes. Although all had claims, but few occupied them until the following spring. THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 257 Some members of the association made claims outside the juris- diction assumed for the colony. In June Mr. D. Holljer made a claim in what is now the town of Utica, which he abandoned in the fall when he left the territory. Dr. J. W. Bentley took possession and moved on it in the spring following. It was afterward known as "Bentlev's.'" Dr. Bentley was not a member of the association, although he came to Minnesota City in the fall of 1852 and lived there during the winter with H. B. Waterman, a relative. While living at Minnesota City Mrs. Bentley increased the population of the colony by the addition of a daughter to her family. This was the first white child born in Rolling Stone. The first male child born in Minnesota City was the eldest son of Mrs. H. B. Waterman, January 5, 1854. This child was the first born in the colony whose parents were members of the association. George B. Waterman died in 1881. S. E. Cotton made a claim near Hollyer's, a little east from where the Utica railroad station now stands. He had ten acres of breaking done on it by Charles Bannon. Mr. Burley was in the employ of Mr. Bannon and drove the team for this job. This was the first breaking done back of the bluffs — the first breaking done within the boundaries of the county back from the Mississippi, except in the valley of the Boiling Stone. Robert Taylor made a claim of what is now the village of Stock- ton, on the east side of the valley. D. Q. Burley made a claim adjoining Robert Taylor's on the west. Mr. Taylor abandoned his location the following year, when Mr. Burley absorbed it by moving his claim to the center of the valley. Mr. Burley traded this claim for a house and lot in Minnesota City to S. A. Houk, who in 1854 sold it to J. B. Stockton, the original proprietor of the village of Stockton. Mr. Burley then made a claim of the farm on which lie now lives. His family did not come here until the spring of 1854. Above Stockton, on the south fork of the Rolling Stone, Mr. Hunt made a claim. He was a proxy or substitute in the employ of a wealthy member living in New York city, who furnished him with two yoke of oxen and all necessary supplies. Mr. Hunt did some breaking and put up about fifty tons of hay. This hay was cut with scythes by Mr. Burley and Mr. Thorp, who helped put it in the stacks. They camped on what is now the L. D. Smith farm while at this job, but made their homes in Minnesota City. Mr. Hunt went back to New York in the fall and left the cattle 258 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. and eliiim in charge of Mr. Burley. A few days after he left the tifty tons of luiy were burned by a fire wliich swept through the valley. Mr. Burley wintered the stock in Minnesota City. The following spring the oxen were taken up the river by a Mr. Bertram to another association colony in the vicinity of Lake Minnetonka. The claim made by Mr. Hunt was abandoned. Egbert Chapman made a claim on Sweef s prairie and built a cabin, in which he lived with his family through the winter. He is yet a resident t)f the county, living in Minnesota City. His son, Edgar Chapman, is now living in Dakota Territory. Harvey Stradling also selected a location on Sweet's praii-ie near Chapman's. He was then a j'oung man. In June, 1853, he mar- ried Anna Chapman, a daughter of Egbert Cliapman. The Rev. William Sweet ofiiciated at this marriage ceremony. This was the first wedding among the colonists. Mr. Stradling afterward located in the valley above Minnesota City. He died tliere many years ago. His widow (now Mrs. John Ni('klin)is living in Dakota Territory. In July, 1852, John Cook made a claim in the White Water valley about a mile above White Water Falls. He built a comfort- able log house and lived here during the winter and for several years after. His brother, David Cook, also made a claim in this vicinity, which he occupied the following year. S. D. Putnam selected his claim about a mile below Stockton and built a comfortable log house the following spring near where he now resides. This was on the farm owned and occupied by J. J. Mattison for about twenty years. Mr. Putnam occupied the log house about four years. It was a favorite stopping-place for excur- sionists, travelers, explorers and claim-hunters, and had the reputa- tion of being the best ''hotel" in the county. Mr. Putnam is a prosperous farmer, and quietly enjoys his comfortable home. O. H. Houk made a claim next below Putnam's, which lie held for a year or two. He built a log house on it. The location was long known as the Evans place. C/harles Bannon chose a location about a mile below Putnam's, and is yet living on the claim selected by him as a member of the association in 1852. He did not occupy or make any improvements on it until the following spring. During this time he looked with longing eyes on another claim in the valley about a mile below. The claim which disturbed his contentment had been chosen by a THE ASSOCIATION" AT ROLLING STOKE. 259 member of the association tbi- Miss Amidon on a mimber drawn bj or for her. She was not a resident in the colony, and no improve- ments had been made to indicate that it was occupied. Mr. Bannon, supposing that the claim had been abandoned, went on to it and t(wk possession by cutting house-logs enough to build a comfortable log house, which he drew together preparatory to calling his friends to his house-raising. A night or two before the contemplated "raising" was to have taken place, the friends of Miss Amidon, or Miss Amidon's claim, got together and cut each of the house-logs in two, and notified Mr. Bannon not to jump the claim of an unprotected female. This was the first clash among "the faithful members," and to prevent a serious collision, which apparently threatened, the friends of the parties induced Mr. Bannon to abandon the idea of making a change of location and settle on his own claim. All parties united and moved the crippled house-logs up to his original choice of loca- tion by number, and there constructed an octagon log house for him as a compromise of the difficulty. Having no desire to encourage contention, Mr. Bannon acquiesced in the movement, although satisfied in his own mind that he had a just right to the claim and could have held it without wi'onging any person. Suffice it to say of this matter that Miss Amidon never made her appearance in the valley. The disputed claim was after- ward disposed of by the friend or agent of that lady to Henry W. Di'iver. Mr. Driver pre-empted it as a homestead, and after living on it for five or six years sold his farm and moved to Winona, where he resided for a year or two and then went south. Mr. Bannon moved on his claim in the spring of 1853, and has occupied it as a farm for over thirty years. He has been a success- ful farmer. His comfortable buildings, fine stock and well cultivated fields represent that as a member of the Western Farm and Village Association he found that "home in the west" for which he aban- doned his business as a carman in New York city and helped to form a colony in the Territory of Minnesota. ^ Lawrence Dilworth made choice of his claim in accordance with his number drawn as a member of the association, and selected the one next below and adjoining that of Mr. Bannon's. He moved on his claim in the spring of 1853, and has lived there from that time to the present. His good buildings and the well-tilled fields of his fine farm indicate the prosperous farmer and demonstrate that he too 260 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. secured the farm for which lie came to Rolling Stone. Mr. Dilwortb and family were of the party that landed at the colony from the wood-boat on the evening of May 2. They are Catholics. Religious faith was not a test of friendship in the Rolling Stone colony. The high respect entertained by the early settlers for Mr. and Mrs. Dil- wortb has never been dimmed by the years that have passed since tlieir pioneer days as colonists. The writer hopes for pardon if tres- passing on their private affairs, but a remarkable peculiarity in manner of doing business is worthy of mention as an uncommon incident in pioneer life. It is said by one familiar with his affairs that Mr, Dilwortb has not during the past thirty years allowed an account to be opened against him. He has paid cash down fV»r whatever he has bought or gone without articles required. On a farm about a mile below Mr. Dil worth there is now living another member of the association, who, like bis neighbors above, remained in the colony, and lias secured the home in his old age for which he left New England and came west more than thirty years ago. This farm is now owned and occupied by S. E. Cotton. When the members of the association made choice of farms by their numbers, this locality was chosen by John lams, and purchased from him by E. B. Drew. This was the first claim sale in the colony. Mr. Drew as assistant surveyor had taken a liking to the place, and when he learned that it had been selected by Mr. lams he offered him $10 for his number, or right to it. The offer was accepted and the claim given up to Mr. Drew, who held it and entered it at the United States land office when the land was sur- veyed. It was held by Mr. Drew until 1857, when he sold it to Mr. Cotton. When Mr. Cotton first landed at Rolling Stone he built a log house on his village lot previously selected, and made it his home. After the collapse of the association he retained his location, and when the land was surve3'ed by government he made a claim of eighty acres and pre-empted the village lots as a homestead. He sold it in 1857 and moved to his present home. His claim in Min- nesota City is now the farm of James Kennedy. Between the "Drew claim" (where Mr. Cotton now lives) and Minnesota City a claim was made by llezakiah Jones, who occupied the locality for several years, and then sold the homestead he there pre-empted. Mr. Jones is yet a resident of Minnesota City. He is the oldest settler in that part of the county north of the city of Tire ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 261 Winona. He came here on April 14, 1852, as one of the ''pioneer 6quad" (the only one now living), and was one of the first members of the association to locate in Rolling Stone. Mr. Jones has not been as fortunate as some who came later in the season. North from the "Drew claim" and west from the present village of Minnesota City were the claims of T. K. Allen and A. A. Gilbert. These claims were parts of the grounds of the original village site. They held claims in the valley above, but when the survey of y)ublic lands was made they located themselves here, and each pre-empted , a quarter-section of the land surveyed for the village of the colony. Neither of these men are now residents of the county. Both were successful in acquiring the homes in the west for which they helped to organize the association in New York city in 1851. The first grist mill in the county was started by Allen and Gilbert, one of Burr's horse-power mills, in 1853. Mr. Allen was the recording secretary from the first meeting of the association in New York city, until its last meeting in Minne- sota city. He is now a clergyman of the Episcopal church, living in Alexandria, Douglass county, Minnesota. Mr. Gilbert lived for several years in the city of Winona. His present residence is unknown. The farm now owned and occupied by Mr. E. B. Drew was held by Mr. Drew as a claim, but it was the choice of W. H. Coryell on his number drawn as a member of the association. It was on this • claim that E. B. Drew, C. R. Coryell and W. H. Coryell made their camp when they first came to Rolling Stone. This was their home- stead, where they lived and made their first begiiming in farming operations in the Territory of Minnesota. By mutual agreement they worked together and held property in common. When these men first came here it was not their design to settle in the valley. From the description given by Mr. Lord of the country lying west they expected to locate themselves on prairie farms back from the Mississippi. They selected this location to keep up their connection with the association and as their headquarters until they found claims that were more satisfactory. They explored the country west and made selections of locations in what is now known as the town of Saratoga, in the western part of the qounty, in the vicinity of what has since been called the Blair settlement. With their teams and big wagon they spent about a week in prospecting and marking their claims with the customary 262 HISTORY OF WDS^ONA COUNTY. marks and a small ]>ile of logs for each location, but never made any further improvements, their interests in the valley engaging their attention until their prairie claims wer^ taken by others. Mr. Drew broke about twenty-five acres, on the farm where he now lives, in the spring of 1852, and planted some corn and culti- vated a garden. In the fall he sowed a small patch of wheat by way of experiment. The following year, 1853, he harvested the first crop of wheat ever raised by the settlers in southern Minnesota. From one sack of seed wheat, about two bushels, sown on about two acres of breaking, he secured seventy bushels of superior winter wheat, which he threshed and cleaned by hand-labor. The following extract is co])ied from "The Democrat," published at St Paul, August 3, 1853 : 0. M. Lord, Esq., of Filniore county, a delegate to the late democrat con- vention, has deijosited in this office a sample of winter wheat of the red chaft' bearded variety, raised on the form of ^Messrs. Drew and Coryell, in the Rolling Stone valley, which we regard as the finest specimen of this grain that we have ever seen. Messrs. D. & C. have harvested several acres of this wheat, and good judges estimate that it will yield at the rate of forty bushels to the acre. This is the first winter wheat ever sown in that vicinity, but Mr. Lord informs us that a large quantity will be put in the groimd this fall. There is little dmibt that wheat is to become one of the great staple productions of Minnesota, and that fiour of the best quality will soon form the most important item in the lists of our exports. Up with your mills, gentlemen. In 1853 Mr. Drew increased his cultivation by another field of breaking, and raised a large crop of corn. In the fall he sowed about eight acres of winter wheat. In the spring of 1853 he sowed a sack of spring wheat, and harvested about fifty bushels. About thirty bushels of this he sold to Sanborn & Drew, in the spring of 1854. This was the first load of wheat ever sold in the city of Winona, or in southern Minnesota. In the season of 1854 Mr. Drew harvested, from the eight acres sowed to winter wheat the fall before, about two hundred and fifty bushels. Some of this he sold to the settlers for seed, reserving enough for his own seed, and about eighty bushels which was ground into flour. The first wheat raised in southern Minnesota that was made into flour was a part of this crop. During the winter W. R. Stewart and Albion Drew took two loads of this wlieat, of forty bushels eacii, to a mill in La Crosse valley, about sixty miles distant, where they waited until their grist was ground, when they I'eturned home with their flour. They were THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 263 about a week making the trip, the teams going on the ice to La Crosse and thence up the La Crosse valley. The loads were much lighter on their return, for one fourth of the wheat was taken as toll. The wheat was of No. 1 grade and the flour proved to be of supe- rior quality, fully equal to the best now made by improved mills and more modern processes. Mr. Drew increased the size of his farm, extended his breaking and cultivation, and increased his acreage of wheat, but at the same time growing large crops of other kinds of farm produce without making a specialty of any particular branch of his business. He has given his attention to the cultivation of fruit, and engaged con- siderably in stock raising, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. Although he has extensive ranges of fine pasturage on his large farm, he abandoned sheep farming, on account of the extreme care necessary to protect his flocks from the wolves that infested the vicinity. Mr. Drew has been a prosperous farmer. He has given his per- sonal attention to all of liis farming operations and has made it a practical business occupation. He has held ofiicial positions in the town of Rolling Stone, in which he resides ; has served as county commissioner, and was a member of the state legislature in 1875, and also in 1876. C. R. Coryell remained with Mr. Drew for about a 3^ear and then went back east to live. W. H. Coryell staid with him about two- years, when he married and settled on a claim on the upper part of Wabasha prairie, where W. L. Burr now resides. After a resi- dence here of about a year he left the territory. Robert Thorp is living on the farm chosen for him on his num- ber drawn. It adjoins that of Mr. Drew. Mr. Thorp's family lived in Minnesota City about two years before they moved to their pres- ent location. To hold the claim, and prevent others from jumping it while Mr. Thorp was absent working at his trade as a blacksmith, he built a small shanty, which Mrs. Thorp sometimes occupied temporarily. Mr. Thorp is now occupying his comfortable stone cottage and broad acres of cultivated fields, for which he abandoned his black- smith shop in New York city. He has held the office of treasurer of the town of Rolling Stone, in which he lives, for the past fifteen years. Although Mr. Thorp brought to the colony a large supply of material, stock and tools, he never' opened a shop in Minnesota 264 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. City. Ho left his family there in a comfortable hewed log house about 14-X 16, and went down to Galena, where he worked a part of the years 1852 and ISr)3. When he moved on his farm he built a small shop in wliich he sometimes does blacksmithing for himself or to accommodate a neighbor. CHAPTER XXYII. CRYSTALLIZATION. From personal observations made during the extreme high water in the spring of 1852, and from the course of events and progress of afJairs generally at Wabaslia prairie, Captain Smith decided or consented to locate his contem}>lated town site on claim No. 4, at the upper landing, instead of on claim No. 1, as he had at first intended. Circumstances apparently compelled him to change his original plans. He did not, however, at once abandon his first impressions, that claim No. 1 was the most valuable on the prairie. From letters now in the hands of the writer, correspondence between old settlei'S, who were then holding claims on the prairie, it is evident that for awhile Captain Smith was suspicious of his agent and partner in this speculation, and feared that he might attempt to appropriate the upper landing as an individual posses- sion. With the rush of immigration into the territory, Johnson's ideas were considerably inflated, and he apparently assumed the entire control of affairs at Johnson's landing, but no evidence of treachery was ever developed. About the first of June Captain Smith brought up a survej'or from Iowa, whose services he secured to lay out a town at the upper landing. To John Ball, United States deputy surveyor, he in- trusted the business of laying off and plotting claim No. 4 into lots, streets, etc. The original survey of the town plat of what is now Winona was accordingly made by John Ball for the proprietors. Smith an^ Johnson. No government survey of lands had been made on the west side of the river by which to locate the plat of the new town. Mr. Ball took its bearings from a point'established by government surveyors CRYSTALLIZATION. 265 on the opposite side of the river. Its location was described by him as follows: "From the northwest corner of Block 9, the meander post in Wisconsin on the Mississippi river, between Sees. 1 and 6, T. 18 N"., R 10 and 11 W., 4th M., bears 35° east, 39 chains distant. " After due consideration of the matter it was decided to lay off the streets parallel with and at right angles to the river, which at this place runs a little south from an east course (21" south of east). It therefore became necessary that the boundaries should be estab- lished satisfactorily with the holders of the adjoining claims. Each of the claims along the river were half a mile square. The division lines between them were a direct north and south course. The corner stake between Ko. 4, the Johnson claim, and No. 3, the Stevens claim, stood on the bank of the river, about midway between Walnut and Market streets. The corner stake between JSTo. 4 and No. 5, tlie Hamilton claim, stood on the bank of the river about midway between Winona and Huff streets. Several days were spent in general measurements and negotia- tions before the boundaries of the plat were established, extending on the river from the corner stake of the Stevens claim to the center of Washington street, and running back to the center of Wabasha street. The proprietors of the claims on the river were to retain their rights to their claims as originally made without regard to the survey and plat made by Mr. Ball. Tlie boundary line on Wabasha street was established by special* agreement with the holders of the claims on the south. An agree- ment, made a matter of record, is as follows : This article of agreement, made this fifteenth day of June, a.d. Eigliteen hundred and fifty-two. Between AVm. B. Gere and Erwin Jolinson, both of the County of Wabashaw and Territory of Minnesota, Witnesseth : That the said (parties) do hereby agree and bind ourselves to abide by the following specified stipulations in regard to boundary or division line between their respective claims on the Prairie of Wabashaw. The street designated on the Town Plot as Broadway shall be the division line between said claims as far as said Gere's extends, and furthermore the lots in the next Block or Blocks south of and bordering on Broadway shall be equally divided between said Gere and Johnson, and after said Gere has the same measurement of land south of said division Block as said Johnson has north of said division Block, the remaining strip of land bordering on the lake shall be equally divided between the said parties. • In witness whereof we have herewith set our hands and seals. In presence of \ Wm. B. Geke. [seal] John Ball. / E. Johnson. [seal] 266 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The boundaries between the chiiras on the river and those in the rear were irre^uhir and "a great deal mixed.'' To illustrate tlieir relation to each other: The original claims on the river began at a certain stake or starting point on the bank of the i-iver, thence i-unning south lialf a mile to a corner stake; thence west half a mile to a corner stake; thence north to the bank of the river to a corner stake ; thence east along the bank of the river to the place of beginning. As the line of the river bank is about 21° south of east, it is readily seen that the west line was much the longest, and that the boundaries described included more that 160 acres of land. The claim adjoining on the west, if defined in the same manner, will not extend as far south on its east line as the western boundary of the first described. The irregularity of these boundaries on the south produced corresponding irregularities in the claims in the rear, which were sources of claim difficulties and contentions. In a matter arising from this peculiarity of claim boundaries Henry D. Huff narrowly escaped the loss of his life in the spring of 185-1. Mr. Huff was then the proprietor of claim No. 5, the Hamil- ton claim. The land in the rear of the east eighty acres was held by George H. Sanborn. The land south of the west eighty was occupied by Elijah Silsbee. With the consent of Mr. Sanborn, but in opposition to Mr. Silsbee's claim rights, Mr. Huff attempted to •change the original line of his claim on the south, and make it parallel with the river, or with the line of the streets. To accomplish this, he proposed to mark his boundary by a furrow extending from the southwest corner of the Johnson claim, No. 4, to the southwest corner of his own claim, No. 5. He sent his team with a plow to mark the line, and take possession by breaking and cultivation, Mr. Silsbee had previously marked his boundaries by a single furrow with a plow. "When the team of Mr. Huff approached this furrow, Silsbee stopped them, and, threatening the driver with his gun, drove him off. He then stood guard to prevent any further attempts to trespass on his rights. The tract of land in dispute was but three or four acres. It was not so much the amount or value involved as it was what he supposed to be disregard of the rights of others that aroused the angry passions of Silsbee. It was not alone the protection of property, but an impulsive resistance of what he considered arbitrary oppression. CRYSTALLIZATION. 2(59 Learning the state of affairs from the teamster, Mr. Huff went back on the prairie toward where Silsbee had stationed himself. As he approached the furrow which marked the original claim line Silsbee ordered him to halt, and bringing his gun to his shoulder called to him not to cross the furrow, that he would shoot him if he attempted. Fearless, and paying no attention to the order to halt, Mr. Huff continued to advance, and crossed the furrow. Approaching in a confident manner he said, '' You do not intend to shoot me, do you?" Silsbee replied, '^ do," and taking deliberate aim fired upon him. The gun was a double-barrel fowling-piece, owned by M. Wheeler Sargeant, which Silsbee had borrowed. Both barrels were heavily loaded with fine shot and small gravel stones. The con- tents of one barrel were lodged in Mr. Huff's left side and arm. Fortunately, he had a large pocket-book filled with closely-folded papers in the breast-pocket of his inner coat, and both coats but- toned close. Nearly the whole charge lodged in the pocket-book. A part of the missiles were burrowed in the muscles of his chest and left arm. Mr. Huff was knocked down and disabled by the shock and injuries received. He was taken home, and was under the care of a surgeon for several weeks. No serious results followed tJie in- juries. He readily recovered. Silsbee was immediately arrested, and aftei- an examination before a justice of the peace he was bound over for trial at the next term of the United States court, and released on bail. On account of some informality no court was held that year. Tlie fol- lowing year the case was continued over on account of serious sick- ness of Silsbee. In the meantime Mr. Huff purchased the Silsbee claim, and the matter was permitted to pass without legal action in court. With the proceeds of the sale of his claim Mr. Silsbee, with Charles S. Hamilton as partner, opened a store on the corner of Center and Front streets, where a warehouse now stands, and for awhile he was considered to be a respectable citizen, but for many years previous to his death, which occurred about ten or twelve years ago, he was an outcast in community. It is said by an old settler that when the town plot was first made by John Ball the present levee was laid off into blocks, num- 16 270 HISTORY OF WIJSUNA COUNTY. berod from 1 to 6, and divided into lots, but that the plan wa8 changed by the special directions of Capt. Smith and a public levee substituted. The high water of that season overflowed the bank as far as the south side of Front street, making the water-lots of less immediate value in the estimation of the proprietors. The landing was one of .the important items of the claim with Capt. Smith, and he was desirous of making it available to its greatest extent. It is to Capt. Smitli that the city of Winona is indebted for the commodious levee it now holds. It was the pride of its citizens before it was deformed and crippled by railroad tracks and other modern improvements, and suffered to wear and waste away from neglect of attention by those whose duty it is to protect and care for it. Blocks 1 and 6 on the river were reserved from the public levee and divided into lots as plotted. It is said that this was done by Mr. Huff before the plot was recorded. Block 1 contained but three lots belonging to Smith and Johnson ; the other two, lots 1 and 2, belonged to the Stevens claim. When the town site of Smith and Johnson was surveyed and plotted by John Ball, United States deputy surveyor, it was given the name of Montezuma, by E. H. Johnson. He was afterward extremely tenacious of the name, and strongly opposed the sub- stitution of Winona. No record was made of the plot until the following year. Wabasha county had no county records. In 1853, when Fillmore county (which also included this county) was created and regularly organized, the plot was recorded. Henry D. Huff bought an interest in this town site in 1853, and also had claim No. 5 surveyed and plotted as a i)art of the town. In a newspaper article, published several years ago, Mr. Huff said relative to this matter, "The town pr<)i)er had been surveyed, plotted and named Montezuma by Smith and Johnson. With the consent of Capt. Smith I erased the name of Montezuma and inserted the name of Winona on the plot, and paid Mr. Stoll, of Minneowah, for recording the same as Winona. I found out after- ward that the name Montezuma was retained (m the record, and asked Mr. Stoll why he put in the name of Montezuma when it did not appear on the plot. He said Johnson wanted it Montezuma, 80 he recorded it Montezuma, adding a note that the proprietors had changed it to Winona." During the early part of this season another town site was CRYSTALLIZATION. 271 located in this county. The location selected was along the river just above what is now tlie village of Homer — the claim purchased of Peter Gorr by Timothy Burns. This town site did not include BunnelFs landing, but extended from Bunnell's claim up the river along the bluffs. It was on the "main land," two or three miles below "that bar in the river," Wabasha prairie. A stock company was organized. There were eight shares valued at $200 each. The stockholders and proprietors were Timothy Burns, lieutenant-governor of Wisconsin, residing at La Crosse, Willard B. Bunnell, of Bunnell's landing, Isaac Van Etten, Charles W. Borup, Charles H. Oakes, Alexander Wilkin, Justus C. Ramsey and William L. Ames, of St. Paul. This company was a strong and influential one, and with the exception of Bunnell they were all men of considerable capital. With them their investments here were wholly matter of specula- tion. It was supposed to be a "good thing," and strong efforts were made by them to build up a town that would successfully compete with Capt. Smith's claims for the business of the interior when the back country should become settled. Soon after Smith and Johnson had their town site plotted the speculation began to be developed, and in July this rival town was surveyed and plotted by Isaac Thompson for the proprietors, and the name of Minneowah given to it. This name is of the Dakota language. It was selected by the proprietors of the new town, and not given to the locality by the Sioux. It is not now known whether the Indians had a name designative of this place or not. None was ever known by any of the settlers. The literal transla- tion of the name Minneowah is "Falling Water." In a description of the Falls of St. Anthony by the Rev. John A. Merrick, an Episcopal clergyman at St. Paul, published about the Ist of January, 1852, he says, "By the Dahcota or Sioux Indians they are called 'Minne-ha-hah,' or ' Minne-ra-ra, ' (Laughing Water,) and also 'Minne-owah' (Falling Water) — general expressions applied to all waterfalls." The historical address of M. Wheeler Sargeant, from which extracts have been made, says, "The town contained 318 lots; consequently at that early day looked quite imposing on paper — still more so on the spot; for at least one half of it was 400 feet above the river and of w.ig«rZ?/ perpendicular access; * * * and for the 272 JIISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. next year it was by far the most pretentious place below St. Paul. * * * Except the unimportant items of locality, buildings and inhabitants, it had all the characteristics of a great city.'''' The plot was put into market at St. Paul and lots were bought and sold, without knowledge of their locality — whether on the table along the river or on the bluff above. Not much was done there by way of improvements until the following year. In the spring of 1853 a large hotel was built by the proprietors — much the largest and best building on the west side of the river below St. Paul. For awhile Minneowah was truly a rival town, and strongly contested with Montezuma for public attention. Its advan- tages of location "on the main land," over that "sand-bar," liable to overflow any year, were loudly proclaimed, and its prospects were for awhile apparently promising. The hotel was opened, and steamboats landed passengers who were prospecting for locations. Stores were built and goods brought on, — dwellings commenced, but dividends for the sale of lots were unknown ; the expense column was much the heaviest. The origi- nal stockholders divided up their shares and generously allowed others to hold stock in Minneowah. Among the new proprietors who became residents were Myron Toms, who, while living in St. Paul, purchased a half-share. H. B. Stoll purchased a halt-share from Mr. Van Etten. James F. Toms, Charles G. Waite and others became proprietors. Peter Burns held an interest as successor of his brother Timothy Burns, whose death occulTed about this time. He was the only shareholder who claimed to have made anything from the transaction. He says that when the prospects of success were the most flattering he sold his interest to the other proprietors for $4, 000, and went back to La Crosse. An addition to Minneowah was surveyed and plotted for Bun- nell, Stoll and John Lavine. This addition was principally suburban lots of from five to ten acres each for residence property. It was located above the original town, extending along the bluffs to the mouth of Pleasant valley. Mr. Lavine occupied this land and held it as a claim. Among the early residents of Minneowah was the Hon. C. F. Buck, of tlie town of Winona, then a young lawyer just starting in business. Mr. Buck came here about the first of September, 1853, and remained until 1855, when he moved to Winona. Charles M. Lovel, of Fillmore county, was for awhile a merchant here and CRYSTALLIZATION. 273 carried on considerable of a trade. There were manj others who were temporary residents of that locality. A man by the name of Dougherty remained there for several years. The town plot of Minneowah was never recorded. It was placed on file in the office of the register of deeds of Fillmore county, while Mr. Stoll was register and had his office at Minneowah. In 1855 Myron Toms, holding power of attorney from the proprietors, with- drew the plot from the files for the purpose of entering the land as a claim. The town site of Minneowah was then unknown on any record. It was said that this was done to oust some of the propri- etors and holders of lots, but the location was jumped by some of the citizens residing there who filed their claims in the United States land office as actual settlers on the land. The matter was contested, but the resident settlers held their claims as homesteads. Mr. Dougherty drew the hotel and a store with his share of the spoils. The stockholders and owners of lots lost all right and title to the locality. The commercial town "on the main land " vanished. Minneowah is now known only by tradition to the residents of the county. Willard B. Bunnell, one of the original stockholders of Minneo- wah, the resident proprietor, was, in the beginning, the most zealous and active of the company in his efforts to build up this town, and gave most of his time and attention to the scheme, but later he learned he was but a tool in the hands of his more experienced and wealthy associates. The professional town-site speculators were '"too much" for the little Indian trader. He became a silent part- ner in the concern for awhile, and then relinquished his share to the others. No one intimately acquainted with Will Bunnell had reason to doubt the sincerity of his belief that "Wabasha prairie had been entirely flooded, and was liable to be again submerged in extreme high water. This idea he imbibed from his belief at that time in many of the traditions and some of the superstitions of the Indians, although he was a man of intelligence and of some acquirements. Notwithstanding his active, restless temperament and impulsive manners, he was popular with his acquaintances. He was a genial, social companion, and a gentleman when frontier sociability was not carried to excess. About the first of June, 1852, John Burns brought his family into the territory of Minnesota and settled in this county. He located 274 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. liimself in the mouth of the valley to wliich his name was afterward given, and which is now known as "Burns Valley." His family then consisted of his wife, three daughters — Mary, "Maggie," Elicia — and his son William. Elicia died not long after she came here. Mr. Burns had, prior to this, been a resident of the State of Wisconsin, living near Mineral Point, where he had been engaged in farming and stock-raising. On his arrival here, he landed at Bunnell's landing, with all of his household goods, farming imple- ments, and a large herd of cattle, horses, hogs, fowls, etc., to transport all of which Mr. Burns used to say he had to charter the Nominee for the trip. He moved direct from the landing to his claim, where, instead of the ordinary claim shanty, the family found a home ready to receive them. They never had any experience of shanty life in Minnesota. The claim on which Mr. Burns settled was selected for him by his son, Timothy Burns, lieutenant-governor oi Wisconsin. The claim was chosen early in the fall of 1851, soon after the treaty with the Sioux for the sale of their lands, on the west side of the Missis- sippi. During the winter, about the first of February, Mr. Burns came up the river on the ice, with the mail carrier, to see the loca- tion in the Indian country, which he had been notified had been selected for him as a stock farm and family homestead. After stoi)ping a few days at La Crosse to visit his sons, Timothy and Peter Burns, he came uj) to look at the claim and found it to be a choice satisfactory to himself He decided to secure it and bring his family on in the spring. Making his headquarters at Bunnell's, he took possession of the claim and proceeded to get out timber with which to build a frame house on it in the spring. About the first of April he returned home, going down the river on the Nominee, then on her first trip. He left his claim in the care of his sons in La Crosse. The special charge of the claim was imder the watchful eye of W. B. Bunnell, whose sister was the wife of Peter Burns. It was through the aid of Bunnell that the claim was first selected and held. Early in the spring Timothy Burns had a house built on this claim for his father. It was at that time the best building in southern Minnesota. It was a commodious but rather old-fashioned farm- house. The frame was of oak timber with posts and braces, covered with a shingled roof, the sides clapboarded and painted. It was CRYSTALLIZATION. 275 into this house, just completed, that Mr. Barns moved his iamily about the first of June. Its pleasant location among the large old oaks on the bank of the stream gave it a cozj' and homelike appearance. This house was occupied by Mr. Burns and his family for several years, until it took fire from some defect in the chimney and burned to the ground with the most of its contents. He then built another house on the site of the first, which it somewhat resembles in gen- eral external appearance, although its internal arrangements are of more modern style. This building is yet standing, and is used as the farm residence of the occupant of the land. Mr. Burns opened up a farm on his claim, but gave his attention principally to stock-raising and the dairy. The early settlers were for many years greatly dependent on Mr. Burns for gfood, fresh butter, eggs and chickens, while Mr. Burns furnished them fresh beef from his herd. The claim and vicinity furnished an extensive range for his cattle, and afforded unlimited meadows of grass-land for their winter's supply of hay. His surplus of the farm always found ready sale on Wabasha prairie or with the immigrants that came into the county to settle. When Mr. Burns first took possession of his claim he obtained permission of the Sioux to occupy the land, cut the timber and build a house on it. For this permit he gave the Indians two barrels of flour and a barrel of pork. This he paid under the impression and with the belief that he was purchasing their rights to the laud. He always after maintained that he bought his claim from their chief Wabasha, and that no one had a better right to it than liimself. At the time he took possession there were two or three large Indian tepees standing in the vicinity of where his house was built. They were about 15x20, of the same style and structure as those found on Wabasha prairie and in the mouth of Gilmore valle3^ This locality was the special home of AVabasha and his family rela- tives when living in this vicinity. It was sometimes called Wabasha's garden by the old settlers. Quite a number of Indian graves were on these grounds. Nearly in front of the farmhouse there were two or three graves of more modern burial lying side by side. These were said to be the last resting-place of some of Wabasha's relatives. The Sioux made a special request of Mr. Burns and his family that these graves should not be disturbed. This Mr. Burns promised, and the little 276 IIISTOKY OF WIXOXA COrNTY. mounds, covered witli billets of wood, were never molested, although tliey were in his garden and not far from his house. For many years they remained as they were left by the Indians, until the wood by which they were covered had rotted away entirely. A light frame or fence of poles put there by Mr. Burns always covered the locality during his lifetime. For several years after Mr. Burns located here the Sioux who visited this part of the territory were accustomed to make it their camping- grounds. Although they were unwelcome visitors, and their arrival always dreaded by the female portion of the family, Mr. Burns was never annoyed by their presence, — they were never troublesome. To alia}' any demonstrations of timidity on the part of Mrs. Burns or her daughters, he woiild chidingly remark, "Sure ye have no cause for fear, — didn't I buy the land from old Wabasha himself — and pay him his own price for it too — a barrel of pork and two barrels of flour? They will not harm ye — don't be bothering about the Indians, now." Mr. Burns never lost anything by tlie Indians. His property was never disturbed, and in but one particular were they ever familiar or assumed possession of anything without permission. During the first season Mr. Burns had a field of corn and pumpkins on new breaking. The corn was a poor crop, but the pum^^kins were plentiful. Thinking to make some contributions to them, Mrs. Burns gave the squaws permission to take all the pumpkins they desired. The squaws helped themselves liberally. Every season afterward the squaws made an annual visit and swarmed into Mr. Burns' cornfields. They carried off " Mrs. Burns' jiumpkins," but left the corn for the blackbirds to forage on. Mr. Burns was appointed a justice of the peace, by Gov. Ram- sey, not long after he came here. He was the second justice of the peace appointed in Wabasha cdunty; the first "was T. K. Allen, of Minnesota City. He held the position until his successor was elected in the fall of 1853. "The rich Irish brogue" plainlj- revealed the Milesian origin of Mr. Burns. His quaint expressions are pleasantly remembered by his friends and acquaintances. As a justice of the peace his court was a session of comic drollery that was heartily enjoyed by the set- tlers. His rulings and decisions were given from an intuitive and impulsive feeling of right and justice, rather than from his compre- hension of the law governing the cases. His h«mesty of purpose RESPECTABILITY. ^ ' ' was never questioned; as a citizen he had the respect of the early '''Mr" Burns, his wife, and their daughter EUcia, died on their farm in the mouth of Burns valley,- on the ^^^^^j}^;'^'^'^^ letUed in 1852. Mrs. Burns died in September, 1860 M. Burns in March 1870. The homestead is yet m possession of one ot the IX It is owned by Miss Maggie Burns, o- of their daug^^r. Mary, the other daughter, is now known as Mrs. E. ^- Smith ot the city of Winona. An interesting family of sons and daughters young ladies and gentlemen, now call her "mother." ''Bdl Burns has gone west. CHAPTER XXVIII. RESPECTABILITY. . Among the settlers on Wabasha prairie during the early part of the summer of 1852 were the Rev. Hiram S. Hamilton and his son Charles S. Hamilton, who arrived about the first of June. After exploring the prairie in search of claims, without settling on any, theVmale choL of one across the slough at the foot of the Sugar- Loaf Bluff, where they built a small claim shanty and commenced pioneer life. Finding the location a lonesome and unpleasant one, they moved their shanty and housekeeping materuil over on the praiie, and put it up on the bank of the river-on a mound at about what is now the foot of Main street. . • , ,u. After living on the levee for a short time, they moved into the shanty on claim No. 2 -the claim held by Caleb Nash While living there, H. S. Hamilton acquired possession of the claim, and soon after built a house on the bank of the river a little way above where the saw-mill of the Winona Lumber Company now stands. He here located himself with his family, consisting of his wife and two sons, Charles S. and Eugene, and made it his home for about ten years, when he sold his property on Wabasha prairie to Henry D. Huff and moved on a farm m the southeast part of Wisconsin, where he died a few years ago. Rev Hiram S. Hamilton, or, as he was most commonly called, - Elder Hamilton," was a prominent and well-known citizen of this 278 HISTOllY OF WINONA ("OTTNTY. county in tlie pioneer days of its settlement. Tlirough his influence very many of the early settlers came into the territory, and a large n,uraber of his relations and personal friends, as well as strangers, were induced to settle in this county, many of them on Wabasha prairie, now the city of Winona. Mr. Hamilton was a gentleman of liberal education, of fine personal appearance, pleasing and entertaining in his manners, but of quiet, unobtrusive habits. He was a Congregational minister, and had preached for many years before he came here. On account of poor health he resigned his position as pastor of a church in Dubuque and came to Minnesota, expecting to be benefited by the change of climate and locality. At Dubuque he was po])nlar witli his congregation and held in high esteem as a citizen. During his residence in Minnesota he was popular as a ])reacher and respected by the early settlers, among whom he had many warm friends who knew him }>ersonally, many who now hold pleasant recollection and retain that respect to his memory. From the time he first landed on Wabasha prairie until after the society of the Congregational church was organized, of which he was the pastor, he })reached quite regularly to attentive coiigrega- tions of mixed religious ideas and beliefs. His well written and impressively delivered sermons were interesting and instructive, and were always listened to with respectful attention. Their influence helped to maintain a moral restraint over the community of unorganized citizens, of a locality in which uncertain public opinion was the controlling law. Plis services were gratuitously disposed, but were none the less valued or beneficial in the settlement. Although Elder Hamilton lawfully came in possession of and lawfully held claim No. 2, the circumstances and manner by which the claim was secured caused a feeling of opposition frorh interested individuals, which, for a time, threatened to lessen his influence as a teacher or adviser, but public opinion indorsed his acti(m in the matter. His popularity as a preacher was maintained, and his reputation as a citizen was unimpaired b}' the transaction. The charges against him by his opponents were, that he had taken possession of and held the claim regardless of the rights of others ; that in his proceedings in the matter he had laid aside his "Sunday clothes" and descended to the level of other settlers, and "jumped the claim." Claim jumping was not considered as a criminal offense in public RESPECTABILITY. 279 Opinion if sustained by tlie laws governing claims. The wrong, if any was committed, was generally forgiven and forgotten by the public if the attempt was successful, and particularly if the claim proved to be valuable. Some incidents relative to the change of proprietors of claim No. 2 will be given to show the circumstances under which it was jumped. Charles S. Hamilton was about seventeen or eighteen years of age when he came here with his father. He was a reckless, dashing and rather fast young man, inclined t<:) be inconsiderate and forward in his manners. He was brought here to withdraw him from the evil influences of "young America" in Dubuque. Although "gassy" and volatile, Charlie was not considered a vicious boy, and for awhile he was a general favorite with the settlers, — his restless freedom was more amusing than offensive. Many things were over- looked because he was Elder Hamilton's son. Without occupation he amused himself in hunting and fishing and in explorations of the country. He studied the mystery of claims among the groups of settlers who gathered to discuss this general topic of conversation. Learning the history, condition and approximate value at which every claim was held, he became interested in the idea of forming a stock company and laying out another town site on the I*^ash claim. Nash had made his claim under the instructions of Johnson, and held it under liis directions and patronage, hardly conscious that it was his own by right. Knowing this condition of the claim, Charlie proposed his plan to Johnson and W. B. Gere, who favored the scheme. Johnson readily induced Nash to enter into an arrange- ment with them and become one of the company. The plan proposed was, that Nash should transfer his claim to the new company for a specified consideration, when it was to be surveyed and plotted for the company, composed of E. H. Johnson, W. B. Gere, Caleb Nash and Charles S. Hamilton. To secure equal rights and privileges to the proprietors, the services of a lawyer in La Crosse were secured, to draw up all necessary papers, by making him also one of the stockholders. As a preliminary movement, a quit-claim deed was drawn up, transferring all of the right and interest of Nash in the claim to Johnson and Co. This deed was given to Charlie Hamilton, to pro- cure the signature of Nash. Except a nominal consideration, the payment of the full amount agreed upon was postponed until the company was organized. 280 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. To get the signature of Nash to this quit-claim deed Charlie went to "Goddard's," where Nash was then st()j)ping, laid up on ac- count of sickness. On learning the object of his visit Mrs. Goddard advised Nash against signing any papers until he received the money down for his claim. Her advice was unheeded. Charlie Hamilton's representations that ''it was all right" — "only to show that he meant business, so that they could organize the com- pany " — induced Nash to sign his name. In narrating this occurrence "Aunt Catharine" said, "I sup- pose the boys thought I did not know anything about business, but poor Nash was sorry enough afterward tliat he did not listen to me, when I told him he was giving his claim away." The deed was given into the hands of the "attorney of the com- pany," at La Crosse, for safe keeping. To secure the claim and pre- vent Nash or anyone else from attempting to get possession, it was proposed to allow Elder Hamilton to occupy the claim, and utilize him as a tool in the affair. H. S. Hamilton and Charlie were then living in their shanty on the public levee. By " request of the company," he was induced to move into and occupy the Nash shanty until the necessary papers were made out and the company were ready for business. He ac- cordingly took possession, sent for his family and made it his home. He thus became an actual settler on the claim, and its sole possessor in full conformity with the laws governing claims. The "joint stock company" lost all right, title and interest in the claim they had induced Nash to transfer to them. Neither the company nor individuals of the company were ever able to dispossess Mr. Hamilton, or obtain remuneration for the losses resulting from this ftiilure of their scheme, although several suits at law were brought to recover damages. Some effort was made to arouse sym- pathy for Nash, whose claim, it was reported, had been jumped by Elder Hamilton, but without avail. The settlers generally under- stood the matter and took sides with the elder. H. S. Hamilton afterward obtained a quit-claim deed direct from Caleb Nash, giving him a reasonable compensation for it, although he had previously relinquished his rights to it to Johnson and Co. It is said of Nash, by those who knew him, that he was an industrious and well-disposed young man, of very moderate acquire- ments. He had unlimited confidence in Johnson, who really held the claim through liim and actually controlled it. Caleb Nash left RESPECTABILITY. 281 Wabasha prairie and went down the river in the spring of 1853. It is not known that he ever returned to the territory. Rev. H. S. Hamikon held quiet possession of claim No. 2, now known as "Hamilton's addition," until about the time of the public land sale, when he became involved in another "difference" rela- tive to it, which eventually resulted in bringing about a division of the Congregational church, by the withdrawal of a part of its mem- bers and an organization of another society, the Presbyterian church. When Henry C. Gere brought his family to Wabasha prairie he attempted to take possession of the Stevens claim, but was prevented by the decisive opposition of Mr. Stevens and his friends. Profess- ing to hav.e a just right to the claim, he w^as not satisfied to let the matter rest. Not daring to attempt a forcible entry on the land, and as there was no legal authority to appeal to, Mr. Gere made applica- . tion to the Wabasha Protection Club for aid to" secure })Ossession. A majority of the members of the claim club w^ere non-residents, living in La Crosse. The constitution and by-laws of the club, to which every member was required to afiix his signature, provided that all questions of difference relative to claims should be examined by d committee of three appointed by the club for that purpose, who were required to make a report of their action to that body for its final decision. Each party was entitled to counsel and allowed to present witnesses. Mr. Gere's appeal was duly referred to a special committee for investigation. After numerous adjourned meetings, at which the parties appeared with their attorneys and witnesses, without arriving at a decision, it was agreed to submit the matter to arbitrators. The referees were Jacob S. Denman, of Wabasha prairie, and F. M, Kublee, of La Crosse. Attorneys and witnesses came up from La Crosse two or three times to attend this arbitration court before an agreement could be effected. The case was finally settled by the parties consenting to divide the claim between them, — Silas Stevens to retain the west eighty acres, and the east eighty was to be given up to Henry C. Gere. It was said that the sympathies of the members of the club and of the referees were on the side of Gere. Mr. Gere was a large, fine-looking man of social habits and pleasing manners, a smooth talker that could represent his own side of the question. He was a 282 IIISTOHY OF WCSrONA COUNTY. poor man and had a large family dependent on his individual efforts for their support. Mr. Stevens was supposed to have considerable capital which he was using in speculations. He was not a ])<)pular man with settlers in a new country. He was a rigid church member, a strict and zealous temperance man, and in |)olitics an abolitionist from the old whig })arty. He was a man firm in his own opinions and in his own ideas of right, and was self-reliant in all of his business affairs. He discouraged familiarity and but few comprehended him as a man. Silas Stevens was a native of the State of New York, born in 1799 ; in 1829 removed to Pennsylvania; in 1840 moved to Illinois, driving through with his own teams ; in IS-tl settled on a farm in Lake county, Illinois. In the spring of 1851, leaving the mahagement of his fiirm to his son Wm. H. Stevens, then a .young man living with his mother and sister on the homestead, he visited the upper Mississippi for the purpose of making investments. He stopped at La Crosse, where he o})ened a lumber yard and speculated in real estate, claims, etc. — moderately and carefully, never indulging in wild schemes. It was through Mr. Stevens that Gere came to La Crosse, where he placed him with his family on a claim to hold until a sale could be effected. Mr. Stevens furnished the supplies, and, with the men employed in his lumber yard, boarded with the family. He also employed Gere in his lumber yard as salesman, where Gere's pre- tentious style led many to suppose that he was the responsible head in the business. In Illinois both Stevens and Gere were zealous members of the same church. In La Crosse Mr. Gere found different society. The free and easy sociability and western style of speculation to which he was introduced, suited his active temperament and visionary style of business. Early in the winter Gere attempted to secure the claim he was holding for Mr. Stevens, but was prevented by Mr. Stevens entering it at the land office before Gere could file his pre-emption pa])er8. From this transaction Mr. Stevens lost confidence in Gere, and all friendship ceased. He dissolved all association, for Gere had represented that they were partners in their business ti*ansactions. Mr. George W. Clark, who was in Mr. Stevens' employ at that time, says he never heard of a i)artnership between the two men. Gere took charge of business when Mr. Stevens was temporarily RESPECTABILITY. 283 absent. Mr. Stevens once bought a rait of lumber on which he was given thirty days' time. Being asked for an indoi-ser, he, for form's sake, asked Gere to sign the note with him. The security was satisfactory and the note was paid by Mr. Stevens when due. Mr. Stevens retained tlie half of the claim which he had made in good faith for himself, in the fall previous. The other half as justly belonged to him. Pie submitted to this division as a final settlement of all difficulties with Gere. The west eighty of the original Stevens claim is now known as Stevens' addition. Leaving his afiairs in Minnesota in the hands of his son, W. H. Stevens, Silas Stevens continued his speculations elsewhere for a year or two longer, when he made, arrangements to locate perma- nently in Winona, but never accomplished this design. "While on his way here from Galena with horses, traveling by land, he was taken with cholera and died after a few hours' sickness. His death occurred at Fayette, La Fayette county, Wisconsin, on July 20, 1854. His wife and daughter had already moved to Winona, where they made it their home while living. His daughter was the wife of H. C. Bolcom, a well known citizen, who came here in 1854. Wm. H. Stevens is the oldest settler now living on Wabasha prairie, the oldest inhabitant of the cit}^ of Winona. Norman B. Stevens, an older brother, came here in 1856, and is now living in the city of Winona. After the death of Silas Stevens the Stevens claim passed into the possession of W. H, Stevens. He sold an undivided interest in it to Wm. Ashley Jones and E. S. Smith. It was surveyed into lots and streets on the same scale as the original town site of Smith and Johnson, and designated as Stevens' addition. Wm. H. Stevens has been interested in many of the enterprises by which the city of Winona has been developed. He has held several official positions. In the fall of 1853 he was elected justice of the peace. He has served as deputy sheriff. In later years he was a member of the board of education. In 1872 and in 1873 he was a member of the state legislature as senator from the eighth dtstrict in Winona county, ' Mrs. Stevens, the wife of Wm. H. Stevens, was an early settler in this county. She came here in 1852 and lived in the colony at Eolling Stone with her relatives. She is a sister of Mi's. S. D. Putman and of S. A. and O. H. Houk, who were members of the association. In the fall and winter of that year Mrs. Stevens (then 284 HISTOEY OF WINONA COINTY. Miss '' Ilettj " Houk) taught the tirst district school at Minnesota city that was ever held in southern Minnesota ; she also taught the first district school ever opened in the city of Winona, in the full of 1854. About Julj 1, .1852, Byron A. Viets came up from La Crosse with a small drove of cattle, principally cows and young stock. He landed them on Wabasha prairie, where he was siiccessful in disposing of his entire herd to the settlers on the prairie and at Rolling Stone. In a trade with Johnson he purchased two or three lots in the town plot. This was the first sale of lots after the claim was surveyed and plotted ; the first sale of real estate in the new town or village of Montezuma, now city of Winona. One of these lots, purchased by Mi', Viets, was lot 2, block 10, on Front street ; another was lot 4, block 14. The quit-claim deeds by which the title to these lots was transferred from Smith and Johnson to Byron A. Viets, were placed on record in the office of the register of deeds of Washington county at Stillwater, the county seat. Mr. Viets also bought a claim of eighty acres lying between the claim held by Wm. B. Gere and the one held by Elijah Silsbee. It was early discovered that the Beecher-Gere claim was an expansive one, covering more territory than allowed by law, and S. K. Thompson gave notice that he had selected a claim in that locality, but he failed to protect it by improvements. It was in nominal possession of several different persons who jumped it one from another, while each failed to occupy it. Early in the summer Isaac W. Simonds came up from La Crosse and took possession of it. It was said that he was in the employ of Peter Burns. To show that it was a claim held by a bona fide settler, he planted a few potatoes and cultivated a small patch of ground. This garden spot was in the vicinity of where the State Normal School now stands. It was generally understood among the settlers that this was Thompson's claim, although he had not occupied it, — he was living with John Evans at the time. In the absence of Simonds at Lg, Crosse, where he made his home, Thompson took possession by building the customary log pen, and with the aid of John Evans held it for a short time. To settle this claim dispute, it was agreed that Thompson and Simonds should hold the land jointly or divide it between them. E . ELY. RESPECTABILITY. 287 Without the knowledge of Thompson, Mr. Simonds traded off the claim to Mr. Viets, and gave him possession. Thompson lost his interest without realizing anything from the sale. Mr. Yiets built a shanty on it, and on the 20th of July brought his family from La Crosse, and became an actual resident on the prairie. Having some surplus funds, Mr. Yiets at once made arrange- ments to improve his town lots. He decided to build a house for the accommodation of the traveling public on lot 2, block 10, front- ing on the levee. He brought up material and carpenters from La Crosse, and put up a building about 24 X 28, a story and a half high — a low porch extended across the front. It was afterward, in 1853, improved by the addition of a long one-story attachment in the rear for dining-room, kitchen, etc. This was at first known as "Yiets Tavern," then as the "Yiets House," but was better known to the early settlers as the " Winona Hotel," and later as the old " Winona House." This house was built in August. The roof was the second on the prairie covered with shingles. The first was on the house of John Evans, on the Evans claim, the third was on the shanty built bj Dr. Balcombe, and the fourth on the house built by Elder Ely, on the corner of Center and Second streets. In October the rooms in the lower part of the house were plastered. The first plastered rooms on the prairie were in the house of Elder Ely. Mr. Yiets occupied this tavern for about two months, when he leased it to David Olmsted for a private residence, and moved his family down to La Crosse to spend the winter. Late in this season Hon. David Olmsted, accompanied by a brother, arrived at Winona from Fort Atkinson, Iowa. They came through the country on the same trail Mr. Olmsted had traveled before when he accompanied the Winnebagoes on their removal from Iowa to Long Prairie, Minnesota. The trail was up through Money- Creek valley, and along the divide between the Burns and Gil more valley, on the old government trail leading down the ravine back of George W. Clark's residence. They traveled on foot from Fort Atkinson to Wabasha prairie, packing their camp supplies on a ponj which they brought along. Mr. Olmsted then proposed to locate himself on Wabasha prairie and make it his home. He leased the Yiets House for a residence, and had some furniture sent on and stored there, but his wife re- mained east on a visit, and did not return until the following spring. 17 288 HISTORY OF winona county. In the meantime Mr. Olmsted changed his plans and located in St. Paul. This part of the territory was always a favorite locality with Mr. Olmsted. He came to Winona in 1855, and made it his home while he remained in Minnesota. On occount of poor health he removed to Vermont, wher6 he died of consumption in 1861. The memory of David Olmsted deserves more than this brief notice of one of the early settlers of this county, and if space permits farther reference will be made of his residence in this locality. In 1852, when David Olmsted leased the house of Mr. Yiets, he placed it and the furniture stored there in the care of Edwin Hamil- ton, who lived alone in it during the winter. About the last of January, 1853, Mr. Viets learned that a stranger was occupying his claim on Wabasha prairie that he bought of Simonds. He came up with his wife to look after it. On arriving here, he found that a man by the name of Benjamin had jumped his claim, and was then in possession of it, jjrofessing to hold it as an abandoned claim. Mr. Yiets, accompanied by Wm. B. Gere, went immediately to his shanty with their revolvers in their hands and requested the claim jumper to vacate the locality as soon as possible. Not being able to resist so urgent a request presented for his consideration, he hur- riedly left the claim and went back to La Crosse, where he had been living. It was said this man was in the employ of a Mr. Healy, for whom lie had jumped the claim. In the spring Mr. Yiets sold out all of his interest on Wabasha prairie and moved back to La Crosse, where he settled in La Crosse county. About the first of July, 1852, George M. Gere came up from La Crosse and settled on Wabasha prairie. He brought with him his wife and a very large family of children. He also brought up, with his household furniture, tools and material for a boot and shoe shop. He was the father of Wm. B. Gere, and brother of H. C. Gere. For temporary accommodation they went to the shanty of H. C. Gere, where the two families lived together for a month or two. It was said that there were eighteen regular occupants of that little shanty, 12X16. The summer was dry and warm, and they found plenty of room outside without inconvenience. In September, when Mr. Denman closed out his mercantile business and moved out on his claim. Mr. Gere leased his house on La Fayette street and occupied it with his family during the winter. RESPECTABILITY. 289 He was a boot and shoe maker by trade, and occupied the front room of his residence as a shop. He here started the first shop in the county for the manufacture and repairs of boots and shoes of the settlers. ' The following spring he built a shanty on his son's claim. It stood on the south side of Wabasha street, back of where the high school building now stands. It was 16x32, one story with a shin- gled roof He occupied this locality until he left Winona. ISTot long after Mr. Gere came into the territory he was appointed a justice of the peace for the county of Wabasha, by Gov. Ramsey. After Fillmore county was created he was continued in the same official position. He was also elected justice of the peace at the first election, inthe fall of 1853. His shoe shop was his office and where he held his court. When he moved from the house belonging to Mr. Denman he built a small shop on the alley near the west side of La Fayette street, between Front and Second streets. His shop was a favorite lounging place for the settlers to while away an idle hour. His house was often used on Sundays for preaching and other religious exercises. Mr. Gere was a large, dignified appearing man, about fifty years of age. His intimate friends speak of him with respect, as being an intelligent, consistent and exemplary christian gentleman ; usually cheerful ; a good-humored, companionable man, who enjoyed a harmless joke and innocent sport, — one who did not consider it a sin to smile when pleased. Soon after Winona county was created Mr. Gere moved to Chat- field, then the county seat of Fillmore county. He left Winona about the first of July, 1854. During the spring and summer of 1852 Andrew Cole, a lawyer, living in La Crosse, made frequent visits to Wabasha prairie. These visits were to acquire a knowledge of the country, to form the acquaintance of the settlers, speculate in claims, and also to attend to professional business. Although there were no courts of justice, nor even a county or- ganization, there was business for the lawyers in contesting the claim difficulties, which became frequent as soon as the settlers began to wrangle for what they considered to be the best claims or choicest locations. These claim disputes were sometimes brought before the claim clubs for settlement. It was important to have counsel who had some knowledge of claim laws. When justices 290 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. were appointed these claim disputes were for awhile tried before them, until it was discovered that, as matters relating to title in real estate, they were not under the jurisdiction of that court. In the fall Mr. Cole brought his wife up from La Crosse and be- came a resident of Minnesota. He was the first lawyer to settle on Wabasha prairie — the first to settle in southern Minnesota for the practice of his profession. Being the only lawyer on the west side of the river, it was said that for the accommodation of his clients, he sometimes acted as counsel on both sides in the same suit, and at the same time acting as confidential adviser to the claim committee, or of the court, if matters of law were not clear to the inexperienced justices. The house he occupied was one built by E. H. Johnson, which stood on lot 4, block 10, fronting on the levee. It was a small one-story building about 16x24, with a lean-to on the back part of the east side about 10 X 12. This was the third house with plastered rooms. The roof was shingled. There were seven buildings with shingled roofs at the close of this year. Mr. Cole had his office in his residence. He occupied this place for three or four years, when he built a house on the corner of Fifth and Harriet streets, opposite the First Ward Park, where he lived during the remaining time of his residence in Winona. In about 1858 he went east and located himself in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he yet resides. When Fillmore county was created Mr. Cole was appointed judge of probate by Gov, Ramsey. He was the first official in that position in this part of the territory along the Mississippi. During the first three or four months after the settlement at Minnesota City was commenced, commendable zeal was exhibited by the members of the association at their meetings in providing for the general interest and future development of the colony. Matters of town organization, providing for public improvements — public buildings, roads, bridges, etc., — were earnestly discussed and under- taken with a spirit of enterprise that was worthy of success. Thev were ambitious and desirous of having a newspaper pub- lished in the colony, A subscription was circulated, and quite a sum promised as a bonus and for its support, provided a paper was started and a printing-ofiice established at Minnesota Gty. Mr. Haddock was a practical printer, and from the encouragement offered decided to make the attempt and bring on material for starting a LOOKn^G AROUND. 291 small weekly newspaper, to be called the "Minnesota City Standard." While east after his family, then living in the city of New York, he procured a press and material for a printingroffice, which he brought along as far as Dubuque, where he was compelled to leave it in store for want of funds to pay freight. He never brought his press up the river. Tljey decided to build a town hall : the lumber and material was purchased and brought on the grounds, but owing to sickness and its attendant misfortunes the project was abandoned and the mate- rial used for other purposes. The public spirit of the settlers of this colony would have made the association a success if the location had been a proper one. CHAPTER XXIX. LOOKING AROUND. Eably in the season prominent individuals from St. Paul visited the colony and made considerable effort to induce the members of the association to abandon Rolling Stone and locate themselves on the Minnesota river above St. Paul. It was said that Gov. Ramsey himself visited the colony for that purpose. Mr. Haddock was opposed to any movement of this kind, and his influence was such that no propositions for a change of locality were for a moment entertained. Mr. Haddock and the members of the association were under the impression that Minnesota City was on a navigable portion of the Mississippi, although the officers of the steamboats refused to go up through Straight slough and establish a landing place for the colony. They early took into consideration the advantages that would arise from making Minnesota City the terminus of a wagon-road into the interior, between the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. A committee was appointed to explore the interior of the territory and "find the most feasible route for a wagon-road from Minnesota City to the Great Bend of the St. Peters river at the mouth of the Blue Earth," with instructions to note the quality of the land, water and timber observed on the route over which they might pass. The committee were each allowed a dollar a day to defray their expenses while on the survey. 292 HISTORY OF WrtSrONA COUNTY. The committee consisted of Robert Pike, jr., Isaac M. Noracong and William Stevens. They left the colony on the 26th of June and reached Traverse des Sioux on the 3d of July, where Mr. Pike was compelled to lay up from disability to travel. Mr. Noracong and Mr. Stevens completed the survey to the mouth of the Blue Earth river. Mr. Noracong stopped for a few days at Mankato to consult with the proprietors of the new town then but just starting at that place, and returned by another route across the country, accompanied by D. A. Robertson, one of the proprietors of Mankato. Mr. Pike and Mr. Stevens took passage on the Black Hawk down the Minnesota river to St. Paul, and from there to Wabasha prairie, and thence by land to Minnesota City. Mr. Pike drew up a report of the expedition, which was indorsed by Mr. Stevens, and presented it to the association as the report of the committee. It was formally accepted. Neither this report made by Mr. Pike nor a copy of it can now be found. It is said to have been a fair description of the country over which they passed, and recommended the route by way of Faribault to Traverse des Sioux as practicable for either a wagon-road or for a railroad at a com- paratively moderate expense. On his return, Mr. Noraeong presented his report recommending a more southern route to Mankato. He found that the report made by Mr. Pike had been adopted, the matter disposed of and the committee discharged. The report of Mr. Noracong was listened to, but no action was taken by the association. The re])ort, in the handwriting of Mr. Noracong, has been preserved by the Hon. (). M, Lord. The following was copied from it : Started June 26, 1852, and went to Mr. Sweet's claim on Rolling Stone prairie, a distance of about twelve miles ; course south of west. June 27, 7 a.m. From Sweet's took a south course one and a-half miles, and then a west course across a fine prairie to a grove of burr-oak timber, where we found a fine spring of water discharging itself in a sink ; this place was claimed by Mr. Hollyer. From thence took a west course and at noon came to a spring brook, and thenc^e, after going a short distance came to a branch of the White "Water running to the north. Continued traveling over burr-oak openings until 3 P.M., when we came to the head branch of the White Water, a fine brook sixteen feet in wi 4 mo. 3 mo. 3 mo. Rhetoric English Literature English Literature Geology Mental Science Political Economy Cicero Cicero Cicero Gcethe GiBthe Goethe Madison School. — One grammar department, in charge of Miss Mary Youmans ; three secondary schools ; eight primary schools. Total enrollment, 623 ; total schools, 12. Washington School. — One grammar department, under care of Alvin Braley ; three secondary schools ; seven primary schools. Total schools, 11 ; total enrollment, 636. The entire educational force of the city comprises, for its public schools, 1 superintendent, 35 regular and 2 special teachers, the schools under their charge having a total em-ollment of 1,823 scholars. This enrollment is about the same as that of 1877, to which is to be added the 700 pupils enrolled in the parochial schools. There has, however, been a most gratifying improvement in the average daily attendance, the reports showing an increase of 300 in the average attendance of to-day over that of 1877, under the same nominal enrollment. There is no longer a scliool census taken, and the number of children between the ages ot 5 and 21 in the city cannot be given. The estimate is made oi about 4,000 ; but if the proportion of enrollment to total number of school age was main- tained now as in years past, the number would be considerably in excess of 5,000. The work of the parochial school appears in connection with the history of the various parishes by which they are maintained. CHAPTER XLI. HISTORY OF WINONA CITY. When the county of Fillmore was created out of Wabasha county by special act of territorial legislature, approved March 5, 1853, the new county thus created was organized for judicial purposes and divided into electoral precincts. One of these precincts was called the Winona precinct, and included within its limits the territory embraced in the level bottom lands on the west side of the Missis- sippi river in latitude 44 degrees north, longitude 14 degrees and 30 minutes west from Washington, and known as Wabasha prairie. The life of Winona precinct as thus constituted was of short dura- tion. By special act of territorial legislature, approved February 23, 1854, Fillmore county was in turn divided and the present county of Winona formed, its boundaries fixed as now existing, and Winona designated as the county seat. Under the provisions ot this act, a special election was held April 4, 1854, within the several precincts as then designated by the county commissioners of Fill- more county, for the purpose of choosing county and precinct ofiicers. Tliese commissioners were Henry C. Gere, Myron Toms and Wm. T. Luark. The precinct officers to be elected were, two justices ot the peace, two constables and one road supervisor. Under the Fillmore county administration the precinct officers were appfinted by the governor of the territory, and for Winona precinct were, John Burns and John M. Gere, justices of the peace ; Frank W. Curtis, constable ; and Geo. W. Clark, road supervisor. These officers held their seats until the regular territorial election, on the second Tuesday in October, when Geo. W. Gere and Wm. H. Stevens were elected justices of the peace and F. W. Curtis, con- stable. The terms of office for which these gentlemen were elected expired by operation of the special act of February 23, 1854, order- ing a special election to be held April 4 ensuing. The judges of election were appointed by the Fillmore county commissioners, the election held as ordered, and Winona precinct, besides casting her vote for the regular county officers, elected for herself as justices of the peace Wm. II. Stevens and Geo. H. Sanborn, and for constable, 424 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Frank W. Curtis. No official record of tliis election is on file in the office in this county, as the returns were made to Fillmore county. The Winona county commissioners, elected i\]n'i\ 4, 1854, met at Winona, the seat of government for tlie new county, April 28, of that same year, and the following day, April 2!», 1854, redistricted the county. By this partition Winona county was divided into six electoral precincts ; one of these was named Winona and described as townsliip No. 107 north, range 7, west of the fifth principal meridian. As will he noted hy the description, the precinct of Winona, as then formed, was identical in its boundaries with the' present township of Winona, including the corporate limits of the city of Winona. The official term for which these offices were tilled in April expired when the regular election for the territory was held the ensuing October. The official returns of this election — the very existence of which seemed unknown until they were unearthed for us by ex-county auditor Basford from among the musty archives of the county records — give the following as the result : justices of the peace, S. K. Thompson, A. C. Jones ; constables, F. W. Curtis, A. C. Smith ; road supervisor, Enoch Hamilton. It does not appear from any records in the office of register of deeds, or from any acknowledgment upon any instrument extant, or from the memory of any one familiar with those times, that A. C. Jones ever qualified as justice of the ])eace or exercised the functions of that office. There is abundance of parole evidence to show that G. H. Sanborn continued to exercise the authority of justice for months after the October election, and in connection with S. K. Thompscm ••'prqierved the peace" in Winona precinct. The election of 1855 returned Henry Day and John Keyes, justices ; Harvey S. Terry and W. H. Peck, constables ; and Wm. Doolittle, road supervisor. The officers elected in 1856 were: justices of the peace, G. R. Tucker, I. B. Andrews ; constables, Harvey S. Terry, C. C. Bart- lett ; road supervisor, Asa Hedge. This was the last precinct election in which the residents within the city limits took part. The term of office for which the above election was held expired with the charter election held Monday, xVpril 6, 1857. From the formation of Fillmore county, March 5, 1853, until the charter election for the newly incorporated city was held, four years and one month later, the settlers on Wabasha prairie were subject only to such general laws and regulations as had been enacted WINONA CITY. 425 by territorial authority for the government of such communities as were uninvested with corporate rights and privileges. This day had passed by for Winona and she was now to enter upon the larger and more responsible work of creating a city government, and adminis- tering its affairs/answerable only to herself within the limits of her corporate franchises. Before entering upon this phase of the history of Winona, it is necessary that some idea should be given of the growth in population and the material progress made by the little community from the date of its planting to the eve of its incoi'po- ration, and for this purpose a brief reference to these matters will be all that is necessary. The population of Winona county at the date of its organization is generally placed a little below 800 — a slow growth, and one not destined to be much accelerated during the year and a half that fol- lowed. The attractions of southern Minnesota, to which Winona has ever been the chief gateway, seemed generally disregarded, and the rush of settlement was farther north along the Minnesota river ; the St. Paul press growing so eloquent in its descriptions of the beauty and fertility of that valley as to attract the attention of pro- spective settlers to that region. The protracted occupation of this section of Minnesota by the Indians, their final removal not having been effected until the autumn of 1853, had much to do in prevent- ing the early settlement of southeastern Minnesota. But when the vast territory lying west of Winona was opened to settlement in the summer of 1855, and the government land office established here in November of that year, the change from the dull inactivity of the previous year was almost marvelous. The influx of population, the rapid increase in the number of business houses of all kinds, the activity manifest in every department of trade, the impetus given to all speculative movements, the number of buildings in course of erection, all testified to the fact that a new day and a better one had dawned upon the prospective metropolis of southern Minnesota. The condition of affairs at the close of the year 1856 may be summed up as follows : The population had increased from about 800 in Decem- ber, 1855, to 3,000 in December, 1856. There had been erected during the year 290 buildings of all kinds, among them three good churches, a large four-story warehouse, a commodious hotel (the Hufi' House, now standing), a steam flouring-mill with five run of stones, a large three-story banking building, besides scores of others of less note, yet decidedly creditable to the young city. An idea of 426 HISTORY OF WENONA COUNTY. the value of real property may be had from these specimen quota- tions of sales of real estate, taken from the columns of the "Winona Republican " of that date : "A lot on Second street, between Center and Lafayette, 40x100 feet, $1,600 cash; two corner lots on Walnut street, $1,800 ; a lot, 80 X 140 feet, corner of Second and Center streets, $6,000." The manufacturing establishments were two steam saw-mills, one steam planing-mill, one steam flouring-mill, one cabinet manufactory with steam power. The river was open to navigation from April 8 to November 17, and during that time there were 1,300 arrivals and departures of boats. A tri-weekly line of steamers was maintained for greater part of the season between Winona and Du- buque, and the forwarding and commission business for that season aggregated $182,731.96. There were fourteen attorneys-at-law and nine physicians waging war against crime and death, and about 150 business houses, stores, shops, etc., distributed as follows: Dry goods, 14 ; groceries and provisions, 16 ; clothing. 7 ; hardware and tin, 6 ; drugs, 5 ; boots and shoes, 4 ; furniture, 4 ; books, 2 ; hat and fur store, 2 ; wholesale liquors, 2 ; hotels arid taverns, 13 ; eating-houses and saloons, 10 ; lumber yards, 5 ; blacksmith shops, 3 ; warehouses, 4 ; brickyards, 2 ; livery stables, 2 ; sign painters, 3 ; watchmakers, 3 ; butchers, 2 ; wagon and carriage shop, 2 ; fanning-mill maker, 1 ; gunsmith shop, 2 ; bakeries, 2 ; dentists, 3 ; gaugenean artist, 1 ; banking-offices, 6 ; real estate and insurance, 10 ; printing-ottices, 2 ; harness shop, 2 ; barber shop, 3. To these may be added five churches and two schools, and you have a fair summary of Winona business at the close of the year 1856. The original plat of Winona, surveyed June 19, 1852, by John Ball, for Erwin H. Johnson and Orrin Smith, was so set apart and recorded under the revised terri- torial statutes of 1851, in accordance with the town site act passed by congress May 23, 1844. This original plat was bounded on the north by the Mississippi river, on the east by Market street, on the south by Wabasha street, and on the west by Wasliington street. 'It comprised a square, each side of which was six full blocks. This plat was enlarged from time to time by " additions," until at the close of 1856 the platted area on Wabasha prairie covered a tract of ground fully two miles in extent from east to west and nearly half tliat distance from north to south. The principal of these additions was never recorded as such, and is generally known as Huff's survey of the city of Winona. This survey and dedication was made in 1854, and extended from the original town plat on the east to Chute's WESrONA CITY. 427 addition on the west, a total length of seven blocks and a fraction, and covering an area considerably larger than the original plat itself. This addition does not now appear on the maps as such, and for years has been included and its blocks numbered as a part of the original town plat. The more important of the subsequent additions were Laird's addition and subdivision, immediately east ol the original plat. These covered an area of about 80 acres in extent, fronting north on the river and extending some half-dozen blocks to the south. Hamilton's addition, lying east of Laird's, was the largest of any of the plats, original or additional. It comprised an area of 160 acres, extending westward beyond the macadamized road leading to Sugar-loaf Bluff, and running backward eight or ten blocks from the river. Within its limits are some of the most populous sections of the city. These, with Taylor & Go's addition, and Sanborn's and Hubbard's, all on the south, and Chute's addition on the west, were platted and dedicated before the close of the year 1856. Beyond the limits of these additions but little building has been done, save in the Polish quarter just east of Hamilton's addition, and in the vicinity of the wagon-works just west of Chute's addition. The latter of these settlements, in what is known as Evans' addition, is rapidly building up, and will some day be a populous portion of the city, lying, as it does, in the immediate vicinity of the manufactur- ing establishments recently located in west Winona. That the county seat of Winona county was destined at no distant day to become a city of no mean proportions was very early accepted as a fact by her citizens, and preparations for investing her with corporate rights and privileges were not long delayed. As early as ]!*^ovember 11, 1856, the "Winona Republican," in a brief editorial, called attention to the matter of securing a city charter, and suggested the necessity of taking definite action, alleging that the movement would be heartily supported by all the members of the territorial legislature from the southern Minnesota districts. A meeting of the citizens was accordingly called for Saturday evening, January 3, 1857. The response to the call was quite general. The meeting was held in Central Hall, and organized with Edward Ely, better known as Elder Ely, in the chair. W. C. Dodge was elected secretary, the business of the hour stated, the measure of incorpora- tion approved, and after considerable discussion as to corporate boundaries, etc., a committee was appointed to draft a charter, and report the same at an adjourned meeting to be held on the following 428 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Saturday evening. The members of that committee, three only of whom are now residents of Winona, were : G. W. Curtis, W. Newman, C. IJ. Berry, William Windom, M. Wheeler Sargent, John Keyes and Edward Ely. On Saturday evening, the 10th inst, tlie citizens met, pursuant to adjournment of previous week, to hear the report of their committee. Hon. C. H. Berry, on behalf of the couiniittee, presented the report, which at their instance he had drafted, together with an abstract of charter. The only question upon which differences of opinion arose was as to the pro})er limits for the proposed incorporation. Some were in favor of quite extended corporation boundaries, others advocated a comparatively limited boundary. The report favored extending the boundaries of the citv to include the causeways over the slough at the east and west ends of town, the following reasons being adduced : That, as the maintenance of good ajiproaches to the city more nearly con- cerned the citizens of the corj)oration than those outside its limits, the control and repair of the roads over the sloughs, by which access to town was only possible, should be under the care of the city ; that the vote of the county outside the city limits being in excess of that polled within the city, it would not be wise to allow the county vote, which might or might not appi'ove the expenditures for main- taining these causeways in good repair, to control a matter so essential to the interests of the city ; that as the cit}'' would certainly reap the most benefit, it was only just that she should incur the responsibility of the increased outlay ; that it was a question whether the county had any right to appropriate moneys for a work so nearly sectional in its character ; and that in any event the more liberal policy would be for the city to assume the burden, leaving the county authorities free to assist in bearing it if at any time they saw fit. It was also represented that by extending the corporate limits a larger proportion of property-holders whose lands would be increased in value by their nearness to a large city would be taxed to defray the city expenses. The reasons of which the above is a brief summary were approved, the report adopted, the abstract of charter commended and returned to the committee with instructions to complete the draft and submit it as a completed charter for the adoption of the citizens at a meeting to be held the following Saturday evening, January 17, 1857. This was accordingly done, and the accepted charter was forwarded to St. Paul, where it came before the ^A/'^, A WINONA CITY. 4^1 territorial legislature, passed, and the act formally incorporating the city of Winona was approved March 6 of that same year 1857, and became law immediately after its adoption. ACT OF INCORPORATION. By the provisions of this act the extreme southeastern limit of the city was established just where the western boundary of Winona township touches the south shore of the Misissippi river. From this point the boundary line of the corporation was run due west four miles, thence north two miles, thence east to the middle of the Mississippi river, thence in a southeasterly direction down the middle of the stream to a point due north of the place of beginning. The ground thus inclosed' within the corporate limits of the city formed an irregular four-sided figure ; its south boundary a right line four miles long, its west boundary a right line two miles long, its north boundary a right line running east about one and a-half miles to the shore of the river, from which point it followed the irregular shore line southeasterly to the west line of Winona township. The city was divided into three wards. The first ward embracing all that portion of the city lying west of Washington street. The second ward extending eastward from Washington to Lafayette streets, and the third ward including all between Lafayette street and the city limits on the east. The wards thus established were each to constitute an electoral precinct, the judges of election for which (at the ensuing chai-ter Section) were to be appointed by the county commissioners, as was the ease in all precinct elections. The charter election was ordered to be held on the first Monday in April, polls to open at twelve o'clock and close at four o'clock, and the officers to be chosen were, one mayor, one recorder, one justice of the peace, one marshal, one assessor, one attorney, one surveyor and two aldermen for each ward. The mayor, aldermen and recorder to form the city council. Tuesday, April 7, 1857, the first charter election for the city of Winona was held, when the following vote was cast. OFFICE. CANDIDATE. VOTES POLLED. Mayoi* R. D. Cone 291 M. Wheeler Sargent 405 Eecorder E. A. Gerdtzen 331 James White 323 Treasurer J. V. Smith 401 H. B. Upman 291 25 432 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. OFFICE. rANDIDATKS. VOTES POLLED. Marshal E. A. Batchelder 293 G. W. llorton 213 X. Hudson 106 P. B. Palmer 142 Attorney H. W. Lamberton 439 ' D. S. Norton 246 Surveyor L. Pettibone 274 II. B. Cozzens 417 Justice Thomas Simpson 414 H. Day 276 Assessor First Ward, 0. M. Lord 97 " " (I H. Blanchard 41 Second Ward, A. P. Foster 107 " " V. Simpson 94 Third Ward, I. Hubbard 109 " " P. P. Hubbell 291 Aldermen First Ward, W. H. Dill 94 " " I. B. An(h-us 81 " " I. D.Ford, M.D 58 " " P. V. Bell 43 Second Ward, Tim Kerk 124 " " G.W.Payne 113 " " Sam Cole 88 " " Geo. H. Sanborn 80 Third Ward, J. Bolcom 217 " " Jacob Mowery 205 " " E. H. Murray 127 " " G. Lautenslager 127 From these returns it appears that the maximum vote cast was for marshal, for which office 754 votes were polled ; the vote for recorder being the minimum, 654. The average vote was about 685 to 690. The third ward vote was equal to the votes of the first and second ward in the ballot for aldermen, and led those wards in the vote for assessor, 400 votes being cast in the third ward for that office and only 339 in both the others. The usual proportion of population to voters would have given Winona at this time a census of 3,770 souls, so that the estimate of 3,000 population for the city was probably not much out of the way. The city limits were not long unchanged. The following year, 1858, the act of incorporation was so amended as to change the city boundaries on the south and east. By this change, and an imma- terial one made nine years later, the southern boundary was fixed to conform in some degree to the south shore of lake Winona, and some quarter-sections were taken off the western end of the «orpo- ration as originally bounded. By these acts about one and one-half square miles were taken from the area of the city as established by act of March, 1857. By act of February 10, 1870, a further curtail- ment of a quartei- of a section was made, at which time the tract in wrNONA CITY. 433 tlie extreme west end of the city, known as the fair-ground, was set outside the city limits, and these are the only changes made in the boundaries of the city since its incorporation. The ward changes have not been numerous. February 15, 1865, the boundary line between the second and third wards was removed two streets east of that upon which it was originally established and Market street made the division line. When the whole act of incorporation was amended, March 1, 1867, the boundary between the first and second wards was moved one street east and Johnson street became the separating line. February 28, 1876, a radical change was made. Tlie city was divided into four wards, and their boundaries respect- ively were, for the first ward, that portion of the city lying west- ward between the center of Washington street and the city limits ; second ward, that portion lying between Washington street on the west and Walnut street on the east ; third ward, that portion extend- ing from Walnut street on the west to Yine street on the east, and the fourth ward, that portion lying within the city limits eastward from the center of Yine street. These changes were all made by special act of Minnesota legislature and are the only ones made in the several ward boundaries to date. Several changes, some of them quite important, have been made from time to time in the list of city officers, both as regards the nature of the oflice and the status of the ofiicer. Under the original act of incorporation the elective officers of the city were : one mayor, one recorder, one treasurer, one marshal, one attorney, one surveyor, one justice of the peace, one assessor and six aldermen. Some misapprehension concerning the election of assessors must have occurred at the first charter election, as three assessors were returned, one for each ward, a thing not contemplated by the act. The term of office for aldermen and justice was fixed at two years, all other official terms one year. By the act of March 8, 1862, the number of justices was increased to two, and the recorder, though still an elective officer, was denied any vote or voice in the proceed- ings of the council, his duties being to keep a report of the council proceedings, to make an annual estimate in August of the current expenses for the year and of the revenue necessary to be raised therefor. A radical change in the list of elective officers was made by the act of March, 1865, which defined said officers to be a mayor, two aldermen from each ward, two justices of the peace and city treasurer. The offices to be filled by appointment of the council 434 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. were : recorder, marshal, assessor, attorney and surveyor, and the first reguhir meeting after the charter election was designated as tlie time and place of appointment. All terms of office, except those of aldermen, which remained unchanged, were fixed at one year, the rule to apply to offices filled either by election or appointment. By act of 1867 the original act was so amended as to virtuall}^ consti- tute a new one. By the later act the officers to be chosen by the people were : mayor, two aldermen for each ward, two justices of the peace, a treasurer and an assessor. The terms of office were as before established by act of Marcli, 1865, with the exception of jus- tices of the peace, whose term was fixed at two years. The officers to be appointed by the council were : recorder, marshal, surveyor, attorney and street commissioner. All persons otherwise qualified to vote for county and state officers were made eligible to vote at any city election in the election district, of which at time of voting they had been for ten days resident, and were also qualified thereby to hold any city office to which they might be elected. All officers, elected and appointed, were required to take an oath of office, and bonds were to be given by the marshal and treasurer. The city justices were given exclusive jurisdiction over all cases and complaints arising under the ordinances, police regulations, laws and by-laws of the city ; the powers of the council were fully set forth in extenso^ and they were duly empowered to act in all matters per- taining to the peace, cleanliness and safety of the city, as also to the security and public conduct of the citizens. This "act," "' vir- tually the one under which the city authorities now act," was declared to be of a public character and not contravened by any general law of the state conflicting- with its provisions, unless so expressly stated WINONA^ CITY. 435 in the enactment of such general law. By act of February, 1870, council was restrained from incurring an indebtedness in excess of $10,000 for any specific purpose without first submitting the same to the voters of the city and receiving the sanction of two-thirds of the votes cast, for and against the measure. By special act of April, 1876, aldermen were prohibited from receiving any compensation for their services, either directly or indirectly. A new departure in making up the official list of the city was taken in 1877, by authority of an act passed that spring. Under this amendment the officers to be elected were : a mayor, treasurer, recorder, assessor, attorney, marshal, street commissioner, surveyor, physician, two aldermen for each ward and two justices of the peace ; the council, as heretofore, having authority to appoint such additional oflicers as in their judgment the interests of the city required. The term of all officers elected by the people was fixed at two years, and of those a])pointed by the council one year. The experiment did not prove satisfactory, and in 1879 this act was repealed by an amendment, making the oflicers chosen by the people to consist of mayor, treas- urer, assessor, whose terms of ofiice were for one year ; and two aldermen for each ward, and two justices, whose terms, as before, remained fixed at two years. By this amendment city justices were clothed vsdth all the rights pertaining to justices elected under the general laws of the state, as well as the exclusive jurisdiction before given them, over all actions and complaints arising under the laws, ordinances, by-laws and police regulations of the city. sis Qt: ►J a S1I •jajjBHO Ajio 01 sj '.>i8l JO Snuds oj .loud lompiigniB Snnuaouoo iuouif»J''ls in paioti Daniel Evans F. Droskowski Daniel Evans F. M. I sham F. M. Ishara J. Dotterwick J. Dotterwick P. Mink P. Mink J. Dotterwick J. Dotterwick J. Milanowski J. Milanowski F. Baumann, Jr. F. Baumann, Jr. J. 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OS 1 § § ^ J3 a ^ ^ '* G D d •<) K W ►, 1-5 ^ .5 ho m a a ^' a ■a a -I" a a ■5 •0 a da • * • .E § 1 s s s ^-^ « rz3 w CO cc ^ ri rt Ci. P- a >^ i i .§ .s .a ^. a a X CO cc p^ d a. ; 2 % : .P XI fc i i -^ 03 o3 a P ^ 5 a a .? U >< o> iii * 1-1 00 00 00 00 00 2 S 1 III CHAPTER XLIL ROADS. One of the most vital needs of the young city— a need felt for some time prior to her incorporation as well as for years afterward — was that of better roads leading into the surroimding country, from which her local trade was to come. This want of good highways — a want in some degree common to all new settlements— was doubly felt in the case of Winona, owing to her peculiar topographical position. The long narrow stretch of low bottom land forming Wabasha prairie, and upon the lower end of which the city is built, is inclosed in a regular pocket by the Mississippi river bluffs, which back of the city are nearly two miles from the river bank. These bluffs, rising from 300 to 500 feet in height, gradually encroach upon the bottom lands above and below the city until they abut directly upon the river, thus forming the termini of Wabasha prairie. This entire tract of bot- tom land was at no distant day covered by the waters of the river, great portions of it at the present being subject to overflow dufing times of exceptionTilly high water. The whole river face of the prairie is seamed and indented by little creeks and bays wherever the low lands lie, and in these localities the sandy soil of the higher levels is displaced by a marshy, boggy soil which affords very insecure foot- ing for man or beast. The springs which ooze out of the ground at the foot of the limestone bluffs in the rear of the city, together with those forming up the valleys, which are the natural outlets through the bluffs to the high table lands above and running down them to the river, are collected in a natural reservoir just within the city limits on the south. This reservoir or basin, usually called Winona lake, is a shallow sheet of water nearly 500 rods in length and about eighty rods wide, with extensive tracts of low marshy land at either ex- tremity, particularly at the outlet on the east, where the marsh is fully a mile in width. At all times of high water these marshy lands have been subject to overflow, and at even the lowest stage of the river the approach to the city from the east and southeast was through a slough only rendered at all passable by the dense growth of bottom grass, which served as a mat to prevent teams from being hopelessly 438 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY, mired. The approacli from the southwest was much more favorable, but by no means sucli as heavily loaded teams would care to attempt. The road to the west and north along the tongue of higher land lead- ini:; to Minnesota City was the only desirable road leading out of town, and in fact the only one ])Ossible during seasons of moderately high water. But even this road was frequently impassable, as was the case in 1852, and on occasions since that date, when Winona was actually an island, cut off from all communication by land with the surrounding country and approachable only by boat in any direction. This Minne- sota City road, or the road to the Rolling Stone settlement, as it was ROADS. 439 then called, was the first highway for which any survey was made in this whole region of country ; and with this crude survey, made without special regard to anything save a practical wagon road to the Roll- ing Stone plateau, and reported to the county commissioners of Fill- more county without maps or field notes to accompany it, this crude survey marked the beginning of all attempts to improve the high- ways within the limits of the present Winona county. Settlement in the county was made rapidly in the late summer and fall of 1855, and the mouths of Burns and Gillmore valleys opened to receive the settlers that, passing through these gateways of the Winona bluffs, sought the level prairie lands lying back from the river. To con- nect these valleys with the little town on the river, and open up such roadways as would permit loaded teams to pass and repass from the river to the farms just being opened, became every week more and more a necessity. As early as 1855 a narrow trail, called by courtesy a road, with bunches of prairie grass and here and there a few poles, and in exceptionally difficult places a plank had been ex- tended across the slough between the lower end of town and Sugar- Loaf bluff, or Glen-Mary as it soon afterward began to be called. In 1856, the year in which Winona made such rapid strides in popula- tion and in all material growth, a movement was made to construct a permanent road waj^ across this slough. E. S. Smith, then living at the foot of Sugar-Loaf bluff, headed a subscription for that purpose with a pledge of $500. Others followed until the subscription amounted to about $3,000, when the contract was awarded to Van Gorder & Mallory to grade the slough and put in a bridge. The contract price was $3,500, and the stipulation was for a roadbed twenty-six feet wide on the bottom, twenty-four feet wide on the top, the embankment to be raised three feet above the slough level, and a bridge 150 feet long to be built above high-water mark. The embankment reached from the solid ground on the south side of the slough almost at the foot of Sugar-Loaf bluff to the solid ground, which was reached a few rods south of the present track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. The extreme length of this embankment was not far from 1,500 yards, and the work was completed as per contract very much to the gratific;ation of those who were compelled to find an entrance to the city in that quarter or make the entire circuit of the lake to find a poor road at best at the western extremity of the city. The work so satisfactorily" begun by private subscription was continually improved under the street commissioner of the city un- « 440 HISTORY OF WINONA COl'NTY. til 1873, when, under instruction of the council's committee on streets and alleys, street commissioner O'Day raised the embankment to an average height of five feet above the level of the slough, laid up the sides of the embankment with a good stone wall sloping one foot in- ward for each three feet of its height, and carried the embankment to about seven feet in height at the bridge. This work was prose- cuted to the city limits on the south from a point a few rods south of Mark street, a total distance of about 100 rods. Near Mark street it reached the grade of the macadamized road constructed by James Burke for the city, down Fiftli street and Mankato avenue toward Sugar-Loaf bluff as far as the north margin of the slough. This combined work afforded a good solid roadbed through the deep sand at the east end of town, as well as over the slough to the city limits on the south. From tins point the county commissioners took charge of the embankment and raised it from the city limits to the foot of Sugar-Loaf bluff to correspond with the grade made by the city. The length of the embankment thus raised by the county authorities was nearly three-eighths of a mile, and the total cost of the work done hy them there at various times has aggregated about $7,500. The road as now built, though not absolutely above high-water mark, having been completely submerged by the flood of 18S0, is nevertheless practically fit for travel at all seasons of the year, and affords free access to the city for the residents in Pleasant valley, Gilmore valley, upper and lower Burns valleys, and the roads to Homer and the southeast quarter of the county in general. In 1857 some imjDrovement was made in the approach to town from the west, and about $800 expended in grading and in building a bridge 150 feet long over the slough on the Stockton road. This work, embankment and bridge, was carried out by the high water of 1858, and in 1859 the county, acting in concert with the city, con- tracted with S. D. Van Gorder to put in a pile bridge 200 feet long and cast up an enbankment about 600 yards long across the slough between town and the Stockton bluffs. The contract price for this work was $3,500, of which sum the city paid $3,000, the funds being raised as heretofore, by subscription. In the meantime the city's trade with that section of the county lying over and beyond the Stockton hills had so increased that the city deemed it advisable to ]>re|»are the way for its coming. The proposed route was over the Stockton bluffs, by which a saving of several miles would be ROADS. "^^1 effected, as also travel through the deep sand of the Minnesota city road along which the trade from the west was necessitated to enter Winona Two contracts for grading the bluffs and making a winding roadway perfectly practicable for loaded teams were awarded One to John Keator for constructing the road on the eastern slope, the other on the west, to Van Gorder & Mallory, the stipulated price in each case being $4,000. Gullies were to be bridged, immense bowlders removed, the face of solid limestone cliffs blasted away, timber cut and stumps and roots grubbed out, the roadway carried for rods upon supporting walls of stone built up from some 'favoring ledge below, or shored up" from the bluff sides, and such a grade established as would make the road practicable as a regular thoroughfare for loaded teams in either direction, ihe work was laid out bv civil engineer N. J. Hilbert, and its difhculties can onlv be known and its magnitude appreciated by those who have the pleasure of a trip over it. It is a roadway fully four miles long winding up one side of the bluff and down the other, from the level bottom lands of the Wabasha prairie to the fertile valley of the Stockton, or conversely from the quiet Stockton vales to the busthng activity of the commercial center of soutliern Minnesota^ ihe $8 000 for the prosecution of this work was also raised m Winona by' private personal subscription. To this amount the county has subsequently added the sum of $10,000 in improving the road at various times, the outlay to date being, as nearly as can be ascer- tained, about $18,000 to $18,500. The result is a pleasant, safe and thoroughly picturesque road, affording a really delightful drive for any lover of nature, as during it some charming ghmpses of wood and water are obtained, valley, bluff and river scenery affernating the view. The road over the bluffs, just east of Woodlawn cemetery on the south side of lake Winona, was not built without the aid of Winona citizens, who contributed about $500 to that work, ihe roadways at the upper and lower ends of town, and the Stockton bluff work, was all done as early as 1861, the funds provided by private subscription of Winona citizens, their contributions for these several improvements aggregating not less than $16,000 io this should be added the expense of macadamizing the east end of iiltn street, and commissioner O'Day's work on the Sugar-Loaf road as these improvements were in the interest of public highways leading into the city. This would give a grand total of $23,000 expended by the city' in the single matter of highways leading out of the city 44*2 HISTORY OF winona county. on tlie Minnesota side of the river. Creditable as this expenditure is to the liberal ])ublic spirit of the citizens of Winona, the expendi- tures of the corporation for a like purpose on the Wisconsin side of the river have been considerably greater. The country lying just across the Mississippi river in Wisconsin, and naturally tributary to Winona, only needed some means of communication with her markets to contribute its quota to the trade of the city rising on the Minnesota shore. Charters to establish ferries at this point had been granted in 1855 and in 1857, but nothing resulted from the grants in either case and the privileges expired by limitation. With the close of the war, and with active preparations for increased business, interest in the ferry project revived, and in 1865, A. DeGrafF, under contract with the city of Winona — which had been authorized by legislative act to expend moneys in Wisconsin for that purpose — agreed to build a road from the Wisconsin shore of the river, opposite the Winona levee, across the bottom lands of Buffalo townshi]> in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, to the higher lands near the foot of the Wisconsin bluffs. The contract price of the work was $5,500, but before it was completed the city had paid nearly double that amount. This road was always subject to overflow. The bottom lands were literally seamed with creeks and bayous, so that the undertaking was one of no light character. For some reason the result was not satisfactory. The high water of 1870 took out the bridges and cut into the embankment, rendering the road unfit for travel. In the meantime the state fair was to be held that season at Winona, and means of communication across the Buffalo bottoms became more and more urgent. S. D. Van Gorder, who owned and operated the Winona ferrj^ contracted to repair the embankment and rebuild the bridges. The sum of |400 was raised by subscription ; the work was done at a total cost of |775. Some portions of the $400 subscription remained unpaid and the balance came out of Mr. Van Gorder's pocket, who, during the ten years that he operated his ferry, paid out not less than $1,500 in repairing the roads across the Wisconsin bottoms. In the fall of 1 882, the city having taken the management and operation of the ferry into its own hands, in order to reduce expenses of crossing, and if practicable to make the ferry rates merely nominal, if not to abolish them entirely, concluded to make a permanent imprf)vement in the approach to the ferry. The contract was let to S. D. Van Gorder, and its stipulations called for a roadway thirty- SOCIETIES. 443 eiffht feet wide at the bottom, eighteen feet wide on the top, an average till across the bottom to the high land of seven feet above the slough level, the streams to be bridged as indicated m the specifications, the embankment to be substantially riprapped on both slopes and the top of the roadbed covered with macadam to the depth of one foot. The contract with Van Gorder was tor $9 500 and only included earthwork and bridging. The contract for stoke and stonework was awarded to H. J. Willis for $10,252. The road, as now constructed under these contracts, is about 4,000 feet long, there are five bridges having an aggregate length of 1,200 feet, and in these are 1,160 feet of piling. The surface of the road- bed, as now standing, is one and a-half feet below the high water mark of 1880. To meet this expense in the Wisconsm bottoms, the city issued her bonds for $30,000, payable in twenty years, and negotiated the most of them at five per cent interest per annum. Thus it appears that the people and corporation of Wmona, m order to improve the roadways leading to the city upon both sides ot the river, have expended the sum of nearly $55,000, and of this amount nearly one-half has been raised by private subscription. The city's expenditures in other directions have been no less liberal, as will' appear in the history of matters more directly connected with the proceedings of her common council. CHAPTER XLIII. SOCIETIES. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows were the first of the secret societies to organize a lodge in this city, and so are justly entitled to head the list of Winona's fraternal associations. Early m the history of the city— during the winter of 1855-6 — the members of the order who had sought a location in the then village began looking one another up and comparing notes, when it was ascertained that there were five members of the I.O.O.F. in the embryo city. The names of the five, since become historic in the annals of the order here, were James M. Cole (a past grand), and scarlet- 444 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. degree brothers Win. H. Keitli, Daniel L. Miller, John Curtis and Jolm Owens. During the January session of the grand lodge of the order in the State of Minnesota, in the year 1856, formal application was made by the above-mentioned fraters of the order for a lodge charter, which application was favorably considered, and on May 6 following PKAIKIK LODGK, NO. 7, I.O.O.F. OF WINONA, was duly instituted by Grand Master L. A. Babcock. The charter members of the new lodge were the petitioners above mentioned, who were elected and inst-allcd into the various offices as follows : Jas. W. Cole, noble grand ; Wm. H. Keith, vice-grand ; John Owens, secretary ; John Curtis, treasurer ; D. L. Miller, conductor. The place of meeting for the new lodge was in the upper story of the Downer building, at the lower end of the levee, which had been fitted up for lodge purposes ; and here, eight days later, May 14, 1856, the first initiations into the order occurred, the candidates being Thomas Simpson, W. G. Dye and Henry Wickersham. The lodge increased rapidly in numbers, and the following year, their hall proving inadequate to their enlarging demands, they ari-anged to occupy the third story of the newly-erected building on the levee, afterward known as the Kiverside hotel, where they remained until 1859, when they leased the third story of the brick building which Thomas Simpson had just erected on Second street, between Center and Main streets, where Mitchell's block now stands. This location was chosen as afibrding more room and privacy, and as the lodge was then in a very flourishing condition it was fitted up most com- fortably, the emblems and jewels of the lodge-room costing nearly $150. Here the lodge worked and grew and prospered until the great fire of 1862 destroyed their beautiful hall, with its regalia, emblems, jewels, and most of its records — the latter an irre])arable loss. During this period Prairie Lodge elected five unaffiliated members from Rochester, instructed them, entertained them, granted them withdrawal cards, and loaned them the regalia and fixtures necessary for the institution of a lodge of the order in Rochester, and donated them the entire work and service above rendei'ed. From this it is evident Prairie Lodge, No. 7, is justly entitled to the honors of putative fatherhood in the case of Rochester Lodge, No. 13, LO.O.F. of Rochester, Minnesota. April 15, 1863, Prairie Lodge, No. 7, took possession of their new hall, which had been fitted up for them in the Wickersham SOCIETIES. • 445 building (now Kendall's wholesale drug house), and which they occupied for five years. April 12, 1868, they removed to Simpson's block, corner of Second and Center streets, in the third story of which they had fitted up a commodious lodge-room, with ample reception and preparation rooms. Here they continued work, grow- ing in numbers and influence, until the block was gutted by fire, January 13, 1877. In this fire the order were a second time rendered houseless and homeless, to which disaster was added tlie loss of all their records, so that most pertaining to the early history of the order has been gathered from personal recollections of members, and more specifically from the very interesting paper on the ' ' Early history of Odd-fellowship in Winona," prepared for and presented to the order by W. G. Dye in 1874, and which has survived the general ruin of the records of the fraternity. After a temporary sojourn in Mill's Hall, during which time Simpson's block was being rebuilt, Prairie Lodge returned to their old quarters, which had been elegantly fitted for their reception, on April 15, 1877, where visiting fraters will find them sumptuously lodged in an elegant hall, fully equipped for work and hospitable entertainment. Nearly ten years prior to this date, however, in 1808, the Ger- man-speaking members of Prairie Lodge had so increased that it was deemed wise to organize a second Odd-Fellows' lodge, working in the German language, and this was effected in due form October 6, 1868, the new lodge being known as Humboldt Lodge, JS^o. 24, I.O.O.r. of Minnesota. For work and statistics of Humboldt Lodge, see article following. From the narrative of Past N.G. Dye, above referred to, it seems that up to date of April 27, 1874, 257 members had been connected with Prairie Lodge, and that there were 73 members in reorganized standing at that time. The destruction of the records three years later, 1877, renders it impos- sible to state the actual figures "as we would were those records extant. But availing ourselves of all possible sources of infor- mation, we present the following statistics as substantially accurate. Whole number of members borne on rolls of Prairie Lodge 335 ; present number of members in Prairie Lodge 97 ; adding to this the whole number in Humboldt Lodge 174, and deducting the number demitted from Prairie to Humboldt, we have the total members of the fraternity from the date of the institution of the order in 1856 to the present time 485, and adding the present number in Hum- boldt Lodge to those already given for Prairie, No. 7, we find 205 446 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the actual membersliip of the order in this city. The election of officers occurring semi-annually, it has not been deemed best to cumber the account with anything bej^ond the official register for the present term, which is : N.G., G. W. Greslin ; V.G., F. B. Newell ; Sec, A. Beyerstedt; Treas., H. J. Willis; Warden. John Berthe; L.S.N.G., W. , W. Miller; RS.V.G., E. Anderson; L.S.V.G.,E. Helder; Cond., G. A. Terrill; LG., D. Trepus; O.G., J, Duberry ; R.S.S., Wm. Berthe ; L.S.S.,Tho8. Laycock ; Trustees, W. G. Dye, D. Morrell, G. A. Terrill. HUMB(^LDT LODGE, NO. 24. Humboldt Lodge, No. 24, 1.O.O.F. (as indicated in the previous sketch of the history of the order in Winona county), was organ- ized by members of Prairie Lodge, No. 7, October 5, 1868. The charter members, ten in number, were : H. C. Fuhrman, Wm. Wedel. J. Harlan, B. Neuman, J. Budwig, C. Houseman, H. Ein- feldt, J. Einfeldt, E. Pelzer and W. Wosohoskai. These are all living, five of them still residents of Winona and prominent mem- bers of Humboldt Lodge. This lodge was organized for the purpose of working in the German language, and has had a most prosperous existence. The total number of members borne on the rolls since organization has been 174, and the present membership is 108. They share with Prairie Lodge the beautiful hall in Simjison's block and enjoy their share of the honors; D.D.G.M. H. C. Fuhrman being general messenger of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Order in the United States, the first office of the kind ever held by any member of the fraternity in Minnesota. H. C. Fuhrman, district deputy grand master and general mes- senger of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States, is a native of Germany ; came from there to Wisconsin in 1850, and to Winona in 1867 ; was engaged in business here until 1874, since which time he has been employed in the railway postal service of the United States. He is also a Master Mason, a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18. Mr. Fuhrman is married, has one child attending school in the city, and a son, A. W. Fuhrman, chief engineer of the city fire department. WINONA ENCAMI'MENT, NO. 10, I.O.O.F. The two lodges of the order in this city having grown strong and vigorous, it was determined about ten years since to institute an encampment here. Accordingly, November 29, 1872, Alexander SOCIETIES. 440' Wilson, of St. Paul, Minnesota, grand patriarch of the state, assisted by several G. P's from Red Wing, Minnesota, and H. P's W. G. Dye, H. C. Fuhrman, J. M. Cole, B. Kirst, D. A. Briggs, W. Wed el and D. A. Bannister, proceeded to institute an encampment of the I.O.O.F., to be known as Winona Encampment, No. 10, of Winona, Minnesota, which was duly done, and the three principal officers installed were : G. W. Dye, C.P., H. C. Fuhrman, H.P., and J. M. Cole, S.W. The destiniction of the records leaves no accurate data for deter- mining the number of deaths in the encampment, nor the whole number of members admitted ; the present membership is 54. The three chief chairs of the encampment have been officered as follows since its institution. DATE. CHIEF PATRIARCH. HIGH PRIEST. SENIOR WARDEN. 1873. B. p. stoker W. Wedel D.A. Bannister. Jan. 1874. D. A. Bannister W. G. Dye M. L. Mertes. July 1874. M. L. Mertes B. Kirst J. D. Coe. Jan. 1875. J. D. Coe B. Neiiman C. C. Astnip. July 1875. J. H. Hubbard H. G. C. Schmidt G. E. Haskins. Jan. 1876. G. E. Haskins C. B. Shepard H. G. C. Schmidt. July 1876. C. B. Shepard W. G. Dye L. Bates. Jan. 1877. C. B. Shepard W. G. Dve L. Bates. July 1877. L. Bates H. J. Stelter H. Pfaukuch. Jan. 1878. H. J. Stelter W. G. Dye C. B. Shepard. July 1878. C. C. Astrup W. G. Dye W. A. Thompson. Jan. 1879. W. A. Thompson W. G. Dye J. D. Coe. July 1879. H. G. C. Schmidt W. G. Dye C.B. Shepard. Jan. 1880. W. Wedol Au^r. Munck H. Pfankueh. July 1880. W. Wedel Aujr. Munck H. Pfankudi. LSS1. IT. Pfanknch J. T. Gerlicher A. Beyerstadt. 1882. J. Einfi'ldt A.Beyerstadt N. Srhleiiter. 1883. A. r.yerstedt N. Schleuter H. Hiirtmann. The present officers are: C. P., A. Beyerstedt ; H. P., N. Schleuter ; S.W., H. Hartmann ; J. W., W. Lucht ; Treas., H. Ein- feldt; Scribe, E. Hargesheimer ; Guide, F. Rakow ; O.S., S. Stark; I.S., Aug. Schladenske; 1st W., N. Munck; 2d W., Jos. Leicht; 3d W., John Lohse; 4th W., Phil. Feiten. A. F. AND A. M. All written record of the planting of the masonic order in Winona, and its history during the first five years of its organiza- tion, was destroyed in the great fire of 1862, in which so much that was pertinent to the earlier annals of this city and its institutions was irretrievably lost. At that time, it will be remembered, the whole people were turning their anxious faces southward and at- tempting to forecast the future of the Republic in the issues of civil 26 450 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. war. That dosed, otlier matters of business, reconstruction policies, national and personal finance, engrossed the thoughts of people, and so it transpired that for various causes no attempt was made to rehabili- tate the masonic records of the city for more than a full decade after their destruction. In 1874, at the close of Worshipful Master I. B. Cumming's tenth term of service as presiding officer of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., lie presented the matter in his annual address. This was largely a resume of the work of the lodge dur- ing the period he had been stationed in the cast, to which was ap- pended a most interesting narrative of the order here in so far as he had been able to collect the items of its earlier history. This paper lies now before us, and to it and verbal statements from Master Cum- mings and others we acknowledge our indebtedness for much that is valuable concerning the early days of Masonry in Winona. For matters of later date, the records of the lodge and orders and the courtesy of the secretaries, Bros. J. K. Ferguson and C. H. Porter, have been freely drawn upon. WINONA LODGE, NO. 18. In November, 1855, H. D. Hufi* as W.M. and John lams and G. R. Tucker as S.W. and J.W. respectively, applied for and were granted a dispensation to open a masonic lodge in Winona. This dispensation issued from the office of the then W.G.M. of this jurisdiction, Moses Sherburne, and the lodge prospective was num- bered 8, there being at that time but seven lodges of the order in this masonic jurisdiction. It appears that this dispensation must have expired by limitation or have been recalled, as another dispen- sation was subsequently granted. There is no record or recollection on the part of any of the old citizens of any masonic work under this dispensation of Grand Master Sherburne, and according to the general masonic belief matters remained in statu quo. The following May, 1856, upon petition of certain Masonic brethren in this city, a dispensation to 0})en a masonic lodge here was granted by the then worshipful grand master, A. T. C. Pierson. In the following Jan- uary, 1857, the grand lodge approved the dispensation and granted a charter, and on March 3 of that same year P. P. Hubbell (so well known to the masonic fraternity of Minnesota as Father Plub- bell), deputizeil to act for the grand master, organized Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., duly consecrated the same and installed the following officers : W.M., G. R. Tucker; S.W., J. S. Camp- SOCIETIES. 451 bell; J.W., H. D. Morse; Treas., G. W. Horton; Sec, C. E. Yoiglit. The records of this transaction being lost, it is impossible to say just what names appeared upon the original petition or what officers in addition to those already named were installed ; but from the register of members, which was not burned, being in the lodge- room at the time, as will afterward appear, it is certain that the roll of charter members included, besides those already given, the names of Bros. H. D. Huff, John lams, C. F. Buck and Geo. W. Curtis. The original lodge-room was in Laird's building, at the lower end of the levee, and here they remained, according to the best informa- tion attainable, until the formal institution of the lodge in the spring of 1857, at about which time they removed to the L. D. Smith build- ing on the levee, afterward known as Riverside Hotel, and occupy- ing very nearly the present site of Krundick's elevator. It was dur- ing their occupancy of these quarters that the disastrous fire of 1862 occurred, in which as before said, all their records and papers, save members' register, were burned. These records and papers were not in tlie lodge-room at the time the fire occurred, but in the private office of the lodge secretary, John Keyes, whose office, with all it contained, was swept away in common with scores of others. The Riverside Hotel escaped destruction, and the lodge was not called upon to bear the loss of its furniture and regalia, as well as its records — a misfortune which the I.O.O.F. fraternity did not escape. Early in the following year, 1863, arrangements were made for occupying the third story of what is now known as No. 4, Simpson's block, a lease executed for a term of j^ears and posses- sion taken June 3 of that year. These were commodious quarters as compared with those formerly occupied, or with any others in southern Minnesota at that date, and the order were not unreason- ably elated at the comfort and convenience of their new hall. Here the formal dedication of the lodge-room occurred June 27, 1863, conducted in due and ancient form by W. G.M. Pierson, who delivered a most interesting oration (public) on that occasion. Here the lod£:e continued its beneficent work under enlarging opportunities for use- fulness, and had so increased its membership that at the close of the eighth year of its existence its grand lodge dues aggregated $110. In ten years the craft had outgrown their accommodations in Simpson's block and new quarters 'became a necessity. Postoffice block, corner of Third and Center streets, then newly erected, was considered the most likely to afford the desired room and privacy. 462 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Negotiations were entered into wliicii resulted in the lease of the third story of the block for a term of ten years. Here on June 27, 1872 (the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the lodge-room in Simpson's block), the new lodge-room was formally set apart in due masonic form for the work of the craft. M.W.G.M. Griswold conducted the ceremonies, a pleasing feature of the occasion being the grand march of the subordinate lodges and the most worshipful grand master, escorted by a detachment of the Knights Templar. The lease of the hall now occupied nearly a decade, expires the ensuing June, but a new lease for ten years has just been executed (April, 1883), and as the fraternity may now be considered as settled until June, 1893, and particularly as they have arranged to expend $1,000 in improving their lodge-room, a description of the finest masonic quarters in the northwest will not be out of place in this connection. Postoffice block is a full three-story and basement brick, with stone foundations and trimmings, fronting on tlie two principal streets of the city, with entrances on both. The building is 52 X 90 feet, and the entire third story is devoted to masonic use. The lodge- room proper is 28x52 feet with ceilings fifteen feet high, sloping to fourteen feet at the lower end of the hall. Adjoining this, and connected with it by folding doors, is the armory of the commandery, used also as occasion requires for a banquet hall. This room is 20 X 62, elegantly furnished with cabinets for the regalia and arms of the knights, and on the walls of which are displayed the richly emblazoned banners of the commandery. The reception-room is quite commodious, 20x24 feet, as are also the kitchen, examination, preparation and tyler's rooms. The kitchen is well furnished with all the necessary paraphernalia, including table furniture, for main- taining the record of the craft for generous cheer and good fellow- ship. These rooms are now being renovated, and walls and ceilings finished in the latest style of decorative art. This accomplished, and the new carpets laid and minor arrangements completed, the masonic bodies of Winona will be as sumptuously lodged, and as favorably circumstanced for effective work, as they could possibly desire. To avert the calamity so sensibly felt in the destruction of their records by fire twenty-one years ago, they have furnished their lodge-room with a magnificent tire-proof safe, amply sufficient for the records of blue lodge, chapter and commandery, each body having its separate compartment. As matter of record, we append the names of those who have SOCIETIES. 453 successively been stationed in the east, west and sonth since the organization of the lodge. DATE. WORSHIPFUL MASTER. 1857. G. R. Tucker 1858. G. R. Tucker . 1859. J.S.Campbell. 1860. P. P. Hubbell. 1861. G. R. Tucker 1862. G. R. Tucker 186P,. J.S.Campbell. 1864. G. R. Tucker 1865. G. R. Tucker 1866. I. B. Cummings. . 1867. I. B. Cummings . 1868. I. B. Cummings . 1869. I. B. Cummings . 1870. I. B. Cmnmings . 1871. I. B. Cummings . 1872. I. B. Cummings . 1873. I. B. Cummings . 1874. I. B. Cummings . 1875. I. B. Cummings . 1876. I. B. Cummings . 1877. W. H. Bennett . . 1878. I. B. Cummings . 1879. I. B. Cummings . 1880. W. H. Bennett 1881. Thos. A. Richardson. . 1882. Thos. A. Richardson . . , 1883. E. D. Hulbert SENIOR WARDEN. J. S. Campbell. . . .J. S.Campbell... .H. D. Morse .Jas. White • H. D. Morse .H. D. Morse .Sam Fox .Chas. Benson. . . . .1. B. Cummings. . .W.G. Dye . F. A. Searey .F. A. Searey . J. C. Slater .J. C. Slater .J. C. Slater . W. H. Stevens. . . .O.B.Gould • O.B. Gould . N. Staughton .... .W.H.Bennett.. . .N. F. Frary .W. H. Bennett... .W.H.Bennett... • Chas. H. Goodwin .Chas. H. Goodwin .E. D. Hulbert .J. C. Hillmer .... JUNIOR WARDEN. .H. D. Morse. • H. D. Morse. .James White. • D. C. Patterson. .Sam Fox. . Sam Fox. .Maurice Nolan. .D. A. Coe. .W.G. Dye. .John Sherman. .John Ball. . W. S. Drew. . R. B. Basford. • R. B. Basford. . Columbia Drew. .O.B.Gould. • N. F. Frarv .N. F. Frary. .W. H.Bennett. • J. C. Palmer. .R. M. Whitney. .R. M. Whitney. .Chas. H. Goodwin. .Thos. A. Richardson. ■ C. H. Lock wood. .W. C. Brown. • C. C.Clement. The otlier officers for the current year are : Treas., C. H. Porter ; Sec, J. K. Ferguson ; Chap., Kev. E. J. Purdy ; S.D., Thos. Mc- Davitt; J.D., E. G. Nerrus ; S.S., M. E. Fruraer ; J.S., J. F. Gerlichen ; Marshal, O. B. Gould ; Organist, F. A. A. Eobertson ; Tyler, L. K. Eastey. The trustees are O. B. Gould, Sam Fox, and C. H. Berry. The lodge has had but few changes in the office of sec- retary. John Keyes, of whose election there is no record, he having held that office prior to 1862, closed his labors as recording officer of the lodge in 1869. To him succeeded W. G. Dye, who kept the records until the close of 1878. R. M. Whitney was then elected and served one year, when the present secretary, J. K. Fer- guson, was elected and installed. It is but fitting that some mention should here be made of "Father Hubbell," who consecrated the lodge at its institution and installed its officers, as previously mentioned. ' ' Father Hubbell " is a mason of sixty-three years' standing. His application was made as early as the law allows, on his twenty -first birthday, which occurred 454 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. February 1, 1820. His application came before Painted Post Lodge, No. 203 (old number), then holding its sessions in an upper room in the house of the applicant's father at Corning, New York. Father Hubbell was initiated in March of that same year, 1820, passed in April and raised in May. He is doubtless the oldest Mason in the state. Winona Lodge is just closing the twenty-seventh year of its history. During that time four hundred and eleven members have been borne upon its rolls ; of these thirty-three have gone out from the earthly lodge-room to appear before the Supreme Master of the Universe and submit the designs upon their tresselboards. The present number of members is 158. WINONA CHAPTER NO. 5, R.A.M. No sooner had the members of the blue lodge become firmly established in their then commodious quarters in Simpson's block than they turned their attention to the formation of a chapter, rightly concluding that in a city of Winona's growing importance the craft should maintain labor in the higher as well as lower degrees of the order. Accordingly, on August 11, 1863, a petition was presented to A. E. Ames, G.H.P., of this masonic jurisdiction, ask- ing for dispensation to open a chapter here, to be known as Winona Chapter, No. 5, P.. A.M. The petitioners were : Warren Powers, H.P. ; Philo P. Hubbell, King; H. D. Morse, Scribe ; and compan- ions James Gwynn, James B. Stockton, David Barker, Isaac Ben- ham, A. P. Hoit and R. G. Stevens. September 18, 1863, these companions assembled under direction of A. T. C. Pierson, acting as proxy for the G.H.P., who opened the chapter in due form. At the annual convocation of the grand chapter, held the following month, a record of the proceedings in the case of the formation of Winona Chapter was presented, the work approved and a charter granted, bearing date October 29, 1863. No election of officers was held imtil the close of the following year, the posts being filled as indicated by the petition and the officers therein designated installed. The annual election for chapter officers is held about the close of the civil year, late in December, and the roster of officers hereto appended is given for the year of their service, and not of their election. As in the case of Winona Lodge, No. 18, only the three ranking officers are given to date, but the full list for the current year appears. SOCIETIES. 455 YEAR. HIGH PRIEST. KING. ^CKIBE. 1865. Charles Benson J^^%M.Cole L?i„^,tffler 1866. James M. Cole G. R. Tucker Orrn ^^ heeler. 1867. James M. Cole Orrin Wheeler i^s RVi^ck 1868. W. G. Dye James M Cole ^^i^-^Ball 1869. W.G.Dye W^K F.Vila f's?,5es 1870. James M. Cole L B. Cummings j R fCminsrs 1871 W K F Vila F. Staples IB. Lummmgs. Ifio W K F V a F. Staples J. C. Schoonmaker. 1 87^' W" G Dve I- B. C\immings James M. Cole. 1874 W:K.FViia: R. B. Basford LB^Cummmgs. im. KB.Basford W.K.F.Wa... ^.B.Ufford. 1876. R. B. Basford W. K. ^ \ i a KB. Uflord 1877. N.B.Uftbrd W.K.F.\ia 5 " r ?J±rd 1878 N. B. Utford W. K. F. Vila K. J; Bastord. IRVQ K B Ufford J- L- Brink ^. Staughton. ]fl- t B nfford J. L. Brink N. Staughton. 88?: L B c'ummings.V J. L. Brink Charles Gilbert. 1882: I. B. Cumminls G. L. Gates N. Staughton. The several offices of the chapter for 1883 are filled as follows : H.P., Geo. L. Gates; K., Thomas A. Richardson;* Scribe, J. L. Brink; C. ofH., W. H. Bennett; R.A.C, H. C. Shepard ; P.S., E D.'nulbert; Treas., C. H. Porter; Sec, J. K. Ferguson; G.M. Sd v., A. O. Slade ; G.M. 2d Y., M. E. Trumer ; G.M. 1st V., V. A. Brink ; Sentinel, L. K. Eastey. The total number of companions that have held membership in Winona Chapter during the almost twenty years of its existence has been 185 ; of these 14 have entered within the vail to return to the earthly host no more, and there now remain 80 regularly borne upon the record. CCEUK DE LION COMMANDERY, NO. 6, K.T. The formal establishment of the chapter consummated, and its permanency assured, the organization of a commandery soon followed as a matter oi necessity — there being at this time no asylum of the order in southern Minnesota. May 13, 1864, a petition to open and hold a commandery in Winona was presented M.E. Sir Knight B.B. French, at that time grand master of K. T. of U. S. The following month the dispensation issued, and was committed to M.E. Sir Knight A. T. C. Pierson, G.C.G. of K. T. of U. S. and E.G. of Damascus Commandery of St. Paul, who, as deputy for the grand master, proceeded to Winona bearing the dispensation. This dis- * Companion Thomas Richardson's throne, as king of Winona Chapter was vacated by the summons of the pale horseman February 14, 1883 At tlie Sneof his death Mr. Richardson was a member of the state legislature irom Ws representative district; a bright Mason, and recogmzed ^vervwhere as one of the best workmen of the craft for his years which only numbered 2, when he was culled to the grand convocation above. 4r)G niSTOKV OF WINONA COUNTY. pensation, of date June 18, 1864, empowered Sir Knights Warren Powers, Rob. Urquliart, G. D. Bj-istol, M. AVheeler Sargent, H. L. Freeman, C. D. Sherwood, E. F. Dodge, Charles Benson and James M. Cole to open and hold a eoramandery of K. T. and Council of the Order of Knights ot the Red Cross, to be designated by the name C(eur de Lion Commander j, of Winona, Minnesota, which was done as commanded, witli Sir Knight Warren Powers, E.C., Rob Urquliart, G., and (Jr. V. Bristol, C.G. There being at this time no grand commandery of Minnesota, the Winona Knights continued to work under dispensation from the grand master ot K. T. of U. S. until the meeting of the grand oncamj)ment at Columbus, Ohio, September 7, 1865. The by-laws, records and work of Cceur de Lion Command- ery were approved, after examination by the grand encampment, and a charter issued, bearing date September 13, 1865, fully habili- tating Cceur de Lion Commandery with authority to elect officers, confer orders, and do all other things pertaining to the rights and powers of a loyal commandery of K.T. On October 19, 1865, a dispensation issued from H. L. Palmer, G.M. of K. T. of U. S., authorizing the organization of a grand commandery for the State of Minnesota. This work was prosecuted by the grand master in per- son, and on October 23, 1865, the Grand Commandery of Minnesota was created, Coeur de Lion Commandery transferred from the juris- diction of the grand encampment to that of the Grand Commandery of Minnesota, and enrolled as Cceur de Lion Commandery, No. 3, of Winona. Sir Knights Powers, Urquhart and Bristol held the offices to which they had been elected at the organization of the comtnand- ery until the annual reports were returned to the grand master of K. T. of U. S., when another election was held, resulting in the choice of Sir Knight Rob. Urquliart, E.C., J. M. Cole, G., and D. A. Coe, C.G., who held office until the commandery obtained its charter, when a new election was ordered. This statement explains the apparent paradox of two elections having been held in 1865, as appears from the accompanying table, which shows the successive results of the annual elections of the commandery, so far as the three highest offices are concerned : I>ATK. EMINENT COMMANDEi:. CENERALISSIMO. CAPTAIN GENERAL. i«<- ^ Warren Powers R. Urquhart D. A. Coe. '"'" ( R. Urquhart .T. 31. Cole D. A. Coe. I8ii'\ R. Urquliart J. M. Cole D. A. Coe. 18H7. James M. Cole A. W. Webster B. II. Langlev. 18f)8. A. W. Webster B. H. Landev W. G. Dye. SOCIETIES. 457 YEAR. EMINENT COMMANDER. GENERALISSIMO. CAPTAIN GENERAL. 1869. A. W. Webster B. H. Langley W G. Dye 1870. B.H. Langley W. G. Dye W K. 1 . Vi a. 1871. B.H.Lanlley W. G. Dye W K. F. \ i a. 1872. B.H.Landev W. G. Dye W.K.F\ila. 1873. B. H. Langlev W. K. Vila R. L. McCormick. 1874 B H LaiAeV W. K. Vila R. L. McCormick. 1875^ b". H. LangleV W. K. Vila Isaac Slade. 1876 W K F Vila Isaac Slade >i. btaughton. 1877' W' K F Vila Isaac Blade N. Stanghton. 1878". B. H. Lan-rlev Isaac Slade N. Staughton 1879. Isaac Slade : N. Staughton R. B. Bastord. 1880. N. Stauditon W. K . F. Vila Isaac S ade. 1881. Isaac Slade W. K. F. Vila A. W. Scott. 188'> V W Scott Isaac Slade N. Staughton. 1883' A. W. Scott Isaac Slade N. Staughton. The other officers for the current year are I. B. Cummings, Prelate; S. Fox, S.W.; R. B. Basford, Treas.; W. H. Bennett, S.B.; F. A. A. Robertson, W.; A. O. Slade, 2d G.;W. K. Vila, J. W.; C. H. Porter, Rec; E. F. Mues, Sw. B.; G. L. Gates, 3d G.; E. S. Nevius, 1st G. ; L. K. Eastey, Sentinel. The whole number of knights that have been enrolled in Coeur de Lion Commandery since its organization in 1864 has been 144. Of these, 61 still remain upon thtj rolls, 40 of whom are residents of this city. Of the 83 whose names no longer appear, eight have died as members of this commandery, leaving the courts of the earthly temple to enter through the more glorious gates of the upper, the sanctuary not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. The remaining 75 have scattered far and wide ; no doubt many of them have joined the bannered host ot the grand encampment above. There are many items of interest that might be recorded concern- ing Coeur de Lion Commandery and the sir knights who compose it. We mention only a few. March 17, 1865, Sir Knight P. P. Hubbell (Father Hubbell) was made an honorary member of the commandery, a distinction con- ferred upon no other during the nineteen years of its existence. With the granting of the charter the name of the commandery was changed from the French form of the name, which it bore at its institution, to the English form of the words, ''Cojur de Lion," as it now is. At the triennial conclave, held in Chicago in 1 880, Coeur de Lion received general commendation for its arms and banner — its beautifully-emblazoned standard eliciting universal praise as one of the most beautiful ensigns in that immense liost. This commandery has fm-ni-^lied three grand commanders for the state : Sir Knights 458 HISTORY OF WENONA COUNTY. James M. Cole, B. F. Langley and B.. L. McCormick, who are ex- officio members of the grand encampment. Of these James M. Cole was grand master of the grand commander y in 1868-0, and G. War- der of the grand encampment in Irom 1868 to 1871. B. F. Langley was eminent commander of C(Bur de Lion Commandery for seven terms, grand commander of the state in 1874-5 and grand senior warden of the grand encampment from 1874 to 1877. R. L. McCormick was grand conductor on the state commandery in 1881. Father Ilubbell was appointed to the grand prelacy of the Grand Commandery of Minnesota in 1874, the office being vacated by the death of V.P. Sir Knight A. E. Ames, and has held the office by successive election ever since — the action of the commandery being so unanimous in every instance as to approve the judgment of numy that he will liold the office he so honors until called up higher by the Supreme Commander of the Universe. I. B. Cummings, the present prelate of Goeur de Lion, lias held that office for thirteen consecutive terms, and magnihes it. DRUIDS. The Druids are divided into three separate organizations, namely : Winona Grove (German), Scandinavian Lund and Oak Grove (Eng- lish). We will first take up the Winona Grove, No. 6. This branch was organized in September, 1871, the charter being granted the same year. The officers were : Christian Heintz, president ; Con- rad Sherer, vice-president ; Henry Stelter, secretary ; Fred. Martin, treasurer. There were at first but twelve members. The object of the society, like other oi-ganizations of its kind, is benevolent. There are three degrees. Members having acquired all the degrees are called Druids, and when unable to work receive from the society $5 per week. The second degree is given after the member has been in the association six months ; these members receive $3 when unable to work. The first degree is received upon initiation. Such members, during sickness, receive but $2 per week. On the death of a member the widow receives from the entire association through- out the state a sum of money varying as to the entire membership at the time. An assessment is made of $1 upon every member in the state; this is given to the widow ; but if the sum exceeds $2,- 000, the excess over this falls to the widows' fund in the treasury. The society receives into its ranks only men of respectability and temperance. The members are liable at any time to be suspended SOCIETIES. 459 or expelled for misconduct. The Winona Grove have in their treasury at present $750 in cash, besides ])roperty of various kinds valued at $1,420. The officers are : Claus Nottelmann, president ; Henry Kluver, vice-president ; Hugo Enderlein, secretary ; B. Howe, assistant secretary ; Fred. Meyer, treasurer. Scandvnamcwi Grove^ No. i^, was organized May 23. 1876 ; the charter was granted at the same date. The first officers were : ]Sr.A., O. M. Olsen ; V.A., A. G. Steelhammer ; secretary, L. Olsen ; treasurer, Christ Christoflferson ; I. G. , O. Hanson ; con- ductor, L. O. Engelstad; O.G., M. C. Wahler ; E. H.B.N. A., John Ereckner ; L.H.B.KA., M. P. Foss ; RH.B.Y.A., O. Thompson ; L.H.B.Y.A., L C. Olson. At first there were but eighteen charter members ; the number has now increased to thirty-four. The names of the present officers are : D.D., L. Olson ; N.A., H. U. Nelson ; Y.A., Otto Outzeer ; secretar}-, Edward Anderson; conductor, H. L. Berg; O.G., G. P. Gillsbery ; R. H.B.N. A., Issak Nilse ; L.H. B.N.A^, H. P. Hanson; I.G., B. Broderson ; RH.B.Y.A., A. C. Larson : L.H.B.Y.A., G. Christeanser. Oah Grove was organized and had the charter granted August 10, 1877, with a membership of forty-four. The officers were : N. A., R B. Basford ; Y.A., G. K. Adams; secretary, H. W. Posz ; treasurer, H. P. Wedel. At present there are fifty-three members. The officers are : N.A., G. K. Adams ; Y.A., J. Seicht ; secre- tary, H. W. Posz ; treasurer, W. C. Pletke. A.O.U.W. Winona Lodge., No. W., was organized August 3, 1877, with thirteen charter members, and in the less than six years of its existence has grown to a flourishing beneficiary with 110 members and half a sc(jre of petitions for membership to be acted upon. Among the objects proposed to be accomplished by this organization, one of the leading features is the payment of $2,000 at the death of a member to his family. This is effected through the grand lodge organization of the state. The financial standing of the lodge is most excellent, and under the management of its efficient officers is rapidly increas- ing in influence and members. The present board of officers is as follows : P.M.W., J. J. Hofl'man ; M.W., W. C. Pierce ; F., P. W. Leach ; O., George Paris ; recorder, W. O. Kennedy ; rec, J. M. Sheardown ; fin., J. C. Parchyues ; guide, Wm. Ehler ; LW. Wm. Ehmke ; O.W., Wm. Petersen. The annual dues as estab- 47x90 feet; an engine and boiler house, 86x37, with a smokestack rising 62 feet above the ground level. These buildings are all of brick, with good stone foundations, rendered as nearly fireproof as solid walls, iron roofs, and iron doors and shutters in all exposed situations can render them. The main manufactory has a fire-wall running from founda- tion to ridge, dividing it into two sections diminishing the danger from fire by just one-half. The blacksmith slioj) has a slanting truss roof, and has neither part nor dividing wall to impede opera- tions. The engine-room is supplied with a new engine of 125 horse- power, displacing the old one of one-fifth that capacity, and furnish- ing ample power for driving their machinery. The buildings are BUSESTESS INCORPORATIONS. 493 heated by steam, furnished with a steam elevator, and in all respects fully equipped for economical and efticient work. The number of operatives has steadily increased from thirty to one hundred, and the annual product from less than 1,000 to over 3,000 wagons, while the working capacity is double that amount. Wisconsin supplies their oak, Indiana and Michigan the ash and hickory timber. The product of this manufactory is marketed in twenty-four states and territories principally lying west of the ninety-second meridian. H. M. Kinney is a native of Wisconsin, a machinist by trade, and was nine years in the employ of Fish Bros. & Co., wagon manufacturers, Janesville, during which time, as their agent, he visited all parts of the United States and formed an extensive acquaintance with its wagon trade. April 25, 1880, he resigned his place with that house to accept the business management of the Winona Wagon Company. He has extended the trade oi his com- pany until it embraces twenty-four states and territories, principally lying west of the eightieth meridian. He has a pleasant home on the North side, Washburn street, two doors west of Winona. James C. Blake, secretary and treasurer of the company, was born at Winsted, Connecticut, July 12, 1849 ; was educated m the common schools and ih the Winchester Institute of his native city, and was for seven years in the mercantile house of M. and C. J. Camp & Co., of that place, prior to coming to Winona in 1871. In 1872 Mr. Blake formed a partnership with E. F. Curtis, under the firm name of Curtis & Blake, wholesale and retail grocers, in which business he continued until he sold out to Mr. Curtis in 1876. He then became a member of the Winona Carriage Joint Stock Company, and was actively connected with its interests until the business was wound up in 1879, at which time he purchased the shops of the company, now rented to Lalor, McKay & Co. Con- cluding that Winona was a good point for a first-class wagon manu- factory, Mr. Blake interested himself in the organization of such an industry, and when the Winona Wagon Company was successfully launched, the same year, he became its secretary and treasurer. Winona Plow Compcmy.— This young industry, which already gives evidence of a healthy and permanent growth, was only organized February 10, 1882, and has not yet closed its first year's operations. The authorized capital stock of the company is $100,000 ; paid up capital, $25,000. The original incorporators were J. M. Bell, F. S. Bell, J. K. Palmer and D. S. Kerr. Of 4'.»4 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. these, J. M. Bell is president and treasurer ; J. K. Palmer, vice- president and supei-intendent, and D. S. Kerr, secretary. Messrs. Palmer and Kerr are ])ractical mechanics, and before coming to Wir.ona were engaged in manufacturing at Waukegan, Illinois. The property of the company consists of three and a-half acres of ground on the north side of Fifth street, adjoining the Winona Wagon Company's lands on the east. Their shipping facilities are first-class, as their property is crossed by either the main or spur tracks of Chicago & Northwestern and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railways. Their buildings are, a main shop 40x120 feet, with a side extension 25 X 80 feet ; a warehouse and office 30 X 80 feet, and a paint shop 28x40 feet. The business consists in the manufacture of wooden and steel beam plows, both walking and sulky harrows, cultivators of all kinds, road scrapers and garden wheelbarrows. The business gives employment to a force of from twenty to twenty- five hands, and the manufactured product of the first year will be about $20,000. An engine of twenty-five horse power supplies motor for the machinery, as also the pipes of the steam heating ap])aratus. J. M. Bell, president and principal stockholder of the Winona Plow Company, is a native of Perry, Genesee county, New York, wliere he was born September 28, 1830. His business life has been spent in mercantile and banking operations, this being his first venture in manufacturing enterprises. From New York Mr, Bell removed to Iowa in 1857, locating in the central part of the state; was treasurer of Hamilton county four years and organized the merchants National Bank, of Fort Dodge, Webster county, of which he was cashier six years. After a short sojourn in Illinois, Mr. Bell removed to Winona in 1878 ; became cashier of the Merchants National Bank of this city and held that office until the bank became a state institution, when he severed his connection with it, and soon afterward embarked in his ])resent enterprise. R. K. Palmer is a native of Ontario, born at Brockville in 1 844 ; came to the United States in 1848 with his parents, who settled at Waukegan, Illinois, and still reside upon the homestead they took up thirty-four years since. R. K. Palmer learned his trade as a plowmaker with J. H. Ward, of Oshkosh, and was in business in Waukegan fifteen years before his removal to Winona in 1881. During the years 1863-64 he was in the employ of the United States government, having charge of the military re])air and BUSESTESS ESrCORPORATIONS. 495 wagon shops at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in which a force of 300 hands was employed, principally contrabands. After carefully ex- amining the ground and comparing advantages Mr. Palmer con- cluded to remove his business from Waukegan, Illinois, to this city, and the move was accordingly made ; a joint stock company formed, buildings erected and operations commenced in the spring of 1882. His oldest son "Fred," educated to business in his father's shop, is one of the employes of the firm, closely following his father's steps. Vienna Mining Company ; principal office at Winona. This is a joint stock company organized by consolidation of pre-existing companies March 17, 1882, with an authorized capital of $15,000,- 000, of which $10,500,000 is paid up, the balance in treasury stock. Officers of the company : C. L. Colman, La Crosse, Wisconsin, president ; C. H. Berry, vice-president ; B. H. Langley, secretary ; H. J. O'Neill, treasurer. Operations are conducted in the Saw-tooth silver district of Idaho. Over 1,500 feet of tunneling has been done, and although operations have so far been conducted without reference to ore product, mainly for clearing tunnels and drifts, a large quantity of ore is already out and in sight. The company employ a force of 200 hands ; have constructed roads to the mines ; built boarding houses for their men, and other permanent structures, and have just completed a stamp mill costing $160,000, having a stamp capacity of twenty-five tons daily, with power and shafting for double tliat product. Their expenditures are now $20,000 per month, and the aggregate outlay has been about a quarter of a million dollars. Winona Building and Loan Association. — The Winona Build- ing and Loan Association, incorporated July 6, 1882, as a saving and loan institution in which all depositors and borrowers are stock- holders, and all profits apportioned to stock, gives every promise of a most successful continuance. The authorized capital stock is $500,000, in shares of $200 each. Within thirty days from the date of issue 1,000 shares were taken, and an additional 500 within the next three months. The association is pre-eminently mutual, there are no preferred stockholders, and to the small capitalist it affords superior facilities for loaning and borrowing money on the most advantageous terms. Its organization is too recent to deter- mine anything definitely concerning its operations other than that afforded by the rapid placing of its stock. The officers of the association are : O. B. Gould, president ; J. B, McGaughey, vice- 496 HISTORY OF winona county. president ; C. A. Morey, secretary ; W. C. Brown, treasurer ; A. II. Snow, attorney. Oate City Carriage Company. — This joint stock manufacturing establishment was organized as such November 15, 1882, witli a paid up cash capital of $25,000, and is but the enlargement and continuation under more favorable financial conditions of the business so successfully conducted by Messrs. Davis, Sawyer and Mead, as the Gate City Carriage AVorks. These gentlemen are practical mechanics, who, four years ago, almost without one dollar of capital, commenced business as a co-operative association, in a small wooden building on the allej in the block just north of their present location. Commencing business November 15, 1878, just four years prior to the organization of the stock company, in that time they had so increased their operations and created capital, that they owned a ten years' unincumbered lease of a real estate of 60 X 150 feet on Fourth street just east of Center, the entire lot under cover, and two commodious sheds for storing stock on rented property in their vicinity. At this time they were employing a force of nineteen men, almost exclusively in the manufacture of fine carriages and repairs. Their reputation for first-class work and fair dealing had created a demand for their work greater than they could possibly supply. This was notably the case with their "buckboard," a business wagon of their own design, especially adapted to the wants of the western trade, the demand for which has been such that at times during the past season they could only su|)ply samples Mdiere carload orders were sent in. Rapid as had been their accumulation of capital and the increase of business facilities, these could not keep pace with the growing demands of trade, enlarging year by year with the i-apidly increasing population and business of the northwest. In the summer of 1882 the necessity of increased capital was very sensibly felt, and after due deliberation they decided to organize their business into a joint stock company, and this was formally effected as above noted on November 15 of that year, with the following board of directors : W. K. F. Vila, E. S.' Davis, O. B. Gould, PI. H. Smith, E. S. Mead, F. W. Robinson and F. P. Sawj^er, The officers of the company are : E. S. Davis, president ; E. S. Mead, general manager ; F. P. Sawyer, superintendent ; H. H. Smith, secretary and treasurer. Within one week from the date of organization the company broke ground for their additions to the present works, by which, with BUSIISTESS IKCORPOJRATIONS. 497 the motor and machinery introduced, the number of employes will be materially added to and the capacity of the manufactory increased at least 33|- per cent. There is no doubt that a few years will see this company permanently established in quarters of wliich they will hold the title in fee simple, with buildings and machinery adequate to supply the demands of a trade of which at present they have themselves but a very meager conception. E. S. Davis, president of the company, is a native of West- boro, Massachusetts. He learned his trade as a carriage woodworker in the manufactory of Coan & Ten Broeck, Chicago, and coming to "Winona in 186S, was in the employ of the Winona Carriage Works until associating himself in business with Messrs. Sawyer & Mead. Mr. Davis is married, has five children, three are in school. He is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M. E. S. Mead, general manager, is a native of New York city, and came to this city with his parents in 1855 ; his father having settled here in 1853. He learned his trade as a carriage trimmer in the carriage shops of Grant & Lalor, of this city, and on the establishment of the Gate City Carriage Works in 1878, became the business head of that co-operative industry. Married, has three children, two of them in the schools of this city. Wife died October 21, 1882. F. P. Sawyer, superintendent, is a carriage blacksmith by trade, which he learned in the shops of C. P. Kimball, of Chicago. He is a native of Portland, Maine ; came to Winona in 1878, and had worked for a short time in the Winona carriage works, with his old associates there, before he entered into the little co-operative association which has so rapidly developed into what promises to be one of the best paying industries of the city. H. H. Smith, secretary and treasurer, is a native of this city, born in 1868, and lacked one term of completing his course in the high school here when he left his classes to accept a situation in the shoe-house of Cummings & Yila, with whom he remained eight years, only leaving to accept his present responsible position at the desk of the new carriage company. Winona Machinery Company. — This 'industry was organized as a joint stock company, November 15, 1882, with a paid up cash capital of $50,000. The business will consist of general machinery manufacture and repairs, and their piston packing and asbestos bear- ing for journals, for which they hold patents. The manufactory is 498 IIISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. at present located in temporary quarters under the "Tribune" otKce on Third street, where they occupy a room 21x80 feet. At this writing, April 1, their machinery is being put in pkice. The othcers of the company are : President, C. O. Goss ; secretary, W. E. Smith ; general manager and original patentee of the piston and asbestos bearing patents, G. W. Williams. Wlno7m Carriage Works. — Lalor, McKay & Co., southwest corner of Third and Washington streets. This business was founded in 1865, by Grant & Lalor, and so continued until lS74, when the affairs of the firm were wound up.' Mr. Grant retired and the business was taken up by a joint stock company, who conducted it until 1878, when they ceased manufacturing to dispose of the stock on hand. In the spring of 1880 Messrs. Lalor & McKay, who had been con- nected with the manufactory almost since its establishment in 1865, the former as partner, the latter as foreman, took a live years' lease of the premises and have conducted the businetany with Joel and R. P. Mallory, he built all the small bridges along the line of the old transit road as far as Rochester, and graded one mile of its track. In the fall of 1863 he took charge of the lumber, wood and tie supplies of the railroad, hold- ing that position one year. In 1865 he put a ferrj^-boat upon the river at this point, and there being no eligible landiqg on the oppo- site shore, was obliged to land at the old stone house four miles up the river. The first season eleven teams were taken across. This ferry was sold to the city in 1880. In 1869 Mr. Van Gorder opened a stone quarry across the river, and contracted to furidsh and ferry MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. 515 the stone for the railroad bridge over the river at this point. The city having built a road across the Wisconsin bottoms to the blutfs in 1867, he was interested in establishing a stage route into Wiscon- sin, and providing for its transfer over the river. In company with one, Jenkins, in 1879, he took a government contract of $20,000 for river improvement. In connection with the waterworks improve- ments of tills year, he laid about 1,800 feet of water-main for the city, and dug the well at the works, fifty-two feet diameter, depth of stone curbing twenty-eight feet. In October, 1882, he contracted with the city to build a road across the Wisconsin bottoms, one and a quarter miles long, bridged and graded above high-water mark. He was chief of city police during the years 1877-78-80-81. Is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., of Winona Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., and of Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 3. Mr. Yan Gorder has never married, but since his fifteenth year has chai-ged liiraself with the support of his parents and an invalid sister now living with him. Nicholas Monk, contractor for stone and' brick work, is a native of Germany, born in 1842. He learned his trade in Holstein, his native place, and came to the United States in 1867, settling in Winona the same year. The stone and brick work of the Postofiice block, the Stevens^ block, the Wakefield block, the Congregational Church, and the new waterworks building and stand-pipe, are speci- mens of his mechanical skill. During the building season he employs a considerable force of men, according to the demands of business. His waterworks contract, for building and stand-pipe moving, is $22,000. Mr. Monk has a wife and two children living, one of the children now in the city schools. DoDD, Son & Co., manufacturers of flour barrels, central office and main manufactory at Winona, branch manufactories at La Crosse Wisconsin, and Hokah, Lanesboro and Isenourse, Minnesota. The business of this firm consists in preparing material for flour barrels and manufacturing them, and no better sample of a growing Winona industry could be given than the history of the operations of this firm affords. During the twenty j^ears of their existence here they have grown from a small hand manufactory, employing two or three hands, to a giant industry, working extensive machinery and em- ploying a force of 140 operatives. Business was begun in this city in 1862 by Chauncey Doud, who had previously been engaged in similar business in New York and Illinois. The name of the firm 30 516 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. was Doud & Son, the "son" being at that time in charge of operations in Wisconsin. Their fiivst factory was located on Grand street, between Second and Third, and from there was removed to Wilson street, one block east of the original location, in 1864. Here they remained, gradually extending operations until they were burned out, in July, 1880, when a move was made to their present location. When the firm became Doud, Son & Co., in March, 1874, their manufactory had grown to include two shops, each 22 X 50, in which a force of twenty-five hands was employed, with a product of a little more than 300 barrels a day, no machinery being used. One of these shops was destroyed by fire in 1875, and a new one immediately erected, 24x100 feet. In 1878 an addition of 40 feet was made to this building, and machinery put in for champering, leveling, crozing and tressing. By this means their capacity was increased to 800 barrels a day, with an actual product of about four-fifths that amount. When these buildings were destroyed by fire, July 17, 1880, Doud, Son & Co. removed to their present location on the north side of Mark street, just east of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul passenger depot, where they immediately rebuilt and resumed operations. Their property extends along Mark street a distance of 332 feet, runs to the alley in the rear, and fronts the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul "railroad, with which they have ample switch connections. Upon these premises, in 1880, they erected a two-stc-ry frame manufactory, 140x28 feet, and a store- house, 100 X 26 feet. They also erected, the same year, on ground leased from the railroad company, and along the main track of that corporation, a one-story stockhouse, 24x100 feet. In 1881 an ad- dition of 112 feet was made to the manufactory and of 100 feet to the storehouse, making these buildings 252 feet and 200 feet respec- tively. When the 1881 additions were made the firm duplicated their machinery, and they have now in operation two complete sets, with an aggregate capacity of 2,000 barrels daily, an actual product of 1,500 barrels a day, and a working force of 140 hands. The Messrs. Doud have largely manufactured their own staves from the beginning of their business, but prior to 1876 this work was done where their barrel manufactories were located. Since that date their stave factories have been in the woods. These fac- tories were located at Doudville and Kudolph, in Wood county, Wisconsin, and gave employment to a force of eighty operatives and nine teams prior to the disastrous fire of May 28, 1882, by which MAISTJFACTURING ESTDUSTRIES. 517 their Doudville factory and store were burned, and a loss of $40,000 sustained. The location at Doudville was then abandoned and a new factory erected at Pittsville, in the same county. No statistics of the Wisconsin and other Minnesota barrel manufactories are given, these not being legitimately connected with Winona county industries. The product of the Winona manufactory is largely marketed at home ; the other along the lines of the Minnesota Southern railroad. The present members of the firm are C. Dowd, K. T. Dowd, C. G. Doud and Geo. S. Doud. Chauncy Doud, the senior member of the firm, was born in Turin, Lewis county, JStew York, August 15, 1809; was brought up on a farm, and followed that business from his youth until 1849, when he ^ceased farming and gave his whole attention to barrel manufacturing, a business in which he had been more or less engaged for some years. Leaving New York in 1837, Mr. Doud removed to St. Clair county, Michigan, farmed it five years, then located in Oswego, Kendall county, [llinois, where he was engaged in farming from 1842 to 1849, at which time he removed to Lockport, Will county, in the same state, and established his barrel raaimfactory, an industry he has now constantly followed for thirty-three years. Marcli 7, 1834, Chauncey Doud married Sarah C. Comstock, of Phila- delphia, Jefferson county, New York, with whom he has now been living almost a full half-century. They have six children : two sons, members of the firm of Doud, Son & Go., and four daughters, tliree of them married, and residing out of the state, and one unmarried, residing at home. The L. C. Portek Milling Company was organized under the firm name of Porter & Mowbray in 1874, and so continued until 1879, when L. C. Porter bought out the interest of Mr. Mowbray and continued the business under the name it now bears. The property occupied by this industry extends along the riverfront eastward from Market street 430 feet, and runs southward one block and a half. Upon this property, in 1874, their mill was erected, a five-story frame building, 70 X 40 feet, provided with nine run of stone and having a capacity of 250 barrels of flour a day. Their engine and boiler house was a two-story brick, 36x70, built the same year. Three years later they built their elevator, 50 X 70 feet and sixty feet in height, having a capacity of 50,000 bushels. This was increased in 1882 to 90,000 bushels storage, and a handling capacity of 5,000 bushels per day. The capacity of the mill was increased from time to 518 JIISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. time until in ISSl It had attained a capacity of 500 barrels a day, using both rollers and burrs. The mill was then comi)letely remodeled, the number of rollers increased to twenty-two and the capacity enlarii^ed to r)00 barrels. The redaction is done on rollers, tlie pulverizing of the middlings on burrs, of which there are live run. The capacity of the engines in the mill are rated 300 horse-power, the elevator is supplied with a separate engine of 25 horse-power. Grain is sup- plied from their own warehouses and elevators along the line of the Winona & St. Peter railway. Of these they have now in opera- tion about twenty, and will double that number next season. Of the grain thus received from points westward as far as the Dakota grain fields, only the choicest samples are used for milling purposes, the The L. C. Porter Milling ( O.mi' any. inferior grades being shipped to the eastern market. They also handle great quantities of salt and coal through their western ware- houses. Shipments of fiour are principally to the eastern home mar- ket and to the ports of Great Britain and Ireland. Sawdust is used exclusively for fuel, and their mill was the first one employing steam power exclusively in the state, such power being deemed too costly for profitable employment. The various departments of their busi- ness are officered as follows : O. L. Marheld, in charge of wheat department ; W. TI. Sims, head miller ; F. A. Coons, chief engineer. The whole force of the mill is about sixty hands. For a personal sketch of Mr. L. C. Porter, see First National Bank. F. A. Coones, chief engineer of the Porter Milling Company, is a native of Ontario, Canada; learned his trade as a machinist in St. MANlJFACTLTRIlSrG INDUSTRIES. 519 Louis and came to this city in 1866. Was in the sliops of the Phoenix Iron Works two years, the engineer for Yonmans Bros. & Hodgins one year, then in the same position for Laird, Morton & Co. eight years, at the expiration of which time he entered the service of the Porter Milling Company. Mr. Coones is married and has one child. He is a member of Prairie Lodge, No. 7, I.O.O.F., and also a stockholder in the Winona Building Association. O. L. Marfield, supe'rintendent of grain department of the Porter Milling Company, is a native of Ohio ; was bred a miller at Chil- licothe, in that state, and conducted milling business there on his own account from 1860 until he came to Minnesota for his health in August, 1881, and assumed charge of the wheat department of this house. W. H. Sims, head miller of the Porter Milling Company, is a native of England ; followed the trade of miller, to which he was bred, for twelve years in his native country before coming to Winona in 1866. Was in charge of the mill of H. Miller, his brother-in law, at Minnesota City, in this county, previous to accepting the position of head miller with the L. C. Porter Milling Company in 1879. N. C. Gault, manufacturer of Schoonmaker's patent copper light- ning cable. This industry is of recent establishment, the letters patent under which the manufacture is conducted bearing date June 28, 1881. These letters patent cover both the idea and process of forming a hollow zinc wire, overlaid with sheet copper, and twisting the same into a continuous flexible cable. The advantages of the cable rod are its superior conducting properties, its unbroken contin- uation from the point above the standard to its ground termination, its indestructibility, and its absolute flexibility, by means of which it is capable of the most natural adjustment to all surfaces. The portion above the roof is strengthened by the insertion of a solid steel rod in the center chamber of the spiral, which gives abundant security against possible displacement. The manufacture is super- intended by the patentee, who has assigned all his right therein to H. D. Morse and N. C. Gault. The manufactory is a two-story frame building on the alley between Second and Third streets, in the rear of the ' 'Tribune" building, 20 X 70 feet. The manufactory has a present capacity of 5,000 feet of cable per day, with the hand machine now in use, but this capacity will be more than doubled by the introduction of some motor the coming season. Their cable coils are from 250 feet to 500 feet in length, of two sizes, one having 520 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY, a diameter of nine-sixteenths of an inch, the other of five-eighths of an inch. They also manufacture gold and silver plated points, arrows and vanes, as well as the necessary standards. The manu- facture is exclusively for wholesale trade, as the manufacturers are not engaged in ]>utting up rods. Though yet in its infancy, the demand is rapidly extending, and already some fifty firms are handling the rod in the various northwestern states. The proprietor, N. C. Gault, is a native of New Hampshire, born near Concord, in that state, in 1822 ; was brought up on the home farm, and followed farming until coming to Winona in April, 1856. He was engaged in the hardware trade here until 1863 ; closed business, and the following year entered the United States service with the 11th reg. Minn. Inf.; was soon after enlistment elected quartermaster of the regiment, and served with it until it was mustered out. Returning to Winona he was appointed United States ganger for the first congressional district of Minnesota, and served until 1875, during part of which time he was oil inspector under state appointment. Since 1875 was not actively in business until he engaged in his present industry. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Baptist church in this city, in which he has held the office of deacon twenty-four years. James H. Schoon maker, patentee and superintendent of manufac- tory, is a native of New York ; came to Winona in 1869, and for the past ten years has been engaged in the manufacture of lightning rods, principally the old star rod, Chadwick's ])atent, for the firm of Morse, Miner & Co. Lamprecht & Kaiser, manufacturers of glue, soap, tallow and neatsfoot oil. This business was established in 1880, in its present location, block No. 23, Bander's addition to the city of Winona. Their buildings are respectively 30 X 20 feet and 36 X 80 feet, and they employ an engine of fifteen-horse power in the manufactory. Their weekly product is 1,200 pounds of soap, 2,000 pounds of tallow, 4r>0 pounds of glue, and one-half barrel of neatsfoot oil, to produce which they employ four workmen. John Lamprecht was born in Prussia in 1843, was bred a machinist, came to America in 1867, and worked at his trade in Chicago until he came to Winona in 1880. Emil Kaiser was bom in Baden, Germany, in 1848 ; learned the trade of soapmaker in his native country, from whicli he came to America in 1868. In 1870 he settled in Winona, and conducted MANUFACTURING mDUSTRIES. 521 business at the corner of Mark and Huff streets prior to establishing his manufactory in block 23. SuCxAR Loaf Brewery, P. Bub, proprietor. This manufactory was established in its present location in 1862, by Jacob Weisbrod, at which time it had a capacity of about 500 barrels a year. This capacity was increased from time to time until 1872, when about 1,000 barrels a year were manufactured. In this year the old brew- ery burned, and Peter Bub, who had been Mr. Weisbrod's foreman for two years, purchased the property. This consists of a tract of about seven acres, at the junction of the old Sugar Loaf road, with that skirting the north shore of the lake. Here, in 1872, Mr. Bub erected his brewery, the main structure 48X52 feet, three stories in height, with a one-story addition 24x36 feet, and two icehouses, respectively, 60X100 feet and 20x80 feet. This brewery had a capacity of 4,000 barrels a year. In 1882 the whole was remodeled and a new three-story stone building, 52x70 feet, added, increasing the capacity of the manufactory to 20,000 barrels, with an actual product of about one-third that amount. The brewery proper as it now stands is a solid three-story stone structure, 52x118 feet, and cellars of 2,000 barrels storage capacity. An additional icehouse, 24X36, has also been built ; he harvests his own ice crop, keeps a force of ten hands and three teams, at least two-thirds of. his product finding a ready market at home. Mr. Bub was born in Bavaria, in 1842, was bred to the brewer's trade, and at twenty-five years of age came to America, direct to Milwaukee, where he was for three years in the employ of the Best Brewing Company before coming to Winona in 1870. Here he was in the employ of Jacob Weisbrod, as foreman two years, then purchased the property. The PtEBUiLDiNG AND REPAIRING Shops of the Wiuoua & St. Peter and the Dakota division of the Chicago & Northwestern railway at this point take front rank among the great industries of the city. These shops are located upon a tract of forty acres, owned and occu- pied by the railway company, situated just within the corporate limits of the city on the west. Upon this property have been erected from time to time the principal machine and other shops of the above-named railway divisions ; miles of side-track have been laid for siding cars, repairing same on track and giving ingress and egress to the company's own trains of coal, iron, timber and other supplies. The minor repair shops at Waseca, Sleepy-Eye, Tracy, 522 msToiiY OF winona county. Watertown and Huron are only brandies from this parent stem, drawing their sup})lies from this d^pot, re))()rting all work done and supplies furnished to these headquarters, upon whose time-rolls they are borne and upon whose ))ay-rolls they are paid. The seventy- five engineers and firemen along both divisions in like manner report to and are connected with this center, from which emanates the authority controlling -900 miles of track and a working force of 450 mechanics and laborers. The buildings now standing upon this property are : Machine shop (main building), 175 feet long, sixty-four feet wide, with walls twenty-four feet high ; opening into this building is the shop for boiler repairs, 66x40 feet with eighteen feet walls ; the blacksmith shop, 80x40 feet, with twenty feet walls, in which a steam hammer has just been placed that can strike a ten-ton blow. These buildings are all of brick, solid stone foundations and truss roofs. The rail mill, a frame building 80x40 feet, in which with a 40-inch steel disk they saw cold rails and drill, punch, straighten and saw cold iron. The power for driving the macliinery in these four buildings is supplied by an engine of eighty-horse power, stationed in an attached engine and boiler-house, 60x40 feet. The roundhouse, also of brick, has stalls for twenty-two engines. The water-tank has a ca- pacity of 90,000 gallons, supplied by pumps for which the engine fui-nishes motor. Water is distributed through pipes to the several buildings with head sufficient to afford protection in case of fire, and is also utilized for washing engines. The clerks' office, 24x40, is a neat wooden building just between the main machine shop and the main track of the road which traverses the yard from east to west. These buildings are all on the south side of the main track, as are also the coal and sand houses. The house for Blossburg coal, used- in blacksmith shop, is 20X60, eighteen feet high, with a lean-to for charcoal ; the soft coal house is 100x46 with twenty-foot posts, and the sandhouse 40x60 with eighteen-foot posts. Upon the north side of the track are the main car shop, a two- story frame building 150 feet long and SO feet wide, with a brick engine and boiler room on the northwest, 20 X 20, with iron roof, furnished with engines of forty-horse power. This car shop contains all the machinery for woodwork, the paint shop and the uphol- sterer's room. A second car shop, 40x120, with a lean-to for cast- ings for cai- department, 20 X 60 ; a storeroom, 60 X 40, two stories for casting and su]»])lies for machinery department and an oilhouse, MANUP^ACTURING INDUSTRIES. 523 16X36, complete the buildings on north side of track, and, with the exception of the bridge shop, concludes the catalogue of the build- ings at this point. The oifice of the master mechanic is in the main machine shop, where with his telegraph operator at his elbow he has direct commu- nication with every station along the lines of his double division. The number of men in the employ of the company at this point are-: Machine shop, 50 ; boiler shop, 18 ; blacksmith shop, 24 ; rail mill, 16 ; roundhouse, 40 ; tin and coppersmiths, 5 ; carpenters and truckmen in main car shop, 25 ; laborers, 8 ; painters, 4 ; upholsterers, 1 ; car repairers on track and oilers, 15 ; engineers for stationary engines, 2 ; coal and wood men, 10 ; storeroom keepers, 3 ; a clerical force of 4 and 1 telegrapli operator. W. A. Scott, master mechanic, is a native of New York, and has been in the employ of the company for twenty-four years, gradually working his way up. In 1867 he was appointed foreman of the machine shops of the company at Belle Plaine, Iowa, prior to which time he had been a locomotive engineer of six years' standing and three years' shop experience. Was there nine years, then transferred to Kendall, Wisconsin, from whicli place, after one year's service, he was assigned to duty as foreman of the shops at Harvard, Illi- nois ; remained there eighteen months, when he was appointed master mechanic of these divisions and removed to Winona in 1878. Mr. Scott was made a Master Mason in 1862, a Royal Arch Mason in 1863, and took the commandery degrees in 1864. He has held many positions of honor in the fraternity. Was grand' treasurer of the grand chapter of Iowa in 1874 ; eminent commander of St. Ber- nard Commandery, Belle Plaine, Iowa, from 1872-5 ; generalissimo of Woodstock Commandery, Blinois, in 1876 ; captain-general of Coeur de Lion Commandery in this city in 1881, and its most emi- nent commander in 1882 ; is a member and director of the boai-d of trade, Winona Mill Company, Winona Wagcm Company and the Winona Silver Mining Company ; is married, and has one child. G. W. Williams, general foreman of the locomotive department of the Chicago & Northwestern railway shops at this point, was as- signed to that position January 1, 1878, and has been in the employ of the company the greater part of the time since 1864. Mr. Williams is a native of New York ; served an apprenticeship of three years at his trade as a machinist in the shops of the Delaware & Lackawana railroad at Scranton, Pennsylvania ; entered the service of the 624 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. New York & Erie road at Susquehana and Port Jervis, a) id was in their emjjloy tour years, when he came to Chicago and entered the service of the Chicago & Northwestern raih-oad in 1864. He came from the Chicago shops to assume charge of his department here in 1878. As an inventor, Mr. Williams has acliieved success. In 1882 he took out letters patent for his " Piston-])acking Adjuster." This invention consists of a volute or spiral spring so mechanically con- nected that it will adjust the packing as it wears and balance the piston in the cylinder. This invention has been suthciently tested to prove its value as a force economizer. Its introduction in the Evartt's flouring-mill at Waseca enabled them to turn out twenty barrels of flour additional in each day's run. August 1, 1881, Mr. Williams took out letters patent for an invention destined in the opinion of competent judges to supersede all other journal bear- ings. This is the " Asbestos bearing," designed to prevent journals from running hot, as it sustains a heat of 1,800 degrees before burn- ing. It consists of an asbestos filling compressed into a metal cyl- inder under a pressure of thirty tons, forming a cartridge of about one inch diameter. These cartridges are inserted into holes drilled in the bearing surfaces of boxes and journals and left flush, not only giving absolute security against hot journals, but greatly reducing the cost of lubrication, as the soapy nature of the asbestos consti- tutes it an excellent lubricator in itself The bearing has already been introduced into Youmans Bros. & Hodgins and Laird, Norton & Co's sawmills in this city ; into Troost's flouring-mill at Minnesota City, and ran 386 miles on the tender of a passenger engine over the Chicago & Northwestern railway without one drop of lubrication, giving no sign of overheating. It is a safety bearing, so far as dan- ger from fire through overheated journals is concerned, and an economizer of force and oil, reducing, as it does, the amount of fric- tion and the need of lubrication. Mr. Williams is married and has one child four years of age. He is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., and of Winona Chapter, No. 5, KA.M. Wm. H. Bennett, foreman of car works, has been in the employ of the company for the greater part of the last twelve years, with headquarters at Winona. He is a native of Maryland, a carpenter by trade, and in 1869 came west to Chicago, thence the same season to La Crosse, and finally to Winona. Has been in charge of car department since May 1, 1879. Mr. Bennett is a member of MAlSrUFACTmnSTG IlfDUSTRIES. 525 "Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A.M., and of Winona Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. Married and has one child in school in this city. John McNalJv, foreman of the blacksmith shop, has been in the employ of the company since 1875, and since Angust 1, 1878, has been foreman in these shops. He learned his trade in the shops of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania railroad, in Maryland, and was with that company seven years ; then from 1871 to 1875 was at work in Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Engineers' Department Chicago & Northwestern railway, for all divisions west of Mississippi river in Minnesota and Dakota, headquarters in depot building, Winona. John E. Blunt, chief engineer. This department has charge of all maintenance of ways and erection of buildings for the company within the territory above specified. The principal work now in hand is the construction of the Iroquois branch of the Dakota Central, from Iroquois to Callope, a distance of 127 miles. The buildings erected in Winona under the supervision of this department, not included among the shops under the master mechanic's charge, are notably the grain elevator, built under the management of the old transit company. Dimensions 60x450 feet, and the new depot building. This last structure, built during the season of 1880-81, and taken possession of in the spring of the latter year, is a two-story brick, stone foundations and base- ment, mansard roof, composite architecture, extreme length 150 feet, width 46-| feet. The exterior presents quite an ornate appear- ance, and the interior is conveniently arranged to meet the purposes of its construction. In it are the general offices of this division, ticket office, waiting-rooms, and depot hotel. John E. Blunt, chief engineer, is a native of Tennessee. Gradu- ated at Andover, Massachusetts, class of 1847, and from the mechan- ical school at Newburyport, same state, in the class of 1849. Leaving school, he attached himself to the engineering corps of B. C. Morse, and was with him in the south until 1857, principally in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, and was still in the south when the war of 1861-5 broke out. The following year, 1862, came to Chicago, and was in the employ of the old Galena Railroad Company (at that time the Chicago & Galena Union) when that road was absorbed by the Chicago tfe Northwestern system in 1864. Came, with the absorp- tion of the Galena road, into the employ of the Chicago & North- western road, and was connected with the Galena division until he was transferred to Winona in 1878, in charge of the Western depart- 526 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. mcnt, Mr. Blunt is a member of the Congregational church, mar- ried, has three children in school in this city, one daui»;hter pursuing her studies at Newburyport, Massachusetts, and one son, a physi- cian, in ])ractice at Clinton, Iowa. C. C. Puder, assistant engineer, is a luitive of Portland, Maine, and came to Winona in 1878, when Mr. Blunt assumed charge of the department. Bridge ano Bcildkrs' de[)artment of Winona & St. Peter division Chicago & North western i-ailway ; Alex. Doig, foreman. This department of construction employs a force of from 120 to 220 mechanics and laborers, of whom one-fourth are i-esidents of Winona or tributary to its trade. The principal work of the past tliree years has been in the Stockton blufts, where a large amount of labor, money and material has been ex])ended. The accompanying state- ment will afibrd some idea of the work of this department within the county limits during the period above specified. Bridge No. 28, constructed in 1880, consists of a solid stone arch of 10 feet; No. 29, which was originally a wooden tressel-bridge 479 feet long, was replaced, in 1880-81, by a riveted iron bridge 85 feet long; No. 21, constructed in 1881 at Stockton water-tank, is a riveted iron bridge, single span of 64 feet; No. 26, originally a wooden tressel-bridge Y20 feet long, was replaced, during 1881-82, by a two-span riveted iron bridge with ])iers and abutments, each span 55 feet in length. The tresselwork of tlie approaches to this bridge is being solidly filled to make. a permanent roadway ; No. 27, which was originally a wooden tressel of 732 feet, is being replaced by two 32-foot arches, work not yet completed ; No. 30, recently commenced, is to consist of one 32-foot arch. The approaches to these constructions will all be made as suljstantially as possible, and as rapidly as may be a permanently soliil roadbed established. Mr. Doig, the foreman of this department, is a native of Dun- dee, Scotland. Came to America in 1856. Learned his trade as a housebnilder in Illinois and Minnesota, and commenced work as a bridge builder the same year that he came to this city, 1865. Was assistant under D. Leary, the first bridge foreman on the road, until Mr. Leary went into the service of the Southern Minnesota road in 1876, when the assistant became forenuin. Mr. Leary, so well known to Winona county people, is at present the superintendent of bridges and building on the Canada Pacific I'oad, so that the Winona & St. Peter division of the Chicago & Northwestern mav be said to MANUTACTURma mDUSTRIES. -^27 have furnished bridge brains for two important lines of road besides its own. . S. Sanborn, superintendent of the Winona & St. Peter division of tlie Clnc'no^o & Northwestern railway, extending from Winona to Waterto wn, with branch ; aggregate mileage of track 407 miles. Mr. Sanborn commenced his raih'oad career in 185fi, at the very bottom of the hidder, first as depot employe and then as brakeman on the old Milwaukee & Mississippi railway, now the Prairie du Chien division of the Milwaukee & St. Paul. January 17, 1863, he entered the service of the Chicago & Northwestern road as freight ao-ent. In 1872 was appointed general agent for the road at Mil- w^iukee, and two years later, April, 1874, was assigned to duty as superintendent of' the Winona & St. Peter division, with head- quarters in this city. He is married and has one child, now in attendance at the State Normal School here. Wm. P. Cosgrove, chief train-dispatcher Winona & St. Peter division of Chicago & Northwestern railroad, is a native of Michigan and a telegraph operator of twenty-seven years' experience. In 1857 he assumed charge of the first telegraph office opened for commercial purposes in the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 1858 he took an instrument in the general office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at Milwaukee, and was chief train dispatcher there for twelve or fourteen years prior to assuming duties at their headquarters in 1874. He is married and has three children, one of them in attendance at the State Normal and one in private school. Phgenix Ironworks, corner Third and Winona streets ; W. M. Hurlbert, proprietor. These works were established in 1866 by Mr. Hurlbert, who, after fifteen years' experience in the machine shops of the Vermont Central railway, came to Winona in 1863 to establish the machine shops of the Winona & St. Peter railways. The Phcenix Works were started on the second block west from that now occupied, on rented ground, and here in September, 1866, Mr. Hurlbert erected his first manufactory, 30X90 feet. This building, destroyed by fire in February, 1867, was replaced the same montli by one 30x100 feet, business suffering interruption only for a short period. The lots upon which the manufactory stood not being in the market, in the summer of 1857 Mr. Hurlbert purchased one-half of the block lying between Winona and Huff, on the south side of Third street, along which it fronts 300 feet, having a frontage 528 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of 150 on Winona. To this property Mr. llurlbert removed his machine shop in 1867; built a two-story wood-sliop 30x60 feet and a blacksmith shop 20 X 30 feet. The foundry, a solid stone structure, 40X 65 feet, with iron truss roof, was erected four years later, in 1871. A general machine business is done, both repairing and jobbing, quite an extensive manufacturer of Minnesota seeders conducted and employment given to a force of from twenty-five to fifty hands, according to season. An engine of twenty-five horse-power supplies motor for the machinery, and steam for the heating apparatus. The works are furnished with lathes. Mr. Hurlbert was born in Walpole, New Hampshire ; removed early in life to Northfield, Vermont, and there learned his trade as a machinist in the shops of the Vermont Central railway. Was in charge of their work at that point when he accepted a situation as master-mechanic of the Winona & St. Peter Railway Company, and in that capacity came to Winona in 1863, established their shops and managed them two years, when he resigned his position and soon afterward engaged in his present industry, which he has managed successfully for over sixteen years. In 1867 Mr. Hurlbert patented his Minnesota seeder, which has quite an extensive sale throughout the northwest. CHAPTER XLVH. ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. St. Charles is situated in the valley of the Whitewater river, in the county of Winona, on the Winona & St. Peter railroad, twenth-eight miles west of the city of Winona. GEOLOGICAL FEATURES. The city of St. Charles is located in a triangular valley, through which, on the north side, flows the Whitewater river. This valley has been formed by the erosion and removal of the original layers down to solid magnesian limestone, and upon the bed of that layer the city is located, while upon every side are displayed the pre- cipitous sides of those ancient layers which have remained protected by their cap of solid flags of Trenton limestone, and have withstood the forces of the destroying elements. ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 529 The Trenton limestone, whicli is the upper layer of rock in the bluffs around, is naturally of a blue color, but when near the surface and aftected by light and water they are usually faded. The lower Trenton formation here has been described by Prof. N. H. Winchell, state geologist, in the following language : " At a quarry near St. Charles, half a mile south of the city, the lowest portion of the Trenton appears as follows, in descending order: No. 1, hard, crystalline, calcareous layers, ringing under the ham- mer ; of a light drab color, without shale ; fossiliferous, fifteen feet. No. 2, bluish-green shale, about ten feet. Total, Trenton, twenty- five feet." These Trenton flags, with the underlying beds of shale, are impervious to moisture, consequently the localities which they underlie are better watered than those of the lower layers, and the margin of this formation is usually marked by springs of water. Next in the descending order we arrive at the St. Peter sand- stone, which is about 100 feet thick, and is an almost pure quartz sand, containing but two-tenths of one per cent of foreign matter, which is alumina with a trace of carbonate of lime, not enough of the latter even to cement its grains. We have here an inexhaustible quantity of white, non-fossiliferous, and almost pure quartz sand, which is easily excavated, and is said to be fairer than the Linn sand used by the Scotch manufacturers of flint glass, and is every way equal to that sand for this purpose. Here it is used only for making com- mon mortar, for which purpose it is well adapted. Says Mr. Hurl- but, in his valuable papers on the geology of southern Minnesota, "The thousands of escarpments of this formation which border the plains in as many convenient places offer in return, for but little labor, the indulgence in every fancy in subterranean architec- ture, from the cool and spacious dairy vault and brewer's cellar to the Mediaeval Ehenish castles supplied with sparkling fountains at will." Under the above we find a layer of magnesian limestone, which is found at the surface in some localities near the Whitewater river. This, as its name indicates, is not a pure limestone. It contains car- bonate of lime with about one equivalent of carbonate of magnesia, with some insoluble silicates and traces of alumina, the largest per- cent being carbonate of lime. It was formerly believed that because of these impurities it was not adapted to the making of lime, and therefore people built kilns south of this city, where tliey obtained 530 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the purer carbonato of lime in the Trenton beds. This was a blun- der, for, althougli tlie niagnesian limestone produces a large amount of insoluble cemont and does not slack so easily and perfectly as the cai'bouate of lime, yet it is more economical, as it reqilires less heat in burmiii!;. It also throws out less heat in slacking, and is therefore called 'coor lime. It is slower in setting, so that from fifteen to twenty bricks can be laid with one spreading of mortar, and a cor- responding advantage is gained in plastering. This is a light col- ored and pretty stone, and, being hard and enduring, it is well adapted for building ])urposes. A few miles north of this city is a quarry of magnesian limestone, which is of a light cream color, and homogeneous texture, and when first taken from the quarry is soft. It is easily cut into all desirable forms. It takes a polish and is therefore a marble. It has an abundance of calcareous cement, and hardens by exposure to the air. It is adapted to oi-namental work as well as heavy masonry, can be cut into posts, sills, caps, water-tables, etc. Clay abounds in the vicinity, which, for some years past, has been economized for the manufacture of brick. A few miles from th(^ city are bogs of peat, some of which give promise of yielding a fair burning material, yet they have not been proved by sufficient test. The quaiTies of the Trenton system abound in fossils peculiar to that age, many of which have been gathered to enrich the museums of institutions for educational purposes as well as of private col- lections. There are also boulders which have been transferred here during the past geological ages, among which are granite, agates, silicious limestone, argentines or lamellar calcites, jaspers, etc., some of which are susceptible to a polish and by their hardness^ are adapted to useful purposes. ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN. In 1851 there were no white settlers in this part of the country. The buffalo had disappeared but the deer and the elk still pastured the prairies and sought shelter in the wooded valleys. Abundance of speckled trout jilayed in the crystal waters. By an act of the legislature of the territory of Minnesota, passed February 23, 1853, so much territory as is embraced within the following boundaries, to-wit : Beginning at the southwest corner of T. 105 N., K. 10 W., thence north twenty-four miles to the northwest corner of T. 108 N., ST. CHARLES TOWTTSHIP. . 531 R. 10 W., thence east to the Mississippi river, thence down said river to the northeast corner of Houston county, thence west to the place of beginning, was established as the county of Winona. The county of Winona is on the eastern and northeastern slope of the State of Minnesota to the Mississippi river. The summit level of the country between Winona City and Mankato is at Eice lake, in the county of Dodge. The streams running easterly and northeasterly from that point are rapid, affording abundance of power for hydraulic purposes. Between these streams thei-e are generally continuous ridges of land which break in grand, lofty and picturesque escarp- ments on the Mississippi shore. The height of these escarpments are not much below the summit level at Rice lake ; the streams, in their rapid course to the Mississippi, seem to have worn down their channels through the solid lime-rock, and through the more friable Silurian to then- present depths ; hence on the shore of the Missis- sippi we behold such remarkable features in the landscape. Tlie nearer these streams approach to the river the deeper are the gorges, and it was after much toil and labor that the early pioneer could ascend through these gorges to the elevated prairies above. After the government survey St. Charles was known as T. 106 K, R. 10 W. ., On April 29, 1854, the county commissioners divided the county of Winona into six election precincts. The precinct of Elba, in which was St. Charles, included T. 105 N., R. 8, 9 and 10 W., now Hart, Fremont and Saratoga; T. 106 N., R. 9 and 10 W., now Utica and St. Charles, and T. 107 N., R. 10 W., now Elba. E. Haws, William Davidson and L. H. Springer were appointed judges of election. At this session the county was divided into assessment districts. District No. one, embracing T. 108 K, R. 9 and 10 W., and T. 105, 106 and 107 K, R. 10 W. A. P. Hall was appointed collector. On July 3, 1854, the valuation of personal property in this district was $11,318. As the real estate belonged to the government, the improvements on the lands were taxed as personal property. The tax per cent, on the valuation this year was one and thirty-five hundredths per cent. On May 1, 1854, a resolution was passed by the county commis- sioners constituting each election precinct a road district, and William Davidson was appointed road supervisor of the Elba district. 31 532 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. On May 19, 1854, school district No. 3 was organized, embracing T. 106 (St. Charles), and the north tier of sections in T. 105, R 10 W. In March, 1855, school district No. 5 was organized, consisting of sections 7, 8, 17, 19, (city of St. Charles), 20, 21, 30, and all of section 29 excepting the southeast quarter of T. 106 N., R. 10 W. The first election in Elba precinct was held in the fall of 1854, at the house of William Davidson. Joseph Mixter and John T. Blair were appointed clerks of the election. Benjamin Langworthy was elected justice of the peace. William Davidson was elected one of the county commissioners. The early records of Elba precinct while under the territorial government, and betore the towns were organized geographically, having been lost, the writer has been under the necessity of supplying the history from the recollection of those who were the early pioneers of the precinct ; hence it is not as complete as it might have been if the records could have been examined. In the fall of 1856 the second election for the Elba precinct was held at the house of James Ball, situated on the premises now known as the " Summit Farm," in the town of St. Charles. At this election L. H. Springer and William Davidson were appointed judges, and Joseph Mixter, clerk. At this election Carter Fuller was elected constable. During this year the republican party in the territory was organized, and jutted against the democracy. C. H. Berry, now of Winona City, and Wm. Ashley Jones, were present at this election to sustain the democratic nominees. W. Thome, residing near the southern limits of the precinct, came a distance of twelve miles and voted the democratic ticket. L. H. Springer was elected one of the county commissioners. At the April session of the year 1857 the board of county com- missioners organized geographically T. 106, N., of E. 10 W., into a separate precinct, denominated St. Charles precinct ; and H. G. Rice, Benjamin Raynold and Wm. P. Wood were appointed judges of election, to be held at the schoolhouse in the village of St. Charles. On May 11, 1858, the first township election for the organized town of St. Charles was held for the purpose of electing town officers. A. G. Murray was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, and Franklin Langworthy and David Balcombe were elected super- visors ; Harris Scoville, town clerk ; J. F. Remore, assessor ; Geo. P. Pratt, collector ; Charles Elsbury, overseer of the-poor ; Geo. P. Pratt and Geo. Bartlett, constables ; Harris Scoville and Wm. ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 533 McKnight, justices of tlie peace, and Wm. Hendee, overseer of highways. At this election L. H. Springer, Wm. Davidson and M. Grover acted as judges ; John M. Cool, and Charles Brewer, acted as clerks. Minnesota was admitted as a state into the Union by an act of congress passed May 11, 1858. EAELY PIONEERS. In the spring of the year 1853, William Davidson pre-empted on Sec. 10, T. 106, N., E. 10 W., upon which he built a log house into which he moved his family. He claims to be and is considered to be the first settler of the town of St. Charles, and entitled to be called "The Old Settler"; though about this time Hiram Hull, one of the famous Minnesota City Company, who emigrated from the city of New York and laid out Minnesota City, thinking that he was locating on the banks of the Mississippi river instead of a big slough ; but becoming dissatisfied with that place, left and made a claim on section 12, in the town of St. Charles, upon which he erected a small log dwelling and made some other improvements ; but sold out in the fall of 1853, and moved to the east. In the latter part of May, 1853, Lewis H. Springer and famil}^, from the State of Illinois, after a short residence at Winona, moved and settled on section 19, in the now city of St. Charles, and erected a double log house on the south bank of the south branch of the Whitewater river, and near the foot of what is now Whitewater street. The family consisted of himself, his wife Adaline and his daughter Ella. With him also came Benjamin Langworthy and Mrs. Langworthy, the father and mother of Mrs. Springer, and Alonzo and Benjamni Langworthy, Jr. Alonzo and Benjamin, sons of Benjamin Langworthy, made their claims on section 18. In the same year, and soon after Mr. Springer had settled on his claim, Eobert Calhoun and Carter Fuller made their claims on the uplands, south of St. Charles city. James Smith, Mr. Kately and Mr. Russell made their claims and settled in the southeasterly part of the town, in the fall of the same year. About this time Wm. Hause made a claim about a mile northeast of Springer's, upon which he erected a claim shanty. He had formerly made and sold a claim in the now town of Saratoga. No other claim was made in the north part of the town until the year 1855, when David Evans made a claim and erected a small log house about a mile north of 534 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the city of St. Charles. The government surveys of the lands of southern Minnesota were made in the fall of 1853 and the spring of 1854. A. M. Norris, of Dubuque, had the contract for the meri- dian and townsliip lines, and W. A. Jones had the contract for the subdivision of the lands in tliis locality, assisted by A. M. Ray- mond. Some of the first settlers had staked out claims before the subdivisions had been made, and consequently were disappointed in not getting all that which they desired to locate. In the spring of 1854 Mr. Salisbury settled on the southeast quarter of section 19. John Elsbury about the same time settled on the same section, and Harris Scoville on section 18. During this year Lewis li. Springer erected a small frame store a few rods south of his dwelling-house, and kept a small assortment of dry goods and groceries for the accommodation of the settlers. This was the first mercantile establishment and the first frame building in town. Mr. Springer was appointed postmaster in the spring of 1854, and kept the postoffice in this new building. He subsequently sold his stock of goods to Fianklin Langworthy, and Langworthy sold to Hiram Rice. Mr. Rice soon after built a new store opposite where now stands the old Hall's Hotel. The old store which Springer built is now a part of the house occupied by Morgan Thomas. At the time Mr. Springer settled in St. Charles there was no settle- ment west on this route, and no public-house west of Winona to accommodate emigrants until Mr. Springer, in the spring of 1853, opened his - dwelling as a public inn ; and many of the early settlers will remember when, after a weary journey from Winona up the steep and rugged windings of the high bluffs that skirt the western side of the valley of the Mississippi, and crossing the prairie where little water was found, famished from hunger and thirst, they arrived at Springer's tavern, where their wants could be supplied. At the present time not a vestige of Springer's tavern, where in former times so much comfort had been dispersed, now remains, save the old roof of oak shakes and a few logs, on the premises of Miss Sarah Birge, daughter of the late Col. Joseph Birge, used as a shelter for pigs and hens. In the year 1854 a Mr. Wheeler settled on section 19 in the town, now city of St. Charles, adjoining the county line, upon which he built a log house and in the following year opened the same for a public inn. The skin of a wild cat staffed with straw and elevated on a pole gave intimation that entertainment for man and beast ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 535 could be had. It was popularly known as the " Wild Cat Tavern." This was the second house opened for a public inn of the town. In the summer of 1856 James and Joshua Easton erected the first framed public inn, being the same building now owned and occupied by Henry Hall, situate on Winona street. Mr. Hall made his first location on lands east and adjacent to the phitted portion of the city, now owned by Carlos Brewer. In the month of July, 1856, a violent tornado accompanied with rain, thunder and lightning, swept through the village, prostrating large and firmly-rooted trees in its course, taking off the roof of Mr. Hall's house and all the logs above the upper joists and landing them at a distance, and took up over the walls of the house beds, bedding, and furniture, exposing the inmates of the dwelling to the furious blasts, frightening them out of their senses and committing other misdemeanors against the peace and dignity of Mr. Hall and the people of the village. Hiram Rice succeeded L. H. Springer as postmaster ; Joseph Mixter succeeded Mr. Rice ; Col. Joseph Birge succeeded Mr. Mixter ; M. S. Weeks succeeded Mr. Birge ; Simeon Harding succeeded Mr. Weeks, and John Pickert (present postmaster) succeeded Mr. Harding. In the year 1858, M. H. Gates and H. C. Parrott erected a store building. After the closing of the mercantile business the building was used as a wagon-shop by H. C. Parrott, being the first wagon- shop established in St. Charles, and from which beginning sprang the present large and extensive wagon and sleigh manufacturing establishment of H. C. Parrott & Co. The first blacksmith shop, being a frame building near the southern confines of the original village of St. Charles, was erected by John Elsbury, in the Burr Oak grove, on the premises now owned by B. M. Cravath, near to which Mr. Elsbury built his log house on the precise site where now stands the beautiful mansion erected by S. W. Stone, and now owned by Mr. Cravath. In the blacksmith shop was held the first public dance in St. Charles, at which most of the settlers, young and old, attended. In 1860 James H. Easton established the first art gallery in St. Charles. Washington Wendell established the first shoe shop, and Isaac Talbot the second. Dr. Wendell, the brother of Washington Wendell, was the first physician that settled in St. Charles. 536 HISTORY OF WINONA OOITNTY. CLAIM TROUBLES. During the year 18 Si, a laud-claim society was organized of which Carter Fuller was appointed chairman and Joseph Wheeland elected secretary. The object of the society was to guarantee to each member the right to claim and hold possession of 320 acres of land, so that each one in taking this amount of land, might secure at least forty acres of timber. This liberal way of appropriating Uncle Sam's laud, without his being a party to the affair, soon led to difficulty. Mr. Joseph Wheeland, a member and secretary of the society, had made his claim of 320 acres, upon which he liad erected a log house and into which he had moved his family. He sub- sequently sold a portion of his claim, and then to make out his complement of land floated on to an adjoining piece of timber, claimed under the by-laws of the society by another person. Mr. Wheeland having been protected in his original claim of 320 acres, and being secretary of the society and therefore more sacredly bound to carry out the provisions and bj^-laws of the society, and having been the first one to violate the rules, the other members determined that he should suffer for it. Some time during the winter of 1854r-5, and while Mr. Wheeland was at Winona on business, a party in disguise went to his house, and taking by force his wife and three small children in a sleigh to Carter Fuller's house where they were left (Mr. Fuller being the father of Mrs. Wheeland), then returning to the house and taking out everything that was valuable set the house on fire which was soon burned to ashes. The club gang then went out and cut down all the timber on the land, drew it away, dividing it, as was supposed, among themselves. S. B. Dickson, a resident of St. Charles, says that "he and Henry Woodruff were on their way to Saratoga and had stopped at a private house, when the gang were drawing the timber. The gang apprehending that they were spies, ordered them to go back and threatened to shoot them if they ever appeared in court against them." After the burning of the house, word was immediately sent to Mr. Wheeland, who came home immediately and getting a clue to some of the desperadoes, returned to Winona to get out a warrant for their arrest. In the meantime a large party of the members of the club appeared in the road in front of Mr. Fuller's house, where Mrs. Wheeland then was, and requested admittance into the house. Mr. Fuller apprehending a raid and evil intent had prepared for a vigorous defense. He had ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 537 at hand one double-barreled rifle, one single-barreled rifle, one shot- gun and a brace of six shooters, all well loaded. He refused them admittance. He stood in his door with rifle in hand and threatened to shoot the first man who would dare to mount the fence to come into his enclosure. A parley ensued — there was a cessation of hostilities. It was finally agreed that three of the party might be admitted to explain the object of the visit. The delegation having said that they had come with no hostile intentions, their errand was a peaceable one, and turning to Mrs. Wheeland asked her, "what amount of money would satisfy her for the damage done in burning the house." Mrs. Wheeland replied, "All the law will give." These words had a magic eftect upon the party for they soon scattered, and when Mr. Wheeland returned, accompanied with Sheriff Eaton with a warrant for their arrest they were non est inventus. Some of these persons, however, were subsequently arrested and brought before Justice Thompson, of Winona, for trial, and Messrs. Dickson and Woodruff, whom the gang had threatened, in case they should appear in court against them, were subpoenaed as witnesses against them, and gave their testimony. It was said that the evidence was conclusive, yet they got clear by some means. S. S. Beman was counsel for the defense. Mr. Dickson states that when he was building his shanty on his claim, he was forbidden to do so, and if he persisted in doing so he was threatened of being shot. He built his shanty, however, but while he was gone to Winona to enter his land his shanty was torn down and the boards taken away and never found. Mr. Dickson further states that at about the first of November, 1855, he was at Winona at the time of the land sales. There was there at that time an old gentleman who had made a claim of a quarter section of land, situate in Saratoga town, and a bona fide settler on the same and entitled to bid it off'; another person bid $1.25 per acre, and cried " settle." The old gentleman then raised the bid five cents and cried "settle," upon which one of the club society told him if he did not withdraw his bid, he would put him into the river. The old gentleman refused to do so. The ruffians seized him and were dragging him toward the river when he drew a revolver and shot one of them, wounding him in the thigh. Another man was wounded in the groin. In the affray the old gentleman had his thumb sh(M; off. He was trodden down by the gang and severely injured in the breast. He finally succeeded in getting up and taking refuge in the land office, where the mob tried 538 HISTORY OF WrNONA COUNTY. to get hold of him, but was prevented by the officers. In about two weeks he died, probably from the injuries received from the mob. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first schoolhouse erected in St. Charles was a frame build- ing, in the year 1855, on the west side of Church street. A young lady from Chatfield by the name of Clarissa Mastick, taught the first school. The next person who taught the school was Miss Lucy Bolt, now Mrs. James H. Easton, of Rochester, Minnesota, This schoolhouse was used for all public gatherings, both political and religious. A debating club was formed that year, the meetings being held in the schoolhouse. The old schoolhouse is now occupied as a residence by Wm. Wheeler. A new and more convenient schoolhouse was erected during the year 1863, on the east side oi Whitewater street, and a few rods north of Winona street, which was destroyed by fire in 1869, it being then private property, having been sold by the school district. A special act of the legislature organizing the St. Charles school district was approved February 6, 1867. At the annual school meeting held in March, of the same year, a board of education was elected, consisting of the following persons : John M. Cool, chair- man ; H. C. Parrott, treasurer ; John Pickert, clerk ; J. W. Brockett, H. 11. Guthrie and S. Y. Hyde. Also at this meeting there was appointed a committee to select a site for a graded school building, and report at some future meeting. A special meeting was called April 10, 1867, when it was voted to issue bonds to the amount of $10,000, running from one to ten years, with twelve per cent interest, payable annually for the purpose of building a school- house. At this meeting the committee appointed to select a site made their report. The site selected was what was denominated "Birge's Square," between Richland and Church streets, the site of the present school building, containing about two acres of land. Tlie appropriation of $10,000 not being sufficient to complete the building, a special meeting of the school district was held at the new schoolhouse on January 18, 1868, when the board of educa- tion was instructed to issue and negotiate additional bonds of the district to the amount of $3,000, payable in four years. Subse- quently the legislature legalized the* action of the board of educa- tion. The new building was built of wood, two stories. The first story contained four schoolrooms, and the second story contained ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 539 two schoolrooms and one large assembly room. The four lower rooms were furnished, and the St. Charles graded schools commenced on January 16, 1868, with about 150 scholars in attendance. Syl- vester Bedal was teacher and superintendent ; Lavina Averill, Mary Tomlinson and Julia Eertrand were assistants. In the year 1878 this building was totally destroyed by fire. The fire caught fi'om a tin- ner's turnace, who was repairing the tin gutters on the roof. The fire occurred a few days before the annual school meeting, at which time arrangements were made for building a new building of brick and stone. The new building was completed in Decem- ber, 1878. It is a fine two-story and basement structure of red brick trimmed with cut stone and cream colored brick, and cost, unfurnished, about $12,000. It contains eight commodious, well- lighted and well-ventilated schoolrooms, each with ample cloak rooms. It is in the form of a letter X, thus giving opportunity to be lighted by windows on three sides of each schoolroom. It is heated from furnaces located in the basement. In the High School department a course of stud}^ is taught preparatory to admission to the State University. At the present time there are six depart- ments, with as many teachers. The school building and the manage- ment of the school is a monument to the energy, intelligence and progressive spirit of the people of St. Charles. MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS. The first marriage in St. Charles was that of Mr. J. S. Olds and Miss Ellen Aldrich, of Clarksburg, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1856. They were married by Benj. Langworthy, justice of the peace, at the house of L. H. Springer. The next marriage was that of James H. Easton and Miss Lucy Bolt, by H. Thompson, a justice of the peace. This was in the fall of 1856. • The first birth was that of Philip, son of L. H. Springer, in the year 1854. The first death was that of Richard, son of John Elsbury. His death was occasioned by eating the flowers of some wild plant. The next death was that of Hiram Rice, merchant. The place of burial was then on land belonging to Alonzo Lang- worthy, on the north side of the Whitewater river, long since vacated as a burial place. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL SUITS. The first civil suit of record under the township organization was brought before Harris Scoville, justice of the peace, in which 540 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. Pangbiirn and Langworthy were plaintiffs, and M. S. Weeks, defendant, June 11, 1858. A jury was called but failed to agree. The parties agreed to submit the case to the justice who found no cause of action. Judgment was rendered against plaintiflFs for costs amounting to $24. 92. Sam Cole, attorney for plaintiffs, and Moses W. Fay for defendants. The first criminal suit of record was the State of Minnesota against Alfred Hawlej^ (now adjutant general of the state), on a charge of an assault and battery upon the body and person of William Coon, March 15, 1860, in which the defendant was dis- charged. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. The first sermon delivered in St, Charles was by E. Ely, of the Baptist persuasion, at L. H. Springer's in the month of January, 1854. Mr. Ely now resides at Winona. He was one of the first settlers, and is the historian of Winona city. In August, 1854, the Rev. T. R. Cressey, of the Baptist church, preached at L. H. Springer's and organized a Union Sabbath school, being the first Sabbath school established in St. Charles. From this time to 1857 Father Michael Klepper, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, who had settled on a farm about four miles north of St. Charles, preached in the schoolhouse and formed the first Methodist class in this town. During this time preachers of other denomina- tions occasionally preached at St. Charles and vicinity. A. M. Page, an adventist, occasionally preached. Union Sabbath schools were usually kept up during the summer seasons. On April 18, 1855, the Rev. David Brooks, of the Methodist church, preached at the house of L. H. Springer, being the first sermon of that order delivered in St. Charles. In the fall of 1856, Father Klepper formed the first class of the Methodist Episcopal church in St. Charles, composed of the follow- ing named members: George C. Slieeks, Mrs. Sheeks, Samson Sheeks, Lucinda Sheeks, Eliza Sheeks, Wm. Cunningham, Joseph Drake, Mrs. Drake, Nelson Wilson, Mary Wilson, Michael Klepper, Mrs. Rebecca Klepper, Martha Ann Kleppei", Marietta Klepper, Wm. Hendee, Mary Hendee, Calvin Hitt, Mrs. Hitt, N. D. Mason and Mrs. Mason. The Minnesota conference was set off from the Wisconsin conference in the year 1856. The first quarterly meeting of the St. Charles circuit of the Methodist Episcopal church was held at the schoolhouse in St. Charles, on September 19, 1857. At this ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 541 meeting the Rev. D. Cobb presided. The society has a church building and parsonage in this city. The Baptist church of St. Charles was organized in the year 1859 by the Rev. D. L. Babcock. A meeting was convened for that purpose at the schoolhouse in St. Charles, on March 3, 1859, and was called to order by appointing Rev. H. B. Slater moderator, and J. W. Denton clerk, pro tem. The following named persons became identified with the organization : Simpson Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Ebenezer Growt, Rhoda Growt, Emily Growt, Morris James, ■ Catharine James, Ward Smith and Justus W. Denton. The declara- tion of faith and church covenant, as published by the Baptist con- vention of New Hampshire, was adopted as their rule of faith and covenant. In 1865 a church edifice was built at a cost of about $3,000. On February 26, 1859, according to public notice pre- viously^ given, the following-named persons assembled in the school- house in St. Charles, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational church, viz : Hatsel Brewer, Daniel M. Evans, Palmer Carpenter, Isaac Hanks, Alonzo Rowley, John Davidson, Robert Robertson, Polly Brewer, Sarah Evans and Martha Carpenter. Rev. David Burt was chosen moderator. Henry Balcombe was elected scribe. It was then resolved that the above-named persons organize them- selves into a church to be called the First Congregational Church of Christ at St. Charles, by adopting the articles of faith and cove- nant which were then and there presented. The articles of faith and covenant having been adopted, the church was duly constituted and organized. Hatsel Brewer and D. M. Evans were elected deacons. Hatsel Brewer was also elected clerk. A church edifice was constructed, l>eing the first one built in St. Charles, which recently was sold to the German Evangelical society, an organiza- tion of recent date in this city. The Congregational society have now a church edifice of more architectural beauty than the original one. Their first church building was erected in 1859, without a spire. The first services of the Episcopal church were celebrated by the Right Rev. Bishop "Whipple, in the spring of 1864, and the next in December of the same year. In the forepart of January, 1865, Rev. J. H. Waterbury commenced holding regular services in the schoolhouse on each alternate Sabbath. At a meeting of the friends of the Episcopal church, held January 27, 1868, for the purpose of organizing Trinity Church, the following proceedings 542 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. were had : The Rev. John W. Shatzell, missionary in charge, took the chair, and liobert Stewart was chosen secretary. The following persons were elected wardens and vestrymen : Senior warden, Robert Stewart ; junior warden, David Harris ; vestrymen, H. C. Parrott, J. W. Brockett, Charles Wardner, Joshua Martin, George H. Clark, Albert Stansburj, Robert H. Cutter, Albert Richardson, Josej)h Birge and S. W. Stone. The church being duly organized, services were held every alternate Sabbath, in Templar's hall. Subsequently a handsome church edifice was erected on St. Charles street. A Roman Catholic church was organized in the year 1867, by Father Latte. In the year 1868, a stone edifice was erected, and dedicated in the fall of 1874, by Father Cotter, of Winona. The first services of the Roman Catholic church held in St. Charles were held at the residence of Patrick Donohue, in the year 1361 or 1862. Patrick Donohue, Joseph Wegeman and Father Latte were the first ones to organize the church. SECRET SOCIETIES. On February 15, 1864, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota granted a dispensation creating Rising Sun Lodge, U. D., of A. F. and A. M., designating Robert Stewart, A¥.M. ; Benjamin Birge, S.W. ; Geo. H. Clark, J.W. The charter members were Robert Stewart, Ben]. Birge, Geo. H. Clark, Farnum Chickering, Joseph Birge, Geo. H. Brown, Wm. Cravey, Lauren L. Chamberlain, John Curtis and Charles Griswold. The first communication was held February 25, 1864. The next year a charter was granted under the name of Ris- ing Sun Lodge, No. 49. Subsequently Orient Chapter, R. A. M., was organized. At present there are, in the city of St. Charles, organizations of Odd-Fellows, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, United Workmen, and temperance lodges, and also a grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. The masonic fraternity in 1880 built a handsome lodge-room, with a large banquet hall connected with the lodge-room by folding doors, a commodious reception-room and other necessary rooms. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. St. Charles responded nobly to the call of the country for its quota of troops to sustain the Union in the war of the rebellion, and the names of those boys in blue wiio, Cincinnatus like, left the plow in the furrow and rallied in defense of the flag of their country, de- ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 543 serve not only honorable mention in the history of St. Charles, but a place in the heart of every liberty-loving patriot. The following are the names of the soldiers of the war of the rebellion of 1861, credited to the town of St. Charles : Bertrand, Isaac C 7th regiment. Barton, Alison 7th " Bartlett, Alfred 7th " Brewer, Charles 7th " Brown, Wm. G 9th Boyd, Robt. H (Jth Clark, Malcolm 7th Carpenter, A. P 1st " Davidson, Thos 7th " Dawley, R. L 2d battery. Elsbury, Geo: H 7th regiment. Fuller, Carter 2d battery. Fuller, Judson W 7th regiment. Fuller, Albert N 7th Growt, Orrin 7th " Growt, A. W 7th Garver, Geo. S 2d battery. Hartley, Thomas 7th regiment. Huddleston, Thos 1st battery. Hawley, A. C 3d cavalry. Jenkins, Geo. 9th regiment. Lowden, S 2d battery. Morton, Thos. S 9th Pickle, Alonzo N 1st Remore, Elijah 1st regiment. Robinson, Martin 7th " Raymond, Lyman 9th " Richardson, Geo 7th . " Smith, John C 2d Talbert, Thos. F 6th Thomas, Morgan J.... 7th " Wilmot, Edwin D 7th "Wiltse, Abram 9th " King, James Johnson, Joseph P. . . . 2d cavalry. Brewer, Ira C 2d " Smith, Calvin 2d Kimber, Wm. H 2d battery. Barklay, Wm. H 5th Iowa cav. Barklay, Hugh 5th " " Eves, Charles E 7th regiment. Woodworth, John R. . . 7th " Barker, Henrv 7th regiment. Colder, Alex.." 7th " Coolidge, David 7th " Bothrick. Andrew 7th " Stage, Henry 7th . " Otis, Stephen 7th " Stone, liialmer H 7th Miller, John N 7th " Parks, Wm. I) 7th Butterlield, David J. . . 7th " Latimer, Peter D 7th " Reed, Orrin S 7th " Smith, Albert 7th Hewitt. Edward 7th " Hill, Chauncy 1 9th Harvev, Joseph E 9th " Craig, John L 9th " Chamberlain, Joel D. . . 9th " Carrift; Geo. B 9th " Lawton, Michael W. . . 9th " Murray, Warren 9th " Spencer, Anson 9th " Stout, Johnson A 9th " Christianson, A 9th " Hall, Geo. W 7th Boyd, Robt. K 11th Downing, John L 11th " Sweet, Hiram F 11th " Cook, Geo 11th " Ellis, Henry C 11th " Stewart, Charles C 1st infantry. Boyd, Isaac D 1st Bourdon, Peter 1st " Denton, Marion G 1st " Harvey, Geo. K 1st " Sweet, Albert 4th " Zrachte, August 4th " Ketycback, Benj 4th " Johnson, Ben, United States engineers. Griswold, Charles, 1st heavy artillery. Morton, Richard, substitute. Many of the above-named persons were residents of towns ad- joining St. Charles, but were accredited to the town of St. Charles in consequence of bounty received from the said town, the town at one time paying as high as $300 bounty to fill its quota of soldiers called for by the government. Besides the above, T. D. Weeks and S. C. McElhaney, of St. Charles, enlisted in Col. Birge's regi- ment of sharpshooters. This regiment was raised at Benton Bar- 544 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. racks, near St. Louis, Missouri, in the fall of 1861, under the patron- age and special favor of Gen. Fremont, who intended ^o make of it a model sharpshooting regiment, and one that would represent the whole West. With this view, recruiting officers were appointed in nearly all the Western states, to recruit for Birge's sharpshooters. Two companies were raised in Ohio, three in Illinois, one in Michi- gan, and three were organized at the barracks from squads sent by recruiting officers from Iowa, Minnesota and other Western states, thus forming a regiment different from any other in this, that it represented every state in the west. In the spring of 1864 it was contemplated to raise a battalion, to be called the First Battalion of Minnesota Volunteers ; but not succeeding at the time in raising the requisite number, the follow- ing-named persons from St. Charles enlisted into the 8th Iowa Cav., to wit, S. A. Johnson, G. H. Johnson, C. H. Taylor, Robert Butcher, John C. Strain, John Bourdon and David James, who were mustered into service at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in May, 1864. MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. The names of those persons who have been members of the legislature from St. Charles are as follows : S. S. Beman, senator, session of 1857-8 ; Manly Grover, representative, session of 1857-8 ; Ebenezer Warner, representative, session of 1861 ; Thomas P. Dixon, of Saratoga, now a resident of St. Charles, repre- sentative, session of 1864 ; Charles Griswold, representative, session of 1865 ; H. W. Hill, representative, session of 1868 ; S. Y. Hyde, representative, session of 1869 ; John M. Cool, representative, session of 1870 ; John M. Cool and S. Y. Hyde, representatives, session of 1871 ; S. S. Beman, senator, and ,John L. Blair, repre- sentative, session of 1872 ; S. S. Beman, senator, session of 1873 ; S. S. Beman, senator, session of 1874 ; H. W. Hill, senator, session of 1875 ; H. W. Hill, senator, session of 1876; J. F. Remore, sena- tor, session of 1877 ; J. F. Remore, senator, and F. C. Robinson, representative, session of 1878 ; II. W. Hill, senator, session of 1879. The constitution of the state was amended' providing for biennial sessions of the legislature. S. S. Beman, senator, session of 1881 ; H. W. Hill, present representative for the session of 1883. St. Charles Methodist Church. — This church was organized in 1857, the class being formed by Rev. M. Klepper in St. Charles, consisting of twenty-three members. The first quarterly meeting of ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 545 which there is any record was held September 19, 1857, when the following board of trustees was elected : Joseph Drake, A. D. Porter, G. C. Sheeks, William Hendee, N". E. Mason, Calvin Hitt and Samuel Latta. The first Sabbath school was organized in 1858. The date is not recorded. There were at this time forty-nine mem- bers. In April, 1858, B. B. Crist was appointed to this circuit. In 1859 Rev. J. Cowden became pastor. At this time the holding of the annual conference was changed from spring to fall. In the fall of 1859 Rev. J. M. Gossard became pastor, with C. G. Hayes as assistant. The estimating committee's report for 1859-60 is as follows : Supplies to pastor, groceries and household 1160.00 Quarterly claim . . 200.00 To Rev. Mr. Haves 160.00 To Rev. Mr. Gossard 40.00 Total $560.00 The above is a perfect copy of the report. The first quarterly meeting for the years 1859-60 was held at St. Charles December 31. There was nothing of importance occurred during the years 1860-61. At the annual conference in the fall of 1861 the circuit was changed from Whitewater to St. Charles, and Rev. Alfred Welch became pastor. In the thii-d quarterly minutes we learn that there were seven schools, with fifty officers and teachers, and eight hundred scholars. From 1862 to 1865 Charles Griswold was pastor. Dur- ing the years 1863-4 lots were purchased and a parsonage built. In 1865 H. Webb was pastor. During this year the church was built, at a cost of $3,000, added to the cost of parsonage, $1,072.67, making a total of $4072.67. In 1866 S. K Phelps was pastor ; in 1867, N. Tainter; 1868-9, Bartly Blain ; 1870-1-2, Henry G. Bilber ; 1873, William M. Bowdish, who was pastor three years. J. M. Liscomb then took the charge and retained it for three years ; 1879-80 G. W. Barnett was pastor. He was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. John Watson. During the present incum- bent's charge the church has been thoroughly repaired and painted, at an expense of $266.25. The church is free from debt, and has an insurance of $2,500, and the parsonage $1,500, in the Continen- tal Insurance Company. Association of Christians Opposed to Secret Societies. — The first anti-secret association organized in this state was effected at the door of the Congregational church in St. Charles about June 1, 1872, 546 HISTORY OF WFNONA COUNTY. the inside of the building not being avaihible for a business meeting. The organization was the result of two lectures delivered by Rev. Charles A. Blanchard, of Wheaton, Illinois, and it was made aux- iliary to the national association, the objects of which, according to its articles of constitution, are primarily to expose and oppose all the secret associations of the age, inasmuch as they are regarded by the members as hostile to the Christian religion and the existence of a republican state. The new organization started with twenty-four members, and in 1873 its' name was changed to the Winona County Christian Association, and a new constitution adopted. The origi- nal officers of the association were : Oren (.ravath, president ; E. S. Harvey, vice-president; P. T. Thurber, secretary and treasurer. An anti-masonic library is owned by the association, and meetings held to discuss the questions involved in the controversy between this society and those who oppose their views. The library is free to all. The present officers are : -S. B. Patterson, president ; P. Huller, vice-president ; L. S. Downing, treasurer ; W. H. Morrill, secretary and librarian. December 12, 1878, a state association was formed at St. Charles, and annual convocations are held from time to time in the interest of its declared objects. PUBLIC SCHOOL. If the grade and efficiency of the public schools in any com- munity are to be accepted as a true index of the general intelligence of such comnmnity, and the value it places upon thorough instruction in such branches of knowledge as may be included in a somewhat liberal curriculum, then may St, Charles honestly congratulate herself upon the record she has thus made. Nor is the ambitious little city on the western confines of the county at all unmindful of the record she is thus making for herself through the enlightened efforts of her educational board, fully sustained, as they are, by the intelligent liberality of that independent school district. This record extends over a period of about sixteen years, during which time' discouragements of no ordinary character have been met and overcome, and out of which the public school of that city emerges with a reputation for efficiency, tlioroughness and honesty of admin- istration that commands the hearty approbation of all qualified judgments. Prior to 1867 the St. Charles district was included in the general public school system of the county, and was known as district No. ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 547 60, being so borne on the rolls of the county superintendent and included in his regular reports to the state superintendent of instruction. By a special act of the Minnesota legislature, passed February 6, 1867, this district, No. 60, was created a chartered district, as such entitled to all the special privileges accorded such districts under the laws of the state. The district at this time included seven and one-half sections of land. By special act of legislature, of March 4, 1868, section 31 ol St. Charles township, Winona county, and one and one-half sections from Olmstead county (formerly included in the independent school district of Dover), were added to the territory included in the old district No. 60, making the full complement of ten sections comprised in the chartered school district of St. Charles as thus constituted. The boundaries of this district remain unchanged since that date. The same year that the chartered district was created, 1867, a com- modious school building was erected, and preparations were made for conducting schoolwork on a scale commensurate with the needs of the district. The new school building occupied a full block near the center of the corporation, one block east of the main business street of the village. It was a substantial frame structure with solid stone foundations, containing six spacious classrooms and a general assembly-room, and cost when complete $16,000. Here the school grew and prospered for nearly eleven years, when it was destroyed by fire, August 31, 1878, the loss being about one-half covered by insurance. The school board immediately met, called for plans and specifications for a new school building, let the contract, and in just ninety days from breaking ground for the foundations of the new structure the keys were turned over to the board of education, the structure complete at a cost of $11,475. To this should be added $li,500 for furniture and furnaces. The new structure deserves more than a passing notice, as it is one of unique character, the plans for which were copyrighted by Langdon, of Winona, in 1877, and designated by him the Centennial School Building. The special features of this plan are, economy of construction, isolation of class- rooms, so that no noise or confusion in one disturbs the others, three sides of each classroom fully exposed to light and air, and a complete system of ventilation. The plan itself is quite difficult of desci'iption, as it does not fall under any particular order of architecture, but may be generally stated as consisting of an irregular hexagonal center, from which extend four arms. The 32 648 JIISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. passage-ways, staircases, entrances to clothes-closets and classrooms are into and from this center, four of the sides of which form the four unlighted ends of the classrooms that open out of this central hall. By this arrangement there will be as many sets of class- rooms, fom' in each set, as there are stories to the structure. These radiating classrooms are all set diagonally to the cardinal points of the compass, so that the windows of each classroom give free access to sunlight upon three sides. The St. Charles school building is a two-story brick, solid stone foundations and basement for furnaces. The solid walls of stone in the basement carried to the first floor are continued in brick to the ceilings of the second story, thus rendering the divisions complete and greatly enhancing the safety of the structure should fire break out in any part. A separate furnace supplies heat to each wing of the building, and capacious ventilating flues insure a constant current of pure air throughout the classrooms. No assembly-room is provided for in this arrangement. The classrooms, eiglit in number, six only of them occupied, are uniform 'in size, and fully provided with all modern appliances for schoolwork. The staircases leading from the second story to the main floor are amply sufficient for all purposes. Of these there are two, each five feet wide in the clear and arranged at opposite sides of a broad hall. The approaches to the street from the main hall are also fully adequate to the most rapidly necessitated exit. Besides the eight recitation-rooms there are eight cloak-rooms, eight teachers' closets and ample storage room for fuel below. The presiding genius of this pattern temple of teaching is Prof. D. Steward, who is ably seconded by an efficient corps of five teachers, supervising one grammar, one intermediate and three primary departments. The first secretary of the new school board, elected under the charter given in 1877, was John Pickert, present postmaster of the city. Much of the efficiency of the school is due to the untiring efforts of the clerk of the board, E. Hill, Esq., who has held that position since 1873. The present board of education is as follows : E. M. Gallup, chau'man ; E. Hill, clerk ; Clias. Gerrish, treasurer ; H. C. Parrott, Dr. W. A. Chamberlin and R. L. Dawley. As public money is paid only on the actual enrollment, and not upon the numbers of scholars of school age in the district, the number of legal school age within the district is not known. The ST. CHAELES TOWNSHIP. 549 actual enrollment for 1882 was 403. While inspecting the premises and classrooms for the purposes of this work, we were given a specimen of the school's proficiency in combining numbers. A class of over twenty scholars, averaging less than eleven years of age each, were called before the blackboard and repeatedly added columns of figures, ranging from fifteen to twenty-one figures in a column, aggregating from 90 to 127 as the sum total, as fast as the numbers could possibly be written on the board by the teacher. Again and again, with the watch in our hands, we timed the process, in from seven to fifteen seconds. We were invited to say a word to the class, and in response promised to put them in Winona county history. Wishing to avoid all insidious distinctions, we make no mention of the particular class or teacher, but thus redeem our promise. D. Steward, principal, is a native of Vermont and a graduate of Dartmouth College, class of 1875. Since leaving college Mr. Steward has been actively engaged in teaching, having adopted this as his life-work. Mr. Steward's first engagement as principal of St. Charles schools was for the school year 1880-1, at the expiration of which he took a trip through the west, and returning, assumed charge for the school year 1882-3, at an advance in salary of twenty- five per cent over first year's contract. Mr. Steward is recognized as a thorough-going teacher, of broad, comprehensive views, and thoroughly honest in his educational work. Miss M. A. Buck, daughter of Hon. C. F. Buck, of Winona, has charge of the grammar department ; Miss L. M. Glidden is teacher of the intermediate; Miss Mary Clarkson, "A" primary ; Miss Helen F. Lathrop, "B" primary; Miss M. A. Gates, daughter of M. H. Gates, herself a native of St. Charles, and witii Miss Buck, a graduate of the State Normal, is in charge of the "C" primary room. On February 25, 1864, Kising Sun Lodge was organized under dispensation of the M.W. Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Minnesota, and Robert Stewart, Benjamine Birge and George H. Clark were designated as principal oflicers, and thus it continued to labor until October 26, 1864, when a charter was granted by the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of Minnesota: M.W. A. T. C. Pierson, G.M.; RW. L. E. Thompson, D.G.M. ; RW. C. H. Lindsley, G.S.W. ; RW. W. T. Rigby, G. J.W. ; George W. Prescott, G. Sec, imder 550 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the name and style of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 49, A. F. and A. M., with Robert Stewart, W.M. ; Benjamine Birge, S.W. ; George H. Clark, J.W. ; Nathan Novatus Pike, Treas. ; Joshua Martin, Sec. ; Allen O. Adams, S.D. ; Charles M. Lake, J.D. ; R. B. Bunce, Tyler. At the first annual election, held on December 22, 1864, Samuel Young Hyde was elected W.M., and by consecutive re-election held the office four years, presiding with rare administra- tive prudence and marked distinction. December 17, 1869, Nelson Hardy Swift was elected W.M. At the sixth annual election, held December 16, 1869, Samuel Y. Hyde was again elected W.M., and at the annual election held December 15, 1870, was succeeded by Charles Griswold, who, being subse- (juently elected to the office of M.W.G.M., was succeeded by the election of S. A. Johnson, February 16, 1871, said election being held by virtue of a dispensation granted by M.W.G.M. C. W. Nash. At the eighth annual election held December, 21, 1871, Samuel Y. Hyde was again called to preside, and by successive re-election was continued as W.M. until December 28, 1875, having served eight of the eleven terms since the charter organization of the lodge. December 16, 1875, Alfred P. Stearns was elected W.M,, and re- elected in the succeeding years, 1876-77. December 19, 1878, George H. Johnson was elected W.M. , and re-elected at the annual election held December 18, 1879, Alfred P. Stearns was elected for a fourth term at the annual election, December 16, 1880, and at the annual election of December 15, 1881, was succeeded by E. Merrill Gallup, the present incumbent. From its organization under the wise guidance and guardian care of illustrious, worthy, administrative officers the lodge has maintained a steady, healthy and prosperous growth, aggregating since its organization a grand total of 194 members, of which it yet retains upon the roll fully one- half, notwithstanding the depleting processes of death, demission, and the many and various other causes and mutations inevitably inci- dental to progi-ess in all human affairs. Inharmonies have some- times lurked in its deliberations to confront the sagacity of wisdom, strength and beauty, and mar the loveliness and glory of friendship ; but mainly all its activities and deliberations liave been characterized by a due admixture of prudence, patience, fortitude, and that noble forbearance which ultimately neutralizes every defection and harmo- nizes all infelicities. Its charities have been many and munificent ; seldom unworthily, and generally judiciously bestowed ; so that while ST. CHAELES TOWNSHIP. 551 many suffering recipients have experienced a sweet satisfaction and happy relief by the gracious benefactions of its liberal almonry of the resources of many years of prosperity up to the year 1880, its treasury was never plethoric or groaning with idle accumulations. To relieve the distressed is deemed not only as the highest and first duty of the masonic brotherhood, but it is hailed as a privilege and honor by every true craftsman. It is also the sacred privilege of every person in affliction or in want, to apply for such needed help or relief as may be in the power of a Mason to grant. When- ever such application for relief in calamity, distress or affliction has been made to Kising Sun, No. 49, whether by individual or com- munity, it has always observed and enforced the masonic rule of brotherly love, relief and truth, not only in the interest of the craft, but in the interest of sweet charity itself in manner and form, never questioning whether its beneficiary objects be craftsman or profane. Thus has Rising Sun lived and prospered in its charities, amass- ing no wealth, and scarcely ever with a respectable fund in its treasury ; yet in April of the year 1880 it conceived and developed a scheme whereby in conjunction with Orient Chapter, No. 19, R.A.M., a large and commodious second-story hall, 54x80 feet, was erected and commodiously arranged into audience and banquet halls, with rooms necessary and ample thereto, together with a fair equip- ment of furniture and convenient fixtures at present owned and occu- pied conjointly by both societies ; and now, Anno Lucis 5883, Rising Sun Lodge, No. 49, is blessed with peace and harmony of more than average unanimity, and with comparatively brightening prospects for future growth and usefulness, with foundations deeply laid in the solid experiences of the past ; its standing is firm, compact and im- pregnable, its course is onward to the motto "Excelsior." In the present organization the officers are: E. Merrill Gallup, W.M.; Robert Mares, S.W. ; Clarence Y. Ferguson, J.W.; James C. Wood- ard, Treas.; E. Geo. Hill, Sec; Robert F. Wahler, S.D.; Malcolm Clark, J.D. ; Allen O. Adams, Chaplain; Geo. H. Johnson, Mar- shal ; Henry N. Gage, S.S. ; Thomas Clarkson, J.S.; William Davidson, Tyler. Orient Chapter^ No. 19^ R.A.M. — Early in the year 1870, there being in St. Charles and vicinity several members of the masonic order who had taken the royal-arch degree, it was thought best to establish a chapter of the order, and accordingly on February 22 of that year a petition for dispensation to institute a chapter of Royal 552 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Arch Masons in the city of St. Charles was presented to E. D. B. Porter, at tliat time M. E.G. II. P. of the State of Minnesota. The petition was signed bv Robert Stewart, John Bullen, S. Y. Hyde, Truman Morse, Charles Greswold, T. T. Stevens, CliarlesH. Slocum, Robert B. Kellam, Alfred P. Steams, Henry Talbot and Nelson H. Swift, and named companion Robert Stewart as M.E.H.P., Samuel Y. Hyde, K., and John Bullen, Scribe. The dispensation was duly granted, and on March 10, 1870, the first regular convocation of the chapter was held. Companion Robert Stewart, who, hj reason of age, zeal, ripe experience and ability was styled the ' ' Father of Masonry in St. Charles," held the office of M.E.H.P. by successive re-election until his death, which occurred July 31, 1876, being then incumbent of the office. At the next annual election, held December 14, 1876, companion John Pickert was elected H.P., and by consecutive re-election has held the office ever since, and under his efficient management and control Orient Chapter has maintained a steady, strong and prosper- ous growth, nearly doubling its membership during his administra- tion of its affairs, having now, January 1, 1883, the grand comple- ment of seventy members on its rolls. Its present officers are as follows: John Pickert, H.P. ; Thomas P. Dixon, K. ; Edwin Hill, S. ; Samuel A. Johnson, C.H. ; A. O. Adams, P.S. ; Harlow Brown, R.A.C.; James C. Woodard, Treas.; E. George Hill, Sec; E. M. Gallup, M. 3d vail ; J. W. Scott, M. 2d vail ; R. F. Wahler, M. 1st vail ; Allen Gerrish, Sen. St. Charles Lodge., No. 6"^ I.O.O.F. — Located at St. Charles, was instituted on the 28th day of May, 1878, under the direction of Past Grand Master I. M. Westfall, acting as Deputy Grand Mas- ter. The charter members were : Charles E. Kendall, John W. Zerwas, B. Neuman, I. M. Westfall and H. E. Doty. The following officers were installed by O. E. Lawson, acting G.M.: Charles Kendall, KG.; John W. Zerwas, Y.G.; E. C. Johnson, Rec. Sec. ; B. Neuman, Treas. ; J. W. Burns, Conductor ; A. W. Stebbins, R.S. to KG.; I. M. Westfall, L.S. to KG.; Jacob Wachter, R.S. to Y.G. ; H. E. Doty, L.S. to Y.-G., and B. Neu- man. Warden. The lodge was represented in the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 1878 by L M. Westfall, in 1879 by B. Neuman, in 1880 by John W. Zerwas, in 1881 by A. W. Stebbins and in 1882 by John W. Zerwas. < ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP. 553 The officers for the last term of 1882 are as follows : T. D. See field, N.G. ; George Miller, V.G. ; Henry Maire, Rec. Sec; John Cook, Treas. ; E. D. Wilmot, Conductor ; C. H. Tock, Warden ; Julius Bnssuitz, Guardian ; John W. Zerwas, R.S. to theN.G. ; C. A. Smith, L.S. to the KG.; S. A. Keep, R.S. to the V.G.; Jacob Wachter, L.S. to the Y.G.; C. Lane, R.S.S.; C. A. Demro, L.S.S.; A. W. Stebbins, Chaplain and Henry Maire, P.G. The total membership at present is thirty-three. The lodge is in a flourishing condition financially, and its supply of furniture and lodge fixtures is equal to any of its numbers in the state. Germania Lodge^ No. 22^ A. O. U. W. — Was organized at St. Charles nearly six years ago, its charter bearing date August 10, 1877. The original membership was sixteen ; about thirty members in all have been obligated and the present membership is twenty. The decrease is entirely owing to removals and suspensions, no deaths of members having occurred since organization. Their meet- ings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall, in common with which organi- zation they are joint owners of the hall furniture and fixtures. The present ofiicers of Germania are: J. T. Stewart, M.W. ; W. Has- selgrave, F. ; I. Bresler, O, ; F. Blankenburgh, Rec. ; F. H. Allen, Fin." J. C. Woodard, Rec'r. ; Jeremiah Dickenson, Guide; Ed. Pearson, I. W. ; Louis Schnell, O. W. CONCLUSION. Up to the winter of 1863-4 there was no market in this place for wheat or other farm products, save what was required by the people for home consumption ; but at this time Charles Wardner came here from Winona, built a store and grain warehouse attached, and put in a large stock of general merchandise, and received farm products in exchange fcr goods, or purchased the same for cash. The Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company were laying the iron track between here and Winona, and in the month of February, 1864, the road was completed to this place, and the iron horse for the first time entered the beautiful village of St. Charles. Warehouses, stores and other buildings sprung up as if by magic. Two lumber yards were opened here at that time, and all kinds of business began to prosper. Previous to this time the nearest market for the people of this place and vicinity, and for a long stretch of country west, was Winona, the roads being lined daily with teams, mostly ox- teams, laden with the produce of the land, going to Winona to sell, 554 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. and in return purchase such commodities as were necessary ior the family and for opening up and improving the vast and fertile coun- try tributary to Winona. On February 28 the legislature passed an act to incorporate the city of St. Charles. The proposition was submitted to the people at an election held on March 1, 1870, and adopted. On March 8, 1870, an election was held for the purj)ose of electing city officers. At this election S. W. Stone, now of Aurora, Dakota Territory, was elected the first mayor of the city of St. Charles, and thence- forth it became a full-fledged city. The present city officers are as follows : C. W. Seefield, mayor ; H. C. Parrott, W. K. Parr, C. N. Clark, S. C. McElhaney, aldermen ; C. G. Bachelder, recorder ; J. C. Woodard, treasurer ; Joseph Bockler, assessor ; E. G. Hill and E. M. Gallup, justices of the peace ; A. H. Adams and G. T. Olds, constables ; Miles Growt, city marshal ; O. Potter, street commissioner. At this time (December, 1882) the city of St. Charles has a pop- ulation of about 1,200. Her public schools are of the very best in the state, being of a high standard, in which her citizens take a lively interest, employing at all times the very best of teachers. The terms of school aggregate nine months in each year. Six church edifices representing as numy different denominations, viz., Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, German Evangeli- cal and Congregational, are established here, in which religious services are held in some or all every Sabbath. As a commercial and manufacturing place it has superior advantages, being sur- rounded with a rich agricultural district, the surplus products of which are yearly on the increase. CHAPTER XLYITI. KOT.l.ING STONE TOWNSHIP. Rolling Stone township, as organized b}'^ the county commis- sioners, consists of parts of townshi})S No. 107 and 108 north, of range No. 8 west, of Winona county, Minnesota. The Mississippi river flowing along the northern boundary in a southeasterly direc- tion makes the town irregular in form. It takes its name from the ROLLING STONE l^WNSHIP. 555 creek which flows through it from south to north, affording complete drainage, excepting a small brook in the northwest part, which drains five or six sections. The surface consists of about seven sections of bottom lands con- tiguous to the Mississippi and subject to overflow, but producing ^Id grass and timber, and about 1,500 acres of terrace or table lands lying between the bluifs and the bottomlands and the remam- der ol bluff or ridge and of valley land. The cultivated lands as reported by the assessor for this year (1882) number 5,134 acres, leaving 14,813 uncultivated, about 10,000 acres of which are bluff or ridge lands and 4,843 are along the Mis- sissippi bottom. The inhabitants reside in the valleys, m which there are sixty farms, twenty of them reaching upon the bluffs where about 1,500 acres are cultivated. NAME, FIRST SETTLEMENT, ETC. This township, Winona and Whitewater are the only names in the county that relate to the Indian names. The Sioux name for the stream was E-yan-o-min-man. Rendered into French, Roche qu de Boule, meaning a good place to roll stone down the bluff. [For this information the writer is indebted to the Hon. H. i±. Sibley and also to Hon. Norman W. Kittson. Mr. Kittson spent two years near the mouth of the creek with an Indian trader by the name of Labothe, about the year 1840.] The Sioux treaty which extinguished the Indian title to the land was not ratified till 1853, but in February, 1852, Mr. Israel M. Nara- cong made a claim for the purpose of securing a water-power on the Rolling Stone. This is now occupied by the flounng-mill of A. D. Ellsworth. Mr. Naracong remained here till July followmg, when he left for his home in Wisconsin and did not return. Mr. Naracong made no improvements excepting to build a board shanty 8x12 feet in size, which he occupied, in company with a man by the name of Josiah R. Keene. They spent part of the winter and spring m cut- ting black walnut timber, which was rafted and sold m Lacrosse. The first permanent settlement was made in the town by a colony which was organized in New York city in October, 1851, under the name of the "Western Farm and Village Association." Minutes of the organization and of the meetings were pubhshed in the New York "Tribune;" and the association also published a small paper devoted to its interests and called "The Western Farm and Village 556 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Advocate." A fee of $5 was all that was required to become a member, and in the spring of 1852 the association numbered nearly 400 from different places in the northern states, ])artie8 joining from all of the New England states and from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. A majority were, however, flfom New York city, and of foreign birth. The objects of the association, as expressed by their paj^er, recognizing the difficulties and inconven- iences of individually settling new countries, proposed to obviate tliem by organization to settle upon cheap lands, to secure cheaper transportation and by purchasing building material and supplies in quantities to get cheaper rates ; and, also, to have the advantages of society, churches, schools, roads and bridges, and other things per- taining to civilization, without waiting for the country to be settled gradually. It may be recorded here that, at the time of settlenient, there were false and malicious statements spread in regard to the character of the colony. They were stigmatized as infidels, Fourierites, com- munists, etc. There was no foundation for these statements, but they had a tendency to bring the settlers into disrepute. The editor of the " Tribune/' Mi*. Greeley, took a lively interest in the associa- tion, but predicted a failure from what he considered a defective plan. The association as such was a partial failure, but many of its objects have been fully realized. The committee appointed to locate the colony selected the Rolling Stone valley for the farm lands, and the table lands near the mouth of the creek for the village, naming the village Minnesota City and the township Rolling Stone. A large majority of the association were dissatisfied with the location and would not remain, giving as reasons that the location was not imme- diately on the river, that the land still belonged to the Indians, and that the general character of the place was not suitable for settlement. The real truth of dissatisfaction was probably owing to personal and individual considerations. It is well known that many of the artisans and professional men of the cities have what may be termed a land lunacy, supposing that to become a landowner secures inde- pendence and plenty. This colony was composed of all manner of artisans, who were intelligent and industrious in their line of business, and were dependent on that for a living, and were without sufficient ready money to live. There was not among them all half a dozen prac- ROLLING STONE TOWNSHIP. tical,professionalfarmers,norbalfthatnumberpracticallyacquainted with what we call western liie. Tt,»1nratioii Tt i, true some things were not properly represented. The location » rrr on tL nver, and that building lumber could be ::!, rom pasXg raits- at'irom $5 to $8 per thousand feet and SelZoats coSd land goods very near the P^-;^"* ™ :":: a stX? rnel twelve or fourteen in nu™b^.t^^^^^^^^^^^ houses for shelter for those who were to follow m May, the 16th big the time set for the colony to be here. This pioneer squad, as not have accomplished it, as they had no ^-'^'^S-^f^^-fl^^ ^I^ TfloUar in money for their use. The treasurer did not airi™ till tome ttme in Ma,l and after paying someof the surveyors and other incidental expenses the association was witliout monej^ But the colony came, and about the 80th of May tlieie were ninft mt andnlarly 400 women and children on the ground with- Tt anylelter, except temporary tents and such skelter as could be made with poles and turf. The season was ^-W e» \wet and windy, and considerable -"^^^fX^^l^'rwiX tnly paratively very lew deaths, but at tne Degmui g "^^hlf Sr— g held by the settlers here was on May 6. 1, S 52 and fifty-two responded to tbeir names. M,ri9 u'petition was drawn and sent to the postoffice depart- ment for the establishment of a postoffice, with '^e name of Rob^^^ Pike as postmaster. Mr. Pike received his appointment and more, a tailor by trade,\.om Kenneh Maine ; >>e was We — a family and about sixty years of iige. mere weie deaths immediately after Mr. Densmore's, and -™e of the persons who left the colony spread exaggerated reports of « « '=°"'^i^°" nf the settlers Gov. Ramsey and his secretary, Alex. Wilkm, . T'^ St Paul to see if they could be of any assistance. ^irGoTernrxpres^fhl: ct^Meni in the ability ot' the people I tak! care of themselves and gave them cheerful wo;^-l^ncour^^ ment, but expressed the opinion that the colony should have located nearer to St. Paul. 558 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Tlie last week in May a committee was appointed to explore the country between here and the great bend of the St. Peter's river to ascertain if there was a feasible route for a railroad. The com- mittee consisted of Robert Pike, I. M. Narucong and William Stephens. Two reports were made, both of them representing the route as entirely feasible and the country as a beautiful undulating prairie and well watered, with liere and there fine groves of timber. It is interesting to note that in these reports the beauty and desirar bility of the present site of Rochester is well described. On July 4 a census was taken and the population numbered 154. July 12 an election precinct was organized and Thomas K. Allen chosen justice of the peace, Augustus A. Gilbert, notarj^ public ; James Wright, assessor ; Josiah Keene, constable, and Robert Tay- lor, collector. These officers were subsequently appointed by Gov. Ramsey. July 26 Messrs. John lams, Hiram Campbell and O. M. Lord were appointed road commissioners. Religious meetings were held in the forenoons and afternoons of every Sunday. The First Baptist society, the first religious organiza- tion in southern Minnesota, was formed here in the summer of 1852. In the fall of 1852 a school was taught by Miss Ann Orton. In the spring of 1853 a school district was organized under the laws of the territory, being the first and for some time the only organized dis- trict in the then county of Fillmore, and summer and winter terms of school have been continuously taught here since. There was no election held here this fall, as a six months' resi- dence was necessary to become voters ; but the settlers sent John lams to St. Paul as a lobbyist while the legislature was in session and paid his expenses. Mr. lams was from Wabash, Indiana, a car- penter by trade, and was afterward chosen as the first sheriff of the county. He built the first log house erected here, covering the roof with shakes or long shingles split from the red-oak trees. Four more log houses were built, the others being made of rough pine boards, brought here in small rafts by Mr. Densmore and Mr. Lord. In these houses the settlers spent the winter very pleasantly, with much social enjoyment. The association had laid out a vihage of large dimensions, with wide streets and avenues and large public parks on the terrace land near the mouth of the creek, apportioning to each member four large village lots and also a claim of 160 acres of farm land in the valleys. So few remained that there was ample room for all, but EOLLING STOKE TOWNSHIP. 559 the claims were made before there was a government survey, and when these lines were made, claims often conHicted. This occa- sioned considerable discord, until the claim laws were well under- stood. The summer season of 1853 was occupied in building and open- ing farms in the valleys. Mr. E. B. Drew had broken thirty acres of valley land in 1852, and therefrom raised a small crop of sod corn, some potatoes and other vegetables, and in the fall he sowed some winter wheat. This was considered the first farm opened in 1852, though small patches of ground were broken in numerous places during the same season. The next season some of the settlers moved on to the valley farms, and continue to reside there. This year a large supply of sod corn, potatoes and a great variety of garden vegetables were raised. Wild grass was abundant, and though a good deal of hay was burned by prairie fires in the fall, the cattle, numbering about eiglity head, did remarkably well. Fish were plenty and easily taken, and wild game also ; flour was procured down the river at $4 per barrel, and from that time to this there has been no want of the staple articles of food, and usually a large sur23lus. Before the lands were ofiered at public sale pre-emption claims had been filed upon the valley farms and upon the village plat, and these lands were entered at the land office in Goot's subdivisions. During the season of 1854 Mr. Lord put in operation a sawmill. Settlements were graduallj^ extended and new farms were opened, buildings added, etc. A wagon road was established to Winona, and one up the South Valley and one up the North Valley, and bridges were built, but nothing occurred beyond the ordinary incidents of early settlement for several years. In 1854 congress established a mail route, N'o. 14015, from Minnesota City to Traverse des Sioux, and semi-monthly service was ordered on the route in the fall of 1855. This was the first mail route established in the territory south of the St. Peters river. The route was afterward extended from Minnesota City to Winona and terminated at St. Peters instead of Traverse des Sioux. SCHOOLS. About the year 1860 the settlers had increased in numbers so as to form two more school districts, one in the west part of the town in what is now the village of Rolling Stone, and one in Middle or 560 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. McLaughlin's valley. In 1866 another district was formed in Deer- ing's valley. These districts have cheap frame schoolhouses. There are at present enrolled in the Rolling Stone school forty-seven pupils, in McLanghlin's valley thirteen, in Deering's valley fourteen and ninety- six in the Minnesota City school. The last named has a brick schoolhouse and two departments of school ; the house, grounds, etc., being valued at $6,000. There are three fractional districts united with parts from the adjoining towns, but the schoolhouses are in the other towns. RAILROADS. The Winona & St. Peter or Chicago & Northwestern railroad has now been in operation about twenty years. It enters the town- ship near the southeast corner and passes out through the valley of the Rolling Stone, on the south side. It has at Minnesota City a spur track to Troost's mill of about 100 rods in length, and a side track to Ellsworth's mill and elevator, and a neat, convenient passenger depot and freight house used in common with the Milwaukee & St. Paul road, which passes through the town along the Mississippi river; the latter road has here two long side tracks and a grain elevator. VILLAGES. Rolling Stone ^dllage, in the western part of the town, is at the junction of the north and west valleys of the creek. The inhabitants of the village and of the vicinity are Germans. It contains three stores, two hotels, two blacksmith shops, a fine stone church and neat parsonage, a schoolhouse and two or three saloons. The church belongs to the Catholic denomination, and nearly all the people in the vicinity are members. A Catholic burial-ground is also estab- lished here. The stream near here furnishes power for a custom-mill, which is largely patronized by the surrounding country. Minnesota City is situated at the mouth of the Rolling Stone valley, six miles west of Winona, near the east line of the township. It contains a railroad depot, two flouring-mills, two stores, two elevators, two hotels, a blacksmith shop, a butcher shop, a brick schoolhouse, a large brewery and a saloon. Population 200. A Baptist church is organ- 'ized here and regular services liave been held for several years. The society has no building. KOLLIJ^^G STOKE TOWNSHIP. 561 IMPROVEMENTS. Troost's mill was built hj Mr. Otto Troost in 1866. The mill is 60 X 80 feet in size, on the ground, and four stories high, and has a larger capacity of manufacture than any other mill on the stream. Tlie power is partly supplied by diverting the creek, a distance of sixty rods, to the Mississippi bottom, making a fall of sixteen feet, while the natural creek flows two miles to reach the same level. A Corliss engine of 150-horse power is also used, the two enabling the mill to manufacture 400 barrels of flour per day. The wheat is taken to the mill by a spur or side-track from the Winona & St. Peter railroad and is obtained mostly in the western part of the state. Ellsworth's mill was built in 1867. The power is furnished by a dam across the Rolling Stone, giving ten feet of fall. The building is a wooden structure upon a strong stone foundation, in size 54 X 72 feet and three stories high, with elevator next to the side track and a warehouse detached 40 X 70 feet in size. The capacity of the mill is 750 bushels of wheat or 150 barrels of flour per day. It has unusual facilities for the manufacture of good grades of flour ; being con- nected with an elevator any grade of wheat may be selected for mill- ing. The estimated value is $35,000. FLOOD. In February, 1876, Minnesota City was visited with a disastrous flood. The Rolling Stone drains a large extent of surface and at the village has a narrow exit. The ground was frozen hard and a heavy rain had filled the water-holes and covered the country with a sheet of ice. The snow then covered this to the depth of a foot when a warm heavy rain fell for twenty-four hours, and as the ground could not absorb any water, it raised higher than has ever been known. The mill-pond above the village was filled with ice four feet in thick- ness, and when the ice broke up and began to flow, within a few min- utes it destroyed three dwellings, a store, a butcher shop, and was deposited in huge pieces upon the railroad bridges and track and in different places over the fields. PAST AND PRESENT. It is now thirty years since the men who plow first came to this town. Railroads and wagon-roads have taken the places of the In- dian trails. For the Indian the rich soil and the beauty of the scenery had no value ; though fish were plenty, game was not so abun- 562 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. dant as farther away, and he had no desire to remain ; and to-day he looks with disdain upon the fields of grain and grass, the farni- houses, fences and barns ; if he is luins^ry lie covets some of the pletlioric stock for meat, and would like to possess some of the fine horses to ride. The schools, the mills, the factories are open to him, but he makes no sign of changing his condition ; when the plow comes in he must go out ; he has no ambition to manufacture ; a pipe, a canoe and bows and arrows exhaust his skill. To the set- tlers who came here the first few days seemed like a perpetual Sun- day, now even the darkness does not hush the hum of active life. The cars, the mills and the steamboats during the night keep pace with the plow and harvester and thresher in the day. Thirty years ago our resources were limited, our numbers comparatively few ; now we have all the advantages pertaining to communities of civilized life. Of the persons who came here then, there are at present remaining in the vicinity twenty-three. Some of them have grown-up families and their grandchildren are going to school, and old and young are still ready to cheer to the sentiment of Robert Pike, given thirty years ago, "Hurrah, then, for our chosen home ! " No greener valleys meet the sight, No purer fountains gushing free, No birds of song, or flowei.s more bright, Bringing perfume and melody. CHAPTER XLIX. TOWNSHIP OF DRESBACH. The township of Dresbach lies in the southeast corner of Winona county. It is the smallest township in the county, containing 4,400 acres. The shape of the township is nearly a perfect right-angled triangle, with the acute angle on the bank of the Mississippi, just above Dakota. The township is five and one-fifth miles long from north to south, and about three and one-fourth miles wide on the southern boundary. It is bounded on the east by the Mississippi river, south by Houston county, and on the west by the township ot New Hartford. The township was formed under the organization act of 1858, and was named Dresbach, after Geo. B. Dresbach, Sr., DRESBACII TOWNSHIP. 563 the founder of Dresbach village. The surface of the township is considerably broken by the chain of bluffs extending through the county along the Mississippi. The bluffs, from their abrrijtness and loftiness, in some parts of the township, form a very majestic appearance, and are much admired by the lovers of nature. The highest bluffs are found along the Mississippi, where they rise several hundred feet above the river. Mineral bluff (named from the min- eral deposits found under its base) is the highest (405 feet) in the township. This bluff is just at the upper end of the village of Dresbach. It affords from its summit, one of the grandest views of any bluff along the Mississippi. One can see La Crosse, Onalas, Kansas, Trempealeau, Galesville, and several other towns in Wis- consin, at distances of ten to twenty miles. There are other bluffs in the township, from the tops of which one never becomes tired of looking, or "grows weary and sick at heart." The soil of the township is good, being a black sub-clay soil, and annually produces large crops of wheat, corn, oats, rye, barley, potatoes, etc. It is also well adapted to grazing, to which many farmers are beginning to turn their attention. All, or nearly all, the township was once heavily timbered, the principal species being white and black oak. The timber cleared from the farms has been a source of great income to the farmer as it always brought him ready cash in the market. In fact, many farmers have relied too long on tlieir timber for their incomes, until, as a result, their lands have become almost treeless. The township is well supplied with water. Living springs are found gushing from the bluffs all over the township, some affording sufficient water the year round for large farms. The springs are cold and clear as crystal, and free from all unpleasant tastes. There are no large streams in the town- ship, but in every valley and from every bluff you will find a little rill with clear and cool water rippling its way to the Mississippi. The population of the township is about 350, consisting of nearly every nationality of Europe. The native born rank first in popula- tion, and Germans in the foreign element. The township has good public roads running and intersecting each otiier at various places, thus affording the farmer an easy and accessible way to market with his produce. Most of the produce of the township is marketed at La Crosse, La Crescent, Dakota, Pickwick, and some at Winona. JS^o other township in the county has so many and accessible markets as 33 564 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Dresbach. The farmers find a regular market at Dakota the year round for all kinds of produce. Indian mounds and relics are found in various parts of the town- ship. Not long since, while some men were digging in Mineral bluff, one hundred and fifty feet above the river, a skeleton of an unusual size was unearthed. On measuring, the giant skeleton was found to be ten feet in length, with other parts in proper proportion. In the skull was found a copper hatchet, and a dart or arrow-head nine inches long. Another skeleton, nine feet long, was found in the village of Dresbach, while some men were digging a road or trench. These skeletons were of an unusual size to those generally taken from Indian mounds. Their size, form and structure would lead those versed in paleontology to believe they belonged to a race prior to the Indian. In many of the mounds have also been found copper hatchets, chisels, various kinds of tomahawks, and other weapons of war ; also these antique races seemed to have some pro- cess of hardening co])per, nnknown to any modern process. Where they came from, when they lived, and whence they have gone, is only conjecture and speculation. That they were mighty races, skilled in the mode of warfare, understanding the mechanical arts, for all these we have conclusive evidence. But of their end we know nothing. Whether they were swept from the earth by some deadly epidemic, or annihilated themselves by intestine wars, or died of inherent weakness, we have nothing to inform us. The first permanent settler that came to the township of Dres- bach was Nathan Brown, of New York, who settled in 1849 at Dakota. There was a man by the name of John Reed here a few years prior to Mr. Brown, but Reed was merely a trader and never became a permanent settler. All that now can be learned of Reed is, that he had a trading-post on the banks of the Mississippi at (old) Dakota. The ruins of an old chimney were seen for several years after he left, which were supposed to be where he had his trading- post. But Mr. Nathan Brown, now living near the village of Da- kota, was the first to erect permanent buildings and become a regular settler. First buildings that Mr. Brown raised were two log cab- iris, — one for a dwelling, the other for a store. He also built a log stable — all 12 X 16 feet. The stockin his store consisted of corn, flour, sugar, meat, tobacco, etc. His trade for the first few years was con- fined to the Indians and rivermen. The log cabins built by Mr. DRESBACH TOWNSHIP. 565 Brown have all been torn down and have entirely disappeared. He bought most of his goods at Prairie du Ohien, Wisconsin. The fol- lowfng prices will show the cost of diiferent articles in the early history of this county —tea, $1.25 per lb. ; coflfee, 5 lbs. for $1 ; flour, $6 to $8 per bbl. At one time Mr. Brown paid as high as $22.50 a barrel for pork. The next permanent settler following Mr. Brown was a French- man, by the name of Peleau, who was sent here by Richard Chute & Co. in 1850. Peleau built a store and residence at (old) Dakota, and carried on considerable trade with the natives and scattering settlers. His buildings, as well as those first built by Mr. Brown, have all been torn down. In fact, the buildings known as old Da- kota have all disappeared, and not even a relic left to commemo- rate the spot of the " Ancient City." The next settlers after Messrs. Brown and Peleau, were a colony of French, who bought land and settled where the village of Dresbach now stands. Of this colony Joseph Maynard bought 120 acres of land of the government in 1852. Lambert Robillard in 1852 bought 160 acres from the gov- ernment. Joseph and Francis Trudell (1852) had 112 acres. Alfonso Warren (1852) bought 190 acres. He was the first to burn lime and manufacture grindstones. The above-described lands con- stitute the present plat of the village of Dresbach. The said lands were bought by Geo. B. Dresbach, Sr., in May, 1857. The village site was located and platted September, 1857. VILLAGE OF DRESBACH. In September and October, 1857, eleven houses were built, now a part of the present village. The first store of the village was built and run by Abram Warren, of Ohio, in 1857. A postoffice was also established that year with Mr. Warren as ])ostmaster. Warren sold out his store to A. L. Jenks, who also succeeded him as postmaster. In 1863 another store was started by William Pat- ton, of New York, who assisted Geo. B. Dresbach in building the present sawmill in 1862-3. The size of the building was 36 X 70 and cost $8,400. Ed. Minor opened a general merchandise store in 1863 -, also the same year Mr. Caleb Inman started a store. Mr. Inman is still a merchant in the village. Geo. B. Dresbach opened a store in 1866, and Jesse P. Nevill a store in 1867, who was suc- ceeded by Henry Becker, in 1869. Mr. Becker is still a merchant 566 HISTORY OF VVTNONA COUNTY. in the village, and carries on a big trade. William Dickson started a grocery store in 1878. He still runs his store. MANUFACTORIES OF DRP^SBACH. The present owners and operators of the steam sawmill are Louis Blummintritt and Henry Blochik. They are also dealers in himber, lath, shingles, etc. William H. Sherwood and Gilbert Johnson, both formerly of New York, are the owners and operators of two large brickyards. They ship from three to four millions of brick annually. They em- ploy from thirty to forty men. W. B. Williams and L. C. Smith, of Red Wing, Minnesota, started a brickyard in Dresbach in the spring of 1882. They burned superior quality of brick, and will ship about one million of brick this year. Will increase the capacity of the yard for next season to three or four millions of brick. In 1882 Geo. B. Dresbach, Jr., and John H. Moss organized the Northwestern Brick Company, under the firm name of Moss & Dres- bach. This company will manufacture one million of brick this year, and increase their capacity for next season. Joseph Ginther and John Schmeltzer, blacksmiths and machinists, have increased their line of business by building a steam-mill this year, for the manufacture of ground feed, turning lathes, laths and barrel hoops. Winona County Mining and Stone Company, an incorporated company with capital stock of $100,000, was organized in 1880, with John Gilman, of St. Paul, president ; Geo. B. Dresbach, Sr. , vice-president, and E. S. Burns, secretary and treasurer. This com- pany is at present operating steam machinery in quarrying rock and mining mineral just above the village of Dresbach. J. F. Tostevin & Sons, of St. Paul, are now operating a stone quarry with steam machinery iu the village of Dresbach. They also own and run a stone sawmill in connection with their quarry. They saw, dress and ship stone of sizes ready for use. Geo. B. Dresbach, Sr., and John Gilman own a stone quarry of fifteen acres now in operation ; the stone of the above quarries being of the celebrated Berea, Ohio, sandstone in quality, now so extensively used throughout the United States for building purposes and grindstones. The above quarries and the four brickj'^ards now in operation make Dresbach a very lively and businesslike place. DRESBACH TOWNSHIP. ^'^^ DAKOTA. It is not known by the settlers how Dakota got its name but is suppo ed to have originated among the Indians. The frrst houses Z!Ze built in (oil) Dakota stood J-* ^"^ «/'-. P^^ ;! ^te They were simply a few log cabins erected as a trading-post with the hdTans and ear^ settlers. The houses have all disappeared nd nothing remains to tell the story ot the " ancient city. As this ^oint ifad a good landing and outlet to the surrounding -"f ''.V. '^^ early settlers had always labored to start a village here. The name s somewhat clothed in mystery, but the village itselt -s founded and started by Nathan Brown in 1849. In 1873 the site of the old viltge was vLted and that of the present Dakota located and sur- ged The location is most beautiful, being high and dry and tree from nundations of the river. The soil is sandy and seldom wet or muddy. The first house was built in 1873. The building was moved one mile from above the village and put up on River street betTen Rogers and Center streets, by Henry Becker, who opened a store in the part moved, and built on an addition for a dwelling. Mr. Becker carried on quite an extensive business tor over a ;ear when he sold his building to .J. W. Young and moved his stock to "■■ Thffirst hotel was built in the village in 1876 by ElUs Brown deceased. After the death of her husband Mrs. Brown ™n the liote until 1880, when William Cfow rented for two years. The house is now run by Deunis Sullivan. . , ivt .li. In 1874 the postoffice of Dakota was established, with Nathan -r Brown as postmaster, which office he still holds. SKIFF FERKY. March 31 1873, Alex. C. Donalson began to make regular daily tripf ?™m Dresback to Lacrosse with his skiff ferry. He ran three seLns between the above places, averaging 200 trips a season, of gMeen miles a trip, making 10,800 miles fo^ f t'-^;— In 1876 Mr. Donalson extended his trip from Dakota to La Crosse. He has averaged his regular 300 trips of twenty miles each every year, making 14,800 miles since 1876 and 34,800 nules since 1873 Mr Donalson is the best oarsman that paddles the Mississippi. He Ta large, tall, muscular man, and glides his boat over the water with as much ease and grace as the gentle current itself. 568 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. SHOPS. Mr. Peter Lee built and started the first blacksmith shop in Dakota in 1874. He formerly ran a shop in La Crescent and Dres- bach. The first and only harness shop ever ran in Dakota was opened by Joseph Hoffman in 1874. In 1876 Mr. Leonard Helsaple opened a wagon-re) )airing sliop. He sold out to Mr. W. H. Vance in 1878, who sold his building to Dennis Sullivan, who uses it as a sleeping-house for his boarders. In May, 1874, Charley Dalton started a merchandise and drug store in Dakota. Nathan Brown also owned and ran a store for some time in Dakota. In March, 1880, A. C. Brown started a general merchandise store. The latter is doing a flourishing business and at present he is acting postmaster. BURIED IN DAKOTA CEMETERY. The first persons that died at Dakota and were buried in Bluff Cemetery were : Mrs. Eliza A. Brown, first wife of Nathan Brown, and infant of the same. Mrs. Brown died July 21, 1854, child August 16, 1854. The following are the names of some of the old settlers in and about Dakota who are buried in the above grave- yard : Susan, wife of Caleb Inman, died July 21, 1880, aged 70 years ; Mary, wife of C. S. Guynnup, died December 16, 1876, aged 58 ; Reynold H. Brown, died March 30, 1870, aged 72 ; Charles Brown, died July 17, 1870, aged 79 ; Alvina, wife of B. J. Moore, died November 4, 1875, aged 47 ; Anna J. Cleveland died July 2, 1878, aged 67; Phebe A., wife of Simon Mott, died September 27, 1861, aged 77; Sarah, wife of Leonard Helsaple, died September 16, 1880, aged 66. SCHOOLS. The first school of any kind was a select school taught in the township in the winter of 1856-7. The name of the teacher cannot now be ascertained. The school was taught where the village of Dresbach now stands. In the winter of 1858-9 was taught another subscription school by a teacher by the name of Charles Omsted. The first public district school was taught in Dresbach the winter of 1859-60 by Harlow Colsten at $25 a month. The people had by private subscription built a schoolhouse, but the winter being very severe the house was too cold to hold school in it, so the school was taught in a private house. There were thirty-five pupils enrolled. School board — G. B. Dresbach and Rufus Reed. The first public school in Dakota under district organization was taught by Miss DRESBACH TOWNSHIP. 569 Ellen Young in 1S60. The school was held in Nathan Brown's trading shanty. There were eight scholars and the teacher. The latter received $12 per month. The township has always been active in her educational interests. She has gone from her trading shanties and log cabins to large, commodious schoolhouses. The first M. E. church of Dresbach township was organized May 25, 1856, by Rev. John Hooper, of Caledonia circuit. The organization was effected at B. J. Moore's house, one-half mile west of Dakota. The names of those present, and who became members of the organization, were John Cramer and wife, James Fletcher and wife, and B. J. Moore and wife. As a number of the members of the above organization moved away, the meetings were discontinued for awhile. There were no churches then in this part of the county, so their meetings were conducted in shanties and private houses. Soon after the above meetings were discontinued the township became settled with a church -going people with ilo public worship. A new organization was formed in April, 1861, and called the Dakota and Dresbach class. The same organization is in effect yet, with a class at each of the above places. The organization has a membership of thirty-one, with B. J. Moore leader at Dres- bach and Miss Lucinda Winters leader at Dakota. G. W. Barnette, of LaCrescent circuit, pastor at both places. The first Sabbath school of the township was organized by Rev. John Hooper, in a claim shanty, just below where Dakota now stands, with B. J. Moore superintendent. Here the children, now grown to manhood and womanhood, were gathered from Sabbath to Sabbath to learn those eternal truths taught their parents. The school was conducted by the Methodist Episcopal church, and had about twenty scholars. A union Sabbath school was organized in Dresbach in 1860, with E. G. Buck superintendent. The school is now under the supervision of the Methodist Episcopal church, with Godfreid Widmoyer super- intendent. There is an attendance of about fifty-five. In 1879 a union Sabbath school was organized out of the old Methodist Epis- copal Sabbath school of Dakota, by Rev. John Bally, with B. J. Moore superintendent. The school has an attendance of forty-five, and is in a prosperous condition. November 18, 1881, a society under the name of the Dakota Mite and Church Society, was organized, with D. N. Gilliland pre- sident. Miss Lucinda Winters vice-president, Miss Mary Robillard secretary, and Miss Anna Eliza Lee treasurer. The society was 570 iriRTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. instrumental in many ways, bearing the j)ecuniary burden of the church. The Sons of Temperance were organized in Dakota in 1878, with Peter Lee W.P., Alex. Necmiet secretary, Alfred Purdy treasurer, and Gardner Lee sentinel. The society flourished for three years, and accomplished a good work. SICKNESS. In May and June, 1882, the village of Dakota was visited by the most severe and alarming sickness that ever struck this healthy little town, Charley Dalton, while on a trip west of St. Paul, caught what was supposed to be the measles. After returning home he came down very sick. In a few days the whole town became help- lessly prostrated. Physicians were called, who pronounced it the measles and a slight form of the scarlatina. For lour weeks every fainily in town was so stricken there were not enough well to wait on the sick. The families most severely bereaved were Messrs. D. W, Peters and James Wilkinson's. Three of Mr. Peters' little girls — Carrie, Zolie and Hattie May, died within three weeks. Scarcely had the people returned from the grave of the latter of these little girls when the town was again thrown into mourning by the death of Joey Wilkinson, a little boy about four years old; and still another gloom by the death of a sister. The sickness spread to the surround- ing vicinities, and was very severe in some families. The people had just recovered from the above when the death of Miss Sadie Sullivan, of Dakota, was announced. She had been sick some time with consumption. She was buried in the Catholic graveyard in Pine Creek. Ashel Pearse was the first inhabitant to locate where the village of Dresbach now stands. He built his first log cabin in 1853, near the river, just where the Johnston and Sherwood's brickshed now stands. The log cabin has been moved just below the briekyai-d, and is now used as a cow-stable. While Pearse was building his cabin he was stopped by the Wabasha Indians, who looked upon the whites as intruders on their rights. After the Indians became reconciled, Pearse resumed his building and finished several log cabins. FIRST ROAU. The first road was built in the township by private ])arties, up and down the river. In 1854 a territorial road was surveved through DRESBACH TOWNSHIP. 571 the township, up and down the river. This was changed to a state road, soon after the admission of the state, and finally into a county road, under the county road statute. ACCIDENTS. While Joseph Maynard, one of the original members of Dres- bach, was hauling a load of corn-fodder, his team became frightened and ran away, upsetting the load on Mr. Maynard and breaking his leg. He lingered for several weeks, but died from the effects ot his injuries, November 19, 1865. In April, 1878, Joseph Hoffman, a young man, accidentally fell oft a log, at Dakota, and drowned in the Mississippi. In 1881, Jimmy McClane, while crossing the river at Dresbach. accidentally fell from his skiff and was drowned. GRAIN SHIPPED FROM DAKOTA. The following figures show the amount of grain shipped from here annually since the railroad was built : 20,000 bushels of wheat, 7,000 bushels of barley, 4,000 bushels ot oats. The first schoolhouse in Dresbach was burned down in 1875. The present one was built the next year, at a cost of $500. First cost $300. DEPOT AGENTS. The following persons have, been depot agents at Dakota : Harvey Gates, J. B. O'Neil ; D. C. Sheehan came in the fall of 1879, and remained until fall of 1881, when P. J. Sheehan, the present agent, succeeded him. First marriage in the village of Dresbach was J. W. Tibbets and Catharine Isilla (Maynard) Tibbets. Marriage ceremony was performed by Elder Card, Baptist minister of La Ci'osse. The first birth in the above village was tl;at of Willie Morrison, son of William and Adaline Morrison. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The judicial history of the township begins with the election of Z. M. Caswell, fii-st justice of the peace, in 1856. First court con- vened in Judge Caswell's office, in October, 1857. Next justice after J ustice Caswell, and first under township organization act, was Terrence McCauly. He held the office twelve years. James Fletcher was also justice during part of the time McCauly held the office. Succeeding justices McCauly and Fletcher, William Patton, 572 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. formerly of New York, was elected to the bench, who occupied the seat six years, when he was succeeded by the election of E. S. Burns and G. B. Dresbach, Sr., to the honorable position which they have held for six years, and who yet occupy the triVjunal bench of the township. CHAPTER L. NEW HARTFORD, RICHMOND, HOMER AND PLEASANT HILL TOWNSHIPS. NEW HARTFORD TOWNSHIl'. The township of New Hartford was organized in 1858. Excepting a small corner of Sec. 1, the township embraces thirty-six entire sec- tions. Its boundaries are, on the east, Dresbach township and the Mississippi river, on the west Pleasant Hill township, on the south Houston county, and on the north Richmond township. The soil on the ridge land is a reddish clay, and in the valleys a black loam or muck. The surface is very much broken, high bluffs or hills and deep valleys and ravines follow each other in rapid suc- cession. The products are wheat on the ridge land and corn, bar- ley and oats in the valleys. Pine creek enters the township in Sec. 18, flows southeast through New Hartford village. Sees. 19, 30, 29, and leaves the town- ship in Sec. 32. Pine creek branch enters the township in Sec. 31, flows east and joins the main stream in Sec. 82. Among the old settlers may be mentioned Nathan Brown, who came as early as 1849, and settled on what is now Sec. 1, of New Hartford township. Nathan Brown has lived, almost without any change whatever, in this one locality for thirty-three years. H. W. Carroll came to the township in 1854, and settled on Pine creek. He now resides on N.E. ^ Sec. 6. Geo. Johnson came in 1854, and settled in Rose Valley, Sec. 27. He now resides in Lane's valley on W. ^ Sec. 25. James Lane arrived the same year. He now lives on Sec. 35. The year 1855 was noted for the arrival of the following : Hel- kiah Lilly, Jerry Tibbetts, Joseph Beach, Daniel Blankley, Myron Steadman and S. C. Dick. Helkiah Lilly entered the S.W. | of S. W. ^ Sec. 34, and has kept it until the present day. Jerry Tibbetts NEW ilARTFORD TOWNSHIP. 573 settled on Sec. 4 ; Daniel Blankley secured the N.E. J Sec. 16 ; Mjron Steadman entered the S.W. J Sec. 6, while S. C. Dick settled on S.E. J Sec. 4. There are ten district schools in the township : District 1 on Sec. 6, dist. 72 on Sec. 5, dist. 71 on Sec. 2, dist 73 on Sec. 16, dist. 74 on Sec. 19, dist. 32 on Sec. 25, dist.— on Sec. 27, dist. 86 on Sec. 12, dist. — on Sec. 1, dist. 109 on Sec. 14. The number of school-children in the township is said to be 250, but all are not in attendance. The average crop for the year 1882 is as follows : Oats, per acre, 40 bushels ; corn, per acre, 30 bushels , barley, per acre, 20 bushels ; wheat, per acre, 12 bushels. The iirst township meeting was held April 11, 1858. Joseph Babcock, J. B. More and Joseph Goodyear were ap- pointed as a board of supervisors. The successive town clerks are: Elias Brickert, 1858-9 ; J. H. Leonard, 1859-62; Daniel Blankley, 1862-4; K J. Wooden, 1864-5 ; Daniel Blankley, 1865-6 ; A. S. Dunning, 1866-73 ; L. Gerrish, 1873-4 ; Daniel Blankley, 187tl-7 ; A. T. Bateman, 1877-81 ; W. H. Bateman, 1881-2 ;' A. T. Bateman, 1882-3. The board for 1882 : Z. W. Nutting, John Shroeder, S. C. Dick, supervisors ; R. D. Clow, Geo. Hiler, constables ; Daniel Blankley, R. H. Sims, justices of the peace ; O. D. Grant, assessor. There are two cemeteries in the township, one on S.E. ^ of S. E. J Sec. 12, owned by ISTathen Brown ; another on Sec. 9, owned by Geo. Hiler. There are no churches in the township, services being held occasionally in the schoolhouses. NEW HAETFORD VILLAGE. New Hartford village lies on Sec. 19 of New Hartford township. It was laid out about 1856 by Henry Cushman, Daniel Clay and a man by the name of Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds owned the first house in the village. The first store was kept by Benj. Young. No regular postoffice existed until about 1866, when a regular office was established, and H. Lilly appointed postmaster. He kept the office nine years. Henry Cushman built the first sawmill in 1856. Soon after, a gristmill was erected by H. Lilly and H. Cush- man. This was about I860. In one year H. Lilly bought out H. Cushman and run the mill three years alone. At this time it was purchased by Blumin Tritt, who has kept it ever since. Soon after 574 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the village was laid out John Brodwell built a small shoeshop, but turned it into a schoolhouse and taught it himself. A log-school building was erected on Sec. 30 soon afterward. This was taught by Mrs. Tom Phelps. The present school was erected in the town about 1870. The first teacher was Lidia Bas worth. Dimensions of the building 23 X 26 feet. This is used as a church. G. Lyon is the present postmaster ; he also keeps the one store in the village. One blacksmith shop owned bv I. Beach. One shoeshop run by G. A. Edin. The town of New Hartford has an area of forty acres, and is traversed by Pine creek. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. Richmond township lies in T. 106 N. and R. 5 W. Its boundaries are, on the east and north the Mississippi river, on the south New Hartford township, and on the west Homer township. Richmond is but a fractional township at most, being cut by the Mississippi into twelve complete and seven fractional sections. It was organized May 11, 1858. The members of the first board were : Town clerk, J. M. Dodge ; chairman of supervisors, A. M. Gross ; supervisors, Amos Shay, M. Dunning ; assessor, J. M. Winn ; collector. A, C. Dunning ; constables, C. C. Willy, C. R. Howe ; justices of the peace, B. F. Davis, N. D. Gilbert. There were forty votes cast at tlie first election. The following are the names of the successive township clerks : A. O. Gross, 1858-9 ; A. S. Dunning, 1859-62; J. Donehower, 1862-3 ; J. H. Davenport, 1863-65 ; O. Cram, 1865-6 ; C. A. Leach, 1866-69 ; Levi Brown, 1869-71 ; George Eagles, 1871-73 ; Edward Mott, 1873-75 ; J. P. Nevill, 1875-78 ; C. A. Leach, 1878-81 ; J. P. Nevill, 1881-2-3. The present town- ship board : Chairman of supervisors, Amos Shay ; supervisors, Henry Winter, Patrick Griffin ; assessor, James Donehower ; con- stable, A. B. Leach ; justice of the peace, J. P. Nevill. The surface of the township, like all the country immediately around, is very nnich broken ; the soil is a clay loam. The products are wheat, corn, oats and barley. The average crop for the year 1882 was : Wheat, per acre, 15 bushels ; corn, per acre, 60 bushels ; oats, per acre, 40 bushels. Barley is raised in very small quantities. Richmond township is traversed by two creeks, Little Trout run and Richmond creek. Little Trout run rises in Sec. 32, flows northwest and leaves the township on Sec. 18. Richmond creek rises in Sees. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 575 27 and 28, flows northwest, and empties into the Mississippi river near the village of Richmond. M. Dunning was about the earliest settler in the township. He came to the village of Richmond in 1852 ; Amos Shay came in 1854 ; he remained in the village a short time and then removed to Sec. 27, where he has been engaged in farming until the present day. M. Dunning reached the village in 1852 ; in 1855 he removed to Sec. 28, where he may be found still. Edward Outhouse, in 1854, settled on Sec. 19. The farm is now in the hands of his children, he having died some time since. In 1856 Patrick Griffin settled on Sec. 18 ; he is still in possession of his farm. The N. W. i of Sec. 19 is owned by J. M. Gates, who took possession in November, 1857. There are but two schools in the township, namely, district 47 on Sec. 17 ; district 46 on Sec. 21 ; number of school-children in the township, 24. There never was a regular church in existence, but divine service has been held in the schoolhouses since 1857. They had circuit preaching by ministers of both Baptist and Methodist denomina- ticms. J. M. Winn, a Baptist minister, had his residence in the old village of Richmond in 1857. The first road through the township was the present river road. The first marriage was that of Austin Dunning to Sydney Yalton. The value of the personal property in the township, according to the late returns, is $12,000. A discovery of a very valuable blue sandstone was made in 1882 on Sec. 21. It is being worked by an Ohio stone company ; also a white sandstone (resembling marble and susceptible of high polish) and red ochre have been discovered. RICHMOND VILLAGE was laid out in 1855 by Fredrick Cushman, John Fortune and Henry Cushman. The plat stood on N.E. i of Sec. 21, on the bank of the Mississippi river, and had an area of twenty acres. Among the old settlers in the village may be mentioned : M. Dunning, Isaac Nichols, H. Carroll, Thomas Gordon, Jacob Donehower, Andrew Mitchell and Amos Shay. John Fortune built a house m 1854, and his house was, without doubt, the first in the village. O. B. Dodge built a store devoted to general merchandise in 1855. He was soon followed by J. F. Martin, S. C. Dick and Jacob Done- hower, each of whom owned a store of the same description. 576 HISTORY OF WENTONA COUNTY. Besides these, u Mrs. Jennings owned a small millinery establish- ment. Fredrick Cushman built the first sawmill in 1855. At the same time a blacksmith shop was run by Iluttenhow. J. M. Winn was the village physician. The first school-building,- the present district school, was erected in 1857. School has never been dis- continued. ''East Richmond," a rival to Richmond proper, was laid out in 1857 by A. Davenport and a Mr. Rodgers, just south of the first village on the same section. A few houses were built, but it was soon after abandoned. Richmond proper at that time was quite a town, but since then it has gradually decayed, houses have been torn down and removed entirely, until, at present writing, what once was a thriving little town, nothing remains but four shabby old dwellings and a small store kept by J. P. Nevill. Lamoille, a rail- way station on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, is on the Mississippi river ; it is two miles from Pickwick, a small town in Homer township. HOMER TOWNSHIP. Homer township was organized May 11, 1858. It lies in T. 106 and 107 W. and R. 6 IST. It is bounded on the west b}' Wilson and Winona townships, on the south by Pleasant Hill township, on the east by Richmond township, and on the north by the Mississippi river. It comprises thirty-three complete sections and five fractional ones. The Mississippi river strikes the township on N, W. J of Sec. 31, and flows southeast through Sees. 1, 2 and 3. The surface is very much broken ; the soil on the ridge land is clay, while in the valleys it is a black loam. The products are wheat, corn, oats and barley. The average per acre for the present year (1882) is as fol- lows : Wheat, per acre, 12 bushels ; corn, per acre, 60 bushels ; oats, per acre, 35 bushels. Stone quarries may be found all along the river, but they are only worked occasionally. The number of votes cast at the first election in the township was eight^'-eight. The names of the first township ofiicers are as fol- lows : Charles Griswold, town clerk ; S. Britton, collector ; Samuel Britton, overseer of the poor ; Jarard Baldwin, chairman of super- visors ; Daniel Daugherty, G, W. Grant, supervisors ; J. C. Norton, Ferdinand Cox, justices of the peace ; J. C. Crane, Albert Preston, constables ; Samuel Ailing, assessor. The first regular postoflice was kept by John Torry in 1857 ; the first marriage in the village, and no doubt the first in the township, HOMER TOWNSHIP. 577 was that of a servant girl of Willard Bunnell named Racliil to Harry Herrick. This was in 1856. The population of Homer at present is sixty-four. There is one store, owned by Robert Norton, a blacksmith shop, run by Jacob Myres, and a doctor, J. Q. A. Yale. Robert Norton is the postmaster. The succeeding town clerks were : S. A. Ailing, 1860-62 ; R. F. Norton, 1862-3 ; John R. King, 1863-5 ; C. Howard, 1865-7; J. Q. A. Yale, 1867-70; S. A. Ailing, 1870-2; J. Q. A. Yale, 1872-4 ; J. Q. A. Yale, 1874-82-3. The members of the present board are : W. I. Lamson, chairman of supervisors ; John Hanson, S. Gardner, supervisors ; R. F. Norton, treasurer ; F. B. Martin, assessor ; S. F. Ailing, G. W. King, justices of the peace ; Nelson Breed, J. M. Ruthei-ford, constables. The township is traversed by two creeks, Cedar creek and Big Trout run. Cedar creek rises in the southwestern part of the town- ship, flows northeast, and empties into the Mississippi river on Sec. 1. Big Trout run is formed by numerous springs in the southern part of the township ; at Pickwick it broadens into a small lake, and furnishes water-power for a large flour-mill ; from Pickwick the stream flows northeast, and leaves the township on Sec. 13. It finally terminates in the Mississippi on Sec. 8, in Richmond town- ship. The first settler in Homer township, and also the first in the county, was Willard Bunnell, who came in 1849, and settled on the present site of the village of Homer; he was an Indian trader. C. F. Buck followed soon after and settled near by. This place was then called "Bunnell's Landing." Leonard Johnson came in 1852 and started up a wood-yard on a place just below Bunnell's landing called Johnson's point. John Lavine made his appearance at Min- neoah, then a mushroom village just above Bunnell's landing, in 1853. In 1855 he settled on Sec. 11, in Cedar Creek valley, and remained there ever since. Peter Gorr came to the township in 1853, and settled on Sec. 18, in Gorr's valley, now known as Pleas- ant valley. In 1881 Peter Gorr removed to the old site of Minneoah, on the bank of the Mississippi. R. F. Norton came to Minneoah in 1854 ; he keeps a store at present writing in the village of Homer. Wm. Lamson, another old settler, reached the township in 1855. The first road in the township reached from Willard Bunnell's place westward to the township line. It was begun in 1853 by pri- vate enterprise and completed in 1854. The first house in the town- 578 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. gliip was owned by Willard Bunnell and stood at BunnelFs landing. Willard Bunnell also kept the lirst postoHice in his own house as early as 1853. The first birth in the township was that of Louisa Bunnell — born February 22, 1850. This was also the first birth in the county. There are but two churches in the township, the Free Baptists in Pickwick village, built in 1881, and the Norwegian in Sec. 32, built 1870. Divine service is held in many of the schoolhouses, however, by circuit pastors. There are eight district schools in the township, viz : District 14 in Sec. 30, dist. 15 in Sec. 12, dist. 12 in Sec. 33, dist. .19 in Sec. 24, dist. 13 in Sec. 18, dist. 94 in Sec. 29, dist. 18 in Sec. 16, dist. 103 in Sec. 8. Pickwick village, and indeed all Homer township, was very much agitated over news received in 1862 that the Indians were planning an attack upon the settlement. People came flocking from all parts of the township to the stone-mill in Pickwick, intend- ing to use it as a fort. It was a false alarm, however, caused by untrue statements and exaggerated reports. The Indians were at the time on the war-path at Mankato, but Pickwick had no cause for alarm. homp:r village. Homer village was laid out in 1855, by Willard Bunnell. It lies on Sec. 33, T. 107, K. 6. Willard Bunnell, who came in 1849, and C. F. Buck, were the first settlers in the village. The first house was owned by W. Bunnell. Frank Wilson built the first store in 1855. Before the town was laid out this place was called Bunnell's landing, and a postoffice was kept in Mr. Bunnell's house. Another village, called Minneoah, was laid out just above Bunnell's landing in 1852. This place was abandoned at the laying out of Homer, but for a time there existed quite a small community. Among the merchants in Minneoah were Thomas J. Hough, who kept a store there in 1854. He was bought out by John Torry. Charles and Royal Lovell also kept a store in 1854. A hotel existed, owned by Myron Toms. One doctor, J, C. Norton, had his ofiice in the village. At the laying out of Homer this village was deserted. At the present writing nothing remains of it but two dwelling-houses. Among the early settlers in Homer were Woodruff Griswold and Norton, who built a store in 1857. The same year they put up a warehouse. Ferdinand Cox had a small store in 1857. He sold HOMER TOWNSHIP. 579 drugs and liquors. These stores were torn down and abandoned in 1860, In 185Y Jacob Myers built a blacksinitli shop, which he has kept up until the present day. A sawmill was erected in 1868 by R. F. Norton, but was deserted in 1874. There was, however, a sawmill previous to this, owned and built by Hoxie Abel in 1860. A shoeshop was kept by a Mr. Ganes as early as 1859. A private school was in existence in the village from 1858 until 1860, but the first district school was buih in 1857 on Sec. 33. The first teacher was Charles Smith. PICKWICK VILLAGE. Pickwick was laid out in 1857. It stands on Sec. 13 of Homer township, at the head of a tiny lake formed by the expansion of Big Trout Run. It is almost surrounded by high blufis, and is widely known for its picturesque situation. Big Trout Run flows 'northeast from the village, and its zigzag course can be traced for miles down the valley by the willows growing on its banks. The village was named after ''Pickwick Papers," by Charles Dickens. Thomson Grant, who came in 1853, was the first settler in the vil- lage. The first store was owned by Ferdinand Cox, who came in 1855. Thomson Grant and Wilson Davis were the principal land- owners in the village. Wilson Davis came in 1856. Thomson Grant owned the first house. There was at that time one wagon shop and one blacksmith shop. The blacksmith sho]) was owned and built by John Cripps in 1858. The wagon shop was worked by Joel Morrison. A sawmill and gristmill combined was erected in 1854 by Thomson Grant. The present flourmill was commenced in 1856 by Thomson Grant and Wilson Davis. A small building owned by the mill company was used as a school as early as 1858. Miss Lou Grant was the teacher. In 1861 a school was put up by the district. Miss Sarah Shorey was tlie teacher for several years. The present school, a frame building 24x44 feet, was built by the district in 1863. Charles Sufi'erins kept the first postoffice in 1858. At present writing Pickwick has two stores, a flourmill, one black- smith -shop, a hotel and a church. The stores are owned by Charles Sufferins and J. W. King respectively. John Cripps works the blacksmith shop. The hotel, quite a large building, is three stories high, and owned by George Outhouse. The mill is built of stone, is 45 X 60 feet, six stories high, and has a capacity of 100 bbls. of flour 84 580 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. per day. It is owned by Davis & Grannis. Near the mill is a beautiful little waterfall of twenty-eight feet. Services have been held occasionally in the schoolhouse since it was bnilt, and a Sunday school has been in existence since 1868. The present church was built through the instrumentality of Judson B. Palmei*, state missionary of the Free Baptist church. It was erected in 188]. The dimensions are 30x50 feet, and has a spire about fifty feet tall. The first pastor was Rev. Given, who came in 1881 and remained six months. The church was then without a minister until Rev. L. Kerr came in 1882. The congregation now numbers 100 members. The average attendance of the Sunday school is thirty-five, with five teachers. They are in possession ol a small library of about ^ity volumes. Pickwick has one secret society, Masonic Lodge, No. 110. Tlie officers are: W.M., J. L. Finch; S.W., Leonard Johnson; J. W, Calvin Berry ; S.D., E. B. Huffman ; J.D., Josei»h Sinclair; secre- tary, J. M. Rutherford ; treasurer, John Spurbeck. The society was organized in 1874, and has a present membership of thirty- three. PLEASANT HlLl. TOWNSHIP. Pleasant Hill township, commonly described as No. 105 N., R. 6 W,, contains thirty-six full sections of 640 acres each. It is situated on the ridge between the Mississippi and Root rivers. The old terri- torial road between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Mankato, Minnesota, runs upon this ridge, entering the township at tlie southeast corner of section 36 ; thence pursuing a winding diagonal course it leaves the township about eighty rods south of the north line of section 7. The northeastern part of the township is drained by Trout creek, the northwestern part by bi-anches of Cedar creek ; both of these streams flow into the Mississippi river. The western part is drained by three branches of Money creek. The principal one is called Corey Valley creek, in honor of H. A. Corey, who settled just over the line in the edge ot Wiscoy township. The southwestern and southern portions are drained by branches of Silver creek. The principal one of these streams is called Loony Valley Run. These streams flow into Root river. The eastern part is drained by the branches of Pine creek, known as north branch and south branch. They unite about one hundred rods east of Pleasant Hill township, at New Hartford post- office, and flow into the Mississippi river. This tovmship was named PLEAS AISTT HILL TOWNSHIP, 581 by Joseph Cooper, wIk^ came here in December, 1854, and made a chiim. Some time in the springy of 1856 Mr. Cooper made applica- tion to the postoffice department at Washington for a postoffice, to be called Pleasant Hill. While awaitino; the return from Washing:- ton, he and others organized a school district, and when asked by the county registrar of deeds at Winona for the name of the town- ship, he turned to a neighbor, Mr. Reynolds, and asked what they should call the town. Mr. Reynolds said, "Call it the same as the postoffice." So he told the recorder it was Pleasant Hill. The surface of the township is very uneven, the bluffs varying in height from 200 to 300 feet. Upon the crest of nearly every bluff can be found the well improved farms of the inhabitants, who are happy in the possession of their homes, and surrounded by all the comforts of industry, and the beneficence of an ever-merciful God. But it is by the views in the valleys that the eye is held as if by enchantment. Here upon the foot of the hills is seen the cozy farmhouse, built near some cool spring of water, surrounded by fruit and ornamental trees ; while in the background are waving fields of golden grain, flanked with the deep green fields of maize, or still deeper shades of the woody heights covered with all the varieties of oak, ehn, maple and hickory, interspersed with white birch and poplar, and clumps of shrub oaks, plum and crab-apple, draped with the heavily laden grape-vine, and beyond this the steep slopes covered with hazel-brush, while at every fence corner is found black or raspberry bushes,* loaded with their ripening fruits. Turn- ing the eye from the hillside to the dale, a more beautiful picture meets the view. Here is seen the babbling brook, sparkling in the sunshine as it pursues its winding course down the valley, rippling over its pebbly bottom at some steep descent, or tranquilly resting in some small eddy under a clump of alders or dogwood, invit- ing the spotted trout to a safe retreat from the pleasure-seeking angler, who, with jointed rod and horsehair line, is seen tossing his tempting bait into every available portion of the stream. While upon one side may be seen the beautiful pasture land, extending from the stream to midway of the hillside, covered with a smooth sod of bluegrass mixed with red and white clover, with here and there a stout old burr-oak or a magnificent elm affording ample shade to the white fleeced ewes as they quietly ruminate, suri'ounded by their sportive lambs, frisking about through sunlight and shadow, yet ever careful to keep away from that part of the enclosure where 582 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. tlie great, sleepy looking cows are cropping the juicy grasses, or stand chewing the cud. in the shade of some of tlie little groves of alder, willow or plum-trees. Upon the other side the eye is chai-med by the waving fields of redtop and timothy falling over the sickle of the mowing machine, while the spring-toothed horserake gathers it into large windrows, ready to be put into the mow for winter use. The farmhouse and barns, orchard and woodland, golden grain and waving maize, stream, pasture and meadow hind, all unite in the sunshine to form a picture which no brush can paint and no pen describe. And although the township was (juite properly named Pleasant Hill, it will always exist in the mind of the writer as the township of Pleasant Valleys. The history of Pleasant Hill township since the first white man settled in it is one that will undoubtedly interest the majority of its present inhabitants, and will also be of general interest to the people of Winona county. The first man to build a house inside of the present limits of Pleasant Hill township, was Mr. John Hooper, who is frequently spoken of as "High-low" Hooper, from the fact that he could not converse in an even tone of voice, but would start a sentence in a low, gruff tone and change to a high key and back to a low one without apparently noticing it himself. Mr. Hooper came to Pleasant Hill township by way of the north branch of Pine creek, in the summer of 1854, and selected a site near a fine spring of water. Here he built a log house and erected a blacksmith shop. He made a lot of ox-shoes during the autumn, and in December he started down Pine Creek valley with his tools and ropes for shoeing oxen, and wherever he met a man who wanted his oxen shod, he would cast the oxen, put on the shoes and go on his way rejoicing. He soon sold out his claim and followed black- smithing in various places in Winona and Houston counties. The first man to make a permanent home in the township was Mr. Joseph Cooper, who came to the "ridge" at the head of the south branch of Pine creek in December, 1854. Here he exclaimed, " What a pleasant hill ! " and immediately made a claim of 160 acres of land, lying on the ridge and embracing the heads of South Branch and Money Creek valleys. He at once commenced to chop and hew logs for a house, and on March 20, 1855, he had completed and moved into a log house 22 X 24 feet and one and one-half stories high. He was followed the PLEASANT HILL TOWNSHIP. 583 same spring by Michael Burns, Andrew Finch, Calvin Grant, Alex- ander Stedman and others. Soon the sound of the woodman's ax was heard resounding throughout the length of the ridge, and what once had been the hunting grounds of the red-man now began to assume the appear- ance of white habitation. The pioneers had nothing to fear from wild animals, as there were none more ferocious than the timber or large grey wolf, which never attacked any of the settlers, though it would frequently follow them when out at night. There was an abundance of wild game in the woods, and the unerring aim of the chopper (who always carried his rifle with him) often brought down a fine buck as it bounded through his small clearing. As an instance, showing the plenitude of deer in the early days, it is stated on authority that two young men named Armstrong killed 360 deer in the winters of 1855-6. ROADS. This township was better provided for with roads than most adjoining ones. The territorial road was "blazed," and had been traveled a few times with wagons. The first road ever laid out by the township was from the center of the east side of section eight (8) due east through sections nine (9) and ten (10), thence north about eighty (SO) rods, thence east and northeast in a winding course to the line of New Hartford township. The topog- raphy of the country is such that it is almost impossible to build the roads in any direct line ; but such is the energy and determination of the people that they spare neither labor nor expense, but excavate roads in the steep hillsides at a cost of from $500 to $800 per mile. SCHOOLS. The people showed an early determination to supply their chil- dren with an opportunity to obtain an education; and as early as the spring of 1856 an application was made to form a school district in Pleasant Hill township, to be located near the center of the town- ship, and a plot for the same was drawn by Mr. Joseph Cooi)er. The plot included the majority of the inhabitants on the ridge at that time. The logs for the schoolhouse were cut early in the summer of 1856, but owing to some misunderstanding the house was not built till the spring of 1857. The house was built of hewn logs, covered with oak shingles. 584 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The only pine about the building was a blackboard and teachers' desk. To accommodate the pupils a row of holes was bored ai'ound the inside of the room, and hardwood pins were driven into these and oak boards laid on the pins. In this rather discouraging look- ing room Mr. Wm. D. Murray taught the tirst school, and there are many young men in the township at this time (1882) to testify to his ability and kindness. He is invariably spoken of as " Uncle Billy," and no 'one holds any grudge against liim on account of misuse or ill-treatment, but all proclaim him as the man who was invincible in mathematics. It is pleasing to state that the old log house has been replaced with a very comfortable frame building, and although ''Uncle Billy " has ceased to teach, he is still living in the township, and still interested in mathematics. RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. The people who left the more prosperous parts of the east soon felt a need of spiritual as well as physical food. In the early part of March, 1856, several families in the northeast part of the towi^iship gathered at the house of Alexander Stedman for divine worship. Here TIev. Joseph F. Hamblen, a Free Will Baptist preacher, preached to them, and, assisted by his brother, Mr. Wm. B. Ham- blen, an eccentric, self-styled missionary, he soon had a cliurch oi'ganized, and regular services were held afterward. Soon after this a Methodist organization was formed in the northwest part of the township, but it soon united with members in Wiscoy township, and services were lield at the joint schoolhouse, situated a few rods west of Pleasant Plill, in the town of Wiscoy. In 1872 the people of Catliolic persuasion decided to build a church in Pleasant Hill, and during the winter of 1872-3 a very neat building was erected on the N.E. ^ of N.E. ^ Sec. 21. The land was owned by Mr. Cooper, who at first gave one acre for church site. The congregation afterward purchased one acre, and now have a fine cemetery in the grounds adjoining tlie church. The church was dedicated in the winter of 1873-4 and styled St. Patrick's church. The first person buried in the cemetery was John McCaffrey, of Pleasant Hill. There are also two Protestant cemeteries in Pleasant Hill ; one situated on the N.E. ^ of Sec. 11 is by far the finest one in the town. It contains two acres, and is pleasantly situated on the southeast slope of a beautiful hill and contiiins some very fine slabs andmonu- WISCOY TOWNSHIP. 585 ments, designating the resting-places of the beloved departed. The tirst person that died in Pleasant Hill was a child of Geo. B. Nich- olson. It died in the early part of December, 1856. Mr. Alexander Stedman took the coffin upon his horse, and followed by a few neigh- bors, also on horseback, carried it via of an old Indian trail, down the valley to Pickwick, where it was buried. It was afterward re- moved to this cemetery. The other cemetery is in Sec. 22, but it is not so well cared for as the others, and is almost obscured by the small oak bushes whicli are allowed to grow in it. The first person buried here was Mr. Eddy, who immigrated to this country in 1855. The first and only store ever kept in this township was in a frame building 18x24 ft.; moved in sections from Richmond, Minnesota, to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section nine (9), where it was filled with dry goods and groceries by Martin & Banks in the summer of 1859, and was profitably run till the early spring of 1864, when the store and contents were consumed by fire, since which no attemj)t has been made to open another store. CHAPTER LI. WISCOY, WILSON, WAEREN AND HILLSDALE TOWNSHIPS. WISCOY TOWNSHIP. Wiscol' township lies in T. 105, R. 7. Its boundaries are, on the north Wilson township, on the east Pleasant Hill township, on the south Houston county, and on the west by Hart township. It comprises thirty-six complete sections. The surface, like that of the neighboring country, is very much broken. Money Creek valley, a deep valley running almost north and south, is traversed by a stream which bears its name. There are two branches of this creek, the east branch and west branch. The main stream enters the township on Sec. 35. The east branch flows north through Sees. 27, 26 and 24, while the west branch traverses Sees. 28, 29, 20, 16. This subdivides and flows north through Sees. 8, 9, 7 and 5. The soil is productive, raising wlieat, corn, oats and barley. The average crop is said to be, wheat per acre, 15 bushels ; corn 50 58B .HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. buslu'ls; oats, 40 bushels; barley, "siuall (juantities." Timber is ])lentitul throughout tlie township. There are but three district schools in Wiscov, namely, on Sees. 12, 16 and 27. There are in all about 150 pupils in the township. The first school was the one now standing on Sec. 12, built 1857. The first teacher was Rufus Thomas. There is one cemetery in Wiscoy, standing on Sec. 16, laid out in 1866. A Methodist Episcopal church stands on Sec. 12. It has a very small membership, and its insignificant history is en- veloped in comparative obscurity. Wiscoy has two flourmills, one standing on Sec. 29, owned by Judson Wells (a frame building ei-ected in 1856, and having a capacity of fifty barrels per day). Another mill owned by L. J. Clark, built 1865, stands on Sec. 16, and has a capacity of forty barrels per day. The first postoffice in Wiscoy was kept by Benton Aldrich as early as 1857 on Sec. 86. James Clark took charge of the office in 1873, and has been post- master since that time. The first settler in Wiscoy was Ira A. Boianton, who came in 1855 and settled on Sec. 12. Ira Boianton is now dead, but the farm is in the hands of his children and widow. A. F. Hill arrived the same year and took up a farm on the same section. II. A. Corey and Lemuel Abell came to Wiscoy the same year (1855). H. A. Corey settled on Sec. 24, in Money Creek val- ley. He is still living and in possession of his farm. Lemuel Abell settled on N.W. J of Sec.' 3. O. G. Morrison arrived in 1857 and entered a part of Sec. 27. Both Lemuel Abell and O. G. Morrison have kept their farms without changing hands. The township was organized and the first meeting held May 10, 1858. Rufus Thomas was a])pointed town clerk. The members of the first board were : Lemuel Abell, Joseph Brooks, supervisors ; H. A. Corey, assessor; Franklin Vidits, collector ; James Greenfield, overseer of the poor ; Calmer Harris, Edward Taylor, justices of the peace ; Esben Skin- kle, A. B. Watsen, constables. The town clei-ks in order : Rufus Thomas, 1858-9 ; S. G. Jones, 1859-60 ; C. A. Fuller, 1860-62 ; C. A. Wheeler, 1862-65 ; M. S. Wood, 1865-67 ; C. A. Wheeler, 1867-8; D. W. Pickart, 1868-9; S. G. Jones, 1869-72; James (lark, 1872-82-3. Present board: E. Skinkle, Charles Waldo, B. C. Walling, supervisors ; Daniel Cook, justice of the peace ; Wm. Morse, Albert Warner, constables ; Daniel Cook, treasurer. wnY>KA villa(;e. Witoka was laid out in 1855 by Geo. W. Morse, L. Thomas and David Parker. It lies on Sec. 35 and comprises an area of fifty- WISCOY TOWNSHIP. 587 eii^ht acres. It was known at first by the name of Centerville, but was afterward changed to Witoka. L. Thomas came May 16, 1855, and built the first house in the village. He also jDut up a store for the sale of general merchandise. The same year Calvin Ford came and started a store also. A blacksmith shop was built at this time by Wm. Jones, who was followed by Harvey Bourne. The first postoffice was established in 1856; L. Thomas was the postmaster. - During the fii-st year he carried the mail at his own expense, but at the end of that time a mail route was established. The first marriage was that of Becky Smitli to Wm. More in 1857. In 1856 a small dwelling-house was built which was turned into a school- house. This school was taught by Rufus Thomas. A district school was erected in 1857 ; the first teacher was Charlotte French. There was a doctor in the village at this time. Dr. Samuel Miller. Divine service was held as early as 1855, in the house of L. Thomas, presided over by Rev. Cogswill. The next year, 1856, a series of sermons were delivered every tour weeks by Elder L. Babcock, in the same place. After this meetings were held in the schoolhouse,- by both Methodist and Baptist ministers. The first hotel in Witoka, a large frame building, was owned by L. Thomas, and was burned in 1877. At present there are two towns, known respectively as West or Old Witoka and East or New Witoka. All the residence part of the village is in West Witoka, while the business part, stores, hotel, etc., lies in East Witoka. East Witoka lies directly on the line between Wilson and Wiscoy townships. When the Pleasant Valley road was laid out in 1878, all the stores, etc., left the old town and came over to East Witoka. At present writing there are two stores in East Witoka, kept respectively by O. Abell and George Yongs ; two blacksmith shops, owned by Phillip Bourne and B. Bragg ; two wagon shops, worked by B. Bragg and Walter Crandell ; a large brick hotel two stories high, run by L. Thomas. The dimensions of the hotel are 84x21: feet, with a wing 26x18. The postmaster is O. Abell. A fine graded school was built in West Witoka in 1868. It is a frame building with a dimen- sion of 80X30 feet. The school has two departments; the "prin- cipal'' is W. Wilbur, with Emma Stray er as "assistant." J. Crandall is the village physician. There is one church in West W^itoka, the Congregational. The building was intended for the use of a grangers' hall, but was sold in 1879 to the church. Rev. Elmer was the first pastor ; he was replaced in 1880 by the pi-esent 588 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. pastor, H. A, Bushnell. A Sabbath school exists in connection with the church, with an average attendance of sixty-live pupils. Henry Kader is the superintendent. There is one society in Witoka, the "Witoka Grange.'"' This association was organized in 1870, with a membership of 1-14. The otHcers for 1882 were : G. M. Hiley, worthy master ; J. E. Balch, secretary; H. Neman, treasurer. Its object is mutual protection from monopolies and exorbitant charges for transportation. \VII.SOX TOWNSHIP. Wilson township lies in T. lOG and R. 6. It is bounded on the north by AYinona township, on the south by Wiscoy township, on the east by Homer township and on the west by Warren township. The surface is very much broken, and is divided by the bluffs into two valleys running north and south. These valleys are traversed by two creeks, West Burns Valley creek and East Burns Valley creek. West Burns Valley creek rises in Sec. 15 and flows northeast through the valley, and joins the east branch on N.E. ^ Sec. 8. East Burns Valley creek has its source in Sec. 9, flows north to Sec. 3, where the two unite and leave the townshi]) on Sec. 2. The soil is productive and wheat, corn, oats and barley are raised. In an early day this land was thickly covered with timber, which has now been to a great extent cut down. The township comprises thirty-six complete sections, and measures six miles in each direction. It was organized May 11, 1858, with W. W. Kelly as town clerk. The officers appointed at this first meeting were : J. S. Wilson (chairman), D. McDougall, Myron Toms, supervisors; M. W. Crit- tindon, assessor ; Amos Shepherd, collector ; William Jones, over- seer of the poor ; William Jones, Alvin Lufkins, constables ; Reuel D. Fellows, Dexter Shepherd, justices of the peace. At this first meeting there were seventy-seven votes cast. The following are the town clerks in order up to the year 1882 : W. W. Kelly, 1858-60 ; J. A. Gile, 1860-1 ; E. P. Wait, 1861-2 ; James Lynn, 1862-3 ; Mason Leet, 1863-4 ; J. C. Brown, 1864-5 ; James Lynn, 1865-6 ; Norris Grey, 1866-7 ; J. A. Gile, 1867-8 ; R D. Fellows, 1870-2; Joseph Bockler, 1872-3; R. D. Fellows, 1873-4; Joseph Bockler, 1871-8; R. D. Fellows, 1878-81 ; J. E. Balch, 1881-2-3. The board for the year 1882 were : J. Moran. Ai-nold Gernes, John Nevill, supervisors; J. C. Brown, WARREN TOWNSHIP. 589 assessor ; Wm. A. Abell, Fred. Dobblestein, constables ; Theodore Searle, Andrew Gerlicher, justices of tlie peace. The average crop for the year 1882 is said to be, oats per acre, 45 bushels ; wheat per acre, 12 bushels ; corn per acre, 40 bushels ; barley per acre, 20 bushels. Wilson township has seven district schools ; the}^ stand on the following sections : 18, 13, 20, 28, 31, 32, 35. The county poor farm is in this township ; it lies on Sec. 6 at the liead of Gilmore valley. There are four churches in Wilson township, namely. Con- gregational, on Sec. 35 (village of Witoka) ; Evangelist (German), on Sec. 28 ; German Catholic and Lutheran. There are two postoffices in Wilson township, one at Witoka, O. Abell, postmaster ; another on Sec. 29 is kept by Henry Biaiser — this is known as Wilson postoffice. The first house in the township was built by J. Giles in 1854 on Sec. 29. Frank Brown was the first child born, in 1854, The postoffice now known as Wilson postoffice was first called Wayland postoffice, and was kept by John F. Giles. John Giles was no doubt the first man to settle in Wilson ; he came as early as 1853 and entered a part of what is now Sec. 29. He was, however, dissatisfied with his claim, and removed, but re- turned again in 1854. The year 1855 was marked by the entrance of a large number of land-seekers. J. C. Walker, Antone Schoebe, Joseph A. Hilbe, Joseph Heller, Wm. Bergman, Sr., Wm. Berg- man, Jr., Louis Keller, Levi Winget, Jerry Moran, R. D. Fellows, Michael Koenig, Henry Benig, Lauren Thomas and Henry Heublin all were among the number. John Nevill is said to have come in 1854, One year earlier than the above. J. C. Walker entered a part of Sec. 1 ; his farm has since been sold, and is known as "Hamilton's farm." Antone Schoebe and Joseph Hilbe took up land in East Burns valley. Joseph Heller entered land at the head of Rolling Stone valley. Louis Keller settled on Sec. 28, where he can be found still. Henry Benig settled on Sec. 30 and Michael Koenig on Sec. 21. The Hour- mill now owned by M. J. Laird, of Winona, was the first and only mill in Wilson. WARREN TOAVNSHIP. Warren township lies in T. 106 N. and R. 8 W. Its boun- daries are as follows : On the north Hillsdale township, on the east Wilson township, on the south Hart township, and on the west Utica township. The surface in the north and northeastern part is 590 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. viTv much broken, wliile the remainder forms a level prairie. The soil is good and the products are wheat, corn, oats and barley. War- ren is traversed by two branches /)f Rolling Stone creek. The east branch rises in Sec. 26, flows north through Sees. 23, 14, 11, 10, 8 and 2, leaving the townshi}) on Sec. 3. The west branch rises in Sees. 7 and 8, flows northeast through Sec. 5 and leaves the township on Sec. .5. Warren is also cut by the Winona & St. Peter railway, which enters the township on N.W. ^ of the N.E. ^ Sec. 4, runs southwest through Sees. 5, 18, 17 and 8, and leaves it on S.W. J of Sec. 18. Warren has no village settlements whatever. There are two postoflices, each in the southern portion of the township. Wyattville postoflice is in Sec. 33 ; it was established about 1859, with Hiram Wyatt as postmaster. Frank Hill postofRce was established at the same time, with A. B. Dunlap as postmaster. ^ About 1862 two other postofMces were in existence, one in Sec. 19 and the other in Sec. 20. The one in Sec. 19 was known as North Warren, and kept by L. C. Ferrin ; the one in Sec 20 was kept by Hiram Paris, and was known simply as Warren postoflice. Both of these were abandoned soon after their establishment. In 1856 a large hotel or tavern was kept for the accommodation of travelers by James McQuestion on Sec. 20. This hotel was burned some time in 1865. A store devoted to general merchandise was owned and run by Farrar & Russell in 1859 on Sec. 33, This has been aban- doned long since. A flour-mill was built in 1857 ; this was at first used as a sawmill, but was converted into a gristmill in 1865. " This mill stands on Sec. 4, and is owned by William Duncanson ; its capacity is very small. Leonard George kept a school in 1856 in a private house which stood on Sec. 21. The next school was kept by Margaret Grey in a little schoolhouse built on Sec. 31 in 1857. Susan Buswell taught the next in 1858 ; this was in Sec. 20. William Duncanson came to Warren township in the spring of 1854 from La Crosse. The first wagon track was made by him through this section on June 5, 1854. He settled on what is now the N^E. 1 of S.E. i Sec. 20. In the fall of 1854 Theodore, son of Wm. Duncanson, was born : this was undoubtedly the first birth in the township. The first laid-out road was that known then as the ter- ritorial road, running from Oliatfield through Rush Creek and Sec. 20 t«-) Stockton. Church service was first held in the various schoolhouses. At WARREN TOWNSHIP. 591 present there are the following churches : Methodist, in Sec. 20 ; Presbyterian, in Sec. 36 ; Brethren, in Sec. 19. To each of these is attached a cemetery. William Duncanson, of whom mention has been made, was the oldest settler in Warren. He came in June, 1854-. He was fol- lowed in the fall by Jacob Duncanson, his brother. Jacob Duncan- son, with his family, settled on Sec. 21 ; Oliver Panger and A. J. Ayers Arrived at the same time and entered part of Sec. 19. The following made their appearance in 1855 : Joseph Mixter, Lucius Brainerd, Frederick Hall, Moses Stickney, Hiram Wyatt, Sylvester Frink, E. B. Jewett, Mortimer Gage and H. P. Archer. The fol- lowing came in 1856 : Theodore Warnkan, Arnt Warnkan, John Demoung and Jessie Wheeler. Warren township has six district schools. Sec. 8, district 40 ; Sec. 12, dist. Ill ; Sec. 19, dist. 36 ; Sec. 21, dist. 39 ; Sec. 32, dist. 6 ; Sec. 34, dist. 5. The first meeting was held and the township organized May 11, 1858. G. W. Gleason was appointed town clerk. The board elected : Supervisors, A. P. Hoit, L. B. Terrin, T. Thayer ; con- stable, W. P. Thayer ; overseer of the poor, Sylvester Frink ; justice of the peace, Jesse Wheeler ; collector, I. N. Farrar ; assessor, Lucius Brainerd. The town clerks in succession were G. W. Gleason, M. P. Thayer, E. B. Jewett, B. S. Gross, W. N. Buswell, E. M. Buswell, W. N. Buswell, E. M. Buswell, W. N. Buswell, E. B. Jewett, M. P. Thayer, H. C. Wilbur, J. A. Ginther, H. D. Gage, John Kenny, H. C Wilbur (present clerk). Board elected in 1882 were as follows : Supervisors, E. M. Buswell, Edward Markle, Wm. Felzer ; constables, Fred. Janzow, Edward Albert ; justices of the peace, John L. Farrar, John Miller ; asssessor, J. L. Farrar ; treas- urer, Almon Sartwell, A stone-quarry, on Sec. 3 of Warren township, employs from 200 to 400 men during the summer months. A variety of limestone, very valuable for building purposes, is taken from this quarry, [t is owned by the Chicago & Northwestern railway, and has been worked for four years. Brethren. Church of Warren townshijp. — This church was organ- ized in the year 1855, with the following official members : Phillip Pamer, elder ; David Whetstone, deacon, and Christian F. Wirt, pastor. The lay members were Stephen Thackery and wife, Solo- mon Ramer and wife, Peter Ramer and wife, Daniel Ramer and 592 iirsTouY of wr^oisrA county. wife, Andrew Ketcrmaii and wife. The meiubersliip at first num- bered sixteen. It is impossible to give the complete history of this church, as the record has not alwa^^s been kept. This much, how- ever, is known. In the first tliree years of its organization four members died and several removed from the country, while a few deserted the church and united with the Advents. The church up to 1874 held service in the schoolhouse. In 1874 a building was erected to be used as a church. It was a frame structure, "SOxSO feet. They possessed a plot of one and a half acres for church and cemetery. The new church cost $1,600, and stands on Sec. 19. A Sabbath school connected with the church is in a good condition. Presbyterian {German) Church of Warren township. — Regularly organized in 1873. Prominent original members : John Lafky, Peter Hertzwurm, Paul Loerch, John Lafky, Jr. The church is a frame building, put up in 1874. It is forty feet long and twenty-four feet wide, and stands on Sec. 36. Connected with the church is eight acres of land and a cemetery. The ministers in order are John L. Funk, Jacob Schaeder, John Leirer, August Bush. A neat frame parsonage is connected with the church. The membership is said to be twenty-four. HILLSDALE TOWNSHIP. Hillsdale is but one-half of an entire township comprising eighteen complete sections in all. Its boundaries are, on the north Polling Stone, on the east Winona, on the south Warren, and on the west Norton. It is six miles long and three miles wide. On the north, east and south portions the surface is broken, while to the northwest there is a slight prairie land or "grubb land" as it is sometimes called. It has a limestone soil composed of a rich dark loam. One of the early pioneers, while breaking land on the present site of Stockton, dropped potatoes along in the furrows as he plowed and at the same time turned the sod over them. The land was not touched again until fall, when out of the one-fourth acre of land he dug 110 bushels of potatoes. (The richness of the soil can be imagined.) Timber was jJentiful at first, esj)ecially along the streams. There were several kinds of oak besides hickory and butternut. Oak is plentiful still. Among the animals were deer, red-fox, prairie-wolf, badgers, woodchucks and beavers in the streams. The early pioneers, sliut out almost entirely from the east excejit in summer, found it difficult to secure provisions. Deer and HILLSDALE TOWNSHIP. 593 prairie-cliickens were numerous, and venison was a great article of food. Potatoes alone brought $1.40 per bushel, and other things in proportion. Timber was plentiful, but lumber was scarce. J. H. Swindler says he built him a house in 1855, 14x16 feet, out of 1,200 feet of lumber; the dimension pieces and framework were taken from the neighboring woods. The earliest settlers were a few of the members of the "Western Farm and Village Association " of New York city. S. D. Putnam, Charles Bannan and Lawrence Dilworth all came in 1852, and were members of the above company. S. A. Houck, O. H. Houck and John McClintock came in 1853. In 1855 J. J. Matteson, John Hart, C. Hertzberg, Jabez Churchill and J. H. Swindler arrived. S. D. Putnam entered the N.E. J of Sec. 27 in June, 1852. Charles Bannan entered a part of Sec. 23 and John McCliqtock a part of Sec. 27. Lawrence Dilworth settled on Sec. 23, J. J. Matteson on Sec. 26 and John Hart on Sec. 23. What is now known as district 31 on Sec. 23 is said to have been the first school in Hillsdale. It was built early in 1857 by pri- vate subscription, the districts not being organized at that time. The schools at present, with their section and districts, are : District 81 on Sec. 31, dist. 97 on Sec. 30, dist. 31 on Sec. 23, dist. 110 on Sec. 36, dist. 17 on Sec. 34. The average number ot pupils in Hillsdale for 1882 is 203. A grist-mill was built in 1865 on Sec. 26, by Benjamin Sherry. It was two and one-half stories high and had two run of burrs. It stood on Rolling Stone creek. At present writing it is owned by H. W. Jackson. The Winona & St. Peter railway runs through the township in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction. It has a station at Stockton. Hillsdale is also traversed by Polling Stone creek, which enters the township on Sec. 34, flows north through Sees. 27 and 26, and leaves the township on Sec. 23. The township was organized and the first board appointed May 11, 1858 : J. B. Alexander, town clerk ; L. R. King, James Gwinn, M. Collins, supervisors ; J. B. Morehead, assessor ; O. D. Hicks, collector ; Henry Wiseman, overseer of the poor ; T. Q. Gage, jus- tice of the peace ; S. T. Gwinn, J. Schmettyer, constables. Suc- cessive town clerks : J. B. Alexander, C. E. Gage, J. B. Alexan- der, A. S. Gregory, George Little, John A. Moore, J. N. Byington. Wm. H. Churchill, George S. Wiseman, J. N. Byington, H. W. Mowbray, B. Dripps, F. A. Thomas, James Mitchell (present town clerk). Present board : John Monk, W. H. Jackson, H. J. Krans- 594 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. key, supervisors; S. T. Gwinn, John Midler, constables; James King, Henry Kranske}', justices ot the peace ; James King, col- lector ; George McNutt, treasurer. STOCKTON VILLAGE. The village of Stockton, in Hillsdale township, was laid out in the summer of 1856, although the land was pre-emj)ted in 1855 ; J. B. Stockton, Wm. Davidson and Wm. Springer were the proprietors. The town was named after J. B. Stockton ; Stockton stands on the E. ^ of Sec. 34. The plat is one mile long and one-half mile wide, and embraces an area of 320 acres. Rolling Stone creek enters the town plat on the west and flows northeast through the village. Stockton stands in the main Rolling Stone valley, sometimes spoken ol as the ''west branch.'' In the summer of 1855 PI. A. Putnam emigrated to this section with his family, and built a frame building, 24x IS feet, which was used both as a dwelling and as a store for general merchandise. This was undoubtedly the lirst house erected. Among the early residents may be mentioned : George Gregory and family. Rev. Wm. Poling, John Dacon (blacksmith), Andrew Miller (carpenter), Henry Parrot (wagonmaker), Robert Curtis (blacksmith), Henry Wiseman and John xVlexander. Wiseman and Alexander owned a carpenter and wagon shop in 1857. The year 1858 was marked by the grading of the "Transit railway" (now Winona & St. Peter), which cut through the town. The population were pleased with the new venture and were anxious for its com])letion, but when the company failed and were unable to pay their bills for labor and goods, the enterprise was looked upon with disfavor. The road was then purchased by the Winona & St. Peter company, a ;d com])leted in 1861. J. B. Stockton was the proprietor of the lirst hotel in 1856. Wm. Dodge was the tirst ])ostmaster in Stockton. The oflice was kept in 1856 just south of the town line. The present mill was built in the shape of a sawmill in 1855, by Wm. Dodge. In 1857 it was sold to Starbuck & Jones, who converted it into a gristmill with two run of burrs. Li 1859 it passed into the hands of Hugh Sherry, who sold a half interest to Dr. S. B. Sheardown. It was run by the above for Ave years, when it was purchased by Mowbray & Sons, the present possessors. In 1870 the old burrs were abandoned and new patent rolling and crushing machinery put in. The capacity is HILLSDALE TOWNSHIP. 595 now 250 bbls. per day. Rolling Stone creek supplies half the power, the remainder is secured by steam-engines. The mill is a frame structure, three stories high, and doing a lively business. The first school, a frame building, 20x28 feet, was built in 1857, and was taught by Albert Thomas. The present school, a large frame build- ing, was built in 1875. It has a dimension of 28x50 feet. There are two departments, a primary and intermediate department. Two teachers and an average attendance of 100 pupils. This school is doing some good work. Present merchants are as follows : Thomas & Swindler, general merchandise, also drugstore ; Sheardown & Sheardown, general merchandise and drugs ; James Mitchell, hardware and boots and shoes ; Simon Ramm, general merchandise. Two physicians, namely. Dr. S. B. Sheardown, Sr. ; Dr. T. B. Sheardown, Jr. Two blacksmith shops kept by Christopher Lowerish and Geo. McNutt. Stockton has two churches, the Episcopal and Methodist. The services of the Episcopal church were held at first in the schoolhouse at Stockton. The first minister was Rev. Benj. Evans. The con- gregation was regularly organized in 1859, and a church building was erected the same year. This structure is of frame, 32x42 feet, with a spire forty^-five feet high. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bond, Wm. H. Bayard and family, J. A. Moore and family and John Monk and family were the prominent original members. For several years the church has been without a regular minister. Rev. Joseph Hilmer, of Winona, has charge of the congregation at present. Methodist church meetings were held in Stockton's Hotel as early as 1856, Rev. A. J. Nelson presiding. These were continued until 1857, at the building of the schoolhouse, when it was used. Rev. Wm. Poling was appointed minister by the conference in 1857. A frame church was built in 1872 ; dimensions, 40x32 feet; tower or belfry, fifteen feet (above roof). Rev. Wm. H. Soule was the first minister appointed for the new church. Present member- ship, forty-four. A Sabbath school was organized in 1856 by Mrs. H. A. Putnam, in her own house. The present school has a membership of fifty, with five teachers. Rev. W. A. Miles is the minister for 1883. Temperance Society. — Refuge Division of the Sons of Temper- ance, No. 71. This society was charterecl in 1876, with twenty-five charter members. For quite a while this was a flourishing society and did 35 596 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. much good tor the community, but at present it has fallen into decay. The otticers are: W. H. Thomas, W.P.; Mrs. Mary Blair, R.S.; Leila McNutt, F.S.; Frank Mitchell, I.S.; Alex. Torrence, O.S. ; F. E. Blair, Treas. ; Geo. Kissinger, Chap. Charter mem- bers at present, forty. Lyceum. — A literary and debating society, organized for mutual benefit. Officers : S. B. Sheardown, president ; W. H. Thomas, secretary ; R. H. Allen, treasurer. Stockton cemetery, having an area of two acres, was laid out in 1860, at the north end of tlie town plat. The main streets are foui- rods wide, excepting Broadway, which is six rods wide. The alleys are sixteen feet. The population is said to be 383. CHAPTER LTI. NORTON, MOUNT VERNON, WHITEWATER AND ELBA TOWNSHIPS. XORTON TOWNSHIP. This township when organized, May 11, 1858, was given the name of Sumner. It was afterward changed to Jefferson and finally to Norton, its present name. The town line passing through its center locates it in T. 107, while the range places it in 9 west. It is bounded on the north by Mt. Yernon, on the east by Rolling Stone and Hillsdale, on the south by Iltica an^ on the west by Elba. The surface in the central and southern parts is what is known as rolling, open land, and contains some of the best land in the county. While in the eastern portion the land is very much broken. Rolling Stone valley, traversed by a branch of Rolling Stone creek, is in this locality. This valley is said to be from 400 to 500 ieet deep. The scenery is wild and romantic. The wagon road winds around, in and out along the edges of frightful precipices and under immense overhanging rocks hundreds of feet overhead. A great attraction in this valley or ravine is a large cave which reaches over a quarter of a mile underground, and is filled with stalactites and curious stones. Elm, ash, basswood, oak, hickory, and some maple, are found along this valley. On the high land water is very is^'arce. The water is hauled from the valleys and put in large NORTON TOWNSHIP. 597 cisterns, or in some cases wells are drilled 500 feet deep through the rock, and the water drawn up with a windmill. When the early pioneers made their appearance in 1855 wolves were numerous, and black bears were seen occasionally. Deer have been known to come up and eat along with the cattle, and one old settler had a large flock ot quail that he fed regularly near his cabin. Out of a large number of pioneers that made their homes in this locality there are scarcely a half-dozen remaining. A large number have dlied, and a large number liave sold their farms and emigrated to Dakota. Wm. Sweet entered what is now the S.E. J Sec. 32, in the early part of May, 1852. It will be of interest to note that this was the first claim made back of the blulfs from the Mississippi river in Winona county. John Van Hook is the next man supposed to have made his appearance. In 1854 he pre-empted what is now S.E. i Sec. 30. Alios Sch wager, Adam Hick, John Monk, Wm. Ruprecht, Pardon Spooner, J. R. Warner and Michael Moore, all came the next year (1855). Alios Sch wager settled in Rolling StoiTe valley on what is now Sec. 15. Adam Hick took up N.W. ^ Sec. 28 ; John Monk the S.E. i Sec. 36 ; Michael Moore the S.E. ^ Sec. 22 ; J. R. Warner the S. W. i Sec. 33 ; Pardon Spooner the S.W. I Sec. 32, while Wm. Ruprecht settled on Sec. 25. Peter -Epelding came in 1855, and settled on Sec. 24 ; J. P. and H. N. Hilbert came in 1855, and settled on Sec. 12. Each of the above were prominent among the early pioneers. A postoflice was kept as early as 1864 by Fredrich Gensmer. Ely Turner succeeded him in 1866. The postoflice was abandoned some time in 1868. Since then Norton has been without a post- oiflce. Wm. Ruprecht built a sawmill in 1860, on Sec. 25, on Rolling Stone creek. The water-power at that point was found to be excellent, so in 1875 it was turned into a gristmill witli two run of burrs. This was a frame building, 34x20 feet, and two stories high. In 1882 the mill was enlarged and new patent rolling and crushing machinery was added. The mill has a custom business principally. Norton has no village organization, no physician, no lawyer, and above all no saloon. There are five district schools, namely, District 28 in Sec. 28, dist. 127 in Sec. 27, dist. 26 in Sec. 13, dist. 101 in Sec. 17, dist. 100 in Sec. 8. Besides these there is one German Catholic school on Sec. 31. This school was organized by private enterprise. There are three churches in the township. German Lutheran on Sec. 598 HISTORY OF WnsrONA COUNTY. 27, Brethren church on Sec. 8, and the German Metliodist Episcopal on Sec. 6 (now abandoned). The German Lutheran church is a white irame building with a neat exterior appearance. It stands on Sec. 27, and was built in 1878. It is 28x40 feet, and has a spire 60 feet in height. They have a school building 18x24 feet, and a parsonage, besides two acres of land. School has been kept since 1878^ — a German district school in summer and an English school in winter. Congregation of the church numbers about Ulteen families. They have circuit preaching at present. Rev. Otto Koch, of Lewis- ton, is the present minister. There are two cemeteries in Norton, one attached to the Lutheran and another to the Brethren church. At present the population are mostly Prussian Germans. Some of these have been known to come in with nothing but a few head of cattle, and by hard work and perseverance have secured themselves large and valuable farms. Tliree hundred- votes were cast at the last election in the township. MOUNT VERNON TOWNSHIP. T. 108, R. 9, was settled about the same time as the adjoining towns, more particularly Minneiska, in Wabaslia county, which bounds it on the west. Some of the earliest settlers were White, man, Deacon Smith, Brizius and Patrick Murray, in Trout valley, Williams and Smith on tlie ridge, who were quickly followed by others, and all the available land was soon taken up. Not a section of the township but what is more or less productive and under cul- tivation. The Trout valley intersects it, running almost north and south, while the eastern and western portions are considerably broken by valleys, containing considerable timber, while on the ridges is to be found good prairie land. ORGANIZATION. The first town meeting was held at the house of S. N. Burns, May 11, 1858, and the following officers were elected : G. A. White- man, Patrick Murray, H. C. Jones, supervisors ; G. A. Whiteman, chairman of supervisors ; Charles Smith, town clerk ; Samuel Bul. lard, assessor ; Lyman Lovel, collector ; M. Malmson, overseer of poor ; John Montgomery, justice. The following is the list of gentlemen who have filled the posi- tions of chairman of supervisors and town clerk up to 1883 : MOUNT VERNON TOWNSHIP. 599 YEAR. CH. OF SUPERVISORS. TOWN CLpRK. 1858 G. A. Whiteman Charles Smith. 1859 H. C. Jones Charles Smith. I860 G. Bullard Charles Smith. 1861 H. C. Jones Charles Smith. 1862 • P. Murray Charles Smith. 1863 P. Murray Charles Smith. 1864 S. IM. Bullard Charles Smith. 1865 Joseph Taylor Charles Smith. 1866 S. M. Bullard Charles Smith. 1867 S. M. Bullard Charles Smith. 1868 C. H. Molecha Charles Smith. 1869 S. Speakman J. H. Williams. 1870 A. Steavor J. H. Williams. 1871 A. Steavor N. W. Osborn. 1872 S. Bullard N. W. Osborn. 1873 S. Bullard N. F. Richards. 1874 John Valentine J. H. Williams. 1875 John Valentine J. H. Williams. 1876 Peter Speltz J. H. Williams. 1877 Peter Speltz . . J. H. Williams. 1878. S. Bullard J. H. Williams. 1879 S. Bullard N. Schell, Jr. 1880 S. Bullard N. Schell, Jr. 1881 J. H. Williams N. Schell, Jr. 1882 J. H. Williams N. Schell, Jr. KOADS. Good roads are constructed on the ridges and in the valleys, and considerable money has been expended on the improvement. The first road laid out by the township was ordered July 5, 1858, four rods wide, commencing at Sec. 17 and running two miles through the Trout valley. ' SCHOOLS. There are four school districts with four good substantial school- houses; the first one built was at Oak Ridge. Previous to the erection of any schoolhouse, ©r opening of any public school, the wife of Deacon Smith, in Trout valley, was persuaded by a few of her neighbors to teach their children, which she willingly did, teach- ing gratuitously the few she could gather in the then almost unbroken wilderness. A few years have since rolled by, and now as good schools and as efficient teachers minister to the wants of the young as are to be found in the country. 600 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. CHURCHES. The township contains two churches, both GermaTi, — Catholic and Methodist. The Methodist was the first one erected, a plain frame building, at Oak Ridge. Religious services are co-equal with the advent of the settlers, services being held by pastors from adjoining towns in private houses. The Methodists have a large and thriving congregation. On December 5, 1875, a meeting of Catholics was held at the house of John Speltz, for the purpose of organizing a congregation and the erection of a church, which resulted in the building of a handsome brick edifice at Oak Ridge, at a cost of $3,000, with a seating capacity of 400. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1876, and finished and consecrated in August of the same year. The parish is in charge of Father Lawrence. The erection and successful completion of the church is due, in a great measure, to the efforts of Peter and John Speltz, Casper Kriede- macher, A. Stever, M. Hitinger, Jacob Frisch, N. Reis, M. Sibenaler, N. Walch, N. Gidenger, P. Stever, N. Muller and others. CEMETERIES. There are three burying-places in the township, two public and one Catholic. The first public one was ordered laid out May 27, 187o, near John Smith's, on the ridge. The Roman Catholics have theirs in connection with their church ; the first interment in which was October 16, 1876, the wife of Peter Speltz. The other public cemetery is near the Methodist church at Oak Ridge. WAR RECORD. The township then containing very few men that could be spared and but sparsely settled and with but Kt^cent comers, did all that was possible .under the circumstances in defense of the country's flag. The town offered a bounty of $125 on February 12, 1864, to volunteers, and increased it at a special meeting called for that purpose August 20, 1864, to $250, and again at another meeting held January 23, 1865, agreed to pay $137 additional to volunteers in service credited to the town previous to February 1, 1864, and also to men drafted and credited to the town under last call, $300, and to those who might hereafter be drafted, $300. CASUALTIES. The township has been remarkably free from crime or casualties of any description. No murder or robbery sullies its T*ecord. Law- WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP. 601 suits and their accompanying bitterness are almost unknown, and justices and lawyers do not thrive off the residents of Mt. Vernon. The majority of the settlers are steady, frugal Luxemburgers, who are not prone to lawlessness of any description. The iirst accident tliat occurred was the drowning of a young man, Mi-. Dunston, a connection of J. H. Williams, who fell from a barge into the river. A man who was employed by John Smith (Christo- pher Schilsen) was kicked by a horse while hauling a thrashing machine up the ridge, and only survived a few days. In the spring of 1873 the community suffered a severe loss in the death of Patrick Murray, one of the pioneers, and very oldest settlers, who, while ploughing, was kicked by a fractious horse so severely that death very soon ensued. No other accident worthy of note has occurred. WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP. The su]-face is generally very much broken. On the western part, however, nearly the entire length of the township skirts on Greenwood prairie, in Wabasha county. The township lies in T. 108 N. and R. 10 W. It is bounded on the north and west by Wabasha county, on the east by Mt. Yernon township, and on the south by Elba township. Whitewater lies in the extreme north- western corner of Winona county. There are two principal valleys — Whitewater valley and Beaver creek valley. Whitewater valley is six miles long, and runs directly north and south through the township. It is traversed by Whitewater river, which enters the township on Sec. 35 and leaves it on Sec. 1. This river attains an average width of forty feet and a depth of three feet. Beaver val- ley runs almost east and west ; it is four miles long and traversed by Beaver creek. This creek rises in Sec. 19, flows east, and empties into Whitewater river at the village of Beaver on Sec. 15. Timber is abundant along the valleys, and trout plentiful in the streams. There have been two village settlements in the township, viz : Whitewater Falls, now gone to decay, and Beaver. The early his- tory of these is in general the early history of the township. EAKLY PIONEERS. The following came in 1851:': Stephen Covey, John Cook, F. C. Putnam, Wm. J. Dooley, Wm. Woods and Albert Scrivens. Stephen Covey took up a claim on Sec. 15, John Cook on Sec. 34, F. C. Putnam S.W. I Sec. 23, Wm. J. Dooley on Sec. 15, William 60'2 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. Woods on N.E. ^ Sec. 27, and Albert Scrivens on Sec. 15. The year 1855 was marked by the arrival of the following: A. J. Mc- • Ray, J, M. Mirmegar, Albert Hopson, Pliney Putnam, Lyman Young, S. A. Houck, Oliver Porter, Nathan Fisher, J. W. Hayes, Wm. Vilander, Louis Skidmore, Leonard Robinson, C. W. Buswell and Nathan "Warner. A. J. McRay took up his residence on the site of Beaver ; J. M. Minnegar settled on what is now N. W. ^ Sec. 23 and N. E. ^ Sec. 22, Albert Hopson on Sec. 22, Pliney Put- nam on Sees. 10 and 11, Lyman Young on S.E. ^ Sec. 2, S. A. Houck on W. ^ Sec. 2, Oliver Porter on S.W. ^ Sec. 1, Nathan Fisher on N.E. i See. 29, J. W. Hayes on N.E. i Sec. 15, Wm. Vilander on Sec. 15, which, by the way, he purchased from J. W. Hayes for the small sum of $2.50, Louis Skidmore on N.W. J Sec. 35, Leonard Robinson on Sec. 27, C. W, Buswell on Sec. 34, and Nathan Warner on the same section. BEAVER VILLAGE. Beaver village is situated on Sec. 15, at the junction of Beaver creek with Whitewater river. Beavers were numerous in these streams at an early day. A large dam was built by these animals in the creek near the village ; from this came the names Beaver creek and Beaver village. The village was laid out in 1856, and covers an area of forty acres. The first house in this locality, and, indeed, the first in Whitewater township, was put up by Stephen Covey in 1854 ; the iirst store was built in 1856 by Wm. Dooley ; it was a log structure, 14x20 feet, and devoted to general merchandise. Among the early residents were John Knowles, H. B. Knowles, Dr. Sheldon Brooks and J. W. Hayes. The lirst blacksmith shop was built by Carl Pope in 1856 ; first death was that of Stephen Covey, who died in 1857, and was buried on his farm, S.E. ^ Sec. 15 ; first birth was that of Cora Knowles, born February 16, 1856 ; first marriage was that of Laura Covey to John Cheney in 1856. A private school was kept in the house of Carl Pope in 1857 ; it was taught by Sarah Pope, and had an attend- ance of perhaps twenty -five pupils. A sawmill was built on Beaver creek, on Sec. 16, in 1856, by Carleton and Gardner Malindy ; it was a very crude affair at first : a hollow log was pressed into service and used as a flume ; in 1857 it was converted into a gristmill with one run of burrs ; F. E. Becker is the present owner. The mill has been much improved; it is now two stories in height, is 40x100 ELBA TOWJfSHIP. 603 feet in dimensions, has two run of burrs, patent rolling machinery and a capacity of fifty barrels per day ; the water-power is excellent at this point. An hotel was built in Beaver in 1865 by David Jecobis ; it was a structure half frame and half log. Beaver contains a popu- lation of 125 persons. Two stores, kept by G. G. Knowles and Samuel Detamore respectively ; two blacksmith shops, owned by R. Young and S. Card ; one wagon shop run by Peter Neiheisel, and a feedmill owned by Adam Winters. This mill grinds corn, oats, etc., into feed for stock. In the fall it is converted into a sorghum- mill ; great quantities of amber cane are consumed and converted into sorghum molasses. Sherman Card keeps the one hotel in Beaver ; it does a small business, as travel has fallen off almost entirely. One school in Beaver, district 45, has an attendance of forty pupils. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. This was built in 1868 tlirough the exertions of Elder Clipper ; the church is frame, 40 X 60 feet, with a spire 60 feet tall ; the con- gregation was organized in 1858 ; they at that time held their meet- ings in the schoolhouse ; the prominent members were Pliney Put- nam, Elder P. Richardson and George Stoning ; the first minister was Elder Wm. Sweet, now residing in Norton township ; Rev. J, Tisdale is the pastor at present writing ; they have a Sabbath school with twenty-five pupils and three teachers, and a small library of forty volumes. WHITEWATER FALLS Is situated on Whitewater river, on Sees. 26 and 27. It is so called from rapids in the river at this point ; it was laid out in 1856, but gradually fell into decay ; it has a population now of perhaps thirty people. There are six district schools in Whitewater town- ship and two postoffices — one at Beaver, with Samuel Detamore as postmaster, and another at Whitewater Falls, with A. C. Randall as postmaster. ELBA TOWNSHIP. Elba is situated in T. 107 N., R. 10 W. Its boundaries are, on the north Whitewater township, on the east Norton, on the south St. Charles, and on the west Olmsted county. The surface is very much broken, and is covered by three deep valle_ys, which in turn are traversed by three prominent streams. There are three branches of the Whitewater river, the north branch, the east branch and the w^ fi04 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. middle branch. These unite at the village of Elba, on Sec. 10, and form one principal stream, which flows north and leaves the town- ship on Sec. 2. Whitewater river is formed by numerous springs arising from the bluffs, and furnishes excellent water-power for a number of mills along its course. The streams abound in speckled trout, and the country is much visited all through the summer months by Ashing parties in quest of sport. The bluffs along the valley are from 350 to 400 feet in height, and form some of the most beautiful scenes in that section of the country. Good farms are found in the valleys, and excellent "wheat tables" on the high land. Floods, caused by heavy rains in summer, are frequent on the Whitewater and its branches, causing much annoyance by the wash- ing away of dams and the injury of mills. The timber found in the township is principally oak and elm, which is ])lentiful in the valleys. Immigration into the township began as early as 1854. Robert Crooks was probably the first among the early pioneers. He came to that locality in the spring of 1854, and took u\) a claim on what is now part of Sec. 28. He was followed the same year by F, McCarty and a man named South wick. F. McC^arty settled on what is now Sec. 22, while Southwick made a claim on Sec. 3. The following came in 1855 : A. E. Todd, D. J. Todd, D. R. Holbrook, L. U. Todd, W. Telugan, Peter Kiefer, Andrew Burger, Wm. Hem- melberg, A. D. Nichols, Alvd Philbrick, H. D. Bailey and Jerry Philbrick. A. E. Todd took up land on Sees. 6 and 7, D. J. Todd on Sees. 8 and 9, D. R. Holbrook on Sec. 9, L. U. Todd on Sec. 8, W. Telugan on Sec. 11, Peter Kiefer on N.W. ^ Sec. 12, Andrew Burger on Sees. 11 and 12, Wm. Himmelberg on Sec. 11, ArD. Nichols on Sec. 10, Alva Philbrick, H. D. Bailey and .Terry Phil- brick, all on Sec. 10. First death in the township was that of Mrs. Oasper Kreider- macher, who died of cholera in 1856, and was buried on Sec. 3. The first school was held in a little log schoolhouse, built in 1855 by Alva Philbrick, on what is now Sec. 10. The first saw- mill was built on the north branch of the Whitewater, on Sec. 8, by A. E. Todd, in the summer of 1856. It was washed out by a flood some time after, and was rebuilt on Sec. 7. The mill is now stand- ing and does princi])all3^ a custom business for the farmers in the neighborhood. ELBA TOWNSHIP. 605 "Fail-water Flouring Mill" was built on Sec. 7, on the north branch of the Whitewater, some time in 1866, by W. Parr and W. R. Ellis. It was two stories in height and had a dimension of 35 X 40 feet. E. C. Ellis is the present owner. The mill has two run of burrs and a capacity of thirty barrels per day. The first laid out road in the township was the road running from Winona west to the county line. This road ran directly through the center of Elba township, and was laid out in 1857. The postoffice in the village was the first and only one in the township. It was establislied in 1857, with H. D. Bailey as post- master. There are two churches, the German Catholic at Elba village, and the United Brethren on Sec. 21. The latter was built in 1876. It is 30x40 feet, with a spire forty feet tall. They have a congrega- tion of perhaps seventy-five members, composed mostly of Germans. The first minister was Rev. Reiswick, the present one is Rev. J. Gutensohn. Attached to the church is a cemetery and two acres of land. There are five district schools in Elba in Sees. 33, 27, 10, 3 and 8. The first meeting took place May 11, 1858, for the general organ- ization. J. H. Dearborn was elected town clerk ; J. W. Ireland, J. Philbrick, N. V. Crow, supervisors ; John Bole, assessor ; E. B. Barnes, collector ; Thomas Barnes, G. E. Fisher, justices of the peace ; David Duryee, overseer of poor ; Hugh Barclay, Aaron Baker, con- stables. The following are the town clerks in succession : J. H. Dearborn, David Cook, A. D. Nichols, M. R. Lair, A. D. Nichols, R. Bullen, H. F. Denio, John Bullen, John Udell, Gregory Ritt, H. F. Denio, the clerk for 1882-3. ELBA VILLAGE. Elba village is situated on Sees. 9 and 10, at the iuncti(m of the three branches of the Whitewater. Although it has never been recorded as a village plat, there has been a settlement there since 1 856. The first house was put up by C. South wick. Among the early residents were D. R. Holbrook, Israel Messenger, Manoa Turner, D. J. W, Ireland, David Duryee, John Penson and A. D. Nichols. The first postoffice was established in 1857, with H. D. Bailey as postmaster. D. S. Loy kept the first store in 1862 ; John BoUen soon started another store. The first blacksmith shop was kept by Mr. Medcalf. The first school was a log house, built 1858. 60() HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Dr. J. W. Ireland practiced in the village and the surrounding country from 1860 to 1864. The flouring-mill in Elba was built in 1860, by John Rodgers. The water-power is furnished by the north and middle branches of Whitewater. The mill is 25 X 30 feet. In the first place they had two run of burrs and a much larger capacity than now. It passed through a number of hands and underwent considerable improvement. Another run of burrs have been added, besides a turban water-wheel, a stone wall and a new flume. The present owners are J. Hoffman and T. C. Udell. The capacity is seventy-five barrels per day. Elba contains, at present writing, two stores, two hotels, a blacksmith shop and a carpenter shop. The present school was built in 1866. It is a district school with an average attendance of fifty pupils. The German Catholic church was built in 1877, through the instrumentality of Ferdinand Kramer, Peter Geren and Nicholas Marnoch. It is a frame building, 40 X 60 feet, with a belfry fifteen feet high. The first minister was Father Plut, of Winona, who visited the congregation through a period of two or three years. The congregation consists of 200 members. Attached to the church is a cemetery and thirty-five acres of land. The population of the village is now 100. It has a very healthy climate, and it is a noticeable fact that for thirty years it has never had a case of scarlet-fever or diphtheria. CHAPTER LHI. HART, FREMONT AND SARATOGA TOWNSHIPS. ^ HART TOWNSHIP. This township lies in T. 105 N., of R. 8 West. It comprises thirty-six complete sections. Its boundaries are, on the north War- ren township, on the east Wiscoy, on the south Fillmore county, and on the west Fremont township. The surface is rough and broken — what is known as ''grub land." The soil, nevertheless, is very productive. The high bluffs divide the country into four val- leys. Rush Creek, Diy, Pine Creek and Knapp valleys. All except- ing Pine Creek valley run north and south ; the latter runs east and west. Dry valley is so called from a small stream which disappears HART TOWNSHIP. 607 in a subterranean channel only to reappear again in unexpected places. Rush Creek valley is the largest of the four, and is named after Rush creek ; Knapp's valley, so called from J. R. Knapp, an old resident in that vicinity ; Pine Creek valley named after Pine creek. This stream in an early day was heavily timbered with black walnut, maple, oak, basswood and scattering pine. The pine has now disappeared. Rush creek enters the township on S.W. J Sec. 6, flows southeast through Sees. T, 13, 19, 29 and 33, leaving the township on Sec. 33 ; Pine creek enters township on S.W. ^ Sec. 30, flows southeast through Sees. 31 and 32, and joins Rush creek on Sec. 33. Hart was organized May 11, 1858, under the name of Benton township ; a year after it was given its present name. The first town clerk was John Pierce, appointed at the first meeting in 1858. The first board were : J. W. Young, John Knapp, justices of the peace ; Liborius Kauphusman, Patrick Orourke, constables ; George Bisset, assessor ; Jesse Conner, collector ; M. T. Doherty, Thomas Baily, F. M. Andrews, supervisors. The town clerks in succession : John Pierce, M. T. Doherty, J. M. Hitchcock, John King, Berend Bollmann, John King, Berend BoUmann (clerk for 1882-3). Board for 1882-3: Daniel McKay, M. Degnan. George Schaupp, supervisors ; B. Bollmann, D. H. Otis, justices of the peace ; John Millman, assessor ; Herman Trester, constable. OLD SETTLERS. Oliver Parmelee came to this section in 1854 and took up part of Sec. 2. Laborius Kauphusman came in 1855, surveyed land, and made a claim on S.E. J Sec. 16. He then left, and returned soon afterward with his family ; he is now dead, but the farm is in the hands of his children. Thomas Heberer and M. T. Doherty came the same year (1855) ; Thomas Heberer settled on Sec. 2, while M. T. Doherty entered the N.E. J Sec. 12. The following made their appearance in 1856 : Henry Ronnenberg, Rev. A. Brand, John C. Brand, John Parmelee, Smith Thorington, Job Thorington and John Brammer. Henry Ronnenberg settled on Sec. 12 ; Rev. A. Brand came with a large herd of cattle and took up land on Sec. 24 ; John C. Brand entered part of Sec. 23 ; John Parmelee, Smith Thorington and Job Thorington settled on Sec. 10, while John Brammer made a claim of N.E. J Sec. 1. A large hotel (or tavern as it was called), named the "Benton House," was kept by O. E. Fockens in 1857 on Sec. 2. At this time there was an immense 608 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. amount of travel through this section of the countr}', and the hotel did a thriving business. This soon fell off, however, at the entrance of railways, and the place was deserted in 18fi5. There is but one mill in Hart ; it is a flouring-mill built on Rush creek in 1860 (Sec. 29) by G. M. Hitchcock. It is a frame structure of me- dium size, and has a "custom business" only. There is but one postofftce in the township, namely. Hart postottice. It was estab- lished in 1872, with John Kiekbusch as })ostmaster. The present postmaster is Charles Wolfram, who also keeps a small country store. (This is on Sec. 26.) There are five schools in Hart : District 11 in Sec. 8, dist. 37 in Sec. 12, dist. 50 in Sec. 10, dist. 48 in Sec. 25, dist. 49 in Sec. 20. The population, which is mostly composed of emigrants from lower Germany, has decreased since 1870. This is said to be caused by emigration west, and the buying up of land by a few individuals. One farm, owned by the heirs of Laborius Kauphusman, on Sec. 16, comprises an area of 1,000 acres. Since the failure of wheat of late, the population have turned their attention to stock raising. The average crop for 1882 is said to be, wheat, 12 bushels per acre ; corn, 35 bushels per acre ; barley, 25 bushels per acre ; oats, 40 bushels per acre. There are two churches in Hart, Lutheran on Sec. 23, and Roman Catholic on Sec. 9. Lutheran. — The present church building was erected in 1861, although meetings were held long before. It is a frame building, 48X30 feet, with a spire fifty feet high. There is a comfortable parish house connected, and also a parochial school. E. M. Buer- ger, one of the founders of the Missouri Synod at St. Louis, was pastor of this church from 1868 to 1880, The fii-st minister was John Reiz ; the present one, Frances Johl. The congregation, which is quite large, is composed of Germans. The school has an average attendance of fifty pupils. They teach both German and English. A cemetery of one acre is connected with the church. FREMONT TOWNSHIP. Fremont township lies in T. 105 N., R. 9 W. Its boundaries are, on the north LTtica, on J:he east Hart, on the west Saratoga, and on the south Fillmore county. The surface of Fremont town- ship is diversified. In the eastern and southern portions the land FREMONT TOWNSHIP. 609 is mucli broken, while in the central and western parts it is almost level. Rush creek flows through the northeastern corner, cutting Sees. 1, 2 and 12, while Pine creek flows through the southeastern portion, cutting Sees. 25 and 35. The town was organized May 11, 1858, and E. B. Wells ap- pointed town clerk. The first house built in FrenKjnt township was erected by Isaac Arnold, in the fall of 1854, on what is now Sec. 2. It was a small log-house, perhaps 14x16 feet in dimensions. In 1856 L. C. Rice built a small store on what is now Sec. 2. This was the first store known to have been kept in Fremont. In the same year (1856) "Captain" Hinkley started a blacksmith shop on Sec. 22. The first postoffice was established in 1857, on Sec. 2, at a village known as Neoca (long since abandoned), with L. C. Rice as postmaster. In 1856 a sawmill was built by John Henry and John Du Bois, on Sec. 26, on Pine creek. Although a very crude afl'air, it was capable of sawing 1,000 feet of lumber per day. The water-power was not very good at this point. In 1870 this was converted into a gristmill. Since then it has been very much improved. It is now 36x20 feet, is two stories in height, has two run of burrs, and a capacity- of grinding fifteen bushels of wheat per hour. Edward Porter was the first person that died in the township. He died in the winter of 1856, and was buried on what is now Sec. 5. The' first birth was that of Charles Gates, born some time in 1856, on Sec. 11. The first marriage was that of Ann R. Arnold to John Du Bois, in the year 1856. In 1857 the first schoolhouse was built. It stood on Sec. 8, and was 24x16 feet. Malinda Joy was the first teacher. There were on an average forty pupils in attendance. Fremont has been hon- ored by the presence of one doctor. Dr. W. S. Morrison came in 1867, and has been practicing in the vicinity ever since. The first hotel was kept by Isaac Arnold on Sec. 2 as early as 1855. The first road was built under the supervision of Phineas Gates in 1856. It was known as the Gates road, and led from the Du Bois mill on Sec. 26 to the territorial road in the center of the township. There are two churches in Fremont, — Scotch Presbyterian on Sec. 20 and the Methodist Episcopal church on Sec. 10. The Presbyterian church was built in 1865. It is 38 X 26 feet, with a spire seventy-one feet from the ground. The first minister was Rev. Craven, fi-om St. Charles. The congregation, which is composed entirely of 610 HISTORY OF WrNONA COUNTY. Scotch, number about Hfty members. A cemetery, the only one in tlie township, is connected with the church. Rev. S. D. Westfall, the present minister, came in 1870. The Methodist Episcopal church stands on Sec. 10, and was built in 1874. It is 26x40 feet, with a belfry fifteen feet. The congregation is very small at present, although it was once quite a flourishing body. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse as early as 18.57. The first minister was Rev. Wm. Poling. There are two stores in Fremont, one on Sec. 10, kept by Kelley & Bro., at a place known as the " Corners," or Fremont postoftice, and another on Sec. 29, kept by H, Sennis. The three postoffices are: "Fremont," on Sec. 10, J. A. Kelley, postmaster, established in 1876 ; Argo postoffice, on Sec. 16, with John Henry as postmaster, established in 1866, and Clyde postoffice on Sec. 19, with Martin Schultz as postmaster, and establislied in 1873. There are six district schools, namely, District 104 on Sec. 29, dist. 67 on Sec. 26, dist. 68 on Sec. 20, dist. 66 on Sec. 14, dist. 96 on Sec. 10, dist. 64 on Sec. 3. The poll list at the election of 1882 numbered 210. OLD SETTLERS. The following came in 1854 : Isaac Arnold, Phineas Gates and Phineas Gates, Jr. Isaac Arnold made a claim on what is now Sec. 2, while Phineas Gates, Sr., and Phineas Gates, Jr., settled on what is now Sec. 14. In 1855 the following named cairA : Noah Gates, Edward Porter, Samuel Arnold, E. Kelley, Mathew Ferguson, John Ferguson, John Jarman, Orsmus Joy, Lemuel Bartholomew, Porter Richards, John Henry, Duncan Ferguson, Donald Ferguson, John DuBois, Thomas Robertson, Reason Evaretts, John Dobbs and Geo. Johnson. Noah Gates settled on Sec. 2, Edward Porter on Sees. 6 and 7, Samuel Arnold on Sec. 9, E. Kelley on Sec. 9, Mathew Ferguson on Sec. 15, John Ferguson on the same section. John Jarman on Sec. 17, Orsmus Joy on Sec. 4, Lemuel Bartholo- mew on Sec. 9, Porter Richards on Sec. 4, John Henry on Sec. 21, Duncan and Donald Ferguson on Sec. 17, John DuBois on Sec. 26, Thomas Robertson on Sec. 20, Reason Evaretts on Sec. 28, John Dobbs on Sec. 5 and Geo. Johnson on Sec. 8. A party ot young men came to this locality in tlie spring of 1855 and camped on what is now Sec. 4. Among these were ''Jack" Earle, W. H. Joy and John Draper. The population is composed mostly of Scotch at present, while most of the early pioneers have disappeared. SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. 611 SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. This township lies in the extreme southwestern corner of Wino- na county, having Qlrastead county on the west and FiUmore county on the south. Though the face of the country is somewhat broken along its western front, it contains some of as fine farming land as is to be found in any state of the Union. Settlements were made almost simultaneously in the western portion of the township and. along the northern ridge, adjoining the township of St. Charles. These settlements date back a period of nearly thirty years, and some of the claims then taken are still being farmed by the original pre-emptors. Tlie soil upon the prairie is a deep vegetable loam, with a clay subsoil ; but in the oak openings it is of a lighter char- acter, a sandy loam intermixed with gravel. This latter is a quicker, warmer soil, and specially adapted to the growth of corn, as this cereal ripens quicker on the gravelly soil, a very material considera- tion in this latitude. All the valuable farming lands of the township may be included under one or the other of these classes of soil. The western portion of the township is well watered and quite a valuable water privilege exists at Troy. The volume of water, thougli not large, having its sources in unfailing springs, afibrds with its head of twenty feet sufficient power to maintain a very considerable mill- ing industry. The staple of the farms in past years has been wheat, to which within the past decade the growth of barley has been added in quantities sufficient to dispute the palm. These grains, with clover and timothy seed (which are grown in large quantities), oats and corn, have been and still are the main dependence of the farmer throughout this whole region, little if any stock more than sufficient for farm purposes being raised. But as the wheat yield has decreased from time to time, more and more attention has been paid to the breeding of horses, cattle and swine for market, and now there are some valuable herds of these animals on well conducted stock farms within the area of the township. Dairying has also begun to challenge the attention of the farmers of this and adjoining townships, and some farms keep quite a number of milch cows, the number and quality of them increasing from year to year. Cream- eries are being established to manufacture the cream product of these dairy herds, and the industry promises soon to assume an important rank among the farm products of the western portions of the county. Considerable settlements had been made in Saratoga township 36 612 IIISTORr OF WINONA COUNTY. as early as the s])ring of 1855, a few pre-emptions and actual occu- pancy of the land dating as far back as the fall of 1858. The settle- ments during 1855 were numerous, and the following season, 1856, it was (juite difhcult if not impossible to fingl any valuable lands unclaimed. The formal organization of the township was effected under the new state government, May 11, 1858, at Troy, a small village and postoffice in the southwestern part of the township, at which time the usual officers were elected. Luke Blair and Thomas P. Dixon were appointed judges of election, and J. P. Moulton and E. W. Day, clerks. The whole number of ballots cast was MO. Luke Blair, elames Walker and Robert JSTesbit were elected super- visors ; J. C. Dixon, town clerk ; E. S. Harvey, assessor ; D. Dur- ham, collector of taxes ; Thos. P. Dixon and Oscar Kately, justices of the ]>eace ; L. M. Phelps and Alvin Durham, constables ; Geo. W. Grain, overseer of the poor, and L. B, Smitli, overseer of roads. The townshi]) was named Saratoga, on account of the beautiful natural springs in its western section, the vote standing eighty-six in favor of Saratoga and sixty in favor of Afton. The office of town clerk has been successively filled as follows: A. D. Trowbridge, elected as the successor of J. G. Dixon, in 1859, held the office three years ; E. W. Day, elected in 1862, served one year ; P. F. Thurbur, one year ; Wm. LI. Fry, one year. In 1865 E. W. Day was again elected and served until 1878, a period of thirteen years, when the present incumbent, E. B. Gery, was elected, and has held the office continuously until date, March 1, 1883. The town officers elected or holding over for 1882, are: J. D. Ball (chairman), Alexander Gampbell and O. B. Suthei-land, supervisors ; N. M. Gross, treasurer; W. B. Hesselgrave, assessor; E. B. Gery, town clerk; G. French and Samuel Gary, justices of the peace; Ira Canfield and James Wise, constables. A comfortable and commodious town hall was erected in 1877. It is situated in the center of the township and €08t $800. The military record of the township was never kept. The names recorded of the few men enlisted toward the close of the war, when the pros])ects of a draft were imminent, afford no ])ro})er data from which to calculate the number of men who volunteered from this township during 1861-65 inclusive. All that can be gathered on this ])oint will be ])resented in the military records of the county as a whole. No township register of births, deaths, marriages was kept, by which to determine positively the actual date of the earlier SARATOGA TOWISrSHIP. 613 of sucli events, yet the following statement concerning early town- ship matters may be taken as substantially correct. The first claim to United States lands under the pre-emption act made in this township was by one Hawes, some time in the season of 1853, but the date of his claim cannot be accurately given. The second, third and fourth claims were made by Luke Blair, on September 12, 1853, principally in Sec. 2, and were for himself and his two sons, Chas. L. and John L. Isaac Arnold and Fullerton also made claims that same fall, but date of claims is not ascertained. The first white child born in the township was George N. Blair, son of G-eo. W. and M. S. Blair (nee Deuell), born July 20, 1855. Following him was a son of Gilman French, born in the year 1855, then Geo. D. French, son of John S. and Kate French, born Feb- ruary 6, 1856 ; John M. Blair, son of John T, Blair, born in 1856 ; Otto Phelps, born some time in the fiill of 1856. The first death and burial in the township was that of a non-resi- dent, Rev. Angel Wright, who, following some horse thieves into this section from Iowa, was taken sick and died in Saratoga village, some time in the summer of 1855. The first death of an actual resi- dent was that of Justen Braddock, early in August, 1 856, and imme- diately following was that of Mrs. Dr. Gates, wife of G. L. Gates, M.D., now of Winona city, who died August 25, 1856. Harriet Warren died April 29, 185Y; an infant son of George Blair's, July 1, that season; a child of Henry Olney's about the same time, and Kate Flannigan in the following September. These last four were buried in what is known as Wortli cemetery, the others in Saratoga cemetery, but all within the bounds of the township. On the night before Christmas, 1856, a brother of Mrs. William Reeves, traveling from High Forest, Olmstead county, passed through Saratoga village, warmed himself at the hotel of Moulton & Dixon, and notwithstanding the warning of Mr. Dixon, concluded to try and reach his sister's house, five miles distant, despite the severe storm and cold. This man was found frozen to death on Sec. 9, by Mr. Charles Gerrish, on Christmas morning, eight o'clock, one- half a mile from his house, one and one-fourth miles from Mr. Reeves'. Mr. Gerrish took charge of the body without waiting for a coroner, and finding from the deceased papers that he had come from Chatfield, took him to Saratoga for identification. And this act of Mr. Gerrish's in taking charge of the bod} without waiting for coroner, was made the occasion of an electioneering argument 614 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. against liis election to the territorial convention of 1857, called to frame a state constitution. The first marriage actually celebrated within the township was that of Lester Becker and Shuah Littletield, December 25, 1855; but the marriage of William Smith and Jane FuUerton, residents of the township, was performed at Chatfield at least ten months earlier, about the middle of February, 1855. Following these was the mar- riage of Allen Whipple and Lois Harding, November 8, 1856, and that of Samuel Burns and Jane Flemraing, at probably an earlier date than the fall of 1856, but nothing positive can be ascertained in relation thereto. The first frame farm buildings in Saratoga township were erected on the claim of Luke Blair, N.W. ^ of Sec. 2. These were a frame barn, 16x24 feet, with 14 feet posts, and a frame dwelling (now standing as the kitchen part of the farm-house), 16x24, with 8 feet posts. These buildings were erected in the spring of 1855. The frame dwelling of H. G. Cox, still standing in excellent repair, built of oak plank, was erected in 1857. The first sawmill was built in the winter of 1856-57 (by H. G. Cox and Vincent Hix) for George Hayes and Lewis Smith. It was situated about one and one-half miles southeast from the village of Troy, on Trout run. The first gristmill was built in 1857, by Joseph and Samuel Musser, who brought their millwriglits with them from Pennsylvania. This mill is still standing at Troy, on the water privilege there, a most excel- lent one with about twenty feet head. The first crop of grain grown in the township, as nearly as now known, was on the Wheeler boy's claim, the N.W. J of Sec. 5, now owned by Lyman Cox. As early as 1854^5, Harvey & Broughton, and the following year Broughton & Andrews, ke])t small stocks of goods, groceries and sup- plies principally along the ridge on the north line of the township. In the fall of 1856, H. M. Clark, now of Chatfield, Olmstead county, brought in a small stock of groceries and crockervware, and started business in Saratoga village. This stock was sold the folk)wing spring to Dixon & Moulton and merged into the general store estab- lished by them in the spring of 1857. Rev. Gardner K. Clark was the first minister to settle in the town- ship. He came in the fall of 1866 (with his son H. M.) and the first church service (Congregational) was held in Gate's log-house, still standing, a monument of early pioneer times. The following sea- son, 1857, the church was built and in the fall of that year was oecu- SAKATOGA TOWNSHIP. 615 pied. This cliurch, the onlj one ever built in the township, is still standing and doing duty as a place of religious worship. The first hotel in the township was built and kept by Thomas P. Dixon, still a resident of the city, and J. P. Moulton, who at a later date represented Olmstead county in the state legislature, and for six years was receiver of the land office at Wellington, Minnesota. The first postoffice was established at Saratoga in 'the fall of 1856. Thomas P. Dixon was commissioned postmaster, and, with the ex- ception of two years during the latter part of Buchanan's adminis- tration, held the office until he resigned in April, 1882, the date of his removal from Saratoga to St. Charles. His removal from the office in 1858 and the appointment of John O'Learyas his successor, the latter a man who could neither read nor write, was effected on political grounds and mainly through the influence of the Chatfield land office. The first physician who located in the township was John C. Dixon, who taught school in the little settlement of Saratoga village during the winter of 1856-7, commencing practice as a physician in the spring of tlie latter year. Dr. Dixon is not now a resident of the county, having removed some years since to Candor, Tioga county, New York, The first schoolhouse in the township was built by voluntary subscription in the summer of 1856, on the town plat of Saratoga, near the church, and was first occupied that fall, when Dr. Dixon was employed as teacher. The first school taught in the township was opened in Charles Gerrish's house, on Sec. 9. This was a double log-house, and in one of these rooms, the south one, the school was opened in the summer of 1856 for a term of three months. The teacher's name was Helen Hewitt, and there were twenty-seven pupils on her school register. Evergreen Lodge^ No. JpS^ A. F. and A. M. — Located at Troy, a small post village in the southeast corner of Saratoga township, was chartered December 23, 1864, upon petition of S. Y. Hyde, A. IN". Rice, S. S. Armstrong, Vincent Hicks, J. C. Hopkins, E. J. Thompson, C. M. Lovell and D. S. Hacket. Mr. S. Y. Hyde, now of La Crosse, was the first worsliipful master, and his successors have been Freeman Morse, R, B. Kellum, S. 'L. Draper, M. H. Fuller and H. H. Straw. The first secretary was A. N. Price, suc- ceeded by Neil Currie, E. B. Grerry, W. W. Heyden, L. A. Gates, H. H. Heyden, W. E. Walker and W. B. Hesselgrave. The 616 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. present officers of the Lodge are: S. L. Draper, W.M. ; M. H. Fuller, S.W. ; R. McCready, J.W. ; E. B. Gerrj, Treas. ; W. B. Hesselgrave, Sec ; H- H. Straw, S.D. ; R. Sutherland, J.D. ; M. Campbell, Chap. ; W. E. Walker, Tiler. The total number of members connected with the Lodge since organization has been ninety. Of this number six have died, thirty-four appear on the list of present members, and the rest have demitted. Last year the lodge completed a new hall at a cost of $1,200, and are now in comfortable quarters. CHAPTER LIV. BIOGRAPHICAL. PIONEERS. Geo. W. Clark, the oldest pioneer settler of Winona county now living in its limits, was born in Denmark, Lewis county, New York, June 10, 1827. Brought up on tlie old home farm, he re- ceived the education commonly obtained in the schools of his section at that day, which was supplemented with two terms at the Lowville Academy, and in the spring of 1851 left home to take up^a|claim in the "far west." Journeying by steam or from Sacket's Har])()r to Lewiston, 'New York ; thence by rail to Buffalo, New York, and from that port to Detroit by steamer, he finally reached New Buffalo, now Grand Ilaven, Michigan, and embarked for Milwau- kee. From that city he made his way by team to Dodge ciMinty, Wisconsin, remained there with relatives until October 5 of that year, when, in company with three young men, he turned his face westward, tramped across the county to La Crosse, arriving in that city when the second frame building ever erected there was in course of construction for the firm of Roublee & Smith. Mr. Clark re- mained there four weeks, then, joining com})any with Silas Stevens and Edwin Hamilton, started up the river for what was then known as Wabasha prairie, the plateau u])on which Winona now stands. Bringing provisions and lumber for a shanty with them, they made their way up stream and finally landed on the bank of the Missis- sippi, near the present site of the big flou ring-mill, at 1:30 a.m. No- vember 13, 1851. Found Johnson, who had been on the ground ten days, asleep in his cabin, a mile down the river, and turned in BIOGRAPHICAL. 617 with him until dayhght. The next day, Kovember 14, they all went down to the extreme east end of the prairie, drove their stake for a starting point lor claims and began locating homesteads. The claim taken by Mr. Clark was numbered six, and is included in what is now known as Evans addition to the city of Winona. This was a claim of 160 acres fronting one-half mile on the river. That winter he lived on Stevens' claim, and in the following spring, 1852, built a log shanty on the claim he had intended to locate for his brother, but which he actually located for himself, and on which he is still residing. This log house, still standing, he occupied three or four years, then selecting a location some eighty rods nearer the bluff, on the south side the flats, built a two-story dwelling, 22x25, which has since been enlarged to its present dimensions, and in which he has now resided for more than a quarter of a century. This original farm of 160 acres, Mr. Clark has added to by subsequent purchases until the tract embraces a full half-section. The brother, Joseph Clark, for whom the claim was originally taken, came to the prairie in 1852, located his 160 acres where Beck's brewery was afterward built, but only lived until 1851:. He was buried at the foot of the bluff, where Woodlawn cemetery was located years afterward, and thus became the first dweller in that silent city. The property of Mr. Clark was included in the corporation of Winona when the city limits were first established, but was set off by act of legislature the following year. He is the only resident of the township who now owns the land he originally located, and resides upon it. February 11, 1857, Mr. Clark. married Miss Jane Lockwood, of Waupun, Wisconsin, of the Connecticut branch of the Lockwood family, who was born December 4, 1837. They have seven children, all living at home : Frank W., born January 4, 1858 ; Adah L., born January 27, 1860; Jay Scott, born November 4, 1862; Florence E., born July 28, 1868 ; Alfi-ed H., born March 26, 1870 ; Jennie A., born January 25, 1874 ; May, born September 13, 1878. The two eldest were in attendance at the normal school when obliged to discontinue study on account of health. Jay graduated at the high school class of 1881 ; in which were five native born Winonians, and it was the first class in which any such had graduated. Thomas Jones, farmer, is a Winonian by birth, and has spent all his life in this county, and may certainly be called an old settler. He was born in Winona December 20, 1850. His parents in the spring of 1852 took up a claim in Norton, and Thomas spent his 618 HISTORY OF WINONA Coeur de Lion Com- mandery, No. 3. He is married, has two children in school, and one daughter graduated from the high school class of 1882. Lyman Raymond, flour-barrel manufacturer, south side King street, near Huff. Business is the manufacture of hand-made bar- rels, and has been now in operation a little over six years. His lots front 120 feet on King, are 150 feet deep, and u})on them are erected the main manufactory, 120x30 feet, a storage-room 60x24 feet, and a building 120x24, used partly for manufacturing and partly for storage. The number of hands employed averages fifty, and two teams are constantly employed. Product is from 500 to 800 barrels BIOGRAPHICAL. 641 a day, all disposed of in the home market. Mr. Raymond was born in Camden, Oneida county, New York, September 4, 1820 ; was edu- cated in the common schools of his native place, and followed the farm until he was eighteen years of age, and for the next five years was salesman in a lumber firm. In 1843 he started business for himself in Camden, and was so engaged until 1854, when he came to "Winona county, took up a farm in Utica township near Lewiston, which he sold out the following year, 18.5.5, and returning to Cam- den resumed his old business, which he conducted until 1863. He then returned to Winona county, and was engaged in farming in Utica township for five years, then removed to Lewiston, still interesting himself in farm operations. His first barrel manufactory was started at Lewiston in 1872, and two years later removed to this city. For the past ten years Mr. Raymond has been extensively engaged in grain-threshing operations, and during the season of 1882 had four steam threshers at work, employing a force of six- teen hands. William Riley Stewart, born in Connecticut in 1817, re- moved with his parents while young to Steuben county, ITew York. Remained there until 1845, engaged in lumbering. He then removed to Lake county, Illinois, where he remained about nine years, and worked at blacksmithing. Removed to Rolling Stone township, Minnesota, November, 1854, and engaged in farming. Was married February 4, 1843, to Miss Helen Drew. The fruit of this marriage were four children, all of whom are living. Mrs. Stewart died in 1865. On May 20, 1856, Mr. Stewart married Miss Albina Drew. The fruit of this marriage were ten children, five of whom are living. Mr. Stewart has held the office of county super- visor and other minor offices. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Baptist church. The first sermon ever preached in Rolling Stone valley was preached at the house of Mr. Stewart, in the fall of 1856. Mr. Stewart owns about 350 acres. In politics, republican. R. D. Cone, wholesale and retail dealer in hardware, JSTos. 46 to 48 East Second street. This business has been in successful opera- tion in this city since 1855, and the proprietor is not only the oldest hardware merchant, but the oldest merchant of any kind now doing business in the city. When business was started the house occupied the west twenty feet of the present lot, was thirty feet deep and gave employment to one tinner, Mr. Cone himself being sole salesman. This establishment was destroyed in the great fire of 1862, in which 642 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the loss was $10,000 above insurance. The same and following season the present structure was built. The lot upon which it stands fronts sixty feet on Second and has a depth ot 140 feet ; the building is a three-story brick and stone basement, 40 feet front, 125 deep, the whole four floors devoted to the business of the house, which gives employment to two traveling salesmen, nine clerks and book- keeper and two manufacturing tinsmiths. The house carries a full assortment of shelf and heavy hardware, tin and wagon stock. Sales for 1882 about $175,000. R. D. Cone is a native of Shenango county. New York, and was in the stove and tinware business in Rochester, in that state, before coming to Winona, April 9, 1855. Mr. Cone was candidate for the mayoralty of this city when the office was first created, and defeated. He has since held the office two terms, and has several times represented his ward in the com- mon council and on the city school board. He was born November 8, 1821 ; married July 3, 1848, and has four children surviving his wife, who died some years since. The family residence is on the corner of Fifth and Main streets. y. Simpson, real estate and loan office, room No. 5, Simpson's block. Mr. Simpson is the son of B. F. and Eliza Simpson, of Lowell, Massachusetts, both of whom are now living; one aged eighty-three and the other eighty-two, after fifty-six years of married life. V. Simpson was born in Windham, and after some experience in dry goods business came west to Dubuque in 1852, and three years later to Winona, the date of his arrival here being April 12, 1855. On the 12tli day of the following August he opened a genei-al merchandising business in a building he had erected on the site of his present block, fronting on Center street. Continued in trade one year, and sold out, that he might devote all his attention to his agencies for freight and storage, which he held for all the transporta- tion companies doing business on the river. In the spring of 1852 he connected the supply of provisions with his freightage and stor- age business, and so continued until two years after the great fire of 1862, which swept away his property, entailing a loss of $60,000 and leaving him thoroughly cleaned out. In that year, 1864, he sold out his business to F. A. Seavey and established a real estate and loan agency. The Simpson block, built just after the great fire of 1862, is a solid three-story and basement structure, 68x120 feet, brick walls, stone foundations and basement, and cost $16,000. January 13, 1877, this block was destroyed by fire, and immediately BIOGKAPHICAL. 643 rebuilt at a cost of $15,000; loss about covered by insurance. In 1872 Mr. Simpson erected the Ely block, just across Center street from the Simpson block. This is also a three-storj and basement and brick, solid stone foundations and basement, iron cornice fronts, eighty feet on Second street and 140 on Center, and cost $45,000. Mr. Simpson is very largely interested in city property, and bis books show a tenantry numbering 182. He has also quite extensive investments in farming lands in this county, and owns one stock farm of 400 acres in Dodge county. Mr. Simpson has served one term as alderman of his ward, was mayor of the city during the years 1876-7-8-9, holds stock shares in several of the manufacturing companies of the city, and is always interested in city improvements" He is married and has three children : one son, a civil engineer in the United States service, on duty with the Missouri river improve- ment corps ; one daughter married to E. G. Nevins, of this city ; one daughter now attending Winona high school. George W. Blaie, N.E. J of Sec. 10, township of Saratoga. This claim was made April 14, 1855, by the present proprietor, and proved up by him October 1, 1860. Forty-five acres have been added to the original claim and the farm now includes 205 acres, almost exclusively prairie soil, which, in this locality, is a deep vegetable loam with a clay subsoil. There are now upon the farm thirty-five head of hogs, seven horses and eight head of cattle. The average yield per acre for the season of 1882 was as follows: Wheat, 14 bushels ; oats, 42 bushels ; barley, 35 bushels ; corn, 40 bushel ; timothy seed, 6^ bushels ; hay, 1^ and 2 tons. The first dwelling on the premises was erected in 1855, and was occupied until the present residence was built in 1870, a comfortable, tasty and commodious two-story frame. Mr. G. W. Blair is a native of Bennington, Vermont, but was for many years prior to his location in the county a resident of Albany, New York, where, previous to 1853, he was employed as clerk in both retail and wholesale houses. From 1853 to 1855 he was employed as keeper in the Sing Sing- States prison, on the Hudson. His wife. Miss M. S. Deuel, came with him from Albany, and they have five children living, all born on the old liomestead. They are, George N. Blair, born July 20, 1855, the first white child born in Saratoga township ; Burr D. Blair, born May 11, 1858 : Hattie E. Blair, born January 27, 1860, and Alice E. and Florence E. (twins), born December 27, 1865. The two sons are quite liberally educated, having supplemented such 38 644 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. teacliino; as the county afforded with some time at Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have both taught school, an employment in which Bui-r D. was engaged the past winter, and from which he has recently returned to his studies at the University of Michigan. Amasa Ctlkason was })orn in Half Moon township, Saratoga county. New York, September 25, 1825. He spent his youth upon a farm near Oswego, New York, receiving a very limited oppor- tunity to educate himself. His stepfather moved to Michigan, and died there in 1847. In 1848 Mr. Gleason went to Michigan and took care of his motlier's family. He lived there two years, then moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and lived about three years ; then he moved to La Crescent, Minnesota, and took a claim and lived one year, but not liking his surroundings he gave it up and came to Pleasant Hill in April, 1855, and entered a claim in Sec. 10, built a log shanty and went to chopping, clearing and improving his land. He was married to Miss Harriet Spalding, March 31, 1856. Their union has been blessed with live children, the two eldest of which are married. One resides near his father in Pleasant Hill, and the other has taken a homestead of 160 acres in Moody county, Minnesota. Mr. Gleason has suffered from asthma since coming to ]V[innesota in 1852. He is, politically speaking, a democrat, and has twice served his township as supervisor. He was also a member of the Sons of Temperance, charter member of Pleasant Hill, Patrons of Husbandry, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now very comfortably situated on 120 acres of good farming land, surrounded by all necessary comforts and many luxuries of life. Charles Henry Berry, one of the lawyers who located at Winona at an early day, is still living. He was born at WesteHy, Rhode Island, September 12, 1823, and is the son of Samuel F. and Lucy (Stanton) Berry. Both parents were descended from Hugue- not emigrants, who left France on the repeal of the edict of Nantes in the time of Louis XIV. The gi-andfather of our subject, Samuel Berry, held the office of justice of sessions in Ihe county of Kings, Rhode Island, imder the Colonial government. His commis- sion bears date May 7, 1774, is signed by Gov, Joseph Wanton, and is issued in the name of " His Most Sacred Majesty George the Third." He was known as a conservative at the beginning of the war of the revolution, but held his office until after the peace of 1783, and did efficient service in the cause of independence. Samuel BIOGRAPHICAL. (345 F. Berry, in October, 1828, removed with his family to Steuben county, New York, and settled in what was then a dense wilderness, about five miles from the present village of Corning. The journey from Rhode Island was over four hundred miles, wholly by emi- grant wagon. The route crossed the " North River," as the Hudson" was then generally called, at the village of Hudson, thence over the Catskill mountains to and down the Susquehanna and up the Chemung. The subject of our sketch has a distinct remembrance of this removal, and of the solemn and tearful farewells between his mother and her friends as she departed for the " up country," none of them expecting to meet her again. A removal was at that time a serious thing. The first to be done in their new home was to clear the land of its heavy forests of hemlock, pine and hardwood timber, a stern* rugged task, in which parents and children alike joined. But however cheerless the prospects of the pioneer to the parents, it was not more promising to the children. Their com- m^union was with nature, their pleasure in the pathless woods ; schools, all the appliances of civilized life, were only what the hardy settlers could improvise. But the boy had health and strength, and played, with his companions, his part in the short winter school and the rougher labors of the year. When seventeen years old he went to reside at Maine village, Broome county, where he attended an excellent private school conducted by Rev. William Gates. Alternating between this school and other employments, he passed the time until the fall of 1843, when in his turn he tried his hand at teaching. In fact a school was at this time a common employment for the winter. In Prof. Gates' school, and from forced self-instruction, he acquired the rudiments of an education, which was continued at the Canandaigua Academy, where he com- pleted an English and scientific course, graduating in July, 1846. At this time he had begun to read law in the office of E. G. Lapliam, of Canandaigua (now United States senator), and after reading about one and a-half years in this office he entered the law office of Hon. Alvah Worden, in the same town. Here he remained until admitted to the bar ; as soon as admitted he went to Corning. In 1849 he opened an office among the friends of his boyhood, and practiced alone until in May, 1851, he took as a partner the late Hon. C. W. Waterman. The firm of Berry & Waterman continued, first at Corning, then at Winona, until the close of the year 1871, when the junior partner retired, he having been elected district judge. 64 (i HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Mr. Berrv came to Winona to make it his home in May, 1855, and on the 17th of that month secured an office. Pie dates his business life in Winona from that time, though lie, in fact, returned to Corn- ing to make final arrangements for removal, and did not get back to Winona until in June. Since that time, as member of the fii-m of Berry & Waterman, then alone, and now of the firm of Berry & Morey, he has here practiced his profession without interruption. He was attorney -of-record in the first judgment docketed in Winona county, Frederick S. Barlow vs. Charles S. Hamilton, for $1,544.60, rendered and docketed August 7, 1855. Though an attorney, his desires have always been for peace, and not for controversy ; and it is but just to say that he has rarely allowed a dispute to be litigated if in his power to secure a settlement. On November 14, 1850, at Corning, New York, he was married to Miss Frances Eliza Hubbell, who is also still living. They have one child, Kate Louise, born August 25, 1857, who is the wife of his law partner, Mr. C. A. Morey. Mr. Berry, with his family, attends the Episcopal church, to the establishment and support of which he has ever been a reliable contributor. Born and reared in the democratic faith, he has generally acted with that party, though from 1847 to the dissolution of the " free soil party," he was a zealous advocate of its anti-slavery doctrines. He, however, refused to go with the abolition wing into the republican party and settled back into the old line. He cannot be said to have sought office, and yet from time to time has held office. He has been state senator, was the first attorney-general of the state, and has held other offices, but the one we believe he attaches the most importance to was his connection with the public schools of the city. He was from 1870, for eight years, president of the board of education, during which time the "Madison" and "Wash- ington " school buildings were erected, their grounds laid out and set with trees, and the schools themselves elevated to a high standard of excellence. With his equally willing associates in the board, he and they may long enjoy the pleasure of seeing these institutions growing in beauty and in power of usefulness ; the ])roduct of the liberality and enlightened spirit of the people who furnished the means, as well as of the fostering care of the builders. He also rendered efiicient service in securing the location of the first state normal school at Winona, and in the legislature in defeating the attempt made in 1874 to eliminate normal schools from the educational system of the state. In works of internal BIOGRAPHICAL. 647 improvement of the state, as well as in all things pertaining to the advancement of every real interest of the city and county, he has ever taken an interest, and generally given active and efficient aid. Thomas B. Taylor (deceased) was one of the early pioneers of Minnesota, having settled in the town of Dover in May, 1855,' on the farm adjoining this town now occupied by William Smith. In the fall of 1874 he sold his fjirm and removed to the city of St. Charles, where he died in the following December. Mr. Taylor was born in Howard, Massachusetts, in 1807. He married Miss Farnell Murdock, a native of the same state. Three of his sons and one daughter also emigrated west. The eldest, Charles, is sketched below ; Albert M. died at St. Charles, leaving a widow, now Mrs. Caleb Batchelor, and one child : Edward S. married Delia Wood- ard and resides at Mankato; he served three years during the war of the rebellion in a Vermont regiment ; Laura P. married J. H. Gardner, now deceased, and lives in St. Charles city. Charles H. Taylor, farmer, is a son of the above. He was born at Haverhill, Massachusets, August 8, 1833. He attended the common schools till sixteen years old, then took up his father's occupation of combmaker ; served some years as clerk in a store in Boston. On March 4, 1854, he married Miss Helen, a daughter of Ebenezer Burrell and Lucy Tucker, who were born in Canton, Massa- chusetts. In the fall of the following year Mr. Taylor came to Min- nesota. After residing one year in the town of Warren he pre- empted land in Sec. 12, Dover, but soon sold and removed to this town ; has bought and sold several times, and bought his present farm of 100 acres on Sec. 18 in 1876; previous to this time he resided in St. Charles city several years, keeping livery stable, bill- iard hall, etc.; is now quite extensively engaged in stockraising, giving attention to Jersey cattle, blooded horses and mules. Mr. Taylor enlisted in February, 1863, in Co. C, 5th Iowa Cav., and served till May 16, 1866. In the spring of 1864 his regiment was sent on service against the western Indians under Gen. Sully. He partici- pated in two engagements on the Little Missouri, in one of which his horse received two arrows, and was in several skirmishes on the Yellowstone. Mr. Taylor is a republican ; member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. and A. M.; was city constable in 1875. On January 25, 1866, he adopted a boy then ten days old, who was christened Clinton Taylor. Henry Hymen Straw was born in the town of Hayfield, Craw- 648 IIISTOKY OF WmONA COUNTY. ford ooiintv, Pennsylvania, February 11^, 1884. Mis parents were Philip and Leah (Gelir) Straw. His grand t^atliers, -Jacob Straw and David (lehr, were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania ; the latter was in the war of 1812. They were both farmers. Henry irrew to nianliood on a farm and was educated in the common schools. At the age of eighteen years he commenced as a clerk in the general merchandise establishment at Sagerstown, Pennsylvania, which he followed for two years. Tiring of the employment, he concluded to go west, and, consistent with his conclusions, he left the scenes of his early days and went to Dubucjue county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for a year. In May, 1855, he came to Winona county and entered a claim in Sec. 17, Saratoga township, which he improved and on winch he'still lives. December 29, 1857, he married Miss Jane R., daughter of Henry and Mary (Bisbee) Ingalls, early settlers of the vicinity. They are the parents of four children: George H., born September 25, 1858; Clara A., born November 9, 1860, died May ]5, 1863; Edward H., born October 17, 1868, and Alice R., born July 20, 1879. Mrs. Straw is a native of Erie county. New York, being born there March 1, 1841. Mr. Straw is a member of No. 46 lodge of Masons (Evergreen) at Troy, Minnesota. He is a ilemoci-at in politics, and was for a number of years supervisor of his township. H. D. Morse, real estate and loan agent, 89 East Second street, is a native of Vermont; took his preparatory course at Bakersfield, in his native state, but was obliged to intermit study on account of his eyesight, and instead of completing a collegiate course as intend- ed engaged in business. He came to Winona in May, 1855, and has been engaged in financial operations ever since. He was a heavy dealer in grain in this market from 1858 to 1864. He is a lafge owner of farming property in this and adjoining counties, his largest operations being in Olmstead county, where he is running a model stock farm. ]\lr. Morse is married, has one daughter attending the State Normal in this city and one son at Shattuck's School, Faribault, in this state. He is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., and also of Winona Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. The family are connected with the Episcopal parish of this city. John Wonder, florist, was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1832. Bred a florist in his native country, he came to America with his parents at twenty years of age, settling with his parents on a farm in Scott county, Iowa. Came to AVinona August 25, 1855, and after BIOGRAPHICAL. 649 two years in the employ of the land office, established a market garden on the southern slope of Sugar Loaf Bluff, which he con- . ducted in person until 1867, and an interest in which he still re- tains, though the active management is in the hands of his brother-in-law, C. F. Rohweter. In 1866 Mr. Wonder purchased three-and-one-half lots on Kansas street and commenced business as a florist. His greenhouses and hotbeds have been enlarged from year to year until he has now three thousand and live hundred square feet under glass, and over three thousand square feet of hot- beds. Mr. Wonder lias just completed his arrangements for heating the greenhouses with hot-water pipes, and has already in place seven hundred feet of four-inch pipe, his boilers having an additional capacity of three hundred feet. He is married and a member of Oak Grove Lodge, No. 15, A. O. D. Samuel Fox, dealer in clothing and furniture goods, No. 22-24 East Second street. This business was established September 7, 1855, on Johnson street between Second and Third, where the Com- mercial Hotel now stands, and was at that time the only clothing house in the city. Four years later business was removed to Centre street, between Second and Front, and shortly afterward to the present location, where the stock was destroyed in the great fire of 1862, loss about ^5,000. Immediately after the fire Mr. Fox erected his present building, of which possession was taken in 1863, al- though he himself did not occupy it until 1871. During these years, from 1863 to 1871, the premises were successively occupied by Charles Benson, drugs ; Gushing & Cummings, boots and shoes ; and Jackson & Potter, grocers. The building is a two-story brick, with stone basement, seventy-five feet front and seventy deep. Business, which was at first principally jobbing, changing with the demands of trade and growth of the city, is now exclusively retail. Mr. Fox is a native of Russiaii Poland, born in 1830 ; came to America at sixteen years of age ; was bred a clerk from his thirteenth year, and was in New York city previous to coming to this city. He is a member of the Winona board of trade and a "bachelor hy pro- fession." WmoNA County Abstract Office ; Fellows, Rebstock & Clarke ; office in fire-proof building adjoining court-house on the east. This office is furnished with the only set of abstract books now or at any previous time prepared in this county. It comprises the old Lester & Pettibone records, which came through them to (>5() HISTOKY OP^ WINONA COUNTY. John Hull, and through him to his partner John B. Fellows, head of the present firm. These books are a perfect transcript of the county records, and, sliould tliese latter be destroyed, could be correctly restored from the abstract office. In 1873 an index set, for the pur- })ose of checking uj) book and page of original abstract, was l:)egun by II. W. Jackson, and afterward purchased and completed by Rebstock & Clarke. This index set is now included in the books of the Winona county abstract office. It consists of three volumes : one containing list of Winona city property, one with list of ail vil- lage propert}', and the other the lands outside city and village plots. Mr. J. B. Fellows is a native of New York, by profession a sur- veyor ; came to Winona in 1855, remaining until 1857, when he removed to Rochester, in this state, returning to this city in 1866. During 1858-9 was in government employ in Stearns county; was county surveyor for Winona county from 1868 to 1878, and city sur- veyor during the same period. Since 1879 has not been in that prrifession. For the past two or three years has been dealing in Northern Pacific lands in the Red River country. Mr. Fellows is married and has one son attending the city high school. Lauer & Anding, druggists and dealers in paints and oils. Business of this house was established in May, 1877, on the north side of Third street between Market and Franklhi, under the firm name of J. W. Lauer & Co. In 1881 they built their present drug house and took possession May 17 of that year. It is a two-story and basement brick, 22x70, and here they are doing a thriving business, sales to date of November 1, 1882, showing an increase of 85 per cent over corresponding period of last year. Members of firm ai'e J. W. Lauer and C. W. Anding. J. W. Lauer was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; came to Winona with his parents in 1855, being then eighteen months old. His father, John Lauer, was a manufacturer of furniture in this city from the year of his arrival until his death, in 1861. Mr. J. W. Lauer was educated in this city and in the English-German Academy at Milwaukee. In 1867 he entered the drug house of Edward Pelzer, remaining five years ; went to Milwaukee, and was for two years with a drug house in that city, then for two years more with a Rochester firm, at the expiration of which time he returned to this city and established business for himself. Mr. Lauer is a member of the Philharmonic Society of this city, and of Oak Grove Lodge, No. 15, A. CD. C. W. Anding, brother-in-law of J. W. Lauer, is a native of Wis- BIOGRAPHICAL. 651 consin ; came to Lake City, Wabasha county, with his parents, when ten years of age, the family settling on a farm. At twelve years of age entered the drug house of James Crowley & Co., Wabasha, and was in their employ three years, when the firm sold out. Was engaged in farming and pursuing his studies until 1877, when he entered the drug house of Lauer & Co., and in December of the same year married Miss M. Lauer, sister of the senior member of the firm. Huff House ; F. M. Cockrell, owner and proprietor. This house stands on the corner of Johnson and Third streets, and is the oldest as well as the largest hotel in the city. The original hotel, 60 X 90, was built by H. D. Huff in 1855, and opened to the public on June 5 of that year, with Willis & Hawthorne as proprietors. In the fall ^JjJSi^^j ^A, Huff House. of that same year Messrs. F. M. Cockrell and Williams bought out Mr. Willis' interest, and business was conducted under the firm name of Cocki-ell & Co. until 1861, when Hawthorn's interest was purchased and the house became Cockrell & Williams. The prop- erty was purchased in 1863 by the lessees, by whom it was owned until 1S72, when Mr. Williams was accidentally killed and Mr. Cockrell became sole proprietor and owner. The dining-room addi- tion was built in 1857, and the brick addition ten years later. The lots upon which the hotel stands front 120 feet on Third street, and crossing the alley in the rear give a depth of nearly 200 feet. The hotel structure, as it now stands, is 60x140 feet, three stories in height, and has comfortable accommodations for 100 guests. The billiard hall is furnished with four tables, and special provision is made for the wants of commercial travelers. The house employs a force of thirtv-five servants. 652 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Mr. Cockrell is a native of Kentucky, born in 1814, and has been engaged in liotel business lor nearly half a century, having opened his tirst hotel in his native state in 1835. Was in hotel business in Cincinnati for some time, and came from there when he located in Winona. Mr. Cocki*ell is a member of the board of trade and one of the ten stockholders of the Winona Gas Light Company. He is also a Master Mason of forty -live yeai's' standing. Christian Dbinohahan was born in Miokleburgh, Germany, in 1820, and came to this country in 1852, when he worked on a larm in Wisconsin, and afterward working on a railroad in Indiana. He went to California, where he remained three years, seeking his for- tune in the gold diggings. In 1855 he came to Mount Vernon, taking up land by the river. He purchased his present farm in 1860. Mr. Drinchahan has been remarkably successful, and is one of the wealthiest citizens in the township and probably the largest land- owner. He was married in 1855 to Miss Doris Fhirot, and has a fine family of six children. He is an active re))ublican and a Lutheran in religious opinions. There are few other settlers in the township that so thoroughly enjoy the respect and esteem of the citizens generally as does Mr. Drinchahan. James Montgomery is of Irish descent, his fathei" emigrating to this country in 1820. James was born at Rochester, New York, in 1830, moving west with his lather's family in 1840 and settling in Elinois. During the winter months he attended district school, work- ing on the farm in the summer. He remained with his father until 1855, when he married Mary, daughter of Isaac Pomeroy, of Illinois, and moved into Mount Yernon, on the place he now resides. Mur. Montgomery experienced all the vicissitudes and hardships of a first settler, and wiis often brought into rather disagreeable contact with the redskins. On one occasion, during the absence of himself and wife, they completely cleaned his shanty out, leaving them nothing but the clothes they stood in. He has two sons, James and John, who assist him in the care of the farm. Nick Bartholme was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1824, emigrating to this country in 1849, visiting the states of Missouri and Illinois before finally settling in Minneiska in 1855, when he landed on the island opposite where the village now stands. Mr. Bartholme suffered every privation incident t<^ first settlement. One year, owing to malarial att'ection, was only enabled to earn $21, and tluit was by cutting twenty-one cords of wood, and he had to support BIOGRAPHICAL. 653 himself and family on that a whole winter. Mr. Bartholme is identified with the village of Minneiska from its first inception, engaging in every and any occupation that presented itself. He has a snug homestead in Mount Vernon, adjoining the village, and is now, and has been for many years, employed in the grain elevator of Brooks ]3ro8. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary Waggoner, and has a family of seven children. Enoch Brown was born November 15, 1843. He does not know where, neither does he know the names of his parents or any of his family history. He was bound to a man by the name of Fen- nan Drake when he was very young, and came with him to Minne- sota, where they landed in the fall of 1855, and settled in the town- ship of Homer on Homer Ridge. On July 25, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 6th Minn. Inf., and served with his regiment in quelling the Indian outbreak in Minnesota. He then went south, in the spring of 1863, and served the term of his enlistment for three years and was discharged at Fort Snelling. He was wounded slightly in his right hand and severely in the left leg at the battle of Birch Coolie, the ball passing through ( ne bone. He had several shots through his hat and clothing. He is now drawing half pension, and has applied for an increase, which will probably be granted, as his dis- ability becomes greater as age advances. He was one of those honest soldiers who was always at his post of duty. In 1866 he was married to Miss Livina Downing, daughter of B. F. and Malinda Downing, by whom he had eight children: the eldest, Benjamin R., born January 27, 1867; Flora, born April 9, 1869; Fred O., born April 25, 1871, died August 2, 1872; Emma M., born August 17, 1872; Ora E., born July 22, 1874, died June 21, 1878; Warren L., born January 31, 1877; Goldie, born January 31, 1879; Clifford R. D., born December, 1880. Mr. Brown owns a small farm seven miles from the city of Winona; runs a threshing machine, and is an honest, well-meaning citizen, and a republican in politics. Charles Colwell Williams, a native of New York State, where he was born in 1830, and came west when quite a boy, his father settling in Iowa. Mr. Williams moved into Mount Vernon in 1855, purchasing the farm he now occupies. He was married to Eliza Plank in Iowa in 1854, and has two daughters. Charles Clark was born in Delaware county. New York, August 15, 1838, and received a limited common school education. His father moved to Wisconsin, and kept a dairy for several years, and ()54 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. then to Pleasant Hill, Minnesota, in 1855, and bought out the claim of Hosea Raymond, and moved into the claim shanty 12x16 feet, without roof, floor, door or window. Here he lived with his widowed daughter and her three children (making a family of nineteen souls) from September 1 till November 1. While in this crowded and exposed condition no less than nine of the family had the ague at one time. Charles Clark was married to Eliza Johnson in 1861, and the next year he worked his father's farm, and in the early winter he moved to the city of Winona and followed teaming through the winter. In the spring he moved on eighty acres north of his father's and went to farming. He has cleared and improved his farm until at present (1882) there only remains four or five acres of unredeemed land upon his eighty. Mr. Clark has suffered consider- able loss in stock ; having lost seven or eight head of horses at different times, some of them valued at $200 to $300. He has a family of six children : the eldest, Olive M. is married to the only son of Samuel W. Spalding. The rest are with their parents in the enjoyment of peace and plenty. CuARLES Gp:rrish, |)resident of the St. Charles board of trade, is one of the old settlers of Saratoga township, where he was engaged in farming for over twenty years previous to his removal to St. Charles in 1876. Mr. Gerrish is a native of Canterbury, New Hampshire, and was engaged in farming there from his j'outh until the fall of 1854, when he came west ; spent the winter of 1854—5 in New Buffalo, Michigan, and the following spring removed to Minne- sota. June 19, 1855, he jjurchased the Whipple claim, N.E. J Sec. 9, Saratoga township, and took up his residence there with his family, consisting of a wife and two children. In February, 1876, this farm was sold to its present occupant, J. D. Ball, and Mr. Gler- rish removed to this city. Mr. Gerrish was prominently identified with all the early history of Saratoga township. The first school taught in that township, as also the first election ever held in that precinct, was held at his liouse. He was a delegate to the district convention assembled at Wabasha in 1857 to nominate candidates for the constitutional convention, was there put in nomination, and was afterward elected and served as a member of the constitutional convention; assembled at St. Paul that same year, 1857, to frame a state constitution. During the war period was township treasurer, the only township office ever held by him. He is at present a member of the city board of education, and on the BIOGRAPHICAL. 655 organizatioTi of the St. Charles board of trade was made its chah-man. Mr. Gerrish is married and has three children, two ot tliem born in New Hampshire, one in Saratoga. Two of the children are mar- ried and settled in the county, one resides at home. S. A. Johnson & Co., dealer in shelf and heavy hardware, stoves and tinware, and jobbers in tin and sheet iron, North End, White- water street. This business was established in 1866 by Marshall (liddings, and at his death passed into the hands of Charles Wells, b}'' whom it was sold to the present proprietor in 1877. At this latter date business was carried on in a storeroom across the street, and so continued until tlie erection of the present commodious brick in 1880. This building erected jointly hy Messrs. Johnson & Co., and Gates and Wardner, and the masonic lodges of St. Charles is a substantial two-story brick, stone basement, fronting 54 feet on White- water street, and having a depth of 80 feet, the whole costing about $7,000. The staircases, being exterior to the building, gives a clear front of 25 feet to each of the storerooms. Johnson & Co. have their warerooms and tinshop in the rear ; carry a heavy stock of goods, employ four persons, and their books show an increased trade for the season of 1882 of 20 per cent in excess of the trade of previous year. The present members of the firm are S. A. John- son and E. C. Johnson. S. A. Johnson is a native of Massachusetts, and previous to coming to Winona county, in 1855, was in the boot and shoe trade in the east. Locating in St. Charles tovtTiship Mr. Johnson took his claim on Sec. 7 and farmed it there seventeen years before removing to the city. Has not been engaged in busi- ness here until he purchased his hardware stock, as before mentioned. Since coming here has been for several terms a member of the city government. His masonic record is good, and he is an approved member of both chapter and blue lodge. Mr, Johnson is married and has five children, all grown up. CHAPTER LV BIOGRAPHICAL. PIONEERS CONTINUED. Samuel S. Beman (deceased). — The subject of this sketch was a son of Rev. N. S. S. Beman, D.D., wlio was forty years pastor ot the First Presbyterian cliurch of Troy, New York. The son was born just before the removal to Troy, at Mount Zion, Hancock county, Georgia, March 11, 1822. He studied Uiw with David L. Sevmour at Troy, and removed in 1843 to Ahibama, where he engaged in practice in partnership with his brother, William L. Yancy. In 1816 he was a whig candidate for congress, in a district having 6,000 democratic majority, and was beaten by only thirty votes. He returned to New York in 1850, and was elected to the legislature two years later. Mr. Beman came to Minnesota in 1855 and settled on a farm in Saratoga township, this county ; in 1861 he removed to St. Charles, where he continued to reside till his death, which occurred May 9, 1882. At this time he was a member of the state senate, in which he had previously served several terms. He was a member of the first state legislature, elected in 1857. During the latter year he married Caroline W., daughter of the late Ebenezer Whiton, of Elyria, Ohio. The family of the deceased includes three children. The eldest, Nathan, was born February 22, 1859, and is now living at Deming, New Mexico ; Louisa, July 10, 1860, married J. D. Marston, and resides in Chicago, Illinois ; Kate, March 9, 1865, is now a student at the state normal school in Winona. Mrs. Beraan at present resides in St. Charles. At the age of seven years, Mr. Beman's spine was injured by a fall from a horse, and on account of this injury, combined with an attack of typhoid fever, his body was stinted and deformed, but his intellect continued to grow, and his was recognized as a master mind. His command of language was something remarkable. On his death, the bar of Winona county and tlie city council of St. Charles passed resolutions of respect to his memory and condolence with his family, and his fimeral was largely attended by the bar of Olmsted county. Lewis Skidmore, farmer, son of John and Ruth Skidmore, was BIOGRAPHICAL. 657 born in Schoharie county, New York, in 1830, and there attended school till seventeen years of age, living with his father (his mother having died about 1853) till 1855, when he visited Whitewater and purchased eighty acres of good farm land in Sec. 35, T. 108, R. 10, and in the fall of same year ( 1855 ) returned east. In November, 1848, our subject married Miss Nancy E. More, daughter of T. More, of Schoharie county, New York, and by this marriage has had nine children, born as follows: Melvin H., born March 31, 1850, now (1883) living in Dakota; Cyremus A., born August 23, 1851, married in 1875 Jennie Sylvester, of Wabasha county, Minnesota, is also living in Dakota ; John W., born March 4, 1853, married Maud Murdock, 1881 ; Elinor, born June 25, 1855, married in 1874 G. Mortimer Stoning, of Whitewater, Minnesota. All of above children were born in the State of New York, the rest being born in Whitewater: Franklin, born May 1, 1858, died May 29, 1863 ; Susan E., born October 9, 1860 ; Edward W., October 7, 1866; Mary E., May 11, 1870; Stella, October 31, 1873. In the spring of 1856 our subject returned with his family to Whitewater, and lived in a log cabin wliich was standing on the land bought the year before, John and Dave Cook having built it. During the month of April, 1858, our subject built the frame house which he now occupies. From 1868 till 1881 our subject held the office of town assessor, and for a number of years has been justice of the peace. In 1863, feeling that the country needed the services of every able man, our subject left his wife and family and enlisted in the 2d reg. Minn. Yol. Cav., Co. L., with which regiment he served three years, being mustered out in 1866. In the fall of 1880 was elected county commissioner, which office he still (1883) holds. Is a Mason, being a member of Illustrious Lodge, No. 63, of Plainview, Minnesota. Always votes the republican ticket. Has liberal views on religious subjects, and is connected with no church, but is much respected by all who know him. Hon. David McCaety, farmer, son of Seth L. and Rebecca (McCausland) McCarty, both born in Lycoming county, Pennsyl- vania, and married in 1833, by which marriage he had ten children : five boys and five girls. David McCarty, subject of our present sketch, was born in 1836, in Whitchurch, Ontario, Canada. In 1838 moved with parents to Port Huron, where he attended school until 1851, when moved to Stephenson county, Illinois, where he remained one year and again moved, this time to Winnebago county. ()58 HISTOKY OF WINONA COTNTY. Illinois, and in the spring of 1855 moved to Olmsted county, Min- nesota, and in the fall of same year to the tc)wn of Plainview. In the latter })art of 1S59 married Miss Cynthia C. Smith. In 1802 moved to the town of Whitewater, where he purcliased his present farm of about 200 acres, situated in the extreme northwest of the town of Whitewater. Our subject has been four times elected super- visor. Was elected member of the state legislature in 1878. In ))olitics he is a democrat, in religion a Freethinker. Is a Knight Templar and member of the Home Commandery, No. 5, Rochester, and member of Plainview Chapter and Illustrious Lodge, of Plain- view. Joined the masonic order in 1865, at Oxford county, Maine, while visiting some friends. Mrs. Cynthia C. (Smith) McCarty is also a Mason, being a member of Eastern Star Lodge, of Plainview. Is also a Freethinker in religion. Pliny Putnam, farmer, born in Vermont, November, 1801, and married in New York in 1823 to Flora Edgerton. She was born July 15, 1806, and died April 6, 1876. By this marriage he had eight children, as follows : Orilla, born October 14, 1824, died Oc- tober 3, 1826; Daniel SimjJironius, born September 20, 1827; Alvers Zebina, born October 1, 1829 ; Florilla, born September 13, 1831 ; Alonzo Davis, born September 7, 1834 ; Isaac Edgerton, born September 7, 1837, died February 6, 1877; Charles, born Oc- tober 17, 1842 ; Worthy Adelbert, born May 26, 1845. Our sub- ject moved to New York about 1822, where he remained till 1855, when he moved to Cook county, Illinois, and the same year moved to Whitewater valley, Minnesota, where he pre-empted 160 acres of land, and in 1856 built the frame house now (1883) occupied by his son Charles, in which he lived till his death in 1881. Was a mem- ber 01 the Methodist Episcopal church. Alonzo D. Putnam, farmer, son of Pliny and Flora (Edgerton) Putnam, moved to Rolling Stone valley in 1854, and during the win- ter of same year assisted in laying out the village of Stockton. In sj)ring of 1855 moved to Whitewater, where he purchased a claim of 160 acres from A. S. Hopson, and pre-empted it. The land is situ- ated in Sec. 10 and 11, T. 108, R. 10. Our subject was born in Oswego county. New York, in the year 1834, and in 1865 married Miss Sarah J. Ford. In 1862, answering the call of his country, he joined Co. C, 10th Minn. Inf., and was chosen corporal. In Decem- ber, 1863, had to return home to recruit his strength, and in the spring of 1864 again joined his company, but in the fall of same BIOGEAPHICAL, 659 year was discharged for inability induced by exposure during illness. In 1879 he built the house now occupied by himself and wife. Has three times been elected chairman of the board oi supervisors for the town of Whitewater ; has also been elected treasurer. Is a repub- lican; in religion a close communion Baptist. Mrs. Sarah J. (Ford) Putnam, wife oi our present subject, was born in the town of Poult- ney, Vermont, in the year 1835. In 1864 moved to Whitewater, where she married as before mentioned ; is also a close communion Baptist. • • Andrew Jackson McRay, farmer, son of Orsemous McRay, was bom in McKean county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, where for a few years attended school, and in 1843 moved with his father to Dane county, Wisconsin, where in 1852 his father died. In 1855 our sub- ject moved to Minnesota and speculated in cord wood, selling to the steamboats. In 1861 bought a larm containing 110 acres in the valley of the Whitewater, and has subsequently added to this 230 acres, making in all 340 acres. In 1866 married Charlotte Crump, born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. Has had by this marriage ten children, born as follows : Hattie, born February 7, 1867 ; Ella, born 1869, died 1870 ; Jane, born 1871, died 1872 ; Charles and Andrew (twins), born 1873, Charles died August, 1873 ; Frank, born 1875 ; Clarence, born December 13, 1877 ; Ellen, born 1878 ; Harry, born 1880 ; baby, born January 6, 1882. Has been three times elected town assessor ; always has and always will vote the republican ticket. Is a Freethinker on religious subjects, as is also his wife, Mrs. Charlotte (Crump) McRay. John Ham, farmer, S. i of S.W. J of Sec. 21 and X. i of N.W. J of 28, township of St. Charles. This claim was located in the fall of 1855, proved up the same season, became the family resi- dence and has so continued since that date, a period of over twenty- seven years. The first house built by Mr. Ham on this property was nearly in the center of the claim, a log house still standing, built the same season he pre-empted, 1855. This house was aban- doned for a small frame one built in 1862 now doing duty as a granary, and which ceased to be occupied as a dwelling in 1868 when the present commodious farm-house was erected. The original claim has been added to by purchase from time to time until the farm now includes 353 acres, part prairie and part bottom land. This latter is a sandy loam, a warm quick soil, well adapted for the growth of corn in so high a latitude as this. Mr. Ham's farming 39 660 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. operations ijic'lii(lc> both grain and stock raising. His average crop ])er acre for season of 1882 was: wheat, 14^ bushels; barley, 40 bushels ; oats, 45 bushels ; corn, 40 bushels ; timothy-seed, 7 bushels ; the stock upon the farm numbers : horses, 12 head; cattle, U'> head; hogs, 28 head. Mr. Ham is a native of Somersetshire, England, h'om which country he emi- grated to America in 1850, settling in Iowa in the western part of Dubuque county, where he remained until coming to his present location as betore said in the fall of 1855. July 12, 1858, he married Miss Sarah Talbot, of Dyersville, Dubuque county, Iowa. They have live children, all born in Winona county on the old home- stead and all still living at home, the eldest, Alva George, born July 19, 1857, is among the early natives of St. Charles township. Shortly after coming to the county Mr. Ham was present and assist- ed at the raising of the old Stockton mill in company with a man then of Gilmore valley, and with whom Mr. Ham stopped over night in coming to his claim with his family. Lewis B. Ferrin, farmer, is a son of Aaron and Phoebe Ferrin, who removed from New York in early life to Hebron, New Hampshire, where the subject of this sketch was born February 2, 1820 ; he was the youngest of twelve children, all of whom have passed away but two. Aaron Ferrin was a farmer, and gave his children such educa- tional advantages as the common schools of their native town afforded. That the youngest made good use of his limited oppor- tunities is evinced by his general intelligence and position in the business and social community. On reaching maturity he engaged in farming on his own account. He was married February 28, 1841, to Margaret D. Brown, whose parents were Deliverance and Mary Brown, all of New Hampshire birth. In 1855 Mr. Ferrin emi- grated to the New West, landing in Winona with his family on June 10. He purchased a claim in the town of Warren, this county, and at once proceeded to open up a farm. In 1860 he built a hotel on his farm to accommodate the large travel then passing his door. For six years he continued to entertain man and beast, and then sold farm and all to the present occupant, Duncan McDougald. After visiting his childhood's home Mr. Ferrin took up his residence in Mankato, but one year's life away from the farm tired him of town life, and he came to St. Charles and purchased his ])resent home on Sec. 18. This was the first land entered in the town- ship, being taken up by L. H. Springer, founder of the city of BIOGRAPHICAL. 661 St. Charles. The estate now embraces 117 acres of farm land and two blocks (five and one-half acres) in the city. It has been highly im- proved by the present owner, who erected large and convenient buildings and has the ground under a high state of cultivation. Al- though now sixty-three years of age, Mr. Ferrin plowed eighty acres of land in the fall of 1882,- his own age and that of the team employed made a sum of a hundred and fifteen years. His present farm is the third on which he has erected buildings and made all improvements. Mr. Ferrin was formerly a democrat, but now es- pouses the principles of the greenback party; he was a member of the board of supervisors in Warren for several years, being chair- man a portion of the time. Since his residence here he has been a member of the St. Charles city council. In religion he is a liberal. Hatsel Brewer, farmer, was one of Winona county's pioneers. He was born in Royalton, Windsor county, Vermont, in 1802. He married Polly Bloss, who was born in the same year in the same locality. (Tlieir fathers were pioneers in Vermont, having removed from Connecticut.) He was one of the pioneer farmers at Water- town, Wisconsin, where he settled in 1846. His eight children settled about him there, and three sons came to Minnesota with him. He located in St. Charles in 1855, and remained here till his death, which occurred A])ril 9, 1874. Mrs. Brewer survived her husband several years, passing away May 11, 1881. Mr. Brewer bought a farm one mile south of Dover, which he tilled for many years. He was a charter member of the St. Charles Congregational church, and served the town as justice of the peace. Ira Carlos Brewer, farmer, is a son of the above; he was bor-n in Tunbridge, Orange county, Vermont, December 16, 1832. He received the training of an American farm lad, assisting in the labors of his parents and attending the district school. His father's removal to Wisconsin occurred when he was thirteen years old, and he attended a select school at Watertown a short time. He came to St. Charles in 1857 and bought his brother's claim to 160 acres of government land on Sees. 13 and 24 in the township of Eyota, Olm- sted county, which he still owns, and to which he has since added fifty-four acres by purchase. He continued to reside in this city; since 1866 his residence has been on Sec. 18, where he owns eighty acres, at that time purchased in partnership with his father ; this lies within the city. On December 26, 1867, he married Lizzie Evans, who was born in Utica, New York. (Mrs. Brewer's father, OG'2 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. Daniel Evans, was also an early settler in St. Charles. He was born in Wales in 181 ;i He married Sarali James and came to America at twenty-one years of age, settling in Utica, New York, where he pur- sued liis trade, that of tailor. He removed to Winona in 1856, and to St. Charles in 1860. While here he owned a farm in Dover which he tilled. He removed to Lansing in 1806, and subsequently to Faribault, where he taught tailoring in the State Mute Asylum. Mr. and INIrs. Evans were charter members of the Congregational church societies at Winona, St. Charles and Lansing ; Mr. Evans was a deacon in all of them, and also at Faribault. Both died at Faribault. From 1870 to 1875 Mr. Brewer kept a flour and teed store in St. Charles. During the last three years he has manufac- tured 3,000 gallons of amber cane syrup. He enlisted in November, 1863, in Co. A. 2d Minn. Cav., and served under Gen. Sully in the campaigns against the Indians on the frontier until April, 1866. Mr. Brewer is a member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. and A. M. ; is also clerk of the Congregational society at St. Charles, of which he has been a member nearly ever since its organization. Two children have been given to him, as follows : Bertha E., born May 9, 1870, and Carlos W., born December 30, 1882. Robert Crooks, farmer, son of an Irish linen weaver, was born in County Tyrone, November 16, 1817. At a very early age he began to assist his father in his daily labors. At twelve years old he went into the Scotch coal mines. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States. The first two years of his residence in America were spent at the coal mines of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and the next three in the Dubuque lead region. Mr. Crooks became a resident of Minnesota in the spring of 1855, having satisfied himself of its advantages during a visit made the previous fall. He took up 160 acres of government land on Sec. 32, in the town of Elba, which he still owns. In 1871 he bought 240 acres on Sec. 28, in the same town, on which he resided three years. During the same year he bought lots in St. Charles and built a store on the corner of White- water and Winona streets. In 1874 he built a residence adjoining the store, on Whitewater street, and has ever since dwelt therein. He now has 720 acres of land, of which 320 are in this township, and tills a part of it himself. He was married November 5, 1855, to Agnes, relict of John King, born in Paisley, Scotland, January 25, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Crooks were reared in the Presbyterian church, with which they have always been connected till the merging BIOGRAPHICAL. 663 ol the Presbyterian and Congregational societies at St. Charles, the members of the former uniting with the latter. Mr. Crooks was an Odd-Fellow imtil his residence in Minnesota. In politics he is a republican ; was a member of the town board in Elba in 1864-5. He has one child, Elmer, born July 6, 1802 ; his home is with his parents. Mrs. Crooks has an elder son, Alexander King, born April 22, 1848. Her daughter, Maggie King, was born August 28, 1844; she married Samuel Stebbins, of Winona ; died in Dakota, Novem- ber 19, 1882. Samuel T. Harris, farmer, was born in Blagden, Somersetshire, England, September 7, 1826. He attended the common school till fifteen years old, when he was apprenticed to a joiner. In 1849 he set out for America, and landed at New York on May 1. He at once proceeded to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he pursued his trade ; thence he proceeded to Dubuque county, Iowa, and built the first houses in Dyersville, that county. In 1855 he proceeded to AVinona and continued his building operations in that city. He became a resident of St. Charles, being employed in building houses and in the wagon factory. In 1860, with the savings accumulated since his arrival here, he purchased sixty acres of land on Sec. 15. By various subsequent purchases he has acquired a total of 320 acres, lying on Sees. 15 and 22. In 1875 he bought his present handsome resi- dence on Richland street, in the city of St. Charles, and has occupied it since October of that year. He was married on May 23, 1863, to Elizabeth Day, who was born in Ware, Somersetshire, August 5, 1832 ; she died on February 19, 1883, leaving five children to mourn her loss, with the husband and father. Their names and dates of birth are as follows : Edward Samuel, February 6, 1 866 ; John Arthur, April 6, 1867 ; Charles Henry, May 31, 1868 ; Hester H., January 18, 1871 ; Thomas, March 9, 1873. Mrs. Harris was a Congregationalist in religious faith ; Mr. Hams was reared an Episcopalian, and still adheres to the faith of his fathers. He is a democrat in politics. He has attained success in life by industry and perseverance. His life has been a quiet one, and when it is done all will say, ' ' a good citizen is gone. " Job Thornton, farmer, is a grandson of James Thornton, a native of Vermont, who served the colonies as a soldier during the war of the revolution, and is a pioneer in Winona county's develop- ment. Stutley, son of James Thornton, was born in Yermont and married Elizabeth Stitt, a Canadian descended from Irish and Dutch i\('A HISTORY OP^ WINONA COUNTY. parents. This couple settled on a farm in Oakland, Oakland county, Michigan, where the subject of this sketch was born April 14, 1829. He was sent to the common school till about fifteen 3^tiars old. His father having died, at this time he was forced to shift for himself, and went to La Salle county, Illinois, where he engaged in brick- making till twenty-two years old ; he then went to California, where he followed the same occupation five years. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and took up a quarter-section of land in the township of Hart, this county. This he afterward sold and bought 200 acres on Sec. 10 in that township, which he still owns. He was married on November 22, 1857, to Nancy, daughter of George Bissett, of Scotland ; her mother was formerly Elizabeth Bullis, of Vermont. Mrs. Thornton was born in Bytown, Connecticut, December 26, 1833. Mr. Thornton is an atheist ; he has taken an active interest in schools all his life, and has been instrumental in securing and fostering good schools in his own community. During his residence in Hart he was made chairman of the town board for several years, and also town treasurer for a long time. In October, 1877, he purchased 230 acres of land on Sec. 10, in St. Charles, and has lived thereon since December of the following year. His property has all been earned since his arrival in the state, by industry and i^teady application to his own business. He has never sued or been sued, but has suffered loss in some cases rather than pursue a debtor with the law. His children number three. The eldest, Lee, was born August 16, 1858, and is now in St. Paul ; George, born August 9, 1859, married Margaret Simons, and has one child, Mabel, born February 3, 1883, — resides with his father; Susan, born June 23. 1864. John Holland, retired farmer, was born in Ulceby, Lincolnsliii-e, England, April 30, 1821. His father was a farmer, and the son assisted some in his labors, attending school during the winter till ten years old. At eight years of age he worked all summer in a brickyard. He came to this country in 1S51, landing in New York April 28, and at once proceeded to Illinois, where he was employed as overseer of railroad construction,- and subsequently in the coal mines. In 1855 he came to Winona and took up a claim near that city. He also engaged in brickmaking, and also took a contract for work on the Stockton and Winona wagon road. His brickmaking enterprise having failed, after exliausting his capital Mr. Holland returned to Illinois to recuperate his broken financial resources. In BIOGKAPHICAL. 665 January, 1860, he met with a terrible experience in a coal mine near Alton, being precipitated sixtj^-six leet down a shaft by the breaking of a rope. Both of his legs were broken and his nervous system received a shock from which it has never fully recovered ; the effects become more annoying as age approaches. He was confined to his bed over six months, and could do no work at all for a year. He came to Minnesota the second time on crutches, and without any money. For the first day's woi-k he received ten cents. By per- severance and prudence he has accumulated his present handsome property. In 1863 he bought forty acres of land in Quincy, Olmsted county ; this he afterward sold. He now has 160 acres on Sec. 24 of that township, and twenty acres of timber in Elba. In Oct(jber, 1879, his health having failed so as to prevent his laboring on the farm, he removed to St. Charles. He bought his present handsome brick residence at the head of Church street, with two lots, in 1882. Mr. Holland took a life partner August 8, 1865, in the person of Mary H. Densmore, who was born in Hancock, Addison county, Vermont, August 3, 1833. They have one son, Edward M., born September 21, 1866. Mr. Holland has no religious views ; Mrs. Holland is a Freewill Baptist. In national and state issues, Mr. Holland has always supported the republican party. David Harris, farmer, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, December 16, 1835. His education was furnished by the farm and the common school. At seventeen years of age he crossed the Atlantic, and spent tour years at Eaton, Madison county, New York, as a laborer. He came to Minnesota in April, 1856, and bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 23, in the township of Elba, The next fall he returned to New York, and was married there on April 4, 1857, to Sarah A. Firth, who was born in Leeds, England, July 14, 1837. Mr. Harris returned at once to Minnesota with his bride, who was his faithful companion till death took her away, January 31, 1880. She had been in poor health for many years, but remained cheerful under the consolation of the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Beside her husband, there were left to mourn her one daughter, Mary E., born February 1, 1858, who married Thomas Selleck, and resides at St. Charles ; also an adopted son, George Harris, born August 25, 1867. Shortly after returning to Minnesota Mr. Harris sold his land and pre-empted forty acres on Sec. 2, town of St. Charles, on which he has ever since continued to reside ; at the same time he purchased adjoining land, and now has 131 acres, constitut- 666 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ing an excellent farm. His residence is built of brick and sur- rounded by shrubbery and tasteful farm belongings. From his door-vard a fine view of tlie surrounding country for many miles can be had on a clear day. On March 5, 1883, Mr. Harris was married to Marv J. Cater, born at Walden, in Lincolnshire, England, Jan- uary 4, 1830. Mr. Harris is a member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and is a republican. He was reared in the Episcopal church, with which he still sympathizes in belief, and of which organization his wife is a member. His house has always been o])en to the traveler, and none were ever turned away tired or hungry. John Hanley is the sixth child of Thomas and Mary Hanley, and was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1836. He was educated in the common schools of that state and came with his father to Minnesota in 1855, and settled in the township of Homer. On January 10, 1861, he married Miss Rose Hogan, fifth child of James H. and Catherine Hogan, by whom he has had six (children : James Francis, born October 23, 1861 ; Willie jSTorman, born June 1, 1867; John Eddie, born November 16, 1870; Thomas Eugene, born October 15, 1874 ; Joseph Earnest, born August 5, 187'oo(l Ibrtune was to be but of short duration, for two years afterward he was deprived of his friends' protection by death. It having been stated that he had an uncle in western Canada, some neighbors made up a small purse and paid his expenses across Lake Erie, and he was landed at a place now called Port Stanley, with a quarter of a dollar and a written card, stating he was looking for an uncle named John AVolcott. Christian people took charge of the little waif, and he remained some three years among different families in that locality. In his twelftli year, hearing that a man answering his uncle's name resided near Goderich, on the shores of Lake Huron he set out to iind him. After a weary tramp of some 150 miles he arrived only to find his long-sought uncle dead. The aunt, however, took charge of the lad, he was sent to school and given all the advantages tliat that county, at such an early day, aflPorded. Here he grew up to manhood and married a country lass, Mary Whitney, who like himself was an orphan and lived out on the next farm. His aunt luiving died, William rented the farm where he remained until 1852 when he sold out and started west in a sailing vessel, landing at what is now Duluth. He had $700 done up in a belt, and was robbed of it while asleep by a comrade. After undergoing many vicissitudes and hardships he settled on the White- water, and four years alter sent to Canada for his bonnie bride. It would take a volume to narrate what Mr. Wolcott and his good wife suffered and went through before they had attained their present comfortable circumstances. Mr. Wolcott has a large family, four sons and three daughters, worthy branches of a worthy tree. Mr. Wolcott's views are independent in both religion and politics. Lemuel C. Portp:e, long and favorably known as one of Win- ona's successful pioneer business men, and more generally known of late years at home and abroad as the head of the L. C. Porter Mill- ing Company of Winona, is the son of Lemuel and Lucinda Porter, who removed fi-om Connecticut early in the present century and settled in Scipio, Cayuga county, New York, where Lenmel C. was born April 14, 1823. At fifteen years of age the young man left home to begin life for himself, and entered a general merchandising house at Moravia, in his native county. In 181:7, after nine years' experience as clerk and salesman, with a cash capital of $750, Mr. Porter, then twenty-four years of age, started business as a general merchant on his own account, and successfully conducted it until the spring of 1856, when he sold out, having determined to remove BIOGRAPHICAL. 673 west. Leaving his native county in April of that year, accompanied by his family, he drove his team across the vast reaches that lay between the old homestead and the embryo city on the west bank of the Mississippi, whicli has now been his home for more than a quarter of a century. Arriving at this point in May, Mr. Porter looked the ground carefully over and on June 12, 1856, made liis lirst investment in Winona property. This was the purchase, in connection with Wm. Garlock, of a half interest in the sawmill of Hilands & WyckofF. The real estate of the mill property embraced a tract of land on the levee, block No. 1, Laird's addition. The valuation put upon this property, including the building, was $7,000. The mill had been built by Luther Wyckoff the previous fall and some sawing done in the late winter and spring of 1856, but the old firm were cramped for capital, and on the arrival of Mr. Hilands from Pittsburg early in June of that year, a half interest was sold to Porter & Garlock, who soon afterward bought out Mr. Wyckoif's fourth interest, rebuilt the mill and pushed operations, having ex- pended more in refitting than the original cost had been. Business was conducted under the name of Porter & Co. To the sawmill was added that same fall a planing-mill, adjoining the sawmill on the east, Thomas Simpson being a partner with Porter & Co. in this industry, which was sold the following year to Robbins. The whole business was run successfully until destroyed by fire in 1863. In 1858 Mr. Porter started a grocery house on Center street, to which the following year was added a stock of dry goods owned by Thomas Simpson and the business was conducted by them jointly until 1861, when they sold to Luke Blair. In 1859 the first warehouse for stor- ing and shipping grain ever built in this city was erected by Porter & Garlock on the south side Front street, and in this they continued to do business until 1870, Mr. Porter still retaining his interest in the property. In 1863 (as will be noticed more particularly under head of Banks and Banking Institutions), the first bank of issue was established at this point, with Mr. L. C. Porter as its president, and when the following year the bank became the First National Bank of Winona, Mr. Porter retained his place as its financial heq,d, and has so continued to date. In 1871 Mr. Porter established a flour commission house in the city, and havina; built u}) a large business successfully conducted it until 1871, when he furnished the capital for erecting a large steam flouring mill and turned his attention to milling business ; with what, success will 674 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. appear from the sketch of his mill and elevator which is given in connection herewith. In addition to his many Winona enterprises, Mr. Porter was successtully engaged in general merchandise and real estate at Kasson, Dodge county, Minnesota, from 1862 to 1882, at which latter date he sold out his interest there, which was a])- praised at $40,000. March 4, 1852, Mr. L. C. Porter married Miss Adelea Horton, of Skaneateles, Onondaga county. New York ; and the thirtieth anniversary of their wedding was celebrated by them in mid-ocean on their return from a winter's sojourn in Euroj^e. They have three children : C. Horton Porter, vice-president of the First National Bank, of this city; Adelbert Porter, assistant manager of the mill business, and Miss Lillie Porter, now pursuing hei' studies in Dresden, Germany. Mr. Porter has recently been conducting some very interesting experiments to determine the quantity of gluten in various brands ot wheat and the milling process best cal- culated to preserve the gluten from destruction. During his recent visit to the British Islands and the continent the subject was brought to the attention of prominent millers there, and the correspondence that has followed in the Millers' Gazette of London, England, has been of a most interesting character. Mr. Porter is emphatically a man of business, and while fully alive to all that makes for the interest of Winona, municipally as well as financially, has never burdened himself with the affairs of city government. John A. Mathews, real estate and loan office. No. 74 East Third street. This business was established by Mr. Mathews in 1855, in Dr. Sheardown's drug store on Front street, just opposite the old United States land office. The following year, 1856, Mr. Mathews built an office on the south side of Front street, in the rear of the lots on which E,. D. Cone's hardware house now stands, and cf)n- ducted business there until he was burned out in 1862. His office was then removed to the east side of Center street, between Second and First, where it was again destroyed by fire. Mr. Mathews then took up his quarters in Helbert's block, removing to the second story of E. F. Mens' block in 1871, and December 1, 1877, to his present location. Mr. Mathews is a native of New York; was bred to mercantile trade in his father's business house, and was ten years in trade at Tioga, Pennsylvania, seven of them for himself, before coming to Winona. Mr. Mathews has been mayor of the city three times," 1868-9, 1869-70, 1873-4. Hiram Webster (deceased) was a native of New England, and BIOGRAPHICAL. 675 was one of the very first to take up a claim in the township of Plain view, Wabasha county, settling there about the year 1855. He subsequently removed to Whitewater, owning several farms. He had considerable dealings in real estate, buying and selling, as occasion ottered, and was considered one of the best judges of farm property in Wabasha and Winona. His judgment was consulted by most new comers, and he was instrumental in settling a lar^e number who are now the most substantial residents of the county. He was very frequently solicited to take public office, but invariably refused, giving as his reason, that no man could serve two masters satisfactorily, he would either have to neglect his own interests or those of the public, and he preferred to attend to his own. He received a liberal common school education in his native state, Vermont, and was always a warm supporter of the school system of the county. He married in 1860 Miss Mary Webster, a cousin to whom he had been warmly attached before he came west. When he had erected a home in the Far West, he returned to Vermont for his bride. But one child blessed their union, a daughter who is married to a gentleman named H. J. Cleaver, who is in business in Lake City. Mr. Webster caught a severe cold, and after a very short illness died September 26, 1876, aged fifty-seven years. John Bole, farmer, was born in County Down, Ireland, on Christmas day, 1830. His father, Hugh Bole, was a forehanded farmer, and gave his son a better education than most of the youth • of that land receive. After leaving the common school he was kept at a select school for some time. When twenty-two years old Mr. Bole emigrated to that land of promise to all oppressed people, America. After spending a short time in St. Louis he came up the Mississippi river, and landed at Winona in October, 1853. The fol- lowing winter was spent in the township of St. Charles, where he erected a small cabin. In February, 1854, he made a government claim to 160 acres of land, where he has ever since made his home,, on Sec. 34, in the town of Elba. By subsequent purchase he has. acquired 120 acres more, and has a handsome farm, with handsome buildings and other improvements, as the result of his foresight and industry. Over 200 acres of the land is under cultivation. Mr. Bole was reared in the Presbyterian church, but was not satisfied with its teachings. He has spent considerable time and travel within a few years in investigating religious theories. He is now a. Perfectionist, believing that God will come and dwell within the true 40 fi76 inSTORY OF WINONA COUNTY, seeker on eartli and make his life and being perfect. Unlike most of his countrvinen in America, or his fellow townsmen, he adheres to the rej)ubli('an ])nrty in political issues. His intelligence and education were immediately called into use in the service of the town on its oi-ganization in 1858. He was elected assessor at that time, and filled the position for several successive terms. In 1865 lie was chairman of the town board, and in 1872 was elected justice of the peace, which office lie held for some time. Mr. Bole was married on the 16th of .January, 1858, to Margaret Connell, who was born in Crooks, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1835. Seven children out of twelve born to them still live to claim the parental afi'ection of Mr. and Mrs. Bole. Their names and births are given below: Hugh, October 18, 1858, resides at Eldredge, Dakota; Mary, September 15, 1860, married Henry Cornwell, and resides near Hugh ; Robert, December 29, 1862 ; Alexander, October 31, 1870 ; Maggie, April 22, 1876. John, born May 21, 1868, died October 8, 1882 ; and a twin brother of Hugh died in early infancy. Henry Connell, Mrs. Bole's first child, was born July 3, 1855 ; he married Etta Green, and is living at Clausen, Minnesota. William Henry Williams, farmer, came to Winona county in 1853, and for two years lived in a tent pitched where now stands the city of Winona. During this time he assisted settlers in obtaining land and building claim shanties. In 1857 he started a stage line running between Winona and Rochester. In 1861 he married Miss Mary Sands, daughter of Joseph Sands, of Indiana, and has by this marriage six children : Abbie Lenora, born December 23, 1861 ; Willie H., born 1863, died the same year ; Zemas E., born 1864; Lena Bell, born 1869, died 1870 ; Florence Josepha, born in 1876, and Jessie, born in 1879. In 1865 our subject joined the 11th Reg. Minn. Inf., and served one year. After his discharge he settled with his family in the town of Whitewater and pre-empted 80 acres of land on the Winona road, one-half mile east from Whitewater river, where he now resides. Our subject was born in 1835, in the town of Chester, New Jersey, where he lived with his parents until 1851, when he removed to JSTew York for two years and then came to Minnesota. He has for the last four years run a stage between Elba and Minneiska and between Oak Ridge and Minnesota City. In politics he always votes the democratic ticket, and in religious views he is a Freethinker. George H. Crow, farmer, is a son of W. V. A. Crow, of Dover, BIOGRAPHICAL. (i77 Minnesota ; he was born at Fennimore Center, Grant county, Wisconsin, May 10, 1S48, and caine to Minnesota with his parents in October, 1854. His father settled on a farm in the town of Elba, this county, where he received his schooling in the common schools. At iifteen years of age, with a younger brother, he ran away from home and enlisted at Minneiska in Co. K, 9tli Minn. Inf. The date of his enlistment was November 12, 1863, and he was mustered out January 4 following. Soon after muster his father secured his release from the service on account of his youth, and brought him home. After spending the following summer at home, he again enlisted with his lather's consent in. Co. I, 2d Minn. Cav., December 12, 1864. This regiment served as post-guard most of the time. Com- pany I, with H, K and L, served as escort for an emigrant train from Fort Snelling to Fort Rice ; also as escort for the agent who settled with the Chippewa Indians at Lake Itasca in 1865. Mr. Crow was discharged from the service on November 22, 1865. After his return home he attended school at Quincy, Olmsted county, a short time. In 1868 he went to Pope county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming, taking up a quarter-section of public land. In 1870 he went to Mobile, Alabama, where he spent eighteen months ; thence he went to Mexico City, and again returned to Mobile. In 1872 he went to Shreveport and thence to Clinton, Texas, between which point and Locust Grove he drove stage a year and a-half. Returning up the Mississippi, he proceeded to Center- ville, Iowa, where he hired out to farmers. Here he formed the acquaintance of Miss Martha J. Cougar, to whom he was married on January 7, 1875 ; she is a daughter of Elias G. Congar and Rebecca Patterson, and was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, October 22, 1845. After renting land some time in Iowa, Mr. Crow proceeded to Osborne county, Kansas, where he took up a homestead, of which he secured a deed, and returned in 1882 to Minnesota and settled on his father's farm of 320 acres on Sec. 3, St. Charles. Of this farm 280 acres are under cultivation. Mr. Crow is a republican in politics. His religious belief is in sympathy with that of his wife, who is a strong Methodist. They have three children, born as follows : Elias Y. A., October 28, 1875 ; Mary R., August 20, 1878 ; Roxie v., March 10, 1883. Addison E. Todd (deceased) was reared on a farm in the town of Charlemont, Franklin county, Massachusetts, where he first saw light on July 22, 1821. His father, Eli Todd, was born in New 678 IIISTOHY OF WINOl^A COUNTY. Haven, Connecticut; he married Mary Legate, a native of Massa- chusetts, and settled in Charlemont, where the subject of this sketch assisted him in the tilhige of his farm, attending the district school a part of the time. On reaching liis majority 3'oung Todd struck out for the west, and was employed in the sawmills of Lenawa county, Michigan, for several years. Returning to Massaclmsetts, he purchased a piece of timbered land on Gilead Mountain and engaged in preparing "shook," or dressed staves, which were shipped to the West Indies to be used in barreling sugar. In 1854, with his brother Dexter, he came to Minnesota, and was employed for a time to assist in building and operating a sawmill on Rum river, near the mouth of that stream. Passing thence to Iowa, he returned in the fall to the east. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Todd again came to this state, arriving at Elba in April, and bought the claim to 160 acres of land on Sees. 6 and 7, where he made his home till the time of his death (September 14, 1878), and where his family now resides. In 1856 he built a sawmill on Sec. 8, opposite the present residence of his brother, L. U. Todd, which he operated for four years, and then removed it to Sec. 6, where it still stands and does duty. In the meantime improvements were made on the farm, and by various purchases the domain had increased at his death to 360 acres. Mr. Todd was a positive democrat; he was active in supporting the government in the suppression of the late rebellion. At one time he advanced one thousand dollars from his own pocket for bounty to volunteers ; this sum was subsequently paid over to him by the town. During much of his residence here he was called upon to serve the town in some capacity ; he was chairman of the board of supervisors in 1861-2-3-4, throughout the war, and again in 1871 ; he was also active in the support of schools, and was an officer of his district most of the time. On March 22, 1860, A. E. Todd was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Bass, who was born in Greenfield, Franklin count}', February .13, 1833 ; her parents, Nathaniel and Mary (Holden) Bass, were also born in the same county. Besides his widow, five children mourn the loss of a kind husband and father ; their names and dates of birth are as here given : Oliver S., August 14, 1861 ; Mary A., August 14, 1864; Charles A., November 8, 1866; Katie B., February 20, 1871; Addie E., May 25, 1878. The eldest two celebrated their freedom on the same day August 14, 1882. Dexter J. Todd, farmer, brother of the above, was , born on BIOGRAPHICAL. 679 September 22, 1828 ; he experienced the same training and early life as his brothers, and left tlie paternal roof at Charlemont when about twenty-two years of age. From this time until he was twenty- five he worked in the timber most of the time getting out " shook." In the spring of 1854 he came with his brother, as above noted, to Minnesota, and was employed during the summer on a dam and mill on Rum river ; the following winter was spent in the pinery on the same stream, and in the spring he came to Elba, arriving soon after his brothers, and took up 160 acres of land on Sec. 8, where he now resides. He at once began to improve his farm, and in the summer of 1856 built the first frame house in the Whitewater valley. Returning to Massachusetts in 1858, he was married there to Elizabeth Elmer, who was born in Ashfield, July 17, 1835 ; she was a daughter of Zenas Elmer and Julia Smith, who were also born in Massachusetts. Mr. Todd and his bride at once settled- down on his farm, which he continued to improve and add to till he now has one of the most pleasant homes in the valley ; the farm now includes 253 acres, on Sees. 5, 8 and 9 ; the present residence was enlarged and remodeled in the summer of 1883. Like his brethren, Mr. Todd was always a pronounced democrat, but took no active part in the management of public affairs. His family includes six children, all residing with their parents. They were born as follows : Jennie A., May 28, 1860 ; Edward E., March 29, 1862 ; Cora F., Septem- ber 24, 1865; Hattie M., February 14, 1867; Roy M., September 7, 1869 ; Ida B., June 4, 1874. Lorenzo U. Todd, farmer, is a brother of the above. November 16, 1832, is the date of his birth. He had a little better educational advantages than his elder brothers, having finished his studies at an academy. He engaged in teaching for a short time, one term being in the west, after his removal thither. He came to Elba in April, 1855, with his elder brother as above noted, and made claim to one- fourth of Sec. 8, on which his home has ever since been. Various additions, since made by purchase, have enlarged his farm to 264 acres ; it is finely improved with good buildings, etc., and its pro- prietor diversifies his interests by raising stock as well as grain. His premises are admirably adapted for stock-raising, the north branch of the Whitewater furnishing abundance of living water and its valley a wealth of pasturage. Mr. Todd was wedded to Ellen Preston on March 3, 1859 ; she is a daughter of Hiram and Adassa (Wilson) Preston, of New York, and was born August 31, 1836. 680 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Six children have been born to thein as follows, and all still dwell beneath the parental roof: Hoi'bert P., March 14, 1860; Adelia E., October 5, 1861 ; Frances L., January 8, 1864 ; Lena E., A])ril 8, 1866; Electa E., January 7, 1869; Lorenzu U., November 26, 1870. In religious belief Mr. Todd is a Universalist ; in politics he has always been a democrat ; was elected justice of the peace in 1857, being the first in the township, and served till the state organ- ization next year ; he was town treasurer in 1859-60-1 ; overseer of the poor in early days ; member of the town board in 1875 and chairman of that body and justice in 1883. WiNSLow Talougan, farmer, has been a resident of Elba since April 30, 1855, living at his present residence on Sec. 16, where he has 200 acres of land, since 1860. He was born in Prussia, May 1, 1824. He attended school, as required by the laws of his native country, and subsequently assisted his father in farming. At twenty-two years of age he came to America and settled in Erie county, New York, where he was employed on a farm and in the lumber woods. On the 5th of Ai)ril, 1853, he married Theresa Maas, who was born in Prussia, April 28, 1828. On his removal to Elba he took up eighty acres of government land on Sec. 13 ; this he sold in 1860 and bought eighty acres where he now dwells. Subsequent purchases have m;ule him an independent farmer. The family, numbering ten members, is connected with the Elba Roman (yatholic church, and the voters with the democratic party. The names and births of the children are as follows : Mary, February 7, 1854, married Nicholas Steften, and resides in Elba village ; Joseph, December 15, 1856, lives at Elba ; Josephine, February 20, 1859, married Adam Stolz, and lives at Man to, Dakota; Antony, December 13, 1860; Sophie and Elizabeth, twins. May 26, 1864 ; Loiiis, November 21, 18^7 ; Theresa, June 20, 1871. William Hk]\lmp:lbekg, farmer. The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers who penetrated the untrodden valleys of the lower Whitewater basin, and has established a home which is a monument to his hardihood and industry, and where he may sometime end his days amid the comforts which his own toil has earned. Mr. Hem- melberg was born in Wesel, Prussia, February 25, 1830. He was bred after the manner of German farmers' sons, assisting in his parents' labors and receiving the practical education enjoined by German laws. When twenty-one years old he emigrated to the land of promise west of the Atlantic, and settled in Erie county, BIOGEAPHICAL. 681 New York, where he labored in the pinery, shingle mills and on farms. On the 19th of April, 1855, he was married to Catherine Klein. She was a daughter of Philip Klein and Josephine Kiefer, natives ol Loraine and Alsace, Germany. She was born in Buffalo, New York, August 5, 1838. Immediately after their wedding Mr. and Mrs. Hemmelberg set out for the new west, and arrived in Elba on the 4th of May. They immediately selected their present location on Sec. 11, where he made claim to 160 acres of government land. Mrs. H. took her first ride after oxen in coming from the Mississippi river to Elba. She found the lonely life of a pioneer settler very irksome to reconcile with her city breeding, and as female compan- ionship could not be had she returned to Buffalo after a stay of about tliree months. The next spring she returned, accompanied by her mother and several new families, and they were very soon surrounded by other homes. Mr. Hemmelberg now resides with his family in a large stone residence, and has a handsomely im- proved farm. Agreeing with his neighbors in politics, he is a democrat. His family are all communicants in the Elba Roman Catholic church, in which Mrs. Hemmelberg is very active in teach- ing tlie children. Five children were born to them, as herewith enumerated : William, March 30, 1856, now in Texas; Louis, Feb- ruary 20, 1859, died April 23, 1882 ; Louisa, May 10, 1863 ; Albert, January 19, 1870 ; Mary, June 19, 1876, died October 19, 1878. Mr. Hemmelberg enlisted, August 23, 1864, in Co. H, 11th Minn. Vols,, and served till June 26, 1865, being stationed on guard duty most of the time at Nashville, Tennessee. Andrew Burgee, farmer, a native of Alsace, now part of Germany, was born June 23, 1821. At seventeen years old he came to America, and worked at farm labor in Oneida, Erie and Orleans counties. New York, for several years. When twenty-three years old he went to Canada, and thence to Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he worked on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern rail- road. In 1851 he went to Indiana and then to Louisiana, working at farm and plantation labor. In 1852 he went to California, and after losing his all two or three times in the mines, engaged in farming and threshing. Having secured a small- capital, he left California in the spring of 185S, and arrived in Elba, where he had friends, on the 15th of May ; he immediately entered a claim to 160 acres of government land on Sec. 11, and has ever since dwelt thereon. He now has 400 acres on Sec. 6, 7, 10 and 11, of which ()82 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY, over 200 acres are under the ])1()W. On July 5, 1877, his large barn was burned by lightning, and has not been rebuilt. He lives in a line large liouse, and iias every comfort a farmer may crave, the product ot liis own .industry. He is a member of the Roman Catholic society of Elba, which held its meetings in his house for many years. He was town supervisor in 1865 ; was formerly democrat, now independent. David R. Holbrook, farmer, is descended from an Englishman wlu) was belieaded after the war tor the kingdom of Scotland for espousing the cause of the latter country. His four sons were exiled for their part in the contest, and settled in America. The father of this subject (Peter Holbrook), was born in New Hampshire, married Amy Keed, of the same state, and settled on a farm in Swansea. Here D. R. Holbi-ook was born February 7, 1814; he attended the common school of his native town during the winter till sixteen years old. From twenty years of age till forty he worked at getting out staves for the West India trade ; he bought timber and em- ployed men in })reparing "shook," as the packages of prepared staves are called. On December 17, 18-46, D. R,. Holbrook and Mary O. Todd were united in marriage ; the bride was a sister of A. E. Todd, whose parentage is given elsewhere. After shar- ing her husband's toils and triumphs in the development of this country, Mrs. Holbrook died, from the effects of cancer, on October 4, 1869. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Holbrook came with his family to this township and settled on a quarter-section of gov- ernment land on Sec. 9, where he still dwells. His domain now includes 220 acres of land, and he is reckoned among our prosperous and indejiendent citizens. Notwithstanding his age, Mr. Holbrook continues to engage in the arduous toil incident to a farmer's life. He is a universalist in religious belief; has always been a democrat; served the town as treasurer in 1S69-70-1-2-4-5. Of the five children given to him, but three are now living, and none of them are at home. Here is the family record: Edward T., born October 2, 1847, married Susan W. Drullard in California, January 11, 1878, and died in St. Charles on the 7th of April following; Frank, born Nov^ember 10, 1850, lives in Olmsted county ; Fred M.. born December 2, 1854, died June 5, 1863; Peter E., born September 27, 1858 ; Jane E., born March 25, 1864, now in California. Jacob Wasem, machinery agent, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth BIOGRAPHICAL. 683 Wasem, natives of Prussia, who settled at Rolling Stone, in this county, in the year 1855. The snbject of this sketch was born in Ragersville, Tuscaraugus county, Ohio, May 29, 1838. He was therefore seventeen years old when he arrived in Minnesota, and at this time had attended English schools but very little ; two terms in the primitive schools at Rolling Stone completed his education, as far as school privileges contributed thereto. However, his natural talents led him to self-cultivation, and he is now numbered among our well-informed business men. He was soon compelled to engage in active life, in assisting his parents to develop a farm. He has probably broken up as much new land as any one in the state, having taken an active part in the breaking of over 1,500 acres. He broke up the sod on the site of the present village of Rolling Stone with eight yokes of oxen. He relates that during the first winter after their arrival here his father bought a barrel of cornmeal in Winona for which he was compelled to pay $10, and then incur an expense of $6 to get it hauled home. After working out among farmers a few seasons, young Wasem invested in land of his own, purchasing 40 acres in the town of Mount Vernon. On the 4th of October, 1864, he enlisted as a recruit in Co. K, 1st Minn. Heavy Artillery, and served as corporal till discharged on the 7th of July, 1865. This regiment was stationed most of the time at Chattanooga, Tennessee, where, for a period of forty-five days, each man was com- pelled to subsist on a ration of three hardtacks per day. On the 15th of November, 1865, Mr. Wasem was united in marriage to Miss Mary Amos, who was born in the same locality as himself February 2, 1850. After living on his land till 1871 he sold it and bought eighty acres in the town of Quincy, Olmsted county, which he tilled eight years and then sold. After carrying on the machine business at Rolling Stone two years he settled at St. Charles, where he has territory assigned to him and acts as a direct agent for sev- eral first-class farm machines. He is a member of the Evangelical church, and a republican, and was constable of the town of Mount Yernon eight years. His family includes seven children, born as follows : Jacob, November 2, 1866 ; Katy, March 9, 1868 : Christie, July 15, 1872 ; William, June 15, 1874 ; Susan, March 1, 1876 ; Benjamin, September 7, 1879 ; Rosa, August 6, 1881. William Gainey (deceased) was a native of Ireland, being born in County Cork in 1823. Assisted his parents in farming till twenty- eight years old, and then set out for the refuge of all oppressed 684 HISTOK^ OF WINONA COUNTY. nations, America. He at first settled in the State of New York, and married Nelly McCarthy on the* 15th of December, 1854. Mrs. Gainey was born in Cork, October 16, 1835, and still resides with her children on the estate of her late husband. In 1855 Mr. Gainey came to Minnesota, and dwelt in Winona for two years. He bought 160 acres of land in St. Charles township, on which he lived a short time. In 1859 he sold, and bought a part ot the present estate on Sec. 22. Subsequent purchases increased the estate to 280 acres, of which M. W. Gainey, the elder son, has 80 on Sec. 15, and Patrick 80 on Sec. 22. Mr. Gainey was a man of integrity and intelligence, and the esteem of his fellow townsmen was shown in 1879 by electing him a member of the town board of supervisors. His eldest son now fills the same position, and is in every way worthy to follow in his father's footsteps. William Gainey died of cancer of the stomach on the 10th of June, 1882. He was a com- municant in the St. Charles Roman Catholic church, as are all his family. Beside the widow, nine children survive him, all living on the old homestead and unmarried. Here are their names and dates of birth : Michael W., September 25, 1856; Patrick, March 20, 1858; Mary, December 20, 1859; Ellen, March 28, 1863; Maggie, June 20, 1864 ; William, August 15, 1866 ; John, July 15, 1868 ; Eliza, August 1, 1870 ; Dennis, April 1, 1873. David Finley, farmer, settled in Whitewater in 1855, having purchased eighty acres of school land in Sec. 16, T. 108, E.. 10. He was married in 1828, to Freanah Kiser, born in Switzerland in 1808, and by this marriage had seven children. Our subject was born in 1803, in New Jersey, and died in 1877. His wife, Freanah (Kiser) Finley, died in 1881. Sarah E. (Finley) Graff, the only child of our subject now living (1883), was born about 1829, and in 1870 married Jacob Graff, born in Germany in 1844, by which marriage she has had three children: Ella F., born 1872; George W., born 1873; Ada S. E., born 1875. Mrs. Graff now owns the farm bought by her father, also eighty acres in Sec. 21, T. 108, R. 10. George Warner, livery, feed and sale stables, corner of Third and Walnut streets. Mr. Warner, after residing at Woodstock, Illinois, came from that place to Winona on Mai-ch 28, 1856. Here he at once established himself in the livery and stage business, in comi)any with H. S. Terry, their stables being on Third street, between Main and Johnson, where the old Iliggs' building now stands. Their stage route was opened to Rochester, Olmsted county. BIOGRAPHICAL. 685 April 8, 1856, and the route gradually extended to Faribault, with a branch mail route to Chatfield. This partnership was maintained until the summer of 1857, and when it was dissolved Mr. Warner's connection with the stage route ceased. He continued business at the original stand until 1861, when he bought the lot on the north- west corner of Third and Washington street, removed his livery buildings to that location and conducted the business thereuntil 1871 when he sold out to D. J. Pettis. This sale included with the livery stable, the blacksmith shop on the rear end of the lot, which Mr. Warner built in 1862, and is now the front thirty feet of the black- smith shop of Heller & Perrot. For the next ten years Mr. Warner was variously employed. Several years of that time in his old business at the old stand, which he rented, and also in Dakota. Keturned to this city from Dakota in 1881, he opened business at the old stables for the third time, continued there one year and removed to his present location. Mr. Warner resides on the corner of Winona and Wabasha streets ; has two daughters, both married. One to J. H. Jones, secretary of the city gas works, and one to Mr. Blake, com- mercial traveler. E. A. Gerdtzen, real estate and loan agency. No. 53 East Third street. Mr. Gerdtzen is a native of Hamburg, Germany; was edu- cated at Kiel and at Berlin, partially completed a course of legal study and then turned his attention to civil engineering and archi- tecture, pursuing his studies in that department for two years. In 1849 he came to America, settled on a farm in Wisconsin where he remained but a short time, then, after a year's travel through the northwest, engaged in mercantile business at Davenport, Iowa, in 1852. Carae to Winona just before the land sale of 1855, spent two weeks, returned to Davenport for the winter, and on April 28, in the following spring, made a permanent residence in this city. Decem- ber 31 of that year, 1856, he was appointed notary public, and was engaged in conveyancing and real estate until 1857, when on the incorporation of the city he was elected city recorder, and held the office three years. April, 1861, he was appointed clerk of the dis- trict court, to fill a vacancy, Hon. Thomas Wilson on the bench, and the following fall was regularly elected to that office, which he con- tinued to hold by successive re-elections until 1878, his whole term of ofiice being nearly seventeen years. Was admitted to the bar at the spring term of court 1863, having passed his examination in open court. Is not in general practice, confining himself to probate r>8(i HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. business. Mr. Gerdtzen is a member of the board of trade; married, has three children, two of them in attendance upon the city schools. Daniel Evans, justice of the peace, office at 18 E. Second street. Mr. Evans was elected to his present office in 1880, re-elected in 1882. He is now serving his second terra which expires April 1, 1884. Though not technically a police justice, most of the police business comes before Mr. Evans, and is transacted at this office. Mr. Evans is a native of Vermont ; passed his early life in New Hampshire, and was in inercantile business in New York and col- lector of tolls before coming to Winona in May, 1856. Was in the United States land office at this point until its removal to Faribault in 1857, when he commenced dealing in real estate, in which he has been more or less interested ever since. From 1861 to 1864 was engaged in securing the right of way for the Winona & St. Peter railway and in locating town sites along the prospected line. Mr. Evans has been intimately identified with the city government since his residence here. Was for twelve years a member of the city council, his last term of service expiring in 1875. Wm. Gaelock, capitalist. Mr. Wm. (Tarlock has been a resident of this Qity since June, 1856, and from that date directly concerned in its business enterprises. Immediately upon his arrival here, in connection with L. C. Porter, he bought the sawmill interest of Mr. Wyckhoff, of the firm of Wyckhoff & Hiland, and was interested in that business until 1860. In 1858 he traded lumber for the first load of flour offered in this market, the wheat for which was ground in Huff's old mill, and this flour was in turn traded for logs. That same year he built the warehouse in which he is now doing business, and old frame building on the south side of Front street, opposite the big mill elevator, and was for several years one of the heaviest grain operators in the city. Upon tlie organization of the Bank of Southern Minnesota in 1860, he became vice-president of that insti- tution in which he was a stockholder to the amount of $17,000. This interest he sold out some four or five years later. At present, Mr. Garlock is not very actively engaged in business other than in looking after the interests of his own property. He has always stood ready to encourage the manufacturing industries of the city, and hokls stock in some of these enterprises. He is also a stockholder of the Second National Bank of Winona, of which his son, W. H. Garlock, is cashier. He has but one other child, a daughter, mar- ried and removed from the city. BIOGRAPHICAL. • 687 C. Heintz & Brother, wholesale and retail dealers in clothing, hats, caps, trunks and gents' furnishing goods, 40 East Second street. This business was established in the spring of 1856 by the present proprietors, in a small frame building on Walnut street, between Second and Front, which they rented of H. B. Upman. The year following, they purchased property on Second street, be- tween Walnut and Lafayette, removed their business to that location and there remained until 1861, when they took up their quarters on the south side of Second street, between Center and Lafayette, nearly opposite their present location. From this place they were driven by the disastrous tire of 1862, in which they suffered a loss of $1,000. They then returned to their old location between Lafayette and Walnut, remained one year, and then in 186H, having sold that property, removed to 50 East Second street, one door east of R. D. Cone's hardware house. Here they remained eight years, until they were again burned out in February, 1871. Removing temporarily to the opposite side of the street, they purchased the property they now occupy and took possession of it that same spring. Their house is a substantial two-story and basement brick, stone foundations, fronting twenty feet on Second street, with a depth of 120 feet, the whole occupied with their stock. Trade has gradually increased until they maintain a branch store in Watertown, Dakota. Do quite an extensive jobbing trade along the railway lines leading westward from the city, and carry on a heavy retail trade at home. The opera- tions of the house give employment to a force of twelve persons, besides the proprietors, who are always found on duty behind their own counters. C. Heintz and brother are natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, were bred to the tailor's trade and followed that occupation prior to coming to America. C. Heintz left Germany for the United States in 1850, and worked at his trade in Milwaukee and Cincinnati before coming to Winona. His brother, L. Heintz, came to the United States in 1853, worked at his trade in Milwaukee three years, tlien came to this city with his brother in 1856, when they established their present business, which has had a successful career of over twenty-six years. The firm is represented in the board of trade, and both brothers are members of the Ancient Order of Druids. William Persons, farmer, has been a resident of this county since 1856. He was born at Blackford, Somersetshire, England, May 29, 1835. Sarah Meads was born at Mark, Somersetshire, June 688 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 13, 1835 ; she was married to William Persons on August 22, 1855. In the spring of the following year, they set out, in company with Mr. Persons' parents and family ior America, and landing at New Orleans proceeded up the Mississippi to Winona. After paying for his first night's lodging in Winona, Mr. Persons had but seventy- five cents left. The party set out on foot in the morning and arrived at St. Charles the same day. Our subject at once engaged with W. A. Jones, a prominent farmer and capitalist of that township, and worked for him the first two years of his residence here. He also split a great many rails by the piece, and sowed many thousand acres of grain. On one occasion, on a wager, he sowed forty acres of grain in a single day's work, receiving a bonus of five dollars from the owner of the land sowed in addition to his regular stipend per acre. During one season he sowed 376 acres of grain. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Persons bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 1, Saratoga township, where his home has ever since been. He has now 162 acres of finely improved land, and is prosperous ; he now enjoys the benefit of his pioneer industry. Mr. and Mrs. Persons were early trained in the Episcopal church, and still cherish the faith of that body ; the former has always voted with the republican party, and served his school district as treasurer for five years. Seven children are living to bless the parents of this family, one having died at the age of seventeen. Here is the record of births, etc : Reve, July 12, 1856 ; resides with parents. Emily J., February 27, 1858 ; died February 15, 1875. Henrietta, April 15, 1859 ; married Perry Schermerhorn ; lives in St. Charles township. Frank, Febru- ary 26, 1861 ; home with parents. Celia, December 5, 1863 ; married Sumner W. Orr ; resides at Marshall, Minnesota. Jesse, March 16, 1865. William Oliver, July 11, 1866. Thomas A. Richakdson, watchmaker and jeweler. No. 3, Rich- ardson's Block. This business was established in 1871 by the elder brother of the present proprietor, into whose hands it came by purchase in 1879. He is a member of the Winona board of trade, and of the various masonic bodies of the city ; is the present master , of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., and a most efficient presiding officer. Mr. Thos. A. Richardson was born in Pittsburgii, Pennsylvania, and was only an infant of three months when his parents removed to Winona early in 1856. His father, William Richardson, builder of the block which now bears his name, was for many years in the dry-goods business in this city, and for the BIOGRAPHICAL. 689 greater part of the time in the bh:»ck where his own structure stands. His first location was facing Center street where the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul offices now are, from which he removed in 1862 to the north side Second street, where, in July of that year, he was burned out and returned to the old location. His business partner- ships were principally with his own brother Alexander, and Dr. E. T. Clark, now deceased. The Richardson block, completed in 1871, is a two-story brick with stone basement fronting 93^ feet on Third street and 96 feet on Center. The first floor occupied by dry- goods, drug and jewelry houses, the second floor by offices. Mr. Wm. Richardson died May 31, 1874, leaving a wife and six children, five of whom reside in the city. Of his estate, still undivided, the Richardson block is a part. John Dobbs, member of the firm of D. Sinclair & Co., owners and publishers of the daily and weekly "Republican" of this city, and bookbinders and publishers. Mr. Dobbs is a native of Troy, New York, in which city and in Albany, New York, he learned his trade as a bookbinder, serving two and a-half years in the bindery of the "Albany Evening Journal," and working five years with Frazer, of Troy. In 1849 he left the east for California, and was there until 1852, engaged in mining opera- tions. Returning to Albany he remained in that city until 1856 when he came to Winona county and settled on a farm in Fremont township, where he farmed three years and returned to fill his place in the bindery of the " Albany Journal," from which place he came in the spring of 1863, to take charge of the bindery in the " Repub. liean " office in this city, then owned by Messrs. D. Sinclair and G. W. Dje. That same year he bought out the bindery department of the " Republican " and conducted it as a separate establishment until 1866, when the entire concern was burned out. He then took a one- third interest in the entire business, devoting himself as before to the management of the bindery, and this interest he still retains. Mr. Dobbs was long connected with the volunteer fire department of the city, and for five years of the time was its treasurer, serving also as assistant engineer for three terms. Mr. Dobbs is married, has six children living, all boys. Three of them are grown up, absent from the city in business for themselves, the others are at home, one in attendance at school in this city. Maybury & Son, architects, rooms over No. 14 East Third street, Richardson's block. This business was started by the senior May- 690 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. bury in 1S56, the same year that he came to Winona, wlio was then engaged as drauglitsraan and contractor. Since 1865 his business has been exclusively that of an architect. They occupy a pleasant set of otHces and keep two assistants constantly employed. C. G. May bury was born in Cortland county. New York, in 1880, where he served a reguhir aj^prenticeship of five and a-half years to the business of draughting and contracting. This business he followed for nine years after coming to Winona, during which' time he had as business associates, at different times, C. D. Smith and A. W, Gage, both well known builders ot this city. Since confining his attention to architecture exclusively Mr. Maybury was alone in business until January 1, 1881, when his son became a partner. During the past eighteen years Mr. Maybury has drawn the plans for a great portion of the work in southern Minnesota, and the firm is now extensively engaged on church and school plans for Dakota, in which they give special attention to the most perfect systems of ventilation. The house competes successfully with the best architects of the larger cities. The new Presbyterian church at La Crosse was constructed from their plans, as were some of the Minneapolis churches, and not less than forty to fifty school build- ings and churches in this state. Mr. Maybury was an active member of the city board of education for four years, is a member and director of the board of trade, and treasurer of Winona Lodge, No. 117, Equitable Aid Union. Married ; wife and five children living, all residing at home except the eldest daughter. S. C. White, wholesale and retail grocer, northwest corner Cen- ter and Second streets. This house was established in 1856, on Front street, o])posite the present site of Porter's mill, under the firm name of White & Fuller, became S. C. White in 1858, and lias so continued. In 1860 Mr. White removed to his present location, and two years later built his grocery house, 23x90 feet, which in 1868 was extended to 140 feet. The first business of the house was in flour, grain and provisions, their flour trade being exceptionally lieavy, as no flour was manufactured at that time in this section. In 1858 Mr. Wliite commenced bu3dng wheat, which he carried on as a separate industry until 1865, since which time he has confined his trade to groceries, fruit and provisions. His trade has now become largely a wholesale one, and it is his intention to make it exclusively so. The business of the house employs a house force of five and two traveling salesmen. Trade extends west to Fort Pierre, north BIOGEAPHICAL. 691 on the St. James river branch of the Chicago & Northwestern rail- way to Ordwaj, about seventy-iive miles eastward into Wisconsin, and annual sales are from $250,000 to $300,000. Mr. White is a native of Yermont, and was clerk in Whitehall, in his native state, prior to coming to Winona in 1856. He is a member and director of the board of trade. S. C. White's Stoke. Jacob Story, judge of probate court of Winona county, is a native of Massachusetts, a graduate of Yale College, class of 1844, and of the Dane law school, Cambridge, class of 1846. Was in the practice of his profession at Boston prior to coming to Winona in 1856. Has never been actively engaged in law practice in this city. In 1862 he was elected a justice of the peace and has retained that office by successive elections. In 1868 Mr. Story was elected judge of the probate court, a position he has now hlied for the past fourteen years, and, judging from present appearances, seems likely to fill for years to come. H. D. Peekins, dealer in lubricating and illuminating oils, 20 East Second street. Mr. Perkins is one of the pioneer business men of Winona, having been in active business in this city for a little over a quarter of a century. He is a native of Chatauqua county, New York, and was there in business for the New York & Erie railway company, and, on his own account, for ten years before com- ing to Winona in 1856. In May. 1857, he opened a grocery store on West Front street, in what was then known as the Washburn warehouse, where the two saloons now are, just above the city waterworks. The following year he removed to the foot of Center street, remained until October 1859, when he took H. C. Haskiu, his 41 692 HISTORY OF WENONA COUNTY. brother-in-liiw, into partnership with him and removed his business to the south side of Second street, where S. W. Morgan now is. Mayl, 1803, he moved into a one-storv frame buihiing which he liad put up on lot No. 3, East Third street, which he had recently pur- chased. This building was destroyed by the great tire of 1862, after he had occupied two months and five days. A temporary location was obtained, and just thiity days from the date of the tire business was resumed at No. 3, in the new building they had erected. April 7, 1869, Mr. Perkins sold out his interest in the grocery to his partner, and opened an oil house, in which business he has now been engaged for over thirteen years. Sales from 1,000 to 1,200 barrels annually. Though not an aflSliated member of the order, before coming to Winona, Mr. Perkins had passed all the chairs of the I.O.O.F., including the encampment, and had represented his lodge at the grand lodge session of 1852, in Buffalo, New York. He is a member of the board of trade of this city, though not actively concerned in its management. He has one son, born in Winona in May, 1859, and now associated with him in business. G. F. Hubbard, retired, is a native of Swanton, Vermont. In 1841 he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and was in the dry-goods trade there until his removal to Winona in 1856. Was in active business ag a dry-goods merchant in this city from 1868 to 1875. The other years of his residence here he has been princijjally engaged in looking after his own personal estate and money loaning. In 1862 he commenced the erection of what is known as Hubbard's block, a block of four stores, brick with stone basements, the whole frontage 140 feet on Second street, just west of Main, and in 1865 the last store rooms of the block were completed. In No. 4 of this block, Mr. Hubbard conducted his dry-goods business during the eight years he was in trade in this city. Married in 1864 ; in 1875 Mr. Hubbard was wintering in the south for his health, his family being in Chelsea, Massachusetts, when his only children, two boys, aged eleven and four years, were suddenly cut off by diphthe- ria. Not of robust constitution, the northern winters are quite trying to Mr. Hubbard's health, and his winters are frequently spent in milder clinuites. Of these sojourns he preserves pleasant memen- toes in the shape of sea-mosses and ferns in preparing which he is quite an artist. He is one of the prominent members of the Con- gregational society of this city, his connection with that denomina- tion dating from his removal to Boston in 1881. BIOGRAPHICAL. 693 Charles N. Wakefield (deceased) was born in Saco, York county, Maine, February 8, 1830, was educated at Thornton Academy in his native place, and at North Yarmouth Academy, and was ready to enter upon his classical course at Bowdoin College, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, and intermitted his studies and was in merchandise at Saco for some time before coming to Winona in 1856. He was never in trade in this city, but was employed with real estate and loan mattei's, at first in a small way, the last twelve years of his life to quite a considerable extent. Was one of the early judges of probate for the county, holding that office from spring of 1867 to January, 1869 ; was justice of the peace by appointment in 1865, and held that office by election from 1866 to 1868. He was appointed deputy by E. A. Gerdtzen, clerk of the district court, and so remained until Mr. Gerdtzen retired from that office in 1878. The friendship between these gentlemen fostered during the years of their association in the clerk's office was con- tinued thereafter, and though never in business together, they occupied the same office until the sudden death of Mr. Wakefield, June 6, 1882, of apoplexy. The estate of Mr. Wakefield, largely accumulated during his residence in this city, was something in excess of $50,000, consisting in great part of mortgages, business and residence property in the city, and farming lands in the county. The ' ' Wakefield Block, " the walls of which were not in place when the foundations of his own life were so suddenly moved, remains a monument to his spirit of enterprise, and his confidence in the future prosperity of the city which had been his home for more than a quarter of a century. The ''block" is on the corner of Center and Fourth streets, a beautifully ornate three-story brick structure with stone foundations, dressed stone caps, sills and trimmings and iron cornice, the whole valued at about $12,000. The first floor, cover- ing an area of 4,000 square feet, is without exception the finest store- room in the city. Mr. Wakefield never married, and his property passes into the hands of an only brother and two sisters, all residing in the east. Personally the deceased was a man of kind disposition, pleasant and polished in social intercourse, though not seeking society, a steadfast friend, strong and unwavering in his convictions and of great tenacity of purpose. John ISTellson was born in Sweden, in 1821, coming to America in 1856. His parents were farmers, and he worked on his father's farm and among his neighbors. He mai-ried in 1846 Miss Sarah 694 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Lewis, by wlioin he had three children, all of whom died before he left Sweden. In 185(» he settled and built himself a shanty on the present site of the village ot Minneiska, where he has since remained progressing with the village. He was early to answer the call of his atlopted country for defenders, enlisting in the 10th Minn., serving two years and eleven months, being with his regiment under (ren. Sibley to the west and participating in all of the engage- ments of this command. Christian Lineteman was born in Germany in 1832, and worked farming until his twenty-fourth year, when he came to this country, going direct to the then village of Winona. He obtained employment in the first lumber-yard ever opened there, continuing to work in the same and in the neighborhood for about ten years. He purchased a farm in Mt. Vernon in 1863, which he has occupied ever since. He married, in 1876, Miss Catherine Eggers, by whom he has had four children, all of whom are living. He is a republican and a member of the Lutheran body. He has filled the position of town- ship treasurer and other offices, and bears the reputation of being a thoroughly reliable, straightforward citizen. David Nisbit was born in Madrid, New York, January 28, 1841. He received a limited common school education, never having had any o})portunities of attending select schools of any kind. His youth, for fifteen years, was spent on a farm in St. Lawrence count3% New York. Then his father moved to Saratoga, Winona county, Minne- sota, and David ran a breaking team for four seasons, when his health failed him, and for several years he was unable to leave the house. As soon as he recovered sufficientl}' he commenced selling machinery. He followed this business two years and then went to selling fruit-trees. In 1872 he went to Rushford and bought a livery-stable, and took charge of it until 1875, when he sold out, and went back to the farm and kept an apiary for several years. In the spring of 1880 he bought a farm in Pleasant Hill township and has since been improving it. He was married to Dyantha Hesslegrave, August 24, 1876. They have two children, David Earl, born March 8, 1877, and Ray Ellsworth, born March 31, 1881. Samuel W. Spalding was born in Eaton township, Lower Canada, March 16, 1829. He received a common school education in the State of New York, where his father moved about the year of 1834. When twenty-two years old Mr. Spalding went to sea for two years, but tiring of the ocean he quit that business and went to Lockport, BIOGRAPHICAL. 695 IlliiKns, where lie worked one year. He then went to Houston county, Minnesota, took a claim on Root river, built a claim shant}^ and lived there one year all alone, with no amusement but the ague, with which he suffered most of the time. He sold his claim on Root river and went to La Crescent and took a claim and lived on it one year. He then sold out and came to Pleasant Hill and bought a claim of eighty acres, with small shanty. He built an addition to the shanty, cleared and broke ground until the fall of 1856. He then went to Illinois, and January 15, 1857, he married Sarah J. Hatch, of Dwight, Illinois, and returned to his farm in Pleasant Hill, and has since been improving and adding to the same, till he now has 160 acres of good farming land. They have only one child : James F., born October 18, 1858, and married to Olive M. Clark and living on Sec. 3, of Pleasant Hill township. Gates & Wardner, general merchandise, Masonic block. This business, as at present conducted, was established in 1878, and the building occupied by them was erected two years later in common with E. S. Johnson & Co. and the masonic bodies of the city. The salesroom fronts twenty-six feet, has a depth of eighty feet, with *a good stone foundation and basement under the whole. Business employs two salesmen. The members of the firm are M. H. Gates and E. S. Wardner. M. H. Gates is a native of New York, from which state he came to Winona county in the spring of 1856, settling in St. Charles, where he opened business with a general stock of goods and continued in trade about six years. From 1862 to 1866 he was engaged in farming, about three and a-half miles from St. Charles, and since the latter date has been in trade in this city. Mr. Gates was mayor of the city during 1879-80, two terras, and is a member of the present city council. He is married and has six children, one of them clerking in his father's store, one, a daughter, teaching in the city schools, and two others attending as pupils. Mr. Gates is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 49, A. F. and A. M., and of Orient Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., both of St. Charles, and a member of Home Commandery, No. 5, of Rochester, this state. H. C. Parrott &Co., manufacturers of spring and lumber wagons. This business, at present the leading manufacturing indus- try of St. Charles, has been in successful operation about twenty-four years, during which time it has gi'own from comparatively small beginnings to its present proportions. Their location is on the east side of Whitewater street, the main street of the city, and adjoining the t>96 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. tracks of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad on the south. Their lot fronts 145 feet on Whitewater street and runs to the rear about 300 feet. Upon this lot they have erected the following buildings : one brick blacksmith-shop, 30 X 75 feet ; a two-story machine-shop, 38x75 feet; a two-story wood-shop, 36x50 feet; a one and a-half story wagon and carriage repository, 40 X SO feet, a warehouse 20 X 50 feet, and paint-shop, 40 X 70 feet. These buildings are exclusive of sheds for stock and tlie engine-room in which a twenty-five horse- power Atlas engine supplies motor for the labor-saving machinery of the several departments. The operations of the manufactory em- ploy about twenty-five hands, and the annual manufactured product, including repairs, about $35,000, for wliich a market is found in southern Minnesota and Dakota. Business which had been gradu- ally increasing, reached its maximum in 1878, since which date until the present season there had been a gradual decline. The orders received for the first three months of 1883 and the increasing demands for their goods foreshadow an increase of fully twentj^-five per cent for the year 1883 over any former year of their operations. TKe present members of the firm are H. C. Parrott and Henry Talbott. H. C. Parrott is a native of Oxford, England, from which country he came to America in 1853, settling in Port Sarnia, Canada. Came to Winona county in 1856, and was variously employed until 1859, when he established his present business which he conducted alone one year, then associated with himself Charles Ellsbury and Henry Talbott. In 1865 Mr. Ellsbury retired from the firm and the busi- ness has since been conducted as at present. Mr. Parrott has been a member of the city board of education almost continuously for the past fifteen to twenty years, and has also served his fellow-citijjensas head of their municipal government, having been twice mayor of the city. He is also an acceptable member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and A. M. and Orient chapter, R. A. M. Jacob Feigert, farmer, is a son of Frederick Feigert, who emi- grated to America from Hamburg, Germany, in 1837, and settled in Elba in 1856. Jacob Feigert was born in Hamburg on February 24, 1831. He was reared on a farm in Tuscaraugus county, Ohio, attending the common school about a year in all. He was married January 18, 1853, to Sophia, daughter of Jacob Miller, of Pennsyl- vania ; she was born in Ohio, February 20, 1833. In the fall of 1856 Mr. Feigert came with his father to Elba ; they purchased 120 acres of land on Sees. 13 and 14. The elder now lives in the town BIOGRAPHICAL. 697 of Rolling Stone, this county. In 1866 the subject of this sketch bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 21, where he has since dwelt. By subsequent purchase he acquired eighty acres more, adjoining the first. He now resides in a large and handsome dwelling, and is one of Elba's independent farmers. He is a democrat in politics ; was elected town supervisor in 1868, and also served one year by appointment subsequently. Mr. and Mrs. Feigert are Presby- terians. They have twelve living children, having lost three. Here is the record of births, marriages, etc : Catharine, born October 7, 1855, mari-ied Alexander King and lives in the village of Elba ; Margaret, bom May 12, 1857, married Albert Myers and dwells at Flandreau, Dakota ; Jacob, born December 20, 1859, resides with parents; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1861, married James McCabe (now deceased), resides in Eyota ; Mary, born September 17, 1862, married Isaiah Frey, now living on Sec. 21 ; Sophie, born March 24, 1864 ; William, born January 12, 1867 ; Henry, born July 17, 1869 ; Lucy, born February 18, 1871 ; Albert, born December 12, 1872 ; Edward O., born August 24, 1875 ; Annie C, born Novem- ber 18, 1877. Henkt G. Cox, of Saratoga, is one of the early settlers and most substantial citizens of the vicinity. He traces the family history back to the time when four brothers, Benjamin, his great-great- grandfather, George, John Davenport, and another whose name is forgotten, came from Warwick, England, and settled at Hardwick, Massachusetts. These were stout, hearty, robust specimens of the hardy English yeomanry. The great-grandfather was a captain in the revolution, and Benjamin, the grandfather of Henry, was a waiter to his father. After the war he removed to Barnard, Windsor county, Vermont, where Aurin, the father of Henry, was born. They were among the earliest settlers in the place. His father was one of six children : Gardner, Nancy, Benjamin, Allen, Aurin and Lyman. His grandfather was a farmer and carried on the busi- ness of a cooper. Aurin Cox, the father of Henry, was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. He learned the trade of a millwright with Joshua Tainge, at Barnard, Vermont. This he followed for a number of years until he lost his health, when he bought a farm near Barnard, Yerraont, where he lived for the remainder of his days. Here Henry, the eldest of the family, had a severe trial carrying on the farm and making a living for the family. His mother was Hortense P. Chamberlain, of Royalton, Yermont, 698 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to whom his father was married in 1828. Henry is the eldest of a tamily of seven children : Esther, Edna, Mary Jane, Aurin, Julia and Edna were his sisters and brother. Here on the fai-m lie grew to manhood and received a common school education. In 1850, at the age of twentj-one, he left the parental roof and went to Pierre- pont, St. Lawrence county. New York, where he worked in a starch factory for his uncle, Gardner Cox, for near five years. December 25, 185-4, he married Miss Justina Stevens, of Parishville, New York. She was the daughter of Henry Stevens, a millowner of that place. They are the parents of one child, Henry Stevens Cox, born December 25, 18H6. In March, 1855, Mr. Cox came west and stopped for awhile at Rock Ishind, Illinois, 1)ut on account of pre- valence of cholera he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and commenced work in the employ of Osgood & Co., where he remained for a year. Thinking to better his fortunes he came west in 1856 and settled on Sees. 7 and 8, in Saratoga township, where he has ever since carried on farming. He owns a splendid farm here and another in Martin county, Minnesota. He is a republican in politics, and his belief in religion is "to do all the good you can and as little harm as possi- ble." Mr. Cox built a neat and comfortable frame residence in 1857, which he still occupies. Mrs. Cox died October 29, 1881, and lies buried at Saratoga burying-ground. William H. Morrill, farmer, Saratoga township. Mr. Morrill's farm consists of 233 acres of land in Sees. 3 and 4, and its several parts were pre-empted by John Emerson, John B. Brown and Lysander Kately, the whole coming into Mr. Morrill's possession by purchase at various times between April, 1859, and 1866. Mr. Morrill had, however, been a resident of the county for two years prior to securing his present location, his first farm consisting of a forty-acre lot on Sec. 34, St. Charles township, ])urchased of Charles H. Alden, in May, 1857. Mr. Morrill's farm, crops and stock, the season of 1882, were as follows : Bushels of wheat per acre, 17 ; of oats, a small ci-op ; barley, 35 ; corn, 50 ; hay, two tons per acre ; 15 horses, 27 cattle and 12 hogs. William H. Morrill, is a son of Hon. David Morrill, now living in Canterbury, New Hampshire, aged eighty-four years, and long recognized as one of the representa- tive men of that state. William H. is a native of the old Granite State and came to Winona county from the east in 1856. April 26, 1860, he married Miss M. M. Foster. They have two children : the eldest. Miss M. B. Morrill, is teaching school in a school district in BIOGRAPHICAL. 699 Saratoga township, and the youngest, Willie D., is at home with his parents. Mr. W. H. Morrill enlisted February 11, 1865, in Co. K, 1st Minn. Heavy Art., Capt. Hammond commanding company, was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, March 1 following, and was on duty upon the fortifications there until ordered nortli and mus- tered out at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, October of that same year. Mr. Foster had two brothers who gave themselves to the service of their country. Alonzo Foster, who enlisted in Co. A, 2d Minn. Inf., who served with that regiment until the close of its service, re-enlisting as a veteran, and participating in Sherman's march to the sea, and was finally mustered out at Fort Snelling when the war closed. The other brother, L. B. Foster, was a captain in the 26th Ohio, was several times wounded, and after suffering untold tortures and permanent disability of eighteen years through spinal disorder, the result of wounds in battle, died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Morrill are ])rominent members of the Minnesota Anti-Secret Society Asso- ciation, and communicants of the Congregational church at St. Charles. Jerry Moran, son of Daniel Moran, was born in the county Tipperary, Ireland, February 2, 1846 ; came with his father to the United States of America in the yeai- 1853, and settled in Connecticut, and from there proceeded to Minnesota in 1856, and settled in the town of Wilson. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Dwana ; his father died in Minnesota in September, 1877, at the age of eighty- five years ; his mother died the year following, at the age of seventy- two. There were eleven children in the family, two died in Ireland, two in Connecticut and one in Minnesota. Jerry, the subject of this sketch, has held the offices of district treasurer and supervisor of the town, owns a splendid farm of 160 acres, is a farmer by profession, a democrat in politics and Roman Catholic in religion. Gregory & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in crockery and glassware, JSTo. 35 East Second street. This business was established in 1862, in the block east of that where now located ; remained there until 1867, was then removed to the north side of the street, between Lafayette and Center, where business was conducted until 1872, when a move was. made to the south side of the street, two doors east of present location, to which business was removed in 1882. Here they occupy three basements for heavy storage and packing, aggregating 6,000 feet of flooring; a salesroom 22x120, with an elevator in the rear and a storeroom overhead, 50x130 feet, with 700 HISTORY OF WrNONA COUNTY. side shelving, staging, galleries and every appliance for economiz- ing space. The house employs a clerical force of three, two traveling salesmen and ten hands. Business extends west to the Missouri river, north to Lake City, to Fargo on the North Pacific railway and eastward to the Wisconsin river. Yearly sales are considerably in excess of $50,000. The house is represented on the Winona board of trade. The members of the firm are A. S. Gregory, Geo, W. Gregory and E. S. Gregory. Mr. A. S. Gregory, the senior mem- ber of the firm, is a native of Frorae, England, born February 15, 1S20. In 1827 he came to America with his father, who was a manufacturer of woolen goods. In 1856 Mr. A. S. Gregory removed to Winona county, settling in Stockton, where he |)urchased the old frame sawmill on the water-power there, which had been erected by J. II. Hurd the previous year. This Mr. Gregory converted into a flouring-raill, the first built in the county, which he operated until 1860, when he sold out to Mr. H. Sherry, and two years later opened his crockery business in this city. Geo. W. Gregory is a native of Massachusetts, and removed to Wisconsin from his native state in 1852. Five years later Mr. Gregory removed to Winona and was in the drug and book house of Bingham, Benson & Co. until 1862, when he left this city for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Remaining there one year, he returned to Winona and entered the crockery house of A. S. Gregory, as a partner in that business. E. S. Gregory, son of A. S. Gregory, the founder of the firm, has been connected with the house for the past five years. Nathan Harris, son of Alpheus and Rebecca Harris, was born in King's county. Nova Scotia, February 22, 1813 ; was educated in the common school ; came to the United States in 1845 ; landed in Boston, and from there went to New Hampshire, where he was married September 22, 1846, to Miss Martha W. Fuller, daughter of Cajjt. Edward and Patty Fuller, her mother's maiden name being Patty Upham. They emigrated to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in the town of Wilson. Have had three children : Lucilla, the eldest, was born November 25, 1847, and died May 15, 1872. at the age of twenty-five. She is spoken of by all who know her as a very amiable and highly accomplished young lady, the only girl, and the ])ride of the family; Edward F. was born March 28, 1850, and Orlando U. was born May 2, 1854. Mr. Harris owns a nice farm four miles from the city of Winona, in Pleasant valley, besides other lands. Mrs, Harris' father, Capt. Edward Fuller, served in the war BIOGRAPJIICAL. 701 of 1812 ; was captain of a company ; came to Minnesota with Nathan Harris ; died in 1865, and is buried in the cemetery in Pleasant valley. Nathan belongs to the Congregational church, is a demo- crat in politics. Francis Faeanswoth, farmer, is another old settler whose career is a good example of what industry, integrity and perseverance will accomplish. Coming into the township in 1856 with little or no capital except excellent health and a strong right arm, he has accu- mulated considerable property and one of the handsomest homes in the county. He is a native of Massachusetts, being born at Med- ford in 1826 ; his family moved into Michigan in 1846 and he came with them. He marrfed in 1848 Miss. Sarah Cobb, and remained in Michigan farming until the spring of 1856, when he came to Whitewater, where he has been a resident ever since. Few men enjoy the respect and esteem i^f the community in a greater degree than Mr. Faranswoth. John Laemkuhl, farmer, was born in Germany in 1806. He was brought up as an agricultural laborer, and worked at his occupa- tion until he was fifty years of age, when he emigrated to America, arriving in 1856, coming direct to Kollingstone, where he purchased the farm he now occupies. He was married in Germany in 1853, to Sophia Brown, and two sons and two daughters have blessed their union. Mr. Laemkuhl, by frugality and industry, has accumulated considerable property, and is much respected by his neighbors. He is a Lutheran, and is independent in politics. Ira Canfield was born in Tompkins county. New York, Jan- uary 14, 1822. His parents were Herman and Unice Smith Russell. His father was a carpenter and joiner in his earlier business life, but latterly followed farming. Mr. Canfield was reared a farmer and has always followed it as a means of livelihood. January 1, 1843, he was married to Julia Ann Orway, by whom he became the father of five children, named respectively Hattie, George, Charley, Stella and Julia. From New York Mr. Canfield removed to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1852, where Mrs. Canfield died September 12, 1856. In the autumn of this year he came to this county and settled at Troy. Some time after coming here he was married to Miss Rebecca Dun- kinson, by whom he has no children. He is a democrat in politics, and has held the ofiice of constable for Saratoga township for five years. Alonzo D. Nicholls (deceased) was born and bred on a farm in 702 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Ware, New Hampshire ; his father, Hiram Nicholls, was also born in Ware, as was his mother Sarah Dearborn. April 4, 1831, is the date of birth of the subject of this sketch. After attending the district school of his native town till sixteen years of age he entered a clothing factory, where he was employed as pressman, and this occu])ation he followed for nine years. He was married January 9, 1854, to Harriet M. Philbrick, who was born in Ware, December 11, 1834; her father, George Philbrick, was a native of New Hamp- shire, and her mother, Mariali Burnham, was born in England. In May, 1856, Mr. Nicholls came to Elba, and purchasing 100 acres of land on Sec. 10, engaged in farming ; his family arrived the follow- ing November. Mr. Nicholls was possessed of more than the average ability, and soon took a prominent part in the management of public affairs. He was an adherent of the democratic party on political issues. He was town clerk ffom 1860 to 1868 inclusive, except in 1862 ; was assessor for the ten years succeeding 1869, ex- cepting 1872. In 1860 he was appointed postinaster at Elba, but resigned two years later. In 1867 Mr. Nicholls sold his farm and bought a half-interest in a flouring-mill at Chatfield, removing to that place in September ; after a year's residence there he returned to Elba and engaged in farming on Sec. 5. Here he died March 1, 1880, and the following year his family removed to Fairwater, whei-e they now reside. Mr. Nicholls' religious faith was univer- salism, a belief also embraced by his family. His four children all reside together with their mother. Their names and dates of birth are as follows : Benjamin F., June 1, 1859 ; Clinton A., September 24, 1862 ; Hattie s'.. May 26, 1868 ; Charles H., August 17, 1872. Nicholas Roberts, farmer, became a citizen of Elba in 1856, when he purchased 40 acres of land on Sec. 10. In August of that year he married Miss Josephine Klein, of this town, from whom he was afterward divorced. They had one child, Albert, who was born May 17, 1857, and is now living in the adjoining town of Quincy, Olmsted count3^ Mr. Roberts was born in Luxemburg, February 24, 1831. His f^ither was a farnoier, and he lived the youth of a German farmer's boy. At twenty years of age he emi- grated to America, and spent five years in the State of New York, where he was employed in rutming a sawmill engine. Removing thence, he came to Elba, as above noted. He afterward bought 120 acres of land on Sec. 4, where his present home is located. His farm lies on the upland prairie, and is handsome and pro- UTICA TOWNSHIP. 703 ductive. He was married April 18, 1865, to Elizabeth Neiheiser, who was born in Wittel, Prussia, August 10, 1842. They have four children, and are all members of the Roman Catholic church. The names and dates of birth of the children are as follows : Mary Louisa, February 26, 1866 ; Peter, January 8, 1868 ; Mary, April 13, 1871; John, April 10, 1874. James Tierney, farmer, was born in County Galway, Ireland. His father, Mark Tierney, was a farmer and gave his son a common school education. On arriving at majority, young Tierney emi- grated to America ; he spent his first year in the country in a woolen factory at Millville, Massachusetts ; the next three years were spent in New York city. He was married there in 1852 to Mary Rodigan, who was born in County Galway in 1833. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Tierney came to Winona and worked for some time on the Winona & St. Peter railroad, then in process of con- struction. He afterward rented land, which he tilled in the town of St. Charles, and in 1858 bought 40 acres on Sec. 35 in Elba; twenty years later he purchased 120 acres on Sees. 26 and 35, and now has a tine farm. Mr. Tierney is a democrat, and a member of the St. Charles Roman Catholic church, as are all his family. He has eight living children, as follows: Mary E., born September 2, 1853, married John King and lives in Ripley, Dodge county ; Martin, born November 5, 1855; John, Thomas, Catharine E., Margaret, Etta and Dora. CHAPTER LYI. UTICA TOWNSHIP. This is undoubtedly one of the richest agricultural townships in the State of Minnesota. With the exception of a few groves of limited area, it is entirely composed of gently undulating prairie, with a rich surface soil lying on a clay subsoil. The township extends nearly to the bluffs and valleys bordering the Mississippi river. It is bounded by Norton township on the north, Warren on the east, Fremont south and St. Charles west ; and is described as T. 106, R. 9, W. of the 5th P.M. of the United States survey. Agriculture employs the attention of nearly every one of its citizens. 704 HISTORf OF WINONA COUNTY. • There are two small villages within its limits, one bearing the name of the townsliij), and the other called Lewiston, in honor ot its founder, Jonathim Smith Lewis. The latter village is incor})orated. Botli these hamlets sprang into life with the construction of the "Winona & St. Peter railroad, on which Hue thej are located. There is scarcely a farm throughout the extent of this township that is not marked by large and handsome buildings, many of them built of brick or stone. The number and size of iarm barns is something remarkable. Utica was first settled by people from New York and Indiana, but most of the early residents have gone, and their places are mostly taken b}^ emigrants from Germany. The eastern hall ©f the township is now almost wholly occupied by these people, many of whom are recent arrivals, and they bid fair soon to possess the whole township. Many of them cannot read or speak the English language, but they are an industrious, peaceful class of citizens, and are fast developing the agricultural resources of the country. Schools and churches receive a liberal support, and the intellectual development of the community is not backward. The first per- manent settlement in the town of Utica was made in the fall of 1854. During this year came Andrew Peterman and Peter Raymond, of Indiana, Henry and Lyman Raymond, of New York, Rev. William Sweet, E. H. Barrett, Dr. John W. Bentley, and two others named Hall and Malloy, all of whom spent the following winter here. Collins Rice came and took a claim and built a sod house thereon in the fall of 1854 ; the next spring he brought his family and lived a short time in this house. Mrs. Rice relates that one morning while washing her dishes she happened to look up and discover a snake lying close under the roof on a shelf formed by the sod wall, and surveying the scene with quiet contentment. The good lady's contentment was not so quiet, and the intruder was soon banished. A frame building was soon prepared and occupied, and Mr. and Mrs. Rice are still to be found in their pleasant home on the original homestead, one and one-half miles southeast of Lewiston. Another of Mrs. Rice's un])leasant experiences was with a weasel which captured two-thirds of her small brood of ciiickens ; but his weasel- ship soon paid the penalty of his thefts ; one night, while gorged with his ill-gotten feast, he was seized by the neck in Mrs. Rice's determined grasp and held a prisoner till her husband dispatched him. During the fall of 1854 occurred the first birth of a white child in town, a daughter born to Dr. Bentley and christened Harriet. UTICA TOWNSHIP. 705 In 1855 nearly all the land was taken up by settlers. In the spring of this year came Austin Raymond, father of the brothers above named, Luzon, his son, James Myers, William H. D wight, Clay- burn Cheatham, J. S. Lewis, David Wlietstine, Philip Ramer, and numerous others. The first death was that of an infant child of Peter Ramer, wliich occurred in April, 1855. In the fall of the same year Mrs. Clayburn Cheatham died of consumption. In October, 1856, Daniel Ramer, a brother of Philip, died of the same disease, and about the same time Mrs. Perry Miller passed away. In February, 1857, Steward Cook, one of the pioneers, was killed by a landslide from the bluff while going through a valley on the way to Winona. Steps were early taken to secure postal facilities, and a postoffice was established on the northeast quarter of Sec. 23, the fall of 1855, at the house of William H. Dwight. The business of the office was transacted by Collins Rice. Soon after this a postofiice was also established at Dr. Bentley's house, on Sec. 17, ^ with the doctor as postmaster. It is still related, as one of the examples of the style of business in those days, that the mail was kept in an old trunk, and anyone expecting mail was free to sort over the contents of said trunk, taking or leaving as he pleased. This was quite as "convenient" as Elder Ely's hat, in the early days of Winona. The two postofiices still maintained in the town are near the above original sites, namely, at the villages of Lewiston and Utica. Among the settlers of 1855 were a number of Dunkard families, who sought to settle a community of their faith. They succeeded in so doing, and now have a neat and commodious church edifice, standing on the eastern side of the line dividing Utica from Warren township. Philip Ramer, one of these pioneers, was a preacher of this faith, and very soon after their arrival regular meetings of the sect were inaugurated. As early as May 20, 1855, Mr. Ramer preached at the house of J. S. Lewis. In July of the same year Rev. William Sweet preached in a grove in the central part of the town. In 1856 Mr. Ramer conducted religions services in the western part of the town, in a shanty built by Luzon Raymond on his first claim. The first school of which we can find any memory was taught in the summer of 1856 by Miss Elizabeth Sands, in Mr. Raymond's pre-emption shanty on Sec. 19. The next year a frame schoolhouse was built in the same locality, and a good-sized school occupied it. TOG HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. The large niunber of men seeking locations in tliis section in 1855-6 made a large demand for hotel accommodations, and very meagre accommodations were satisfactorv. The first hotel was probably that kept by A. and L. Raymond, father and son, in a log building on the southeast quarter of Sec. 18, in 1855-6-7. Dr. Bentley was the first justice of the peace in the town, being chosen at an election held at his house in the fall of 1855 ; E. H. Barrett was also chosen justice, but did no business. The other officers were : trustees, Collins Rice, D. Cheatham and Moses Pike ; as- sessor, Philip Ramer; treasurer, J. W. Bentley; constable, L. J. Aldrich. As a sample of Dr. Bentley's easy way of doing business may be mentioned a marriage ceremony performed by him in 1857. The principals, Frank Gleason and Genevra Bruce, being ordered by the doctor to stand up and join hands, he said: "By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Territory of Minnesota, I pro- nounce you man and wife." This was, perhaps, the first marriage in town. In November, 1856, Edwin Pierce and Chloe A. Ray- mond, residents of this town, were married at Rochester. Most of the weddings in early days were performed by Esquire Rice, who was chosen at the second election as justice of the peace. In 1858 he married Moses George to Lucretia Lewis. Soon after this he joined A. P. Lovejoy and the widow of John Morehead. The latter was killed by falling from a wagon in 1858. On the organization of the township, following the admission of the state. May 11, 1858, the town election was held at Dr. Bentley's house. The next year it was held at the house of Levi Matthews, on the S.E. ^ of Sec. 16, and continued to be held there for many years. Mr. Dwight very much desired to have the town named New Boston, but a majority of the voters coincided with Dr. Bentley's wish, and it was accordingly christened Utica. The first board of supervisors was composed of Clayburn Cheatham, E. P. Williams and William Elliott. Owing to the destruction of the town records by fire, in 1880, it is impossible to learn who were the other officers elected at that time ; and no record can be given of subsequent elections, except the last four. T. J. Hammer has been town clerk for the last seven years. In 1880 the supervisors elected were James H. Perry, John Posz and J. B. Stebbins ; the next year R. K. Holding took the place of Stebbins. The same board was elected in 1882 ; but Mr. Holding soon died, and John H. Firth was appointed in his place. At the election this year Henry Nusslock UTICA TOWNSHIP. 707 was chosen instead of Firth, the others being re-elected. James H. Perry has been chairman of the town board fourteen years, and a member of that body sixteen years. John Posz has been super- visor or assessor every year since 1874 except one. The total population of Utica township in 1880 was 1,335. LEWISTON VILLAGE. The act incorporating this village was approved February 23, 1875. It includes Sec. 17. The organic act required that the first election be held on the first Monday of March, that year, which was the first day of the month. The following officers were elected : Trustees, L. J. Allred, William Elliott and Peter Peters ; clerk, N. E. Earch ; treasurer, Peter Lewis; justice, I. C. Slade ;. consta- ble, J. B. Lancaster. Tlie village is now in prosperous condition financially. The re- port of the treasurer at-the last election showed $510 in the treasury. Six saloons are licensed at $75 per year. But little expenditure is required for streets and sidewalks, as the village has but limited population or business. The census of 1880 showed a population of 241. Among its business establishments at this time are three grain warehouses, tour general stores, hardware store, harness shop, wagon and carriage shop, meat market, and several blacksmith and shoemakers' shops. The site of the village was chosen in 1863. The railroad com- pany had contemplated the location of its station a half mile farther ea^t, and a few farmers in that locality offered Philip Eamer $50 per acre for the site in order to secure its location there, but he re- fused to sell at that price. J. S. Lewis, who owned the site of the present station, deeded the railway company an undivided half interest in fifteen acres of land, and secured the location of the station where it now is. The first building was put up by Jonah Peterman and occupied by him as a store. Considerable business is transacted in this small hamlet. The difficulties of the roads through the Mississippi bluffs to Winona drive a great deal of trade here from the prairie regions lying north and south ; and its distance from St. Charles also contributes to its local importance as a trading center. The present oflicers of the village are : Trustees, Henry Stock, M. Neuman, J. W. Kice ; clerk, O. W. Hunt ; treasurer, John Dorn • 708 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. justices, August Ogrosky, Peter Peters ; constables, Jacob Posz, C. D. Jacobs ; assessor, B. M. Seemann. UTICA VILLAGE. Utica village was laid out in 1866 by Benjamin Ellsworth, owner of the site. It is platted at right angles to the railroad, and is nearly all on the northwest quarter of Sec. 19, one corner lying on Sec. 18. The tirst building on the site of the village was a grain warehouse, erected by Mr. Ellsworth on the advent of the railroad in 1868, and for some years a portion of this structure was occupied as a depot by the railway company. The })lat embraces fifty lots, 160 X 60 feet in area, and twenty lots, 132 X 60. The first building erected' after the survey was a store on lot two, block two, built and occupied by Gideon Peterman; L. C. Bates soon built a general store on lot one, block two, and A. D. Ellsworth built the hotel on lot five, block three. There are now two warehouses, a general store, hotel, drug-store, tin-shop, harness-shop, shoe-shop, saloon, blacksmith-shops, etc. The village is not incorporated, and its exact population is unknown. SOCIETIES. At present there are four church organizations in the township and three church edifices. Others have been organized, but have gone out of existence. The first society which sprang into existence was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1858 Rev. Michael Klepper, of St. Charles, fiimiliarly known as Father Klepper, began ])reaching in the little frame schoolhouse which stood a short distance east of the present village of Utica. During this year or early in the next a small society was organized, with J. B. Stebbins as steward and classleader, which ofiice he now fills for the same organization. A union Sabbath school was soon organized ; L. W. Rowlev was chosen as superintendent, and has acted in that capacity nearly all the time since, still doing so ; the school now numbers fifty members and is prosperous. Methodist preaching is still main- tained in the schoolhouse at Utica, but the society has been much weakened ))y deaths and removals and no class is kept up. In the fall of 1860 a Methodist class was ofganized in the northern ])art of the town at the "Red Schoolliouse." J. B. Jayne was classleader and J. B. Stebbins steward. Tiie class numbered thirty-five members, and sustained a Sunday school of fifty members, UTICA TOWNSHIP. 709 under the lead of Mr. Jayne. Rev. Zara Norton, of St. Charles, was pastor. This organization was six years later merged in that at Utica. The second society was the Presbyterian, organized at Utica in 1860, by Rev. H. L. Craven, who then resided at La Crescent and visited this point once in three weeks. There were six members, viz: L. W. Rowley, Thomas Sloan and John M. Boyd, and their respec- tive wives. Mr. Rowley was elder. Wo organization is now kept up, and but two families of this sect remain in the vicinity. The Lutheran Society of Lewiston was organized under the name of St. John's church, in the year 1866. At that time the society consisted of seventeen members. The society built its first church, a building 21x40 feet, one mile west of the village of Lewiston. The first minister having charge of the society was Rev. L. Schmidt, who supplied the church for about two years. From the year 1868 to 18T8 the field was occupied by five different ministers, in their order as follows: R. Weise, A. Blumer, L. F. Frey, H. Freese and G. Schaaf. In July, 1878, Rev. O. Koch took charge of the church, under whose pastorate it continues up to the present time. In the year 1879 the society built their present edifice, a veneered brick, 36x56 feet, 18 feet high, with steeple 83 feet in height. The present building is in the village of Lewiston, was built at a cost of $3,000, and will seat five hundred people. The following year the old building was moved to near the site of the new church and is used for school purposes. In 1882 the society added a neatly built parsonage to its church property, making in all property valued at nearly $5,000. At present the membership of the society numbers forty-five and it is enjoying a steady and healthful growth. In 1865 Rev. B. F. Kelley, a Baptist clergyman, resided at Lewiston, where he attempted to organize a society, but did not receive sufficient support to enable the plan to succeed. He preached there about a year. A Baptist society was organized at Utica, March 28, 1868, by Rev. Jackson, of St. Charles township, who had been holding services there at intervals. There were fourteen members; Joel B. Dewey was deacon of the class, Henry H. Cheathan, clerk, and Frank W. Curtise, treasurer. Preaching is still maintained by this sect at the schoolhouse, but no organization now exists. The earliest Roman Catholic service was conducted by Father 710 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Alois Flut, of Winona, at the house of John Kirch, near Lewiston, in 1868; seven families participated. In 1878 Peter Peters bought four acres of land in the S.W. ^ of S.W. ^ Sec. 14, which he fenced and planted, and subsequently gave it to the church for a building spot. The site is a beautiful one, the ground gently sloping from the center. In 1876 a society was inau- gurated with tliirty-seven families. John Hatreich, John Daley and Timothy Roeling were the trustees ; the first was secretary and Mr. Daley treasurer of the society. In 1878 a veneered brick church was built on this site. It is 54 X 28 feet in area, with audi- ence room twenty feet high, and will seat two hundred persons. Its cost was $2,500. Forty families are now included in the organ- ization, and services are regularly conducted by Father Smith, of St. Charles. Harmony Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was organized at Enterprise, three and one-half miles south of Lewiston, but soon after removed to the latter place. The first stated communication was held June 1, 1863. It started out with eleven charter members. The officers were as follows: Orrin Wheeler, W.M.; N. B. Uiford, S.W.; S. W. Gleason, J.W. ;A. R. Hoit, Treas. ; Sebastian Giesreidter, Sec; William Proteus, D.S.D. ; Lucius Brainard, J.D. ; John James, Tyler. The other charter members were S. D. King, J. W. Klepper and George McNutt. The lodge now has a member- ship of thirty-one, and is in a prosperous condition. It is free of debt, has $125 in the treasury, and is well supplied with regalia and furniture. Following is a list of the present officers : I. C. Slade, W.M.; Henry Nusslock, S.W.; K Turner, J.W.; Peter Fischer, Treas.; O. W. Hunt, Sec; August Zander, S.D. ; C. J. Sivly, J.D. ; L. Siebenhuener, Tyler. Since the first formation of the lodge one hundred and twenty-nine persons have been connected with it. Aurora Grove of Druids was instituted at Lewiston, February 2, 1878. This is an insurance organization, and started in with twenty-one charter members. After various additions and losses, the membership now includes the same number. Its officers at present are as follows: John Roth, Past Arch; A. Merker, N.A. ; Fred. Suhr, Y.A. ; Henry Nusslock, Treas.; August Kessler, Sec; B. M. Seemann, F.; John Fold, J.W.; F. Schmutzler, O.W. CHAPTER LYII. BIOGRAPHICAL. EARLY SETTLE RS. Thomas Chappell, blacksmith; shop on Lafayette street, between Second and Third. Mr. Chappell established business in this city in May, 1857, on the lot adjoining the one he now occupies, on the north. These lots front forty feet on Lafayette street and have a depth of sixty feet. Tliis is the oldest blacksmith-shop in the city, and business has been conducted at the present location since 1868. Mr. Chappell is a prominent member of the Episcopal church of this city, and enjoys the distinction of having been the first male com- municant of St. Paul's church ; was made warden soon after, and held that office until the erection of the new church edifice. He was marshal of the city in 1872-3, and five years later, 1878, was appointed deputy United States marshal, under Marshal McLaren. Holding his position as deputy until McLaren was superseded by R. S. Denny, Mr. Chappell was rea])pointed, and still holds that position, Mr. Chappell has resided for the past twenty-five years on the prem- ises purchased by him on coming to this city in 1857, three lots comer of Sanford and Franklin streets. Mr. Chappell is an English- man by birth, an affiliate of the I. O. O. F. fraternity and a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., of Winona Chapter, No. 5, and of Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 3. S. W. Hamilton, treasurer of Winona county, is a native of the county whose funds he keeps. He is the son of Andrew Hamilton, of this city, born October 5, 1857. He was educated in the schools of this city and graduated from the state normal school here, class of 1875. Kept books for the lumber-house of Horton & Hamilton, (the latter his father) and was traveling in the interest of that house when he was elected to his present office in 1879, being at that time but twenty-two years of age. Re-elected in 1881, he is now serving his second term. F. L. Cotter, Treasurer Hamilton's deputy, is a native of Min- nesota, born in St. Paul in 1856 ; graduated at St. John's College, in the northern part of Minnesota, in 1 875 ; then went to Europe and 712 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. entering the University of Lourain, Belgium; pursued his studies there five years, returning in 1880 to his native state. The same spring he was appointed to the desk in the treasurer's office, which he now holds. Both treasurer and deputy are as yet in the ranks of bachelordora. J. M. Sheardown, clerk of district court, elected in the fall of 1877, re-elected in 1881 ; his present term of service will expire December 31, 1884. The successive clerks of district court for this county have been : John Ke3^es, clerk under the territorial ad- ministration ; Henry C. Lester, elected in 1858, who resigned the office to enter the United States army in the spring of 1861; E. A. Gerdtzen, appointed to fill vacancy, then regularly elected, who held office until 1878 ; and S. M. Sheardown, present incumbent. Mr. Sheardown is a native of I^ew York, came to Winona in 1857 ; was admitted to the bar here at the spring term of the district court in 1860 ; entered the United States service with the 5th IST. Y. Cav. Reg. in 1862, served three years and returning to this city in 1865 resumed practice the following year. He was elected justice of the peace in 187-1, and held that office until his election as clerk of court in 1877. Is married, and has two children attending normal school in this city. Edward Pelzer, druggist and dealer in paints, oils, etc. This business was established in 1867 by Mr. Pelzer, coi-ner of Second and Market streets, and transferred to its present location, corner of Third and Market streets, September 27, 1872, at which date the building which he had erected for his business was completed. It is a three-story and basement brick 24x70, the first tioor and base- ment devoted to business, the upper stories for dwelling. The busi- ness of 1881 footed up $12,000, and 1882 shows a gratifying increase over that. Mr. Pelzer is a native of St. Clair county, Illinois ; came to Winona with his parents in 1857, at which time he was twelve years of age. In 1860 he entered the drug house of L. Wienand & Co., with whom he remained four and a-hall years, and was then in Chicago, 111., Rochestei-, Minn., and in this city, always as druggist clerk, until he engaged in business for himself in 1867, at which time he had had seven years practical experience in his line. lie is a member of Humboldt Lodge, No. 24, I.O.O.F., of the Druids beneficiary, the Philharmonic society and the board of trade. Was married in 1870, and has three children, two of them in school. Hon. William Mitchell was born on the old Niagara peninsula, BIOGRAPHICAL. 713 a few miles from the tails, on the Canada side, JSTovember 19, 1832. At sixteen years of age he entered Jefferson College, Pennsylvania; graduated in the class of 1853, and after spending two years in Virginia, teaching, entered the law office of Hon. E. C. Wilson, of Maynard, Virginia, and, completing his preparations for the bar, was admitted to the bar in the circuit court of eastern Virginia, at the spring term of 1857, and immediately located for practice in this city. Here he formed a law partnership with Hon. E. M. Wil- son, now of Minneapolis. After the removal of his partner to Minneapolis Mr. Mitchell was associated in practice with the Hon. D. S. Norton, until that gentleman was elected to the United States senate. Mr. Mitchell then formed a partnership with Hon. W. H. Yale, of this city, which continued until 1873, when Mr. Mitchell was elected judge of the district court, for the third judicial district of this state, for the full term of seven years. Ke-elected in 1880, Judge Mitchell resigned that position the following spring to accept the place on the supreme bench of the state, to which he was appointed by Gov. Pillsbury, on the increase of that judiciary from three to five members. This office he held until the election of 1882, when he was returned as associate justice of the supreme court for the full term. Though confining himself closely to the duties of his profession Mr. Wilson has frequently served as member of the city council ; was county attorney one term, and a member of the state legislature session of 1859-60. Judge MitchelPs first wife dying in September, 1867, after ten years of wedded life, he again married in 1872. The judge's living children are three daughters and one son. John L. Downing, farmer, is a son of George W. and Sarah (True) Downing, of New Hampshire, and was ushered into the world June 25, 1844. He lived the life of a New England farmer's boy until thirteen years old, since which time he has been a resident of Minnesota. In 1855 George W. Downing took up 160 acres of land in the town of Saratoga, this county, and, returning to New Hampshire, died the following year. In 1857 his widow and children settled on this land, where one of the sons now resides. The subject of this sketch enlisted August 13, 1864, being then twenty years of age, in Co. H, 11th Minn. Vols., and served until June 25 following. His regiment was stationed in the vicinity of Nashville, Tennessee, guarding the railroad supply route to the front. Before departing for the south Mr. Downing was mar- 714 HISTORY OF WrN"ONA COUNTY. ried to Miss Rosilla, daughter of William G. and Mary West, of Vermont. She was born at Johnsburg, New York, October 31, 1842. August 19, 1864, is the date of their marriage. Returning from the south, Mr. Downing settled on section 33, in this town- ship, where he has since remained. He has a handsome tract of 160 acres, and Mrs. Downing inherits 40 acres adjoining, making a farm of 200 acres under one management. Mr. and Mrs. Downing are members of St. Charles Grange and Methodist Episcopal clmrch. The former has been clerk of St. Charles township since 1874, inclusive, his political opinions are republican. Two children have been given to him, as follows : Herbert W., April 26, 1868; Sarah M.. July 26, 1873. Jacob Brizius, farmer, was born in Germany in 1812. He was apprenticed to the cooper trade, working at the trade for some years. He enlisted in the Bavarian army and served twelve years, raising to the rank of sergeant. In 1847 he came to America, settling in Ohio, where he worked at his trade for some ten ^^ears, when he came west to the Trout valley. With his wife he trudged his way through the valley, becoming lost and almost discouraged by the difficulties he experienced, but like the old soldier he was, he pushed on until he found the place he thouglit would suit him, which he settled on and where he has remained ever since. He has by dint of hard work and perseverance gotten himself one of the finest farms in the valley. He was married in 1848 to Miss Catherine Wasen, by whom he has thirteen children, three of whom are dead. Mr. Brizius has held the position of supervisor. He is Evangelical in religion and a republican in politics. He is a man of sterling integ- rity and is looked upon as one of the fathers of the settlement. He is still a hale, hearty old man and takes an active interest in ]>ubfic affairs. Patrick Murray was born in Ireland in 1824, and came to this country in 1842, going to Nashville, Tennessee, and working in a machine-shop until 1857, when he moved west settling in Trout valley, Mount Vernon township. He, with Mr. Woods, were the first to settle in the valley, which was a perfect wilderness. Mr. Muri-ay lived to see the valley well settled, laid out in roads with schoolhouses and churches. He was a good type of the early pioneer physically, and much of the present prosperity of the township is owing to his efforts. He held most of the public offices in the gift of the township, and was identified with every public movement. BIOGRAPHICAL. 715 [n the spring of 1873, while plowing, he was kicked by one of his horses, sustaining such injuries that death ensued on May 8. He was married in 1860 to Miss Bertha Miller, daughter of Charles Miller, of Wisconsin, seven children blessing their union, all of whom are now living, the eldest boys working the farm under the superin- tendency of Mrs. Murray. George B., son of George and Catharine Dresbach, was born August 27, 1827, in Pickawaj^ county, Ohio. His father emigrated from Pennsylvania to Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1802, where he bought 1,100 acres of land of the government at $2.50 per acre. His father remained on his farm until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His mother, Catharine (Betz) Dresbach, died also in Ohio on the old farm at the age of seventy-five years. George B., the subject of this biography, was bi-ought up on the farm, accustomed to all kinds of hard physical labor so necessary to the development of true manhood. He attended district school part of each year, until the age of twenty when he entered Greenfield Academy, of Ohio. Learning of the great advantages offered to the young in the west, he emigrated to Wis- consin in 1855 and to the Territory of Minnesota in 1857, where he founded the village of Dresbach in 1857, which bears his name. The township was named Dresbach under the "Township Organiza- tion ■" act of 1858. Mr. Dresbach has always taken a very active part in the development and building of the village and township. He has held various offices in both town and county. He was elected by the democratic party a member of the Minnesota legis- lature in 1868. Was again elected to the state legislature in 1878, by his party. Mr. Dresbach was married to Mary C. Nichols, daughter of Col. C. M. Nichols, Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have five children, all living. George B., Jr., whose biography appears under the head of this township, resides in Dresbach. Minnie M., now Mrs. Moss, resides in Dres- bach. Mr. John H. Moss, of Dane county, Wisconsin, her husband, is engaged in the manufacture of brick. Charles L. is now tele- graph operator and agent on the Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad. The two youngest, Jessie and Nellie, are at home. Mr. Dresbach has had a great deal. of experience in various businesses of life. He is now the owner of over one thousand acres of land, including a part of the village where he now resides. He has done a great deal to the building up of the village of Dresbach^ 716 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. and is now endeavoring, witli others, to rush tlie valuable stone- quarries in operation in Dresbach. George B., Jr., son of George B. and Mary C. Dresbacli, was brtrn in Wisconsin, April IS, 1857, at Onalaska, La Crosse county. Ilis father emigrated from Pickaway county, Ohio, to Wisconsin in ' 1855, thence to the Territory of Minnesota in 1858. His mother was born in Albany, New York. George B. , the subject of this biography, moved to Dresbach, Minnesota, with his father's family before he was a year old. He attended the village school part of each year for several years. His education, in so far as a perfect knowledge of text-books is concerned, is somewhat limited, but being a close student and observer he has acquired a great deal of information, and is conversant with the leading topics of the day. In the fall of 1879 he became editor of the " Winona Democrat,'' and was editor of that paper for two years. He sold out to F. W. Flint in 1881. The name of the paper has been changed to the '' W^inona Tribune." Mr. Dresbach returned to the village of that name in 1881 and began the manufacture of brick. He, with John H. Moss, organ- ized the Northwestern Brick Co., under the firm name of Moss & Dresbach, reference to which is made in the article on the manu- factories of Dresbach. Mr. Dresbach takes an active interest in the local affairs of his village and township, and is laboring earnestly to develop the valuable resources of his village. He is yet free from the burden of domestic responsibility, and can devote all his time to active business. Joseph L. Birge, engineer. Mr. Birge is the son of Joseph and Sarah M. Birge, pioneer settlers of St. Charles township, who came to this locality in May, 1857, and died here, the father in the fall of 1879, the mother in August, 1882. The family came into Iowa from Connecticut in 1847, settled in Jackson county, a few miles southwest of Dubuque, and remained there until their removal to St. Charles ten years later. During their Iowa residence Mr. Birge, Sr., was a member of the Iowa legislature, during the session in which the state cajtital was removed from Iowa City to Des Moines. The old Birge farm embraced a tract of 240 acres, all lying within what is now the corporate limits of St. Charles, about 80 acres of which is laid off in town lots. The only members of the family living in this vicinity are Jose]jh L. Birge, the subject of this sketch, and his sister, un- married, who resides on the old homestead. Mr. Joseph L. Birge is a native of Connecticut, and came west witli his father's family to BIOGRAPHICAL. 717 Iowa in 1847, and to St. Charles in 1857. From the completion of the railway to this point he was engaged in buying and shipping grain, in company with his father, nntil about eight years ago, since which time he has been in the employ of C. W. Seefield, one of the heaviest grain shippers in southern Minnesota. Mr. Birge is mar- ried ; has seven children, four of them attending the city schools. He is a member of the R. A. and K. and L. beneficiary societies. John W. Lockwood was born in Florida, Montgomery county. New York, October 4, 1839. His mother died while he was only seven years old, thus depriving him of that maternal care and watch- fulness so necessary to the proper training of the young. At the age of ten years he hired with Mr. John Van Huessen and worked for him three years, receiving a little schooling in the winters and working on the farm in the summers. After working in various places till 1856 he started west to find some ot his family that had "gone west " some years before. He searched in several cities in Wisconsin and Min- nesota, where he had heard they had gone, but without success, until his second visit to La Crosse, where he met his cousin Peter Murray, who told him that his folks could be found in Pleasant Hill town- ship. After visiting them he went to Stillwater, Minnesota, and worked one summer on a farm. Returning home in the winter he was obliged to walk the whole distance and used to stay with the Indians at night. He worked for Mr. Joseph Cooper four or five seasons and chopped wood for steamboats several winters.^ By steady application of his time and talents he succeeded in getting a quarter-section of land, and December 4, 1862, he and Miss Eliza- beth E. Cooper were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. They now reside on their farm, surrounded by the necessary comforts of life. Franklin C. Bryan was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan. November 19, 1826. His father, John Bryan, was born in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Babcock, was born on Long Island, New York. At the age of seven years Mr. Bryan remcwed with his parents to Constantine, St. Joseph county, Michigan, where he remained on a farm until the age of twenty-two years, when he learned the trade of machinist, which trade he foliowed about eight years, when he removed to Plain view, Minnesota, in 1857, and to Rolling Stone township in 1868, to the farm on which he now resides. Was married to Miss Mary E. Donaldson January 13, 1853. Mrs. Bryan was the daughter 718 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of William and Eliza Donaldson, and was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1831. Eight children have been born to them, seven of vs^hom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Brvan are members of the Congregational church of Winona. Mr. Bryan is of an inventive turn of mind and has invented several valuable improvements, not the least of which is a sulky-plow, designed for steep hillsides, but works equally well on level ground. He has also on his farm a mineral spring, said to possess very medicinal properties, a notice of which will appear in the proper place in this work. Hiram D. Bailey (deceased) was a son of Daniel Bailey, who was born in Ware, New Hampshire, and married Sarah Buzzell, a native of the same township. The subject of this sketch was born there April .15, 1829. Daniel Bailey was a mercliant, and sent his son to the district school and then to the academy at Francistown, New Hampshire. At nineteen he began teaching, and after three terms of this labor began to take work from a shoe factory. In Ware was born and reared one Hiram Nicholls, who married Miss Sarah Dearborn, a native of the same place ; to them was born, February 15, 1833, a daughter, whom they christened Arvill J. October 20, 1850, Hiram Bailey and Arvill J. Nicholls were united in wedlock at Ware. In May, 1857, Mr. Bailey removed with his family to the village of Elba, and during the next winter built the first frame house in the village. This building still stands ; it is on the east side of the river, near the bridge. Here he had purchased twenty acres of land, in August, 1858, Mr. Bailey received his commission as postmaster, and the first postoffice was opened" in his house. In 1860 he sold this property, resigned his postraastership, and bought eighty acres of land on Sees. 2 of Elba and 31 of Whitewater, the dwelling being in Whitewater, and here he continued to reside till his death, which occurred July 2f), 1876. His widow and two children still reside here. Mr. Bailey served the town as justice of the peace and as chairman of the board of supervisors in 1859 and 1860. He adhered to the democratic party in partisan elections. Four children, born as below, survive him : Elbridge O., May 14, 1852, married Ilhoda Ellis, and resides at Fairwater ; Hiram M., August 8, 1853, lives with his mother on the homestead ; Lizzie E., August 26, 1858, married Charles I, Moore, and dwells near her mother, in the town of Whitewater ; BIOGEAPHICAL. 719 Ira A., January 1, 1866 ; Josiah D. was born February 20, 1860, and died November 25, 1863. Anthony Heim, farmer, is a son of Bernard and Adelia Heim, who emigrated from Alsace, now part of Germany, to New York. Bernard Heim was a shoemaker, and settled on some land in Eaton, Erie county, New York, where the subject of this sketch was bo]-n, May 5, 1833. Anthony assisted his father in the tillage of his land and attended the rude schools of that pioneer region about three years in all. In April, 1857, he came to Minnesota, and, in part- nership with Ferdinand Kramer, bought 140 acres of land on Sees. 11 and 14, Elba. He now owns all of this land, his mother having bought the interest of his partner and sold to him. In May, 1857, Mr, Heim was married, at Dubuque, to Miss Crescentia Hafner, who was born in Baden, Germany, January 25, 1836, and they imme- diately settled down in Elba, which has ever since been their home. By various purchases Mr. Heim has acquired a large landed estate, having 1,254 acres in this vicinity and 200 acres in Dodge county. He has occupied his present large residence on Sec. 27 for the last sixteen years. His political principles are democratic, and he has taken a prominent part in public affairs. He was a member of the town board in 1859, 1863, 1873, 1878 and 1880, being chairman of the board in the four last-named years. In the fall of 1874 he was elected to represent his assembly district in the state legislature, and served with satisfaction, notwithstanding the district has a republi- can majority. Himself and family are members of the Elba Roman Catholic church. There are six children, born as follows : Adelia, February 22, 1863; Louisa, July 22, 1865; Mary A., September ^5, 1867; Carolina, March 31, 1870; Louis A., November 5, 1873; John E., February 15, 1877, David W. Brown, farmer, son of Samuel Brown and Martha Prossor, of Baltimore, Maryland, was born at Skulltown, Salem county. New Jersey, October 28, 1821. Samuel Brown died when David was but three years old, and his widow removed with her family to Cincinnati, Ohio. The subject of this sketch, who was the youngest of eleven children, was put out with a farmer to be brought up. At sixteen years of age he took up the trade of hatter, which he followed many years. While living at Chapin, in LS35, Mr. Brown rescued Salmon P. Chase from a mob that was pursuing him with stones and rotten eggs for uttering abolition sentiments. It is a proud thought that the boy, who opened a gate and saved Lincoln's 720 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. secretary of war, Yived to see the idea, then and tliere held in con- tempt, become the ruling sentiment and law of the land. Mr. Brown was himself surrounded by a mob one evening in Cincinnati, and, but for the intervention of friends, would have suffered violence, on account of his known abolition sentiments. The friends who saved him were politically opposed to him, but inter- posed for personal reasons. In November, 1850, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Rachael Johnson, She was born at Carlisle, Penn- sylvania, March 19, 1828, was daughter of Robert and Nancy Johnson, also natives of the same state. After farming several years in Indiana Mr. Brown removed to Minnesota, arriving in Utica in the fall of 1857. He bought the farm on which he still resides, being the N.E. J of Sec. 19, and removed here with his family the next spring. This was one of the first claims taken in the township, and is a beautiful farm, on which its owner has erected handsome buildings. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her husband S3mipathizes with her in faith. He is a republican ; served as justice of the peace two years, and as school officer nineteen. Ten children have been born to them, of whom eight are now living, as follows : Martha J., October 12, 1853; Samuel W., September 10, 1855; William E., December 4, 1857; David M., September 12, 1860; Henry W., March 28, 1862, now station-agent at Utica; Irwin O., March 24, 1865; Benjamin F., November 23, 1871; Gertie B., April 3, 1875. All are at home. JosEi'U Kramer, farmer, was born in Baden, Germany, March 12, 1831. His father, Leonard Kramer, was born in Baden in 1801, and married Annie Mary Haaler, born in 1797. In 1851 they removed with their three sons, hereinafter sketched, to Hamburg, Erie county. New York, and engaged in farming, and in 1865 they removed with the elder son to Elba, where they both died, the. latter having passed away October 26, 1871, and the former March 26, 1880. The subject of this sketch was in his twenty-first year when he came with his parents to America. He assisted his father in the management of his farm, and removed with him to another farm in Cattaraugus county. New York. In 1853 he mar- ried Carrie Lindenmiller, who was born in Wurtemburg, October 6, 1827. Ever since his arrival in Elba he has been one of her leading representative farmers. He at first purchased ninety-eight acres of land on Sees. 7 and 18, placing his residence on the former section. BIOGKAPHICAL. 721 near a fine spring of water, and where he still dwells. This land was in a state of nature when he purchased, but was speedily im- proved. There are now large and handsome buildings and other improvements thereon. Subsequent purchases have added 160 acres to the landed domain, of which over 200 acres are under culti- vation. Mr. Kramer was a member of the board of supervisors in 1870 and 1876 ; he is a democrat. The family enjoys and profits by the teachings of the Roman Catholic church at Elba, in which all are communicants. There are seven of the children, whose record of births, etc., is here appended : Joseph, born April 25, 1854, married Ellen Sands, and deals in ifterchandise at Elba ; Ferdinand, born January 20, 1856, resides with parents ; Caroline, born Febru- ary 3, 1858, married John P. Arnoldy and lives at Rolling Stone ; Annie, born March 11, 1859 ; Charles, born May 3, 1861 ; Mary, born I^ovember 7, 1864 ; Louisa, born July 21, 1867. Ferdinand I^ramer, farmer, the subject of this sketch, was one of the pioneers of this township, having come here in the spring of 1857, and has ever since made his home here. He was born in Baden on St. Yalentine's day, 1832. On removing with his father to the United States, he assisted him in the tillage of his farm and also labored in sawmills and on neighboring farms. He was mar- ried in August, 1859, to Catharina Kopp ; she was born in Prussia in 1832, and died at Elba April 1, 1876, leaving five children, namely : Mary, born March 4, 1860, married Gottlieb Lobitzka and now lives in Wisconsin ; Charles, born November 16, 1865 ; Louisa, born August 7, 1868 ; Rosa A., born December 21, 1875, twin sister of Clara, who died when nine months old. On arriving in town Mr. Kramer bought a half interest in 120 acres on Sees. 11 and 14. After visiting the east in 1859, he sold this property and purchased 120 acres on Sec. 17, on which he resided for the next seven years. By various purchases he has acquired 1,500 acres of land, of which one section is in Steele, Dakota, and the balance in this vicinity. In 1867 he built his present large dwelling on Sec. 18 and has lived therein ever since. His large barns are a comfort to the eye of a tidy farmer, and his broad acres of prairie furnish a pleasant view for all who may pass that way. Mr. Kramer was the chief instrument in securing the building of a Roman Catholic church at Elba, and is still one of the pillars of that organization. In politics he is an independent democrat ; was a member of the town board in 1866, 1874 and 1875, being elected chairman in the 722 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. latter year ; was clerk of his school district for twelve years. On the 25th of July, 1875, he was married to Louisa Marnoch, who was born in Luxemburg, May 22, 1842. Charles I^jjamer, farmer, was born in Baden, July 8, 1839. He attended school till thirteen years old, when his family re- moved to America. He attended an English school in New York during two winter terms ; assisted his father on the farm till eighteen years old, and then worked out among neighboring farmers. In 1862 he came to Elba and bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 18, where his home now is. This land was wild, and during the first vear after its purchase a portion of it was broken up. In the mean- time he was employed by farmers in the vicinity, and worked two winters in Todd's sawmill, near by. The second year a crop was harvested and a small dwelling was erected on the farm. December 22, 1864, he was married to Louisa Roesler, who was born near Berlin, Germany, February 13, 1845, and settled on his farm, which has ever since been his home. By perseverance and industry he added to his possessions, and now has 395 acres of land, with model buildings and improvements. About 340 acres of his domain have been turned by the plow. Mr. Kramer was a member of the town board of supervisors in 1868 and chairman of that body in 1881-2. In politics he is a democrat. All the family is connected with the Roman Catholic church at Elba. Five children are included in the number, all i-esiding at home. Their birth dates are as follows : Leonard, October 11, 1865 ; Emma, August 1, 1868 ; Edward, November 3, 1870 ; Frank, May 27, 1875 ; Clara, Novem- ber 27, 1877. Peter Hidershide was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1842, arriving in America and coming direct to Mt. Vernon in 1857, when he purchased from Mr. Pomeroy the farm he now occupies in Trout valley. When he took up his residence in Trout valley there were very few settlers near him, and he may be considered one of the first to break ground in this fertile valley. Mr. Hidershide has never married. He is a Roman Catholic in religion and a democrat in politics. He enjoys the respect and esteem of his neighbors to a marked degree. Nicholas Artz, gunsmith and dealer in guns, pistols, fishing- tackle and sporting goods, east side Lafayette street, between Second and Third. This is the principal depot of supplies for sportsmen in this city. The business was started by the j^resent proprietor a little BIOGKAPIIICAL. 723 over three years ago, in a small shop on the opposite side of the street, which proving too small for his business, a move was soon afterward made to the present location. Two persons are employed about the establishment, which does a constantly increasing busi- ness. Mr. Artz is a Winona boy, born July 20, 1858 ; his father, Nicholas Artz, having been one of Winona's pioneer grain buyers. GusTAF Carlson is a native of Sweden, where he was born in 1835. He came to Minnesota in the spring of 1858, his capital only consisting of a few hundred dollars ; he was accompanied by his wife and two children. He nor his family could not speak a word of English and knew notiiing whatever of the customs of our country. He pre-empted some land and has since prospered to the extent that he owns a fine farm and home and is in very comfortable circum- stances. He is a Lutheran and a republican. John Van Dyke, farmer, was born in New Jersey in 1818, his father originally came from Holland, but his mother was German. He had very little opportunity to procure much schooling : as soon he was able to walk he was set to work on his father's farm, where he continued until his nineteenth year, when he set out for Pennsyl- vania, where he procured work as a coal miner. At this occupation he remained some five years, when he went to Ohio working at min- ing and farming. In 1858 he came to Elba, buying forty acres ; since then he has added forty acres at a time until he now owns 160 of the finest wheat land to be found in the state. He married Miss Sarah Nelson and has but one son, who now mostly manages the farm. John SMrrn, farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1833, and came to America in 1855, landing in Canada, where he remained several years, then coming to this township, where he purchased the farm he now occupies from his brother, who took the land up in 1851. Mr. Smith was one of the very earliest pioneers, and when he took up his residence there was not another family within twelve miles of him. He had considerable transactions with the Indians, knowing a number of those who were hung for participation in the New Ulm massacre. He has had his slumbers fi-equently broken by the war-whoop of the savage and the howl of the wolf. For miles surrounding him not a road was opened or a settlement made, and he had often to depend upon the chase for food. With but $10 to start upon, Mr. Smith has by indefatigable energy and per- severance obtained a handsome competence, being one of the 43 724 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. wealtliiest iiion in the township. In 1862 he married Abby Ann Tti])ley, by wliom lie lias had eight children, five sons and three daughters. Ever since he was ten years of age circumstances forced him to earn his own livelihood, he managing in face of many difficul- ties to educate himself sufficiently to transact his business and hold his own with others. Mi-. Smith is a staunch republican, and, though not taking any prominent part in politics, has always been an active worker. C. C. Beck, farmer, lands lying two miles southwest of city, on Stockton Bluft' road. Mr. Beck is a native of Wurtemburg, bred to the trade of brewer ; came to America in 1857, and to this county November 11, 1858, at which date he bought out the interests of Brently & Sherer in the Gilmore Valley Brewer3% the real estate included in the })urcliase being about two acres. In 1859 the firm l)ought sixty acres of G. W. Clark, and in 1862 enlarged the dwell- ing which he had with the original purchase, and in which he lived until he took possession of his new residence in 1877. In the fall •of 1862 Mr. Beck bought out his partner's interest in the brewery, the real estate was amicably divided, and with the other purchases since made gives Mr. Beck a solid quarter-section as his homestead property. In 1872 he built his brewery saloon, a substantial brick 32x70, with eighteen-feet walls, the structure costing about $3,000. During the season of 1876-7 he built his house on a natural ridge overlooking the city of Winona and commanding a magnificent prospect, extending for miles along the river. This house is one of the finest in this section of the state. It is of solid brick and stone, two stories, the main part, 40x45, with two additions, one 22x40, the other 20x20. The workmanship is most superior, the native wood finish very fine, the cost of building alone being $15^000. The brewery, which at the time of purchase had a capacity of 600 barrels, was gradually enlarged, until its ca])acity was between four and five thousand barrels, with an actual product of about three- fourths that amount. In November, 1877, the same year his resi- dence was completed, the brewery burned, entailing a loss of over $8,000 above all insurance. In August, 1880, Mr. Beck lost his wife, with whom he had lived most happily for eighteen years. Mr. Beck is a member of the town board, fully alive to the interests of the growing county in which he has lived almost a quarter of a century, and in which he has considerable landed property other than tliat included in his home farm. BIOGRAPHICAL. 725 Wesley Hill, farmer, is a grandson of Jonathan Hill, who, at the age of fourteen, stood guard during the battle of Bunker Hill, in the fort on Dorchester heights, and was only prevented by the rising of the tide from plunging into the fight. David, the son of Jonathan Hill, was born in New Hampshire ; he married Keziah Franklin, of Vermont, and settled at Winchester, in his native state, where Wesley Hill was born, June 14, 1821. Alvin Twitchell, grandfather of Keziah Franklin, was killed in the memorable Indian massacre at Walpole, New Hampshire. At eight years of age Wesley Hill was bound for six years to a farmer, which term he served, receiving about one month's schooling per year. He then worked for a farmer and blacksmith till he was twenty. The four years were spent in lumbering on the Connecticut river. Subsequent to this he peddled tin and wooden ware several years, and again returned to farm labor. Septembei- 4, 1851, he married Sarah A. Nash, who was born at Gilson, New Hampshire, March 5, 1834. Her father, Charles Nash, was a native of the same state, and her mother, Eliza Gates, was a native of Massachusetts. On a dark and chilly morning in the fall of 1855 Mr. Hill landed at Minneiska, and began to search for a habitation. After an hour's search in the darkness, himself and companion were accommodated with lodging in a settler's log hut till daylight. Making his way up the White- water valley to Elba, he took up 160 acres of government land on Sec. 32 in the town of Whitewater, and after securing this returned to the east. In the spring of 1858 he returned to Minnesota, and his family followed the next fall. A part of the original claim was sold within a few years, and sixty acres purchased on Sec. 5 in this township, on which the residence was moved, and where it still stands. On account of a broken leg, caused by being caught under a rolling log in the spring of 1865, Mr. Hill was compelled to dispose of forty acres of land. His farm now includes 140 acres; there are two fine springs of water thereon, and it is supplied with good buildings and other improvements, and its owner is prepared to enjoy the fruits of his early labors. Much of the land was covered with timber where now are fruitful fields and a prime orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are IJniversalists in religion. Mr. Hill has always voted the republican ticket. Four children are included in the family, and all reside with their parents. The dates of their nativity are as follows : Helen E., May 19, 1853; Kizzie M., September 4, 1860; David F., August 29, 1865; Lora E., June 13, 1868. 726 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Frank M.vkion Winters, farmer, born in 1853, at Riplej, Indiana, is a son of John D. and Juliette (Tryon) Winters. He came to Whitewater in 1858, when only five years of age; lived with his parents till 1875, when he married Harriet J. Stoning, daughter of Geo. B. Stoning, of Whitewater. He has had three childreTi : Grace Aprilla, born 1876 ; George Earl, born 1878 ; Mark Ernest, born 1880. Our subject attended school at Beaver, and from 1875 till 1880 speculated in land. In 1880 he bought a quarter-section, N.E. J of Sec, 5, T. 108, R. 10, on which he has since lived. He is a Wesleyan Methodist in religion, and in j^olitics a republican. J. J. Randall & Son, dealers in coal, office at 20 East Second street, sheds in rear of office and in the west half of block 69, the east half of which is occupied by the gasworks. J. J. Randall established himself in business in this city April 13, 1859, as a member of the firm of L. D. Randall & Co., dealers in leather, hides, shoe findings, saddlery, hardware and harness manufacturers. The original firm into which J. J. Randall came was established two years earlier, under the name of P. Yoneschen & Co., L. D. Randall being a member of that firm. In 1859 the business was conducted on the east side of Main street, between Second and Third, and so continued until the great fire of 1862, in which their losses were $15,000; insurance only $2,000. The fire occurred on Sunday, and the following Monday, no carpenters being available, Mr. Randall put tools into the hands of his own workmen, and in five days had completed a one-story frame structure, 20 X 70 feet, just across the street from the old location. This building — the first erected and taken possession of after the fire — is still standing. The same fall they built upon the lot they now occupy a two-story brick, with stone foundations and basements, 23x140 feet, of which they took possession November 1 of that year, continuing the old business. In 1873 the business, which had been successfully conducted here for sixteen years, was discontinued, and a coal office opened. In ad- dition to their city trade, which aggregates about 3,000 tons per annum, they supply coal-sheds for settlers along the lines of the Hastings & Dakota and Minnesota Southern railwa3's. These supplies are furnished to actual settlers through local agents at cost, plus fifty cents per ton for handling, and the aggregate annual sales are from 25,000 to 30,000 tons. J, J. Randall was born July 6, 1829, near Ithica, New York, and at eight years of age came into Illinois with his parents, who BIOGRAPHICAL. 727 settled at St. Charles, Kane county, in that state. His father was in the shoe, leather and harness trade, and Mr. Kandall was engaged in this business in his father's establishment till he came to Winona in 1859. Appointed LFnited States revenue collector for the first Minnesota district in 1866. Mr. Kandall held that office until 1872. The following year he was appointed railway commissioner for the state, holding that position to the expiration of the term, eighteen months. He was also chairman of the board of county commis- sioners for twelve years — from 1862 to 1874 — and city treasurer one term. One of the original incorporators of the Winona Gas Light Company, he is now president of that corporation; is also a member of the board of trade, and thoroughly identified with the industries of the city. Since November, 1872, has been president of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association. Of late years Mr. Randall has interested himself in farming operations, principally stock and dairy. His Lake View farm of 900 acres, near Tracy, Lyons county, has 500 acres under cultivation, is very pleasantly located, and makes a pleasant summer resort for his family. C. S. Randall, the ' ' son " of the firm, was born in St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois, May 11, 1856, received his education in the schools of Winona, and at twenty years of age entered the house of which he became junior partner, September 1, 1882. C. Matzke, wagon and carriage maker, shops at 118 and 120 Second street. — Mr. Matzke was born in Prussia, in 1847, came to America with his parents when eight years of age, the family settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin. From that place they came to Winona, in 1859, where young Matzke attended school, and when of suflicient age learned his trade as general and carriage blacksmith with Adam Killian, of this city. In 1870 he established himself in business in Lewiston, this county, which he conducted until he removed to his present location and opened shop, in the spring of 1882. He occupies 100 feet front, and his lots have a depth of 150 feet. He is a member of the Winona Sharpshooters Club, and of Humboldt Lodge, No. 24, I.O.O.F. His parents, Godfrey and Elizabeth Matzke, are still living on the old homestead they first took possession of on coming to the county, twenty-three years since. Levi C. Wilder, farmer, is a descendant of Thomas Wilder, whose widow emigrated with her two sons from England to America, in 1638. Levi Wilder, the father of this subject, was born in Massa- 728 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. chusetts ; lie married Berenice Bates, of tlie same state, and settled on a farm in Waitstield, Wasliini2;ton county, Vermont, where the junior Levi was born April 30, 1824. He assisted his father in farming o])erations, i-eceiving the limited education affordcMl by the district schools of his native town. On arriving at majority, he en- gaged in operating his father's farm in partnership with a brother. On November 2, 1853, he married Miss Oriiida Holmes, who was born at Waterville, Vermont, August 21, 1820 ; her parents, James and Mehetable (Webster) Holmes, were natives of New Hampshire. The elder Wilder died in 1855 at the ripe age of eighty-three. On the settlement of his estate, L. C. Wilder removed to Richland county, Wisconsin, where he purchased land and engaged in farm- ing. In 1858 he purchased 160 acres of land on Sec. 16, in St. Charles township, on which he now dwells, in partnership with a brother, whose interest he afterward acquired. Two years later he sold his Wisconsin property and removed here with his family, and has ever since dwelt here. Mr. Wilder has been an active, public- spirited citizen, and has been called upon to serve the town in some capacity nearly ever since his residence therein ; he was a member of the board of supervisors in 1870-1, 1874-5, and was chairman of that body from 1878 to 1881 inclusive. In 1882 he resigned the latter ofhce to accept the appointment of assessor, in order that the town might not be without such officer, and was elected to the same position this year. His political principles are republican, but of late he has joined the greenbackers, as has also his son. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder are members of the St. Charles Congregational church. They have one child, Ossian L., born February 18, 1855 ; he was married December 7, 1876, to Miss Tilla Persons, daughter of George and Eliza Persons, of this township. A daughter, christened Etfie O., came to bless this union July 12, 1882. Father and son reside together on the farm, which affords a pleasant home and is one of the best in the fine agricultural town oi St. Charles. One of the most interesting objects to be found in their pleasant parlor is a large and neatly printed volume giving the genealogy of the Wilder family from a very early period of English history. Reubkn Gates, farmer, has been a resident of St. Charles since 1860 ; having purchased eighty acres of land on Sec. 23, in 1859, he settled here with his family the following year. He subsequently bought eighty acres more on Sec. 26, adjoining the first purchase ; his farm lies half on either side of the St. Charles and Winona road ; BIOGRAPHICAL. 729 is very nearly level, and is a sight with its neat buildings and other improvements, to delight the vision of a tidy agriculturist. Willis Gates, father of this subject, was born in Ackworth, New Hamp- shire, and married Miss Almira Hulett, of Weatherstield, Vermont. He settled on a farm in Elizabethtown, Essex county, New York, where Reuben Gates was born on July 28, 1826. He assisted his father on the farm and in the operation of a sawmill, attending the common school of his native town. At twenty-four years old he purchased a farm, and has always been a tiller of the soil. On March 11, 1851, he was married to Eliza Wakefield ; her father, Johnathan Wakefield, was born in New Hampshire, and her mother, Rebecca Haven, was a descendant of Richard Haven, who emi- grated from England to America in 1640, and was born at Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Gates were members of the Baptist church in New York, and still cherish the faith of that sect. In • public affairs Mr. Gates affiliates with the republican party, always has and expects to ; he was assessor of St. Charles township in 1870, and supervisor one year. Two children complete the family circle. Erford E., the eldest, was born December 19, 1857; he married Eva W. Leonard, and is settled on a farm on Sec. 26, near his father. Lillie O. was born April 17, 1853 ; she married Dr. C. S. Dixon and resides at Somonauk, Illinois. James W., son of John and Eliza Young, was born in Canada West December 25, 1837. His father emigrated from Vermont and his mother from Maine. His father's family left Canada West when James was a mere child and moved to Detroit, Michigan. He lived in Michigan until his son was about twelve years old when the family moved to Aurora, Illinois, forty miles west of Chicago, on Fox river. He remained here with his father on a farm until he was eighteen years old. His time was divided, similar to that of most farmers' sons, working on the farm in summer and going to school in winter. He received nearly all his education in Illinois. He obtained only a limited education, such as the common schools of Illinois offered in those days, yet it was practical and well adapted to the common business of life. He left Illinois in 1855 and moved to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, with his father. The Black River country was but little settled then ; a few bold pioneers had ventured to penetrate the forests of the Badger State ; the Indian trail was the only passable route through the mighty forests, now so valuable. James having grown to manhood, and used to all kinds of manual 730 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. labor, was soon engaged as a teamster in the woods in the winter and rafting lumber during the summer. lie remained at Black River Falls about two years, when his father died, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. Soon after the death of his father James was thrown upon his own resources and went forth to brave the storms of life. Having been brought up to all kinds of physical labor he readily found employment wherever he went. He left Wisconsin and returned to Illinois in 1858, where he was employed on a farm near Fulton City. He remained here a few months, when he went to Iowa. Here he again worked on a farm near Sabula. In 1859 he returned to Wisconsin and was employed in getting out logs on the Mississippi bottom, opposite the old village of Dakota. In the spring of 1860 he traded off some property belonging to his mother in Black River Falls for a house and lot in old Dakota. He remained here until the spring of 1861, when he moved to Dresbach. Mr. Young was married May 29, 1861, to Miss Maria Doughty, daughter of Richard and Lydia Doughty. From the time he was married to the 9th day of December, 1861, Mr. Young was em- ployed in rafting lumber on the Mississippi river, at which time he enlisted in the war in Co. B, 2d Wis. Cav., commanded by the late C. C. Washburn, of Wisconsin. Spent the winter of 1861-2 drilling at Milwaukee. The spring of 1862 the company went to St. Louis, where they received their horses. While at St. Louis the company was ordered to march to Jefferson City, Missouri, thence through Arkansas to Helena. Eight weeks of this march the company was seldom out of their saddles day or niglit. The company had an engagement with the rebels at Cotton Plant; several lost on both sides. Remained at Helena, Arkansas, until the latter part of 1862, when the company was ordered to Mem- phis, Tennessee. In May, 1863, the company was called to Vicks- burgtojoin the besieging army commanded by Gen. IT. S. Grant. Remained there and took active part in the capture of Yieksburg, July 3, 1863. After the capture of Yieksburg the company went to Jackson, Mississippi. It was there a short time and from there was ordered back to Yieksburg. Stayed at Yieksburg and vicinity, scouting and doing patrol duty, until the winter of 1S64. The fol- lowing winter tlie company was again ordered to Memphis, Ten- nessee, where the comjmny was discharged in January, 1865. After returning home Mr. Young lived on a farm one year in Dakota valley. Sold his farm and moved to Dresbach. Was postmaster at BIOORAPPIICAL. 781 Dresbach ; kept hotel, store, and was engaged in various other occu- pations in the village. His wife died of consumption September 7, 1881, in the village of Dakota, after an illness of over two years. She was buried in Bluif cemetery of Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Young never had any children. Mr. Young resides now in the village of Dakota, and is the owner of considerable village property. Thomas Mat, son of Dennis and Mary May, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, April !27, 1820 ; was educated in the common schools of that country and married to Miss Bridget Flannegan in 1846, by whom he has had ten children ; came to Canada and landed in Quebec in 1847, and from there to Rochester, New York, and then to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1848; lived there twelve years and came to Minnesota in 1860, and settled in the town of Wilson. Mr. May, although not one of the early pioneers, has, by his industry and frugality, done much to develop the county and town where he lives ; he is a good, practical farmer, and well posted in the history of his adopted country. His eldest child, Dennis, was born in Ireland, in March, 1847, and died in the United States in 1851 ; the second child, Bridget, was born in January, 1849, and died October, 1851 ; his third child, Mary, was born July 2, 1850, and died in October, 1851, all three dying of scarlet fever ; the fourth child, Bridget Ellen, was born April, 1852, and was married to Hugh Moran in 1874, by whom she has three children living ; the fifth, Dennis, born in 1853, was very highly educated for his years, was universally loved for his manly qualities, but death called him away in November, 1870 ; the sixth, Mary, was born in 1855, is now a seamstress and dressmaker ; seventh, Katie, born July 3, 1857, also a seamstress and dressmaker ; the eighth, Thomas Fi'ancis, was born May, 1859, is now at work at home with his father ; ninth, Hannah, was born December, 1860 ; tenth, Alice, was born in 1862. Both the last, Hannah and Alice, are graduates of the normal school at Winona, are teachers and attending the higher grade of instruction, pre])aring themselves for high grade teachers. Mr. May is a democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religion and a thrifty farmer by profession. Clark Apollos Fuller came to Minnesota in 1855 and settled in Freeborn county in 1858 ; he came to Winona county and settled on Sec. 12 (Wiscoy), T. 106, R. 6. He is the son of Thomas and Muranda Fuller, and was born in Addison county, Vermont, June 28, 1846. Mr. Fuller's father came to this countv in 1867, and 732 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. lived here until his deatli in 1879. Our subject was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. For a number of years after coming to Minnesota, he worked in a saw-mill In 1S60 he was married to Betsey Montgomery, by whom he liad one child, a girl named Delilah. Mrs. Fuller died in 1865. In 1867 he was married a second time to Julia L. Jenkinson, by whom he has seven children. Francis E., George C, AValt. S., Herbert, Chauncy, Louis and John. He is a member of Winona Lodge of Masons, No. IS, and a republican in politics. September 11, 1877, he was a])pointed county commissioner and has held the office ever since by election. Christopher Pfeil, farmer, was born near the Rhine river, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July 17, 1821. He was accustomed to farming from early youth, but received a good common school education, like all German children. In 1843 he came with his parents to Milwaukee county, Wisconsin. By his own industry he soon secured sufficient means to purchase eighty acres of land from the United States government in the heavy timber of Washington county, which he cleared up alone. This he sold and bought ninety acres in Milwaukee county. He was married at Milwaukee, Janu- ary 14, 1849, to Elizabeth Wambold, a native of the same locality as himself In 1860 Mr. Pfeil removed to Minnesota and bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 4, in this town, on which fifty acres were broken. Mr. Pfeil was the first German to settle here. By his attention to the proj^er tillage of his farm and shrewd business management, he has accumulated a large landed interest. His domain includes 380 acres on Sec. 4 and 9, thirty acres within the city of St. Charles, and 800 acres in the town of Elba. Six hundred acres of this is tilled by Mr. Pfeil, the balance being devoted to pasturing his large stock of horses and cattle. Immense quantities of manure are yearly applied to the enrichment of his farm, which is known as one of the most productive in this region. His fiirm buildings are the most complete and commodious in St. Charles township, and everything about his premises betokens thrift and care. Mr. Pfeil began life in America with his bare hands, clearing over 100 acres of timber land, and now enjoys the fruits of his early toil. He is independent in religion and politics. His family includes eleven children, all of whom are at liome. Their names are Catharine, John, Jacob, George, Elizabeth, Maggie, Eva, William, Lina, Frederick and Caroline. BIOGRAPHICAL. 733 Henry J. Keeler, general niercbandise, Co])ps Hall, St. Charles. This business was established in St. Charles by the present proprie- tor in 1879, and was removed to its present location in 1882. The main salesroom fronts foxXj feet on the street, has a depth of 100 feet and the business occupies two floors, the basement being devoted to groceries and storage. His business includes dry goods, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, notions, merchant tailoring, grocer- ies, glassware, crockery, and all things else included under the head of general merchandise. His stock is large, the invoice for Janu- ary, 1883, footing $27,500, the business giving employment to seven clerks and two tailors, and the volume of trade 100 per cent over that transacted at the old stand. Mr. Keeler is a native of ISTew York and commenced selling goods in Camden, in that state, when eighteen years of age. In 1850 Mr. Keeler came west and was a traveling salesman lor a New York hosiery, white goods and notions house eighteen years, only leaving the road to establish him- self in business here in 1879, although he has been a resident of the county since 1860. He was married in Will county, Illinois, in 1855, to Miss H. M. Sims, and they have two children. Miss Flor- ence, who has quite a local reputation as a musician, and Miss Gertrude attending Winona city schools. Henry Swayne, third son of Samuel and Mary Swayne, born in tlie town of Southington, Connecticut, May 24, 1820. The Swayne family are of English origin and are descended from Abram Swayne, grandfather of the subject of our sketch, who came from Devonshire in 1T90. At an early age Henry commenced the battle of life, lea\ang home when twelve years of age and finding employ- ment choring around a store in New Haven. He had had little or no schooling while at home and he determined to make up the deficiency attending an evening school for some two years, costing him almost his entire wages. His energy and perseverance attracted attention, and kind friends were ready to assist the struggling youth. From chore boy he rose by successive steps until finally he became the owner of the store he commenced life in. Prosperity for a time attended his efforts, but a series of misfortunes ultimately forced him to close out business and he turned his attention to the west. Coming to Illinois in 1850, he pre-empted a ftirm in Will county, where he remained until 1860, when he came to Whitewater. He was married at New Haven, Connecticut, in 1842, to Miss Cora Whitley, and has a family of two, a son and daughter. Mr. Swayne 784 HISTORY OF WESrOlSrA COUNTY. enjoys the re})utati()n of a man of great force of character, honor- able in all his dealings and of the strictest integrity. Ghehart Simon was born in Germany in 1801. where he lived on liis parents' farm until he reached manhood, when he went out working at farm labor among his neighbors. In his twenty-seventh year he entered the Prussian army, of which he was a member for three years in accordance with the law of that country. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to the home farm until the year 1855, when he emigrated to America, going to the city of Milwaukee, residing there some five years. In 1860 he came west to Mt. Vernon, where he took up land. He married in 1831 Miss Elizabeth Weitz, by whom lie had five children, all of whom are living. His wife died some three years ago at the ripe age of seventy-eight. Mr. Simon, by dint of perseverance and industry during his twenty-two years residence in Mt. Vernon, has accumu- lated a handsome competency, giving each one of his sons a farm of 260 acres on their reaching manhood. Mr. Simon is today a healthy, hale and hearty old gentleman of eighty-two summers and bids fair to live many years, yet universally respected by his neigh- bors and beloved by his sons, daughters and numerous grand- children. Charles Smith was born in Carlton-road, Norfolk, England, May 1, 1817. His youth was spent at home on a farm in England, and although he was an extra good farm hand he was never sent to school a day in his life. The only education he ever received was picked u]) at Sunday school, and improved upon at every opportu- nity through life. On October 27, 1839, Mr. Charles Smith and Miss Sophia Arms were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. After working land in England for several years, they thought it best to emigrate to America, but owing to a scarcity of funds it was decided that Mr. Smith should first go, and when he could succeed in saving a sufficient amount to defray the expenses of the passage foi- his wife and family he should send for them. Accordingly, he came to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, May 31, 1856, and immediately found employment as a farm laborer at $16 per month, for three months. After that he worked at job work, ditching, etc., and at the end of three years he had the satisfaction of having a little over $4(»0 in cash. He then sent for his wife, who arrived in Wisconsin in the winter of 1859. He then bought thirty acres of land, but not having any team, he worked a farm for another man for one-third of BIOGRAPHICAL. 735 the crop, the owner of the land to furnish team, feed and seed. During this year he built a log house on his little farm, and then sold out and came to Pleasant Hill, Minnesota, where he had taken a job of breaking 100 acres at $3 per acre. He completed his breaking and split rails, and built one-half a mile of fence, and invested his money in the N.E. ^ of Sec. 15, for which he gave $400, paying $125 down and twelve per cent interest on the bal- ance. After paying for this farm he bought eighty acres in Sec. 22, where he now resides. He has also 320 acres in Faribault county, Minnesota. Mr. Smith and wife have long been connected with the Baptist church, but as there is no organization of Baptists in Pleas- ant Hill they are debarred from many church privileges which they would like to enjoy. They have a family of nine children, the youngest of which is living at home. Among the prominent gentlemen of Pleasant Hill township who have taken an active part in the development of the country we may very properly name Mr. James P. Berry, who was born Janu- ary 26, 1843. Though by no means one of the early settlers, yet by his sterling integrity he has succeeded in winning a fame second to none in the township. His intellectual training he received in the common schools of Dane county, Wisconsin, supplemented with one term at private school in the same county. His youth was spent upon a farm, where he developed a strong attachment for fine cattle. At the age of nineteen he enlisted in Co. D, 7th Minn. Inf., (General Sibly commanding), which was ordered against the Sioux Indians at the time of their outbreak, in August, 1862. He was wounded in his right shoulder by the accidental dis- charge of a musket at Fort Abercrombie, in the fall of 1862. After the surrender of the Indians his regiment went to St. Louis, Mis- souri, on post duty for six months, then it was transferred to the sixteenth array corps, first division, third brigade, General A. J. Smith commanding. He was in all engagements of the regiment until the middle of February, 1865, when he was sent to McPherson hospital. After languishing there until the last day of May, 1865, he was discharged and returned to civil life. He was married to Miss Emma J. Theyson November 5, 1870. To them have been born three children, only two of whom are now living. In politics Mr. Berry is a republican, and has served his township in nearly all of its various offices. He is at present serving his fifth consecutive term as justice of the peace. He served his congressional district 736 JIISTOIIY OF WINONA COUNTY. as re})resentative in the sixteenth legislature. He has acted as collector and conveyancer for several years, and though residing on a farm in tlie interior of the county, he has built up a business which occu])ies the greater part of his time, and secures for himself hosts of friends all over the state. He is a member of the Pickwick Lodge, No. 110, A. F. and A. M., of which he was the tirst master. McNiK ife Co., booksellei's, corner of Center and Second streets. Salesroom fronts forty-five feet on Second street, sixty feet on Center, and opens on both. This book-house is the legitimate successor of that established in this city in 1857 by Messrs. Bingham & Benson, and which a few months ))rior to the war of 1861-5 became Benson & Upham. This firm continued to do business until Mr. Upham sold out to his partner in ISftl and entered the United States service. At this time the business of bookselling was combined with that of drugs, the two branches of trade, however, being conducted in separate sales- rooms. In the fall of 1862 the booksellers' department was sold out to Andrews & Son, who conducted business until 1867, when they sold out to Alexander McNie. In the meantime the war had closed, and Mr. Upham returning home, opened trade as a bookseller and stationer, conducting business one year, when he sold out to Sherman & McNie, who dissolved partnership about one year thereafter, Mr. Sherman purchasing McMe's share of the stock. It was at this time, as before stated, that Mr. McNie purchased the stock of Andrews & Son, and thus became lineal successor to the old house of Bingham & Benson. This business, which at the time Mr. McXie purchased was quite moderate in its extent, soon improved under his management, until from 1871 to 1874 it took rank as the second book-house in the state. The hard times of 1873 and later on crippled the business of the concern, the firm name of which had always been Alex. McNie & Co., and in 1877 G. W. Hoyt was taken in as a partner, this business connection lasting one year. In 1879 another change was made, the firm became McNie & Co., with Alexander McNie as manager, and so continues. The musical department of the business was added in 1875, and the stock now includes books, stationery, fancy goods and musical instruments, and merchandise of all descriptions. The book transactions of the house have always been in works of a standard character, and it has always been the boast of the house that no literature of the least tendency to immorality has been allowed a BIOGRAPHICAL. 737 place upon their shelves. This fact we believe is equally true of the book trade of the city at large. Alexander McNie is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, from which country he came to New York at ten years of age, an orphan boy, seeking his fortune, a stranger in a strange land. After one year, spent as a newsboy in New York, young McJSTie came to Racine, Wisconsin, and from there in 1861 to Winona. Soon after his arrival here he entered the book-house of Mr. Benson, and when the stock was purchased by Andrews & Son transferred his services to that house, from whom he subsequently purchased their stock and engaged in business tor himself Mr. McNie is a prominent mem- ber of the Baptist church of Winona, and for several years one of the trustees of that society. He was deeply interested in forming the Winona Library Association, assisted at its organization and was one of its charter members. Bentley & Yance, attorneys-at-law ; office west side Center street, over general oftices of Chicago & Milwaukee railway ; mem- bers of firm, A. N. Bentley and D. E. Yance. A. N. Bentley is a native of Wisconsin, from which state he came to Minnesota in 1861. Was educated in the high school at Rochester, this state, and in the State University at Minneapolis ; read law in the office of C. C. Wilson, Rochester ; was admitted to the bar March IT, ISTrl, and immediately located for practice in this city. His first law partnership was formed with C. H. Myers in 1876, and continued until Mr. Myers retired from practice in 1878, on account of ill health. He then formed a partnership with his brother, A. J. Bentley, which was terminated by that gentle- man's death, July 18, 1879. October 1, 1880, his present law association with D. E. Yance was formed. Was elected county attorney on the democratic ticket, tall of 1878, and held office two years; was renominated by acclamation at the close of his term, but was beaten with the entire ticket, polling the heaviest vote of any candidate of his party in the district. Mr. Bently is captain of Co. C, 2d batt. M. N. G. Member of Prairie Lodge, No. 7, I.O.O.F., Oak Grove, No. 22, A.O.D. and of the A.O.U.W. and Royal Arcanum beneficiaries. He is married and has one child. D. E. Yance is a native of Yermont; was educated at Topsham Academy, in his native state; and coming to Chicago, graduated at Eastman's Business College, in that city, in 1866. Removing to Min- nesota he located in Houston county, and was there principally 788 IIISTORr OF WINONA COUNTY. engaged in teaching until 1877, wlien he came to Winona, entered the hiw office of Judge Barber, of this city, and was admitted to practice at the spring term of the district court, held in 1878. Be- fore coming west, June 13, 1862, he enlisted in the 9th Vt. Inf., was captured at Harper's Ferrj, September 16, 1862, paroled, came to Chicago and was on duty at Camp Douglas for tiiteen months as assistant commissary of prisoners. In January, 1864, he was returned to his regiment, then on duty near Moreliead City, North Carolina, remaining in that department until September of that year, when his regiment was ordered to Petersburg, Virginia. He participated in the series of engagements resulting in the capture of Richmond, his regiment being one of the first to enter the city upon its surrender. Was with his regiment at Washington in the grand national review, and was mustered out at Burlington, Yermont, June 16, 1865. Mr. Vance was made a Master Mason in 1868, and is a prominent member of the A.O.U.W. fraternity. Having served as master of his lodge two terms and represented it in tlie grand lodge session of 1880. November 29, 1879, he married Miss Alice J. Maybury, who was only a little lady of two years when her father, C. G. Maybury, came to this city. Bottling Works, David Fakler, proprietor, corner Broadway and Zimbro streets. This business was established in this city by Messrs. Flint and Kerry, in 1878, on Seventh street. In 1871 the business was sold to Mr. Fakler, and by him removed to their pres- ent location. His manufactory is a two-stor}^ frame, 40x48 feet, with a capacity of 400 dozen a day, actual product about half that amount. He manufactures soda water, ginger-ale, root-beer. Seltzer water, and supplies a regular trade in Lewiston, Ridgeton, Stockton and Minnesota City, as well as his own city. He keeps one team constantly on the road and is assisted in business by his sons. Mr. Fakler is a native of Wurtemburg, by trade a miller, came to America in 1861, and to Winona the same year. Was six years a musician in the Gei*man army before coming here, and after taking up his residence in this city, was for six years a member of the city band. Was nuirried in 1868 and has five children, three in public school, two assisting him in his business. Mr. Fakler is a member of the Philharmonic society, and of the Ancient Order of Druids. W. Wedkll, dealer in furniture, 10 and 12 West Second street. Business established in 1861 on north side of Second street, one door west of Lafayette, and was there conducted until moved BIOGRAPHICAL. 739 into its present location in 1866. Was burned out once, but loss was very slight, principally caused by removal of stock. His busi- ness house fronts 42 feet on Second street, is 60 feet deep, and his stock occupies two floors. No manufacturing is done and only one assistant employed. Mr. Wedel is a native o± Leipsic, Germany, was bred to tlie furniture trade in that city, came to America in 1836 at twenty-two years of age, was in Baltimore four years, and then for twenty years foreman of the furniture manufactory of Mitchelor & Rommeley, before coming to this city. Mr. Wedel was married before liis immigration to this country, and has two children, one of them Dr. W. H. Wedel, of this city. Lemuel Hill was born in Starksboro, Vermont, and received a good common scliool education. He spent his youth on his father's farm, where he learned economy and the art of farming. In 1861 Mr. Hill left Starksboro to seek his fortune in the west. After look- ing over the country and cities in Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, he bought the E. i of the S.E. i of Sec. 9 and the W. ^ of the S. W. J of Sec. 10, and engaged in farming. He has held the office of supervisor six years, of assessor two years, and is at present (1882) township treasurer. He has also taught several winter terms of school in this township, but at present is giving his whole attention to farming. He has accumulated property and invested in farm lands until he now has control of 560 acres of land, lying in the townships of Pleasant Hill, Homer and Wiscoy. George Von Gentskow was born in Oklenburg, Germany, in 1826, of noble parentage. He was educated in some of the best schools in Germany. He was of very progressive ideas, and early in life incurred the hostility of the authorities and was forced, from political motives, to emigrate to America. He landed at New York in 1854, when, after a short residence with his, brother-in-law, Carl Schultz, at Williamsburg, New York, he came west and settled on the banks of the Mississippi, at a place which is now known as the village of Buftalo City, on the Wisconsin shore, where he went into business as a general merchant. Some five or six years later he moved to Minneiska village, engaging in various occupations until the winter of 1868, when he went into tlie butchering business, which he has carried on very successfully ever since. His son Julius is now associated with him. He is also proprietor of and carries on a large saloon in the village. Mr. A"on Gentskow enjoys the respect and esteem of the citizens of Mt. Vernon and Minneiska,. 44 740 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. particularly of the Germans, as he is recognized as the scion of a good old Ijunily, and liked accordingly. He was married in Germany to Sophia Schultz and has had eight children. JosEi'H L. Leonard, farmer. Jacob Leonard, the father of this subject, was born in Canada, and marrying Mary Brown, of Massa- chusetts, settled on a farm in Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vermont, where Joseph, his son, was born, August 29, 1820. The father of Jacob Leonard was a shi])-carpenter on board a French man-of-war. He deserted the vessel during its service against the English colonies, in what American history terms the "French and Indian war," and settled in Canada. Jacob Leonard served the colonies through the war of 1812, after which he settled as above 3ioted. He was also a carpenter, and taught the trade to his son, the subject of this sketch, who followed that occupation in Clinton county, New York. The latter also bought a farm just over the Canadian border from his New York home, which he tilled six years. He had been reared on a farm, attending the common schools and Champlain Academy. He was married September 12, 1842, to Sophia Chidester, who was born in Maitland, Ontario, October 15, 1826. Her father, George Chidester, was born in New York, and her mother, Jane Byres, was a native of Ireland. In 1862 Mr. Leonard sold his eastern property and came to Minnesota, buy- ing eighty acres of land in the town of Fremont, this county, where he lived one year. This he sold and returned to Canada, thinking to engage in farming there ; but the east did not appear to him as before, and he again came to Minnesota, which has since afforded him a satisfactory home. In 1863 he bought a residence in Winona, where he dwelt a short time and was engaged in overseeing con- struction on the Winona & St. Peter railroad. During the fall of 1863 he bought and kept the hotel at Stockton, but sold it after a short residence there. During the following summer he kept hotel at [Jtica. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Leonard became a resident of St. Charles city, having })urchased three lots on Winona street, where he still dwells, and 120 acres of land on Sec. 20. He has since ])ureha8ed seven more city lots and forty-hve acres of land, and is ex- tensively engaged in farming operations. His home is an (U-nament to the city and a credit to himself. Mrs. Lconai-d is a member of the Advent church, and her husband sympathizes with her in religious faith. He has been assessor of the city two terms and street com- missioner for the same period. His political affiliations are with BIOGEAPHICAL. 741 the democratic party. He is a member of St. Charles Lodge of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have five living children, all of whom are married, as the following shows : Mary J. , July 8, 1845, George Williams, reside St. Paul ; Emma, May 9, 1851, Henry Gage, St. Paul; Eva, August 19, 1854, Erford Gates, live on Sec. 26, this township; Joseph P., January 12, 1857, Sarah Williams, dwell at Watertown, Dakota ; Josephine, February 13, 1862, Henry W. Brown, reside with Mr. Leonard. William Harrison Martin, farmer, son of Freeman Martin, was born in Cook county, Illinois, in the year 1838, where he attended school and remained with his father till 1861, when he moved to Whitewater, Minnesota. In 1862 married Miss Ester Covey, daughter of Stephen Covey (see sketch), and by this marriage had seven children: Lewis H., born 1863; Carrie E., born 1864 ; Hjdon F., born 1871, died 1881 ; Harry E., born 1875 ; Hattie M., born 1867; Morton C, born 1881. In 1867 Freeman Martin, father of our subject, purchased S.W. and N.E. ^ of Sec. 2, T. 108, R. 10, containing about 287 acres, of which property our subject bought an even half Was ten times elected supervisor and five times chairman of the board (see town record). In politics always votes the republican ticket ; in religion a Methodist Episcopal. Is much esteemed and respected by all who know him. Reuben Drake was born in town of Redfield, Oneida county, New York, 1801, where he attended school and made his home till 1862, when he moved to Whitewater, Minnesota, having traded his property in Redfield for 160 acres land situated near Minneiska ; also bought ten acres adjoining village of Beaver. In 1832 our subject married Sophronia Ranney, and has been blessed with four children, born as follows : Ellen, born 1832, married in 1857, G. G. Knowles, died 1863 ; Jennette, born 1836, married in 1857 to J. R. Martin ; Bray ton, born 1838, was married to Miss Emily Hayes in 1862 ; Margaret, born 1842, married W. Buckingham in 1862. Our subject was appointed postmaster during the administration of Gen, Jackson for the town of Redfield, New York, which position with but short intervals he held till he moved to Whitewater valley, when he was again appointed under President Lincoln and held the position till 1881, being the oldest postmaster in the United States. In religion is a liberal thinker, in politics a staunch democrat. S. W. Morgan, jeweller and watchmaker, 15 East Second street. This business was begun May 1, 1862, in its present location and has 74i! HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 80 continued. At its establishment it was conducted in the first floor of three-story building, upper floors used for hotel purposes. This building was destroyed in the great tire of July 5, 1862, in which Mr. Morgan's loss was comparatively light, his whole stock not exceeding $1,000 in value, and which was mostly saved by his owii exertions. The next morning after the tire, business was temporarily established on Main street, in a building in process of erection for a warehouse, and conducted there for thirty days, when a return was made to the old location, where a temporary structure liad been meantime erected. The following year, 1863, Mr. Morgan bought the lot he was occupying, and in 1866 erected his present structure, a two-story and basement brick, 20 X 53^ feet. The store is furnished with a double compartment steel safe, positively fire- proof; the business employs three workmen besides the proprietor, and is one of the most elegant jewelry establishments in the state. Mr. Morgan is a native of Terre Haute, Indiana ; came with his parents to Illinois ; removed afterward to the county seat, where he learned his trade, and had resided eleven years before coming to this city. He is member and director of the board of trade, a stock- holder in the Winona wagonworks, and fully identified with the city's commercial and industrial growth. A prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church ; he has been for seventeen years secretary of its Sabbath-school. Philip Spielman, farmer, was born near Heidelberg, Germany, October 14, 1814. He attended school till eighteen years old, the last two years being spent at the famous university under whose shadow he was reared. On leaving the university he entered the army, in which he served seven years. In 1839 he came to Amer- ica, landing at New Orleans, where he learned tlie carpenter's tmde. He arrived at port seven dollars in debt, and paid this by two days' labor in unloading the vessel. From New Orleans he went to Port- age county, Ohio, where he was married November 2, 1841, to Catharina Mohn, a native of Loraine, born January 23, 1823. In 1844 Mr. Spielman went to Washington county, Wisconsin, then a new region, and proceeded to open up a farm in heavy timber ; for a short time after locating there his nearest neighbor was eleven miles away. Here he ccmtinued to follow his trade most of the time, his sons carrying on the farm work as soon as they were old enough. In 1862 he came to St. Charles and bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 5, where he lived until 1877; his health failing, he BIOGRAPHICAL. 743 bought a house and lot in St. Charles city, where he has lived ever since his removal from the farm. He now owns 260 acres of land, eighty acres being on Sec. 7, and the balance on Sec. 29, in Elba. Mr. Spielman is a member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. and A. M., in which he is now steward ; he is a republican in politics and in religion a Methodist. He has reared eleven children, as follows : John, born October 8, 1842, married Katie Gim, died at Faribault, April 30, 1868 ; Catharina, born November 7, 1843, married Christ Busman and lives on Sec. 5 ; Henry, born November 8, 1847, died December 6, 1865, at St. Charles; Mary, born December 3, 1849, married John Henrich and is living in the township of Elba ; Andrew, born October 8, 1851, married Tilla Kobler and lives in St. Charles city; Nathaniel, born September 16, 1853, married Amelia Bossewitz and lives at Curry, Minnesota; Philip J., born March 27, 1855, lives at St. Charles; Maggie, born August 20, 1857, dwells with parents ; William, born April 18, 1860, resides on Sec. 7; Mina, born April 15, 1862; Sarah, born October 15, 1864. C. L. Bonner, grain and commission merchant. Mr. Bonner has been a permanent resident of this city for the past twenty years, having come here to stay in 1862. His first visit to the place pros- pecting for a field of operations was made in 1857. From 1862 until 1881 Mr. Bonner was actively engaged in grain trade here. He was one of the moving spirits of the Winona Mill Company, one of the original incorporators and the first president of the company, taking charge of its affairs September 1, 1881. Mr. Bonner is a capitalist of considerable financial weight, and, in addition to his grain and mill interests, is a stockholder of the Second National Bank of the city. He is married and has one child now attending the high schodl in this city. Charles L. Turnquest, born in Sweden, in 1828, came to America in 1852 and settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, where he remained until 1862, removing to Minnesota, settling in Winona county and buying the property he now occupies. Pie was married at Fulton, Illinois, to Mary Jonston, by whom he had ten children. He entered the army in 1864, joining the 11th Minn., and was under Thomas in Tennessee and at the battle of Nashville. He remained with his regiment until their muster out of service, when he had received the rank of a non-commissioned officer. Mr. Turn- quest has always been an active sportsman and has experienced uiany adventures. He is now engaged in pursuit of the finny tribe, 744 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. and is shipping large quantities to St. Paul and Chicago, and is making preparations for the opening of a large canning establish- ment at Minneiska. He had his house and outbuildings swept away by the great storm of 1880, suffering a severe pecuniary loss. He lost his wife in 1879, and his sons have started out in business for themselves, one being in the drug business in Chicago and the other in a sash and door factory. V. A. Brink, grocer, 4 West Third street. This house is the successor of the old grocery house of H. D. Perkins, established in 1857 on West Front street, and of which Mr. Brink became sole owner in 1878 by ])urchasing the interest of his partner, W. R. Williams, with whom, seven years before, under the firm name of Brink & Williams, he had bought out the stock of H. C. Harkins, Mr. Perkins' })artner and successor. Mr. Brink, prior to removing to his present location in 1880, was on East Second street, first at No. 2, afterward at No. 11. Business is gradually growing, and sales are slightly in advance of last year. The business gives full employment to three persons and one delivery wagon. Mr. Brink is a native of western New York ; was brought up on a farm ; came to Winona in 18fi2, and was eight years in the dry-goods house of his brother, J. L. Brink, before opening trade on his own account. Mr. Brink is married and has. three children, one of whom is in at- tendance at the state normal school. Mr. Brink was made a Master Mason in 1868 ; became a member of Winona Chapter, No. 5, R. A.M., in 1881, and a Knight Templar in Cceur de Lion Com- mandery. No. 3, of this city, in 1882. Danip:l Burke was born in Ireland June 4, 1839. His father, Thomas Burke, was a very thrifty farmer, but suffered considerable loss from the famine of 1849, he having become surety for several families who were unable to pay their rent. His mother, Margaret Burke, died in 1852, and in 1855 his father emigrated to New York with the rest of his family, and he and the subject of our sketch went to work u})on the Erie canal and worked there until it was com- pleted. Then our subject hired out with a farmer and worked for him three years. When done work for this farmer he came to Min- nesota, in company with his brother, in search of his father and the rest of the family that had moved to Sugar Loaf. After finding his fanuly he looked over the greater part of Winona county, and finally, in 1862, bought the S. i of the N.E. ^ of Sec. 6 in Pleasant Hill township, and in 1863 he bought the E. ^ of N.W. i of Sec. 6. He BIOGRAPHICAL. T45 was married to Bridget Moran January 18, 1863. He and his wife went to work with that energy which is always crowned with suc- cess, and at this time (1882) they have 320 acres of land, fenced into six fields and well stocked with horses, hogs, sheep and cattle. They have a very comfortable frame house, with modern conveniences, and good barns and granary. Their union has been blessed with seven children : Thomas, born November 20, 1863 ; William, born January 20, 1865 ; Daniel, born September 20, 1866 ; John, born March 2, 1868, and died March 2, 1869 ; Mary A., born December 2, 1869 ; Margaret E., born June 4, 1871, and Hugh James, born March 15, 1871:. The children are all living at home, and, with their parents, form a cheerful and contented family. James Koan, farmer. Lands located on S.W. J of N.W. J and W. i of S.W. i of Sec. 37, and on the S.E. i of N.E. i of Sec. 28, St. Cliarles township. This claim was made in May, 1855, by the present proprietor, and proved up by him in July of that year ; but he did not reside upon it or farm it in person until the fall of 1862, since which date it has been his family's residence. Mr. Roan has added to his original claim of 160 acres until his farm includes 291 acres, mostly oak openings. His farming operations include both grain raising and stock, although, like most farms in this township, grain has been hitherto the staple of the farmer. The yield of grain per acre on this farm, for the season of 1882, was : wheat (winter), 24 bushels ; wheat (spring), 19 bushels ; barlej, 30 bushels ; oats, 45 bushels ; corn, 40 bushels. Of stock, there are 12 head of horses, 2 cows and 6 hogs. Mr. Roan is a native of Gloucester- shire, England ; came to America in 1850, traveling that season as far westward as Dubuque county, Iowa, and being unmarried was not permanently located until he settled upon his farm here in 1862. During those twelve years he traveled over the Mississippi valley region quite extensively, southward as far as New Orleans, Louisi- ana, and northward into Minnesota. In 1861 he returned to his native country, England. The following year, 1862, he married Miss L. Candy, and the same fall, crossing the ocean with his bride, took up his permanent residence in Winona county. The following season, 1863, he built what now forms the kitchen of his comforta- ble farm-house, moved into it, and so became fully settled in his new western home. The main part of the dwelling was erected in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Roan have five children, all inclined to intellectual and mechanical pursuits, rather than the home-work of tlie farm. 746 JIISTOUY OF WINONA COUNTY. The eldest daughter is now pursuing her musical studies in Winona cit}', a branch of art for which she evinces a decided talent. The youngest cliild, a bright boy of six years, is at home. The others, one son and two daughters, are pursuing their school studies under the direction of Mr. Parsons, teacher of one of the district schools, anil generally accepted as one of the most effi('ient teachers in the township. Mr. Roan is a man of gentle manners, but most positive convictions ; a genuine reformer in temperance matters, and quite of the radical school. An air of genial hospitality and genuine home- feeling pervades the household which it is im])ossible not to recog- nize, even on casual acquaintance. Peter Ferdinakd Boysen, born in Schleswig, Germany, in the year 1841 ; received a common school education. His youth was spent on a farm. He emigrated to the United States in 1862, and removed to Rolling Stone township the same year, where he re- mained for six years, when he removed to Hillsdale township, where he has since remained. In 1865 Mr. Boysen was married to Mrs. Charlotte Hertsberg, widow of Herman Hertsberg, who died in Hillsdale township in 1862. Mrs. Boysen was born in Holstein, Germany, December 30, 1830. Mrs. Boysen emigrated to the United States with her first husband in 1853, and to Hillsdale town- ship in 1856. Mrs. Boysen has four children living by her first husband, and four b}^ Mr. Boysen. Mr. and Mrs. Boysen are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. Mr. Boysen owns 340 acres lying in Sec. 15, in township 107 and Sec. 22, in Hillsdale township. A. O. Slade, druggist and dealer in ])aints, oils, etc., City Drug Store, 22 East Third. This drug house is the legitimate successor of that established by S. N. Wickersham, and which was discon- tinued upon the death of his wife, when part of the stock was shipped to Philadelphia and the rest disposed of to F. Patton, an old clerk in the Piiiladelphia drug house of Fahnstock, of which the Wicker- sham establishment was virtually a branch. The business under Patton soon came to an abrupt termination by his leaving the citj, after placing the store in charge of his clerk, A. O. Slade, who noti- fied the Philadeli^hia house of the facts. This brought Mr. Fahn- stock again to Winona, and the drug stock was jjurchased by Messrs. F. C. Ewing and A. O. Slade, who reopened the house for business under the firm name of Ewing & Slade, October 16, 1872. This partnership continued until March 14, 1877, when Mr. Slade became sole proprietor and so continues. The drug house fronts twenty-two BIOGRAPHICAL. 747 feet on Third street, is seventy feet deep, one floor and basement being occupied witli the business of the house, which employs two clerks, and is in a prosperous condition. Mr. Slade is a native of London, Enghmd. Came to America with his father's family in the summer of 1852, making a temporary residence of a few months in Brook- lyn, and the same fall removed to Davenport, Iowa, from which city they came to Minnesota in 1859, locating in Fountain City. In 1863 the family came to Winona, which since then has been their home. Mr. A. O. Slade was educated in the public schools of Davenport and this city until 1868, when he commenced life as a druggist's clerk, and in which business he had had nearly five years' experience when he purchased an interest in the business he now exclusively controls. Mr. Slade is a member of the board of trade, of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., of Winona Chapter No. 5, and Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 3, all of this city. G. C. Boynton's Sons, successors to G. C. Boynton, wholesale fancy grocers, 31 East Second street and 11 Center street. This business was established in 1863 by G. C. Boynton, as a candy manufactory, corner of Front and Zumbro streets, where he built the first candy factory in Minnesota, and started out his peddling •wagons. To this business, in 1864, a stock of staple and fancy groceries was added, and the business removed to Hubbard's block, on upper Second street, thence to Holbrook and Webster's block, thence to Mues' block, upon its completion in 1871, where it re- mained nearly four years. Thence, in the spring of 1875, they removed to 62-64 Second street, where business was transacted until Novem- ber 1, 1882, when the present more central location was taken. In the fall of 1874 the retail department of the grocery was discon- tinued, and in 1881 the manufacture of candy was abandoned, the business of the house being fancy groceries, cigars, and the agency of Joseph Schlitz' Milwaukee brewing-house. Their business house fronts on both Second and Center streets, has a frontage of 20 feet on Second, of 20 feet on Center, and a depth of 140 feet. Their basement for storage is the same size. Their refrigerator warehouse on Front street, just above the new waterworks building, has a capacity for six carloads of beer. They keep three salesmen on the road, employ a force of seven persons in the house, handle 3,000,- 000 cigars a year, and aggregate sales reach $250,000 a year. Trade extends all along the lines of the Northwestern railway and its branches in Minnesota and Dakota eastward to Green Bay, and all 748 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. tlirougli southern Minnesota and southeastern Dakota. January 1, 1883, tlie grocery business of the house was entirely discontinued, the rapidly enlarging volume of their other trade determining their exclusive attention to its demands. Since this date the trade of the house has been exclusively in cigars and beer, and their salesmen now cover all the leading railway lines of the northwest as far as British Columbia. The present members of the firm are H. P., O. J. & W. L. Boynton. G. C. Boynton was born in Canton, St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1824, died in this city May 18, 1875, and was suc- ceeded by his sons. His father, Parker Boynton, born in 1 71)9, still Survives, was in this city until 1880 and is now living in Ohio, hav- ing almost reached his eighty-fouith year. G. C. Boynton was brought up in early life as a clerk in his father's store and on the lakes, starting business for himself in Ohio in 1840, when only six- teen years of age ; was afterward in grocery business in Pennsylva- nia, and came fi-om there to this city in 1863. The sons are all married and established in homes of their own in the city. John Pickert, postmaster at St. Charles. — Mr. Pickert was ap- pointed to this office in 1871, assuming charge of the office April 1 of that year, and holding it by successive reappointments until the present. When the office was first taken charge of by Mr. Pickert it ranked as one of the fourth class, and the commission issued from the. then postmaster-general, Creswell. In December, 1874, the office was raised to one of the third class, and the commission then issued bears the autograph of U. S. Grant, The sales of stamps, stamped envelo})es, etc., for the last fiscal 3'ear aggregated about $2,400; and domestic money orders to the number of 2,300 were issued, the receipts for same aggregating $30,000. John Pickert is a native of New York, in which state he was brought up on a dair}' farm, and there followed the business until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he went into Kentucky, having accej)ted the superintendency of a large cheese dairy for the Mar- shalls, of that state. Was there when the war broke out, and remained two } ears after that event, removing to St. Charles, Min- nesota, in 1863. Here he was engaged in farming, one-half mile north of the business center of the city, and in various other pur- suits until his appointment to his present office, a little over twelve years since. He has been prominently identified with the educa- tional interests of the city ever since his residence here, and has BIOGRAPHICAL. 749 been a member of the school board several terms. He was also chairman of the township board when the greatest number of volun- teers for the United States army was raised in this township, by virtue of which enlistments St. Charles was practically relieved from military draft. As a Mason, Mr. Pickert has an enviable record at home and abroad, and the memory of his services as H.P. of Orient Chapter during seven successive terms was most pleas- antly commemorated during the past winter by an elegant cane presentation. Mr. Pickert was married in 1849, to Miss S. A. Custer, of New York, and their thirty-fourth wedding anniversary was duly celebrated not long since. Of their nine children only one is now living, C. J. Pickert, at one time a teacher in the state normal school, and at present in Dakota. Daniel Cook was born in the town of Greene, Shenango county, New York, February 9, 1834. His parents were Daniel and Sarah Cook. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Connecticut. Daniel grew up on a farm and received a common school education. *In 1848 his parents removed to Steuben county. New York. From there in 1859 he came to Adams county, Wiscon- sin. August, ]862, he was mustered into Co. K, 25th Wis. Inf., at La Crosse. Was mustered out at the end of his term of service as a corporal. He was at the battles of Decatur, Eesaca, and was one of the few who defended so nobly a train against a horde of rebels at Glendale. In 1863 he came to St. Charles, this county, and two years later to Homer township, and from there to Wiscoy in 1876, where he now owns a well improved farm of 120 acres. He was married May 19, 1867, to Mrs. Eunice (Greenman) Birch, of Wiscon- sin. They have had three children, one of which is dead : Oliver Morton, born February 22, 1868, died December 6, 1880 ; Ella Lou- ray, born March 3, 1874; Eddie, born September 15, 1879. Mr. Cook is a member of the Lodge of Sons of Temperance and of the Methodist church. He is a republican in politics, and in March, 1879, was the choice of the people for justice, and two years later was elected town treasurer. A. O. Adams, dealer in clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps and gents' furnishing goods, south end city, opposite Parrott's manu- facturing establishment. This business was entered into by Mr. Adams in 1866, at which time he had been a resident of the city about three years, and the firm was known as S. Y. Hyde & Co. Mr. Adams' business operations had always been in company with 750 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. others until October 18, 1880, when he moved to his present loca- tion and opened business solely on his own account. Business is good and gives employment to two persons. Mr. Adams is a native of Ashtiibula county, Oliio ; was educated in his native state until he was sixteen years of age, when he came west to Minnesota. Two years later, May, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G., 2d reg. Wis. Inf., particii)ated in the first Bull Run battle, and after seven months' service was discharged on account of sickness incurred in the army. As soon as his health was sufficiently restored to admit of his doing so, Mr. Adams returned to Minnesota, located at St. Charles, and entered the house of Hyde, Brougliton & Co. as clerk, with whom he remained three years, and on the retirement of Mr. Broughton became a partner in the house. In 1870 he married Miss Nelia Z. Smith, of St. Lawrence county, New York. They have three chil- dren, two of whom are attending school in this city. Mr. Adams and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of St. Charles, holding the offices of steward and trustee respectively. Mr. Adams is also a worthy frater of the A. F. and A. M., being the present W.M. of Rising Sun Lodge and P.S. of Orient Chapter, No. 19, R.A.M. Gallup & Thomas, dealers in general hardware and farm machinery. This business was established by E. M. Gallup in 1881, and became Gallup & Thomas in 1883. They employ three persons about the premises, and during the busy farming season keej) four teams on the road. Business tor 1882 was fully twenty-five per cent in excess of previous year. Members of firm E. M. Gallup, W. J. Thomas. Mr. Gallup is a native of Vermont ; came into St. Charles township in 1863 and was engaged in farming until he established his present business. He is married and has three children ; one teaching in the county, two attending school in St. Charles. Mr. Gallup is one of the city justices of the peace, chairman of the board of education and a vice-})resident of the board of trade. Mr. Thomas is a native of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade ; came to this county at twenty-five years of age and worked at his trade in this city and vicinity until 1878, from which time, until the fall of 1882, he was principally at work in Tower City, along the line of the Northern railway. In January, 1883, he entered into part- nership with Mr. Gallu}), and may be considered a fixture in St. BIOGRAPHICAL. 751 Cliarles. He is married and has two children, both attending the city schools. Benjamin F. Downing, son of Francis and Elisabeth Down- ing, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, January 24, 1816, and is of Scotch-Irish and English descent. When he was fifteen years old his father emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Tippecanoe county. He lived there five or six years and then removed to Laporte county, Indiana, wliere the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Malinda Baldwin, by whom he has had thirteen children. Sarah E., Mary Ellen, Cordelia L., Nancy A., Malinda M., Francis L., Oscar F., William A., Charles E., Jared A., Julia A., Gilbert P. and Isaac C, four of whom are dead ; Charles E., Gilbert P., Mary E. and Cordelia L. The rest are all living. Mr. Downing moved from Laporte to Jasper county in the year 1850, and settled near Rensselaer (tlie county at that time being thinly settled, but full of wild deer and game of all kinds), where he found, great sport in hunting, often killing three or four deer in one day. But his family being sick much of- the time with the ague, he emigrated to Minne- sota in the year 1863, and settled first in the village of Homer, but subsequently bought land on Homer ridge, where he yet resides. His mother and father both died at his house, she at the advanced age of ninety years and his father at the age of seventj^-two. Mr. Downing had five brothers and four sisters. His father was in the war of 1812. Most of his ancestors were long-lived and religiously inclined, many of whom were ministers of the gospel, himself joining the Methodist church at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Downing has been a conscientious, hard-working, energetic and industrious man, believing that hard work is the only honest way of making a living. He is a good farmer and owns a nice farm near seven miles from the city of Winona, and is a republican in politics. Malinda Downing, his wife, the eldest child of Gilbert and Sarah Baldwin, was born in Gallic county, Ohio, March 12, 1822. She also descended from Scotch and Irish ancestors, some of whom lived to a remarkable old age, her great-grandfather Waddle living to over the age of one hundred years. None know mother Downing but to love her. She has devoted her life to the wants of others. In good works and in raising a large family she has done a mother's part, and for deeds of charity and kindness will long be remembered throughout her large circle of acquaintances. Pev. Michael Zickrick is the son of a German farmer, and was 752 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. bom at Grierade, near Berlin, Prussia, May 22, 1828. His educa- tion was completed at the age of fourteen, after which he assisted his father in his tarming operations till he was twenty ; at this age lie went to learn the business of brickmaking, which he has followed nearly ever since. On March 12, 1846, he married Justina Seefield, and two years later emigrated to America, settling on a farm at Lomira, Dodge county, Wisconsin ; here he also carried on the manufacture of brick. Mr. Zickrick was reared in the Evangelical church, and in 1851 began to preacli its doctrines, and has ever since labored in this manner. In 1864 he came to Minnesota and purchased a larm in Elba township, this county, where one of his sons now resides. For the iirst two years of residence here Mr. Zickrick was constantly engaged in missionary labor and traveled Irom place to place. In 1869 he purchased thirty-nine acres of land on Sec. 29, now within the limits of the city of St. Charles, on which he began, the manufacture of brick, and still carries on the same industry, making an average of nearly two hundred thousand bricks per annum. In 1870 he removed his family to the present residence, near the brickyard, and has since made his home here. He now preaches once a week in the Evangelical church ol this city, and occasionally in Dover, Quincy, and other neighboring localities. He recently spent six months in Winona, supplying the puljnt of a sick pastor. He has taken little part in politics ; has, iiowever, served as judge of election in the city several times. He was a democrat until Lincoln's candidacy, since which time he has supported the republican party. Twelve children have been born to him, of whom eleven are now living. Their births, marriages, etc., are indicated below: Michael J., June 20, 1849, lives at St. Charles; Edward W. F., March 21, 1851, married to Hattie Bair, resides on the old homestead in Elba; Mary A., August 1, 1852, married to Gustav Gick, i« a resident of St. Charles ; Minnie D. W., March 8, 1854; Gustav R, May 2, 1855, home in Nordland, Dakota; Julius T., October 13, 1856 (now conductor on railroad), married to Alice Tuck, lives at Zumbrota, Minnesota; Lydia M., January 31, 1858 ; Sarah E., September 23, 1859, is teaching in Elba; Peter S., February 15, 1861, died before two years old ; Jacob E., April 8, 1862; Richard B., September 14, 1863; Emma E., March 14, 1866. All are natives of Wisconsin except the latter. CHAPTEE LVIII. BIOGRAPHICAL. EAELY SETTLERS CONTmUED. Godfrey Widmoyer, son of Gottlob and Catherine Widmoyer, was born January 11, 1832, in Strempeleach, Kingdom of Wurtem- berg, Germany. He attended school regularly eight years in Strem- peleach. Left for America September 14, 1852, and landed in New York October 8, 1852. On landing in New York he worked nine months at the baker trade. Left New York city and went to Weis- port, Pennsylvania, and remained there about five years, being em- ployed at various occupations. Still anxious to come west, he came to Onalaska, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1858. Lived at intervals in Onalaska and La Crosse for the next four or five years. Moved to Dresbach in the spring of 1864. Worked in a sawmill three or four years ; at the same time opened his farm where he now lives. Mr. Widmoyer was married to Mary Sold, daughter of Adam and Eve Sold. She was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Widmoyer have nine children, all living. The two eldest, William and Mary, are married ; William, telegraph operator, lives in Dresbach ; Mary, now Mrs. Dalton, lives in Dakota, this county. The other children, Fred, George, Dealia, Gertrude, Jessie, Guy, and Edward, live at home. Mr. Widmoyer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has always lived an upright and conscientious life, and is highly respected as a man and citizeu. By industry and economy he has made a good living and accumulated means to support him in his latter days. Wesley Martin, of Homer, is the son of Asa and Elizabeth Mar- tin. He was born in Stockton county, New York, June 24, 1818. His parents were natives of Connecticut, and farmers. His grand- father Martin was in the expedition which Arnold led against Quebec. His father Asa was in the war of 1812, and was present at the burn- ing of Buffalo. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1822 his parents moved to GaUia county, Ohio. Here he experienced the vicissitudes of pioneer life. At an early age he went to learn the trade of a carpenter. In 754 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 1841 he removed to Boone coimty, Indiana, where he worked for a while at his trade. In 1845 he went into tlie mercantile business at Lebanon, Boone county, retiring in 1848. In 1855 he bought an- other stock of goods, which he closed out in 1859. He then bought a woolen and grist mill at .lamestown, Indiana, which he operated until 1864, when he sold out and came to Winona county, Minnesota, settling in Sec. 30, T. 107, R 6. He now lives on Sec. 32. He has held several town othces, and was the nominee of his party for the legislature. December 6, 1838, he wedded Mary King, of Gallia county, Ohio. They are the parents ot eight children now living, whose names, in the order of their birth, are : Henry M., Darius C, William F., Lineous L., Fares B., Elizabeth, wife of Smith Corben ; Esther A., now Mrs. Caleb Bourn, and Olive E., now the wife of Oscar Downing. Fares B. was born in Boone county, Indiana, in 1853. He was reared mostly on the farm, and his early education was received in the common schools, and com- pleted with a course at the Winona high school. He was married in the fall of 1877 to Miss Jennie A. Smith, a native of the State of New York. He is now residing on a farm in the township of Plomer. C. W. Seefip:ld, dealer in grain. This business was established by Mr. Seefield in 1872, at which time he rented an elevator of H. E. Broughton, and commenced operations as a buyer and shipper of grain. The following year, 1873, Mr. Seefield purchased the Brough- ton elevator, and since then, enlarging his operations from year to year, has become one of the heaviest buyers in southern Minnesota, owning ten elevators along the line of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, between Utica and Iroquois. In connection with this busi- ness Mr. Seefield does a heavy trade in coal, salt and flour, the latter the product of his steam flouring-mill at Nordlon, Dakota, with a capacity of sixty barrels a day. The capacity of his St. Charles elevators (of which he owns two, having a joint interest in a third) is about 45,000 bushels, and of the whole number about 130,000. To man these elevators he employs a force of thirty- one hands, and the aggregate bushels of grain handled the past sea- son were about 900,000. Mr. Seefield is a native of Louisa, Dodge county, Wisconsin. He came to this county without capital in 1864, being at that time seventeen years of age, and was variously employed during the eight years that intervened before he com- menced shipping grain on his own account. Three years of the BIOGRAPHICAL. 755 eight were spent in the grain-house of J. Hempstead & Co., at tlie expiration of which time, in partnership with Ed. Birge, Mr. See- field commenced operating in grain, and the results of his eleven years' operations speak for themselves. As a member of the ma- sonic fraternity, and of the city government, as well as of the busi- ness circles of the city, Mr. Seefield ranks well. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and A. M.; Orient Chapter, R. A. M., and Home Commandery, K. T., of Rochester; a member of the city council during several terms, and mayor of St. Charles in 1881 and 1882. Lorenzo D. Mead, was born in Illinois in 1826. He was raised on a farm near Galena, Illinois, working and attending school when opportunity offered. When he reached his twenty-fourth year he purchased a farm in Wisconsin, which he retained and worked for some years, then sold out and removed to Crawford county, Wiscon- sin, where he purchased another farm, remaining some six years. He removed west to Minneiska in 1864, where he has remained ever since, being connected with the elevators and obtaining such other employment as offered. He has been twice married, the first time in 1850, to Miss Gertrude Bruce, who died in 1852, leaving one child, who also died a short time afterward; the second time to Miss Ellen Owen, in 1854, by whom he has five children. C. F. Putsch, watchmaker, jeweler, and dealer in small musical instruments and merchandise, 57 East Third street. This business was established by his brother A. Putsch, Jr., in 1874, on Center street, between Second and Third streets, and was removed from tliere to its present location in 1876. The following year A. Putsch, Jr., died, and the business passed into the hands of the present pro- prietor in 1878. He has one assistant in his business. C. F. Putsch was born in Portage City, Wisconsin, and came from there to this county witli his father's family in 1864; has resided within its limits ever since, and, with the exception of three years, in the city of Winona, where he received his education. He is a member of Oak Grove Lodge, Ancient Order of Druids, and also of the Winona Gun Club. J. Baeeie, merchant tailor, 16 Center street. This business was established in 1864, on the corner of Main and Third street, and was removed to its present location in the summer of 1882. He manu- factures custom work exclusively, and has built up a more extensive trade than is at all common in a western city the size of Winona. 45 756 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. Two cutters are kept constantly employed, and the establishment furnishes work for fifteen tailors. Mr. Barrie is a native of New York, and has been in the business he now carries on since enter- ing the shop as a tailor's apprentice nearly forty years ago, at which time he was thirteen years of age. Has been in business for himself thirty-five years. From the east Mr. Barrie came to Fall River, Wisconsin, in 1850, and six years later to Waseca county, in this state, his health at that time demanding change of air and employ- ment. Frederick Deuzer was born in Ohio in 1843, and was brought up on his father's farm, working during the summer and attending school during the winter months. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came west, settling in the town of Whitewater, where he purchased a. farm of 142 acres, which he cultivated for some years, when he sold and purchased another farm. Selling again he bought the farm he now occupies in 1876. He was married in 1866, to Miss Mary Hostetter, by whom he had three children. He is a Presbyterian, and a democrat in politics. DouD & Thomas, boots and shoes, hats and caps, trunks and gents' furnishing goods, corner Third and (Center streets. This business was started in 1879 at the corner of Second and Center streets, and removed to its present location in the spring of 1882. The storeroom fronts twenty-four feet on Third street, has a depth of one hundred and twenty feet, with a lateral extension in the rear 24X50, giving a little over four thousand square feet of flooring- room. They employ three persons and carry a stock of from $12 to $15,000. The members of the firm are R. T. Doud and W. W. Thomas. R. T. Doud was born in the State of New York, in 1835, came to Michigan with his parents when quite young, and five years later to Illinois. In 1857 the family removed to Trempeleau county, Wisconsin, and R. F. Doud was there in business with his father under the firm name of Doud & Son (now Doud Son & Co., of this city) until his removal to Winona in 1865. Upon the organization of the Winona Milling Co. in 1879, Mr. Doud, who was a large stockholder in that concern, was elected secretary and still holds that office. In September of the same year, in connection with Mr. W. W. Thonuis, he founded the firm of Doud & Thomas, which has had a growing trade since its organization. Mr. Doud is married and has three children, boys. He is a member of Winona Lodge, BIOGRAPHICAL. 757 No. 18, A. F. and A. M., Winona Chapter, No. 5, and Coenr de Lion Commandery, No. 3. W. W. Thomas, the junior of the lirm, is a native of New York. Came to Winona in 1869, and was a clerk in the dry-goods liouse of his brother, J. W, Thomas, of this city, until he established himself in his present business. He is a member of the board of trade and its present treasurer. J. P. ScHMiTz, collar and fly-net manufactory, north side Third street, between Walnut and Market. The building is a two-story brick, with basement, the basement and upper story devoted to manufacturing purposes. This business was established in this city in 1865, by P. J. Schmitz, brother of J. P. Schmitz, with whom the present proprietor learned his trade, and then in 1868 formed a partnership which lasted two years, when J. P. Schmitz left the city and spent two years traveling as a joarneyman, during which time he visited California. On his return was for a short time in partnership with his brother, then bought out his interests here in 1874, and has since conducted the business, which is gradually growing. The product of 1874 was about five dozen collars a week, and in that year H. W. Cooper was admitted partner, this business association continuing until 1878, since which time Mr. Schmitz has conducted business alone. He now employs a force of from 8 to 18 hands, according to season and the demands of trade, turns out from 12 to 15 dozen collars a week, and from 300 to 325 dozen fly-nets a season. Sixteen different kinds of col- lars are manufactui-ed, and trade extends into Iowa, Nebraska, Dakota and Wisconsin. In 1880 Mr. Schmitz took out letters patent for an improved collar cap, known as Schmitz's patent cap, which is meeting witli much favor wherever introduced. By this invention a smooth bearing surface always rests upon the horse's neck, the collar top is stiffened so as to retain its shape, all seams by which the horse's neck might be galled are done away with, and water perfectly excluded from the collar top without the inter- vention of extra caps, either leather or metal. It is a common-sense contrivance sure to meet a practical want. Mr. Schmitz was born in Chicago, in 1848, and spent some years in Wisconsin before coming to Winona in 1865. He is a member of Oak Grove Lodge, No. 15, A.O.D. E. S. Morgan, bookseller and stationer, 9 East Third street. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1865, on 758 HISTORY OF winona county. Second street, and removed to its present location in 1874. The business is both a jobbing and retail trade in books and stationery. The building he now occupies is 22 X 80, two stories above the base- ment, all devoted to his business. Trade extends along the line of the Winona & St. Peter division of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, and along the western end of the Green Bay & Minnesota railroad. Business gives employment to a force of si:'C persons, and shows an increase of about twenty per cent over sales of last year. Mr. Morgan is a native of Indiana, came witii his parents when quite young to Oquawka, Illinois, entered a bookstore in that place as a boy, and came from there to this city the same year that he established trade here, 1865. He is married, a member of the board of trade, also of the Methodist Ej^iscopal church, and has one child in attendance at the high school of this city. Arthur Beyerstedt, grocer and dealer in provisions and naval stores, corner Main and Second streets. This business was originally established in the spring of 1865, on the levee at the foot of Main street, as a boatstore, sales being exclusively to rivermen, and was there conducted until 1870, when it was removed to its present loca- tion. The business house is 48x60, employs a force of six clerks and two delivery wagons, and its transactions show a steady growth from year to year, the increase of this over last year's sales being ten per cent. Mr. Beyerstedt is a native of Hamburg, Germany; came to America with his parents when ten years of age. The family settled in Davenport, Iowa, in 1856, and the following year removed to Wisconsin, the parents being residents of this city. Pkter Peshon, farmer, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1842. When he was nineteen years of age he emigrated to America, landing in New York in 1862. He went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in the service of a man who was purchasing horses for the government, remaining with him during the continuance of the rebellion. In 1865 Mr. Peshon took uj) his residence in Minnesota, buying the farm he now lives on. In 1870 he married Miss Jane Piffer, by whom he has had four children. Mrs. Peshon died in 1880. Mr. Peshon is a democrat and a Koman Catholic. He culti- vates a good farm and is well res})ected and liked by those who know him. He has never held political office, preferring to attend to his own affairs rather than those of the public, though often solicited to do so. Peter Sfeltz, farmer, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in BIOGRAPHICAL. 759 1839, working on his father's farm and attending such schools as were in his immediate neighborhood until manhood. In 1864 he came to this country, joining a brother who was already settled in Iowa, where he remained a short time, when he came to Mt. Yernon, pur- chasing land and settling down. Mr. Speltz had but very little capital, but with perseverance and energy he has placed himself in the front rank of the many wealthy settlers of Mt. Yernon township. He erected and occupies one of the finest brick residences in the county, and his outbuildings are a model to his brother farmers. He is a representative German, and has always taken a very active part in public and political affairs. He was the democratic nominee for county commissioner, and has twice been elected chairman of supervisors, and has held other township offices. He married in 1866 Miss Anna Rivers, sister of Henry Rivers, Esq., of Rolling Stone, by whom he had five children. She died October 16, 1876, after a long and painhil illness, universally respected and beloved, which was evidenced -by an immense funeral, the settlers turning out en masse to do honor to her remains, forming a cortege of over one hundred teams. Hers was the first burial in the Catholic cemetery. Mr. Speltz was married again in 1878, to Miss Anna Geudinger, daughter of N. Geudinger, Esq., of Norton. He was the promoter of and very active in the erection of the Catholic church at Oak Ridge, and was one of the first communicants in the township. Timothy Hess, of Witoka, was born in Herkimer county, New York, September 8, 1816. He is the son of Daniel and Margaret Hess, both natives of New York. They are of German descent ; his grandfather Hess was in the revolution, and his father was in the war of 1812 ; was at Sackett's Harbor under Brown. Timothy was raised on a farm, and educated in a common school. When he be- came of age he went to work on the canal, and soon had charge of a boat. Finally he bought a boat, and followed the business for twenty years. He was one of the men selected by the "F. and F." company to make the trial trip with a steam tug from New York city to Buffalo. September S, 18-18, he married Lucy Chapin, of Herkimer county. New York. They have six children, five of whom are living: Mary, Ellen, James, Cornelius, Daniel and Emma. Mr. Hess came to Minnesota in 1865, and settled on Sec. 2, T. 106, R. 7. Mrs. Hess is deceased. John Groesbeck, farmer, was born in Germany, in 1825. He was 760 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. brought up a tanner, working with his parents until his twenty-fifth year, when he came to America. He found employment at various occupations, farming, working on the railroad, and at day's labor, until 1865, and managed, by dint of economy, to save a few hun- dred dollars, with which he purchased forty acres of land in Mt. Vernon township. This he occupied and worked for ten years, sell- ing out and purchasing a farm of 160 acres in Whitewater. He married, in 1860, a German lady. Miss Peshon, by whom he has had six children. Mr. Groesbeck has had many difficulties to con- tend with, and it has only been by dint ot frugality and persever- ance he has attained his present prosperity. He is a Roman Cath- olic, and has no decided political views. Georgp: L. Camp was born in New York State in 1830, and came to Minnesota in 1851, finding employment lumbering, he remaining in the vicinity of Minneapolis and St. Paul until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he joined the gallant 9tli, and his regiment was one of the first to march to the relief of the settlers at the time of the Sioux outbreak, and was present with General Sibley's command in every engagement with the Indians, returning with his regi- ment in the fall of 1864. They were then sent to the front, and he took part in the engagements of Murfreesborough, Kingston, JSTorth C^arolina, and the surrender of General Johnson at Raleigh. After the war was over he purchased some land in Norton, which he aftei-ward sold, buying the farm he now resides on. He married, in 1866, Miss Bertha Stearns, and has two children. Mr. Camp is a prominent temperance man, and takes an active part in every tem- perance movement that has taken place in the town. Carl Fink, farmer, is of German descent, having been born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1820, where he was brought up, and learned the trade of wagon-maker. He was married in 1842 to Miss Anna Heising, also a native of Pennsylvania. He followed his trade for some years at different points in Pennsylvania and Mary- land. In 1848 he came west to Detroit, where he remained two years. His wife died here, leaving no children. In 1856 he moved to Wisconsin, i)urchasing a farm, which he worked up until 1865, when he sold out and removed to Whitewater, where he has since resided. He married a Wisconsin lady, Mrs. Bertha Felex, by whom lie has had four children. Mr. Fink is a Lutheran and a republican. Addison Garrison, farmer, born in Kipley county, Indiana, in BIOGRAPHICAL. 761 1828, where he attended school and worked on a farm. In 1849 married Miss Martha Bennett. By this marriage has had five children : Charlotte, born 1850, married Jerrj Rollings ; Rachael, born 1851, died September 21, 1856 ; Margaret, born 1853, married in 1875 Andrew Parker, of Big Stone county, Minnesota ; Theodore, born 1855, married in 1880 Ida Orantz, born in Sweden in 1855 ; Emaline, born 1857, died 1877 ; Mrs. Martha (Bennett) Garrison, died the same year (1877). Our subject in 1862 joined the 15th reg. of Ind. Vols., and was discharged the following year owing to ill health. In 1865 moved to Whitewater, Minnesota, where he purchased 200 acres of farm land in Sec. 5, T. 108, R. 10. Has been three times elected supervisor ; is a republican in politics and in religion favors the Methodist Episcopal church. August Detrich, farmer, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1830, and came to this country with his parents when he was five years old. They settled on the Western Reserves, Ohio, where Mr. Detrich remained until 1860, being employed mostly in farming. He enlisted in the army in 1861, joining the 67th Ohio Vols., and was with his regiment under Gilmore in the department of the south. He was slightly wounded at Fort Wagner, Charleston Harbor. He was made color-sergeant in 1864, and carried them through the fights of Bermuda Hundreds, Hatcher's Run, Fort Harrison and Dutch Gap. His regiment was part of the well-known 10th corps or Terry's fighting corps, which was subsequently consolidated with the 18th and made the 24th. He participated in all the fighting around Richmond and Petersburgh, and came up with his corps just in time to fire a farewell shot at Appomattox courf-house. His army record has been a grand one ; he bore his regiment's colors proudly aloft through seven engagements and never lowered them once to the foe. On the close of the war he moved west, purchasing land in Whitewater, where he still resides, enjoying the prosperity his labor has endowed him with, beloved by his family and respected by all who know him. He was married on the eve of his enlistment to a young lady whose patriotism was only equaled by her love, and who willingly surrendered him to his country's cause, and claimed him not again until rebellion's serpent-head was laid low in the dust. Mary Meyers, her name deserves to be recorded on the roll of those noble women who suffered so much that their country might live. Three sons have blessed their union, Abram, John and Sherman. 762 HISTORY OF WrPfONA COUNTY. Mr. Dctricli is a staunch republican, a member of the G.A.R., has held numerous local town offices, and is a Methodist in religious views. Charles Francis Dunkhorn is of Prussian descent, born at Detroit, Mlchia^an, in ISiO, and spent his younger days on his father's farm in the neighborhood of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was one of the first young men of his town to enter the Union ranks, be- coming a member of Co. C, 8th Mich., and serving during the entire rebellion, mustering out in 1865 as orderly sergeant of his company. He was twice wounded at Petersburgh and Hatchers run, though slightly, and only lost ten days' duty from sickness or disability dur- ing his entire enlistment. Mark Willson is the only son of John I. and Mary Willson; was born at Newmarket, Ontario, February 27, 1820. In 1824 his parents removed to western Pennsylvania and settled in Sugar drove, Warren county, where the family resided until 1863. His father and mother both died and were buried at Sugar Grove. At an early age Mr. Willson engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until his removal to the great west in 1863. At the age of twenty-one he was elected a justice of the peace, and continued to fill that office by re-election for a period of twenty-five years. He also filled the office of postmaster and various other local offices to the entire satisfaction of the community. In 1853 he was married to Elizabeth Hallock, of New York city. Disposing of his property in 1S63, he came west and settled at Hastings, Minnesota, where he had friends then living, and re-embarked in the business of a general dealer in merchandise. Here he remained until 1866, serving one year as mayor of that thrifty city. In that year he removed his family and business to Winona, where he has since resided. In 1868 he disposed of his stock of merchandise and engaged in the banking business, taking an active part in the organization of the Second National Bank, with which he remained connected as an officer several years. In 1877 he resigned his position, and with others secured a charter for the Merchants' National Bank, of which institution he has been president ever since. Mr. Willson is a staunch republican, and an exemplary and public-spirited citizen. W. L. Nkvius & Bro., livery and sale stables, city omnibus and hack line, office corner of Johnson and Fourth streets. The princi- pal stables of the firm are at this location, and occupy a lot fronting 140 feet on Fourth street and 60 feet on Johnson. The business has grown from a comparatively small stable of fifteen horses in 1872 to BIOGRAPHICAL. 763 really metropolitan proportions. En addition to the premises above mentioned they occupy commodious stables on Johnson, between Third and Fourth streets, fronting the Huff House, and also on the northwest corner of Johnson and Third streets. Their livery stock consists of sixty head of horses, thirty-two carriages and buggies, three omnibuses and four hacks, to man which a constant force of twelve employes is required. To their enterprise is owing the establishment of a city omnibus line, which at the time it was put in operation was considered a decided risk financially. This omni- bus line is maintained in winter as well as summer, and no *city of its size is better provided with transportation facilities of this kind than Winona has been of late years through the enterprise of this firm. They are as fully equipped for winter as for summer business, and when occasion demands the whole outfit is put on runners, as was the case during the winter of 1882-3 just closed. The members of the firm are W. L. Nevius and E. G. Nevius. Mr. W. L. Nevius is a native of Pennsylvania ; married and has one child now attending school in this city. He was engaged in farming and live-stock operations until 1866, at which time he came to Winona from Knox county, Ohio, and opened a stable for the sale of horses on Washington street, between Second and Third, at that time known as the Bauder House stables. Having purchased the stables on the corner of Market and Third streets, now occupied by Mr. George Warren, Mr. Nevius removed his business to that location in 1869, and from there to his present stand in 1872. The business was exclusively a sale business until 1870, when the livery department was added, since which time it has been conducted as a joint livery and sale establishment. The sales of the first year, 1866, aggregated 200 head ; from that date until 1870 the annual sales were from 300 to 400 head, and in 1877 reached a total of fully 600 head. The theater of operations has very materially changed since 1866, at which time purchases were from Indiana and Ohio breeders with sales to Minnesota farmers. Later purchases were from Illinois and Iowa, and sales were made to settlers in the Red River country of the north and the lumbermen of the northern pineries. Since 1880 purchases have been made quite extensively from the horse breeders of Winona and adjoining counties, while sales have been pretty evenly divided between the agriculturists of western Minnesota and Dakota and the lumbermen. During the months of November and December, 1881, Nevius & Bro.- paid to 764 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. the fanners of Winona and adjoining counties about $12,000 for horses, all of them purchased to supply the demand of the Eau Claire pineries. The purchases from the same sources during the corre- sponding months of 1882 were fully thirty per cent in advance of those above given for 1881. The firm also own considerable farming lands in the western portion of the state, from which, if necessary, they can draw supplies for the use of their stock at this point. E. G. Nevius is a native of Ohio ; came to Winona in 1870, took charge of the livery stables of his brother, W, L. Nevius, in 1872, and the following year entered into partnership with him. Mr. E. G. Nevius is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F, and A. M., Winona Chapter, No. 5, and of Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 3. He was married in 1875, to Miss E. Simpson, daughter of V. Simp- son, Esq., one of Winona's pioneer business men. They have three children. James P. CBrien, farmer, was born in Ireland, in 1832, and came to this country while very young. His father settled in New York city, and James learned the bricklayers' trade. When he was twentj^-one he married Miss Kate Sullivan, and has a family of seven children. Mr. O'Brien followed his trade in different cities up to 1862, when he enlisted in -lOth regt. N. Y. Vols.; was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg, for which he now receives a pension. He participated in the seven days' fighting around Rich- mond under Mc(]lellan, and was in other severe engagements. He left the service with the rank of sergeant ; he came west to Elba in 1866, and has built most of the brick houses in the township. Mr. O'Brien also carries on farming to some extent, cultivating forty acres. Mr. O'Brien owns considerable property, and is much re- spected and liked. Peter Hannberg, watchmaker, was born in Sweden, February 11, 1827. He was early apprenticed to the watchmaking, and after learning his trade he worked for some years at Hellingsland, and other points in Sweden. In 1866 he came to this country, coming almost direct to Mt. Vernon. He was the first to erect a dwelling at Millville, Wabasha county, and has been closely identified with the prosperity of the township, in both Winona and Wabasha counties, lying adjacent to each other. He has been engaged in various businesses, carrying on limekilns, farming, mercantile, and now caiTies on his old trade of watchmaking. He was married in 1849 in .Sweden, to his cousin, Anna Hannberg, and has had one BIOGEAPHICAL. 765 child. He is a Lutheran in religious convictions, and a staunch re- publican in politics. Mr. Hannberg resides on his own property, near to the town line of Minneiska, and is very popular with his countrymen in this and other townships. E. G. Hill, justice of the peace. Mr. Hill is a native of Ver- mont ; came to Wisconsin in 1866, and to St. Charles the following September ; since coming here has not been in trade ; was the first assessor of the city after its incorporation, 1870 and 1871, and has served several terms as such ; has been justice of the peace over five years of that time, and is the present secretary of both the masonic bodies in the city. Leander KoKTON was born in Starksboro, Vermont, July 10, 1825. He spent his youth at home, working on his father's farm in the summer time and going to school in the winter. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Catherine Hill, and bought a farm near Starksboro, and lived on it four years, and sold it and bought an- other near Huntington, Vermont, and worked it one year. He then sold out farm and implements and moved back to Starksboro, and bought a sawmill and 300 acres of timber (hardwood and spruce). After running the sawmill about three years he sold out and moved to Kipton, and bought a farm and kept a dairy for eight years. About this time he caught the " Western fever," and after dispos- ing of his farm and stock he was carried off by it to Pleasant Hill, Minnesota, where he arrived in March, 1866, and bought the S.W. ^ of Sec. 15, which he now owns and has under a good state of cul- tivation. Mr. Norton has six children : the eldest, Rollin, mar- ried Sarah A. Cooper, and now resides in the southwestei-n part of the township. Nick Biever, postmaster, Oak Ridge, was born in Germany, 1846, and came to this country in 1852, going to Wisconsin, where he remained fourteen years fanning. He then removed to this town- ship in 1866, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. In 1876 he removed to Oak Ridge, and was appointed postmaster, which position he continues to fill. He also carries on business as shoe and general store. He married Miss Susan Becker in 1867, and has had six children, one of whom has died. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. He was a member of the 2d Wis. Cav., and served under Banks, participating with his regiment in the numerous engagements of his command. Gould & Snow, attorneys-at-law ; office corner of Third and 766 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Center streets, in postoffice block. Law partnership formed Janu- ary 1, 1877. Members of tirm, O. B. (xould and A. 11. Snow. Hon. O. B. Gould is a native of Brantford, Ontario ; received his early education in the common scliools of Ohio, and at the outbreak of the war was prepariugfor college at the Seneca County Academy, Kepublic, Ohio. Leaving school, he enlisted on September 25, 1861, in the 55th Ohio Inf. reg., and served with the army in West Virginia, taking part in all the engagements fought there until the fall of 1862. He was then with Pope's command in the Shenandoah, taking part in the second Bull Run fight, and after that engagement was with the ai-my of the Potomac until after the battle of Gettys- burgh, though not in that engagement, having been wounded at Chancellors ville May 2, 1863, and taken prisoner after the battle. In about two weeks after being taken prisoner he was paroled, and as soon as sufficiently recovered was placed in command of the parole camp of prisoners at Washington, having been promoted second lieutenant April 22 of that year. The same fall (1863) he was exchanged and joined his regiment then on duty with Grant and Sherman's army in the southwest, taking part in the battles of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain. He marched with Sher- man's army to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville, and the follow- ing spring took part in the great series of engagements lasting four months which resulted in the capture of Atlanta. Was with the army that ''marched down to the sea," and ])articipated with his regiment in the siege of Savannah, the battles of Averyboro and ]5entonsville, and was at Ealeigh when Johnson surrendered. After that event his regiment marched to Washington, where it partici- pated in the grand review, and was then transferred to Louisville, Kentucky, where, with the rest of his comnumd, Capt. Gould was mustered out, July 11, 1865, after three years, nine months and seventy-two days of hard service. His first-lieutenant commission bears date March 19, 1864 ; his captaincy was obtained November 9, same year. Returning home, Capt. Gould read law in the office of Lee & Brewer, of Tiffin, Ohio, attended law lectures at Michigan University, graduating in 1867 and receiving his parchment. The same fall he located in Winona, and was mostly in practice without any partner until his association with Mr. Snow, nearly six years since. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Gould was nominated for state representative by the republican county convention, and returned by a majority of 300 in a district confessedly democratic by at least 300 BIOGEAPHICAL. 767 majority. Was in attendance at the sessions of the general assembly when the state capital was burned, and also during the bond bill excitement, recording his vote against that measure, which was afterward declared unconstitutional by the supreme court. Was in the extra session of assembly that same fall (1881), and was one of the committee of arrangements upon whom devolved the prosecution of a certain district judge of this state, which resulted in his impeach- ment and remc'val from office. Nominated by his party for state senator in 1882, he made the canvass against ex-chief justice Wilson. Mr. Gould's name appears in connection with many of the industrial and educational institutions of the county. A. H. Snow is a native of Michigan, a graduate of its State University class of 1865 and of the Albany Law School class of 1867. Located for practice in Albany, but two years later removed to California and was in practice in San Francisco for twelve years prior to locating in Winona in 1871. Here he formed a law partnership with John Keyes, which ccmtinued until Mr. Keyes' death in 1876. The following January his present partnership was formed. He was city attorney in 1874; the same fall was elected county attorney, holding the office four years. He is the present attorney of the Winona Building Associa- tion ; married and has three children in tlie city schools. J. Kendall, wholesale and retain dealer in drugs, oils, paints and glass, 17 East Second street. This house is the lineal successor of the old drug-liouse of Charles Benson, established in this city over twenty-six years ago, and which was successively Benson, Benson & Upham, Benson & Bingham, Benson, Bingham & Co., Benson & Kendall, and since 1875 J. Kendall. The premises now occupied by this business were purchased by Mr. Kendall in 1870, from S. N. Wickersham, who had occupied it as a drug-house until tlie death of his wife, when he discontinued business, shipped part of his stock to Philadelphia and disposed of the remainder to F. Pattou. The building is a three-story and basement structure, stone front, 20X100 feet, with an addition 40x20, fronting on the alley. The business of the house occupies two stories and the basement, and gives employment to a force of five clerks and one traveling sales- man. The great bulk of trade is in lubricating, illuminating and paint oils, of which from 6,000 to 7,000 barrels are annually disposed of. The oil-house, corner of Second and Washington streets, has a capacity of 1,000 barrels. The house holds the agency of the Standard Oil Company, and extends its trade along the lines of the 768 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Chicago & Northwestern railroad and brandies in Minnesota and Dakota, and also along the Green Bay & Winona road in Wisconsin. Mr. Kendall was born in Ithaca, New York, in 1822, and was in the drv-goods trade in that city twenty-five years before coming to Winona in ISfid Mr. Kendall's whole time is given to business. He is a member and director of the board of trade and chairman of its city committee. John Latschi, grocer, 103 East Second street, has been in business in this city since May, 1867, and in his present location since the fall ot 1870, the same year in which he bought the ))roperty and built his stone building, a two-story brick, 25x80 feet, the lirst floor and basement occupied with his business, the uj)per story for family dwelling. The trade gives employment to a force of five persons and one delivery wagon. Mr. Latsch is a native of Zurich, Switzerland ; came to America in 1854 ; settled in Dakota, Winona county, but only remained a short time, removing to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming until 1864. February 27th of that year he enlisted in the 25th Wis. Inf. ; was mustered in at La Crosse, and the following spring trans- ferred to the 12th reg., with which he served until mustered out at Louisville July 1, 1865, having served with Sherman's army and pai-tici])ated in the march to the sea. Since coming to America Mr. Latsch has twice revisited his native country, once in 1873 and again in 1882. He is married and has three children, two of them assist- ing in the grocery house and one in attendance at the city schools. Robert Burns, farmer, was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1837, and came to this country when he was seven years of age, in care of his aunt, who had adopted him, his parents both being dead. She settled in Beloit, Wisconsin, where Robert received such education as the district schools afforded. When twenty years of age he struck out for the Pacific coast, determined to see as much of life as he could, and gain a fortune in the land of gold if possible. He wandered some four years, residing in different parts of California and in the Black Hills, Salt Lake City, Denver, and other western ])oint8. His health failing somewhat he returned home, where he remained a year. Regaining his former strength and vigor, he worked at farming in Wisconsin and Iowa, and finally, in 1867, he ])urchased the fine farm in Whitewater he now occupies from Mr. O. Medcalf The farm was in a very poor condition, and Whitewater but sparsely settled, and Mr. Burns had many obstacles to overcome ; BIOGRAPHICAL. 769 but naturally being possessed of great energy and push, he deter- mined to become possessed of one of the best farms that the heart of a farmer could wish, and he has succeeded, for few stock farms in the town can rival it. He married in 1866 Miss Kate E. Ellis, of Ohio, who is a most estimable lady, and who has shared with Mr. Burns the privations of an early settler, and has ably assisted him in the acquisition of the handsome competency he now enjoys. H. G. C. Schmidt, wholesale dealer and importer of wines and liquors, T7 East Second street. This business was established by F. S. Holleysworth some sixteen years, and purchased by the pres- ent proprietor in 1881. Mr. Schmidt is a native of Nassau, Germany ; graduated at the University of Bohn, and was for a season in the employ of the gov- ernment there with the surgei-y corps of the mining department. Came from Germany to America in 1848, to Boone ville, Missouri, from which point he made the overland route to California in 1850, remaining until 1862. The family settled in Booneville, and there Mr. Schmidt made his home, with the exception of the twelve years spent in California, until his removal to Winona in 1867. Here he was engaged in furniture manufacture from 1867 to 1870, and in the grocery business from 1870 to 1881. He has the agency for ten of the principal trans- Atlantic steamship lines, and, as notary public, having full acquaintance with the regulations of the German gov- ernment, transacts business for German emigrants with European parties. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity, and for the thirteen years prior to 1881 was secretary of this lodge, his present business engagements compelling him to decline that office. He keeps one traveling salesman on the road and two employes in his store ; is married and has five children, four of them attending school. H. J. O'Neill, grain dealer ; office on west side Center street, between Second and Third streets. Mr. O'Neill is lessee of the C. & N. W. Railway Company's elevator at this point, and his Winona business consists solely in handling grain in transitu from western stations to the eastern markets. Grain is bought all along the lines of the road to its western terminus, and of the crop of 1881 700,000 bushels passed through his Winona elevator. But little wheat is handled, operations being largely in barley. The elevator has a capacity of unloading, cleaning and discharging 2,000 bushels per hour, employs a force of from ten to twelve hands, and is fiir- 770 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. nished with engines of 100 horse power. Mr. O'Neill is also owner of the Minneiska elevator just beyond the county limits, in Wabasha county. Mr. H. J. O'Neill is a native of New York State ; came to Minne- sota fifteen years since, and during that time has been engaged in the grain trade at Minneiska and this point. C. L. Pottle, superintendent of the Ellsworth Flouring Mills, Minnesota City, Minnesota, was born in the State of Maine, in the year 1844, of American parents. Received a collegiate education at Kentshill College, Maine. His youth and early life was spent on a farm. In 1867 he was married and removed to Minnesota, where he taught school for a time, until he took charge of the Ellsworth mills, in which capacity he has remained ever since. Mr. Pottle is one of the most social and agreeable of men, and by strict atten- tion to business has amassed a very handsome competence, and is one of the successful business men of the county. Mr. Pottle is a republican in politics and a member of the A. F. and A. M. Dajmiel W. Stone, capitalist, is a son of Joshua Stone, a teacher and lumberman, who was born on Long Island ; he married Chloe Morehouse, of Rhode Island, and settled on the St. John's river, in Douglas county. New Brunswick. Here was born the subject of this sketch on September 18, 1805. His parents soon moved across the state line into Maine, and here he received the limited education afforded by the common schools of that time and locality. On reaching manhood he purchased a farm, which he tilled during the summer, and spent his winters lumbering. He was married October 5, 1831, to Mary A. Harris, who was born at Machias, Maine, January 5, 1814 ; her parents, Samuel Harris and Mary Gallup, were also born in Machias. Mrs. Stone died at Sun Prairie, Wis- consin, June 18, 1856. She was a member of the Baptist church. Five children survive her, as follows: Samuel W., born January 14, 1833, married Harriet E. Pike, and lives at Aurora, Dakota ; Mary E., born May 14, 1836, married Jonathan Burrington (now deceased), afterward married James P. Duncan, and resides at Rich Hill, Missouri ; George W., born May 27, 1843, lives in Montana, a hunter by occupation ; Melvin L., born August 3, 1848, married Alice Barnett, and lives at Rich Hill ; Nehemiah, born Sep- tember 1, 1850, also a hunter in Montana. Mr. Stone removed to Sun Prairie, AVisconsin, in 1845, and was one of the successful pioneers of that region. At forty-five years of age he began'work BIOGRAPHICAL. 771 as a stonemason, and followed the occupation for some time ; he also engaged in carpenter work, and built many houses complete from cellar to garret. In 1868 he sold his Wisconsin property, and after spending some time in prospecting, purchased his present home in St. Charles in the fall of that year, and has dwelt here ever since. He now owns three stores in the city, from whose rental a portion of his income is derived. On July 22, 1862, he married Attaresta, relict of Samuel R. White; she was born in Thompson, Connecticut, in January, 1816 ; her fathei^ Asa Burgess, was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and her mother, Millie Town, was a native of Thompson. Three children of Samuel R White are living: Ellis T., born October 12, 1843, married Desire Kearney, lives in La Salle county, Illinois ; Millie A., born December 31, 1844, married Charles W. Hall, dwells in Alden, this state ; Orman S., born January 3, 1847, married Dolly Terris, resides at Long Prairie, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the St. Charles Baptist church, in which the former has been a deacon for the last six years. He has always been a democrat in politics. He was a town supervisor during the greater part of his residence in Sun Prairie ; has been alderman of this city four years, and in 1874 was mayor. John Yon Rohk, druggist and dealer in paints, oils, etc., north- east corner Main and Second streets. The drug-house of which Mr. Yon Bohr is the successor was established by L. Wienand & Co., in May, 1857, in an old frame building still standing on the north side of Second street, between Walnut and Market. After about six montlis the business was removed one block west and across the street, and there continued until 1867, when it was changed to its present location, and there conducted until the present. The origi- nal company were L. Wienand and H. B. AVedel, and so continued until Dr. Wedel sold his interest to his partner, and entered the United States army in the 4th Minn, reg., in 1862. L. Wie- nand continued the business until 1865, when he died and the stock was sold to Dohmen Schmidt & Co., who after one yearV management of afiairs sold out to Dr. Wedel, who had returned from the army. The new firm was AVedel & better, and so remained until Dr. Wedel bought out his partner in 1869, con- tinuing business alone until January 1, 1881, when he sold out to- John Yon Bohr. The house does a good general trade, a fine 46 772 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. prescription business, and requires the services of three persons to conduct it. John Von liohr is a native of Niagara county, New York, where he was educated and partially fitted for business, having spent three years as druggist's clerk in the city of Buffalo prior to coming to Winona in 1868. He entered the drug-house of Benson & Kendall in the spring of 1869, and was with that house eleven years, one year as partner, before establishing his present business. Mr. Von Rolir is married and has foun children. He is a member of the Philharmonic Society of this city. Louis Sounkll, dealer in grain, elevator situated south side Chicago & Northwestern railroad tracks ; capacity, 15,000 bushels; erected in 1880, at a cost of $5,000 ; size 26x66, with office 16x 12. Mr. Schnell is a native of Berlin, Germany, from whicli country he came to America in 1867, and to this county one year later. From 1868 until 1870 Mr. Schnell was in this city handling grain for J. Hempstead & Co. He then removed to Winona, and until 1876 was with the grain-house of C. G. Miller & Co. (afterward Ott(; Sontag). In 1876 returned to St. Charles and was one year in partnership with C. W. Seefield & Co., at the expiration of which time he rented the horse-power elevator of C. E. Kendall & Co., which operated until it was destroyed by fire in 1878. Mr. Schnell then made arrangements to build an elevator for himself, which he completed and occupied in time to handle the grain crop of 1880, and in which he is now doing a successful grain trade. His. elevator is worked by a steam-engine of about eight-horse power, gives employment to a force of from two to three hands, and shipments for 1882 were fully thirty-three percent in advance of previous year. These shipments are principally of barley and oats to the Milwaukee and Chicago markets. Wheat shipments, owing to the short crops of the past two or three years, are comparatively light. Mr. Schnell is married, is a P.M. of the A.O.U.W. and also a member of Winona Grove, No. 6, A.O.U.D. Nicholas Schell, Jr., teacher and town clerk, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 185-4, emigrating to America with his parents in 1869, when his father settled in Rolling Stone. Mr. Schell was a pupil of the high school, Winona, and also attended several terms at St. John's College, Stearns county, Minnesota. Finisliing his education, he embraced the profession of teacher, moving into tins township and taking charge of the school at Oak Ridge, which BIOGRAPHICAL. 773 he still continues to teach. He was elected town clerk in 1879, filling that position ever since. He married, in 1880, Miss Marj Kimmell, daughter of the late Nicholas Kimmell, of Rolling Stone. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and votes with the democratic'party. Julius F. Boschee, farmer, is German by nativity, and came to the United States in 1849, when he was about twenty years of age. He resided for some years in New York city, working in a brewery. He also worked for a year in Cleveland at the same business. He worked on a farm in Summit county, Ohio, until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered the service, joining the 19th Mich., serving with that regiment and being with them at the battle of the Wilderness. Having been detailed into the pioneer corps he con- tracted rheumatism while building a pontoon bridge, and was shortly afterward mustered out of service, under a disability dis- charge. He was married in 1865, at Akron, Ohio, to Miss Anna Blumenthal, by whom he has had five children. In 1869 he pur- chased the fine farm he now occupies in Whitewater. He has gone extensively into stock-raising and is considered an authority on all matters pertaining to stock. He is a Lutheran and a republican. Winona Shoeing Shop, Heller and Perrott, proprietors ; Third street near court-house. This business was established in 1862, by George Warren, who was at that time in livery business, on tlie east end of the lot on which the shoeing shop now stands. The shop was at that time but half its present size, having been enlarged by the present proprietors in 1882. This property was sold by Mr. Warren in 1871, to D. J. Pettis, who sold to T. J. Heller, March 24, 1875. The present partnership was formed in 1882, when the shop was enlarged and an additional forge was put in, making three fires. The business of the firm is steadily increasing, gives employment to four men. They do a general blacksmithing business, but special attention is paid to horse-shoeing, and they now do the greater part of the fine shoeing done in the city. T. J. Heller has resided in this city since 1869. He learned his trade with George McNutt, of Stockton ; came to this city and was two years in the employ of the Winona Carriage Works, and after one year's work in the city shops as journeyman blacksmith rented the premises he bought two years later and established himself in business. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and of the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society as well. 774 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Z. Perott is a native of France, and came to Canada with his parents when but eighteen months old. Removing to the New Enghind states, he learned his trade in Providence, Rhode Island, and coming west settled in Winona in 1871. He is a member of Prairie Lodge, No. 7, I.O.O.F. • * E. F. CuKTis, grocer, 15 East Third street. This business was established June 1, 1869, just across the street in Richardson's block, thence to the corner of Center, same block, and to its present loca- tion in 1879. This business was conducted as a retail trade until 1873, then in connection with J. C. Black as wholesale and retail until Mr. Black retired two years later. Since 1875 it has been principally retail, although some jobbing is still done. Six clerks and two delivery wagons are kept constantly employed. Mr. Curtis is a native of Connecticut ; left the home farm at twenty-one years of age, and previous to coming to Winona in 1869 was traveling salesman for a New York boot and shoe house. He is a director of the board of trade, and quite extensively engaged in stock-farming. F. FiLiTZ was born in Germany, 1839, coming to this countr}^ in 1864, going west to Wisconsin, where he rented a farm, working it for five years, when he moved up into Mt. Vei-non, and purchased the farm he now occupies. He was married in 1872, to Miss Louisa KuUer, by whom he has had five children. She, after a long and painful illness, died December 6, 1882, aged thirty-eight years, uni- versally beloved and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Filitz is a Lutheran in religion and a democrat in politics. He is thoroughly respected and liked by his neighbors. Smith Brothers, brass and iron founders, west side Walnut street, between Third and Fourth. Tliis is a new enterprise, com- menced in 1881 by two industrious mechanics with limited capital, who had learned their trade in the foundry and machine shops of W. M. Hurlbert, of this city, and concluded to establish business for themselves. They occupy a lot fronting 40 feet on Walnut street, with a depth of 120. Their casting house is 24x40 feet, with a small addition for engine and cupola. The engine for blowing pur- poses is of seven-horse power, and their cupola has a capacity of from 2,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. of metal. Ten persons find constant employment, and the contents of the cupolas are run off three times a week. Business is steadily increasing, and larger quarters will soon be required for their operations. Tlie members of the firm are J. F. and M. M. Smith. They are the sons of Matthew and Mary BIOGRAPHICAL. 775 Smith, and came to this city witli their widowed mother and their grandparents, all of whom form one household. The grand- father is still living, aged almost ninetj-one years. The grand- mother died in 18T2, aged eighty-seven, after a married life of sixty-eight years. J. F. Smith is a native of Iowa ; M. M. Smith, of Illinois. Antoine Fabeie, farmer, is a native of the Province of Quebec, Canada, having been born at St. Hilaire in 1840. His parents were poor, and the small farm they tilled hardly gave sustenance to their large family. Antoine had to work early and late for a bare live- lihood, and had no time to procure any schooling. He left home when he was sixteen and went lumbering up the Ottawa. This vocation he followed for a number of seasons. In 1862 he came west to Minnesota with a gang of other French Canadians to cut logs. In 1867 he worked among the farmers in Elba and White- water. In 1870 he rented a farm of forty acres, whicli he finally pur- chased and now occupies. He married, in 1870, Miss Bertha Jonson, and has a family of three, two girls and a boy. Mr. Fabric is a Roman Catholic and independent in politics. Martin Hagan was born in Homer, Cortland county. New York, August 22, 1841, and was educated in the common schools of that county, and remained at home with his parents until 1862, when he entered the army with the 29th N. Y. Inf He participated in the battles of Malvern Hill and Fair Oaks, Williamsburgh and Glendale. He returned to New York after the war and married Miss Jenne Judd. He came west in 1870, buying land in Whitewater, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Hagan is a very successful farmer, and one of the most extensive wheat growers in the county. Otto Sontag, dealer in grain, hides and wool. This business was established in 1870, in an offit^e and warehouse on the levee, on the present site of the Winona Mill Company's mill. Capacity of warehouse 15,000 bushels, with rented storerooms of double that capacity. Shipments were made by river to La Crosse, there being then no outlet by rail to the eastern markets. In 1873, on the com- pletion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad to this point, Mr. Sontag occupied a warehouse on the tracks of that company with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. This was one of the old-time warehouses, with an elevated bridge upon which teams were driven and the grain dumped into bins. In 1877, in connection with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, he built the 776 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. elevator which now stands on the track of that road just east of the passenger depot. It is a frame structure, 30 X 50 feet, modem style, with a liandling capacity of 30,000 bushels and a storage capacity of 50,000 bushels. Originally shipments of grain were largely in wheat, but of late years shipments of barley have rapidly increased until they fully e(pial those of wheat, the 1882 barley crop being somewhat in excess of that of wheat. Of the 1881 crop Mr. Sontag handled 135,000 bushels of wheat and 100,000 bushels of barley; that was a short crop, however, as high as 500,000 having been handled by him in a single year. Prior to August, 1882, was largely interested in hides, in company with G. H. Krumbeck, of this city, sales of single lots rising as high as $20,000. Is at present dealing only in local hides, the product of Winona butchers, of which the sales are about $1,000 per month. Wool sales, which since 1875 have been quite heavy, were quite light for 1881, the business of that year's clip aggregating about 20,000 pounds. In 1878, when the Winona Mill Company bought the river front, Mr. Sontag removed his office to the west side of Walnut street, between Second and Third, in a brick structure 20x40, two .stories and basement, the latter used for curing hides. He has connection by telephone with the City Exchange, and has also a private line communicating with his elevator. Mr. Otto Sontag was born in the Duchy of Brunswick, Germany, in 1841 ; came to America with his parents and located in Milwaukee in 1848. After some experience as a merchant's clerk, in 1862 he formed his first acquaintance with the grain trade as clerk in a grain house. This business he has fol- lowed for twenty years, twelve of them in this city. December 16, 1866, Otto Sontag married Miss Roselia Schorse. They have five children, four of them in attendance upon the city schools. Jacob E. Peterson was born in Sweden in 1841, and came to this country in 1860, coming almost direct to Minnesota. He used to work at $4 a month farming in Sweden, and managed to save enough, with the aid of a little borrowed money, to pay his passage to New York. He found employment with different farmers be- tween New York and Detroit, gradually working himself west. In 1864 he was working lumbering, and in 1870 he bought land in Elba. He was married at Winona in 1868, to Miss Johnson. He is a thorough farmer and is possessed of a great deal of energy and enterprise. M. ToYE, plumber, steam and gas fitter and dealer in engineers' BIOGRAPHICAL. 777 supplies, at 14 West Third street. This house was established by the present proprietor in 1870, and his present location taken in 1877, in which year he built his present business house, a two-story and basement brick, 24x80 teet, the whole occupied by his business, which shows an increase of about thirty-five per cent over operations of last year. He carries a very complete stock of all goods required in his line, equal in variety to any house in the state, and employs an average force of eight workmen. His largest contract this season has been in connection with the new waterworks of the city. Mr. Toye is a native of Scotland ; learned his trade in New York, and has now been a resident of the city over twelve years. Was elected county commissioner for the second district in 1881, and is now in ofiice. Is married, and has one child in school. J. W. Dyckson, attorney-at-law ; ofiice southwest corner of Lafayette and Second streets. Practice established in this city about twelve years since. Mr. Dyckson is a native of New York ; grad- uated from Allegheny City College, Pennsylvania, class of 1860 ; read law in the ofiice of Thomas George, Newburg, New York ; was admitted to practice in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1862. Practiced in Newburg from 1862 to 1867, and for the following three years in New York city. Came to Winona in 1870. With the ex- ception of one year as the partner of Chief-Justice Buck, of Idaho, and one year with George Robinson, Mr. Dyckson has had no law partnerships in this city. He was city attorney during 1881, and his criminal practice is equal to that of any attorney in the city. Joseph Richmond was born in Alaska, La Crosse county, Wis- consin, October 4, 1856. His youth was spent on a farm with his parents, where he diversified his time with hunting, fishing and going to the common school. At the age of seventeen he hired out to work on a farm. He followed this for several years, chopping wood in the winter seasons. He has sj^ent several winters in the pineries of Wisconsin with profitable results, and invested the pro- ceeds in land in Pleasant Hill township. Mr. Richmond is a • young man of sterling qualities, and will undoubtedly become one of the leading men in the township. David S. Babcock, farmer, was born in Luzerne county, Penn- sylvania, September 1, 1850, and was one of a large family. He did not enjoy many advantages as a boy, but had to help work a large farm as soon almost as he was able to walk. He managed, however, in spite of many obstacles, to procure a very good edu- 778 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. cation, and succeeded liis own teacher in cliarge of the district ecliool, which he taught some years. When he was twenty years of age he married in Wilkesbarre a young lady, Miss Mary Jane Kungle, and with a capital of $1,500 the young couple struck out west, and after pro8})ecting some months finally concluded to settle down in the beautiful valley of the Whitewater. He bought a tine farm and went to work, and succeeded in the comparatively few years he has been in the township in accumulating quite a snug fortune. Mr. Babcoc'k is yet a young man, but he is rapidly making his mark, and will at no very distant day be in Winona's fi-ont rank of wealthy farmers and representative western men. He is an Episcopalian, and in politics a strong republican. He has a family of two sons, John and Alfred, bright youths, John being considered quite a musical phenomenon, while Alfred as a mathematician is only excelled by his teacher. Mr. Babcock is thoroughly esteemed by his brother farmers throughout the county. Elmer & Tenney, photographers, and dealers in frames and photographic and artists' materials, 18 Center street. This busi- ness was established by Howard & Tenne}^ on the south side Second street, between Lafaj^ette and Main streets, and was removed to its present location in 1874. The house became Elmer & Tenney in 1879, at which time E. S. Elmer purchased the interest formerly held by Howard. Their house fronts 24 feet on Center street and has a full depth of 150 feet. The basement is used for packing and storage, and the upj^er story for light storage, the operating rooms being all on the first fioor. The firm employ a force of eight hands and do quite an extensive jobbing trade in frame and photographic stock. They are now making a specialty of Minnesota and Wis- consin scenery, and in this work are successfully rivalling the best competition of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Of their snow views for the exceptional winter of 1880-1 they have sold over 25,000, and their cabinets hold some of the most charming natural views to be found in the whole range of northwestern scenery. The present members of the firm are E. S. Elmer and C. A. Tenney. Mr. E. S. Elmer is of Connecticut ancestry, w^as born in Whites- town, New York, and was connected with the Rand Ironworks, of Detroit, for ten years : eight of them as cashier of the house, before coming to this city, where for the past three years he has been the financial head of the house with which he is now identified. C. A. Tenney is a native of New Hampshire, came to Chicago BIOGRAPHICAL. 179 in 1869, and there learned his trade as an operating photographer. In 1871 he removed to Winona, and in the same year established himself in business in this city. Mr. Tenney is a married man and has one child in the kindergarten department of the normal school. OscAK Jacobs, born in Sweden, 1840, came to this country in 1861. Mr Jacobs' parents were very poor, and when he landed in New York he was penniless, could not read or write or speak English, but he was a young man of nerve and push, and he tramped into New Jersey and worked several months for his board. At Somerville, New Jersey, he got work in a blacksmith shop, remaining there several years and learning the trade. He never used tobacco or drank, and saved his wages, employing a portion of them in paying a teacher to teach him reading and writing. In 1872 he came west, settling in Whitewater, farming and working at his trade. In 1870 he married Miss Christiana Linestrom, and has three children. In addition to his farm and blacksmith shop in Whitewater he has just purchased a large shop in Plain view, which he wilt carry on in connection with his brother. He is a Lutheran and a republican, and a prominent officer in the Good Templars. The Jewell House, corner of Johnson and Second street, is owned by Y. Simpson, and leased by S. F. Sherwood. The house as oi-iginally constructed, a three-story brick, 40 X 80 feet, was built by F. G-. Siemers in 1871, and by him sold to Y. Simpson in 1874, who the same season rebuilt, doubling the size of the structure. It now fronts eighty feet on Second, has an equal frontage on Johnson, and is most conveniently arranged for travelers with the office, reading-room, commercial travelers' sample rooms, dining-rooms, billiard rooms, all on the ground floor and opening directly on the street. The house contains fifty guest-rooms, is well furnished, employs twenty servants, and is growing in popularity with the traveling public as its increasing patronage attests. S. F. Sher- wood, lessee and proprietor, is a native of New York, was in the hotel and livery business in Danbury, New York, from 1869 to 1872, then came to Winona county, where for three years he was engaged in running a supply store in connection with the brick yards of Sherwood & Johnson, at Dresbach. He then accepted a situation as traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house in Chicago, and was on the road in that capacity for six years, when he leased the house he now runs, bought its furniture and took posses- sion January 15, 1882. The lease is for five years, with a privilege 780 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of ten. Mr. Sherwood is a man of family, and one of his children is attending kindergarten in this city. CiiAs. IIiLLK, jobber and retail dealer in hides, wool, pelts, leather and findings, 54 East Third street. This business was started by Mr. Hille in 1872, on Lafayette street, between Front and Second, and there continued one year. He then bought the lot he now occupies, fronting twenty feet on Third street, 140 feet deep, and erected a two-story and basement brick, 20 X 70 feet, into which he moved his stock in the same year, 1873. He employs three hands, and keeps one team constantly on the road. He handles in a season about $40,000 worth of hides, pelts and furs ; $30,000 worth of leather and findings, and from 7,000 as high as 20,000 pounds of wool. His trade extends eastward to La Crosse and Merillan, west- ward to Dakota and along the Minnesota Southern to Houston. Mr. Hille is a native of Brunswick, Germany, from which country he came to America for a permanent residence in 1868, having spent the closing years of the late war, 1864-5, in the United States. He had an extensive acquaintance with continental Europe, before coming to America, and after his arrival here from 1868 to 1870 was traveling for the "Herald" publishing house of Milwaukee. He then engaged in tannery business at Wabasha, coming from that place to Winona in 1872. He is married and has one son in the city schools. Mr. Hille is a member of Winona Lodge, No. 18, A. F. and A. M., of Winona Chapter, No. 5, and of Cceur de Lion Commandery, No. 3, all of this city. He is also affiliated with Humboldt Lodge, No. 24, I.O.O.F., is connected with the Philhar- monic Society, and a member of the board of trade. Maire & Shank, harness-makers, carriage-trimmers and dealers in harness, leather trimmings, trunks and horse goods. Place of business three doors south of bank. This business was established by the present ])roprietors in 1878, under the linn name of Shank & Co. The proprietors are both skilled workmen, and the business has steadily prospered since its establishment. They own their storeroom and shop, a neat one-story frame, 22x46 feet, carry a good stuck of goods, and the business constantly employs from three to live persons. The members of the firm are Henry Maire and J. G. Shank. Mr. Maire is a native of Dodge count}', Wisconsin, learned his trade there, and came to St. Charles in 1872, and was a journeyman in John Welch's harness shop until starting his present business. Mr. Maire is a member of the LO.O.F. fraternity and BIOGRAPHICAL. 781 warden of the lodge of that order in this city. Mr. Shank is also a native of Wisconsin, born in Washington county, learned his trade at Hartford, and came to St. Charles in 1877 to establish himself in business, which he did the following year, after working one year in the shop of N. H. Smith. Peter, son of Christ and Christina Keinortze, was born Decem- ber 14, 1844, in Kalln on the Rliine, Prussia. He went to school winter and summer from the ages of six to fourteen years. Learned the trade of shoemaker in Prussia, at which he has worked ever since. Lived in Prussia until he started for America in 1865, land- ing in New York April 15 in the above year. Worked seven months at his trade in New York city, when he left, November, 1865, for Chicago, where he continued to work at his trade one year and two months. Still more anxious to see and learn more of the great west, he left Chicago and arrived in north La Crosse, Wiscon- sin, January, 1867. Being a first-class workman, he readily found employment in the boot and shoe shop of a Mr. Grover, an English- man. Mr. Reinortze was employed by Mr. Grover for two years, when he had a better offer tendered him in La Crosse. Here he continued to work at his trade for several years. He was married to Miss Apelona Hoffman, of La Crosse, in 1870. He opened and ran a boot and shoe shop in Dakota in 1873. In 1876 he moved his shop to Dresbach, where he has found constant employment. He is now building a shop in Dakota, preparatory to returning to this village again. Mr. and Mrs. Reinortze have had seven children, two of whom are dead and five living. Besides making a good living for his family, Mr. Reinortze has accumulated some property. Tiie people of Dakota are glad to have such a skilled workman in their midst, and he may be assured that his skill and genius as a workman will be amply rewarded while in that village. H. O. Larrabee, dentist, East Third street, over Cummings & Vila's shoe-house. Mr. Larrabee is a native of Leicester, Ver- mont, born August 31, 1837. Left home at fifteen years of age, and was merchant's clerk in Albion, New York, until 1857, when he re- turned to Peru and was in business there until 1860. Leaving home a second time for Albion he entered the dental office of Briggs & Doolittle in that city, completed his studies, which he had previously pursued to some extent, and in 1861 removed to Delevan, Wisconsin, where he was in practice ten years. After the great Chicago fire of 1871 he opened an office in that city, at 348 Wabash avenue, and was 782 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. in practice there until the close confinement of years proving detri- mental to health, he accepted a situation as traveling salesman tor a drug-house, and was so employed until 1877, when he resumed the practice of his profession in this city, to which he had moved in 1873. Mr. Larrabee has three children: (jne daughter, wife of E. K. Tuttle, Berlin, Wisconsin ; one son in the office at Byron, Minnesota, and one daughter in high school. John W. Short, hotelkeeper, was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1832, and his earlier years were mostly passed on his father's farm. Schools were scarce in Indiana in those days, and he only received one month's schooling ; but being a youth of energy and ambition he managed to acquire, by self-tuition, a fair English edu- cation. When he reached manliood he rented a farm in Illinois, which he worked for some years. On the breaking out of the re- bellion he enlisted in the 17th 111. reg., participating in all of the engagements of his command, notably those of Belmont, Missouri, Fort Donaldson, Pittsburg Landing and Chickamauga. He conse- quently saw some of the most severe fighting of the war. He remained with his regiment until its three years of service had ex- pired. There were but seventy-five men left of the full regiment that went into the service, and they to a man re-enlisted, and Mr. Short was one of the number of this gallant band. Mr. Short re- mained in the service while there was a gun to be fired, and was mustered out at the close of the war with a record that any patriot might be proud of. He returned to his farm, where he remained some years, and then he went to Hamilton, Illinois, where he was engaged in the hotel business for some time. He removed to Min- neiska in 1873, working at carpentering and warehousing up to 1880, when he became proprietor of the American Hotel. A year later he took possession of the National, which he now conducts. In 1861 he married Mary Short, daughter of William Short, of Ken- tucky, and has had two children. Mr. Short is a man of sterling integrity and much respected. He is very ])()pular as " mine host," and is widely known throughout the adjoining townships. William C. Bekry was born in Elk Grove, Wisconsin, Novem- ber 11, 1848. His parents moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, when he was but five years old. Here he went to the country schools until about twelve years of age, when his parents moved to New Hartford, Minnesota. Here he enjoyed the country schools winters and "grubbing" summers; and while he made decided progress in BIOGRAPHICAL. 783 the schools, there is no record to show that he made any progress in the art of "grubbing." In 1874 Mr. Berry bought a farm of 160 acres in Pleasant Hill. He married Miss Orilla Richmond and com- menced to improve his farm. He has taught school negj-ly every winter and tilled the ground in summer, and by so doing, and prac- ticing a fair amount of economy, he has succeeded in surrounding himself and family with all the necessaries of life. He has served his township two terms as assessor, and has been a Master Mason since 1873. He has four children: Mary Orilla, born June 13, 1875; Zoe Susannah Hannah, born September 22, 1877; Maud Beatrice, born October 28, 1879 ; Elsie Elizabeth, born June 1, 1882. Christopher Busmann, farmer, was born in Hanover, Germany, December 13, 1843. He came with his parents to Monroe county, Illinois, when ten years old. Here he received his training on a farm and in the common school. In 1870 his father died, and in 1872 he paid a visit to Minnesota. Three years later he removed here and bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 7, St. Charles, which has been his home ever since. He was married, March 4, 1873, to Catharine, daughter of Philip Spielman, of this township. Mr. Busmann is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political principles are republican. He has held some public positions of trust and responsibility, and in Illinois he was deputy sheriff four years. He has been school director in his district for several years since coming here. Mr. Busmann's family includes six children, born as follows : William, May 14, 1874 ; Matilda, June 30, 1875 ; Katie, November 3, 1876 ; Henry, February 10, 1879 ; Frederick, July 16, 1880 ; Lydia, April 1, 1882. M. B. Webber, county attorney, elected in the fall of 1880, term of service expires December 31, 1882, and was renominated without .opposition by the republican convention of October, 1882. Office corner Maine and Third streets, over Hackley's drugstore. Mr. Webber is a native of Racine county, Wisconsin, received his early literary training in the schools of Racine and graduated from Hills- dale College, Michigan, in 1875, class of thirty graduates. Came to this city the same year, read law with ex-Gov. Yale, and was admitted to practice at the October term of the district court for 1877. In the spring of 1878 he formed a law partnership with Mr. Yale, which continued until he entered upon his duties as county attorney in 1881, to which he had been elected as the nominee of 784 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the republican party by a majority of 180, in a district usually democratic by 500 majority. Mr. Webber married Miss A. M. Robertson, daughter of Mr. Robertson, of Hillsdale. He is a member 'of the lodge of K. of P. of this city, and its present prelate. Henry Taylor is of English descent, his father settling in Massachusetts in 1818, where Henry was born November 20, 1842. Mr. Taylor was engaged with his father on the home farm until he became eighteen years of age, when he went into the grocery store of Simmons & Co., Concord, Massachusetts, as clerk, where he remained several years. He came to Wisconsin in 1870 and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, moving into this state in 1875, and went into the lumber business at Minneiska, in which he is now engaged. Mr. Taylor married Miss Julia Berry, of Keene, New Hampshire, in 1868, and has no children. He has never engaged actively in politics, though often solicited to do so. Swan Peterson, farmer, was born in Sweden, 1814, where he remained until his thirty-fourth year working at agricultural pursuits. He came to America in 1848, settling in Michigan as a farm laborer. Several years later he came to Minnesota and purchased a claim in Watopa, Wabasha county, which he soon converted into a fine farm. After a twelve years' residence he sold out and purchased another farm at Sand Prairie, same county, which he also held tor some ten or twelve years, when he again sold and came to Minnieska village, where he still resides. Mr. Peterson has accumulated a handsome competency. He has never assumed the matrimonial yoke, and prides himself on being a confirmed old "bach." Re- publican in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran church. John H. Morley, pastor of the First Congregational church of Winona, was born at Hartford, Connecticut, January 3, 1840; was the second son of Rev. S. B. and Mrs. Anna C. Morley. His mother- was the only daughter of Selah Treat, of Hartford, and sister of Rev. S. B. Treat, of Boston, Massachusetts, for many years secretary of the American Board of Foreign Missions. She died May 9, 1881. Mr. Morley graduated at Williams College, 1863, and at Andover . Theological Seminary, 1866. During the war he spent several months at the south in the sei-\ace of the United States Christian Commission. He became acting pastor of the Congregational church, at Magnolia, Iowa, in December, 1866, where he was ordained, January 2, 1867, to the work of the ministry. In June, BIOGRAPHICAL. 785 1879, he resigned the pastorate of this church, and accepted a call to the Congregational churcli at Sioux City, Iowa. In November, 1876, he resigned at Sioux City and accepted a call to the Con- gregational church of Winona. He was married October 12, at Mendota, Illinois, to Miss Edith T. Johnson, daughter of George and Mrs. Edith (Baxter) Johnson. Miss Johnson had been a teacher in the Illinois State Normal University, and in Bonham's Ladies' Seminary at St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Morley have three children : Frank Johnson, born June 5, 1875 ; Edward Treat, born December 22, 1876, and Clara Edith, born October 12, 1879. G. H. Krumdigk, dealer in grain, hides, seeds, wool, cement, etc. Office and elevator corner of Front and Lafayette streets. His lot fronts 100 feet on Front street, 120 on Lafayette, and upon it, in the fall of 1882, he erected his elevator, a wooden structure 80x50 feet, with a handling capacity of 28,000 bushels a day and a storage capacity of 40,000 bushels ; motor supplied by a twenty-five horse- power engine, and a force of four men kept employed. Cost of construction, including machinery, $9,000. Wheat and barley are handled in about equal quantities, oats one-third the amount of these grains, and corn one-fifth. Business was established in 1876, cor- ner of Front and Center streets, and there conducted until possession was taken of the elevator, October 10, 1882. The volume of busi- ness for the current year foots up, in round numbers, as follows : Hides, 15 car loads; wool, 1 carload; cement, 10 cars; stucco, 6 cars ; salt, 30 to 35 cars. Of the 1881 grain crop the house handled about 70,000 bushels of wheat, 75,000 bushels of barley, 25,000 bushels of oats and 15,000 bushels of corn. Mr. Krumdick is a native of Hanover, Germany ; came to America with his parents in 1854, the family settling at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1863. From that date until 1876 he was at Foun- tain city, Wisconsin, dealing in grain and agricultural implements, then came to this city. Mr. Krumdick is married, and has three children attending scfiool in this place. His parents are still re- siding on the old homestead, near Sheboygan, where tliey have lived twenty-eight years and over, and where, on the 9th day of October, 1880, they celebrated their golden wedding. Of the eight children born to them all are now living. Nicholas Krrz, a native of Germany, emigrated to this country at an early age and took up his residence in Mount Vernon town- ship in 1876. Mr. Ritz cultivates one of the finest farms in the 786 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. county, and is also an extensive breeder of hogs. He was married to Miss Blumenthal, of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and has had a family of two sons and one daughter. He lost his eldest son, Plerman, in the army, and he himself served in the 99th Penn. reg., participating in some of the most severe engagements of the war. A. J. Bykne, of Witoka, was born in Lafayette county, Wiscon- sin, March 31, 1850. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to America in 1848. They first settled at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but soon after removed to Wisconsin. His parents were farmers, and he consequently spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving at the same time a common school education. In 1868 he went to learn the blacksmith's trade with James Kunton, at Schullsburg, but being apt he soon started a shop for himself at Monroe. In 1877 he opened a shop at New Hartford, which he continued with success until the first of January last, when he bought the saloon business at Witoka which he now carries on. August 20, 1872, he wedded Miss May Daacon, of Schullsburg, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Theodore and Catherine Daacon. They have had one child, now dead: George, born June 14, 1874, died June 15, 1876. Baby lies buried at Schullsburg, Wisconsin. Mr. Byrne is a democrat in politics. J. Marsland, dealer in furniture and crockery, 97, 99, 107 East Third street. This business was established by Mr. Marsland five years since at 108 East Third street, and removed to its present loca- tion in 1880, having leased the premises of A. Munch before the buildings were erected, of which he took possession as soon as com- pleted. No. 107 was not occupied until the season of 1881. He occupies a total of over 8,000 feet of flooring-room in his storerooms, keeps the largest stock of furniture in the city, a heavy assortment of crockery and glassware, employing a force of five persons. Mr. Marsland was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1832 ; was bred a machinist, but for twentj^ years prior to coming to America was cotton- mill foreman in Rochedale, Lancaster, and had for some years as many as 1,100 operatives under him. He came to America in 1877, direct to Winona ; commenced business in a small way the next day after his arrival, October 21, 1877, and has been steadily enlarging his trade ever since. Does quite an extensive jobbing trade, shipping as far west as Dakota. Joseph E. Wollsey was bom in Peoria, Llinois, in 1850, his BIOGKAPHICAL. 787 father carrying on the carpenter business which Joseph also learned. He received a good district school education, and early in life he struck out for himself, working at his trade in Chicago and Milwaukee. His health failing he was forced to give up working as a carpenter and obtained a position as clerk with the hrm of Smith & Hotchkiss, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Kemaining with them a couple of years, he then went traveling for a La Crosse commission house, purchasing produce, pickles, etc. He is now the representative of several agricultural establishments selling reapers, mowers and other farming implements. He is well and favorably known throughout this and adjoining counties. He married in 1878 Miss Eliza St oner, the daughter of a well known resident of Whitewater, and makes his home at Beaver. He is an independent in politics and was brought up an Episcopalian. L. F. YoN WmPFFEN, civil engineer and architect ; room 5^ Simpson's block. Mr. Yon Winpfl'en was born in Alsace-Loraine, April 26, 1841, was educated at the Grane-Klaster, Berlin, graduat- ing there in 1858. He then successively attended the universities of Heidelberg, Jena and Geneva, completing his studies in 1862, at which time he entered the military service of Prussia as cadet in the 1st Dragoon Guards, Berlin. In 1863 he graduated lieutenant at the Military Academy, Potsdam, and was then transferred to the Queen's 2d regiment of Cuirassiers, in Pomerania, and served there until after the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, being wounderl at the battle of Koeniggraetz. On the formation of the sixteen new regi- ments he was transferred as recruitmg ofhcei- to the 11th Dragoons, then in Pomerania. In 1868 he was granted leave of absence to visit India and the outlying islands. While there, in the capacity of civil engineer, he was with the topogra])liical survey in Sumatra, Celebes, Java and Amboyna, in which latter island he assisted in making the original surveys. Returning to Germany in 1871, he passed through the closing scenes of the Franco-Prussian war, with the engineer reserve corps, and then resigned the service with the- rank of captain of engineers. The next two years were spent in England, and in 1874 the captain came to America. Was here employed in the United States coast survey in the department for compilation of maps, at Washington, District of Columbia. He wa& then transferred to the bureau of education, under Gen. Eaton, for whom he made all the map-work for the records of that board at th& Centennial exhibit of 1876. Of these maps there were thirty-two. 47 788 HISTORY OF winona county. During the Playes campaign lie served as assistant-secretaiy for th6 Union congressional committee of the re])ul)lican party, under Edmunds, of Vermont. He was then transferred to tlie war depart- ment for construction of state war and navy dej^artment, under Col. (\isey, and was thei-e until he left the national capital for Winona in ] 878. Since coming to this city he has served three years as c'Ay engineer, from 1879 to 1881 inclusive, and is now serving his second term as county surveyor. During this time lie has made to date, October, 1882, 296 sectional surveys, chiefly for sub-sections and county roads. He is also successfully prosecuting claims for United States pensioners as pension agent ; belongs to the Knights of Honor and Druid beneficiary associations. William Franklin Richakds has but lately removed into Mt. Vernon, though identified with the county for many years. INfr. Richards was bom in Vermont, in 1850, coming west in 1870, settling in Wabasha county. He was married in 1872, to Miss Eliza Dermoth, a young lady from Wisconsin. Mr. Richards will prove a great acquisition to the township. Walter S. Cr^ustdall, of AVitoka, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1853. He is the son of Dr. J. C and Oeraldine (Bogg) Crandall, both natives of Pennsylvania. Walter received a common school education, and, in addition, is a graduate of La Crosse Business College, La Crosse, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty he went into the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad as a brakeman, and subsequently as a telegraph operator. He was in the employ of this com])any and the North- western for three years. At La Crosse he learned the trade of a wagon and buggy builder, and subsequently, at Money creek, learned the trade of carriage and sign painter. August 15. 1881, he bought the shop in Witoka, where he now does a good business in buggy and wagon repairing. K.JOSTOL (tundkrson was born in Norway, in 1812, where he grew up, mari'ied, and i-emained until his thirtieth year on a little farm that barely gave them sustenance. When he arrived in America he had but very little money, and could not read or write. He got as far as Ohio, where he worked out for some years among the fanners. He accumulated some money, and in the meantime had taught himself to read and write English. He came west and pre-empted a claim in Zumbrota township, Goodhue county, where BIOGRAPHICAL. 789 lie remained some years. He then sold out and moved into the Whitewater valley, where he now resides. F. Dixon, dentist, came to Minnesota from Canada in 1877, where he was born in 1852, in the town of Mount Forest, near London. Mr. Dixon, besides being a dentist, has charge of a stock of furniture the property of Mr. D. Bacon. He is a married man and officer of I.O.O.F. ' Francis Demoth was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1831, came to America in 1836 and settled in this county. Mr. Demoth was elected supervisor for a number of years for Elba, and has always enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Demoth has never married. John Walters, born in Aurora, Illinois, in 1858, married in 1880, to Miss Jenny Minsky, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Walters is thoroughly versed in agricultural affairs, and is a typical young American farmer. He is so improving his estate that it will be at an early date one of the finest in the county. GEc)R(iE Miller, butcher, was born in Bavaria, September 2, 1848. He received a common German education, and emigrated at sixteen years of age to America, coming direct to St. Charles. After working at farm labor two years, he went in partnership with a brother in a meat market on Whitewater street, this city, and in 1870 became sole owner of the shop and business. After several removals he built his present brick market on Whitewater street in 1880, which is a handsome and neat structure, 50x22 feet in area. He also owns the adjoining dwelling, in which he resides, and the original shop and dwelling at the north end of the street ; also has a farm of eighty acres within the city limits, on section 30. His business is prospering, and he earns his good fortune by industry. Mr. Miller is a member of the St. Charles Odd-Fellows' lodge and Knights of Honor. He was reared under the Roman Catholic religion. On May 14, 1872, he was married to Anna M. Speeter, who was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1854. They have five children, born as follows : Mary K., April 27, 1873 ; Otto P., December 28, 1874 ; Rosa* C, January 30, 1878 ; Edward J., April 2, 1880 ; Clara E., April 24, 1882. CHAPTER LIX. BIOGRAPHICAL. OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. Charles G. Bachelder, book-keeper, is of English descent. His grandfather, Nathan Bachelder, moved from New Hampshire to Plallowell, Maine, and built his house in the midst of tliick woods, where now is the busy city. Here was born to him Charles G., the father of this subject ; he married Susan M. Curtis, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and engaged in mercantile business at Hallowell, where was born the person whose name heads this sketch, July 26, 1843. After, and in connection with his course at the public school and academy, he received some practical com- mercial training in his father's store. At fifteen years of age he went to Boston and entered the employ of an uncle in the fruit and produce business at Faneuil Hall market. From here he went to Chicago in the spring of 1863, and took charge of a storage ware- house for Seavens Brothers three years ; was three years with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company as checking clerk and bookkeeper, and kept books a short time for a produce . commission house. In the fall of 1869 he entered the employ of a live-stock commission merchant at St. Louis and remained there ten years. He was married in St. Louis March 26, 1873, to Rhoda C. Mumbower, who was born in Monongahela City, Penn- sylvania, November 20, 1853. In October, 1879, Mr. Bachelder became a resident of St. Charles, having been employed to keep the books of C. W. Seefield, an extensive grain dealer, with warehouses in various parts of this state and^ Dakota. For the past two years he has acted as city recorder ; in politics is a republican. He is a member of the masonic order and of the A.O.U.W. ; was a mem- ber of the Unitarian church in the East and still cherishes that belief. Six children have been born to him, as below noted : Annie M., February 1, 1874; Maud, August 17, 1875; George, June 27, 1877 ; Charles G., April 16, 1879 ; Harry, August 27, 1881 ; William M., May 19, 1883. Walter M. Ross, agricultural merchant, is of Scotch parentage. BIOGRAPHICAL. 791 His father, Allen Ross, emigrated from the Highlands to Canada when eighteen years old, and his mother, Isabella McKay, was about the same age at the time of landing in America. They were married in Canada and had seven, sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living save two, three of them in the west, one in Oregon, one at Luverne, and the subject of this sketch at St. Charles. The latter was born in Burford, Oxford county, Ontario, February 17, 1841. He assisted his father on the farm till of age, and then worked among neighboring farmers. He soon became imbued with the spirit of enterprise which has developed the west, and spent the summer of 1864 in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in drilling wells. In October of the same year he removed to St. Charles, and has ever since been a resident here. He followed drilling for several years, and in the spring of 1873 opened a livery business in this city, which he conducted five years ; at the same time he sold some agricultural machinery, and has ever since made a specialty of the J. I. Case threshers. After closing his liv- ery business he engaged exclusively in the sale of machinery ; has also dealt in horses and other stock to a considerable extent. He owns his present business location on Whitewater street and a resi- dence on Church street, and also 160* acres of land near Kedwood Falls. Mr. Ross is a member of the board of trade, and is one of the foremost of the citizens who are trying to develop the city and its interests. He has been a member of the board of aldermen for the past four years ; is a republican. He was reared under Presby- terian teachings, but is a liberal in religion, affiliating most nearly with Universalism. Mr. Ross was united in marriage January 12, 1869, to Miss Martha J. Remore, who was born near Racine, Wis- consin, July 23, 1848. Her parents, Jacob F. Remore and Casen- dana Brown, were natives of New York. They have two children, whose births date as below: Mina E., May 1, 1872; Grace D., October 2, 1875. John Macomber, farmer, is a son of Joshua Macomber, who emigrated from Rhode Island to Granville, Washington county, New York, and married Hannah Watson, a native of Salem, in the same county. John, the subject of this sketch, was born here, July 28, 1828. He assisted in the labors of the farm and attended the district schools till seventeen years old. At this time he was apprenticed for five years to a carpenter and builder, and for twenty years after serving his time he followed this occupation. Decern- 792 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ber 24, 1851, he married Lucretia W. Stewart, a native of the same town as himself. She was born March 8, 1829. Her father, Samuel Stewart, served througli the war of 1812. After living on a farm in P'ort Ann four years, he came to Minnesota, arriving in St. Ciiarles in the spring of 1874. He had traded his eastern farm for one of ninety-six acres within the limits of this city, on Sec. 29, and found a better domain than he expected. The health ol liis family was very much improved by this removal, but Mr. Macomber has suffered a great deal of late from heart disease, probably the result of his hard labor. His life has been one of severe and con- stant toil, and he cannot be content when idle. Mr. Macomber is a staunch republican. He has been a member of the Methodist church since 1843, and his wife joined the same body fifteen years since. John S. Macomber, son of the above, was born in Granville, Feb- ruary 1, 1852. He attended the village school till twenty years old, working part of the time with his father from his sixteenth year. He came with his parents to this city, and has been in partnersliip with his father in business. For the last five years he has made a specialty of breeding fine blooded poultry, and has several varieties, doing a good business in the sale of chickens and eggs. He was married October 4, 1880, to 'Mary, daughter of David and Mary Jones, of Wales. She was born at Columbus, Wisconsin, August 15, 1860. They have one child, John, born November 14, 1881. Mr. Macomber agrees with his father in political opinions, but is not so well established in religious faith ; his life, however, is an exem- plary one, and he is reckoned among the promising young men of our rising city. John H. Firth, farmer, is a son of Vincent Firth, a native of Sheffield, England, who came to the United States, married Emily Briggs, of Pennsylvania, and settled near Philadelphia, engaging in mercantile business. The subject of this sketch was born here September 5, 1832. When four years old his ])arents re- moved to Switzerland county, Indiana, where he received his education in common and select schools. After graduating at the Oincirmati Commercial College he engaged in teaching, which he followed several years. He visited Minnesota in 1856, and settled permanently in Utica township in 1859. He bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 25, which he cultivated two years and sold after owning six years. He opened the first grocery store in Lewiston, in 1861, and sold it out in the fall of 1863. In January, 1864, he bought BIOGRAPHICAL. 793 the farm on which he still resides ; this embraces 160 acres of Sec. 12, and is one of the handsomest farms in the county, being finely- improved through Mr. Firth's industry and sagacity. He was married November 9, 1862, to Miss Lucy Myers. Mrs. Firtlfs father, James Myers, was one of the pioneer settlers of Utica. He was born in Kentucky, November 15, 1815. His wife, Mary Elliott, was a native of the same state. Lucy, their daughter, was born in Decatur county, Indiana, February 20, 1846. Mr. Myers removed from Indiana to this town in the spring of 1855, and resided on Sec. 12 nearly seven years. He then returned to Indiana, and is now residing in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Firth are Baptists in faith, the latter having joined a church of that denomination. The former is an ardent republican ; he was town clerk in 1S66-7, treasurer in 1862-3, and served by appointment as supervisor in 1882. The family includes four children, whose births are thus recorded : Vincent IL, October 24, 1863 ; Nellie E., May 28, 1866 ; Cora M., July 22, 1869 ; Ida M., October 5, 1871. B[enry Nusslock, farmer, son of Yalendin Nusslock and Anna K. Heck, was born in Rheinpfalz, E-ohrbach, Beilandan, Bavaria, April 10, 1840 ; he has always been a farmer; his education in English has all been obtained by private study ; he attended school in his native land, and emigrated to the United States at seventeen, coming direct to Utica township. After working as a farm-laborer several years, he sent funds to his fatherland, brought over his parents, a brother and sister and aunt. In 1864 he bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 12, and next year bought forty acres more adjoining and built a residence thereon. He now has a finely improved farm. His parents have resided with him since he acquired a home ; the father died Ma}- 16, 1883, aged seventy-eight years ; the mother is still, at the age of eighty-two, a strong and rugged woman. Mr. Nusslock was married November 16, 1864, to Apolonea Posz, who was born in Billigheim, Bavaria, May 23, 1827. They are Presbyterians in religigus faith. Six children have been born to them, as follows : Peter, September 5, 1866 ; Jacob, March 22, 1868; Amelia, January 15, 1871; Lucy, February 18, 1872; Henry, April 28, 1873 ; Emma, January 23, 1880. Mr. Nusslock is a member of the lodge of A.F. and A.M. at Lewiston, and Aurora Grove of Druids of the same place. He is a democrat ; has been treasurer of his school district, and was elected town supervisor in 794 JIISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 1883. He is a mau of intelligence and sagacity, and will yet be heard from by the public. Bkrnhard Seeman, farmer, was reared on a farm in Mecklen- burg-Schwerin, Germany, where he was born August 16, 1831. After attending the common school, as customary in his native land, till fourteen years old, he was apprenticed at fifteen to a miller for three years ; this business he followed about twenty years. At twenty-three he came to the United States, and was employed several years in a mill at Watertown, Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in 1867, and worked in a mill in Warren town- ship, this county ; two years later he bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 34, Utica, where his home has ever since been ; he has since made purchase and sale of land, and now has 120 acres, on which he is erecting new buildings ; also has a house and lot in the village of Lewiston. His wife, Caroline nee Hoebbe, was born in the same parish as himself, January 18, 1834, and they were united in marriage at Watertown, May 1, 1856. Mr. Seeman has cultivated a kTiowledge of English by private study, and is one of our repre- sentative men. He is a member of Aurora Grove of Druids, at Lewiston, a Lutheran and a democrat. His sons are educated and promising young men. There are four children : Bernhard M., born July 14, 1857, married Maggie Posz, June 14, 1883, and lives at Lewiston ; Charles H., September 24, 1861, now teaching at Lewiston ; WiUiam A., March 2, 1865 ; Helen H. September 18, 1872. Oliver W. Hunt, blacksmith, is descended from an English family of tliat name who settled at Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1630. George Hunt was born in Canton, Norfolk county, Massa- chusetts, and married Polly Bryant, a native of the same town. He was a blacksmith and worked all his life here. The subject of this sketch, his son, was born on January 9, 1843. He attended the common schools till seventeen j^ears old, and was then appren- ticed to a blacksmith, and has ever since followed that occupation. He began business for himself in his father's shop in Canton, and contiimed several years in the vicinity. On September 5, 1864, he enlisted as a sailor on the United States gunboat luka, and served till June 15, 1865. His vessel belonged to the east gulf squadron, and ci-uised about the blocked ports in its beat. Mr. Hunt came to Minnesota with a colony in 1872, and after prosjjecting about Glyndon left the colony and returned to Winona, where he worked BIOGRAPHICAL. 795 a short time. After spending a year at Stockton he settled in busi- ness at Lewiston in September, 1873. He bought a residence and shop on the south side of the railroad, where he is still located. He has six lots, and in 1883 built a large two-storj shop, where he makes wagons and does general repairing. Mr. Hunt is a member of Harmony Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Lewiston, of which organ- ization he is secretary. He is also village clerk, has been village assessor and justice, and clerk of the school district six years. In 1875 he was elected to the legislature, and served the following winter with credit to himself and the district. His political tenets are republican. His wife (Marcia Davenport) was also born in Canton, on August 7, 1846. Her parents (Jesse Davenport and Elmira Hill) were natives of the same state. She was joined to Mr. Hunt in holy matrimony September 30, 1863. They have four living children and have lost one. Here is their record : Almira, born July 22, 1864, married John Erion, and lives in this township ; Dora E, October 18, 1867, married Joseph Posz, and lives at Winona ; Louis O., July 24, 1871, died when eighteen months old ; Emma W., March 20, 1875 ; Edith L., July 21, 1879. John Fohl, restaurant, was born in the town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 15, 1848, his parents, Nicholas and Catharine Fohl, were born in Luxemburg, Germany. He was reared on a farm, and received very little schooling. He came to Minnesota in 1865, and worked six years on the construction of the Winona & St. Peter railroad. He was married on January 15, 1871, to Amelia Kuhnert, who was born in Brandenburg, Germany, in the fall of 1856. They have five children: Louis, Julia, William, Linas and Benjamin. In 1870, while hunting, Mr. Fohl was accidentally shot through the right arm, which disabled him for some time; the mis- hap was caused by a horse starting while he was lifting his gun from the cutter to which the animal was attached. In 1873 he opened a refreshment saloon at Lewiston, and has continued in the business since. He soon bought the property, which he rented at first, and now owns a handsome brick residence and two business lots in Turner's addition, opposite the railroad depot, and is doing a prosperous business. In 1883 he built a new business stand, with public hall overhead, 46 X 24 feet in size. He is one of the enter- prising men of the village. He is a member of Aurora Grove Druids, a democrat and a Roman Catholic. Jonathan Lewis, farmer, son of Jonathan S. Lewis, founder of 796 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the village of Lewiston, was born near Penuinuton, Ripley county, Indiana, September 11, IS-H. In 1855 his father settled on Sec. 14 in this township, where he dwelt till liis aeatli. The subject of this sketch had but few school privile.i>:es, as the country attorded small advantages in that line, until he began to care for himself, and his services were required b}' his parents in developing their new farm. At twentv-one he worked out among neighboring farmers. In 1863 he went to Warsaw, Goodhue county, in this state, where he pur- chased eighty acres of land, that he tilled iive years. In the spi-ing of 1864 he married Marcia (xeorge, who died on Christmas day, 1870; one child of hers is now living, — Mary A., born December 15, 1860, now in the state asylum for the blind. In 1868, having sold his Goodhue county property, Mr. Lewis returned to Utica, and bought 160 acres on Sec. 35, and still resides thereon. He has since purchased forty-two acres more, and has an excellent farm with good buildings and improvements. On September 1, 1872, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Melissa J. Whetstone, daughter of David and Nancy Whetstone, who removed from Indiana to Warren, 1855. She was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, January 10, 1852. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Dunkard church, and her husband sympathizes with her faith. He is a democrat in political principle. They have three children, born as follows : Jonathan Smith, May 20, 1876; David H., June 13, 1878; Hattie D., April 21, 1880. In 1869 Mr. Lewis' granary, machinery, etc., were damaged by a flood, which swept some articles half-a-mile from the foundation ; and in 1870 his house was destroyed by Are, while uninsured, but he went to work with the energy which wins to repair the damages, and is now independent. Aakox Lewis, farmer, brother of the above, was born at th&sanie place, March 19, 1847. Ever since he was seven years old he has resided in this township. He began to care tor himself at twenty years of age. He was married December 12, 1870, to IVIary A. Stewart, who was born in Granville, New York, August 21, 1850. Her father, John Stewart, was born in New York, and her mother, Rosilla Kilbourn, is a native of Vermont, and they now reside in the town of Warren. Mr. Lewis operated a threshing machine several years. In 1873 lie rented a farm in Warren, which he tilled until he purchased his present domain ; this consists of eighty acres, on Sec. 34, Utica, which he acquired in 1882. Both himself and wife are members of the Dunkard church. He has BIOGRAPHICAL. 797 voted but once in his life, and then cast a democratic ballot. Four children have been given him, as recorded below : Nettie May, September 12, 1871; Cora A., February 10, 1875; Elizabeth A., March 21, 1877; John H., February 7, 1881. Charles Schaetan (deceased) was one of the pioneer settlers "^ Utica township, having bought a claim to 160 acres of land on Sec. 11, where he dwelt till the fall of 1882. He was born in Prussia, January 19, 1813, and married Mary Abel December 26, 1838. He emigrated to the United States in 1848, but becoming dissatisfied, returned to his native land. Keturning again to America, he bought a farm near Muscatine, Iowa, which he tilled until his removal here. He sold his farm to his son-in-law in the fall of 1882 and removed to the village of Lewiston, where he died December 22, that year. He had three children, of whom one died in Colorado. The youngest, Elizabeth, was born November 29, 1842 ; married William Kramer, and lives on Sec. 11. William C. Schartan, son of the above, was born in Saxony, Prussia, July 6, 1840, and was there- fore eight years old on his first visit to America. Most of his edu- cation was received in our common English schools, and he has not disgraced his opportunities. Most of his life has been spent in this township. He went south early in 1864, and after serving the United States as a watchman at Nashville' for six months enlisted, in August of that year, in Co. I, 40th Mo. Inf., and served about a year. He participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, and capture of the forts about the harbor of Mobile. At the close of the war he was discharged and returned to Utica. In 1869 he purchased eighty acres of land on Sec. 2, on which he lived seven years. He was married, March 18, 1876, to Anna, daughter of Frederick Ogrosky ; she was born in Lesing, Prussia, June 28, 1856. They have three children, whose births date as follows : Minnie, October 6, 1877 ; Edward, October 8, 1880 ; Charles, March 19, 1883. After selling his farm, in 1876, Mr. Schartan moved to the village of Lewiston, where he still resides, and took up carpenter work, his present occupation. He is a republican in politics and a Universalist in religion. William Dexter Bosworth, farmer. The father of this subject. Constant D. Bosworth, was one of the force called out in what was called the " Aroostook war, " to drive the Canadians from American timber on the Maine border. He was a native of Maine, as was his wife, Eliza Adkins. W. D. Bosworth was born in Sumner, Oxford 798 HISTORY OF WEVONA COUNTY. county, Maine. February 1, 1842. His father died when he was but. a youth, and he was early compelled to care for himself. At sixteen he began to work out on farms during the summer. His education was furnished by the common schools, supplemented by three terms at Farmington and Kent's Hill academies. On reaching his twenty- third year he resolved to make himself a home in the west, and came to Minnesota, arriving in Utica in March, 1865. The next year he bought a half interest in 192 acres of land in the southwestern part of the town. At present he owns 185 acres of land in Sees. 20 and 29, and has his farm under a good state of cultivation, with fine buildings and other improvements. His wife, Maria E., is a daughter of Samuel A. Campbell and Emily Buttertield, both of whom were born at Campbell, Maine. Mrs. Bosworth was born in Farmington, same state, March 25, 1847. Mr. Bosworth is a mem- ber in good standing of Harmony Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Lewis- ton ; is a LTniversalist, and a republican. Three children have been given to him and one taken away. Following is the record : Nettie E., born February 7, 1874, died June 11, 1876; Roy D., April 1, 1877 ; Verne H.,' March 30, 1879. David H. and John Q. Wilson, farmers, were born at Alton, Illinois, the former on September 9, 1830, and the latter* August 13, 1837. Their parents, S. S. Wilson and Mary Hill, were natives of Kentucky. William Wilson, grandfather of S. S. , emigrated with a brother from Ireland to North Carolina. The latter was killed by tories during the revolution. James, father of S. S. Wilson, settled in Kentucky, whence he removed to Sinclair county, Illinois, of which region he was a pioneer, and where he died. David Wilson was reared on a farm and received a limited common school education. At sixteen years of age he went out to farm labor. He owned and operated a farm in Jersey county, Illinois, eight years. In September, 1861, he bought 120 acres on Sec. 20, Utica township, and brought his family here on April 13, following. Himself and brother are in partnership, and have been together since their advent here ; they have a highly improved farm. D. H. Wilson was united in holy matrimony to Mary Cheatham on March 28, 1859 ; she was born in Marion, Crittenden county, Kentucky, January 24, 1837 ; her parents, W. W. Cheatham and Margaret Wilson, were also natives of that state. Six children have blessed this union, of whom three are living, born as follows : Etta M., March 18, 1S64; Charles, September 21, 1868 ; Edson W., May 20, 1882. Messrs. BIOGRAPHICAL. 799 Wilson are believers in the second advent of Christ. In politics they affiliate with the republican party. The elder has been school treasurer eleven years, town treasurer two years and supervisor lour years. John Q. Wilson enlisted February 20, 1865, in the 3d kinn. batt., and served till February 28, 1866, quelling Indians on the western frontier. James J. H. Dickson, farmer, is a descendant of George Dickson, a Protestant, who emigrated from Ireland to the colonies and served in the continental army thrbugh the revolution ; he married Keziah, daughter of Joshua Hurmer, a Quaker, and settled in Perry county, Pennsylvania. Here was born his son, George, who served the United States through the war of 1812 ; he married Fannie Garrett, and resided on a farm near Meadville, Pennsylvania. His son, the subject of this sketch, was born here August 14, 1819. James Dickson's early life was spent on a farm and in learning his father's trade, that of millwright, receiving some instruction in the common schools. On reacliing manhood, he kept a grocery store a short time, bought a farm, which he soon sold. On May 25, 1842, he was joined in matrimony to Miss Sarah R. Jones ; she was a daughter of Nathaniel Jones and Lavina Tyon, of Vermont, and was herself born near Whitehall, Vermont, July 1, 1816. In 1843 Mr. Dickson settled at Northville, La Salle county, lUinois, where ^le engaged in farming and the manufacture of pumps. In 1861 he removed to Minnesota, and bought 230 acres of land in Saratoga township, this county, which he owned and tilled most of the time till 1871. While on this farm he made a great many pumps, and removed the business to St. Charles, where he carried it on nearly five years and again returned to the farm with it. He has made many hundreds of wooden pumps. While living here, August 28, 1869, his faithful life partner was taken away by death. She had become a member of the Methodist Episcopal church when a young girl, and lived and died a consistent christian. Six children survived her ; here is their record: Joseph H., born March 26, 1843, lives in San Bernardino county, California, having married Julia Harvey ; Dallas S., May 29, 1844. served nearly a year in the 11th Minn. Vols., having enlisted August 20, 1864, now living in Adams county, Iowa ; Harriet J., September 16, 1848, resides atKhinebeck, Grundy county, Iowa ; Charles S., March 17, 1850, married Lillie Gates, is practicing medicine at Somonauk, Illinois ; Caroline P., Septem- ber 8, 1851, married Thomas W. Hill, with whom she resides at 800 HISTORY OF WINONA COITNTY. Rhinebeck, Iowa ; Juines P\, March 19, 1857, lives at Lake Minne- tonka. In June, 1881, Mr. Dickson bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 29, Utica, where is home now is. He was married on October 30, 1872, to Catharine W., relict of Louis Bearss and daughter ot James Beatty and Elizabeth Bull, of Perry county, Pennsylvania, where she was born October 29, 1824. She is a member of the Congregational church at St. Charles, and Mr. Dickson is a member of the Utica Methodist Episcopal society. He was a democrat in early life, was present at the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, and has voted the republican ticket ever since that time. Clinton Doolittle, farmer, is a descendant of Eliasaph Doo- little, one of the pioneer settlers of Oneida cfumty, New York, whither he emigrated from liis native Connecticut ; he was a soldier in the war of 1812. Willard Doolittle, son of Eliasaph, was born in Oneida county and married Hannah, daughter of Charles and Abigail Forsyth, of Connecticut. She was born in ^hatauqua county. Willard Doolittle lived on a farm in Westfield, last-named county, where was born the person whose name heads this sketch, February 8, 1886. Clinton Doolittle received a common school education while helping his father on the farm. In 1854: he accompanied his father to Winona county, the latter settling on a farm below Minne- sota City, where he died April 11, 1860. In 1862 the subject of this sketch became a resident of Utica, purchasing 120 acres of land on Sec. 30, his home ever snnce. His farm is a handsome one and well imju'oved by Mr. D.'s industrious care. His marriage took place November 22, 1864, the bride being Miss Elizabeth, C, daughter of Henry and Maria (Cheatham) Hilton ; she was born in Lexington, Missouri, January 22, 1844. Her parents were of Scotch and English descent, and born in Virginia and Kentucky respect- ively. Mr. Doolittle is a republican and a Congregationalist ; Mrs. D. is a Cam])bellite in belief. Their four handsome and interesting chihlren are all at home. Their births date as here given : Myrtie M., November 5, 1866 ; Mary Frances, September 6, 1868 ; Wil- lard E., June 2, 1872 ; Jay C.', December 27, 1881. Wm. F. Phelps, ex-president of the National Educational Asso ciation of the United States, and well known at home and abroad as one of the distinguished educators of the northwest, is a Tuitive of Auburn, New York. In 1846 Mr. Phelps graduated from the state normal school at Albany, with which institution he was con- BIOGRAPHICAL. 801 nected for several years as an instructor. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, in 1851, and had the degree A.M. conferred upon him by liis Alma Mater three years later. In July, 1855, Mr. Phelps was appointed ]jrincipal of the ISTew Jersey state normal school at Trenton. This was a new institution to which the state was just giving tbrm. The buildings for the school were planned by the new principal, who also oi'ganized the school and conducted it for nine years, at the expiration of which time he closed his educational work in New Jersey, having accepted the principal- ship of the state normal school at Winona, Minnesota. This insti- tution has been given due place in the educational department of this history, and any particular mention is unnecessary here. Mr. Phelps remained at the head of its affairs during a period of twelve years, in whicli its foundations were enduringly laid, and its char- acter as a training-school for teachers fully approved. Leaving Winona in 1876, Mr. Phelps took charge of the normal school at Whitewater, Wisconsin, and continued at its head for two years, during which time he edited the "Chicago Educational Weekly," the first weekly educational journal published in the west. In 1856 Mr. Phelps assisted at the organization of the National Normal School Association, in Worcester, Massachusetts, being one of its originators, and for five successive years its president. This nor- mal association was afterward merged into the National Educa- tional Association, still continuing its work, however, as one of the five original departments of the more inclusive organization. At the annual session of the National Educational Association, held at Minneapolis, in 1875, Mr. Phelps was elected its president, and in that capacity delivered the opening address at the session of 1876, held at Baltimore, July 10, 11 and 12 of that year. One week later the International Congress of Education was held at Phila- delphia. This congress, the result of the presence of eminent educators from all parts of the world in attendance upon America's centennial celebration at Philadelphia, convened in the judges' pavilion on the centennial grounds, on the afternoon of July 17. Sir Redmond Barry, of Australia, was elected president, and of the two American vice-presidents Mr. W. F. Phelps was chosen one, and requested to preside over the deliberations of the congress. At this congress there were I'epresentatives from twelve foreign countries, and twenty-four of the states of the American Union. This was the first conference or congress of the kind ever held, and the position 802 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of Mr. Phelps as its presiding officer naturally directed attention to his educational labors. At the Paris exposition the following year Mr. Pheli)S was awarded silver medal and di})lotna as an educaticuial writer and collahorateur. In 1875 Mr. Phelps published through tiie house of A. S. Barnes & Co., of New York, his "Teachers' Hand- book,'' a practical manual for the use of teachers, which has had a most extended sale. In 1878 he assisted in the organization of the ' * Teach- ers' Retreat'' at Chautauqua, New York, and was director of this par- ticular department. At the request of the Chautauqua manage- ment he prepared five small volumes to be used as handbooks for the work there prosecuted. In 1881, after nearly forty years' con- tinuous service in the educational ranks, during which he had held the very chief seats of honor in the national and international associa- tions, Mr. Phelps retired from educational work to devote his later years to business affairs. He is at present and lor the past four year has been the efficient secretary of the Winona board of trade. John Ludwig, mayor of city of Winona. Mr. Ludwig is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, from which place he came to America when sixteen years ot age, settling in Fond du Lac, Wis- consin. Was engaged in clerking there until the early fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the 9th Wis. Inf. reg., and was sent to the department of Missouri. His command was attached to the seventh army corps, and their field ot operations was in Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri, the service being largely one of fatiguing marches and semi-guerrila warfare, in which there is more hard woi"k than opportunity for glory. During considerable portion of the time he was in the service Mr. Ludwig was with the commissary department or on recruiting service. The hardest engagement in which he took part was that at Newtonia, Missouri, October 28, 1864. His first term of enlistment expiring, Mr. Ludwig re-enlisted, and served until mustered out in the fall of 1865, having been lour years and four months in the army. In 1867 Mr. Ludwig came to Winona, and opened the Winona house, since which time he has been engaged in hotel business. He was for three years treasurer of the city, and had served one term as alderman of the second ward, when lie was elected mayor of the cit}' in the spring of 1883. (See official list.) Mr. Ludwig is married, and has seven children, four of them attend- ing school in the city. WmoNA Harvester Works. — This, though the last, is by no means likely to prove the least of Winona's manufacturing Indus- BIOGEAPHICAL. 803 tries. The company was organized May 27, 1883, the incorporators being J. D. Easter, L. C. Bonner, H. W. Lamberton, V. Simpson, J. H. Jenkins, T. T. Hayden, J. J. Eandall, C. H. Porter, W. H. Garlock, J. Kendall, F. A. Johnston, W. K. F. Yila, and A. C. Tucker. The capital stock, all taken, is $250,000, and the business of the corporation will be the manufacture of harvesters and binders and the manufacture of farm machinery and agricultural implements in general. Their location is upon a tract of twenty-seven acres, in the western part of the city, between the tracks of the Chicago & Northwestern and Chicago, Milw^aukee & St. Paul railways. Here ground has been broken, and their buildings are being erected, con- tract calling for their completion October 1, 1883. These buildings are a main manufactory, 260 X 50 feet, three stories high ; foundry, 105x70, one story; blacksmith shop, 50x70, and an engine-house, 32x40, furnished with an engine of 200 horse-power. These buildings are all of brick with substantial stone loundations. When completed the works will give employment to about 400 men. The present officers of the company are : President, C. L. Bonner ; vice-president, J. J. Randall; secretary and treasurer; C. H. Porter; general manager, J. D. Easter. CuMMiNGS & Yila, wholesale and retail dealers in boots and shoes, 17 East Third street. — This business was established in 1862, by Cummings & Cushing, on Second street, in what was then known as No. 3 Union block, the east storeroom of the two numbers now occupied by Saml. Fox's clothing-house. Business was carried on at this location until 1872, when it was removed across the street to No. 3 Simpson's block, ti'om which place it was transferred to the present location, in 1875. The storeroom now occupied fronts 23^ feet on Third street, and has a depth of 90 feet, a basement of equal dimensions being used for packing and storage. The firm of Cum- mings & Cushing became Cummings, Cushing & Co., in 1863, by the admission of W. K. F. Yila to a partnership in the business, and on the withdrawal of Mr. Cushing, in 1865, became Cummings & Yila, and has so continued. The present firm are J. B. Cum- mings and W. K. F. Yila. J. B. Cummings is a native of Kennebeck count}-, Maine. Left home when a young man, as sailor before the mast, and was on the open seas four years, voyaging around the Cape and to the Pacific coast. Was in California for four or live years before coming to this city in 1859, and was in grocery trade here until his ])reseiit 48 804 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. shoe business was established, three years later. Mr. Cummings is a prominent member of the masonic fraternity, holding important offices in blue lodge, chaj^ter and commanderv, as will be seen by the records turiiished for insertion in this volume. W. K. F. Vila is a native of Boston, Massachusetts; left home at seventeen years of age, was for four years a sailor before the mast, in the same vessel as his pai'tner, and made tlie trip around the Cape with him. Returning home, was in Boston from 1854 to 1859. Came to Winona in 1860, and was in grain business here until 1803, when he formed liis connection with the shoe-house ol Cummings & Co. Mr. Vila is a member and director of the board of trade ; a member of AVinona Lodge, No. 18, A. F, and A. M. ; ol Winona Chapter, No. 5, of which he was high priest three years, and of Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 3. A. D. Ellsworth, Minnesota City Mills, at Minnesota City; office, corner of Third and Main streets, Winona. The original mill, built by Miller & Ellsworth, on this mill site, was erected in 1867, about eighty rods west of the Union depot, at the intersection of the railway tracks at Minnesota City. The real property and water privilege includes 143 acres on the Eolling Stone river. This stream, being fed by springs, never runs dry, and at tlie mill there is a head of eleven feet, affording ample power for all pur- poses required. The mill, 70x72 feet, is built upon a solid stone foundation, above which the wooden structure rises three stories in height, and originally furnished with six run of stone, and having a daily capacity of 200 barrels of flour. The mill was run as a burr mill until 1880, when it was reconstructed as a gradual reduction mill, and has now a daily capacity of 240 barrels, the average prod- uct being about 140 barrels a day. The business done is a mer- chant milling one, the wheat supply being both local and from the western sections of the state, principal shij)])ing points being Sleepy- Eye, Redwood Falls and Marshall. Besides supplying his mill, Mr. Ellsworth is an extensive shipper of grain to eastern markets, prin- cipally wheat, alsf) barley, seeds and oats. Mill product is marketed Doth south and east. The mill gives emj)loyment to ten hands, the various shipping points six more, besides the bookkeeper in the cen- tral office, O. H. Clark. The last year's business aggregated from 250,000 to 300,000 bushels. Mr. Ellsworth is a native of Maine, which state he left in 1851 for California, where he remained Ave years, and then settled in Waupun, Wisconsin. Was there engaged BIOGRAPHICAL. 805 in grain trade till he came to Winona county in 1862, since which time, until 1882, he has been extensively engaged in farming as well as grain shipping and milling. Mr. Ellsworth has one child living, Amos D. Ellsworth, Jr.; his mother, Mrs. Lizzie C. Ellsworth {7iee Smith) having died May 7, 1881. The family residence is on the corner of Washington and Fourth streets. County Auditor. — R. B. Bastord, present incumbent, was elected in 1880, and present term of service expires March 1, 1883. Mr. Basford is a native ot Maine ; came to Winona from the east, where he had been engaged in merchandising, in 1856, and was here one year in the service of Indian agent Berly. Went to the Pacific in 1857, returning in 1859. Has been permanently a resi- dent of the city since 1866, from which period until 1875 he was in real estate business. Elected county treasurer in 1875, he held that office two terms, and was then nominated and elected auditor. Mr. Basford is one of the directors of the Building Association. He was made a Master Mason in 1860 ; two years later took his chapter degree, and in 1874 became a member of Coeur de Lion Com- mandery. No. 3. Benton H. Langley. division freight agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, was born at Andover, New Hamp- shire, September 28, 1841. His education was received in the schools of his native town, which he attended until his parents removed to the west in 1854, at which time Benton was thirteen 3^ears of age. Since then he has been educated in the school of personal endeavor. The family first settled in Elgin, Illinois, re- maining until the spring of 1855, when they located in Hastings, Minnesota. During that spring and summer young Langley was employed in lathing and shingling, one of his jobs being the old Catholic church, the first church building erected in Hastings. That fall, 1855, he returned east, remaining until the spring of 1857, when he came back to Hastings, clerked in the postoffice there- one year, and in the spring of 1858 went to Mankato, as agent for Thome, Follett & Co. , bankers, at Hastings, for whom he was pur- chasing and shipping ginseng. That same fall, 1858, he entered the commission and forwarding house of North & Carll, remained one year, and then took a similar position with the house of Davis & Yan Auken. A few months later, March 4, 1860, Mr. Langley bought Davis' interest in the business, the firm becoming Van Auken & Langley, and so continuing until the fall of 1866. In the winter 806 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of 1864-5, Mr. Langley, under the iirm name of B. H. Langley & Co., established an agency for tlie Northwestern Packet Company, at Winona, and removed to this city with his family, February 27, 1865. The firm became Seavey tfe Langley in 1867, Langley & Hatcher in 1869, and the business discontinued two years later, when Mr. Langley became directly, as he had heretofore been indi- rectly, the agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. As agent of that road he held his position until 1879, when he was promoted to the post of division freight agent, with headquarters at Winona. May 12, 1862, Mr. Langley married Miss M. A. Chase, of Rochester, Minnesota. They have two chil- dren : Mary E., attending school at Wellesley, Massachusetts, and B. H. , attending the model department of the normal school here. N. F. HiLBEKT, civil engineer and surveyor, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, from which country he came to America at twenty-two years of age, having pursued his studies until then at his native university. In 1853 he was employed as draughtsman under Col. Berien, chief engineer of Michigan Central railway sur- vey and construction from Michigan ' City to Chicago, and in the following year was under the same chief engineer in Illinois, on the central military tract railway fi'orn Princeton to Galesburg, the pro- files and estimates of these lines being prepared by Mr. Ililbert. His health failing in that work, Mr. Hilbert came to Winona in the S])ring of 1855, and, when the transit railway line was run between this city and New Ulm, assumed charge of the surveys under his brother, H. J. Hilbert, chief engineer of the road. N. F. Hilbert was railroad expert for the appraisement between this city and Janesville, Minnesota, for the Winona & St. Peter Railway Com- pany. He was treasurer of Winona county from 1868 to 1874, and cashier of the Merchants National Bank from 1874 to 18Y8, when impaired health compelled him to desist from office work. The ofiaces of county surveyor and city engineer he has held at various times, and there is scarcely a road in the vicinity or an addi- tion to the city upon which his surveying skill has not been exercised. The beautiful grounds of Woodlawn cemetery were designed by him, and much of their attractiveness is due to his labor. His name is given to the brick block on the corner of Second and Lafay- ette streets, a substantial two-story structure, 60x80, the second story of which is his family residence. M. K. Drew & W. S. Drew. These gentlemen (brothers) have BIOGRAPHICAL. 807 been residents of Winona, the former since 1854, the latter since 1855. Previous to making this city their home they were in dry- goods business for a number of years at Meadville, Pennsylvania. W. S. Drew, being officially connected with the financial board of Allegheny College, located there. M. K. Drew and his brother made extensive purchases of real estate on coming into Minnesota, and for the first twenty years of their residence here were in partner- ship in that business. Upon its discontinuance, W. S. devoted himself exclusively to city business, and M. K. to the management of his landed property, principally farms in the western part of the state. Mr. M. K. Drew was twice mayor of the city, and was also a member of the city council at various times as alderman. In the spring of 1856 he married Miss M. A. Lombard, of Boston, Massa- chusetts. Mrs. Drew is stili living, but their four children all died in infancy. W. S. Drew was mayor of the city in 1870-71 ; was president of the Minnesc^ta Soldiers' Orphans' Home during all the years of its existence ; city assessor during at least half of the years of the city's corporate existence, and has always been actively iden- tified with its interests. W. S. Drew married Miss Carrie C. Sanborn, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Four children were born to them, three of them still living : one, married, resides in Minneapolis, and one son and a daughter at home. Matthew Marvin, superintendent of Woodlawn cemetery, is a native of Madison county. New York, where he was born in 1838. He came to Winona in 1859 and entered the leather- store of J. J. Randall as clerk, remaining in that situation until the war of the rebellion broke out, in the spring of 1861. Mr. Marvin was one of the first to sign the volunteer enlistment paper which brought into existence the Winona company of the Minnesota regi- ment ; volunteered, with most of his company, for the three years' .service, and afterward was in some of the severest battles on the "peninsula." When the regiment was accepted for the three years' service Mr. Marvin was made fifth corporal, and was finally mustered out as sergeant. The service seen by his company appears in the military record of Co. K, 1st reg. Minn. Inf., U.S.Y. Mr. Marvin participated in all the marches and battles fought by his regiment and company until he was wounded in the leg at Harrison's Land- ing and disabled for nearly three months, during which time the regiment was engaged at Vienna and Antietam. Recovering from his wound, he joined his command before the battle at Charleston, 808 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. Virginia, October 16, 1862, and was in all the engagements follow- ing, until severely wounded at Gettysburg by a musket-shot, which, passing lengthwise through his foot, so crippled him that he was on crutches for over a year thereafter, not being again Hi for service until the term of his enlistment had expired. Leaving the service, Mr. Marvin settled in Illinois, and did not return to Winona until January, 1871, when he established himself in the harness trade here. This business he followed until April, 1873, when he accepted the position of superintendent of Woodlawn cemetery, a post which he proved himself eminently qualified for during the ten years he has held it. Mr. Marvin was married at St. Charles, Illinois, August 29, 1867, to Miss Angie A. Towle ; they have one child, Mabel W. , born, as befits a soldier's daughter, on Decoration da}^ centennial year. W. E. Smith, florist, south side King street, between Lafayette {ind Walnut. Business was established in 1879, is growing rapidly, and gives promise of constant increase. His lots, purchased four years since, front 150 feet on King street, and run to the alley in the rear 140 feet. Upon these premises Mr. Smith built his residence four years since, and the following year commenced the erection of his greenhouses and jireparation of hotbeds, to which additions have been made from year to year, his last greenery, 15X36 feet, for carnation pinks, having been completed last fall. He has now about 8,000 square feet under glass, heated by hot air conveyed through brick flues. His gardens contain 100 hotbed frames, 3x6 feet, and the number was doubled the summer of 1883. Business is hardly established as yet, but sales of 1882 were more than double those of 1881, with good pros]3ect of a very material increase for coming seasons. Mr. Smith is a painter by trade, a native of Binghamton, New York, and was born October 23, 1853. Ten years ago he came to this city, and has industriously followed the business of his trade ever since. He is a fine fresco painter, and has worked up a large business, and has found ample employment for a force of six painters, but inasmuch as his floral business is assuming such large proportions he intends in the future to devote all his time to that industry. March 18, 1873, lie was united in marriage with Miss Elvira Hamlin, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of two children : May H. and William E. Wm. G. MrCuTCHEN, dealer in grain, seeds, salt, stucco and cement; office and warehouse on Front street, between Johnson and Main. Elevator and warehouse, 30x130, with a storage capacity of 25,000 BIOGEAPHICAL. 809 bushels; boiler house, 17x30, iron sheeted, furnished with an engine of 25 horse-power. Business for 1881 aggregated nearly 300 car- loads of grain, two-thirds of which was wheat, thirty car-loads of salt, and about live car-loads of stucco and cement. Mr. McCutchen came to Winona in 1856, direct from New York city, where he was born, in 1829, and where he had been engaged in hardware trade. He embarked in general merchandising at this point, purchasing grain in connection therewith, and bought the first load of wheat offered in this market, winter of 1856-7. After the big fire of 1862 Mr. McCutchen engaged in grain commission business, with ware- houses on the corner of Third and Center, which he built in 1860, and removed from there to the warehouse on Front, between Lafayette and Walnut, which he still uses for storage purposes. His parents, William and Eliza (St. John) McCutchen, were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. Mr. McCutchen was married November 7, 1866, to Miss Sarah Ridgway, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, and has a family of three children, as follows : Anna v., who graduated at the State Normal with the class of 1882 ; and Mary R. and William, now in attendance at the city schools. John B. Kirch, dealer in agricultural implements, 82 East Second street. Warehouse, 20x70 feet, with basement, and an addition 18X45 feet. Business was established by present proprietor in May, 1871, at same location. Heaviest sales have been of Deering's twine binders and thrashers, manufactured by J. I. Case, Racine. During the busy season Mr. Kirch keeps a force of from seven and eight hands constantly employed, and his sales for 1881 aggregated $45,000, all retail trade within the county limits. The trade for this season, 1882, will be fully equal to that of 1881. Mr. Kirch is a native of Luxemburg, Germany; came to America with his parents, John and Hellen (Guidinger) Kirch when in his infancy, the family settling in Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, on a farm. Remaining there until 1867, they removed to Winona county. From that date until 1871 Mr. J. B. Kirch was grain inspector in the elevator there ; then removed to Winona, and established trade in farm machinery. Business has grown from small beginnings until he has become the heaviest dealer in his line within the county limits. He is a member and trustee of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and also a member of the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society connected therewith. In 1873 he married Miss Sarah Remendeno. a native of Woodstock, Illinois. They are the parents of four children, one son and three daughters. 810 HISTORY OF WES'ONA COFNTY. Franklin B. Kowell, of Homer township, is a native of Aliens- town, New Hampshire. He is a son of Charles and Mary (Davis) Rowell, and was born November 14, 1820. At the age of sixteen years he became an apprentice to the trade of boot and shoe maker, and soon after completing his trade, engaged in the business for himself. This he followed till 1855, when he sold out with a view to trying the realities of the famous west, and in May of that year arrived in Winona and at once made a claim on Sees. 6 and 7, in the township of Homer, where he permanently located and engaged in farming. For the last few years Mr. Rowell has made vegetables and fruit gardening a specialty, finding a ready market for his superior produce in the city of Winona. November 8, 1847, he was married to Miss Mary A. Jenkins, at Deeriield, New Hampshire, a native of Cxreenland of that state. They are the parents of three sons, Charles F., who was educated for the law, and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Brown county, this state; George W., of Winona, and Clarence M. at home. Mr. Rowell is now spending his declining years surrounded with the comforts of a pleasant home. George F. Story, the oldest resident barber in this city, first made his appearance here in 1855, and occupied a small space in the old Winona house on the levy. During his long residence here he has changed locations eleven different times, and has worked up and down the river among the boat and raftsmen, but has never lost his right of residence here. He was born in Galena, Blinois, in 188(), and early in life took a position on a river steamboat, as cabin-boy and worked his way up to steward. Mr. Story (more familiarly known as Prof. Story) is one of a family of natural musicians and has played Math Prof. Rohweder, of the Germania band for the last twenty-five years. This fact is proof of his skill as a musician. As Prof. Rohweder has so many years retained him in his company regardless of some opposition on account of race and color. Frank W. Schmidt, pro])rietor of the Boston bakery of this city, established business here in the spring of 1868, at his present quarters, 85 East Third street. His first building was burned in 1870. and he at once rebuilt, though at first only one-story, but soon after raised his building one story higher and built a large addition to the rear of it, and in 1881 added another fine two-story brick addition fronting on Third street. His entire beautiful brick front is forty-four feet and, including his well arranged ice-cream gardens, BIO&EAPHICAL. 811 seventy feet. .Mr. Schmidt is by nativity a Saxon-G-erman, and was born in 1830 ; came with liis parents to America in 1844, sailing from Bremen in the Caroline. Soon after his arrival in New York he entered a Brooklyn bakery as an apprentice, and after the com- pletion of his trade followed that business in the vicinity of Boston and New York till 1854. He then went via the Isthmus to California, where he remained till 1867, and then returned to New York, and thence the same year to this city. He was married in 1870, and has five children, whose names in the order of their births are Paul W., Charles M., Frank E., Walter H. and Emma F. Kingsbury, Holland & Co., grocers, 3 East Third street. This business was started by Keeler & Taylor, in 1865, on the northwest corner of Main and Third streets, and was the first store that did business on Third street, trade being confined at that time to Second street and the cross-streets nearer the levee. In September, 1866, Keeler & Taylor sold out to Kingsbury & Jones, who continued business until March, 1867, when A. Holland purchased Jones' in- terest, the house becoming Kingsbury & Holland. One year later, 1868, the business was removed to its present location. After ten years' successful management Mr. Kingsbury retired, his place being taken by his sons, F. E. Kingsbury and H. W. Kingsbury, the firm becoming Kingsbury, Holland & Co. In March, 1882, the firm purchased the property they had so long occupied, and at the same time A. Holland bought the property adjoining them on the west, at the corner of Main and Third streets. The building of the firm fronts 24 feet on Third street and has a depth of 82 feet. They have a growing trade ; do a fine retail business, employing a force of six persons and two delivery wagons. W. F. Kingsbury, father of the Kingsbury members of the firm, is a native of Maine, where he was engaged in farming previous to his coming to Winona in 1865. Though no longer an active member of the firm, he is no disinterested observer of the growth of the business he assumed control of sixteen years since, and which he has now surrendered into the hands of his sons, who were trained for business under his own eye, in his own establishment. He is a prominent member of the Baptist denomination of this city. He is also interested in farming, owning a fine farm in Utica township, A. Holland is a native of Vermont ; came to Quincy, Olmsted county, Minnesota; in 1861, and in November of that year enlisted in Co. K, 1st Mimi. Inf. The first season he was in the field, saw little active service, 812 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. owing to sickness, but from October, 1862, was constantly with his regiment, until disabled at Petersburg in June, 1861-, being severely wounded in the right arm and was pronounced unlit for duty, until he left the service at the expiration of his term of enlistment and returned to this state. Mr. Holland owns 560 acres of real estate in the county, including a dairy and stock farm at Homer, from which, during 1882, he made 1,200 pounds of butter; the other stock, principally cows and Cottswold and Leicester sheep. He married Miss Ella Kingsbury, the daughter of his old partner, in 1866. They have one child, Gertrude, a daughter, now in attend- ance at the Winona Higli School. Mr. Holland is a director of the Board ot Trade and a member and trustee of the Baptist church of this city. James W. Stovall, Winona, proprietor of the Stovall dining hall, at 4 East Second street, established business in this city in 1878. Mr. Stovall is a native of Decatur, Alabama, and in slavery times was the property of Mayor Wise. He is one of those who have been bettered by the abolition of slavery. In 1864, when the colored people became useless to their owners, and could no longer be provided for by them, by reason of the occupation and desolation of the country by federal troops, James left the old plan- tation and joined the 51st 111. Vol. Inf., in the capacity of cook. After the close of the war he went to Chicago, and there engaged in civil pursuits till his removal to Winona in 1877. While in Chicago, and since his residence in this city, Mr. Stovall has, by honesty, sobriety and industry, made for himself many friends, and in these few years acquired enough to make himself comfortable, and also to enable him to give liberally to the worthy poor. The above facts were gleaned from an editorial in the Decatur (Alabama) "Weekly News," of May 18, 1883, a paper which rarely ever contained a friendly notice of a man of Mr. Stovall's raCe or color. Jacob Stirnkman, proprietor of the steam bakery, Winona, manufacturer of crackei's and jobber in confectionery, etc. — business on Third street, between Main and Johnson — is a native of Granichen, canton Argau, Switzerland, and was born in 1826. At the age of fifteen he began an apprenticeship in a bakery, and after completing his trade began business for himself and followed the same till 1851, when he left his native land, sailing for New York in the ship Sam- uel Fox. The first three years in this country he spent as a hand in a bakery in Rochester, New York, after which he started in busi- BIOGRAPHICAL. 813 ress for himself in that city. In 1865 he sold out and removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he conducted a prosperous business till his removal to Winona in 1876. He is now occupying the first floor and basement, 24x100 feet, uses steam and all the modern ap- pliances of a first-class bakery. He was married in 1845, to Miss Mary Luscher, also a native of Switzerland, by whom he has a family of three children, as follows : Mary, now the wife of Fred- rick Bauer ; Margaret, the wife of Martin Behner, and Jacob, who married Lizzie Franckle, and in 1878 engaged in merchandising in the grocery line at La Crosse, Wisconsin. J. Winkles, upholsterer and dealer in furniture. No. 42 East Sec- ond street. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1857, on Second street, two doors west of Lafayette, and after some changes in location, during which business was done either on Main or Second street, a move was made to the present number in 1876, when a partnership was formed with A. Thrune, which was dis- solved in June, 1882, Mr. Winkles continuing the business a!one. His storeroom is 20 feet front, 80 feet deep, and his business occupies two stories above the basement, the latter used for storage and finish- ing room. Previous to 1856 did a considerable undertaking busi- ness, but at that date it was discontinued. Mr. Winkles is a native of Westphalia, Prussia, learned his trade in Munster, in his native province, and came to America in 1852. Was engaged in business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in Dubuque, Iowa, previ- ous to coming to this city a full quarter of a century ago. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church of this city, and of the St. Joseph's Benevolent society. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1853, in Dubuque, Iowa, was Anna Klunke, also a native of Prussia ; she died in 1873. Mr. Winkle's second marriage was in 1874, to Miss Anna Thrune. She is the mother of five of his eleven children, eighth of whom are sons and three are daughters, all of whom are receiving a liberal education. Otis C. Tucker, capitalist, Winona. Prominent among Winona's many eminently successful business men, and indeed the peer of not a few, is the subject of this brief sketch, a man whose career has been marked by no sudden or unexpected rise, fame or fortune, but who has made his way slowly but surely from incipiency to man- hoodX ripest years. And as virtue and conscientious industry has its sure reward, Mr. Tucker is leisurely spending his declining years in the enjoyment of a substantial fortune. The history of 814 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. such men should stand as landmarks to the thousands of young men just entering upon the great arena of human life. Mr. Tucker is the fifth child and third son of Silas H. and Betsey (Crandell) Tucker, and was born March 12, 1822, in Hoosic, Rensselaer county, New- York, but was reared in Broome county, in the same state. His father was quite an extensive farmer, and at the same time largely engaged in the lumber business, and hence afforded for his sons a hardy and healthy occupation, as well as a practical knowledge of the affairs of after-life. Our subject's early educational advantages were only as were afforded in the common schools of his boyhood days, to which was added two years' study under Prof. Wheeler, who was then teaching advanced branches at Union, New York, Soon after attaining his twenty-first year, Mr. Tucker engaged for himself in the lumber business, in Broome county, New York, and which he afterward extended into Pennsylvania. After a few years of hard work and faithful industry he had laid the foundation for a future competency, and in 1858 came to Minnesota, where he invested in real estate, but soon after returned to his old home. July 2, 1860, he was united in marriage vnth Miss Lucinda C. Rounds, a daughter of Benjamin Rounds, Esq., of Broome county, New York. In the fall of 1860 he again came west, with a view to better investments and a permanent settlement. For a short time he remained in Iowa, looking after a suitable location. While thus engaged an opening oftered itself which led him to Winona, where he at once engaged in the lumber trade, to which he also added the purchase and sale of grain for a short time. In 1874 he abandoned the lumber business, as his large real estate interests and cash capital had accumulated to an extent sufficient to occupy as much of his time as he wished to devote to business. On the organization of the Second National Bank of Winona he became a stockholder, and is now a director of the same. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the happy parents of but one child, a beautiful and accomplished daughter, Ella, born in 1861. After graduating from the state normal school at Winona she took a two years' course at the University at Evanston, Illinois, and was, for a short time, a student at the Cooper Institute, of New York. She has won for herself some considerable distinction as an artist, having produced some very fine painting, both in oil and water- colors. ^ Dr. Francis J. Touktelloti^e, capitalist, Winona, was born December 26, 1835, in Windham county, Connecticut. He is the BIOGRAPHICAL. 816 son of Jacob and Mary (Ballard) Tourtellotte, of Windham, Connec- ticut. His first paternal ancestor in this country settled in either Connecticut or Massachusetts. He had fled from France for religious liberty during the period of the persecution of the Hugue- nots. Dr. Tourtellotte first graduated from the normal school of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Then began the reading of medicine, under Dr. John McGregoi", of Thompson, Connecticut, and finally graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York. In 1863 he entered the medical service ol the naval depart- ment, where he served as surgeon till 1868. Coming to Winona in 1869, he engaged in the business of loaning money. June 26, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriett A. Arnold, a daughter of William S. Arnold, of Windham county, Connecticut. They are tlie parents of but one child, a daughter, Frank, born July 28, 1874. Afit'able and courteous in manner, with strict business principles, are the characteristics of Dr. Tourtellotte. Edwin V. Bogart, sheriff of Winona county — ofiice in county jail — had been deputy-sheriff of the county for more than ten years when he was elected to office in the fall of 1881, his term of service expiring December 31, 1883. There are three deputies connected with the office : Valentine Hengel, and John Bolton, — the last- named a resident of St. Charles. Mr. Bogart is a native of New York State; came to Wisconsin with his parents, Christopher and Rhoda E. (Smith) Bogart, at six years of age. Came to Winona in 1861, bought out the marble firm of Warren Powers, and conducted that business until January 1, 1882, when he sold out to assume charge of the office to which he had been elected. In 1867 he married Miss Euphema Lowe, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Winona with her parent, John Lowe. They have children — Benjamin F., Hiram Y. and Earle Y. The two former are attendants of the city schools. John L. Brink, Winona, dealer in dry goods, carpets and notions, corner of Main and Third streets. This house was estab- lished in 1858, and has been successfully conducted for twenty-five 3^^ars. Business was first opened in the fall of 1858, on Second street, between Lafayette and Center, where a thriving trade was carried on till the disastrous fire of 1862 swept this house, with the best business portion of the city, out of existence. Business was immediately resumed in the block just east of the original, and there continued till 1870, when he removed to the Simpson block, where, 816 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. in 1877, his entire establishment was agahi destroyed by tire. Soon after this last fire lie opened business in the Elv block, where he con- ducted trade until duly, 1>^82, at which time he took possession of his [)resent ([uarters. Trade, which was at one time considerably in the jobbing lino, changing with the growth and demands of the city and outside country, is now almost exclusively retail, a few of his old jobbing customers still securing their supplies from the house. Sales are about $60,000 annually, and a force of seven persons is required in the conduct of the business. Mr. Brink is a native ot Steuben county, New York, and was born in 1826; learned the blacksmith trade, and conducted that industry for some years in his native county, but had turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, following the business a few years before coming to Winona, in 1857. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss Abigal D. Palmer, a native of Binghamton, New York, by whom he has reared a family of five sons, as follows: James T., Charles T., John L., George H. and William E., three of whom are married and living outside of the state, while two yet remain with the parents. All are educated gentlemen. Mr. Briukis a staunch member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for the last twenty years has been a member of the official board, and for twenty-live years a teacher and faithful worker in the Sabbatli school. He is also a member of the mascmic fraternity, and prominently connected with the business prosperity of the city. Was a member of the council, represeuting the second ward, at the time the erection of the present waterworks building was decided upon, and rendered efficient ser- vice in securing this valuable improvement to the city. Mr. Brink is one of those men wlio are indispensable to the best interests of a city. AzARiAH Thomas, Winona, is a son of Gilbert and Mary A. (Miller) Thomas, and was born April 8, 1837, in the State of New York, but principally reared in Pennsylvania. In 1857 he came to Winona, and for the next twelve years was employed by Mr. Malory and his son. March 2, 1861, was married to Miss Anna M. Campbell, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, who emigratejl to this country when but a child. Mr. Thomas spent a short time in the volunteer service during the late war, as a member of Co. H, 1st Minn. Vol. Inf. In 1880 he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, though his wife is a member of St. Thomas Catholic church. They have three children living, whose names are Frank H., Mary BIOGRAPHICAL. 817 A. and Edward. In 1881 Mr. Thomas purchased tlie business of his former employer, and is now engaged in the pump and well business, making drive-wells a specialty. George Lane Hollowell, who established himself in the grocery trade in this city in 1871, is now located at 10 West Third street. In January, 1882, the tirm became Hollowell & Co. by the admis- sion of Cornelius Fookens to a partnership in its affairs. They occupy the first floor and basement, 20 X 60, and are conducting' a prosperous trade. Mr. Hollowell was born in Yates county, New York, December 24, 1824. His parents, Joseph and Elenor (Smith) Hollowell, were natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Ply- mouth, Massachusetts, respectively, and were substantial Methodists of the old school. Our subject was first married in the State of New York in 1857, to Mary L. Clark, of the same state, and came to Winona in 1859, and for the following ten or twelve years was employed as bookkeeper of J. L. Brink, of this city. His first wife died and his second marriage took place in Indiana, to Miss Emilj H. Snyder, in 1864. They are the parents of two children, Mary L. and John D. Mr. Hollowell and wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, he is a member of the official board and a faithful worker in the Sabbath scliool. William Wright Slocumb, son of Samuel and Polly (Beck) Slocumb, was born in White county, Illinois, October 30, 1822. His father was a Methodist missionary and a colleague of the ven- erable and historic pioneer preacher Peter Cartwright. W. W. Slocumb, more familiarly known as Capt. Slocumb, is a pioneer son of the great Mississippi valley, and began life on the river in 1843, and tlie same season navigated the Father of Waters as far north as Lake Pepin, and was one of tlie parties to move the first drive of logs from the waters of these upper lakes. It was at this time that the captain first met Father Hobert, then a Methodist missionary among the Indians, and relates an incident which occurred at Red Wing, where the raftsmen attempted one evening to tie up for the night. At this time a large number of Indians were camped near the place, and at once scores of them swarmed on and about the raft, and soon became so demonstrative that the chiefs, fearing a massa- cre, importuned the whites to move on, and to hasten their departure a chief cut the fastenings with a hatchet. The same night a battle took place between a band of the Sioux and Chippewas, in which many scalps were taken, and a few of them seen by the raftsmen the 818 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. next day, Capt. Slocumb says that onl}'' an occasional adventurer, some explorer or half-breed Indian trader was to be seen along the Upper Mississippi that year. September 22, 1847, Mr. Slocumb was married to Miss Margaret Stagi;;, a native of Ohio, by whom he reared a family of the children whose names, in the order of their birth, are Henry F., William F., Margaret Emma, the two former merchandising in the grocery line in this city, and the latter a teacher of music. In 1873 Capt. Slocumb removed from Reed Landing, where he had resided many years, to the city of Winona, with a view to securing better educational advantages for his children. He and his wife aijd daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of this city, and he is a member of the official board. He is also a member of the masonic fraternity. The captain has been for many years in the employ of the immense lumber firm of Laird, Norton & Co., of this city, as commander of their beautiful little steamer engaged in rafting logs from their Wisconsin pineries. Thomas Wright, loan, real estate and insurance agent, Winona, is a native of Cayuga county. New York, and was born May 23, 1818. His parents were Anson and Lydia (Soule) Wright, the latter a member of one of tlie most remarkable families in the State of New York for longevity. In 1841: Mr. Wright emigrated west and established himself in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he continued to reside till he came to Winona, in 1856. During the last few years of his residence in Kenosha he filled the position of assistant cashier in a bank in which he had a considerable financial interest. On coming to this city he at once turned his attention to the loan and real estate business, and soon became the owner of 2,000 acres of land in this county. Mr. Wright is a man of a speculative turn of mind, and is ever ready to take hold of any enterprise that money can be made in. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mary Harlow, a native of Sackett's Harbor, New York. They are the parents of three children, namely. Will T., who is now a resident of Dakota, and Grace H. and Charles S. still residing at home. Ai,FRED Welch is a native of England. He was born in Glas- tonbury, Somerset county, November 12, 1822. When about eight years of age, the family consisting of the father, mother and nine children, of which Alfred was the fifth, removed to America, landing at Quebec after a tedious passage of nine weeks and one day. The family settled on a farm near Hammond, St. Lawrence county, New York. Two years later, in 1832, the family moved to BIOGRAPHICAL. 819 Watertown, where they lived until 1858. Our subject in the mean- time had married Miss S. Fidelia White, and now, at the date last named, ill health caused a removal to Minnesota, and April 14 found them in Winona. The family then consisted of the parents and three children, Mary, Abraham and Lily. Four others had been left behind in Watertown cemetery. Other children were born to them after their residence in Winona, Gracie only of these surviving. Abraham Welch, the father of our subject, died in Winona, the mother, Mary Welch, having passed away in Water- town, New York. They were both from early life consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, he being a local preacher of that denomination until the close of his life. Alfred Welch prepared himself for the ministry, and engaged actively in the pro- fession at different times, but loss of voice has prevented him from continuing in that calling. In his later years he has been engaged in the practice of dentistry. Peter H. Neiheisel, mechanic, born in Bavaria, Germany, 1846, son of Belderser and Barbara Neiheisel, came with parents to America, town of Hudson, Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1848. He there attended the public school and worked on his father's farm till the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in the Ist Wis. Inf , Co. C. Was discharged the following year, owing to ill health, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, re-enlisting in the fall of 1863, in 2d Minn. Cav., Co. L, and was mustered out in 1866. The same year (1866) Mr. Neiheisel settled on a farm of 160 acres in Sec. 1, Town of Elba. In 1868 he sold his farm and moved to St. Charles and worked at general carpentering. Married in 1872 Miss Susan Lehnerts, born in Luxemburg, Germany, daughter of Peter and Mary Lehnerts. By this marriage has five children : Lucy, born October 17, 1873 ; Willie, February 6, 1875 ; Frank, Aug- ust 6, 1876 ; Joseph, November 15, 1877, and George Henry, July 1, 1879. In 1873 our subject moved to the village of Beaver, town of Whitewater, and built on block 14, which he had pur- chased from Fred Brooks, a hotel and restaurant. In 1874, in company with his brother, J. W. Neiheisel, built a wagon and general repair shop, and in 1876 built a commodious frame building, 30X50, for a public hall, and the same year a large blacksmith-shop. In 1880 bought from his brother his interest in the above property, and has since carried on business alone. In 1882 the hotel, having accidentally caught fire, was burned to the ground, and during the 49 820 IIISTOKr OF WINONA COUNTY. same vear Mr. Neiheisel built one of the finest frame houses in the village of Beaver, which he now occupies. Our subject has shown considerable enterprise in his efforts to build up a business in the village of Beaver. In religion is a liberal Roman Catholic, and in politics always votes the democratic ticket. Frkdekeck E. Bfxker, miller, born in Saxony, Germany, .in 1836, where he learned from his father, John Becker, his trade of miller. In 1859 came to America and went directly to La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1860 visited Missouri and Louisiana, but the war breaking out (1861) he returned to La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1863 was engaged as manager of Smith & Lamberton's mill, in Winona, and in the following year rented, and subsequently purchased, a gristmill at Rolling Stone. In 1873 bought half interest in the mill situated on Beaver creek, from Dr. Sheldon Brooks, and the year following purchased the other half from W. M. Taylor. This is the only gristmill in the town of Whitewater. In 1882 our subject in- troduced into his mill the most improved machinery for the manu- facturing of flour, and can now make as good flour as is made in the county. Married in 1871 Miss Anna Lehnerts, born in 1846, in Luxemburg, daughter of Peter and Mary Lehnerts. By this mar- riage has had five children: Lizzie, born 1872; Peter, born 1873, died 1880; Susie, born 1876; Ernest, born 1S79, and Felix Morris, born 1881. In politics our subject belongs to no party, always voting for the best man. In religion is a liberal Roman Catholic. William H. Fry, head clerk in United States railway postal service, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1834. He came to Saratoga, Winona county, in 1857, and followed his occupation as a carpenter there until his enlistment in the 4th reg. Minn. Inf., in January, 1864. Was with the department of the Southwest, and was present at the battle of Altoona, the great march through Georgia, the battle of Savannah, and all the skir- mishes and engagements })articipated in by his regiment after he joined them in the field. Returning home in 1869, he was appointed route agent in the railway mail service, on the Winona & St. Peter raili-oad, between Winona and Waseca. In 1862 was promoted head clerk and assigned to duty in the United States railway ])Ostal ser- vice between Chicago and St. Paul. The routes were all rearranged in 1882, and Mr. Fry was transferred to the service over the Chi- cago & Northwestern road, between tliis city and Chicago. Febru- BIOGRAPHICAL. 821 ary 6, 1861, Mr, Fry married Miss Eliza Walker, of Saratoga tovsTi- ship. They have three children, all living at home. Hon. C. F. Buck, farmer, has been a resident of Winona county since 1863, at which date he settled in Homer, and remained there until the fall of 1855, when he was elected a member of the terri- torial legislature and removed to his present home, just across Lake Winona, at the foot of the bluifs which overlook the city on the south. Here Mr. Buck has resided for almost twenty-seven years, and when not engaged in politics devotes himself mainly to horti- culture. He has been continuously in political life since coming to the county ; has been three terms in the house of representatives, and three terms in the senate of the state, and is at present one of the representatives of Winona county in the state legislature. He was also postmaster four years, during the second term for which Mr. Lincoln was elected president. In 1852, the year before he removed to Winona county, Mr. Buck married Miss N. C. Robin- son, of Batavia, Illinois. They have had six children, all of them educated at the city and normal schools of Winona. Two of the children graduated from both the high school and the normal' school, one from the normal school, and one, LI. L. Buck, graduate of the Winona high school, takes his parchment this year from the law department of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison. The daughters have considerable musical talent, and one of them has quite a local celebrity, and is regarded as a young musician of more than average promise. E.HEINBERGER BROTHERS, dealers in dry goods, corner of Third and Center streets. These gentlemen established themselves in trade in this city in April, 1877, their location at that time being on Center, four doors north of Third. They removed to the corner they now occupy in 1880, and it is the most eligible dry-goods stand in the city. They front twenty-three feet on Third street; their Center street front is eighty-five feet. They have good entrances on both, and front the Postofiice block on the east and the Republican block on the south. The firm employs seven clerks. One of the partners superintends the salesroom and purchases the goods, the other has charge of the finances. Business has steadily increased from year to year, and they are acknowledged as the leading house in the city in their line of goods — fine stock for the best city trade. Sales of 1882-3 show an increase of twelve and one-half per cent over corresponding period of 1881-2. Rheinberger Brothers were 822 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. bred to business in Nauvoo, Illinois, and in Chicago, coming from the latter city to Winona, when they established trade here. Their names are A. J. and F. J. Reinberger. They are both married and reside in the city, the former corner of Wabasha and Lafayette streets, the other near the corner of Main and Wabasha. S. Fleishma_n, successor to S. Friend & Co. , jobber and dealer at retail in clothing, gents' furnishing goods, hats, caps, etc., 34 and 36 East Second street. This house was established twenty-four years ago, in a small wooden building on the corner of Second and Center streets, where the Second National Bank now stands, and has never removed its location at any time more than a few doors from the corner u])on which it was originally established. It was in the burned district of the great fire of 1862, and was doing business on the corner of Center and Second in January, 1877, when its growing trade and the burning of Simpson's block impelled it to seek larger quarters. S. Fleishman, who became sole proprietor of the business by purchase in February, 1883, entered the service of the house in 1865, became a partner in 1871, and has been manager of its affairs since the removal of S. Friend to Milwaukee, in 1876. Mr. Fleish- man's location is central, his salesrooms commodious, fronting forty feet on Second street and running to the rear. Two floors are occupied with his stock, five salesmen are employed and business is steadily increasing from year to year. Mr. S. Fleishman, son of W. K. Fleishman and Esther, his wife, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 7, 1849. He came from the continent direct to Winona in 1865, the same year that he entered the house of which he is now sole proprietor. January 11, 1882, Mr. Fleishman married Miss Fannie Cohen, a native of New York. They have one child, Minnie E. John Crooks, farmer, was born in Tyrone, Ireland, in 1832. He was bred in the ordinary life of an Irish farmer's son, attending the parish school about three years. At sixteen years of age he left liome and came to America, spending three years at Frostburg, Maryland, thence he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent nearly twenty years in the coal mines. On July 9, 1855, he married Jane Gallaghan, who was born in Tyrone, June 16, 1829 ; she died on May 16, 1869, leaving one son, Robert J., who was bom August 26, 1860, and now resides at Eldredge, Dakota. In 1872 Mr. Crooks abandoned mining and came west ; he bought 240 acres of land on Sec. 15, in this township, and has ever since tilled BIOGRAPHICAL. 823 and dwelt on the same. At the time of this purchase there were but sixty acres of the land broken, but he now tills over 200 acres, and has a handsomely improved farm, with commodious buildings and all the surroundings of a prosperous husbandman. Mr. Crooks was married March 7, 1871, to Isabella, relict of James Dalzell, born in Milligan, Ayrshire, Scotland, August 26, 1834 ; she has two children : John Dalzell, born January 14, 1863, and William Crooks, December 21, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Crooks were reared in the Presbyterian church, to which they adhered while in reach. Mr. Crooks is a republican, was town supervisor in 1880-1, and is a representative citizen. Eben Churchill, farmer, is descended from a long line of prominent men in England and New England. His father, Eben E. Churchill, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire ; he married a native of the same city. Miss Ann E. Gove, and settled on a farm in Newmarket, same state. Here was born the subject of this sketch on March 2, 1834 ; he lived the ordinary life of the New England farmer's boy, receiving his education in the common school and at Wakefield Academy. Early in the spring of 1856 he struck out for the new west, and arrived in Plainview, Wabasha county, this state, on May 6. Here he took up 1 60 acres of government land, which he at once proceeded to improve. In 1860 he married Miss Emeline K. Bowen ; her parents, William Bowen and Roxana P. Nye, were natives of Vermont. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Churchill sold his farm and spent the following winter in the east. The next spring he returned to Minnesota and settled in St. Charles. He enlisted March 17, 1865, as a recruit in the Ist Minn, reg., and was assigned to Co. E ; the immediate close of the war cut the term of his service down to f(^ur months. After leaving the army he resided one year on a farm in the town of Whitewater. In 1867 he bought 320 acres of land on Sees. 2 and 3, in the town of Elb^ ; in 1870 he built his present residence on Sec. 2, and has ever since dwelt there. He now has 360 acres of land here, and one section near the Steele, Kidder county, Dakota. Mr. Churchill is a republican, and an active man in both private and public affairs. He was chairman of the board of* town supervisors in 1869, 1877 and 1879, and also a member of the same body in 1874 and 1876 ; was assessor in 1880-82-3. In the fall of 1880 he was elected a member of the state assembly, and took his seat in the following January ; he was a member of the joint committee on legislative apportionment and of 824 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. tiie committee on claims, taxes and tax laws. By his influence and vote he opposed the payment of the famous $5,000,000 bond-loan in aid of railroads, because it was not demanded in full, and was therefore a confessedly unjust debt ; he also opposed granting swamp lands to railroad corporations. Five children were given to Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, as follows : Edwin, October 28, 1860, lives in Viola, Olmsted county ; Rowena A., March 28, 1862, married Cyrus C. Udell, and lives at Elba ; Dora E., January 21, 1865, is teaching at home ; Frank, August 11, 1867 ; Joseph P., September 17, 1874. William Niknow, farmer, was born near Stettin, Germany, March 3, 1832. He attended school till fourteen years old, and then worked as a laborer on farms and in the city. In 1856 he came to America and spent four years in and about Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ,He came to Minnesota in 1861, and bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 28, in Elba, on which his home has ever since been. This he cleared entirely of the undergrowtli which covered it, by his own labor, and afterward bought eighty acres adjoining it on the west. This has also been nearly all cleared, and he now has a model farm in appearance and productiveness. His buildings are ample and handsome, and he 'has all that a farmer can wish tor. Feb- ruary 13, 1862, he married Augusta Schwanbeck, who was born in ]*)raridenberg, Prussia, November 13, 1840. Mr. Nienow has been ti-easurer of his school district for nine years ; was a member of the town board in 1869-70-1 and in 1880-1 ; is a democrat in principle. He was reared a Lutheran ; was instrumental in building the Berea Moravian church, near his residence, paying the cost of an acre of ground for its site ; has been a member of that body since 1870, and was an elder for several years. Ferdinand Loppnow, carpenter and farmer, has made him- self a comfortable home, and is reckoned among the prosperous representative farmers of Elba. He was born at Pomen, Prussia, October 7, 1825. He left school at fourteen, and was apprenticed to a carpenter, continuing at his trade contiiniously till two years after his arrival in Elba. March 22, 1852, he inari'ied Carolina Kroening, who was born in Pribbernow, Prussia, May 24, 1828. He emi- grated with his family to America in 1870, and settled at once in this township. In 1872 he purchased 120 acres of wild land on Sec. 23, and at once took up his residence thereon and began to clear it of timber and undergrowth. Subsequent purchases have added 120 BIOGRAPHICAL. 825 acres to his domain, and he now has 160 acres under the plow. In 1876 he built his present large and handsome dwelling, and is well situated in every way for a farmer. Mr. Loppnow is a democrat ; is a member of Berea Moravian church, in which he is an elder, and whose edifice he assisted in building as a trustee. There are five children in the family, born as below: Gustav, January 2, 1855, married Minnie Nienow, and lives on Sec. 33 ; Otto, April 9, 1857, and Julius, July 15, 1859, are now in Dakota; Theodore, April 20, 1862, lives with his father ; William, December 23, 1866. Michael F. Donoghue, farmer, was born on a farm near Kil- larney, County Kerry, Ireland, September 19, 1819. He was educated in both English and Celtic. He was married February 3, 1845, to Margaret Collins, who was born half a mile from the birth- place of her husband. She died in Chicago, June 19, 1855, leaving one child, which soon after died. Mr. Donoghue came to America in 1851, arriving in New York April 28. He spent two years in Connecticut, being employed at farm labor and in a foundry. He removed to Illinois in March, 1853, and found employment in a lumber-yard in Chicago, and continued to sort and pile lumber till his removal to Minnesota. January 27, 1856, he married Johannah Costollo, who was also born in Kerry. Mr. Donoghue came to Elba April 27, 1864, and bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 35, which he has ever since tilled. He has reduced it from a state of nature to its present improved form. The present residence was built in 1874. He has been industrious, and abstained from incur- ring debts for the sake of acquiring more land, and is now inde- pendent. He has always been a democrat. Himself and family are communicants in the St. Charles Roman Catholic church. There are six children, all residing in this township, as follows: Michael, born September 22, 1858 ; Cornelius, September 23, 1860 ; Patrick, April 23, 1863; Catharine, September 15, 1866, married Thomas Lynch; Daniel, October 20, 1867; John, June 28, 1870. William R. Parr, millwright, is a grandson of Thomas Parr, who served in the war of 1812, after which he settled in Vermont. William H., son of Thomas Parr, was born here; married Catharine Babcock, a native of the same state, and located in Bombay, Franklin county. New York, where he engaged in farming. Here was born the subject of this sketch, on March 30, 1827. He attended the common school, and assisted on the farm till seventeen years old ; he then took up his trade with an uncle, and has ever 826 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. since tbllowod it. In 1849, moved by the s|>irit which everywliere actuates tlie young American, he set out for tlie west to carve out a niche for himself in the arch of progress. Coming to Wisconsin, he found ample use for his talents and experience in that growing commonwealth. He planned and built the first mill at La (Vosse ; built saw and grist mills at Madison, Fox Lake, Menasha, Clinton- ville, Neenali, and numerous other points. He was married July 8, 1852, to Ellen L. Armstrong, who was born at Erie, Pennsylvania, nineteen years previous to her wedding-day. Her parents, John Armstrong and Martha Stancliff, were born in New York. In May, 18H0, Mr. Parr came to Minnesota, and, going into partnershij) with W. K. Ellis (for whom he had previously built a mill in Menasha), built and operated a gristmill at Elgin, Wabasha county. Five years later they removed this mill to the town of Elba, this county, where it is still operated, by a son of Mr. Ellis, and known as Fair- water mill. In 1876 Mr. Parr sold his interest there, and built and operated a mill at Quincy. In 1880 he removed to St. Charles, where he owns a handsome residence on St. Charles street. He served as alderman in 1882-3, and is a prominent member of the city board of trade. In politics he is a republican, and in religious belief a Baptist ; is a member of Friendship Lodge, Knights of Honor, St. Charles. Two children of this family are now living: William E. was born October 15, 1855, married Dilla Hendee, is now marshal of the cit}' ; Jennie May, October 18, 1863, resides with parents; Katie C, August 31, 1859, died before reaching six years of age. William E. Parr has one son — Robert B., born August 7, 1882. Lorenzo W. Rowley, farmer, is a son of Abijah Rowley, of New York, who married Ruth Forward, of Ccjnneeticut, and settled on a farm at Painted Post, Steuben county. The subject of this sketch was born here January 15, 1811. He lived the life of a farmer boy, attending the common schools. On reaching manhood he engaged in farming and lumbering. Electa D. Ilazelton, to whom Mr. Rowley was married, on March 28, 1833, was born at Argyle, Ver- mont, February 13, 1815. She was a daughter of Elisha Ilazelton and Mary Kent. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Rowlej' set out to find a location in the west. He settled at Oswego, Illinois, where he engaged in the lumber trade for several years. He came to this county seven years later, and bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 19, Utica, where has always been his home since. His farm is just BIOGRAPHICAL. 827 outside the limits of the village of Utica, and now includes 144 acres. He has a tine location, convenient to school, railroads, etc. Mr. Rowley was made postmaster very soon after his arrival in town, and held the office till 1881. He was justice of the peace for five years ; is a republican. At nineteen years old he joined the Presbyterian church, and was elder of the society of that sect when organized here. On its decline, and merging in the Congregational church at St. Charles, he became a charter member in the latter. Six children of Mr. Rowley are still living. The eldest, Ambrose H., was born March 5, 1884, and died May 16, 1878, leaving a widow (formerly Catharine Everton) and three children at Aten, Nebraska. Those living are as follows : William F., August 10, 1836, married Harriet A. Knight (now deceased), — married Isabel Lellar, lives at Winona; Orinda F., April 13, 1838, married William B. Allen, and lives at Hastings, Minnesota; Mary K., May 20, 1840, married Gerry Terry, resides at Eldorado, Iowa; *Edward A., September 1, 1842, married Harriet B. Ebersole, dwells at Mitchell, Dakota; Erastus M., August 22, 1848, Alwilda Stackhouse, resides on father's farm; Brainerd K., August 15, 1851, married Mary McGovern (now deceased), — married Ida Knudson, and now resides at Athol, Dakota, — was conductor on the Winona & St. Peter rail- road twelve years. Isaac Martin, farmer, born in Pike county, Missouri, in 1843. In 1848 he moved with parents to Galena, Illinois, where he at- tended the public school for nine years, when he again moved with his parents to Stillwater, Minnesota, and in two years to Taylor Falls, Minnesota, where he attended school for five years. He en- listed in the Minn. Light Art. in 1864, and was discharged in 1865, since which time he has suffered severely from the consequences of exposure while in the army. In 1870 he married Miss Mary E. Murphy, born in Wisconsin in 1851, daughter of N. W. and Maria Murphy. Our subject has had by this marriage three children: Katie Lea, born 1871 ; Stella Ray, born 1874; Blanche Minerva, born 1879. Mr. Martin removed with his family in 1871 to Chip- pewa count3% town of Montevideo, where he farmed for five years, but was in 1877 driven away by the grasshoppers, and in the same year bought a farm of 120 acres in Whitewater, on Sec. * Enlisted in 1861, in 1st Minn. Vols. Was wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run, and discharged; re-enlisted, and served under W. T. Sherman till close of the rebellion. 828 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 18, T. 108, R. 10, on wliich he has since resided. He has been twice elected supervisor, and is this year (1883) chairman of the board. He is a republican in politics, and a simple believer in religion. William Buckingham, farmer, son of Samuel and Thankfiil Buckingham, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, in the year 1828. In 1834 he moved with his parents to Ohio, where he attended school and assisted his father on the farm. In 1852, hav- ing a small attack of the "gold fever,'' our subject, with lorty others, formed a train under the command of Parson Herrick, and went to* C'alifornia, making the trip in four months, meeting no Indians nor having bad luck of any kind on the way. In California our subject worked on a ranch and part of the time in a mine. In 1857 he returned to Ohio, where he was employed in Tnercantile business. In 1860 he moved to Beaver, Minnesota, where he engaged in business with G. G. Knowles, keeping a general country store, and in 1864 he farmed on shares. In 1872 Mr. Buckingham again opened store in Beaver, and in 1875 bought E. -^ of S.W. ^ of Sec. 31, containing about eighty acres, on which he at once built a commodious frame dwelling-house, in which he has since resided. In 1862 he married Miss Margaret Drake, who was born in Oswego county, New York, in 1842, daughter of Keuben and Sophronia Drake. There are four children of this marriage, born as follows : Willis P., January, 1863; Arthur A., May 13, 1866; Brayton S., August 9, 1868 ; Eoy W., October 2, 1873. Mr. Buckingham is a republican in politics, has been twelve times elected town clerk and once as tovsm treasurer. In religious views he is a Congl-egationalist. John Ploof, farmer, son of Alexander and Charlotte Ploof, was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1834. When only fourteen years of age he left his home in Canada and went to Burlington, Vermont, where he remained only one year, when he moved to Northfield, Vermont, and in one year again moved, this time to Goshen, Vir- ginia. In 1853, being then nineteen years of age, he married Miss Mary Alvina Allen, daughter of Noah Allen, of Addison county, Vermont, at which place his bride was born. By this marriage he has had four children: Alfred E., born 1862 ; George, born 1867 ; Waldo R, born 1872; Orris, born 1875. In 1860 our subject left Wisconsin for Quincy, Minnesota, and in two years moved to Plain- view, Minnesota. In 1863 enlisted in the 1st Minn, batt., and served two years, being discharged in July, 1865. Owing to fever BIOGRAPHICAL. 829 and bad food our subject during his service in the army became almost blind, and has not since recovered his sight. In the fall of 1866 he moved to Whitewater and bought a farm of eighty acres, E. i of N.E. i, Sec. 31, T. 108, K. 10, from Mr. Mitchell, and subsequently purchased from A. B. McCarty, Sec. ^ of S.E. J of Sec. 30, T. 108, R. 10, containing eighty acres, making in all a farm of 160 acres. This farm when bought was heavily timbered, but our subject has shown great perseverance in clearing and im- proving it, the land being now almost entirely under cultivation. Mr. Ploof is a republican in politics, and in religion a liberal thinker. Silas B. Patterson, retired farmer, is a son of William Patter- son, a soldier of the war of 1812. William Patterson married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Silas Baker, of Maine (who served the colo- nies throughout the revolutionary war), and settled on a farm in the town of Freeman, Franklin county, Maine, where the subject of this sketch was born, January 15, 1826. On reaching maturity Silas Patterson engaged in farming. He was married October 21, 1854, to Mary, daughter of Jesse S. Burbank and Hannah C. Ames, all of the State of Maine ; Mrs. Patterson was born in Free- man, December 24, 1827. Mr. Patterson came to this county in 1861, arriving in Saratoga, April 21 ; here he bought 300 acres of land on Sec. 11, which he still owns ; he also has 160 acres near Marshall, this state, and eighty acres in Anoca county. He lived upon and tilled his farm in Saratoga, till December, 1882, when he removed to the city of St. Charles, where he had purchased a house and six lots the year previous ; he also has four acres of land in an- other place witliin the city limits. Mr. Patterson pays little atten- tion to public affairs, but deems it his duty to vote at least at every presidential election and for the republican nominees. Himself and wife have been for thirty years members of the Freewill Baptist church. They have had four children, of whom two are now living. Here is their record: Lieuprelett, born February 7, 1856, died February 25, 1880 ; Charles, August 24, 1858, died at ten years old ; Joseph L., October 22, 1860, lives on his father's farm in Saratoga; Almira L., February 9, 1867. Edward C. Ellis, miller, was born in Acushnet, Bristol county, Massachusetts, September 15, 1846. His father, William R. Ellis, was a son of William Ellis, both being bom in Plymouth county, Massachusetts, and descended from the early English settlers of that 830 JIISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. region. W. R. Ellis married Rhoda A. Collins, of Bristol county, who died when the infant Edward was but fifteen months old. After building flour-mills in Sheboygan and Winnebago counties, Wisconsin, W. R. Ellis came to Minnesota in 1860 and built a mill, in company with W. R. Parr, at Elgin, Wabasha county, where he became prominently identified with town affairs, serving as assessor for two years; was also chairman of Elba in 1866. During the latter year Ellis & Parr removed their mill to Sec. 5, Elba, where it is still in operation and known as Fairwater Mill. In 1870 Mr. Ellis returned to Massachusetts, where he now resides. Edward C. Ellis was reared till ten years old by an aunt, and was then brought by his father to Menasha, Wisconsin, where he at- tended the city schools for four years. He then removed with his father to Elgin, where he worked on a farm during the summer and attended school in winter for six years. In 1866 he went into the mill at Fairwater, where he has been occupied nearly all the time since. In 1877 Mr. Ellis removed to Dover, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for four years. During this time he served as postmaster at Dover; was also assessor one year, and took the census of two precincts in 1880. Owing to the need of attention to his father's mill property here, Mr. Ellis returned to Fairwater in 1881 and bought a half interest in the mill, also leased his father's interest and operates it for himself Mr. Ellis is a republican, and has been postmaster at Fairwater since the establishment of that office in April, 1882. He was married August 2, 1868, to Emma E., daughter of Nathan B. Lewis and Cynthia B. Brown, of New York. They have three children, born as follows: William L., May 28. 1869; Ida B., September 21, 1870; Claude Y., December 18, 1874. Rev. Edward Ely was born in Up]ier Middletown, Connecticut, September 17, 1812. His parents, Selden and Hepsebeth (Gibson) Ely, were both natives of that state. Mr. Ely received his early education in the schools of his native state, but attended the Madi- son University at Hamilton, New York, where he graduated, taking both the classical and theological courses, preparatory to engaging in the profession of a minister of the Baptist church. His first location in his profession was at Milton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ely was married in Owego, New York, A])ril 26, 1843. His wife, Jane Wellington Barker, was born in Utica, New York, November 8, 1817. Her father was Mason Barker, a contractor on public works. BIOGRAPHICAL. § 3 1 After his marriage tliey moved to Lancaster, Ohio, where he preached for seven years. From there he went to Wheehng, Virginia, where he remained two years, and from thence he came to Minnesota. He landed at Wabasha prairie, now city of Wmona, May 4 1852, where he has since made it his home. As an mduce- ment for him to locate here the town proprietors gave him an acre of land on what is now the corner of Center and Second streets, where '''Ely Block" stands. He here built a residence in the tall ot 1852 This was theiirst lathed and plastered house in the city of Winona During the years 1852 and 1853 Elder Ely preached to the early settlers in Winona county and also at La Crosse. In this latter place he was employed in the winter of 1852-3 to conduct a protracted revival meeting. His efforts were productive of good results Among the numerous converts baptized by him was Mons Anderson, a prominent citizen of La Crosse. For his professional labors in Minnesota Elder Ely never received any pecuniary reward. The first funeral services held in the county were conducted by him at the burial of William Christie, in 1852. The first marriage cere- mony in the county was pronounced by him at his house Tlie parties were S. K. Thompson and Mrs. Sutherland. Elder Ely abandoned his profession as a minister of the gospel not long after he came to Minnesota, and has never attempted to resume it as a means of support. He has, however, remained an active member of the Baptist church since its organization. He was for awhile m mercantile business and in insurance and real estate transactions, but has never been steadily engaged in any special branch of busi- ness His buildings on the corner of Center and Second streets were all swept away by the "big fire" in 1862. Elder Ely's news- paper articles of reminiscences of pioneer life have for many years interested the readers of the city papers. From the frequency of these communications he has sometimes been designated as -rtie old settler," and quoted as the local historian of the county. His writings and lectures on this topic have been numerous, but have never appeared in any other form than as newspaper contributions. He was a popular speaker, and was usually called out for a speech on all public gatherings. He was always prompt to respond, on every occasion, in a humorous and entertainmg manner He was the first resident postmaster in the city of Winona. The first regular mail made up and sent from this ofiice was by him, about the first of January, 1853. He held the ofiice until the sprmg of 1855. He 832 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. was for a term or two coroner of Winona county. In 1872 he was sergeant-at-arms of the senate in the state legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Ely have four children living, but none of them are residents of this county. Charles E. is married and living in Dakota Terri- tory ; Helen M., also married, and residing in Dakota. Mason B. is in Texas; and Hattie E., married, is now living in Montana Ter- ritory. Mrs. Ely has for many years been a successful portrait painter. Her studio is in Ely block, on the same locality where her residence stood in her pioneer days of 1852. In all the years of his life he never used tobacco or intoxicating liquors in any form ; never was sick a day in his life, nor had a physician to feel his pulse ; neither has he ever used spectacles, as his vision is unimpaired. Father Joseph B. Cotter, pastor of St. Thomas' Catholic church, of this city, was born in Liverpool, England, November 19, 1844. His parents, Lawrence and Ann M. (Perrin) Cotter, were natives of Ross Castle, County Kerry, Ireland, and Liverpool, England, re- spectively. In 1840 they emigrated to America, settling first in New York, but soon after removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they remained till 1855, and where his mother died. In that year the father, with the remaining members of his family, removed to and permanently located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Father Cotter was primarily educated in the cathedral parochial school, in St. Paul, after which he entered, as a theological student, at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, and later completed a three years' course at St. Vincent's College, in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. Three years more were spent at the St. John's University, in Minnesota, after which he was ordained for the ministry at St. Paul, May 21, 1871, and June 9, the same year, was assigned to the pastorate of the church at Winona. The testimony of very many of the best citi- zens of this city is that Father Cotter has done more to advance the cause of temperance here than any other man in the city. Father Alois Heller, of the St. Joseph's Catholic church, of this city, was born in Austria, October 28, 1835. By the death of both parents he was left an orphan at the age of five years. At the age of fourteen years he was placed in college at Prague, the capital of Bohemia, from which, twelve years later, he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Schwartzenberg, on August 2, 1863. The six years fol- lowing his ordination he applied himself to the labors of his profes- sion in his native land, after which, in answer to a call from Father Gardener, he came to America, and soon after assumed the pastorate BIOGRAPHICAL. 833 of a church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and three years later was transferred to Baltimore, where he remained till called to Winona, in February, 1878. Here, as elsewhere, his untiring and zealous Christian labors have been crowned with success, and the fine church edifice erected under his care will long stand a monument to his memory. Hon. W. H. Yale, attorney-at-law, oflice on north side Third, between Main and Johnson streets, practice established in this city in 1857. Mr. Yale was born in New Haven, Connecticut, No- vember 12, 1831, and completed his school studies by a three years' course in the Connecticut Literary Institution, at Sufiield. Read law two years in the oflice ot Hon. Geo. R. Cowles, of Norwalk, Con- necticut, came to Winona March 28, 1857, was admitted to practice by Chief- Justice Wech, of the territorial court, in August of that year. . The following spring was elected justice of the peace, the only republican on the ticket, and held that oflice two years. In the fall of 1859 was elected probate judge, the term of oflice being for one year, and upon its expiration assumed the duties of county attorney, to which he had been elected at the general election, fall of 1860, holding that office two years, and was again elected county attorney, fall of 1864, for a further term of two years. In the fall of 1866 was elected to represent his district in the state senafe, served one term, and in the fall of 1869 was elected lieutenant- governor, from which office he retired at the expiration of his second term, having been re-elected in 1871. Was returned to the state senate for the two years' term, 1875-6, and since its expiration has been engaged solely in the practice of his profession. Mr. Yale has had few law partners during the more than twenty-five years of liis practice at the Winona bar. He was associated with Hon. Wm. Mitchel in practice from 1867 until that gentleman went upon the bench, in 1874, and this, with the single exception of a short asso- ciation in business with M. B. Webber, has been the extent of his law partnerships. Mr. Yale is married and has two sons, one a child at home, and the other, Charles B. Yale, admitted to the bar of this county in 1878, and for the past two years attorney in the general office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, at Milwaukee, in charge of the personal injury department. The ex- governor is a communicant of the E})iscopal church of this city, and a senior warden of its vestry. H. Stevens & Son, booksellers and stationers, store on East 884 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Third street, in Stevens block. This business was established in 1877, in its present location, and gives employment to four persons. Members of the firm are Henry Stevens and H. 0. Stevens. Henry Stevens came to Winona in the fall of 1862, and established himself in drygoods trade on Second street, 4 Simpson's block. This busi- ness was conducted until 1874, from which date until the establish- ment of the book-house in 1877 Mr. Stevens was not in trade. In 1875 he built "Stevens Block,'- a three story and basement brick, stone foundations and facings, fronting 48 feet on Third street, with a depth of 90 feet ; the half of the ground floor occupied with his own business. Mr. Stevens was a member of the city council during 1879-80; has been president of the board of education for the city, and since 1864 has been one of the board of trustees for the Congregational church, and a member of its building committee for the erection of the new church just completed. Benjamin Ellsworth, Utica, the model farmer of Winona county, was born in the State of Maine, in Franklin county, July 8, 1826. His parents, William and Polly (Dolbier) Ellsworth, were also natives of Maine, and were born toward the close of the last century, and are now buried in their native state. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The former was of English ancestry, as his grandfather with two brothers emi- grated to this country from England in the early part of the seven- teenth century, and settled in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont respectively. Benjamin, the subject of this brief sketch, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of his native state. Soon after he became of age, ambition and an enterprising spirit led him and his brother Amos D. to California, where for five and a-half years they successfully engaged in mining, after which they returned to their old home. Soon after his return from California Mr. Ellsworth made a prospecting tour as far west as St. Paul, Minnesota, and the same fall (1857) went to Waupon, Wisconsin," where he engaged in the grain trade till 1863, when he removed to Winona, Minnesota, and continued to deal in grain here till the completion of the Winona & St. Peter railroad as far west as his farm in Utica township. The farm is located on Sees. 18 and 19, T. 106, R. 9, and was bought by Mr. Ellsworth in 1860. On his removal to his farm he at once built a warehouse, which has con- tinued to be a market for grain at that })oint. It may be here stated that Mr. Ellsworth shipped the first carload of wheat in BIOGRAPHICAL. * 835 bulk sent over tlie road. Mr. Ellsworth also platted the village of Utica, and a few years ago built his fine and stately residence a few rods north of the village, and has since his residence here been actively engaged in stock-raising and farming. In his pastures can always be found good grades (and some thorough-bred stock) of cattle, horses, sheep and swine. He is, no doubt, the most ex- tensive and intelligent farmer and stock-raiser in the county, and a large land owner in and out of the county, all of which is the result of honest industry, good management and close attention to busi- ness. November 29, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma G. Campbell, also a native of Franklin county, Maine, by whom he has an interesting and healthy family of four children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are Frank W., Vesta E., Ethlin M. and Osman B. Robert Morgenbier, artist and photographer; reception-rooms and studio at 11 and 13 Second street, Winona, Minnesota. The business was established by the present proprietor and his then partner, Mr. Leopold Weiskopf lately deceased. The gallery has, as regards dimensions, appointments and equipments, few equals, and no superiors, that is, of galleries devoted entirely to private portraiture. The large and increasing patronage enjoyed is an assurance that fine work finds proper recognition everywhere. Photography has made such rapid strides toward the realm of high art, that the best results of a few years ago can in no way endure comparison with the brilliant productions of a thorough artist of to-day. To make photographs acceptable, to many is not a very serious matter, but to produce such work as will impress even a casual observer with their artistic beauty is another thing. The capability of producing such results emanates from a thorough knowledge of and training in the elements of high art. The rising and successful photographer of the day must be an adept with' ])encil and brush aside of his experience in practical photography. Mr. Morgeneier is fortunate in being one of a family of artists, and from childhood's years a pupil of his father, Mr. John W. Morgeneier, a gentleman prominent in art and photographic circles. Since in Winona, Mr. Morgeneier has, aside of attending his many sittings in gallery, found time to finish a number of brush pictures that merit universal approval. A constant contributor to the literature of his profession, he has been accorded the honor of being placed upon the list of authorities upon matters pertaining to photography, 50 83() * IIISTOKi^ OF WINONA COUNTY. (See " Wilson's photographies," Bennermim and Wilson, publishers, Philadelphia, 1881). In the regular gallery work he has live as- sistants, and everything moves with the regularity of clockwork. In a visit to this lino establishment ample recompense will be found in examining the work therein displayed. Patrons or visitors are assured of ec^ual i)olite reception. CuARLES Gernes, ail early resident of this county iirst landed in Winona, November 9, 1854. At that time but few white settlers cnjoved what might be termed houses, but rather existed in shanties little better than the Indian tepees, which were then numerous where the gem city of Winona now stands. Mr. Gernes is a native of that part of Holland which, by conquest in later years, became a part of the kingdom of Belgium. He was born April 2, 1816, and early in life learned the trade of tanner. In 1840 he married Miss Mary Lebotee, a native of Holland, and conducted the business of his trade till 1850, when in the capacity of counsel or su])erintendent he brought to this country a colony of 160 families, all of whom he located at Green Bay, Wisconsin. The ocean passage was made in the sailing-vessel Tuskena, and occupied a period of sixtv-two days. From his arrival in America till his settlement in Winona Mr. Gernes resided in Delaware county. New York, in the community of a French colony that had previously located there. For many years after his advent into Winona c' yet appreciate the great idea symbolized and represented by these institutions for the training of those who were to become the missionaries and in- structors of the masses. lie believed, with Horace Mann, that "coiled up within this institution is a spring whose uncoiling may wheel the spheres." Hence his faith in its power for good WINONA AS IT IS. 839 amounted almost to inspiration. It is a foregone conclusion that but for his labors the normal school of this state would not now be in existence. While others have despaired he has believed, when others were indifferent and inactive he labored, and not until he beheld it a fixed fact — not until he foresaw it clearly expanding into the fullness of its power and usefulness — not until he felt the premonitions of faihng mortality, and a growing necessity for repose from the cares of life, — did he relinquish his place at the helm where he so nobly stood through the last eight dubious years. His work in the city of Winona will be through all the coming generations a monument to his farseeing intelligence, and to his generous regard for the future welfare and greatness of his adopted state. In his rela- tions to it he belongs to the state, and the generous people of the state will ever cherish as one of its best friends and noblest benefactors. He died October 29, 1867, and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery, near the beautiful city he so much loved, and a few years later his devoted wife followed him to the same last resting-place. The normal school board and the board of trade both passed and entered on their files suitable resolutions of respect to their honored dead. CHAPTER LX. WINONA AS IT IS. The substructure of Winona's prosperity was laid when she reached out her hand to tlie immense grain fields that were waiting to pour their golden plenty into the lap of commerce, and drew them within the circle of her distributive facilities. This act of wisdom was accomplished when she voluntarily laid tribute upon her own pocket-book, and made a highway across the sloughs and over the bluffs along which the grain wagons of the interior could reach the market she had opened on the shores of the great river. Like the Dakota of the present, the Minnesota of twenty-five years ago was the land of promise to the prospective wheat-grower. In 1850 the actual population of the state was but 5,350, and Winona had not received her first permanent settler. Five years later the estimated population was 50,000 souls, and Winona was becoming 840 JII8T0KY OF WINONA COUNTY. known as the seat of the United States land office and an aspirant tor future lionors as the coming commercial capital of the southern part of the state. Two years later and the little city liad taken on civic honors, lier first charter election held, and it was manifest that her population was not less than 3,000. Two years more and the product of the grain fields of the state had outgrown the demand of home consumption, and the golden stream that poured across her eastern frontier to find a market in the older east began to be measured. The acreage of wheat that year was 124,792 acres, and the number of bushels harvested 2,874,415. To consume this prod- uct there was a population of about 170,000. At the usual estimate of nine bushels per head of the population, the home consumption would be, in round numbers, about 1,300,000 bushels, leaving for export of that year's crop a little in excess of 1,050,000 bushels, and of this amount Winona exported 405,000 bushels. The exports of the crop of 1858 were about one-third of that amount, and of this 130,000 bushels were forwarded by Winona grain-dealers. The returns from year to year show that Winona did not lose her hold on the grain trade of the state. The following carefully compiled table, made by the editor of the "Winona Daily Republican," D. Sinclair, Esq., shows the Winona wheat shipments for a series of years : Years. Bushels. I Years. Bushels. 1859 130,0(10 I 18()7 2,;)48,759 1860 40."..000 I ]868 2,-i32,(vS6 1861 lication to the depositary of the bonds, H. Thompson, Esq. (cashier of the First N'ational Bank of St. Paul), for their delivery, and, in order to secure immediate possession of them, covenanted to indemnify the depositary for any loss he might sustain by virtue of their delivery. Upon this, without notifying the city council, the bonds were surrendered by Mr. Thomson to the construction com- pany, and were by them negotiated and sold. The city council re- fused to pay the coupons maturing, and suit was brought against 850 HISTORY OF WINONA COT^NTY. tlie city by N. A. Cowdrj, in tlie United States circuit court at St. Paul, in May, 1873, for tlie sum of $12,000, Mr. Cowdy claim- ing to be a bona-iide purchaser of the bonds of city. The city defended the suit, Hon. Thomas Wilson, ex-justice of the supreme court, conducting, being employed as counsel. The verdict was for the plaintiff. Pending the result of a rehearing of this suit in the higher courts. Judge Wilson advised the city to acknowledge its liability for the bonds, and bring suit against the construction company for damages in fraudulently converting the bonds to their own use ; the city claiming that in no sense within the meaning of the contract had the road been built to make a continuous connection between St. Paul and Chicago, through the city of Winona, as was the understanding of the city when she issued her bonds as a considera- tion for such continuous railway" connection. The suggestion of the counsel for the corporation was taken, and suit for damages to tlie extent of $125,000 begun. The parties to the suit mutually agreeing to have the case tried where a more impartial hearing might be had than in either Winona or St. Paul, the case was called before Judge Samuel Lord, of the fifth judicial district of Minnesota, at Owatonna, Steele county, June 25, 1876. The case was argued before the court only, the counsel mutually agreeing to dispense with a jury, and the decision was for the plaintiff. Motion was then made by the attorneys of the construction company for a new trial. This motion was overruled, whereupon an appeal was taken to the supreme court. Case came before the supreme court October 17, 1877, and an opinion rendered by Judge Cornell, reversing the decision of the lower court and ordering a new trial. The grounds on which this decisio:^ was rendered not being co.nsidered fatal to a successful issue of the case, Judge Wilson prepared for a new trial, and asked leave to amend his pleadings. Motion to amend was granted, an appeal from that decision taken to the supreme court, who sustained the order to amend, and the case came up for trial before Judge O. P. Stearns, (if Duluth, whom Judge Lord liad requested to try the case, there being no jury empaneled. The trial began March 4, 1879. and as ably argued as it could be by the most distinguished counsel in the state. The case was taken under advisemeiit l)y the judge, who rendered his decision on July 29 of that year, in favor of the plaintiff. Motion for a new trial was made by defendants before WINONA AS IT IS. 851 Judge Stearns -T motion denied, and appeal taken from the order of the court, denying new trial, to the supreme court, which aiiirraed the order. Plaintiff then entered judgment for the amount of damages with costs, and defendants appealed from the judgment. The supreme court affirmed the judgment. Defendants then moved for a reargument of the whole case before the supreme court. The motion was granted; the case argued before the supreme court, who reaffirmed the judgment of the lower court. The amount recovered by the city in this action was $182,650, and included bonds, interests and cost of suit. By this decision of the supreme court all accounts for payment of bonds by bona-fide purchasers were rendered un- necessary, the city paying the bonds as they were presented, the Minnesota Construction Company having returned the greater part, which had never been negotiated. In the amended pleadings above alluded to the counsel employed by the city alleged additional non- fulfilment of contract by the construction company, in that, while the contract called for the building of a Howe truss bridge across the Mississippi river, to connect the railway tracks on the Minnesota and AVisconsin shores of the river, so much of the bridge as carried the railroad tracks above the sandbar in front of the city was built on piles. From after developments the conclusion seems justified that the Minnesota Construction Company were hardly acting in good faith with the city, and that the bridge contract was more in the interests of the Winona & St. Peter road, and the system of lines of which it afterward became a part, than in that of the St. Paul & Chicago road; or, if not that, that this latter road, having in prospect the iDridging of the Mississippi river at North La Crosse, and a continuous road through that city from St. Paul eastward, had only availed themselves of the tracks of the La Crosse, Trempeleau & Prescott railway, and the Winona & St. Peter's lines within the Winona city limits as a temporary expedient for which the building of the bridge was a necessity. (For history of the railway construction see railway article.) By act of the city council May 22, 1883, an ordinance was passed granting to T. T. Hayden, John A. Mathews, Royal D. Cone, C. H. Porter, Charles Horton, and their associates, successors and assigns, the exclusive right and authority, for a term of twenty - five years, from June 1, 1883, to lay down, maintain and operate lines of street railway within the corporate limits of the city, along such streets, alleys, etc., as the city should permit, and to operate 51 852 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. them by other ])Ower than steam, subject to certain conditions, the more important of whicfi were, substantially, that the tracks were to conform to the street grades as now or hereafter established; that the rails should be laid in such manner as to otter the least possible obstruction to carriages crossing them, and the street crossings planked on both sides of the rails and between them wherever required by the council; that these -rails should be laid as nearly as possible in the center of the streets and alleys traversed, and the track be of such width and laid in such manner as that ordinary road wagons and carriages could run upon them most readily; that over all bridges having double roadways there should be a track laid in each roadway, if required by the council ; that over paved streets the track within the line should correspond to that on both sides thereof, and that the city should not be liable for damages on account of stoppage of travel during the repairing of streets, alleys, bridges, etc., construction of sewers, gas or watermains, unless the same was unreasonably delayed. A license fee, to be determined by the council, was to be paid into the treasury of the city on or before June 1 in each year, for every car put upon the tracks and operated by the company, and in case of non-payment a penalty was to attach. The company were furthermore required to place a sufficient number of cars upon their lines to accommodate the traveling public, the night cars to carrj' signal lamps and the animals used to have a bell attached. The maximum rate of speed was fixed at seven miles per hour, and the maximum cost of fare five cents over line and its extensions within the city, except when cars are chartered for a special purpose. The city guaranteed the company against obstructions and interference in running their cars, by giving them prior right of way over all their tracks, and imposing a fine of from $5 to $50 and costs of prosecution for every violation of this stipulation. It was also provided that in case the company tailed to operate any of their tracks or extensions, or to lay down new lines on such streets as the council should require, then such failure of the com])any should be a forfeiture of the whole of the neglected line and its extensions, and the council might grant authority to others to build new lines or o])erate the neglected one, as the case might be. The company were given five days from the date of the ordinance to file their acceptance of the conditions, and a certain number of miles of track were to be laid before the close of the present year. The track to be laid this year was to be from the point where the WINONA AS IT IS. 853 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad now crosses Fifth street to Chatfield street, and another line running from the present passenger depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road to the depot of the Chicago & Northwestern road. The first-named line will traverse the city from west to east, along such streets as the city council shall designate, that from the Winona Wagon Co's works in the extreme west of the city to some terminus one block east of the macadamized road leading to Sugar Loaf Bluff, a total distance of about two and a half miles. The line connecting the railway depots will intersect this first-mentioned line at right angles, traversing the city from north to south, a distance of one and a quarter miles. It will obviate all necessity for farther reference to this matter to add that the day following the passage ot the above ordinance the street railway company promptly filed their acceptance of the conditions and limitations expressed in the ordinance with city recorder, and entered upon the construction of their lines. WATEK-WORKS DEPARTMENT. The Winona water-works, though of recent establishment, are a just source of pride to her citizens, and have called forth the most eulogistic approval from as competent authority on hydraulics as is to be found in the United States. The friends of the movement, however, had a hard up-hill fight, lasting for a period of ten years, before they were able to accomplish their object and secure the needed supply of water for fire protection and street and domestic purposes. A brief sketch of these efforts will very properly preface a description of the present water-works system of the city. Early in the summer of 1869 the question of an adequate water supply for the city was a subject of general discussion, and in August of that year a joint committee of citizens and members of the com- mon council had the matter committed to them for examination and report. This committee called into existence by act of the city coun- cil was formed August 13, 1869, and, having fully considered the whole question involved, made their report to the Winona city council January 3, 1870. The members of that committee on behalf of the council were John A. Mathews (mayor) and aldermen Ball, Ealphe and Garlock ; citizens, W. H. Laird, E. D. Williams and J. J. Randall. Their report embraced a consideration of the best means for fire extinguishing, as well as the best system of water supply for the city, 854 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. and after discussing the relative merits of the "Holly " and " Reser- voir "" systems, pronounced in favor of the former and recommended its adoption. En the meantime the Winona board of trade had been resuscitated, after tliree and a half years of practical non-exist- ence, and while the question of water-works was under discussion in the city council, the board of trade throttled the project, and con- demned it by a vote of thirty to ten. This action was followed by a resolution declaring as the sense of the board that "the city charter be so amended as to prevent the city council from incurring any indebtedness exceeding the sum of $10,000 for any one purpose, without first submitting the question to a vote of the people." This quietus was rendered additionally effective by a further resolution of the board of trade, adopted two weeks subsequently, " That no sys- tem of fire protection other than that now in use is necessary." Buried under these accumulating resolutions the question of water- works died out of the public consideration at least for that time. A little more than three years passed, and on the 23d of February, 1873, the legislature of the State of Minnesota authorized the city council to issue water-works bonds to the amount of $80,000, pro- vided, of course, the requisite vote of the citizens could be obtained. By ordinance of the council of the city of Winona, passed May 18, 1874, the creation of a department of water-works for the city was declared, and the question of issuing bonds to establish pumping- works and lay water-inains was ordered submitted to the people at a special election to be held some weeks subsequently. This action of the city council was rescinded of their own motion, in so far as deferring the election indefinitely was concerned, the committee having the matter in charge reporting that the citizens were not pre- pared to vote u]>onthe question. The agitation, however, continued. A committee of the city council, of which Prof. W. F. Phelps was chairman, was instructed to prepare a report on the advisability of constructing water-works for fire protection and other i)urposes, to embody in their report the approximate cost of constructing the same, and submit the report in full detail to the common council for their action. The committee reported, and their report was unani- mous in favor of the Holly system of water-works. Elaborate speeches in support of the report were made by Prof. Phelps, Hon. E. S. Youmans and others, and the opinion expressed that there would be no opposition to the movement, once it was fully under- stood by the citizens. In the meantime the report was ordered WINONA AS IT IS. 855 printed while awaiting action of council, and on the 17th of Novem- ber of that year, 1874, the city council declared itself in favor of the prosecution of the work, and ordered a special election to be held December 7 next ensuing, at which time all who desired the estab- lishment of the works should vote yea and those opposed nay. Tlie day of election came ; polls were opened, and the returns showed that the project had been literally snowed under by a vote of 775 nays to l-tl yeas. Thus ended the second chapter in the history of water-works enterprise in the capital of southeastern Minnesota. This action ot the citizens was most unwelcome to the more consid- erable property-holders of the city, particularly to those whose interests and possessions were in the business center of the city, as it was only too apparent that they were at the mercy of circum- stances should a fire once break out and gain headway in the busi- ness portion of the city. The danger which thus threatened the commercial interests of the place was doubly menacing to the manu- facturing industries, which were principally lumber, and specially liable to destruction by fire. To effect their own self-protection, the lumbermen on the levee had connected heavy force-pumps with their engines, laid water-pipes in their mill yards and provided hose ready to be attached at a moment's notice. Feeling comparatively secure on their own account, and seeking some way of turning this security to the advantage of the business circles of the city, the two principal lumber firms opened correspondence with the city council. This communication came before that body July 27, 1875, and was a proposition from Youmans Bros. & Hodgins and Laird & Korton and C. H. Bohn to connect the water-works of their several estab- lishments by a water-main running through the business portion of the city down Third street, with a view of furnishing "better pro- tection against fire to the business houses, sprinkling the streets and supplying water for domestic purposes. The proposition was laid before the council by his honor the then mayor of the city, A. Ham- ilton, and the assurance given that should the offer of the firms, as ab(we cited, be accepted they would undertake to keep steady press- ure in the mains and provide ample power for forcing water wherever desired along the proposed route. The proposition as thus sub- mitted did not assume any definite shape, but was simply presented as a suggestion that might lead to practical results. The scheme appeared feasible upon the face of it, and the city surveyor, J. B. Fellows, was instructed to visit Clinton, Iowa, examine the recently- 856 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. erected water-works at that point and submit a carefully digested report to the city council. Tlie visit was made in company with city recorder Schrotli, and included an examination of the pumping works at Davenport and Rock Island as well as Clinton. The results of their observations were duly incorporated in a report and pre- sented to the city council, together with the length and estimated cost of pipe necessary to connect the works of Messrs. Youmans Bros. & Hodgins, Laird & Norton and Conrad Bohn. From this report' it appeared that the total length of pipe required to make the connections with various mills, including L. C. Porter's grist-mill, and lay the mains, would be 1,44:0 teet of twelve-inch pipe, 6,^50 feet of ten-inch pipe. The estimated cost of pipe, weight and thick- ness of metal scheduled, was placed at |9,970.74. This report was ordered printed (we have not been able to secure a copy of it) and the recorder directed to correspond with pipe manufacturers with reference to price of pipe. Bids for the supply of pipe according to specification were opened September 7, 1875, and contract for a limited number of feet awarded to Dullard & Hayes, of Buffalo, New York. This action taken, bids were solicited for digging mains and laying pipe, and the finance committee of the council directed to make a temporary loan of $10,000 for water-works expenditures. Thus it was that after six years' working and waiting the first actual step was taken to supply this long-felt want. Before the close of the year 1875 there had been laid one mile one hundred and thirty-nine rods and seventeen feet of pipe ; of which 1,582 feet were 12-inch pipe, 4,000 feet 10-inch pipe, 2,000 feet 6-inch pipe, and 150 feet 4-inch pipe. These pipes were laid at a depth of seven feet, and through them connection was made between the water pipes of Youmans Bros. & Hodgins, Jat the intersection of Fourth and Wilson streets, and the pipes of Laird, Norton & Co., on Second street, also with the L. C. Porter Mill Co., on Front street. Thirteen Mohawk hydrants were set that year, and eight stop-gates. The work as done was quite satis- factory; there was no trouble from freezing that winter, and no friction other tlian was easily remedied in the working of the hydrant's shut-off. Tiie entire cost of the work to the close of that year, 1875, was $11,632.05. The work was finished so late in the season that no water-rents were collected. The pipes as laid ex- tended through F()urth street from Wilson street to Laird street, through Franklin street from Fourth street to Porter's mill, and WINONA AS IT IS. 857 through Kansas street from Fourth street to Laird and Norton's, on Second street. Work was resumed in the spring of 1876, and during that year there were one mile and one hundred and sixty- four rods of pipe laid ; seventeen Mohawk hydrants and four new stop-gates set. Tlie entire cost of construction for the year was $13,881.03, and the water-rents collected aggregated $443.03. The pipe laid during the season was distributed as follows: on Fourth street, 1,180 feet; Broadway, 740 feet; Second street, 1,826 feet; Laird street, 1,464 feet; Kansas street, 392 feet; Winona street, 320 feet; Johnson street, 708 feet; Wabasha street, 1,140 feet; Center street, 56 feet; and hydrant connections, 160. The construction of mains was rapidly pushed during 1877, during which season nearly five miles were put down. Of this amount 3,716 feet were of 12- inch pipe; 3,786 feet of 10-inch pipe; 5,425 feet of 8-inch pipe; 12,616 feet of 6-inch pipe; and 360 feet of 4-inch pipe connecting mains with hydrants. There were 35 Holly hydrants and 18 new stop-gates set during this year, the whole cost of construction for the year being, with interest on drafts unpaid, $32,235.90. Water- rents received for the year, $1,572.33. This work as thus scheduled was performed under the directions of city surveyor John B. Fellows, and the total length of pipe laid (mains and hydrant connections), during the years 1875-6-7, was seven miles three hundred rods and two feet, at a total cost of $57,889.60, including repairs to that date. The connections between the pumps in the Laird & Norton and Youmans' Bros. & Hodgins mills, and the mains on Second and Fourth streets, proving insufficient, measures for increasing their capacity were adopted in the spring of 1878. The mains on Second and Fourth street were the leading arteries of the water supply at that time, and were constructed of 10 and 12 inch pipe, while their connections with the pumps were made through 6-inch pipes, thus entailing the disadvantage of working through small pipes into large ones instead of through large pipes into small ones. The work of remedying this defect was begun in April, 1878, city engineer John B. Fellows, under whose directions an 8-inch pipe was laid from the corner of Liberty and Front streets, connecting witli Laird & Norton's pumps, south a few feet across the railroad track, thence west parallel to the railway tracks to Market street, thence south on Market until an intersection was made with the 12- inch pipe on Second street, thus affording an additional outlet of eight inches from Laird & Norton's pumps into the 12-inch main 858 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. OTi Second street. On this line was set one 8-inch valve in Laird ife Norton's engine-room, and three Holly hydrants at various points. At Porter's mill the 6-inch main was intersected with a cross 6x6 and 8x8, and a 6-inch valve set to shut off the water from the mill in case of emergency, and turn the whole force of the pumps through the city mains into the hydrants. At the same time there was laid a 6-inch pipe from the west end of the 10-inch main on Fourth street, running north from Fourth on Wilson street to the north line of Second street, and thence through Youmans Bros. A: Hodgins' millyard to tlie new puni]) in the sawmill of that firm. There was also a branch line from this pipe, extending westward along Third street to a 6-inch connection with the pump in Youmans Bros. & Hodgins' planing-mill. This gave the 10-inch main on Fourth street a double connection with the pumps of Youmans Bros. & Hodgins, through two separate pipes, and was considered to afford the city all the water they could possibly need for some years to come. The cost of the work for 1878 was $4,851.53; water-rents for the year were $1,689.30, and the ad- ditional number offset of pipe laid, 2,987 feet. During tlie years 1879-80 comparatively little work was done in the way of laying additional pipe, and no changes were made in the operation of the work of supply. The pumps were doing all that their capacity enabled them to do, and the water service of the city was performed as satisfactorily as it could possibly be under the existing order of things, but it had become apparent to those best acquainted with the situation of affairs, that the employment of addi- tional power at the pumps, and an independent system of water supply for the city were only a question of time. The city had now, 1881, about nine and a-half miles of mains laid in the streets, and ninety-two hydrants for tire purposes. To meet the expenses of this work the bonds of the city were issued to the amount of $40,000. These bonds were to bear interest at seven per cent ])er annum, and run for a period of ten years. The actual cost of laying pipe and maintaining the water supply of the city to this date had been somewhat in excess of $60,000, and this excess of $20,000 had been met by drafts upon tlu' city treasury. The new lease of life taken by the city in 1879, as evidenced by the rapid multiplication of her iiiamifacturing industries, and the effectfive work of stimulation performed by the Winona board of trade since its recreation in 1879 had led the capitalists of the city to indulge in brighter hopes WINONA AS IT IS. 859 of her future. The years 1880-1 gave promise of an assured growth, and under the new incentive thus given to trade and manu- facturing industry, public spirit seemed to revive, and among other works of a public character the establishment of such a system of water-works as would eifectually settle the question of adequate water supply for decades to come was seriously entertained. The project took form in the winter of 1881-2, under the administration of his honor H. W. Lamberton, mayor, and was put into immediate execution. The council's committee on water-works was at that time composed of J. L. Brink, Wm. Noonan, Wm. Garlock and John Dotterwick, the first-named gentleman ' chairman. Every conceivable system of water supply, that gave promise of answering the end designed, was duly considered, and after a thorough canvass of all, and careful examination by committees and experts into their practical workings, cost of construction, economy of service, steadi- ness of supply, etc. etc., the city council in February, 1882, decided in favor of the standpipe system. The issue of $60,000 water bonds had been previously authorized, and the issue was made July 1 of this year, 1882. These bonds were negotiated at par, have twenty years in which to mature, and bear annual interest at five per cent. The character of the work having been decided upon, G. C. Morgan, manufacturer and mechanical engineer, of Chicago, was employed to draw plans, make specifications and superintend construction of the whole work, his salary for all services rendered being fixed at $2,500. The plans presented by him and adopted by the council were for constructions as follows: one well, one boiler-house, one pump- house, one standpipe. The work thus begun by the city council was not intermitted when their successors came into office in April, 1882. H. W. Lamberton was re-elected mayor, and the water committee was constituted as follows : A. W. Gage, chairman ; Wm. Garlock, C. H. Lamberton and Fred Bauman ; Messrs. Brink, Noonan and Dotterwick being no longer members of the council. The super vision of the work from April, 1882, until the pumps of the new works were started on the first of the following December, at which time the city relieved the Messrs. Youmans Bros. & Hodgins and Laird, Norton & Co. from all responsibility in supplying the mains with water, was committed to the chairman of the council's com- mittee on water-works, A. W. Gage, a prominent contractor and builder in the city. Mr. Gage devoted almost his entire time to the service of the city during the months intervening from April to 860 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. December, and the manner in which that work was performed is abundantly a])proved in the result. During the nine years that the firms of Youmuns Bros. & Hodgins and Laird, Norton & Co. had been pumping for the city the cost to the corporation aggregated from $3,000 to $5,800 per annum, and the work was most satisfac- torily performed ; but, as before stated, the wants of the city had outgrown their capacity to supply, and the erection of the works had become a necessity. The well from which the pumps draw water is of solid masonry, fifty feet in diameter and twenty-eight feet deep. The walls are laid up with stone and cement, and are practically water-tight. All the water that comes into the well filters through the sand u])on which the walls rest and rises to the level of the river surface through the well bottom. The excavation for the well is made thirteen feet below extreme low-water mark, insuring at least thirteen feet of water at all times. This water, creeping through its natural sand filter, rises in the well and reaches the mains as clear as crystal. Pure water being one of the ends sought, the well has been carefuU}' protected against all filth or vermin from whatever source, and being covered with a fire-proof roof may be considered a permanent fixture. At a distance of twenty feet from the well on the east, at the foot of Johnson street, stands the boiler-house. This is a substantial brick structure, 34 X 34 feet, resting upon a solid stone foundation, with a chinmey sixty-five feet in height, the stone foundation of which is twelve feet square. In the boiler-room are two non-explosive Firmanich boilers, with a Baragwanath heater and a Worthington duplex feed-pump for forcing water into the boilers. These boilers are the invention of Firmanicli, whose name they bear, an old sugar-refiner of Buffalo, New York, and are rated at a capacity of seventy-five horse-power each. Adjoining the boiler-room on the east is the pumping-room, built of brick and stone, as is the boiler-room, both of them covered with a good slate roof. The pump-room is 34x46 feet, and is supplied with two Worthington pumps — one high pressure and the other a k'W pres- sure pump. The high pressure pump, designed for fire use ex- clusively, is of duplex construction, with 29-inch steam cylinders, 16-inch water plungers, and a 24-inch stroke. This pump has a maximum capacity of 3,000,0(>0 gallons of water in twenty-four hours. The low pressure engine for domestic purposes is a com- pound duplex, its low pressure steam cylinders 24|-inches in di- WINONA AS IT IS. 861 ameter, its high pressure steam cylinders U inches in diameter, with 14-inch water plungers, and 18-incli stroke. This pump has a capacity o! 2,000,000 gallons per twenty-four hours, and the two an aggregate of 5,000,000 gallons, or 160,000 barrels every twenty- four hours. The steam cylinders and chests ol the pumps are handsomely jacketed with black walnut, oil finished, and banded with brass. ' The water cylinders are painted in lake colors, nicely varnished, and modernly ornamented with gold. The pump-room is very tastefully fitted up. The floors, where not covered with oilcloths and mattings, are painted in imitation ot tessel work, and this, with the ornamental work of the cylinders, the bright chandeliers and the stands of flowers, gives a very pleasing variety of color and a cosy cheerfulness to the place, which make it quite an attraction. The credit of this adornment, in great measure, is due to T. H. Botham, chief engineer, and his assistant, H. C. Hig- gins. An electric fire-alarm connects this building with the head- quarters oi the tire department in the city hall. Still east from the pump-room, a distance of 70 feet, rises the standpipe to a height of 210 feet above the cast-iron base and collar on which it rests. The standpipe proper is a wrought-iron tube 210 feet high, 4 feet in diameter, and varying in thickness from seven-sixteenths of an inch at its base to three-sixteenths of an inch at the top. The sections of which it is composed were solidly riveted together as it lay upon the ground, and the whole raised to its place by Captain Woolverton, formerly ot the United States navy, who achieved considerable notoriety in some gunboat operations on the lower Mis- sissippi river during the late war. It was quite an engineering feat to raise that hollow tube of iron, 210 feet long, from a dead level to a living perpendicular ; but the work was skillfully accomplished without accident and the great bore solidly anchored in its upright position September 29, 1882. The foundation upon which it rests is a solid substructure of wood, stone and iron. The excavation is made in the sand to a point below extreme low-water mark, and at this depth the first course of timber is laid. These timbers, 12x12, 6X8 and 3X12, are laid transversely, sohdly bolted together, and being below low-water mark, will be constantly covered, air ex- cluded and decay prevented. Upon this timber foundation the masonry of massive stone is built up. Some of these blocks of stone are of immense size, from 16 to 25 inches in thickness, and all nicely fitted and solidly bedded together. This stonework 862 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. is carried up a height of 17 feet 8 inches above the timber substruc- tui*e on which it rests, and stands about 6 feet above the natural surface of the ground. Upon this massive stone foundation, and firmly ancliored to it, rests the standpipe, from which the pressure upon the mains is supplied. From this foundation also rises the inclosing masonry work of stone and brick surrounding the stand- pipe, yet leaving a space of 2 feet and 8 inches between the inclos- ing wall and the iron tube. This space is filled with a spiral stair- case of iron leading to the top of the standpipe, which is decked over and guarded with an iron railing. The extreme height from the ground to the railing above is about 218 feet, and the view from this elevation is one of the finest conceivable. The first 58 feet of the inclosing wall are of rustic rockwork with cut-stone trimmings, the balance of brick trimmed with cut stone. The standpipe is con- nected with the street mains by a 20-inch pipe, and by its steady, uniform pressure relieves both mains and machinery from the shock of the recoil caused by opening and shutting the hydrants when under great pressure. Of the 20-inch pipe there was laid in the fall of 1882 a total distance of 434 feet, and of 16-incli pipe a dis- tance of 762 feet. This pii)e was laid in Johnston street, and through it connection was made with the 12-incli pipes on Second and Fourth streets, which are the main arteries of the water supply to the east and west ends of the city. At the time this connection was made with the city's pumping-works, a 16-inch gate was put in on John- son street, just south of Second street, and a 12-inch water-gate on Second street, east side of Johnson. During this year, 1882, there were laid, in addition to the pipes already mentioned, 3,333 feet of 8-inch pipe, through which connection was made along Fifth street to the wagon-works in the west end of the city. The entire length of the city mains as now constructed, April 1, 1883, is within a small fraction of 11 miles, and through them are supplied 102 hydrants belonging to the city, and 15 others, which, though con- sidered private property, are under control of the city for fire pur- poses. The actual requirements of the city per day of twenty-four liours is about 500,000 gallons on an average, only one-fourth the capacity of the low pressure pump. A test of the standpipe pres- sure shows a force of about 96 pounds to the square inch in the vicinity of the ])ipe when it is full. At a distance 1^ miles from the pumps the pressure drops to from 80 pounds to 85 pounds per square inch. This latter pressure is estimated to main- WINONA AS IT IS. 863 tain from twelve to fifteen streams of water, if forced through an inch nozzle, to the height of from 100 to 125 feet. The entire cost of the pumping will be about $54,000, and the expenditures of the city for all purposes of water-works construction will not fall much short of $150,000. O. H. Clark is the present water commis- sioner for the city. POLICE DEPARTMENT. The administration of the department of police for the city as now conducted is of comparatively recent date, the very office of chief of police being one of which the city charter makes no mention, nor ever has. The office of marshal, created by the original act of incorporation, in 1857, and recognized in all sub- sequent changes, revisions and amendments of that instrument, is the only office to which is committed the execution of the orders of the council in matters pertaining to the public peace, good order and cleanliness of the city, and all other matters usually falling under the head of police regulations. Reference, it is true, is occasionally made in the charter to police officers, but only in the most general terms, although the city ordinances make frequent allusions thereto, and specially define their duties. From a careful perusal of the city charter and amendments thereto, and the various ordinances passed by the council bearing upon this subject, it ap- pears that the city marshal is the sole responsible head of the police department of the city, and by virtue of the ordinance of September 12, 1872, is ex-officio "acting chief of police," with power to ap- point a deputy chief of police, said appointment subject to the approval of the council. This ordinance of September 12 was supplemented with one bearing date October 7 of that same year, but in neither of these instruments is there any reference to the method by which the members of the police force are to be selected, whether by vote of council, or by appointment of chief, with or without the approval of council. The present mode of procedure is for the city marshal, acting as chief of police, to make such nomi- nations from the several wards as are in judgment most fitting, and present the same to the city council for their iipproval or rejection, the vote of the council being final in that matter. The list of suc- cessive city marshals elected or appointed, just as the demands ot the charter at any particular date required, will be found in the tabulated list of city officials given in a former chapter of this work. Tracing the police history of the city during the twenty-six years of 864 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. its existence — from that beginning in which one marshal had all the leisure necessary to health, to the establishment of tlie force upon its present basis as a department of the second class, there is noth- ing of general interest to demand record. The police department, like all others, has simply grown with the growth of the city, until a more perfect organization of the force was required, the patrol of the streets in regularly established beats, at least upon the more public thoroughfares, and in the vicinity of the saloons, having become a necessity. This, being determined upon by the city council in the spring of 1882, was effectively carried into operation by city marshal W. W. Miller, in his capacity as chief of police. As now existing, the police force of the city consists of a chief, a deputy, a captain, twelve ])atrolmen and six special policemen. The city is districted into eight regular patrol beats and a night patrol assigned to each. The special police are stationed one each at the Central, Madison, Washington and State Normal school buildings, and one each at the passenger depots of the Chicago & Northwestern and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railways. These special police are also employed as night watchmen, the expense of maintaining the depot watchmen being largely borne by the com- panies in whose interest they are employed. The headquarters of the police department is in the city building on Lafayette street, between Third and Fourth streets, and within two blocks of the center of the city. The rooms occupied by them are the chief's office and an outer office, 12x16 feet, out of which the chief's office opens on one side, the city station on another, and the engine-room of the city fire department on still another. The chief's office is a comfortable room, 11x12 feet, provided with two desks, gas-jets, carpeted, connected with the depo*:s, school-buildings, telegraph-offices, and principal business-houses of the city, through the city telephone exchange, and with the pumping-room of the water-works by an electric fire-alarm. The station-room, for taking care of those run in by the police until duly disposed of according to law, is a solid brick roouj about 20x26 feet, has four cells and a corridor, and can accommodate from twenty to twenty-eight persons over night. The cells are of wrought iron, after the latest and most approved plans of construction. The work of the department of police for the twelve months ending March 31, 1883, may be summarized as follows: Arrests made during the year were 653, of which number 312 were tramps or WINONA AS IT IS. 865 vagrants, who were given a night's lodging in the station-house and against wliom no criminal complaint was lodged ; the remaining 341 were drunk, disorderlies, criminals, et Id genus omne. Of these latter about five per cent were what are usually termed the danger- ous classes, and were subjects for state's prison, upon conviction of the crimes charged. The collections made for the benefit of the city treasury during the year by the police department, arising from licenses, fines, etc., aggregated $9,800, itemized as follows: Fines, $1,685; licenses collected for sale of liquors, $7,200; hall licenses, $265 ; auctioneer's license and per cent of sales, $225 ; circus license, $265 ; and peddlar's license, $160. The present officers of the force are: chief of police, W. W. Miller; assistant chief of police, L. K. Esty ; captain of police, Louis Hoffenbecker. The salaries of the officers and men composing the department are: chief, $1,000 and fees, equivalent to $1,800 per annum; assistant-chief, $65 per month and fees, equivalent to $1,100 per annum ; captain, $60 per month; and patrolmen, $50. The special police at the various school-buildings act also as janitors of the buildings, and receive from the city treasury the sum of $55 per month each. The special police at the passenger depots of the railways are paid $5 each per month from the city treasury, *and the balance of, their salary is paid by the companies employing them. FIRE DEPARTMENT. At the time of the incorporation of the city, Winona was entirely unprotected against damage and destruction by fire. There was not at that time even a bucket brigade or an organized effort of any kind, or any volunteer association having for its object the pre- vention of loss by fire, although the population of the city was fully 3,000. The first attempt to aftbrd the city the much-needed protection was made by the city council in the summer of 1857, a few months after the city was duly incorporated. Acting under the authority of the council, two companies were formed, and for their equipment engines were ordered from Boston, hose purchased, engine-house erected, reservoirs for water supply dug, appropriations for firemen's uniform made, and the fire department formally established upon a very respectable basis, the outlay of the city for fire purposes at that time aggregating about $5,000. The first company organized was known as the ''Fire King," of which 0. S. Richardson was foreman, the other officers of the company being 866 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. J. C. Fuller, H. S. Terry, H. B. Cozzens, H. B. Upman, Sam. Melvine, J. E. Gable, R A. lloxtluill, M. M. Barker, J. C. Laird, D. Redenour and M. S. Gordon. The organization of the second company followed hard upon the heels of the iirst, and it is not unworthy of note, that of the committee of three who drafted its constitution and by-laws, one (W. H. Yale) was afterward lieutenant governor of the state, and one (W. Windom) became United States senator and secretary of the treasury. The engines ordered for the fire department by the city council were of the well-known Hunne- man patent, and were considered at that time the best hand fire- engine manufactured, but they were heavy of draught, and by the time the firemen had lugged them a few blocks, through the heavy sands of the city streets, they had little strength or breath left for ' ' manning the breaks " and keeping the pumps at woi-k. The agent employed by the council for their purchase was Mr. C. L. Richard- son, foreman of Fire King No. 1, and he was restricted to an expenditure of $1,600 for the engines and $1,500 for the hose, the terms of payment to be one-fourth cash u])on the delivery of the engines in Winona, and the balance at the expiration of eight months. The engine-house built for their reception was located on north side Second street, between Center and Main, and was burned in the great fire of 1862, at which time the department had all its hose burned, and only saved their engines with the greatest difficulty. From Second street the engines were removed shortly after the fire to the old city building, corner of Fourth and Lafayette streets, now known as the Library building, and this was headquarters for the fire department until the present city building on Lafayette street was erected, in 1870. In 185T the city council ordered the con- struction of a large cistern or reservoir at the intersection of Second and Center streets, which was followed not long afterward by tlie construction of several others in various parts of the city — one being located at the northwest corner of the high school grounds, another on the west side of the gasworks block, another at in- tersection of Winona and Broadway, another at the corner of Washington and Sanborne, and still others in the western part of the city. These have long since been superseded by the water- mains, as have the old engines by the new fire steamer and the hydrants of the water-works. The old engines themselves were recently sold, and the proceeds, $275, turned over to the city treasury. One of them is now doing duty at Sleepy-Eye, having wiNoisrA AS IT IS. 867 been purchased by the authorities of Sleepy-Eye lake, in October, 1881, and the other by the city fathers of Waseca, in the following February, 1882. The organization of the fire companies was soon followed by that of the hook and ladder company, and these were supplemented in 1862 by the formation of bucket companies in the several wards. These bucket companies had quite a numerous membership, and that in the first ward had quite an elaborate drill. Each member was bound to provide himself with a bucket of a given make, so as to preserve uniformity in the brigade, and attend drill at specified times, and report with his bucket at the first fire- alarm. These brigades were all formed early in 1862, but there appears to be no record of their services in the disastrous fire of July follow- ing. That calamity was a very unwelcome yet conclusive demon- stration of the inadequacy of the fire department as it was then equipped, and its utter inability to stay the progress of any fire once it was fairly under way. It was, therefore, only a question of time for some more efficient means of protection against fire to be afforded to the city. This came in a measure five years later, in 1867, when the new steam fire-engine was procured, and more fully with the increased means of protection afforded by the city water- works so recently completed. The new steam fire-engine. City of Winona, No. 1, built by Silsby & Co., of Seneca Falls, is an engine of the second class, and cost at the time of its purchase, in con- nection with the three hose-carts then furnished, the sum of $10,000. The fire department of the city as now conducted is in the main as it was instituted by the ordinance of 1872, and it will be sufficient for the purjooses of this article to present the department as it now is. The present equipment is one steam fire-engine, five hose-carts (three of them two-wheeled carts, and two four-wheeled), all hand-carts ; one hook and ladder truck, furnished with one sixty- five feet extension ladder, one forty-five feet, one twenty-four feet, one sixteen feet and one twelve feet ; and about 4,000 feet of hose. There are six organized companies : Turner Hose Company, No. 1 ; Mys- tic Hose Company, No. 2 ; Live-Oak Hose Company, No. 3 ; Crys- tal Hose Company, No. 4; Alert Hose Company, ISo. 5 ; Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. The Turner, Mystic and Live-Oak hose companies and the Hook and Ladder company have their quarters in the city building, which is the headquarters of the city government, containing tlie rooms of the city council, office of chief 52 868 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of police, and the rooms of the fire department. This building is a substantia] brick, 40x60 feet, with a tower rising eighty feet above the foundation, and furnished with a fire-bell weighing 2,500 pounds. The ground floor of the building is occupied with the en- gines, carts and furniture of the companies as above specified, and their hall for the transaction of business occupies a portion of the second floor. Crystal Hose Company No. 4 occupies what is known as the Jefferson school building in the first ward, and the Alerts are (puirtered in a building belonging to the department situated in the fourth ward. The hall of the firemen in the city building is 18x40 feet, and has been very tastefully fitted up by the depart- ment at an expense of about $000. A rich brussels carpet covered with ducking to protect it, elegantly upholstered chairs and sofa, chandeliers, ornamental dais, walls adorned with engravings and paintings,, together with the dress parade and presentation regalia of the officers, give the hall a most inviting appearance and speak vol- umes for the pride the firemen take in their surroundings. The officers of the fire department are a chief and two assistants, elected by the members of the several companies and confirmed by the council, and a secretary and treasurer elected by the board of direct- ors, the board being constituted of one representative from each company and the officers of the department. Each company man- ages its own affaii'S, subject only to the general rules and regula- tions of the department. For some years past the department has received a stated sum annually from the city treasury. The amount at ])resent derived from that source is $1,500 a year, appropriated to the several companies, each of which receives $250 per annum. Of this sum ten per cent, $25 per company, goes into the general treasury of the department, the balance is the property of the com- panies, to be expended by them as they shall determine. All other revenues of the dejiartment are derived from the membership fees, which are $3 per member per annum, and from fines and the initiation fees of new members. The department is purely volun- tary, the members providing their own caps, shirts, some of which are individual property, some the property of the companies, and all maintained at comparatively trifling cost to the city treasury, from which special appropriations are occasionally made. The report of the chief engineer of the department to the city council for the year just closed, April 30, 1883, shows the number of active firemen connected with the department to be 132. Tlie engine WINONA AS IT IS. 869 is reported in good order, with the exception of suction hose, and all other equipments ready for effective service. The department has 4,000 feet of hose, 3,000 in good condition, and the report recom- mends the immediate purchase of an additional 1,000 feet. Mention is also made of the necessity of the department owning a team for hauling the hook and ladder truck and engine, a want sensibly felt by the members of the department, and which if supplied would A-ery materially increase its efficiency. This with an electric fire-alarm connecting the central station with the hose-houses in the first and fourth wards would very materially facilitate the prompt arrival of the hose companies at whatever point their services might be re- quired, and also obviate the necessity of unnecessarily rousing the citizens by a general fire-alarm. The total number of fire-alarms responded to by the department for the year was twent^^-six. Of these eight were false alarms, four fires that resulted in no loss of property, and fourteen with loss, aggregating $7,750, upon which there was an insurance of $16,000. The officers of the department for the year beginning May 1, 1883, are : Chief engineer, A. W. Fuhrman ; first assistant engineer, Jos. Edwards ; second assistant engineer, W. T. Gage ; secretary, E. A. Ramm ; treasurer, John Von Rohr ; foreman of hose company No. 1, F. A. Moebus ; fore- man of hose company No. 2, L. Koelmel ; foreman of hose company No. 3, T. Chappell ; foreman of hose company No. 4, M. Hanley ; foreman of hose company No. 5, M. Mackey ; foreman of hook and ladder, W. T. Gage. DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. Like all other cities, Winona has felt the effects of the ever-to-be- dreaded "fire fiend." And yet, notwithstanding that her entire business quarter was at one time swept clean, it is a question if she has not been on the whole much more fortunate in escaping loss by fire than the average city of her class and character of business. The lumber interests of the city have always been a leading considera- tion, and the mills of this class, with their yards for piling lumber stretching along not much less than two miles of river front, of which they occupy at least two-thirds, have rendered the city peculiarly susceptible to destruction by fire, and yet it is certainly no exaggera- tion to say that $20,000 would cover all the loss sustained by the mills or to property in their vicinity from fire. For the first ten years of the actual settlement on Wabasha prairie there were no fires of sufficient magnitude to require specific mention, but the city had a 870 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. rude awakening on the morning of July 5, 1862. The previous day, ''the glorious Fourth,'" had been celebrated with great enthusiasm ; the concourse of visitors from the surrounding country had been im- mense ; the streets were literally crowded all day ; the fireworks disjday in the evening was brilliant, and tlie city laid down to rest at a late hour, congratulating herself on having had a really success- ful celebration. Shortly after 1 o'clock on the morning of the fifth the cry of "fire" rang out on the air, quickly followed by the ring- ing of the alarm-bells. The flames, doubtless caused by the fire- works of the previous evening, were found to proceed from the rear of Clapperton's bakehouse on Center street. This bakery stood on the east side of the street, just north of the alley between Second and Merchants Bank. Third streets, where the Merchants Bank now is. The fii'e-engines were promptly on hand, but the compactly-crowded wooden struc- tures, among which the fire originated, were dry as tinder, and before the engines could be brought into use the fire had passed be- yond control. The wind was blowing freshly from the south and east, and the fire was swept rapidly down the wooden row of build- ings toward the corner of Second and Center streets, the very busi- ness center of the cit}^ In this vicinity there were a dozen families occupying rooms in the second and third stories of buildings, and many of these had barely time to escape with their lives, destitute even of sufficient clothing to properly cover them. The wind in- creased in strength as the fire spread, and despite all effort to con- fine tlie flames to the block in which they originated, they were WIlSrONA AS IT IS. 871 driven across Center street and tlie block on the west side was soon in flames. Tliis occurred about half-past two o'clock, or a little over an hour from the time the fire was discovered. By three o'clock the fire had crossed Second street on both sides of Center, and the entire section of the city lying between Lafayette street on the east. Main street on the -west. Third street on the south and the river on the south was absolutely swept clean of buildings. Within these limits were comprised four full blocks of the most conij^actly built struc- tures in the city and fully nine-tenths of its business houses and stocks of merchandise. To the heroic exertions of the bucket com- panies was owing the preservation of that section of the city lying west of Main street. The fire was checked at Main street a little after daylight, and the morning broke upon a scene of utter desolation. The smoldering ruins of the principal business houses of the city told their own tale of loss irreparable to the trade of the young city. The piles of goods and merchandise scattered on the" levee and streets, some of it burning, much of it spoiled in the act of removal, told too plainly of ruined merchants and wrecked mercantile hopes. In tlie short space of from three to four hours 110 buildings were reduced to ashes and a much greater number of persons bereft of places of business, dwellings, goods, clothing, household efi'ects, etc., and in their place was left a scene of desolation only to be im- agined, not described. The office of the daily and weekly "Repub- lican " was wiped out with the rest, only the subscription and account books saved. The losses reported and published in the "Republican" of July 9, four days after the fire, which was printed at the office of the St. Paul "Press," shows an aggregate loss, as scheduled, of $299,- 875, upon which there was an insurance of $78,200. This schedule, as was to be expected, was most incomplete, and after investigations showed that the actual computable loss was about half a million of dollars, upon which there was not more than eighteen per cent of in- surance. No loss of life occurred, nor is it known that any perma- nent injury resulted from such minor accidents as happened. The heaviest loser was IST. S. Wickersham, druggist, whose loss was placed at $20,000, upon which there was not one dollar of insurance. The losses ranged from $50 up to this amount, and was particularly dis- astrous in that so many small dealers were burned out, and those just commencing business totally broken up in trade, the losers of $5,000 or upward only representing seventeen per cent of the whole 872 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. number reported. This fire is usually spoken of as the " fire of July 4, 1862, which burned up the city." Some time during the following September (date not accurately preserved) the old sawmill built by Wyckofi" & Hylands, afterward known as the Porter, Garlock & Van Gorder mill, caught fire from the smokestacks of the Laird & Norton sawmill, and was burned. The loss was $5,000, no insurance, and its destruction is referred to simply because it was the first mill of any kind ever erected in this city, having been built in the fall and early winter of 1855. Standing just alongside of this sawmill was the planing-mill of Grant & Stevens, which narrowly escaped destruction at the same time, Mr. Grant remarking afterward that the "greatest luck he had had in connection with the mill was saving it under such cir- cumstances," This satisfaction was short-lived, and the planing- mill, also an old landmark, the first planing-mill built in the city, did not long survive the sawmill. This latter tire occurred July 27, 1863, at about half-past four in the afternoon, and in half an hour the mill and stock were totally consumed. The loss was about $7,000, upon which, as in the former case, there was no insurance. On Sunday morning, March 12, 1865, another destructive fire visited the business portion of the city. This fire was just west of the section burned over in 1862. It originated in the west end of tlie Hubbard block, corner of Main and Second streets. Three store- rooms in Hubbard's block and three other business houses with dwellings or offices overhead were destroyed. The progress of the fire was ra]>id, but the wooden building in which it occurred being fianked by brick structures on Main and Second streets, and tlie wind being in the east, not driving the flames across Main street to the wooden buildings there, the tire was circumscribed in its limits and burned itself out in about two hours, the disorganized condition of the fire department and the unserviceableness of the engines aflfording no relief in that quarter. The total loss was $50,000, divided among nearly a score of people. One-half this loss fell upon 5. D. Jackson & Co., who were damaged $25,000. one-half covered by insurance. Tliere were some narrow escapes, and some of the occupants of the upper rooms would doubtless have perished in the flames but for the timely assistance rendered ; most of these escaped in their night-clothing, losing all their eft'ects. The entire amount of insurance was $22,100. On August 19, 1865, another of the landmarks of Winona's early WINONA AS IT IS. 873 manufacturing industries was destroyed ; this was the old gristmill erected in 1850, at the west end of town, on the corner of the block, diagonally across Second street from where Youmans Bros. & Hodgins' lumber office now stands. The alarm was sounded early in the evening from the whistle of Youmans Bros' sawmill, and it was at first supposed that the fire was in that mill. The gristmill was originally erected by one Fogg, and passed into the possession of H. D. Huff shortly afterward. It was never a successful venture, and after several attempts to keep the stones running it was suft'ered to lie idle. It was a strongly built two-and- a-half story structure, and should have had a more kindly fate as the ]3ioneer flourmill in a city since noted for its successful milling operations. The mill was valued at the time of its de- struction at about $12,000, upon which there was an insurance of about $7,000. Youmans Bros' mill had a very narrow es- cape and was on fire several times, but the efforts to save it proved successful. On the afternoon of Sunday, June 20, 1875, a fire broke out in the shaving-room of Mr. Conrad Bohn's mill on the levee, foot of Laird street. The wind was blow- ing from the south across the river, and the water-works pipes connected with Laird & Norton's mills did splendid service, effect- ually preventing the spread of the flames to the piles of lumber in the vicinity, and avoiding what might very easily have become a general conflagration. The fire originated in the boiler-room, where the engineer and watchman had been engaged in cleaning boilers, and had just started a fire a short time before the smoke was seen by the watchman, who was at that time at work in the upper story. The engines were immediately tried, but as there was not a pound of steam up the mill was left to its fate, as the pumps could not be worked. The internal arrangements for quenching fire were admi- rable, iron pipes running all through the mill, and had the pumps been supplied with steam the extinguishing of the fire would have been easily effected. As it was, only the safe, patterns, books, accounts, and some stock in the wa} of glass, tools, etc., were saved. The building was new, had been erected the previous season at a cost of $35,000, in addition to which loss there were several carloads of valuable lumber, among them some choice black-walnut, a large amount of finished work ready for delivery, and some expensive full glass fronts, glazed and stored in one of the upper stories. The entire loss footed up about $45,000, upon which there was a small 874 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. insurance of" $6,000. The loss was more tlian personal ; it ert'ected ])uilding operations and threw a large number of persons out ot employment. Early in the morning of April 28, 1876, quite a destructive lire occurred on the corner of Main and Second streets, in a row of wooden buildings erected there after the great tire of 1862, and which had such a narrow escape when the Hubbard block was burned in 1865. The tire was contined to the four buildings on the corner, and only made no further progress because a sub- stantial brick tirewall had been built in the rear of the buildings, and also on the east, in anticipation ot just such a catastrophe, and pending the erection of brick structures. The entire loss was fully covered by the insurance, $11,650. Here again the new water- works ]>rove(l effective. Three daj'S later a tire broke out on the levee in an old building known as the Riverside Hotel, an ancient city landmark erected by Taylor, Bennett & Co. and L. D. Smith & Co. in 1856. It stood near the corner of Lafayette street, and at the time of its erection cost about $6,500, and was the tinest building the city boasted at that time. It had a history. Was at one time tlie head- quarters of the Transit Railway Company, now the Winona & St. Peter, who had their general offices in the building; was the United States land office, when L. D. Smith was receiver of that office in the flush days of Winona's early jn'osperity. It was afterward used as a high school building; then was i-etitted as a hotel, in which latter cai)acity it was not a success. At the time of its destruction it was owned by Mr. John Kendall, the wholesale druggist, and was rented and occu})ied. As some attempts had previously been made to tire the building, the general voice declared the act incendi- ary by which it was tinally destroyed. Mr. Kendal's insurance was about $2,500. carried by companies for which he was himself agent. The wooden block on the southwest corner of Center and Second street, in the very heart of the burned district, had been replaced by a substantial three-story brick, with stone basement, known as the Simpson block. About 1 o'clock a.m. on Sunday, January 14, 1877, tire was discovered in the boot and shoe store of Mr. Blanchard, on the tirst floor of the block. The alarm was im- mediately given, but the fire had gained too great headway to be arrested, and the entire block was doomed to destruction. There being no brick partitions, the fire swept through the entire structure from front to rear and from basement to topstone. The first flo(^r WINONA AS IT IS. 875 was occupied by S. Friend & Co., clothiers; J. L. Brink & Co., drygoods, and L. F. Blancluird, boots and shoes. The second story was occupied by various parties, as oifices, dressmaking and mil- linery rooms, etc. ; and the third floor was fitted for society halls, and occupied by the I.O.O.F., Sons ol Temperance and Temple of Honor. The principal loss fell upon the owner, Y. Simpson, Esq., and the merchants on tke main floor. Mr. Simpson's loss was $25,000, insured for $16,000; J. L. Brink, loss $12,500, in- sured for $15,000; L. F. Blanchard, loss $12,000, insured for $11,- 000, and S. Friend, insured for $11,500, which will much more than cover all his loss, as most ol his goods were removed. The entire loss was summed up at about $70,000, upon which there was insurance to the amount of $55,000. Damage was done some buildings on Center street, in the rear of the block, but not to any serious extent. The entire block, save the walls, which through the exertions of the firemen were preserved from injury, was immedi- ately rebuilt at a cost of $40,000. Two years later a fire broke out in the block on the east side of Center street facing Second, also within the old burned district of 1862, in a brick building occupied by A. Moses as a billiard hall and liquor store, and owned by Otto Troost. Adjoining this building was the wholesale crockery house of A. S. Gregory & Co. The fire was discovered early on Tuesday morning, or about midnight of Monday, March 3, 1879, in the basement of the Troost building, where Mr. Moses had stored a large stock of wines and liquors. The efiective work of the fire department saved the building from total destruction, but the damage by water, smoke and fire was so great that nothing of value remained. The loss to Gregory & Co. was largely from water and smoke, the floors being flooded and the roof burned away. Mr. Moses, loss was $10,000, insured for $4,500. Gregory & Co. were insured for $14,300, and the loss was about thirty i)er cent of that amount. Mr. Troost was insured for $4,000, which would probably cover the loss. Since this date there has been no fire in the business portion of the city of any magnitude. Two fires that have occurred at the car and machine shops of the Chicago & Northwestern Kailroad must be briefly mentioned, and these will close the list. The first of these fires occurred in the car shop, a two-story brick building 140 feet long, 80 feet wide, engine- room 25^X27 feet. There were two planers, three saws, a match- ing machine, mortising machine, lathe, and some cars undergoing 876 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. repairs, on the first floor, aTid the upholstering rooms and pattern rooms and some clioice lumber on the second floor. It originated in the attempt of the night-watchman to kindle a fire in the boilei- room with a too free use of turpentine, about six o'clock in the morning of October 21, 1881. The loss, as reported by master mechanic W. A. Scott, was about $10,000, and he pronounced it the result of gross carelessness. The explosion which followed the ignition of the turpentine occurred so close to the fire apparatus that before water could be turned on or pumps started the fire had gained too great headway to be controlled, and the building witli all its contents was a total loss ; no insurance. The second fire at the Chicago & Northwestern machine shops occurred on the morning of April 11, 1883, at about three o'clock, and the cause of its origin is not accurately known. It was first discovered near the partition between the tinshop and the round- house, and spread with great rapidity. The size and character of the buildings are noted in article found elsewhere. The means at hand were insufficient to check the ravages of the flames, and the nearest fire-plug being at the wagon-works one thousand feet distant, some delay was experienced in getting the steamer to play upon the fire, the machine-shops lying outside of, the district reached by the water-mains. There were seventeen locomotives in the roundhouse at the time the fire started. Six of these were run out safely, the rest were more or less damaged. The roundhouse, machine-shop, blacksmith-shop, engine-room, boiler-house and tinshop were burned. The railmill, office, storeroom and carshop (rebuilt from the fire of 1881) were all saved. The direct loss was about $40,000. The indirect loss in patterns for shafting, etc., has no computable estimate. Before the fire the railway compan_y had determined to make some changes, enlarging their capacity and increasing the number of their workmen. This work was promptly undertaken as soon as the fire occurred, and tlie preparation of plans begun. The improvements, which will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible, are, in brief, these : The old machine-shop will be rebuilt as a blacksmith-shop and boiler-shop ; the former blacksmith-shop will be rebuilt as a coppersmith-shop and engine-room. A new machine-shop will then be built on the south side of the main track, just west of the old machine-shop, one opening into the other. The new structure will be 222 feet long and 96 feet wide. There will be also a new oil and store room, 60x40 feet. The estimated cost of WINONA AS IT IS. 877 these improvements, and the machinery to equip them, will be about $80,000. When completed the mechanical force of the shops will be increased about thirty per cent. WINONA POSTOFFICE, There is, perhaps, no one fact more significant of the almost immeasurable chasm that bridges the distance between the Winona of thirt}'^ years ago and the Winona of today than that which, according to "Nasby," is "postoffis." From the date at which Elder Ely was popularly said to have held the office in his hat, and which was perhaps much nearer the literal truth than is nowadays imagined, until today, is not quite thirty-one years, and yet what changes ! The first appointment of postmaster for the ofiice, now known as Winona, was made in July, 1852, at which time the ofiice was officially designated as Montezuma. The appointee was George S. Baker, who, being a non-resident, was ineligible, and never assumed the duties of the ofiice. On August 16 following, the appointment was conferred on Abner S. Goddard, and the name of the office changed to Winona. The notice of this appointment reached Mr. Goddard while lying very sick, and he refused to qualify. This sickness proved fatal, and the little settlement would have been without a mail had not Elder Ely cut the Gordian knot. The mail arrived, and as Mr. Goddard never had qualified for the office he did not deem it right to open the sack, and so refused. Elder Ely, wlio was present with his wife, considered the situation demanded a prompt action, and as the main thing, after all, was for each one to receive the letters addressed them, he broke open the sack and made the distribution. By this act the "elder" seemed to have appointed himself post- master, and there seems to be no doubt that for some time he discharged the duties of postmaster of the new office very acceptably. Not long after the events narrated, the last steamer arrived for the season, and the mail was carried on foot from Prairie du Chien to Fort Snelling. There is no record of any appointment of post- master in 1853, and the probability is that Elder Ely acted as mail distributor for the entire region for a period of about two years, making frequent trips to La Crosse, and bringing mail from the office at that point to parties in Winona. Just prior to the estab- lishment of the land office here, in the fall of 1854, John W. Downer 878 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. was appointed postmaster of Winona, and opened the office in a small building on Front street, where the elevator of the Winona INIilling Company now stands. This office Mr. Downer held until May t5, 1861, when he was succeeded by C. II. Blanchard, wlio was postmaster four years, and then surrendered his office to C. F. Buck, whose commissi(m was dated July 21, 1865. Mr. Buck's services as Winona postmaster ceased when his successor, D. Sinclair, Esq., was appointed, May 16, 1869. Since then there has been no change, Mr. Sinclair having held the office by successive reapix/intments for a little over fourteen years. When the office was taken charge ot by the present postmaster it was located on the east side of the alley on Third street, north side, where Orrin Drew's fruit and conlectionery store now is. Prior to that time the office had been on its travels. It had been established in the Downer building ; it was twice located on the corner where Mues block is; once on the corner of Third and Center, where Rheinberger's dry-goods house now is; then on Main street, between Third and Fourth, in the small frame building occupied by Bell as a bath- house ; and once on south side Second street, between Center and Lafaj'ette street, where it was burned out, and possibly in other locations. Mr. Sinclair, maintained the office in the small building on the north side of Third street until the present post- office building was erected, in 1872, at which time (April 1, 1872) the office was removed to its present location on the northeast corner of Third and Center streets. This building was erected by Winona capitalists under a contract with the United States postal department to rent the first floor for postoffice ])urposes for a term of years, and was one of the first buildings erected under such contracts with the department. The building is (as stated elsewhere) a three-story brick with stone foundations and high basement. The floor occupied by the postoffice is 90x24 feet, and in the basement there is a mailing-room 24x40 feet. Upon the main floor is the office for the delivery clerks, most conveniently arranged for distributing mail and delivering it at call. The postoffice boxes, 1,500 in number, are ranged around the three sides of the parallelogram within which the clerks answer all calls for mail through the ample delivery windows. The outer floor room is ample, as the space between the boxes and the side-walls of the exterior office is fully six feet, while the space in front is four times as great. Double doors on Center and Third streets afford ample exit, and a well-supplied news and stamp WINONA AS IT IS. 879 counter, in a recess on the right as you enter from Third street, accommodates the public demand for daily papers, and saves the delay of m-aking change for stamps at the delivery windows of the postoffice. The money-order office and the postmaster's private office are in the rear of the main and delivery rooms, and a fireproof vault affords ample security against loss of valuable packages belonging to the department, as this is the depositing office for all the fourth-class offices in southern and central Minnesota. The work of the mailing clerk is exceptionally heav}' for an office of this class in a city of this size, as it is not only a separating office, but makes Up special pouches for delivery at stations along the entire line of the Winona & St. Peter and Dakota Central railways. When Mr. Sinclair assumed charge of the office it was one of the second class, but under the old system of classification it was raised to an office of the first class, and had so rated for a few months when the present law of classification was adopted by the department, and it became, as now, an office of the second class. The staff of the office : Assistant postmaster and clerk in the money-order office, two delivery clerks, mailing clerk and assistant. The amount of mail matter originating in this office, as shown by the official state- ment of the third week in December, 1880, was : Total number of letters mailed 18,274 '' Postal cards 3,4o7 '■ Newsj^apers and periodicals 6,049 " '■ Packages oi' transit i)rinted matter 523 " " Packages merchandize 1 19 Grand total 28,4(i2 The corresponding week of last year was estimated at an increase of twenty per cent throughout, which would make a grand total for that date of 34,082 letters, postal cards, etc., mailed at this office in one week. The volume of business of the office is shown in the appended financial statement for the year closing December 31, 1882, and which the report made at that time affirms to be an increase in postal receipts over those of previous year equal to thirteen per cent of the full amount. A very large increase in the registration work of the office is also reported. POSTAL BUSINESS. Stamps, envelopes, etc . sold $17.07(\(i8 Waste paper sold 'i—'B Received from box rents 1,939.25 $19,019.19 Deduct expense account 6.611.75 Net revenue to the department $12,407.44 880 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. GENERAL ACCOUNT. RECEIVED. Postal funds deposited by other postmasters $23,oti6.06 Net revenue of this office 12,407.44 Total $35,973.50 DISBURSKO. Remitted United States treasurer $29,525.06 Paitl railway postal clerks and mail messenger 6,448.44 $35,973.50 MONEY ORDER BUSINESS. RECEIPTS. 4,668 Domestic orders issued $.50,018.30 Fees on same 541.20 15 Canadian orders issued 240.95 Fees on same 4.20 40 British orders issued 529.31 214 German orders issued 2,641.36 5 French orders issued 32.75 17 Swiss orders issued 202.45 Drafts on New York 29,700.00 $83,910.52 DISBURSED. 4,614 Domestic orders paid $79,300,45 10 Canadian " " 260.75 9 British " " 282.62 102 German " " 3,542.89 ] 1 Swiss " " 409.02 Balance on hand December 31 114.79 $83,910.52 Grand total $167,821.04 REGISTRY BUSINESS. No. I )f registered letters received for delivery l'),844 " " dispatched 1,644 " '• " and packages received in transit 36,948 Total number handled T 42,436 SUMMARY OF GROSS RECEirTS. The following table exhibits the gross annual postal receipts of the office for a series of years, beginning with 1870. These figures accurately reflect the general business condition, the fluctuations and growth of the city during that time : Year. Amount. ' Year. Amount. 1870 $9,:;82.83 ' 1877 13,018.76 1871 10,065.34 1878 13,796.08 1872 10,813.12 1879 14,2:54.61 1873 12,362.46 1880 15,371.10 1874 14,174.32 1881 16,902.42 1875 12,778.14 ■ 1882 19,019.19 1876 12,649.07 ' WINONA AS IT IS. 881 BOARD OF TRADE. The tirst attempt of wliich any record has been preserved, looking toward the organization of a board of trade at this place, was made nearly eighteen years ago, shortly after the close ot the war of the rebellion. At a meeting held October 11, 1865, the draft ot a constitution and by-laws was presented, read, and its fur- ther consideration postponed one week. These are spread upon the record-book of the "old board," but there is no minute noting their adoption, and the general impression seems to be that they were never either considered or acted upon. A president, vice-president, board of directors, secretary, treasurer, grain inspector and com- mittee on arbitration were elected, and it would seem from the short-lived transactions of this body that its primal object was to regulate and facilitate dealings in grain and produce, Winona being at that time a very extensive wheat market, meetings for regulating grain deals being held daily from two to three o'clock. Kailway discussions were also under way, a connection being desired with St. Paul on the north and Green Bay on the east. The extension of the Winona & St. Peter railway was also agitated at that time. There is nothing known to determine what influence, if any, these discussions had upon the projects mentioned, all of which were sub- sequently consummated, but it is a fair inference that the agita- tion in the "old board of trade" had some influence in requiring these results, so conducive to the prosperity and material growth of the city. After an existence of about six months the "board" ceased to be, at least there is no record of its meeting later than April 23, 1856. The second attempt to create a "board of trade" was made December 27, 1869, at which date the organization was partially effected, a constitution and by-laws being adopted, and the names of about sixty members enrolled. Four days later the organization was perfected by the election of officers, and the event duly cele- brated by the action of the board emphatically disapproving of the establishment of the Holly system of waterworks by the city (see article on waterworks). Seven meetings of this "second board of trade" are recorded as being held prior to January 21, 1870, and these were devoted mainly to the consideration of railway projects. These were the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul, the Chicago & St. Paul, and the Winona & Southwestern, the latter one of the most important railway lines proposed for the interests of the city. 882 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. but which was unfortunately allowed to fail of execution, after its success seemed positively assured (for particulars see railway ar- ticle.) The last meeting held by this organization was on June 27, 1870, at which time there were but five members present to hear the reading of the treasurer's report, which seems to have wound up '' Winona Board of Trade" No. 2, as no further record of its trans- actions appears. Like its predecessor the work of this "board," though only existing through a period of six months, discussed measures and helped to further measures that have been of lasting benefit to the city. There is scarce a doubt that a recognition of the really substantial results secured through the former "boards of trade" had no little bearing u})on the question of making one more attempt to establish a board of trade and give it permanency. The subject was taken up by the daily press in the summer of 1879, and in a series of able editorials the "Daily Rei)ublican " urged the establish- ment of a board of trade as a necessary antecedent to a new era of commercial prosperity. Trade was stagnant, population certainly not increasing, manufactures at a standstill, and there was an urgent necessity for some revival of business enterprise such as had been experienced at an early stage of Winona's growth. These articles in the "Kepublican" brought forth fruit. They were of a practical character and very succinctly set forth the advantages of Winona as a receiving, manufacturing and distributing point, and a live or- ganization of business men for the protection of the interests already centered here, and the inauguration of new manufacturing and com- mercial enterprises, was earnestly advocated. A call in accordance with the spirit of these articles was issued for a meeting of those interested, and after one or two preliminary gatherings the organiza- tion of the present Winona board of trade was formally effected, Aug- ust 21, 1879. The name of the association is designated in the con- stitution thereof as the "Board «f Trade of the City of Winona," and the object of its organization "to unite the mercantile, manu- facturing, shipping and other material interests for the purpose of advancing and increasing the trade and business of the city of Wi- nona; to promote just and equital)le principles of trade; to discover and correct abuses ; to support such means as may be deemed best to promote these ends ; and to use their influence as a body to protect their rights and interests as citizens and l>usiness men." From this declaration of principles it appears that the board of trade has become to no small degree the sponsor of the city and the guardian WEsroisrA as it is. 883 of its materia] interests, rather than an exchange for market quota- tions and grain, provision and stock deals. That the responsible duties thus assumed have not been lightly undertaken or carelessly esteemed seems evident upon a review ot the transactions of the board and a resume of the industries fostered and undertaken through its agency or under its stimulus. Before we make this review, a word as to its management. This control is vested in the hands of the president, vice-presidents (2), secretary and treasurer (ex-officio directors), and twenty-four directors, all of whom are to be residents of the city of Winona, Merchants Hotel. and members of the board of trade. The annual meeting is held on the second Monday in January of each year, at which time^^the election of officers is held, their term of service being for one year. The term of director is for three years, eight of the twenty-four members of the board being chosen annually. The original officers of the board of trade were : President, Thos. Wilson ; first vice- president, W. H. Laird ; second vice-president, S. C. White ; secretary, Wm. F. Phelps ; treasurer, L. P. Brooks, who held office from the organization of the board until the annual meeting in 1880. The directors hold monthly meetings, and special meetings of both 53 884 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the association and the directors are provided for. The fees for membership are $5 or more per annum, and new members pay the same amoimt on signing the constitution, no further payments being required unless by reguhir assessment until the ensuing annual meeting. The standing committees of the board are on finance, manufactures, city affairs, wholesale and jobbing trade, legislation, transportation routes, and rates and membership. Including the regular and special meetings of both the association and its direc- tory, fifty-six meetings were held prior to the annual election of 1883. The present officers of the boaid of trade are : Pi-esident, Q. B. 5 1875 Real property $2,223,019 " Personal property. . . • 1,469,250 1880 Real i)roperty . . .' 2,649,564 •• Personal property. .. . 1,231,511 1882 Real projjerty ..." 2,833,010 '• Personal property ... 1,256,386 This places the total valuation of the taxable property of the city at a little over |4, 000, 000. In securing this valuation it must be 894 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. remembered tluit the valuation of property as it appears rated upon the tax lists is notoriously lower than its actual worth. BONDS AUTHORIZED, ISSUED AND REDEEMED. The history of a people's liberality or parsimony in matters of public expenditure is always of value in fixino; the boundary between a wise expenditure of the public funds on the one hand, and a too lavish or a too niggardly outlay on the otlier. A detailed statement in the present instance will not be found necessary, and the follow- ing general presentation of facts concerning the authorized and actual issue of bonds, making of loans and redemption of pledges thus made, will be all that is needed. Our object is simply to show how far the credit of the city has been pledged, how wisely these pledges have been made, how carefully the monetary interests of the citizens have been guarded in making them, and to what extent these pledges have been redeemed. The actual results in the sev- eral enterprises thus cherished it is not our province now to con- sider, as these are more fully set forth in tlie special notices made of these several enterprises separately considered. The first authorization of a loan by the city council of Winona antedates the admission of the state into the federal union, and was made by act of territorial legislature, approved x\ugust2, 1858. The amount of this loan was fixed at a maximum of $10,000, the rate of interest not to exceed twelve per cent per annum, and the purpose of the loan was to meet some outstanding obligations of the city and erect a suitable building for school purposes. No record of the city's action in the matter appears. Inasmuch as there was no school building erected in the city for years thereafter, and that the council was in straits for money wherewith to pay the expenses of engines and hose for her recently created fire department, it is a fair inference that the loan never was made. This inference is corrobo- rated by an examination of the tax list, which shows no special school tax for that or years immediately following, and the then city recorder has no rec(jl lection of any vote of the city being ordered for the apj)i-()val or disapproval of such loan. By an act of the legis- lature of the State of Minnesota, approved February 28, 1866, the board of education of the city of Winona was authorized to nego- tiate a loan of $15,000, said loan to be made upon the credit of the city, by bond duly executed by the common council upon the wish of the citizens expressed at the polls. These bonds were required WINONA AS IT IS. 895 to be issued at par, and the annual rate of interest was limited to ten per cent. The issue of these bonds being approved by the vote of the people, they were offered for sale and disposed of on or be- fore December 26 of that same year. The proceeds, $15,000, were deposited with the treasurer of the city, and used in aid of the build- ing fund of the central school. These bonds were redeemed within six years of their issue and canceled ; $3,500 in 1869, the same amount in 1870, $4,000 in 1871, and the remaining $4,000 one year later. March 4, 1867, the state legislature authorized the city coun- cil to issue bonds to the amount of $100,000, in aid of the La Crosse, Trempeleau & Prescott Railway and Bridge Company, a corporation whose objects are sufficiently indicated in the above title. The rate of interest was limited to six per cent. The scheme was not suc- cessfully prosecuted, and the bonds of the city were never issued. March 1, 1868, the legislature authorized the city council to expend the sum of $10,000 in improving the approaches to the city on the north side of the Mississippi river, across the Wisconsin bottoms, directly opposite the city. For this purpose no bonds were issued, but special orders were drawn on the credit of the city for $5,000 expended in this work, and it is but just to include that amount in this schedule. March 2, 1868, the city council was duly authorized by the state legislature to bond the city to the extent of $15,000, in aid of the state normal school located here. The matter was ap- proved, the bonds issued and negotiated, and the proceeds, $15,000, were conveyed into the treasury of that institution. The bonds, as will be noted, were issued at par ; they had ten years in which to mature, and drew interest at ten per cent per annum, payable semi- annually. These bonds were all paid at maturity, and canceled as follows: $2,000 on the ninth day of March, 1877, $8,000 in Octo- ber, 1878, and the remaining $5,000 on the sixth day of the follow- ing month. Their date of issue was November 1, 1868. The same year that the normal school bonds were issued the state legislature authorized the city council of Winona (act of March 4), upon the sanctioning vote of the citizens, as in such cases required, to bond the city to the amount of $100,000 to aid in the construction of a line of railway from St. Paul through Winona to Chicago, known as the St. Paul & Chicago railway. The matter was submitted to the people, approved by them, and after some delay the bonds were issued and placed in the hands of trustees, to be by them turned over to the Minnesota Construction Company upon the completion 896 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ot tlie j-oiid as per schedule, the Minnesota Construction (Company having the contract for bnikling the pro])osed line of railway. The agreement of tho construction company was not kept with the city of Winona in important particulars (see railway article), but the company succeeded in obtaining possession of the bonds. Suit was begun by the city to recover damages equivalent to the value of the bonds, and the view taken by the city in the case was sustained by the courts, and the bonds were finally surrendered. These bonds were negotiated at six per cent per annum, to mature in from twenty to thirty years. March 3, 1869, an annual appropriation, amounting to $1,000, for the maintenance of a public library in the city, but the vote taken on that subject resulted in defeating the project. February :27, 1871, by act of legislature of that date, the city council were authorized to issue the bonds of the city for $150,000 in aid of the Minnesota and Southwestern railway. The proposed line was to connect with the Green Bay & Minnesota at its western terminus across the river, and run in a southwesterly direction, crossing the state line into Iowa at some point not definitely fixed. The proposition was received by the citizens with favor, the aid voted, and the city was ready to issue its bonds, but the project fell through after the line had been surveyed at an expense to the city of $3,000, and the charter for the road secured. The bonds authorized were there- fore never issued. The city treasury being at a 'low ebb, Feb- ruary 24, 1872, the city council were authorized to issue bonds to the amount of $20,000 to pay the floating indebtedness. The vote approving the issue was polled, and the bonds were issued in de- nominations of $1,000 each, bearing interest at ten per cent per annum, and were negotiated as follows, at the Deposit National Bank of this city: $10,000 on March 21, 1872, $7,000 on the 5th of the following June, and $3,000 on the 7th day of April, 1873. The entire issue was made payable in three years from the date of negotiation, and $13,000 were paid March 20, 1875; an additional $3,000 was paid April 10, 1879, and the remaining $4,000 on the following October 1. February 28, 1873, the legislature authorized the issue of $80,000 water-works bonds, provided the requisite ma- jority vote of the citizens could be obtained, but, as appears under the article (water- works), the citizens were not ready for the project, and no bonds were issued. February 5, 1874, the issue of $50,000 in bonds in aid of the Green Bay & Minnesota railway was au- wnsroNA AS it is. 897 thorized, the bonds to bear no higher rate of interest than eight per cent, and mature in twenty years from date of issue. These bonds, in reality, were intended to cover a private subscription amounting to $35,000, made bj private citizens of Winona in aid of the above- mentioned railway, which subscription had been made upon the tacit understanding that being for the general good the general credit of the city would be invoked to reimburse the subscribers. The citi- zens, nevertheless, refused to vote the issue of the bonds for that purpose, and the subscribers to the Green Bay & Winona rail- way had the meager satisfaction that their money had " gone where it would do most good " to somebody beside themselves. This was the last attempt made to bond the city for railway purposes. The board of education of the city of Winona, having in contemplation the erection of a creditable school-building in the western part of the city, applied for and secured the authoi-ity of the legislature for the issue by the city of school bonds to the amount of $15,000, the bonds to run for a period of from one to six years, and bear inter- est at a rate not to exceed nine per cent per annum. The bonds were issued at various dates as the work of the board of education de- manded — $10,000 of them prior to January 1, 1875, and the remain- ing $5,000 April 10, 1875. The proceeds were turned over to the building fund of the board of education, then engaged in erecting the Madison school building. These bonds have all been redeemed and canceled as follows: $2,500 in March, 1876; $1,500 in March, 1877; $2,000 in March, 1878; $3,000 in March, 1880; $4,000 in March, 1881. The remaining $2,000 were not canceled until 1883, the holder being a non-resident of the state, and careless in present- ing them, but interest ceased at maturity, April 10, 1881. In the meantime the board of education had decided on building in the eastern part of the city, favorable legislation being secured by an act approved January 25, 1876, and the affirmative vote of the city obtained. The bonds of the city were issued in behalf of the board of education, for a further sum of $25,000, interest at not more than eight per cent per annum ; bonds to run from eight to fifteen years. These bonds were all issued, and none of them have yet matured. February 15; 1877, the issue of $-10,000 water bonds was authorized by the legislature of the state to meet expenses already incurred by the city in laying mains and meeting contract entered into with the mills to supply pumping power, as noted in article on water-works. The issue was approved by the vote of the city, and the bonds were 898 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. accordingly drawn and negotiated. The interest was not to exceed seven per cent, and the term for wliich they were issued was limited to ten years. By January 1, 1878, $21,000 of the issue had been placed, $5,000 more were taken by February 6 of that same year, and the I'emaining $8,000 the following month. These bonds have still four years to run. On March 8, 1878, the issue of $30,000 for ferry and bridge purposes, and for the cojistruction of a permanent roadway across the Wisconsin bottoms to the ferry landing on the north side of the river, was authorized by the act of legislature of the above date, sanctioned by a vote of the citizens, and issued as follows: $1,500 issued March 19, 1880, bearing interest at seven per cent; $5,000 issued on 1st day of the following April, interest at six per cent, and $23,500 negotiated January 1, 1883, at an annual interest of five per cent. These bonds mature in from ten to twenty years. The issue of $12,000 to cover the floating debt of the city was authorized February 17, 1881. These bonds were drawn to mature in fifteen years, and bear interest at seven per cent per annum. Of these bonds $7, 000 have been issued to cover special orders cashed at Winona Deposit Bank, in anticipation of this enabling act of P'eb- ruary, which was called for by resolution of the council. Bonds for the remaining $5,000 never were issued. November 4, 1881, the issue of $10,000 for macadamizing and paving the streets of the city was authorized but not issued. At the same date the legislature authorized the council of tlie city to issue bonds to the full amount of $60,000, for the erection of pumping-works for the city mains and the establishment of a system of water-works. These bonds were to bear six per cent interest at maximum, and run for twenty years from date of issue. They were negotiated as follows : August 11, 1882, $20,000, at five percent; August 15, 1882, $20,000, at five per cent ; and September -1, 1882, $20,000, same rate of interest. These bonds will not mature this century. It appears from the above statement of the bond and loan transactions of the city that no funds of the city have been exi)en(led in aid of railway construction beyond the amount of $3,000, for sur- veys in connection with the Winona and Southwestern : that the bonds of the city were never issued for railway construction save in the case of the St. Paul & Chicago, and that the city recovered the amount so conveyed. A reca})itulation of the amounts autliorized by the legislature, actually issued or borrowed by the city, as also the bonds canceled on loans paid, and outstanding bonds at this WINONA AS IT IS. 899 date, are as follows : total amount authorized bj acts of Minnesota state legislature, $742,000 ; amount actually issued in bonds of the city, $332,000, less the $100,000 recovered by judgment from the Minnesota Construction Company — $232,000. Amount redeemed by moneys paid out of city treasury, $70,000, leaving a total bonded indebtedness, not reckoning interest, of $162,000, distributed as follows : Water-works bonds, $100,000 ; ferry, bridge and road bonds, $30,000 ; school bonds, $25,000 ; to cover floating indebted- ness, $7,000. These bonds have from two to twenty years in which to mature, and their average rate of interest is six per cent per annum. The entire indebtedness of the city as shown by the recorder's report, submitted to the city council at the close of the tiscal year, March 31, 1883, is placed at $181,810.39. This is equi- valent to a tax of one and four tenths per cent on the yolume of l)usiness transacted for the year. It may not be amiss to say that of the $100,000 bonds issued to the Minnesota Construction Com- pany there are still $8,000 unredeemed, the bonds never having been presented to the city treasurer. As the city recovered dam- ages for the full amount, these $8,000 should, strictly speaking, be added to the $162,000, making a total of $170,000, which is the amount upon the treasurer's books. SOME WINONA NAMES. Winona in serving herself has not neglected her duties to the state and the nation, her professional and business circles having sent forth from their midst those who have attained more than a local celebrity. Among these, as is eminently fitting, w^e note the two attorney-generals Winona has furnished the state, Hon. C. H. Berry and Hon. George P. Wilson. The supreme justices she sent to grace the highest judiciary of the state, Hon. Thomas Wilson, chief-justice of Minnesota, and Hon. William Mitchell, associate justice of the supreme bench ; Hon. W. H. Yale for two terms lieu- tenant-governor of the state ; Hon. Norman Buck, judge of the U. S. district court for Idaho ; Hon. Thomas Simpson, for many years president of the state normal school board, and Hon. D. S. Norton and Hon. William Windom, United States senators. These old Winona citizens were all members of the Winona bar, and to the article on the ' ' J udiciary of Winona county " we refer for further particulars concerning them. Of Hon. William Windom, it may here be said, that he is at the 54 'MK) HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. present time the most j>rominent citizen of the State of Minnesota, a man of whom Winona may feel justly proud ; for the name of Will- iam Windom is widely known throughout the length and breadth of our country, is now a part of her liistory as well as being familiar to all those in other countries who watch the changes of government and the progress of American politics, in the latter of which Mr. Windom has taken a leading part for many years. Therefore it is, that not only from his identification with the political measures and reforms of his adopted state, or even from the fact of his being her representative in the legislative halls of both houses of congress at Washington for many successive terms, has Mr. Windom become familiarly known to the people of his country, but when at the republican national convention of 1880, which resulted in the nomi- nation of the lamented Garfield for the office of president of the United States, Mr. Windom's nomination was stronglj^ urged for that office by his party with the solid delegation from Minnesota at his back. Upon the accession of Mr. Garfield to the presidency he paid a just tribute to the statesmanship and sterling integrity of William Windom by tendering to him a place in his cabinet, entrusting him with the portfolio of secretary of the treasury, which position Mr. Windom accepted. The well-known Maj. Ben. Perley Poore, of Massachusetts, clerk of printing records in the United States congress, thus refers to Mr. Windom in the congressional directory: "William Windom, of Winona, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 10, 1827 ; received an academic education ; studied law at Mount Vernon, Ohio ; prac- ticed his profession in that state and in Minnesota until 1859 ; was elected prosecuting attorney for Knox county in 1852 ; removed to Minnesota in 1855 ; was a representative in the thirty-sixth, thirty- seventh, thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth congresses ; was ap- pointed by the governor of Minnesota, in July, 1870, to fill the unexpired term of Hon, Daniel S. Norton, deceased, in the senate of the United States ; was subsequently elected as a republican, and was re-elected in 1877. He resigned March 4, 1881, having been ai)pointed secretary of the treasury by President (rarfield, and was re-elected to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation, taking his seat December 5, 1881." Mr. Windom's term of service in the United States senate ex- pired March 3, 1883. In addition to those already mentioned, Winona has funiished WINONA AS IT IS. 901 two superintendents of instruction for the state, Hon. Mark Dunnell, also member of congress for the first congressional district of Minne- sota, and Rev. David Burt, whose name was so many years a house- hold word among the Congregation alists of this city. Hf)n. Mark Dunnell, who had been United States' consul at Vera Cruz during the Maximillian invasion of Mexico, came to Winona during the later years of the war of the rebellion, and in 1867 was appointed state superintendent of public instruction, the first appoint- ment under the law creating that office, the duties of which had been previously discharged by the secretary of state. This office was held by Mr. Dunnell until his nomination to congress in Aug- ust, 1870, when he resigned his othce as superintendent, and shortly afterward removed to Onatona. Rev. David Burt was born in Munson, Massachusetts, August 2, 1822. His father being pecuniarily unable to afford him the advan- tages of a liberal education the young man determined to secure such education for himself, and after taking an academical course in his native state entered Oberlin College, from which institution he graduated with the highest honors in the class of 1847. His in- tention being to enter the ministry he pursued his theological course at Andover, graduating in 1851. During all these years he had largely maintained himself by his own exertions. After a four years' pastorate in* one of the eastern towns, Mr. Burt ceased preaching on account of bronchial trouble, came west, taught school in Chicago a year, and in 1858, finding himself able to resume his work in the ministry, accepted a call to the Congrega- tional church of this city. His pastoral connection with the church continued until his failing health admonished liim to desist in 1866, when he resigned his charge and accepted the superintendency of the schools established by the Freedmen's bureau of Tennessee. During the eight years of his pastorate in this city Mr. Burt deeply interested himself in the success of the city schools, and was for some years of that time city superintendent of schools here. After a two years' residence in Tennessee Mr. Burt was necessitated to relinquish his labors there on account of the iniurious effect of the climate upon his health, and returned to Minnesota. In 1870 he was made county superintendent of schools for Winona county, and five years later took a step higher, having been appointed state superintendent of instruction by his Excellency Gov. Pillsbury. This latter position Mr. Burt continued to hold, discharging the 902 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. duties of the oftice with efficiency until within a few weeks of his deatli, which occurred at Northtield, in this state, Saturday, Septem- ber 24, 1881. The other Winona notables that belong to this list are : Mrs. Mary Clemmer (formerly Mary Clemmer Ames) ; Prof. W. F. Phelps (whose biographical record is found elsewhere) ; Rev. Ed- ward Eggleston and Capt. Sam Whiting. Captain Sam Whiting was born at Hempstead, Long Island, in the year 1814. He appears to have received an excellent English education, was a natural, easy writer, and a poet of some little local celebrity. He was naturally of a roving disposition, and at an early age went to sea, rose rapidly in his chosen calling, and about the time Winona was receiving her pioneer settlers, was in command of one of the famous clipper merchant ships plying between New York and Liverpool. He was subsequently in the Mediteri'anean trade, and later still made several voyages to the East Indies. He came to Winona in 1854, having just returned fi'om a voyage around the world, touching by the way at China and Japan. The following spring (1855) Captain Whiting volunteered to accompany the Hart- stein Arctic expedition in search of Dr. Kane, and was absent from the city until the following October. This voyage furnished the materials for many interesting articles, some of which subsequently appeared in the columns of the "Republican." This paper was started the same fall that Captain Whiting returned from his voy- age into the north seas, and for the first six months of its existence he conducted its editorial columns. Captain Whiting soon drifted eastward again, and in the wiiiter of 1860-1 was in command of the steamer Marion, plying between New York and Charleston. On December 29, 1860, his steamer having been seized by the rebel authorities for state purposes. Captain Whiting steamed out of the harbor defying the authorities, and when opposite Fort Sumter ran up the stars and stripes, dipping his colors to the national ensign float- ing above the fort. In answer to a letter from J. M. Tuomey, of Charleston, challenging his action, Captain Sam replied that "he was born under the stars and stripes and had always sailed under them, and by the blessing of God would die under them." Not long after this event, which gave him a national reputation, Captain Whiting was appointed United States consul at Nassau, New Provi- dence, where he remained four years. Soon after the close of the war ]ie returned to Winona, remaining about a year, but not succeeding WINONA A.S IT IS. 903 in establishing himself in business satisfactorily, he again drifted east, led for many years a rambling life, until in 1880 he was disabled by a fall in Broadway, New York, and taken to Snug Harbor hos- pital, Staten Island, where, despondent and perhaps despairing ot a change for the better, he put an end to his own existence, July 30, 1882. Edward Eggleston was born in Indiana in 1837. His father, a prominent lawyer, dying when Edward was quite young, the family circumstances, as well as his own delicate health, prevented his securing the advantages of a collegiate training. He came to Minnesota in 1857 ; was that same fall admitted into the annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, which convened at Winona in August of that year, and was assigned a circuit which included St. Peter and Traverse de Sioux, on which he spent one year, during which time he married. The following year, 1858, he was employed as agent of the American Bible Society, and then served successively the Market street Methodist Episcopal church at St. Paul, the church in Stillwater, and the Jackson street church in St. Paul. When serving this latter church he was compelled to resign his pastorate on account of failing health, and for a season engaged in other pursuits. Recovering his health, he was assigned to the churcli in this city in the fall of 1864, and remained until the spring of 1866, when his health compelled him a second time to cease pulpit work, and he removed to Evanston, Illinois, where he was engaged in literary labors, as editor of the '' Little Corporal," and of a Sunday school magazine published in Chicago. Acquiring some reputation in this field, he removed to Brooklyn, New York, in 1810, and took a position on the editorial staff of "The Inde- pendent."" This position he held for a year or two, and then exchanged it for the editorial chair of ''Hearth and Home," in which "The Hoosier Schoolmaster" soon afterward appeared as a serial, attracting much attention. This book was subsequently published in book form, and had a great sale. He has also published "The End of the World," the "Mystery of Metropolisville," a story of early times in Minnesota; "The Circuit Rider," "Roxy," and, in con- nection with his daughter (Mrs. Seeley), several volumes of biographical stories for the young. Early in 1875 Mr. Eggleston became pastor of the church of the Christian Endeavor, in Brooklyn, an independent church organization, with which he remained until 1880, when, broken down in health, he resigned his pastorate and 004 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. spent a year in Europe. With his health sonoiewhat improved, he resumed his literary labors on his return, and has also engaged in lecturing, but has taken no regular pulpit-work. He is at present engaged in preparing a historical volume, designed to portray the domestic and social life and the manners of the early American colonists, a work expected to fill an unoccupied niche in the liistory of this country. He has also been a quite liberal contributor to the American reviews and magazines. Mrs. Mar}' Clemmer, as she is now called, though known to early settlers in Winona as Mary Clemmer Ames, is a native of Westfield, Massachusetts, where she was born somewhere about the year 1830, removing in early life to central New York. At the age of fifteen years she began writing for the press, notably the Utica '^ Herald" and the Springfield, Mass., "Republican," contributing regularly to both of these ])apers until after the outbreak of the war of the rebellion, when she engaged her services exclusively to the ''Independent," at a salary of $5,000 per annum, a relation which she still sustains. She married Rev. Daniel Ames, and with him removed to Winona in 1856, where they remained about two years, Mr. Ames being pastor of the Presbyterian church here. They subsequently removed to Jersey City, and then to Brooklyn. In 1861 she commenced to write her well-known series of "'A Woman's Letters from Washington," which have given her a more than national reputation. She was at Harper's Ferry during the siege of that place, and wrote a most vivid description of that event from her position between the hostile armies. Mrs. Clemmer's "Ten Years in Washington " was founded upon her Independent letters from the capital, and had a very extended sale. She has also written several works of fiction — " Victoire," "Irene" and others. A volume of poems from her pen, entitled, " Poems of Life and Nature," recently published, has passed to a second edition. Her separation from her husband, which occurred about eight years ago, was occasioned by his persisting in some visionar}' real-estate speculations at Harper's Ferry, in which he liad squandered tens of thousands of lier money, and which she saw no other way of preventing. It was simply an unfortunate necessity of the situation. W. J. You mans, M.D., at present the associate editor of the "Popular Science Monthly," was for some two years a practicing physician in this city. Dr. Youmans graduated from the medical department of the University of New York, taking special in- WINOISTA AS IT IS. 905 struction under Professor Draper, and soon afterward went to England to pursue his physiological studies in the laboratory of Prof. Huxley. While there, in connection with Prof. Huxley, they jointly published Huxley's and Youmans' Physiology, the depart- ment of hygiene falling to Prof. Youmans. This work was simultaneously published in England and this country. Returning to America, Dr. Youmans soon after came to Winona, 1869, and remained here about two years, when, on the establishment of the "Popular Science Monthly," he was called to New York to assume the pctst of assistant-editor — under his brother. Prof. E. L. Youmans, editor-in-chief and originator of the journal Dr. Youmans has been connected with the "Popular Science Monthly" since its first issue, and has now for some time been its associate editor. For a small city, situated so far from the brain-breednig centers of thought and intellectual activity, in a new state, where the struggle for established institutions for higher education is only begun, Winona may well congratulate herself upon the record she has made through so many of her citizens, who have attained a justly earned celebrity. A celebrity that, overrunning the boun- daries of the growing commonwealth, has brought her into favorable notice from the great river on her eastern border to the oceans that bound the continent on either shore. soldiers' orphans' home. The Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota, located at Winona, has a somewhat peculiar history. It was not established and main- tained by the board of trustees of the "soldiers' orphans" created by act of state legislature, approved March 4, 1869, and exercising authority in consonance with the provisions of that act, but by a corporation acting under contract with the " state board of trustees," created as above mentioned. The war of 1861-5 was drawing to a close when the legislature of the State of Minnesota, then in session at St. Paul, moved thereto by its own patriotic impulses, passed an act for the benefit of the orphans of such Minnesota soldiers as had died in the service of the United States, or from wounds received in battle, or from sickness incurred in the military or naval service of the United States. This act was passed March 3, 1865, and devoted to this purpose the proceeds of all the swamp- lands conveyed to the state by the general government and not otherwise appropriated for educational, railway and other purposes. 9HG HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Inasmuch as it was generally accepted tliat the grants already made of these lands covered every acre that could, would or should ever be worth entering, the value of the grant was not very highly appreciated. In .laniiary, 1869, the Grand Army of the Republic, (u non-})olitical non-sectarian society of such citizens as had served as soldiers in the late war of the rebellion), met in Winona, and, among other acts, passed a resolution requesting the legislature to provide for the maintenance and education of the orphans of the soldiers of the state. The Grand Army also a))pointed a committee to go before the legislature and urge the passage of such an act as would give the needed relief and care thus sought. The Winona member of that committee and its chairman was Gen. J. W. Sprague. This action of the Grand Army of Republic resulted in the passage of the act, approved March 4, 1869, providing for an accurate census of the soldiers' orphans within the state, with statistit^s of their condition, and appropriating the sum of $10,000 for the temporary relief of such as were destitute. This act also created a board of trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans, composed of seven members and the adjutant-general of the state, who was ex-oiiicio secretary of the board. The act of 1869 also authorized the placing (jf the orphans in certain designated orphan asylums and the payment by the board of trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans of the sum of three dollars per week for each orphan thus dis})osed of. The legislature of 1870 continued the appropriation for tem- porary relief The first report of the board of trustees, made through its secretary, the adjutant-general of the state, is for the fiscal year closing November 30, 1870. The statistical return of orphans of soldiers for 1869 were quite incomplete, sixteen per cent of the counties, and some of these the most populous in the state, making no returns. From the returns as received the total number was 1,239, of whom 217 were reported destitute. Of the whole number reported 922 were the orphans of Minnesota soldiers, and of the 217 reported destitute 150 were the orphans of soldiers who had entered the service from this state. The rei)ort of November 30, 1870, also called attention to the necessity of establishing and maintaining an asylum exclusively for the care and education of soldiers' orphans, and this recommendation of the board was urged upon the broad ground that without such soldiers' orphans' home these wards of the state, made such by the patriotic devotion of their fathers, were compelled to become "the daily associates of foundlings, paupers WESrONA AS IT IS. 907 and the usual accumulations of charity asylums." The more thorough education of these soldiers' orphans was declared to be of paramount importance, and it was also stated that the citizens of Winona had in contemplation the establishment of a home of the desired character, without expense to the state. The expediency of increasing the grant from $3 per week per child to $4 per week was also set forth and the increase urged. Acting upon the sugges- tions contained in tliis report, the state legislature passed an act the following spring, March 4, 1871. authorizing the board of trustees to place in any soldiers' orphans' home any number of destitute soldiers' orphans, not to exceed seventy-five, and maintain them at an expense of not to exceed $4 each per week, the provision to apply to all soldiers' orphans, who were bona-fide residents of the state, between the ages of four and sixteen years. This extension of the benefits of the home to include the orphans of other than Min- nesota soldiers was made upon the recommendation of the board. February 1, 1871, in anticipation of the act of legislature of March 4, 1871, above cited, articles of incorporation ''of the Sol- diers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota " were filed with the register of deeds of Winona county, and on the fifth of the same month were also filed in the office of the secretary of state at St. Paul. The incorporation was effected under the general statutes of the state, and the object of the corporation "the maintenance and edu- cation of children whose fathers have died in the military or naval service of the United States during the war of the rebellion, or from diseases contracted, or from wounds received in such service." "Its place of location shall be the city of Winona, in said State of Minnesota." The officers of the association were to be, presi- dent, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and a board of thirteen directors, "composed of the mayor of the city of Winona (ex-officio), six female members of the corporation and six members of the Grand Army of the Republic." The original incorporators were sixty-eight in number. By act of March 4, 1871, the city of Wi- nona was duly authorized to appropriate $1,000 to the establishment and furnishing of a soldiers' orphans' home in Winona, and the appropriation was accordingly made upon due petition of the citi- zens. When the affairs of the home were closed out, in 1878, this appropriation of $1,000, with an additional sum of $500 as interest, was returned to the city by Mayor Gould, the financial head of the home and its manager from the beginning. The officers of the Sol- 908 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. diers' Orphans"' Home were continued from year to year, by successive re-elections, and there are no changes to record. They were all of Winona. W. S. Drew, president ; W. F. Phelps, vice-president and superintendent of instruction ; O. B. Gould, secretary and treas- urer ; J. B. McGaughey, M.D., surgeon. April 13, 1871, the Sol- diers' Or|)hans' Home, through its president and secretary, entered into contract with the board of trustees of the soldiers' orphans of Minnesota, through the executive committee of said board of trustees, to receive, maintain and educate soldiers' orphans as set forth in their articles of incorporation, under the provisions of the act of legislature of 1871. The trustees agreed, on their ])art, to place all orphans under their charge (if placed in any such home) in the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota, and ])ay the sum of $4 per week for each orphan so placed ; the officers of the home agreeing, on their part, to provide the orphans under their care with a comfortable abode, wholesome food, medical attendance, decent clothing and admission to the state normal school on equal terms with the students of that institution. The home was opened March 30, 1871, in the State Normal School building, through the courtesy of the officers of that institution, and pending the securing of proper quarters elsewhere, and was removed, on the first of the following May, to the Tucker House, a large building in the western part of the city. The report of Secretary Gould,, made September 30, 1871, showed a total of thirty-four orphans in the home, the maximum number they could accommodate at that time, and the report of their superintendent of instruction returns them all as enrolled in the classes of the state normal school. It was apparent, however, that many more childi-en throughout the state, entitled to the benefits of the Home, could not be provided for unless the officers of the home should erect a building expressly for that purpose. The gross amount expended for the home to date of report was $3,212, and there was an outstanding indebtedness of $3,000. Applications for admission to the home came crowding upon the managers, and pri- vate homes were found for man}^ at the expense of the institution. This was not in accordance with the benevolent designs of the man- agers, and a new departure was made. The state legislature, under act of February 29, 1872, entitled "An Act to enable the Board of Trustees of Soldiers' Orphans to rent a suitable building for a Soldiers' Orphans' Home," approj)riated the sum of $1,800 per an- num for said rent, for a term of six vears. March 1, 1872, Mrs. L. WINONA AS IT IS. 909 * D. Kempton, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, a woman of remark- able executive ability, was employed as matron of the home, and this position was maintained by her until it was closed six years later. To her able supervision and noble unselfishness the home was as much indebted for its successful administration as to any other one cause. On July 20 of that year contract was entered into with Conrad Bohn, of this city, to erect a suitable building for the home, and rent it to the officers of that institution for six years, at an annual rental of $1,800. This building was at once commenced. The site chosen was the southwest comer of Center and Sanborn streets, and here a substantial stone and brick structure, fronting 72 feet on Center street and 40 feet on Sanborn street, was erected. The building rose two and a-half stories above the high basement, the upper stories used for dormitories and the basement for kitchen, laundry, play-rooms, etc. The home was completed that same sea- son, and taken possession of December 15. Tlie report of that year, September 30, 1872, showed an increase of twenty-five members in the number cared for; expenditures for the year, $6,044.74, and unpaid claims to the amount of $1,200. By act of February 20, 1873, the restriction limiting the number of orphans in any home to seventy-five was withdrawn, as the home could comfortably ac- commodate a greater number. The secretarv's report for 1873 shows ninety-three members enjoying the privileges of the home during the year, and eighty-five resident there at the date of report. The superintendent's report shows eighty-nine in attendance at the normal school, and a commendable progress made in study. The physician's report is a most favorable comment upon the sanitary condition of the home — implied, not expressed. There were seri- ous cases of erysipelas, pneumonia and influenza in March, and seven cases of malignant scarlet fever in August, with only a total fatality of two. The gross expenditures for the year were $17,431, and the unpaid claims about $1,800. For 1874 the total number of orphans under the care of the home was one hundred and five, at the close of the year, eighty-five ; expenditures, $15,500; outstand- ing claims, $1,500. School statistics encouraging and surgeons report "no sickness." The reports of 1874 and 1875 are of no special significance. In 1876 there was a very perceptible diminu- tion in the number of admissions and an increase in the number discharged, demonstrating that the Soldiers' Orphans' Home was nearing the end of its honorable and patriotic labors. This was 910 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. more plainly apparent month by month? ' The rej)ort of September 30, 1877, shows but forty remaining under the care of that institu- tion. The trustees of soldiers' orphans report a further decrease of six at the date of their returns, November 30, 1877, leaving but thirty-four orphans in the home. The board of trustees of soldiers' orphans, knowing that a large number of those remaining there would leave the home at the close of the school year, in May, 1878, resolved, in view of the small number of orphans under their care, to close the home at Winona on or before June 15, 1878, as the numbers remaining would not compensate the local board at this place for the maintenance of the orphans as provided by law, and it was accordingly done. Four years prior to the closing of the home the legislature of the state authorized the board of trustees of soldiers' orphans to make further provisions for such of their wards as had reached the age of eighteen years. And under the regulations of that act at the time the home in Winona closed, some of the dis- charged members were pursuing their studies at the state university, and others serving apprenticeships to useful trades, both classes re- ceiving some measure of aid from the board. The work accom- plished by the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota was as purely a philanthropic work, as faithfully performed, as efficiently managed, as necessary to be undertaken, and as far-reaching in its results, as can well be conceived. The exceptional method of its management confers lasting honor upon those to whom it was intrusted. CHAPTER LXI. MILITARY RECORD. The military history of Winona county is one of the difficult, it were better to say impossible, things to write. It is a history not of regiments; only in isolated cases is it a record of complete companies; it is in the main only a narrative, broken but brilliant, ot the services of detachments, fragments of commands more anxious to serve their country and support the national government in its hour of peril than to be the recognized integers of some military brigade whose achievements should confer honor on Winona county, as the par- ticular locality from which they came. The sparsely settled condi- MILITAEY RECORD. 911 tion of the county and the intense loyalty of the citizens, responding in some degree to every call that emanated from the governor of the state for another regiment, are largely answerable for the fact that the enlistments from Winona county are so scattered over all the regiments sent out from the state, that to trace the movements of these detachments, or even to determine accurately the number of soldiers furnished by the county for the suppression of the rebellion, is simply impossible. We shall, therefore, confine ourselves to a history of such regiments as contained whole or fragmentary com- panies from Winona county, and only to such fragmentary companies as contained so large a percentage of Winona county enlistments as to justly entitle -them to be regarded as Winona county companies. In accomplishing our task, rendered doubly difficult by the imperfect records of the adjutant-general's reports, we have searched every available record, all reliable memories have been invoked and no pains spared to make the history as full as there is material to write it from. FIRST MINNESOTA INFANTRY. April 16, 1861, four days after the rebels opened fire on Fort Sumter, Hon. Ignatius Donnelly, governor of Minnesota, issued his proclamation calling for one regiment of infantry of ten companies, each company to consist of one captain, two lieutenants, four ser- geants, four corporals and sixty-four privates and one bugler, sev- enty-six men in all, to serve for the term of three months. The regular volunteer militia companies of the state, already organized, were given the preference in the formation of the new regiment, and several companies were at once reported ready to rendezvous at Fort Snelling. Winona had no militia company organized, but de- termined if possible to secure a representation in the regiment called for, and took steps accordingly. A public meeting was held in the hall of HufTs hotel, April 19, and ended its session in the open air, the hall being unable to hold the excited populace. The next morning the active work of enlistment began, and the fol- lowing is a verbatim copy of the original agreement under which the Winona company was enlisted, and which was in the handwriting of Henry C. Lester, afterward elected captain : "We, the undersigned, mutually agree to unite ourselves to- gether as the Winona Volunteer Company and tender our services to the state adjutant-general for the purpose of making a part of the Minnesota regiment of infantry for the purpose of sustaining the 912 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. government of the United States in ]:»ursuance of the call of the gov- ernment. The details of subsequent action to be arranged upon the receipt of proper instructions from the adjutant-general's otiice at St. Paul." Active measures were undertaken by the citizens for the relief of such families as might need their care, on account of husband or son enlisting, and the work ot recruiting was prosecuted so vigor- ously that the full complement of men was obtained by the 26th of April, and having been notified that it would not be too late for acceptance, left Winona on Sunday morning, the 28th of April, for the rendezvous at Fort Snelling. The steamer Golden Era, on which the company had taken passage up the river, arrived at Fort Snelling on Monday morning, and the same day, April 29, 1861, the Ist reg. Minn. Vol. Inf. was mustered into the service for the term of three months, the Winona contingent being designated as Co. K, and ot which Capt. Lester was in command. It was soon apparent that the war was likely to be more pro- tracted than was at first deemed probable, and on May 3, 1861, a call came from Washington for 42,000 troops, to serve for a term of three years unless the war should sooner close. In response to this call the question of volunteering for three years instead of three months was submitted to the 1st Minnesota, and almost unani- mously agreed to. Of the 76 men in Co. K who had enlisted for three months, over sixty agreed to the three-years term. Capt. Lester having obtained leave of absence for that purpose, returned to Winona, and the work of recruiting the company to the full standard recpiired, 101 men, was rapidly and patriotically prosecuted. Forty-six recruits for the three-years service were enlisted, and reached Fort Snelling May 21, 1861, and this regiment, the Fighting Fii'st of Minnesota, was the first regiment accepted for the three- years service by the United States government. The com])any con- sisted of one captain, two lieutenants, five sergeants, eight corporals, eighty-two privates, one drummer, one fifer, and one teamster, as follows : COMPANY K, FIRST RKGIMKNT, MINNESOTA INFANTRY VOLS. Captain, Henry C. Lester. Lieutenants: 1st, Gustavns Holtzborn ; 2d, .Idsc})!) Periam. Sergeants: 1st, John Ball; 2d, Horatio Hinirham ; 3(1, John G. Merritt; 4th, Zuar E. Moore ; r)th, Hiram A. Brink. Corporals: 1st, Samuel E. Stebbins ; 2d, David B. Dudley; 3d, George N. MILITARY RECORD. 913 Burgess; 4th, James E. Seely ; 5th, Matthew Marvin; 6th, William Smith; 7th, Julian Fajans; 8th, Edgar Chapman. Privates: Charles H. Andrews, John Anderson, W. H. Abell, Levi J. Albred, Henry Boysen, Baltaser Best, Charles Behr, Ephraim P. Burton, Stephen Brockway, John J. Badgley, Chardon Bourne, James M. Babeock, William Beales, Noah T. Berry, Charles B. Boardman, Joseph M. Crippen, Alfred P. Carpenter, William H. Churchill, Charles C. Countryman, Alfred Colburn, William A. Coy, Edward Carey, William B. Chase, John Day, David Drayne, George H. Durfee, Jasiin Durfee, Charles E. Ely, John Einfelt, John J. Evans, Jos. S. Eaton, James M. French, William H. Flemming, Charles Goddard, Fritz Grimm, Jacob Geisreiter, Andrew George, Hiram Harding, Joseph S. Hill, J. M. Kennedy, Timothy Kelly, William Kinyon, Byron Knupp, John Lynn, Charles E. Lincoln, Origine B. Lacy, Malcomb Mclntire, William Martin, Stephen E. Martin, John Moore, Oliver W. Moore, Henry Morton, John Mannings, Allen McDonell, Charles North, Samuel Nicklen, John Palmer, William Pfund, Joseph J. Reynolds, George Raymond, Elijah Remore, Ed. A. Rowley, James O. Richarson, Eldredge Smith, George C. Smith, Samuel Smith, William G. Sergeant, Alexander Shaw, Franklin Sheeks, John A. Southmayd, Moses J. Teeter, John Thorp, Aaron J. Thompson, David Taylor, Israel M. Terrill, Peter Vosz, Frank Woodward, Warren Warner, Randolph Wright, Henry C. Winters, Lucius T. Walden, William Winchell. Teamster, John Dreibblebiss. Drummer, Erick Iverson. Fifer, Mathias Kinnon. The whole number of recruits sent to tlie company cannot be accurately ascertained, but is usually placed at about seventy-live. The names of several of these — especially those who reached the company shortly after it took the field — have been preserved, and as far as known are as follows : Alonzo Holland, Lewis Hansen, Cornelius Ketchum, Alfred Kenniston, Joseph Lincoln, William Patten, Alonzo Pickle, Augustus H. Smith, William M. Sherman, John W. Selley, Andrew J. Truesdale, Reuben Tennison, Samuel Tenney, James Turner, Israel Durr, Samuel W. Burgess, Chester S. Durfee, Joseph C. Chandler. On the twenty-fifth day of May a flag was presented to the regiment by the ladies of St. Paul, with appropriate ceremonies. Three days later. May 28, a beautiful flag arrived at the fort, the gift of the ladies of Winona, who tendered it to the regiment through Capt. Lester, of the Winona company, by whom it was transmitted to Col. William A. Gorham. This flag was a beautiful national ensign, made by Genin, of New York. It was emblazoned with thirty-four stars, and bore on one of the stripes the simple inscription ''First Minnesota." There were twenty-five printers in 914 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the regiment, as it lay at Fort Snelling, and they formed a "shoot- ing-stick" association, of which S. E. Stebbins, of tlie Winona "Republican," was made secretary. The association served to while away time in camp, but soon had sterner work on hand. While lying at Fort Snelling, Charles E. Ely, son of the elder, who had been rejected at Winona on account of his age, being but sixteen years old, put in his plea so strongly for a chance to tight his country's battles, that he was accepted, mustered in and saw some hard service as will subsequently appear. Some of the companies of the 1st had been sent to garrison frontier forts, in order to relieve the regular troops, who were rapidly sent forward to the seat of war, and the boys were grumbling at their not "getting a whack at the Rebs," when most unex- pectedly the order for marching southward came, and all was rejoicing and confusion. Couriers were immediately dispatched for the companies that had been ordered to Fort Abercrombie and elsewhere, and, in the language of a correspondent writing home, " the regiment fairly howled with joy." About this time Dr. E. H. Patterson, of Winona, had received nt>tification of his appointment by the war department as a member of the state medical board, and was ordered to St. Paul to assume his duties, arriving there on June 16. June 18 Rev, E. D. Neil was elected chaplain of the 1st, and four days later the regiment was under marching orders for Washington. The steamers War Eagle and Northern Belle had been engaged to transport the troops, who where to proceed to Chicago in two detachments — one by way of Prairie du Chien, the other by way of La Crosse. The latter detachment contained the Winona company, and was on board the steamer Belle for La Crosse. Leaving Fort Snelling on the morning of June 22, the transport reached the Winona levee at 6.30 p.m., landed, and the troops marched out upon the levee, where, with open ranks, tiiey waited to receive the last farewell of friends. The leave-taking was short, and the boys, leaving sadder hearts behind than they carried in their own breasts, re-embarked for La Crosse, where they took the cars for Chicago. From Chicago to Pittsburgh the run was made in twenty-four hours, to Harrisburg in thirty-six, and from thence to Washington, after being uniformed, ai-riving at the capital on June 27. One week later they were posted on the road to Fairfax Court House, and the record of the First Minnesota Iwnceforth becomes a part of the military history of the war of the MILITAEY RECORD. 915 rebellion. The heroic achievements of the Fighting First can only be rapidly reviewed: July 21, 1861, in the first Bull Kun battle they were ordered to the front to support Rickett's battery, a position most trying to well disciplined troops, and one which Col. Gorham says, in his official report, "two other regiments refused to occupy." The Minnesota regiment supported the battery in good style, and only retired when commanded, taking up their new position in admirable order. In this engagement all the color-guard, except the bearer of the flag, were wounded, and the flag itself bore ample testimony to the severity of the fight, having been pierced by one cannon-ball, two grape-shot and sixteen bullets. The loss was thirty-nine killed and about one hundred wounded. Of these Co. K lost three killed, six wounded and one prisoner. After this battle the regiment received eighty-four recruits to fill its decimated ranks. Before the close of the year eighteen recruits were en- listed tor Co. K, and joined the command early in 1862. The battle of Bull Run had fully tried the temper of the regiment, and won for them a high reputation for bravery and steadiness, by virtue of which they were ever after assigned the post of honor, which is the post of danger. This fact is attested by the losses sustained during its three year's honorable service. When the regiment left the state it numbered 1,046 men; it was recruited up to 1,729 men subsequently, and of these only 416 remained on the rolls when it returned to the state. The regiment was present at the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861, where it was ordered to cover the reti-eat of the left wing, and sixty-five men were detached to man the boats at Edwards' Ferry, in which the crossing was effected. The casualties here were slight, only one killed and one wounded. The regiment went into winter quarters in the camps around Washington, and took the field early in the following spring to serve under Gen. MacClellan, in his bloody peninsula campaign. Commencing with the siege of Yorktown in April, 1862, the Minne- sota First was engaged in all that series of hard fights whicli, though comparatively fruitless in results, forever established tlie reputation of the citizen soldiers of the North, and covered the participants in these several engagements with imperishable laurels. The rebel forces were successively encountered at West Point, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Glendale, White-oak Swamp, the two battles of July 1 and August 5 at Malvern Hill. Closing the campaign upon the peninsula with the second Malvern nilT 55 916 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. . engagement, the regiment returned to Washington, and, scarcely halting, on the following month, after a lesser tight at Vienna on Sejitember 2, took ])art in the tei-rible sti-iiggle at Antietam two weeks later, September 17, 1862. In this latter engagement the regiment again lost heavily, the casualties in the Winona company being four killed and six wounded, Captain Holtjcborn being am(mg the slain. In addition to the battles already mentioned, the regi- ment was in the tight at Charleston, Virginia. October 16, 1862, in both of the engagements at Fredericksburg, at Haymarket, and then in that most disastrous of all, the battle ol Gettysburg, fought July 2 and 3, 1863, closing their brilliant record with the Mine Run light, November 27, 1863. The battle fought by Meade, at Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania, always accepted as one of the most stubbornly contested of the whole war, was that most particular occasion on which the glorious old First crowned a long series of brilliant achievements with the most dazzling of them all, and covered herself with imperishable fame. The lirst day's fight at Gettysburg closed with the advantages decidedly in favor of the enemy. Reynolds was killed, and the Union troops engaged were driven from the field and through the city, taking up a position on Ceme- tery Hill. On the morning of the second days' fight, Longstreet massed his forces to crush the Union left under Sickles. A desperate struggle ensued, in which Gen. Sickles fell, and his troops were driven back with great slaughter, uncovering the left center of the T^nion army, which was to have been occupied by Hancock's cor})s, then rapidly approaching. Longstreet marched his victorious columns, 6,000 strong, directly upon this unprotected portion of Hancock's line, and would have penetrated it and won the battle, but for the First Minne- sota, which was then, as she ever had been, in the front. Hancock saw that single regiment (some say 325 strong, Maj. Magiimis says 2.52) way in the front, and dashing up to Col. Colville, at the head of the First Minnesota, cried out, "Colonel, advance and take those colors I" It was a march to death. All knew it, all felt it. The desperation of despair was in Hancock's voice as he hoarsely cried, looking around upon the mere handful: "Great God! is this all the men we have here?" Five minutes' delay even would be of incalculable service. Could that victorious column only be stayed in its march until Gen. Williams' division could come into })Osition on the right the day might yet be saved. "Forward!" shouted Col. MILITARY RECORD. 917 Colville, and the doomed regiment stepped down the slope toward the enemy as steadily as if on review. No excitement, no word or cheer escaped their lips. Five color-bearers are shot down ; five times the tiag, proudly waving, goes on as before. As soon as the advance of the gallant First was noticed, the columns ot the enemy halted and poured in a murderous fire at fifty yards distance. In the language of Maj. McGinnis, the rebel flanks lapped around the heroic First like water round a rock. "Charge, men ! " ran along the line, and with a cheer, emptying their guns with the very muzzles at the hearts of their foe, the Minnesota boys were upon them with the steel. Xo ammunition was wasted. A clean swath was made in the rebel ranks, and the recoil upon their second and third sup- porting lines threw them into confusion. The time had been gained, a Union battery poured its fire into that confused mass and the as- tonished Minnesota boys, the few who were left, found no longer an enemy in their front. That rebel column had vanished from the field, and the hearty cheer of the Union reinforcements rose over the field. Maj. Maginnis says : "The almost fatal attack was repulsed ; but where was the First Minnesota ? Had they deserted the field for the first time ? This was the first idea that came to my senses, half oblivious of what had passed. But forty-seven men now gathered around the colors. Great heavens ! is it possible that the other 205 lie bleeding under there? Yes, they are all there within a hundred square yards of crimson sward — 205 killed, wounded, none miss- ing." The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major and adjutant were all wounded, and each severely ; out of twenty-one line ofiicers only ■fi've were fit for duty. The following letter from the lieutenant commanding the Winona company gives the list of casualties in his command : Battlefield, near Gettysburg, .July 4. 18(33. Editor Winona Republican: We are in the midst of a terrible battle, and what remains of our regiment is now for the third day in the front line. Co. K went into the battle with twenty-nine men, of whom twenty-two beside the captain are either killed or wounded. The casualties thus far are : Mortally wounded— Capt. Jos. Periam. Killed— Lester P. Gore, Randolph Wright, David Taylor, Augustus Smith, Henry C. Winters, Jacob Geisreiter. Wounded— Sergts., M. Marvin, in the foot, and P. Carpenter, slightly. Corporals, Timothy Reily, severely, and John Einfelt and Charles North, slightly. Privates, Charles Behr, Chester L. Durfee. Israel Durr, Charles Ely and Peter Vosz, all severely ; J. S. Eaton, Charles Goddard, William Kinyon, 918 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. James Turner, Samuel B. Tenney and Louis Hansen, slightly. (Peter Vosz and Israel Durr died of their wounds soon after the battle). Col. Colville is severely wounded ; Lieut.-Col. Adams, mortally ; Maj. Downie and Adjt. Peller, severely ; Capts. Messick and Muller are killed, and Farrar mortally wounded ; Lieut. Farrar is killed, and Lieuts. Sinclair, May, Boyd, 1 )('marest, DeHiray and Mason, wounded. Two-thirds of the regiment are killed or w(ninded. We got the better of the enemy in the fight, and our regiment captured one stand of colors. Wm. Lochrkn, lieut. commanding Co. K, \st reg. Minn. Vols. The regimental report was : Mustered ior duty before the action, 325 ; killed, 47 ; wounded, 121 ; missing, 70 ; fit for duty, 87. The regiment returned to the state the following winter, arriving at Winona February 12, 1864, where they were received as became the bravest of the brave, and then proceeded to the capital. Having completed its three years' term of service April 29, 1864, and the decision of the war department being to the eftect that the regimental organization could not longer be preserved, the First Minnesota was mustered out early in May. Under the impression that they would not be again required to do service beyond the state limits, many of the old veterans re-enlisted, and these with the recruits formed the 1st Minn. Inf Batt. This battalion, about 200 strong, was ordered to the front May 18, 1864, and, proceeding to Washington, arrived there June 2. Though contrary to their understanding at the time of re-enlistment the remnant of the old First were loyal to their colors, and met the enemy as they had ever done. Resuming their old work as part of the army of the Potomac, they were in the light at Petersburg, June 18, 1864, at the Jerusalem Plank roads on the 22d and 23d of the same month, and at Deep Bottom only four days later. This was rather active work for a battalion impressed with the idea that they had veteranized for state service, that the later enlisted regiments who had not borne the burden and heat of war might have a share in the perils and glory of ho, work at the front. But this was not the end of the battalion's services ; August 14, 1864, they were again under fire at Deep Bottom, and before the month closed had again met the enemy — this time at Ream's Station. Hatcher's Run engagement was participated in by them October 27, 1864, making six encounters with the enemy since leaving their native state. The campaign of 1865 found them in the field, and they opened tlieir work of that year just where they closed it the previous fall — at Hatcher's Run — this second engagement occurring February 5, 1865. Shortly after this engagement Co. C, which consisted entirely MILITARY RECORD. 919 of new recrnits, joined the battalion, and the command as thus con- stituted took an active part in the campaign commencing March 28, and which resulted in the capture of Petersburg April 2, 1865, and the surrender of Lee's army just one week later. Four new com- panies joined the battalion at Berksville, Virginia, in April, and all marched to Washington, District of Columbia, in May, where, after being joined by two more companies, they were ordered to Louis- ville, Kentucky, in June. They continued in service until mustered out at Jeifersonville, Indiana, July 14, 1865, and were finally dis- banded at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, on the 25th of the same month. The number of men who joined this battalion as recruits from Winona county cannot be ascertained. The two companies forming the original battalion lost in killed, died from wounds, or other causes in the service, a total of forty-two men during the time they remained in service. Bj reference to the RepxMican tiles of 1861-5 it is quite certain that at least 150 men from Winona county entered the 1st regiment of infantry, and not less than forty-five the 1st infantry battalion, so that Winona is justly entitled to a credit of 195 men as her quota in furnishing the 1st regiment and battalion. SECOND REGIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY. This regiment was partially recruited under the first call for troops, and it was intended by those who first interested tliemselves in recruiting the men, who subsequently became a part of this com- mand, to form a company for the first regiment. That regiment filled its ranks so rapidly that more men ofifered than were needed, and those who could not join the first naturally took their places in the second. For this regiment Winona county furnished men as follows : Co. A — Corps.: Alex. H. Bolin, Zebediah W. Marsh; Privates: Ebenezer E. Corliss, William N. Corliss, Saml. W. Cox, Jacob Rose, George Hewett, George Rockwell, Chas. B. Rouse, Alonzo F. VVorden, Wm. H. Boss, Justice B, Brainard, Alonzo Foster, Geo. L. Gates, H. J. Marsh, Nathan Marsh, Wm. T. Richards, Frank A. Van Vleet. Co. B — Privates : Franklin Katlig, Arthur Wellington, Co. C — Privates : John G. Ellis, Elpharen A. Parks. Co. F — Privates : Erick Iverson, Thomas H. Brown, Rob. H. Chapman, George H. Page. Co. G — Private, Nicholas Shierard. Co. H — Privates : Lewis Erickson, Recharten Martin, Ole Oleson, Ole N. Oleson, Plans Thompson. Co. I — Privates : Herman H. Stage, John J. Grindell, Sherburne Cady. Co, K — Privates: John C, Smith, John Vreeland. 920 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. This regiment was organized under the call for three-years men, and was mustered into service in July, 1862. In tlie following October it was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and was there assigned to duty as part ot the army of the Ohio. January 19, 1862. the regiment had its iirst encounter with the enemy, at what is usually called Mill Spring, on the headwaters of the. Cumber- land. The rebel forces, consisting of seven regiments of infantry, two battalions of cavalry, and six pieces of artillery, attempted to sur- prise the throe Union regiments lying between the river and Somerset. The Union forces were prepared to give them a warm reception, and after a severe light of two hours the battle was won tor the Union forces by a gallant charge of the 9tli Ohio, supported by the 2d Minnesota. The rebel loss in killed was 192 ; the Union loss 39 killed, 207 wounded. The 2d lost twelve men killed, or died from wounds received. This battle was followed by that of Corinth, Mississippi, in April, 1862, and were then transferred to the army of the Tennessee. September 18, 1862, Bragg made his famous proclamation to the Kentuckians, and entered the state, as he said, to stay. Buell delayed meeting Bragg for some time, but finally encountered him at Perryville, and after a hard tight, in which the greater losses were on the Union side, the rebels with- drew from the tield under cover of darkness. In this battle the 2d Minnesota was actively engaged, and sustained the reputation they had gained at Mill Spring. This action was fought October 8, 1862. They were in tiie battle of Chickamauga September 19 and 20, 1863, and lost quite heavily in killed and wounded. The Mission Ridge fight of November 25, 1863, added another to the list of hard-wo{i fights in which they had participated. In January, 1864, the regiment veteranized, and the following summer took part in the skirmishes and fights of the great Atlanta campaign, being engaged with the enemy at liesaca, June 14, 15 and 16 ; at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27; were with Sherman when he came through Georgia and down to the sea, through the Carolinas, their last engagement being at Ben- tonville. North Carolina, March 19, 1865. Returning home, they were mustered out at Fort Snelling, July 11, 1865. The 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th regiments of infantry had so few mem- bers from Winona county that any particular mention of the service of these regiments seems unnecessary, only forty-two men from Winona county being enrolled in the four regiments named. These regiments were in the west, and the first two saw hard service in MILITARY RECORD. 921 the sieges of Vicksburg and Atlanta, and all the series of brilliant battles fought in connection therewith. The 5th was also at the siege and assault upon Vicksburg. THIRD MINNESOTA REGIMENT INFANTRY ( WINONA COUNTY) ENLISTMENTS. Col. Henry C. Lester, originally captain of Co. K, 1st Minn. Reg. Inf. Co. B — Private, Samuel Neill. Co. K— Privates : James L. Bundy, Abisha Thomas, John Delac, Hiram Ketchum, Walter Millett, James Okins, Wm. H. Rice, Jules E. Welkins. FOURTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY. Surgeon, W. H. Wedell. Co. C— Private, Bernard L. Hamilton. Co. E— Private, George Spies. Co. H— Private, Henry Trachte. Co. K— Privates : Geo. Carey, James FuUerton, W. H. Fry, John Hammer, Arthur Littlefield, Wm. Tripp, Hiram Van Buren, Dan K. Bishop, Eugene Oviatt, Thomas P. Baldwin. SIXTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY. Co. A— Privates: George W. Eagles, George Howard, Moses Bryant, Charles Bryant, Chauncey L. King, John R. King, John Quinn, Milton R. Sea- man, Marvin H. Tolan. Co. B — Private, John Jacobs. Co. C— Privates : Charles S. Hall, John Johnson, John Maurer, Peter T. Nordeen, Abram Muisiner, John Malcolm. Co. D— Private, Archibald Thompson. Co. K— 2d Lieut., Charles L. Gayle. THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT INFANTRY. This regiment contained two full companies of Winona soldiers, and part of a third. Cos. B and D were exclusively recruited in this county, and several men from Co. G. The whole number enlisting from the county in the regiment being 258, nearly double the number enrolled in any other regimental organization, as having enlisted here. The names of officers and men, as they appear upon the rolls of Cos. B, D, G, are : Quarterm., Henry G Bolcom ; Serg. Maj., Alvah E. Dearborn; Com. Serg., Geo. L. Richardson ; Prin. Mus., Henry H. Rogers. Co. B— Capt., John Curtis; 1st. Lieut., Albert H. Stevens; 2d Lieut., Archibald A. Rice; Sergs.: Ermon D. Eastman, John W. Wilson, C. C. Chapman. John Hammond, James McDonald ; Corps.: Geo. L. Coburn, Geo. E. Merrill, Henry G. Bilbie, Stephen Mills, Samuel H. Harrison, Henry H. Rogers, Myron Tomes, James T. Rammes ; Mus.: Benj. B. Evans, John Pritchard ; Wagoner, Jas. H. MoFarland ; Privates : Ethan W. Allen, Obed Averell, Geo. 922 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Blackwell, Geo. E. Brown, H. C. Bolcom, Charles Billings, Emerson W. Bigelow, Alfred Bartlett, Win. Burns, Iliram W. W. Bell, Jacob C. Beach, Geo. W. Buswell, Napoleon Chamberlin, Collens Corey, John Clears, Harry Clark, Robert Cully, Edward Dowlinij, Daniel Dana, Alvak E. Dearborn, James D. Daniels, Joseph Dalley, Jacob Deacondress, David Dubblebies, Benjamin Every, Maurice Fletcher, Geo. E. Fletcher, Oscar G(nigin8, John Hughs, Thiimas Hanley, Barzelia B. Howe, George Holbert, Josei)h Hazen, Janes B. Howell, John R. Harris, Albert T. Hough, Edwin C. Hinckley, David A. Kenedy, Watson Lamson, Joseph Larney, Richard D. Lefler, James Lynn, John Lighthall, James Moaks, Jerry Murphy, Henry Mountain, John W. Moore, Winborn S. Marsh, Noah D. Marsh, Isaac M. May, Edwin .S.Metcalf, Robert F. Norton, William Newman, George P. Nichols, Zedekeah Neal, John B. Pres- wick, Douglas F. Pierson, Martin V. Post, Hiram Phillips, Phileties A. Phillips, David A. Penkman, William S. I^atterson, Frank C. Richardson, Geo. W. Raymond, AVni. P. Rogers, William Stevens, Ernst Shuman, Leander Slade, Maurice W. Taylor, Ulrick Therman, Alanson Turner, Jeptha Turner, Samuel G. Wright, Anselius Wilgus, Levi Ward, Amos B. Watson, Charles E. Bradt, Francesco Burley, David Q. Burley, Jeremiah Biram, Wheelock Carpenter, John Debois, James L. Denman, Eugene Fadden, Harrj' Gray, Calvin V. Gray, John Ginney, Moses M. Haines, Peter J. Hammer, F. D. Joy, Thomas H. King, John Knible, William Lewis, Peter LeMay, Thomas C. Marsh, John W. Mnrphy, J. B. Norton, Martin V. Oliver, Geo. L. Richardson, Henry Sleinbeck» John F. Smith, Cornelius P. Turner, John W.Thackery, Jacob Turner, William Wright, William Watson, John N. Miller. Co. D — Capt., Rolla Banks; 1st Lieut., Norman Buck; 2d Lieut., Zebedia W. Marsh ; Sergs.: Martin Robinson, Malcolm Clark,. Franklin Kideto, James M. Canfield, Chares J. Kenyon ; Corps.: Mathew Monahan, A. S. Hagay, Helkiah Lilley, Franklin Webb, Louis P. Grout, Geo. A. Carsley, Thomas Davidson, Levi B. Whillock ; Mus.. Alson Barton, Wm. Shay; Wagoner, John Morrison ; Privates ; Isaac Bertrand, Charles Brewer, Chas L. Blair, Geo. Bissett, Abert C. Buck, John B. Berry, John Bolin, John Bissett, James J. Berry, Charles L. Berghart, Jefferson Buthrick, Edwin Brown, Asbury B. Clark, Daniel M. Cooper, Dudley C. Cass, Gilbert C. Corey, Daniel H. Cherry, John Cripps, Albert J. Clark, Robt. W. Davidson, James Davis, John A. Dickson, Geo. H. Ellsbury, John Frederick, Eugene Fay, Judson "W. Fuller, Geo. M. French, Albert H. Fuller, Arnold W. Grout, Orrin Grout, Oliver P. Gales, Edwin D. Gilbert, Fletcher C. Harvey, Henry C. Hitchcock, Henry W. Hughes, Irvin M. Hill, John Hanley, John K. Howe, Thomas Hartley, Melzar Hutton, Edward D. Jackson, Horace E. Jeffrey, George V. Jenkins, Levi D. Libbty, Bens(m Lee, Gardner W. Lee, John Leighton, Daniel G. Leighton, "William Montgomery, Malcolm Mott, Samuel McCann, Ober Nelson, Arnold Newcomb, Stephen L. Northrop, Wm. O'Hara, Edgar A. Perkins, Daniel Phelps, George Richardson, Rufus Reed, Daniel Stedman, Benjamin F. Shaffner, William Small, Henry L. Small, Morgan J. Thomas, Mark Thompson, Calvin J. Vance, Jacob Van Slyke, Edwin D. Wilmot, John H. Whillock, Andrew Winget, Chas. F. Wegener, Edmund Wriglit, William Brown, David J. Butterfield, Files Brickert, John L. Burton, Andrew Bathrick, Henry Barker, Alvan Canfield, Herman Canfield, William Edwards, Henry Ehrendreich, Charles E, Eves, Henry T. Hysell, Elmore D. Hysell, Wm. Lynch, Phileoman MILITARY RECORD. 923 Lee, Hiram W. Mallory, Wm. W. Parker, George Pinkham, Wm. D. Parks, Delos M. McReady, Philip Saftbrd, Hialmer Stone, Martin Schultz, Albert M. Smith, Joseph Roberton, John R. Woodworth, Christian Walker, William C. Sweet. Co. G — Privates: Edward Hewett, Ole N. Holverson, Ole Larson, Olans Larson, Henry Murray, Wm. Nolan, Foster Peterson, Peter Peterson, Ole J. Skadson, John Weaver, Ole H. Wentzell. This regiment was mustered into service in August, 1862, but instead of being ordered south, as the men so much desired, they were sent to the frontier in the expedition against the Indians, where hard marching, little lighting and no glory was the order of the day. In September, 1862, they had a brush with the Indians, at Wood Lake, in this state, and spent the winter of 1862-3 in the forts on the Indian frontier. In May, 1863, they were ordered upon a second Indian expedition, and were engaged with the hostiles during the latter week in July of that year, at the battle of Big Mound, so called by way of distinction, but the campaign soon ended, and on October 7, 1863, the regiment was ordered to St. Louis. In April, 1864, they were sent to Paducah, Kentucky, Irom thence to Memphis, Tennessee, and in June of that year were assigned to the 16th army corps. Under Gen. A. J. Smith they started from Salis- bury, fifty miles east of Memphis, on the 17th of July, 1864, and skirmishing with Forrest's cavalry reached Tupelo, Mississippi, July 14, where the rebel general had concentrated his command, 14,000 strong, and where he had resolved to fight. Three times the assault was made upon the Union lines and as often repulsed, Forrest being finally driven from the field with the loss of as many killed as the Union army had in both killed and wounded. August 7 and 8, 1864, the regiment was in action at Tallahatchie, and were thence ordered into Arkansas to pursue Price. Took part in the chase from Brownsville, Arkansas, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, thence by boat to Jefferson City, thence to the Kansas border, and finally to St. Louis. The regiment was also engaged in the battles of December 15 and 16, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee, and at the siege of Mobile, in April, 1865. The war having closed and their terra of enlistment having expired, tliey returned to the state and were mustered out at Fort Snelling, August 16, 1865, having been in the army at the south nearly two years. The 8th Inf regiment had only ten enlisted men from Winona county, and of these only five are known positively, they are : 924 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Co. D — Serg., E. B, Cxerry ; Corp., Amos. T, Crowl ; Privates : Wni. Crowl, Jos. R. Maxwell. Co. H — Private, Edwin 8. Metcalf. The 9th regiment was organized in August, 1862, under the same call that brought the 7th into existence, and like that regiment was stationed upon the frontier, and engaged in guarding the western borders of the state from Indian depredations, until ordered south in September, 1863. It was largely engaged in the same skirmishes, raids and severer engagements as the 7th regiment, and the history of the one is so near the history of the other that a recapitulation is unnecessary. The 9th regiment, however, or that part ol it recruited from Winona county, Co. K, had a taste of Andersonville that did not fall to the lot of the more fortunate 7th. At the battle of Gunton, June 10, 1864, Gen. S. D. Sturges was completely out- generaled by Forrest, and his whole command routed and driven back, "the pursuit continuing almost to Memphis. In this battle and retreat the 9th Minnesota lost heavily, 300 men being captured, most of whom were confined in the rebel pen at Andersonville. Company had thirty-two men taken prisoners, all of them strong, healthy, able-bodied men, and of these only eleven survived the terrible sufferings of that rebel slaughterhouse : one in three was the small pi-oporti(»n of the survivors. The prisoners reached Ander- sonville about June 20, and some of the few who survived the three months of barbarous cruelty and slow starvation were then sent to South Carolina, and released late in the month of November. The names of Winona members of this regiment are : Surgeon, Bingham. Co. A — Privates: Wm. A. Liint, Alexander Rice, Absalom Rice. Co. K — ( "apt., D. W. Wellman ; 2d Lieut., Charles Neidenhoffen ; .Sergs.: George Hayes, Hugh ]McAlden, Geo. AVheelock, Ditty Deirks; Corps. : William G. Brown. Francis Fletcher, Charles Abbott, Jerry G. Wood, George Gray, Patrick Murray; Mns., Jacob Inman; Privates: John Banman, Miram Bur- rows, Hiram A. Buck, Ezra Chesrow^n, Samuel Donald, Albert T. Downing, Charles Deitrich, Henry Ehmke, T. Fenstemacher, John G. Frederick, William Gordon, John Gordon, John F. Guxthner, Charles H. Higby, Hans Jansen, George A. Jenkins, Franz Koelmel, John King, Hans Luthey, Samuel Mickel, Thomas Morton. Charles Newton, Peter Nerairs, Enoch Pike, George Reis, Daniel Rochester, Lyman Raymond, Charles Sprung, Chauncy L. Hill, Seth Hoag, Gregine B. Lacy, Johnson A. Stout, Martin Short, Charles R. Tuttle, Michael AV. Lawton, Joseph Contune, Gustav Shatt, Wiihelm Stark, Benjamin F. Tanner, Jacob Wiltse, (ieorge D. Watchter, Alonzo F. Wheelock, Sayles Brown, James D. Chamberlin, (feorge B. Coniff, Edwin Day, Allan Hilton, MILITAEY RECOKD. 925 Samuel Hackett, John E. Harvey, Christ KoUer, James H. Sackett, Anson Spencer, Levi C. Taylor, William E. Walker, Myron A. Tower, Rob. H. Durham. The 10th Minnesota had only thirteen men from Winona county, distributed as follows : Surgeon, Saml. B. Sheardown. Co. C — 1st Lieut., Albert S. Hempson ; Corp., Alonzo D. Putnam ; Privates: Gilbert F. Hancock, James R. Pope, Wm. A. Miles, Robt. S. Rolph, Henry South wick, Henry 8nyder, Ebenezer L. Starr, Geo. W. Tennj\ Co. E — Private, Godfrey Huber. The service of this regiment was practically the same as that of the Tth. The 11th regiment, the last infantry regiment raised in Minnesota for the war of the rebellion, was mustered in the service in August, 1864, and was principally engaged in defending the approaches to Nashville, guarding bridges and railway lines. No record of the Winona enlistments can be obtained. The lieutenant-colonel was John Ball, of Winona, who was first sergeant of Co. K of the old 1st Minnesota, who was successively promoted second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and received his captain's commission May 6, 1863. The quartermaster of the 11th was Nathaniel C. Gault, of this city, who is authority for the statement tliat of the men composing com- panies I and K of his regiment at least one-third (he thinks more than that) were from Winona county, and, as he spent nearly two months in assisting to secure enlistments throughout the county, knows whereof he speaks. This would make the quota furnished by this county about seventy men. FIRST KEGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY Was organized in April, 1865. There were in this regiment nineteen volunteers from Winona county, viz : Chaplain, Chas. Griswold ; Surgeon, Milo M. Mead. Battery A — Privates : Andrew Beran, Edwin J. Clark, James Finch, Abram Nelson, Saml. P. Marlett, Theod. E. Zielckoe. Battery B — 1st Lieut.; Lon A. Abred; Privates: August Cooper, James Gordon, Michael Gordon, Saml. C. Tomlinson. Battery C — Privates : Lambert Miller, Monroe Ricker. Battery D — Private, Cornelius C. Hinckley. Battery F — Privates : Leonard Hoffman, Charles H. Lindsey, James Pepper. The regiment was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was sta- 926 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. tioned in the defenses there until mustered out of service, in the September following their enlistment. The mounted rangers, sharpsliooters, Hatch's cavalry battal- ion, and Brackett's battalion of cavalry furnished, all told, tliirty-six of their men from Winona county, only one name appearing among the shar])shooters — that of Tlioraas Donlon — wliose name is not on the lists by commands herewith appended. The mounted rangers were only on frontier duty, and were not sent to the army at the south. Brackett's battalion cavalry was organized in November, 1861, and was ordered to Benton barracks, Missouri, the following month. Their first assignment was to a regiment known as " Curtis Horse," and they afterward formed companies C, D and K of the 5th Iowa. They were at Fort Henry in February, 1862, at the siege of Corinth in April following, and at Fort Herman, Tennessee, the next August. Tliey became a veteran organization in 1864; were ordered to the northwest upon the Indian expedition of that year, and mustered out about June 1, 1866. Hatch's battalion cavalry was organized in July, 1863, and was ordered to Pembina, Dakota Territory, in the following year. May, 1864, it was ordered to Fort Abercrombie, and there remained until mustered out, in the early summer of 1866. FIRST REGIMENT MOUNTED RANGERS. Asst.-Surgeon, Bino;ham ; Saddlery Sergt., George Parks. Co. A — Privates : David Coulter, Patrick Hagerty, John H. Hicks, George Perath. brackett's cavalry BATTALION. Co. A — Privates : W. H. Barclay, Hugh Barclay, George Nelson, Duncan B. Stocking, Rob. C. Barclay, Christopher Beck, Augustus Jones, David W. James, M. W. Webber. hatch's BATTALION CAVALRY. Co. A — Private, Sylvester Bedal. Co. B — 2d Lieut., Stephen H. Miner; Corp., Frank A. Holtsman ; Mus., Geo. B. Hazen; Privates: Henry J. Cook, Chas. H. Googins, Wm. Holtzinan, Alfred Miller, .lachry Putman, G. J. Russell, Gilbert R. Tucker. Co. C — Privates: John Currie, Jos. A. Hardwicke, Lewis Kopp, Christian Lohre, Ferdinand Wander. Co. D— 2nd Lieut., Wm. R. Ross; Privates: John S. Dilley, Lafayette Fisher, F. W. Gates. Co. E — Private, Timothy Young. MILITARY RECORD. • 927 2d Minnesota Cavalry was organized in January, 1864. Tlie number of enlistments from Winona county were 128, as follows : Saddler Sergt., Torger Swinson. Co. A — Corp., James Walker; Privates: Ira C. Brewer, Austen Maxwell, Curtis Smith. Co. B— Private, E. A. Pattee. Co. G — Sergt., Seth B. Chase; Privates: Chittle Chittlerin, Geo. Dunn, Hans Jahnsen, James I. King, Wm. Marcy, Jas. Richardson, Michael P. Ryan, Swand Wilson, Hewit M. Yeomas. Co. I — Capt., Isaac Bonham ; 1st Lieut., Wm. L. Sherman ; 1st Sergt., David G. Smith; Quarterm. Serg., Chas. E. Churchill; Com. Serg., George Little; Sergs., Bradford Welch, Nathan E. Sherman, Julius Williams, Sebastian Geis- reiter, Ed. R. Green ; Corps. : Thomas Brown, Jonathan Mosher, Morris M. Small, Ruftis Gage, Charles Green, Van B. Burkitt, David Huddlestone, John E. Kane; Farrier, Simeon Todd ; Blacksmith, John B. Gerard ; Saddler, Torger Swendson; Wagoner, Obed Andrews; Privates: Chas. W. Andrews, Abraham Anderson, John Adamson, John Berkers, S. C. Boardman, Geo. W. Bingham, Horace Barnes, N. Barker, Charles Bandy, Harvey Bartholomew, Lewis H. Bingham^ Geo. H. Crow, John Carey, Hagen Christopherson, Albert E. Clark, John Carter, Ferdinand Cox, John W. Crow, Mark Downs, Austin S. Dunning, Geo. W. Donald, Jos. W. Emerson, Evan Evanson, Frank Eaton, Albert Eaton, Frank P. Field, George Ferris, John E. French, Andrew Galvin, Charles M. Gage, Wm. Grover, Nathan Green, Scott Hathaway, Byron F. Hathaway, David L. Jones, Alfred M. Jones, Phillip Kelley, John F. McCoy, Ole Nelson, John Oleson, Michael O'Hare, Pike Paine, Elijah W. Putney, Heber C. Palmer, Geo. Radabaugh, John Robash, Tobias N. Ryckman, Edward Ryan, Wm. I. Strawbridge, Wm. Streeter, David Traver, Peter J. Traver, David Van Alstine, Henry S. Williams, John Williams, Harry W. Warren, John H. Wright, Fritz Zander, Anton Artz, John M. Hazen, Benjamin Hazen, Tomlinson Pears, Lewis Gowdy, Nelson Breed. Co. L— Capt., Horatio S. Bingham ; Serg., Lewis Skidmore ; Corps. : Hugh Callander, Geo. W. Brown; Farrier, Nelson D. Munson; Wagoner, William Hinds ; Blacksmith, Arthur D. Ketchum ; Saddler, John Franklin ; Privates : Levi S. Elmer, Rob. M. Elliott, Renaldo S. Farrall, W. H. Jacoby, James Kit- chell, Anson V. Kimber, Stephen Lawrence, David S. Lay, Johnson E. Myers, Montgomery Milford, Joseph M. Donald, John McMurdie, Saml. P. Reed, Jas. T. Smith, Gehiel Sames, Ole Torgeron, S. Burton, James Konkwright. The regiment was ordered upon the Indian expedition of May, 1864, and were stationed at frontier posts until mustered out in 1865 and 1866, by companies. Very many of this regiment were men who had served their terms of enlistment at the south and had re-entered the service as veterans. FIRST BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY. This command received seventy-six enlisted men from Winona county. The battery was accepted for service by the government in 928 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. October, 1861, and the following December was ordered to St. Louis, and from that j>oint to Pittsburgh, landing the following Febriiarv, 1862. They took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 5 and 6, 1862 ; siege of Corinth the same month ; battle of October 3 and 4. 1862; the march to Oxford, Mississippi, and thence to Memphis, Tennessee, and were then assigned to the 17th army corps. In January, 1864, became a veteran organization, and were afterward ordered to Cairo, Illinois, thence to Huntsville, Alabama, and from there to Altoona, Georgia, and to Ackworth in the same state. They took part in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, July 22-28, 1864, and then took the route through Georgia and the Carolinas with Sherman's army in the great march. They were mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, June 30, 1865. The Winona county members of this batteiy were : 1st Lieut., Ferd. E. Peebles; Sergs. : William Z. Clayton, Jesse Connor; Corps.: Harison Washburn, Sylvester Fry, Pliinnens Gates, Albert T. Rogers; Privates: Hiram Campbell, Henry Doly,Raizin Everett, Samuel Frothingham, Jacob Earner, William F. Gates, Thomas Gorden, George A. Greenfield, Solo- mon Hayden, Charles A. Johnson, William Koethe, George King, Davis King, Murray Kelley, William McGinnis, Die Nesburg, Andrew 0. Nelson, Joseph Noyes, .Tosei)h O'Hara, Joseph Seigle, Cyrus Smith, Nicholas Shammel, Richard O. Tilson, John W. Torrey, Josiali E. Van Goden, S. Woodward, ("harles F. Wade, WilUam H. Wiltsey, William R. Wolbert, Lenuiel Woodle, Marcus A. Wooley, Samuel Wooley, Marcus W. Watson, Daniel W. Wright, Philip H. Wilson, Noah Blanchard, James Bayliss, Charles Bayliss, James C. Burroughs, John L. Blair, Silas E. Crandall, Robert Cheatham, H. L. Church, John W. Church, Rob C. Eagles, James J. Folke. James C. Fisher, Albert C. Grant, A. O. Gross, Michael Hall, Elmore Hyrell, John W. Haviland, O. R. T. Kingsley, John H. Ledstrand, Peter M. Lee, E. D. Lathrop, John W. Mallarin, Benjamin W. Macomber, George W^. Page, Alonzo Patchin, p]d A. Rowley, William T. Scott, R. Salisbury, E. Sheeks, Stephen H. Van Horn, Daniel W. Wright, George W. Wlnans, Henry S. Wood, Alonzo W. Young. SECOND BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY. Winona county furnished for this organization a contingent of thirty-eight men, and for the 3d battery, four men. The 2d battery was organized in December, 1861, and was not ordered from the state until the following April, when it went south to St. Louis, first, and afterward to Corinth, Mississip])i. This command as well as the 1st battery saw hard service, and did effective work. The}' were at the siege of Corinth ; upon the track of Bragg during his Kentucky raid, and then assigned to the army MILITARY RECORD. 9 'J 9 of the Tennessee, were at the battle of Perryville, October 8 and 9, at Lancaster, October 12 ; Knob Gap, December 20, 1862, and ten days later, at the sharp light at Stone Kiver, Then followed Tul- lahoma, the march to Rome, Georgia, via Stephenson, Alabama, Caperton's Ferry, and finally to Lookout Mountain. September 19 and 20, 1863, they were in the Chickamauga light ; then at Mission Kidge, November 25 ; thence through Kihggold, Georgia, to the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee, and at Buzzard's R(wst Gap. The battery veteranized in March, 1864, and were in the battle of Nashville, December 15 and 16, ol that year. Returned to the state and were mustered out at Fort Snelling, July 13, 1865. The following is a list of Winona's contribution to these two batteries : SECOND BATTERY, LIGHT AKTILLERY. 1st Lieut., Richard L. Dawley ; Serg., John S. White ; Corps.: John C. Van Vleet, Horatio N. Joy; Privates: William Blake, George Crowsen, Perry Fisher, John Gibson, Silas Howard, Ottis M. Hunter, G. Hamilton, James A. Haggadown, James W. Boardman, John Decondress, Carter Fuller, John W. Hovey, Jerry A. Hovey, John I. Hopkins, George Hitchcock, Samuel Loudon, W. S. Hale, Ira C. Munson, Lauritz Oleson, John C. Phelps, Emil Solner, John M. Sisler, W. F. Silsbee, Gulbi'and Toftner, Christopher Anderson, John H. Church, John A. Handy, Benjamin F. Joy, James P. Jackson, Andrew Main, Alonzo Mixter, Ole Oleson, 2d, George I. Rule, Charles M. Whitman. THIRD BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY. Privates: William H. Billington, Henry Cheatham, George Herning, Joseph B. Wheelock. The number ol men killed, wounded, captured, missing, died in service of wounds or sickness, cannot be accurately given. The reports are too incomplete, and private statements too conflicting to be relied upon for a historical narrative. The men furnished by Winona county, whose names appear above, aggregate 801. Add to these the unknown recruits ol the 1st regiment and battalion ol infantry, the enlistments in the 11th infantry, and others whose names cannot be given in the 8th regiment, and it is certain that Winona county lurnished not less than 1,000 men for national de- fense during the war of the rebellion. It must not be forgotten, however, that while Minnesota was thus loyally endeavoring to do her part in the great struggle for national existence, she was for a time seriously handicapped by an Indian war on her own frontier. To meet this incursion of the hostiles calls were made upon the various sections of the state for volunteers for this special purpose. 930 HISTORY OF WINONA COUMTY. Among the responses made to this call was that of Winona, in furnishing and equipping a com]>any of cavalry for the Indian campaign. This company, enlisted by C. F. Buck, left Winona for the frontier September 1, 1862, and are in no way included among the troops mentioned in the foregoing list. There were also several incidents connected with the "home army," the men wlio stayed behind and furnished the sinews of war ; the women who gave time, and prayers, and tears, and means, and loving sympa- thies to the work of sustaining the courage, and ministering to the health of the sick, and the needs of the wounded in camp and hospital. A few of these incidents illustrative of Winona county loyalty and zeal are here given. The Winona Soldiers' Aid Society was established in the fall of 1861. Some time in April, 1864, a communication was received from St. Paul requesting the Winona society to become a branch of a state sanitary commission which the people at the capital were then organizing, or had just organized. The reply of the secretary of the Winona Soldiers' Aid Society is a little too long for publica- tion, but here are some of the points. The Winona society had contributed $2,675.25, for the benefit of the soldiers since November 12, 1862 ; the St. Paul society had sent no sanitary supplies for tw^o years, though the cit}^ was three times as populous as Winona ; the Winona society was then shipping at the rate of fifty bushels a day; had recently pushed out for the organization of auxiliary societies, and had then thirty in active operation. Of the amount previously mentioned, Winona city had contributed all save $150 ; the ladies also had a $200 box ready for the Mississippi sanitary fair, and had just put in operation a plan by which they expected to secure a contri- bution of 6,000 bushels of wheat from the southern Minnesota farmers. The writer of the letter pointed the whole by declining to become tributary to a society located in a place three times as populous as Winona, and yet which, according to the published reports of the jN. W. Sanitary Society, had not sent forward one dollar's worth of sanitary su]>plies in two years. When the call for 500,000 troops was made by the government in 1861, John A. Mathews, of this city, offered a flag of the value of $100 to the first com])auy that would organize under that call in Winona county. The honors fell to Co. B, Ttli reg. Inf., Ciyjt. Curtis commanding ; the flag was presented April 16, 1863, and consigned to the care of Capt. Curtis, then ab home on leave of MILITARY RECORD. 931 absence. The flag itself was a beautiful national ensign, regulation size, manufactured to order by Tiffany & Co., of New York. The material was of heavy silk, the stars embroidered in white silk thread on a blue field. It was furnished with a jointed staff, sur- mounted with an eagle and tipped with silver. The silver plate on the staff bears the inscription "Presented by John A. Mathews, to Co. B, Capt. John Curtis, 7th reg. Minn. Yols. It is by no means neces- sary to record the patriotic work of the citizens of Winona county in supplementing the work of their fathers, brothers, sons and hus- bands at the front. No regiment, either of their own or neighbor- ing states, passed through the city without experiencing the hospital- ity of the generous citizens, to whom a soldier was always a son of the country, and a regiment or company of them a most welcome guest. The frequent visits of citizens, on private account or com- missioned by Soldiers' Aid or other societies to the front, will long be remembered by those who received their welcome visits in camp or in hospital. The letters sent home recounting the heroism ot loved ones in the hour of danger, and the unselfish messages that came from the suffering ones will never be forgotten. But these are only the universal experiences, and these mementoes but the general possession of the nation, Winona being but one among the tens of thousands of such communities all over the north from April, 1861, to April, 1865. The amount of Winona's private benefac- tions, independent of the public moneys voted for bounty, and which were derived from direct tax levied upon the property, footed up about $52,000, including private subscriptions for bounty funds. No draft was ever actually resorted to to fill Winona's quota; the enrollment was frequently made, and two or three times a draft was ordered, but a more careful enumeration of the actual enlist- ments within the county always showed that the quota of the county was either in excess or filled, or so nearly so that the actual conscription was unnecessary, and so it was to the end. Winona county met all demands upon her most nobly, and left in the record of her loyal sons a legacy of true devotion to government, and of deep attachment to the principles of the "fathers," and of abiding faith in the perpetuity of republican institutions that will enrich all after generations of her citizens. 56 CHAPTER LXIL MISCELLANEOUS. Note. — The matter contained in this chapter was received too late for insertion in its proper order. — Ed. Bethany Mokavian church was organized by Rev. H. Reuswig, July 6, 1867. It was composed ot people residing in the town- ships of Norton and LFtica, and numbered fourteen adult members and three children. The first meetings were held at the house of Ferdinand Hans, on Sec. 4, and subsequently in the ' ' Red scliool- house," on Sec. 5. In a short time a residence and schoolhouse, in one building, were constructed on the northeast corner of the latter section, and meetings were held in the schoolroom. In 1872 a church building was erected adjoining the schoolhouse. This is 40x50 feet in area, and has a capacity for seating three hundred persons ; its cost was $1,500, and that of the other buildings of the society about $900. A handsome and convenient parsonage was built near the church, on Sec. 32, Norton township, by Rev. Reuswig, and is now rented for the use of his successor ; it will, doubtless, soon be purchased by the society. Rev. J. Peter Guten- sohn took charge of the ]mrish, on the withdrawal of Mr. Reuswig, in July, 1882. Although several communicants have gone away, there is still a powerful organization, including eighty-eight adult people ; there is a Sunday-school of over sixty members, presided over by Julius Schattschneider. The elders of the body are William Buchholz and August Strehlow. Tiiere is a board of five trustees, of which William Benedit is president, Julius Schattschneider secretary and Ferdinard Hans treasurer ; the other members are John Schwager and William Scheel. The first Universalist sermon delivered in this township was at the funeral of Oliver Peabody, January 12, 1868, by Rev. §. A. Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner subsequently delivered several discourses here, and finding some encouragement, proceeded to the organiza- tion of a society. In 1870 this was accomplished, the membership then numbering forty persons. J. H. Perry, James Holt and Benjamin Ellsworth were the trustees, and Benjamin Peabody MISCELLANEOUS. 933 secretary. A strong ladies' society was also a part of the church machinery. Shortly after the organization, Rev. I. M. Westphall took charge and preached in the schoolhouse at Utica once a month for five years. He was succeeded by a Mr. Marvin, who labored one year. Several of the members having died or moved away, there was not sufficient strength to maintain preaching, and it has occurred only at rare intervals since. Meetings are occasionally held in the schoolhouse near the residence of J. H. Perry, and there is still a strong leaven of [Jniversalism in the township. Rescue Lodge^ No. 1'28, I.O.G.T.^ was organized at Utica, November 16, 1882, with eighteen charter members. Following is a list of the first officers: W.C.T., H. S. Terry; W.V.T., Mrs. Anna C. Hammer; chaplain, J. S. Stofer; W.Sec, G. H. Geutsko; W.F.S., Miss E. L. Holt; W.Treas., Henry Brown; W.M., K Reed; W.I.G., MissL. Terry; W.O.S., S. Wilmot; lodge deputy, S. L. Stofer. The meetings are held every Saturday evening in their hall, over a hotel, and the lodge is growing steadily in numbers and prosperity. It now has a membership of sixty-three, with the fol- lowing officers : P.W.C.T,, H. S. Terry ; W.C.T., C. M. Boyles ; W.V.T., Miss E. L. Holt; W.S., E. M. Rowley; W.F.S., Mrs. A. C. Hammer; W.C, M. Brown; W.M., John Blair; W.T., T. J. Ham- mer; W.I.G., Mabel Blair; W.O.S., S. L. Stofer. Wewspapers. — During the year 1881 O. S. Reed began the publication of a democratic paper called the " Lewiston Index." Finding no support in that democratic stronghold, he removed his establishment to Utica, where C. M. Boyles, then teaching there, agreed to assume editorial charge and share the expense of pub- lication. The first issue of the Utica "Transcript" was put forth on November 20, 1881. It was a five-column quarto, neutral in politics, and flourished for a season. Mr. Boyles withdrew from connection with it in April following, and soon the paper began to advocate the greenback idea, which proved its deathblow, and it was discontinued on July 1. These are all the journalistic ventures ever attempted in this town. James H. Perry, farmer, was born September 26, 1827, in Dutchess county. New York, where his father, Sanriuel Perry, was born, February 26, 1794. His mother, Minerva, was a daughter of Dr. Mather, of Connecticut, descendant of the renowned Cotton Mather, of Salem, and was born September 24, 1798. Samuel Perry removed to Chautauqua county when the subject of this sketch 984 HISTORY OF winona county. was but a small boy, and the latter was reared on a farm there, attending the common school, and spendhig a short time at West- field Academy. At nineteen years of age he began teaching, and taught six terms. His father was a carpenter, and he early learned the use of tools, and soon became a valuable assistant in his father's labors. In 1854 he set out for the wide west. After working at his trade for two years in Johnstown, Wisconsin, he returned to New York, and in the spring of 1857, came to Winona, and again took up carpenter work. In 1859 he purchased 320 acres of land, lying in Sees. 29 and 30, Utica, and removed to his present residence on Sec. 29 in March, 1860. lie now has 360 acres in this township, and is a prosperous and progressivle farmer. He has been called upon to manage town affairs nearly every year since his residence here, having been a supervisor fifteen years, and chairman of the board all that time, save two years. He has been twent3^-three years a school officer, and in the fall of 1882 was elected county commis- sioner for the term of three years. He was one of the active organizers of the Universalist society in his township, and has labored to sustain it from first to last. In political principle he is a democrat. On December 7, 1856, Mr. Perry was joined in holy matrimony to Miss LncindaM., daughter of Amasa Morey, of Rhode Island, and Abigail Young, of Connecticut. She was born in West Winfield, New York, June 19, 1833. They have five children, born as here recorded : Fred L., January 14, 1858, married Ella M. Baker, and lives on Sec. 30, opposite his father's residence; Lillian E., February 13, 1800; Eva A., December 9, 1862; Edith E., March 11, 1865; James W., October 12, 1868. In 1863 Mr. Perry was drafted as a soldier, but supplied a substitute, as he could not leave his family. Jonathan Moshek, farmer, has been a resident of Winona county since 1860, arriving here April 24, that year. He bought fitly acres of land in Norton township, on which he dwelt till December, 1862, when he sold it. On November 18, 1863, he enlisted in the 2d Minn. Cav., Co. I, and served till November 22, 1865, on the western frontier ; he was stationed at Fort Snelling, Kasota, Fort Ridgely, Jackson and Heron Lake, at various periods of this time. In the spring of 1866 he bought a piece of land on Sec. 30, Utica, where he has continued since to dwell and till the soil. He has seventy-nine acres of level and finely improved land, and is an independent farmer. Mr. Mosher is somewhat skeptical about the divine authority of the bible, although a believer in and MISCELLANEOUS. 985 supporter of religion? He votes the republican ticket. Mr. Moslier is a son of Ricliard Mosher, a native of Westchester county, New York, and was born in Bedford, in the same county, March 12, 1836 ; his mother's maiden name was Mehetable Jerman, and she was born in Connecticut. Jonathan Mosher assisted his father on the farm, and attended the common scliool till seventeen years old, after which he cared for himselt, working out at farm labor. In 1858 he went west and located in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. Here he was married, in February, 1859, to Mary E., daughter of John Corbett, of Boston, and Abigail Hurd, of Harmony. Maine ; she was born in Belfast, Maine, January 13, 1839. They have four living children, given them as below noted : Ernest, born Decem- ber 21, 1861, now a student of the Winona Normal School ; Eviah, born October 4, 1869 ; Laura, born December 1, 1871 ; Roy, born September 30, 1875. John Posz, farmer, was born in Billegheim, Bavaria, May 19, 1827. He attended the common schools of his native land till fourteen years old, as there required by law, and so made use of his opportunities as to secure a large fund of general information. This, coupled with a naturally perceptive mind, enabled him to acquire a good knowledge of American ideas, customs and language on his arrival in this country, and he now ranks among the progressive and leading men of Winona county. Mr. Posz crossed the ocean in 1849, and was employed as a moulder for many years in a Connecti- cut four dry. In 1858 he came to Utica, and has ever since followed farming here. At first he purchased forty acres of land on Sec. 10; his next acquisition of land embraced twenty-six acres, the next forty, and so on till he now has 240 acres of prairie land and a forty- acre timber lot in Elba township. He was elected supervisor in 1869, assessor in 1874 and the three succeeding years; again chosen supervisor in 1879 and every year since He is an independent democrat : in religion a Calvinist, and a member of Aurora Grove Druids, Lewiston. Mr. Posz was united in marriage, March 4, 1854, to Margaret Bickel, who was born in the same province as himself, April 7, 1833. They have ten children, as follows: Amelia, born February 15, 1855, married Bernhard Sackreiter, and lives on Sec. 22 ; George B., born August 24, 1856, married Bertha Pingel, and resides on Sec. 16; John H., born April 22, 1858; Frank, born March 14, 1860, now clerk in register's ofhce at Winona; Joseph, born January 29, 1862; married Dora Hunt, and is now living at 936 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Winona ; Maggie, born January 10, 1864, married Bemhard M. See- man, and dwells at Lewiston ; Edward, born December 20, 1866 ; Julia, born December 5, 186!) ; Catharine, born January 16, 1872 ; Walter II., born March 26, 1875. Jonas B. Stkbbins, farmer, was born in Brookline, Windham county, Vermont, February 12, 1827. His father, Rufus Stebbins, was also born in Brookline. Jothan, father of Rutus, was born in Massachusetts, and enlisted under Benedict Arnold, and served through the revolutionary struggle. Clarissa Blandin, who married Rufus Stebbins, and became the mother of this subject, was a native of the same township as her husband. Jonas Stebbins was reared on a farm, his education being finished by two terms at an academy. 'When nineteen years old he took up carpenter work, which he followed till 1856. In the fall of 1855 he became a resident of Winona, and in April, 1857, -he bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 17, in Utica township, where his home has been since that time, and he became a tiller of the soil. He has a finely -improved farm, with buildings of his own construction. He made the doors and sash of his residence with his own hands. His domain now includes 210 acres. July 7, 1861, Mr. Stebbins became the husband of Mariali S. , widow of Albert D. Randall, of New York, who died in Louisiana in 1859, and daughter of J. B. Jayne. (Mrs. Stebbins' father was one of the early settlers of Utica, where he died. May 5, 1881. He was a republican, and served as town supervisor; was a Methodist for fifty years, and active in church work. He left a repu- tation for honesty and upright life that will outlive him many years. He was born in Sraithtown, Suffolk county, New York, December 8, 1804. and was therefore in his seventy-seventh year at death. January 15, 1829, he was married to Sarah Smith, a native of Connecticut. In July, 1856, Mr. Jayne became a resident of this town, buying land on Sec. 11, which he tilled until 1869, when he removed to St. Charles. After the death of his wife, which occurred October 22, 1876, he resided the remainder of his days with his daughter, Mrs. Stebbins. He was the father of eight children, two of whom are now living. One son died in the army in 1862. Austin, the only remaining son, has been a sailor all his life, oeing over twenty years master of a vessel. He resides in New York city.) Mrs. Stebbins was born in Smithtovvn, November 19, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins have been prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church ever since its organization here, the former being steward and class- MISCELLANEOUS. 937 leader all the time. He is a republican, and served as supervisor in 1878-9-80. Mrs. Stebbins is the mother of four children, the eldest — Eugene W. Randall, born January 1, 1859 — graduated Irom the Winona normal school in 1879, and is now editing a paper at Morris, Minnesota (married Dora Stone). Mr. Stebbins' children were born and christened as follows: Sidney J., August 7, 1862; lives in Rochester, Minnesota; Ida G., February 24, 1861:, is teach- ing in Morris; Webster J., December 3, 1869. Richard Patterson, farmer, was born near Hull, in Yorkshire, England, December 11. 1821. He received the benefit of the English common schools till nine years old, and was then employed at farm labor. At twenty years of age he emigrated to America, and lived at Lansingburg, New York, three years. After a visit to England, he again dwelt in the United States three years. Again returning to England, he was married there on January 2, 1850, to Mary Wallis, who was born within a mile of his birthplace, Sep- tember 17, 1826. Mr. Patterson immediately came with his bride to America and engaged in farming at Dresden, New York, for five years. After spending a year in Jackson county, Iowa, he came to Winona county, settling in Utica in 1856. He took up 160 acres of school land on Sec. 16, to which he afterward obtained a deed. Here he dwelt ten years, then sold the property and bought 161 acres on Sec. 11, in St. Charles, and still lives thereon ; he has also fifteen acres on Sec. 1, which he purchased for its timber. His farm is graced with excellent buildings, and his house is handsomely furnished. Mr. Patterson is a prosperous farmer, and a hospitable and genial man. He has been a republican since Lincoln's time. Five of his children grew to maturity, of whom four are now living. Here is their record : Amy C, born May 1, 1851, married K C. Dell, died December 18, 1880, and left one child, Mary R, born July 9, 1872, who lives with Mr. Patterson; Frederick W., born September 17, 1854, married Maria Vowles, and lives at Wentworth, Dakota Territory; Joseph W., born July 4, 1861 ; Annie E., born September 19, 1864 ; Emma L., born August 2, 1867. William Small, farmer, was born March 17, 1844, in Tipperary, Ireland. At seven years of age he came with his parents to America, and was brought up on a farm in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. In 1858 he came to Minnesota, and resided some years in the town of Quiiicy, Olmsted county. On August 15, 938 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 1862, being then but eighteen years old, he enlisted in the United States service, serving just three years in Co, D, Ttli Minn. Inf. He was under Gen. Sibley in several skirmishes with the Indians on the western frontier, and subsequently joined tlie western army. He participated in the battles of Tupelo, Mississippi, Nashville, Ten- nessee, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley, and numerous minor engagements. At the close of the war he returned to this locality, and was married January 27, 1866, to Miss Sophia Talbot, of this township. He bought ninety-five acres of land on Sec. 15, in 1871, and has since tilled the same. He also rented a half of Sec. 14, belonging to S. T. Harris, on which he dwells. Mr. Small was reared under Roman Catholic teachings, and is a democrat. He has three living children, born as follows: Charles W., January 28, 1867 ; Minnie S., July 28, 1869 ; Lillie B., February 12, 1870. Marquis "Waldo "Watson, farmer. John "Watson, father of "Waldo, was born in Coleraine, Massachusetts ; he married Lucy Webber, a native of Springfield, same state, and settled on a farm in Caledonia, Racine county, Wisconsin, where the subject of this sketcli was born, October 20, 1840. He attended the Racine city schools, and assisted his father in the tillage of the farm while out of school. In the fall of 1860 John Watson removed to Fremont, in this county, and bought a large farm on Sees. 9 and 16, where he died. May 27, 1882. Waldo Watson came with his father to Min- nesota, and enlisted November 21, 1861 (a month after reaching his majority), in the 1st Minn, battery of liglit artillery, and served until July 3, 1865. He was an actor in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, second Corinth, Raymond, sieges of Vicksburg, Atlanta and Savannah, besides numerous smaller engagements and skir- mishes, where Sherman's army went. Returning to Minnesota after the war, Mr. Watson has ever since dwelt here. He was married to Miss Sarah E. Schermerhorn, whose parentage is else- where given, November 23, 1867. They have been given two children, born as follows : Waldo E., October 20, 1868, and Nellie G., September 25, 1880. Mr. Watson coincides with the Methodist Episcopal church in religious faith, and with the republican i)arty in political principle. In the fall of 1875 he bought 228 acres of land on Sees. 34 and 35, St. Charles, where he has since resided, and is now an independent farmer. He had previously owned and lived on several farms in Fremont and Saratoga for periods of two to four years. MISCELLANEOUS. 939 William Schermerhoen, farmer, was born in Schenectady, New York, August 6, 1824. His fatlier, Jacob Sclierraerhorn, was born in the same city; his mother, whose maiden name was Eleanor Tubbs, was born in Bethlehem, New York. Mr. Schermerhorn was reared on a farm, and has followed the tilling of ground nearly all his life. In 1849 he went into the grain business in Albany, where he continued six years. January 17, 1847, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Blair, natives of Massa- cliusetts and Vermont. She was born in Troy, New York, on Christmas day, 1826, and died October 13, 1877, leaving eight children, as follows : Sarah E., born June 22, 1847, married M. W. Watson, and lives on Sec. 35; William J., born December 7, 1849, and Jjolm S., born August 10, 1851, live together on a farm in Fremont township; Catharine J., born April 18, 1854, married Samuel West, and resides on Sec. 33; Perry E. ; George W., born May 11, 1859, died June 20, 1878; Henry D., died when six years old; Anna M., born November 11, 1863, died at eighteen; Lucy, born July 13, 1872, lives with her sister, Mrs. West. In October, 1855, Mr. Schermerhorn came to St. Charles, and took up 160 acres on Sec. 35, where his home has been till he removed to the city of St. Charles, in September, 1881. He was married July 5, 1879, to Laura, daughter of Josiah and Belinda Gordon, of Maine; she was born in Franklin, Maine, June 8, 1843. They have two children: Y. G., born April 2, J 880; and an infant son, yet unnamed, born August 21, 1882. Mr. Schermerhorn is a Methodist in belief, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. Perry Schermerhorn, son of the above, was born on the farm where he now lives (his father's). May 13, 1856. His life has all been passed here, his education being imparted in the district school where he lived. He was married November 1, 1878, to Henrietta, daughter of William Persons, whose history is elsewhere given. Since his marriage Mr. Schermerhorn has operated his father's farm. He has one child, Albert, born August 22, 1879. He is a Methodist and a democrat. Jonathan F. Taylor (deceased) was a son of Josiah Taylor and Phoebe Butterfield, natives of New Hampshire. He was born in Hillsborough county. New Ham])shire, May 29, 1814. At twelve years of age he went with his parents to New York State, where his father died when he was btit sixteen, and the management of home affairs fell upon him. He remained at home till his marriage, which 940 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. occurred July 2, 1840. Ilis wife, Betsey, who still survives him, was born June 5, 1814, in Kichford, Tioga county, New York ; her parents were Thomas O. Brown, born in Vermont, and Polly Bur- git, of Massachusetts. After his marriage Mr. Taylor went on a farm in Broome county, New York, where he remained till his removal to Saratoga, in 1855. He arrived here in June and took up one-fourth of Sec. 11, on which he dwelt till he died, August 28, 1878 ; the estate at that time embraced 200 acres. Mr. Taylor enlisted in February, 1862, in Co. B, 9th Minn. Inf , and his first service was in the campaign against the Sioux Indians on the western frontier ;• he was in Fort Snelling when it was attacked by Indians, and narrowly escaped being shot. When the regiment went south he was rejected on account of poor health. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were members of the Congregational church ; he was a staunch republican. Besides his widow, six children mourn his loss. Two other children died before the father. Levi E., the eldest, was born May 29, 1841 ; he enlisted in the spring of 1864, was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, and died at Andersonville on the 24th of the following September; Philena F., May 13, 1843, married M. I. Davis and resides at Columbus, Kansas ; Marion D. , April 5, 1845, married Maggie Clawson, lives on Sec. 14 ; Mel- ville J., October 7, 1847, married Maggie Gordon, now living at Houston, this state ; Judson M., August 7, 1849, married Sarah J. Endersby, dwells at Curry, Minnesota; Daniel L., February 20, 1852, married Martha Matilda Donalson, and occupies the home- stead ; Julia G., October 23, 1854, married F. W. Davis, with whom she resides in St. Louis, Missouri ; Zula B., Sejjtember 4, 1857, died before six years old. There are now nineteen of Mr. Taylor's grandchildren living. His demise was caused by heart disease. He ha^ performed a good day's labor in the harvest field, and dropped dead as he was going to feed his hogs. Solomon Hiltz (deceased) was born in Herkimer, Herkimer county. New York, April 18, 1801. His grandfather, George Hiltz, served through the French and revolutionary wars, was captured by the IndiiHis during the former and' held a prisoner in Canada seven years, till released by treaty with the United States. John G., father of Solomon Hiltz, was born and reared in Herkimer. Jacob Folts, also of Ilerkimei-, married Catluu-ine Hayes of the same town- sliip ; their daughter, Catharine, was born September 20, 1802, in Herkimer, and married Solomon Hiltz March 5, 1821. Mr. Hiltz MISCELLANEOUS. 941 went to St. Charles, Illinois, in the fall of 1849, and engaged m farming in that vicinity twenty-live years. He came to Saratoga m May, 1864, and bought forty acres on Sec. 13, which he tilled until his'death, which occurred March 31, 1882. He is survived by his wife, six sons and two daughters. Of the former one was a pioneer in the adjoining town of Fremont, where he now lives, and one resides here ; one is in Illinois and three in Dakota ; one daughter resides in Nebraska and one in Illinois. Mr. Hiltz was a member of the Congregational church and a democrat, as are most of his David Hiltz, son of above, was born in Herkimer April 8, 1S36. He engaged in farming in Illinois, where he remained after the removal ot^his parents hither. In 1871 he came here and bought sixty -four acres of land adjoining his father's, and cared for his parents since that time. He was married December 23, 1882, to Maggie, daughter of George and Elizabeth Erlein, natives of Ger- many ; she was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, July 24, 1857. James Kobinson, farmer, was born near Armagh, Ireland, Nov- vember 29, 1826. His parents, John and Margaret Robinson, brought him to America when he was but two years old, and settled in St. Lawrence county, New York. Here he attended the common school till fourteen years old, and since seventeen has cared for himself. His present large domain is a monument to his industry and faithfulness. He now has 400 acres of land where he lives (Sec. 25, Saratoga), one section near Odelbolt, Iowa, and a quarter- section in Dakota. All of his home farm save forty acres of timbered land is finely improved. His buildings are models of completeness and comfort. When seventeen years old he went m the western part of Canada, four hundred miles from home, where he engaged in farm labor. He spent three winters in the Canadian pineries, and ran the St. Lawrence river with rafts. In 1848 he married Emma Bolus, who died within a year. On October 2, 1849, he was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth Braithwait, who was born' in Madrid, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 7, 1 883 . After living seven years on a farm which he owned in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county, he set out for the west, arriving in Saratoga October 12, 1856. He took up the S.W. i of Sec. 25, where his home is now, and at once began to make improvements. Mr. Robinson is a very early riser, and may still be found among his men doinff his share of the work in the fields. He arrived m this 942 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. town with $1,200 and a team, and by economy and judicious use of liis means secured independence, and is a contented man. In 1859 lie nuiintained a school at his own expense in his shanty, and again in the parlor of his present residence in 1867-8. He is determined that his children and those of his neighbors shall have opportunities for an education. It was largely due to his efforts that a public school was established in the vicinity. A handsomely furnished schoolhouse, 36x26 feet in size, now stands within half a mile of his home, and a large proportion of the tax required to build it came from his pockets. Mr. Ilobinson is a democrat and a Meth- odist. He has nine living children, two having died. Their record is here given: Margaret A., November 30, 1852, at home; John, December 14, 1854, married Jennie Hunt, lives at Odelbolt, Iowa ; Robert S., June 15, 1856, married Hattie Whitney, lives near John; J. Duncan, December 17, 1858, married Isabella French, lives near John ; Eli and Emma, died at six and twelve years old ; Sidney H., December 11, 1865, with brothers in Iowa; George E., August 13, 1868; Charlotte E., September 17, 1870; Henry W., February 14, 1872 ; Pet, June 30, 1877. Samuel W. Oviatt, farmer, is a son of Stephen Oviatt, born in Massachusetts, and •Prudence Davidson, born in Pennsylvania. His birth took place in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 26, 1819. His parents died before he attained his majority, and he remained on the homestead where he was born until his marriage. This event occurred A])ril 22, 1847. Miss Laura Salisbury, the bride, who is still his faithful helpmeet, was born in Medina county, Ohio, June 22, 1829; her parents were William and Laura Salisbury, of New York. Mr. Oviatt had removed to Medina county a short time before his mar- riage, and remained on a farm there fifteen years. In 1861 he became a resident of Minnesota, purchasing one-fourth each of Sees. 12 and 13, Saratoga, which he still retains, his residence being on Sec. 12. During the first winter after his arrival here, his log cabin with all its contents was destroyed by fire, and he had greater hardships to encounter than many of the earliest ])ioneers. At that time calico cost sixty cents per yard, and everything else was in like proportion. Mr.- Oviatt was refused a bolt of cotton cloth in exchange for a 1,300-pound ox. Through the kindness of neighbors they were sujjplied with sufficient bedding to make them comfortable, and lived for some time in the second story of a granary ; now have comfortable buildings and a pleasant home. Mr. Oviatt engages MISCELLANEOUS. 943 quite extensively in the growth of amber cane and its manufacture into syrup, making 2,500 gallons per year. He has been a member of the Baptist church forty-two years. He was justice of the peace in Saratoga one term. His political preferences are with the re- publican party. Five children of this family are now living, born as follows: Frank, December 22, 1851, now living at Huron, Dakota; Walter, July &, 1857, also at Huron ; Delana, January 6, 1862 ; Sidnev S.. January 22, 1865; Alice C, April 18, 1871; Stephen C, born October 6, 1849, died July 13, 1878, Laura, born January 2, 1855, die'd November 14, 1863. Joseph Campbell, tarnier, is a son of John Campbell, born m Edinburgh, and Marian Roberton, born in Glasgow. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, November 11, 1833. At ten years of age he came with his parents to America, settling in Canada, where he was employed in assisting to open up a farm, and had very few educa- tional' advantages. He came to Saratoga in 1856, arriving May 26, and at once located on the S.E. i of Sec. 23, of which he secured a deed from Uncle Sam, and on which his home still is. He has a large and handsome residence thereon, and numerous extensive barns and other farm buildings. His domain now embraces the S. i of Sec. 23, all but four acres of which is tillable. Mr. Campbell raises a great deal of stock, and therefore has need of his large barns. He "kept bach" in a log cabin for four years after his arrival, when his parents came and dwelt with him two years. They then moved to Fillmore county and left the poor bachelor alone again. At last becoming tired of single blessedness, he looked for a mate, which he found in Miss Cecelia Wood, to whom he was wedded September 11, 1871 ; her parents, George and Mary Wood, were natives of New York, and she was born in Cambridge, Wash- ington county. New York, December 22, 1842. Mr. Campbell is a liberal in religion. He was once a democrat, but now classes himself with greenbackers. He came to Saratoga with $300. Two- thirds of this went to pay for his claim. Perseverance and his own labor have made him independent. Alexander Campbell, brother of above, was born m North Sherbrook, Lanark county, Ontario, in June, 1843. He has always been a farmer, and came with his parents to this state in 1860, with them he went to Fillmore county, and lived on a farm, which he bought in Arndale, for fifteen years. He was married October 18, 1867, to Mary Coulter, who was born in Glasgow, June 4, 1842. 944 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. They have eiglit children, born as here recorded : Elizabeth, Feb- ruary 6, 1867; John W., March 18, 1871; Christopher G., December 1J-, 1872; Joseph, August 29, 1876; James, September 1, 1878 ; Ada, September 11, 1880 ; Tliomasand Laura, twins, April 6, 1883. In 1875, Mr. Campbell sold his Fillmore county property, and purchased 244 acres on Sec. 14, Saratoga, where he is sur- rounded by everything to make the life of a farmer enjoyable. He is a Presbyterian and a greenbacker ; has been clerk of his school district for seven years, and was elected town supervisor in 1882-3. Charles Anson Morey was born in Vershire, Orafige county, Vermont, August 9, 1851. His father, Koyal Morey, and his mother, Jennette Ellen Felton, both came of numerous and long-lived New England families of Scotch descent. The subject of this sketch is their first child and only living son. In the spring of 1861 the family left the old homestead in Vershire and came to Illinois. In October, however, of the same year they came by covered wagon to the town of Chester, Wabasha county, Minnesota, where a farm was purchased and improvements begun. At the end of three years, during which time the children had attended school at the log schoolhouse, the farm was sold and the family moved to Lake City, in the same county, where they still reside; Charles attended the winter terms of the village school and worked upon a farm, or as a joiner or millwright when opportunity offered, until 1870, when he was engaged to teach the school at Gopher Prairie, near Lake City. So successful was he in this new field of operations, that the next year, in company with several young men from that vicinity, he came tc* Winona and entered the State Normal School to prepare himself more thoi-ouglily for that work. He graduated I'.l the head of his class, May 22, 1872, and was at once selected by the authori- ties of the school, and instructed to proceed with his preparations to take charge of the new department of natural sciences about to be established in the school. Accordingly, in September of that year, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Boston, as a special student in the scientific departments. In the Jiext two years he passed through the entire laboratory course of that ad- vanced and practical institution. During the latter part of the last 3^ear he worked in company with Prof. A. Graham Bell, the in- ventor of the telephone. At the close of the year he read a paper before the Society of Arts and Sciences of the institute, describing and illustrating his improvements upon the ph on autograph, an MISCI^LLANEOUS. ^^5 important acoustical instrument. The paper was published m the -American Journal of Science," and the improvements upon the familiar piece of apparatus have been generally adopted. He was, in the spring of 1874, elected professor of natural science m the State Normal Scliool, at Winona, and at once entered upon his duties. Under his direction laboratories were established, and the Hew ex- perimental method of teaching the sciences put in lull operation. A large amount of valuable apparatus was made on the spot by hiraselt and by pupils under his direction. Upon the resignation of Prot William F. Phelps, in 1876, Mr. Morey was appointed principal of the school Under his administration the institution took many decided steps in advance. The course of study was rearranged upon the basis of a year instead of a term. The advanced course and the professional course for graduates of colleges and high schools were established. By his economical management of the affairs of the school, the authorities were enabled to supply the funds neces- sary to fit up and furnish the extensive museum and art gallery of the institution, which was done under his direction. He had, how- ever, since a boy, determined to eventually make the law his pro- fession, and had employed his leisure accordingly. In 1879 he resigned the principalship, was admitted to the bar and immediately entered upon the practice of the law at Winona, as a member of the firm of Berry & Morey. He was married November 28, 1877, to Kate Louise Berry, daughter of Gen. C. H. Berry. They have two children, Janette, five years of age, and Charles Berry, three years old Mr Morey is a republican, and an active participant m cam- paign work. lie is a member of the school board, a director of the Merchants' Bank, of the board of trade, and is secretary of the Winona Building and Loan Association. In any movement to ad- vance the interests of the city of Winona, he is always ready to ]Oin with heart and hand. . Allen G. Wilmot, of New York, was one of the pioneer settlers of Winona county, having located on government land m the north- eastern part of St. Charles township in 1856. After six years residence thereon, he removed to Sec. 36, of the same town, where he remained till the fall of 1881, and then removed to Iowa. His wife's name before marriage was Sarah Remore. Edwik D Wilmot. son of above, was born in Rome, New York, May 23, 1844, and was not yet twelve years old on becoming a resident of Minnesota. All his life has since been passed here, his 946 HISTORY OF WINONA COtlNTY. education being completed in the Winona grammar school. lie enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 7tli Minn. Vols., and served three years. The first year of liis army life was s})ent under Gen. Sibley, on the western frontier, where he participated in a few skirmishes with the Indians. His regiment was then placed with the arrriy ol the Tennessee, and he passed through the battles of Tupelo, Nashville, and the forts above Mobile. In 186(5 he bought a farm on Sec. 3, Saratoga, on which he lived four years. He then sold and bought 160 acres on Sec, 12, where he dwells now. His build- ings are comfortable and on a superb location, commanding a view of the beautiful prairies for miles around. He was married on Marcli 1, 1868, to Idella, daughter of John and Lucy (Webber) Watson, of Fremont township. They have four children, born as follows : Minnie A., February 1, 1869; Alfred W., July 24, 1870 ; Da'-,y, February 6, 1873 ; Pearl, May 25, 1880. Mr. Wilmot is a republican, and member of St. Charles Lodge I.O.O.F. John D. Clyde (deceased) was born in Lyme, New Hampshire, January 2, 1828. His father, John Clyde, was a farmer of Scotch descent, and his mother was Esther Hovey. Mr. Clyde was accus- tomed to farming all his life. From twenty years old to twenty-six years he worked for one farmer in New Hampshire, — Major Franklin, He went to St. Charles, Illinois, in 1854, and kept a sale stable. He came to Fremont in 1856, arriving April 20, and secured a quarter of Sec. 30. This he sold in a few years and bought the present home of his family, the^S.W, ^ of Sec, 18, on which he dwelt till his death, which took place May 28, 1883, He also owned eighty acres on Sec. 7, which is still a part of the estate. Pie was married December 1, 1862, to Sarah A,, daughter of Charles and Caroline (Robinson) Henderschott ; she was born in Hornells- ville, New York, April 20, 1844, Besides his widow, six children mourn his departure. Their names and births are thus recorded ; John, September 1, 1863 ; Louisa, June 29, 1867 ; Kittie M., June 22, 1869; Emogene, May 25, 1872; Annabel, April 10, 1876; Gertie, July 7, 1879, Mr, Clyde was buried with masonic honors, being a member of Harmony Lodge, of Lewiston, His religion was the golden rule. In politics he was a republican, and he had served his town as chairman of its board of supervisors. JoiiN Blair (deceased) was reared to sixteen years of age in Ware, Massachusetts, where he was born May 26, 1799, At sixteen he went with his parents to Troy, New York. He married Betsey MISCELLAISTEOUS. 947 Wiltse, of Hoosac, New York, and in early life was a farmer in the vicinity of Troy. Was several years in mercantile business in Troy and Albany, and also dealt in produce for the New York market. In the spring of 1865 he set out for the west, and arrived at Sara- toga April 9. Here he took up a quarter-section of Uncle Sam's domain on Sec. 2, and dwelt thereon till the fall of 18Y3. He died in the city of Albany two years later. Mr. Blair was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a democrat ; he served as justice of the peace in Saratoga two years. He had four sons and five daughters; of the latter, but one is now living, — Mrs. Dr. C. H. Smith, of Albany ; of the former, two now reside in this town and one is in California. John T. Blair, son of above, was born in Pownal, the southwest corner township of Vermont, November 21, 1827. His youth was passed on the farm and in the city of Albany, in the schools of which city his education was finished. At fifteen years of age he went into a store and followed mercantile life till 1855, keeping a store at one time in Albany ; was member of a fire company there seven years, being foreman. He was married, February 24, 1850, to Miss Eveline Clark, who was born near Schenectady, New York, September 15, 1826 ; her parents, William P. Clark and Catharine Truax, were also natives of that state. Mr Blair came to Saratoga in company with* his father, and located on Sec. 1, where his resi- dence has been ever since. Besides his original claim he has since secured ninety-six acres, a part of which is in St. Charles township. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Lewiston, and of the St. Charles Methodist Episcopal church ; votes with the republican party. He has been a member of the town board six times, part of the time chairman ; was treasurer two years and justice of the peace four years. Is the oldest commissioned post- master in the state, having been appointed in charge of Worth post- office in 1856, and held the office ever since. The wall of Mr. Blair's parlor is adorned with a painting representing the log cabin in which he lived and kept the postoffice in 1856. It was two stories high, and covered with butternut shingles shaved by Mr. Blair. In 1855, while finishing this dwelling, Mr. Blair went to Winona to buy lumber, and purchased all there was in the city — 348 feet. In May, 1855, Mr. Blair was followed half a mile by four timber wolves, and would doubtless have been devoured had he attempted to escape by running. By retaining his leisurely gait and calm 57 948 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. demeanor, he kept them at bay till he reached home, lliis was in daytime. Four children remain in this family, two having died in New York. All are at home and date their births as below : John M., August 3, 1856; Frank C, September 5, 1858; Edward E., June 23, 1860 ; Mabel, January 22, 1864. Leonard M. Shelton, farmer, was born in Raymond, Racine county, Wisconsin, March 17, 1843, and was therefore but eleven years old when (as elsewhere related) he came with his widowed mother to Minnesota. Most of his schooling was received in Wis- consin. He dwelt with his mother many years on the farm where his home now is (Sec. 1, Saratoga), and where still stands the pic- turesque log cabin which was their home, and a shelter for hundreds of travelers during the years 1855-6-7. This hotel was a pretentious structure, for this section, when built. An upright, 18x26, two stories high, was built in the fall of 1855, and the following spring a " lean-to" of boards was added; it ran the whole length of the main structure, and was sixteen feet wide. In after years another wing was added on the opposite side, for a summer kitchen. A large grape-vine ran over one end of the house and reached out to a tree near by, thus forming a pleasant arbor, where Mr. Shelton has pleasantly passed many an hour during the heat of summer. This farm is now owned by Mr. Shelton's uncle, and occupied by the former as a tenant. He possesses a farm of 120 acres on Sec. 3, which he bought in 1873, and on which he resided for six j^ears thereafter. At tlie earnest solicitation of the owner he took charge of the farm where he is. The raising of hogs and pure Durham cattle is largely carried on here. Mr. Shelton also raises a great many horses on his own account. December 18, 1866, L. M. Shelton and Mary L. Bradt were united in holy matrimony. Mrs. Shelton was born in Albany, New York, February 2, 1846. They have been blessed with three bright and promising children, as below : Mary L., October 7, 1868; Minnie L., July 27, 1871; Lillian M., April 9, 1878. Mr. Shelton enlisted August 20, 1864, in Co. H, 11th Minn, reg., and served till the close of the war, being occupied in guard duty along a railway near Nashville, Tennessee. He " votes as he fought," under the banner of republicanism. In religious sympathy he is with the close-com- munion Baptists. William Henry Shelton, farmer, one of tlie pioneers of Fre- mont township, has secured a competency by his industry and MISCELLANEOUS. '.>49 faithfulness. He was born in London, England, June 11, 1829, and came with his parents to America when six years old, receiving his education in the common schools of Racine county, Wisconsin. In the fall of 1854 he came with his widowed mother (elsewhere men- tioned) to Winona county, and in the tollowing spring took up 160 acres of government land on Sec. 6, Fremont, where he has ever since dwelt. He has a large and handsome residence, which is elegantly furnished, complete farm buildings, etc. His domain now embraces 300 acres of land, of which 250 have been broken up. Mr. Shelton attends to the details of his business as usual, and is himself found every day at work. He is now quite largely engaged in raising hogs and other stock. He is a free-will Baptist and a republican; has never mixed in public concerns, bnt given his whole attention to his large private interests. March 8, 1868, he was joined in holy wedlock to a daughter of Jesse Ingersoll, one of the pioneers of Raymond, Racine county, Wisconsin, and the widow of H. M. Bentley. She was born January 9, 1840, near Castleton, Ontario, and christened Julia. They have been given three children, as follows: William H., October 24, 1864; Ida M., February 7, 1869; Delia M., June 13, 1873. Mrs. Louisa Shelton, widow of William Shelton, was one of the pioneers of this region, having taken up a claim on Sec. 31, Utica, in the fall of 1854, and now resides there with her daughter, Mrs. A. D. Trowbridge. Mrs. Shelton kept a hotel in a log building on the corner of Sec. 1, Saratoga, for some years in the period of early settlement. This was on the stage route traversed by the early pioneers, and was widely known as the " Widow Shelton House." Mrs. Shelton was born in Elliott, England, in 1806, and married William Shelton, in London. They came to America in 1834, and after a residence of over a year in Buffalo, New York, settled on a farm in Racine county, Wisconsin. Mr. Shelton's death took place here in January, 1845, and in 1854 his widow moved west, where land was plenty for her sons. There were three of the latter, two of whom reside near by, one in Fremont and one in Saratoga, on the land where his mother kept hotel ; Stephen, the third son, is now at Flandreau, Dakota. There were two daughters, the one mentioned above, and the wife of Lewis Downing, residing in Saratoga township. Alexander D. Trowbridge, farmer, was born in Tully, Onon- daga county, New York, May 3, 1834, and was raised, to twelve 950 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. years of age, on a farm in Courtland count3^ His father, James Trowbridge, came of a very long-lived family ; he married Hannah Van Cant, mother of the subject of tliis sketcli, who was, like him- self, a native of New York. When Alexander was twelve years old his parents removed to Oberlin, Ohio, from which point he came to Winona county at the age of twenty-one. He arrived in Saratoga in August, 1855. After spending a night with friends who had preceded him hither, he was on the ground where he located at six o'clock next morning, and by four in the afternoon had a shantj'^ erected. By daylight next morning he was in Chatfield and filed his claim to the land. The location was on Sec. 22, and here he resided ten years. On April 10, 1860, he was married to Sarah E. Shelton, who was born in London, England, February 18, 1834 ; she was a daughter of Mrs. Louisa Shelton, a widow lady who was one of the pioneers of the vicinity and spoken of elsewhere. In 1867 Mr. Trowbridge removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming. After nearly four years' residence there, he was compelled to give Uj5 on account of loss of health, and spent about four years under treatment in Ohio. He took up his residence where he now is, on Sec. 31, Utica, in 1881. Mr. Trowbridge is an orthodox in religion, and a republican in politics. He was the second town clerk elected in Saratoga, serving three successive years. Fkank a. West, grain buyer, came to Minnesota when ten years old with his parents, who died before he was fourteen years old, since which time he has cared for himself. Elijah West and Amy Lewis, parents of Frank West, were natives of New York State. They were residents of Fulton, Indiana, on August 31, 1843, at which time and ])lace the subject of this sketch was born. He attended school but three terms after he was eleven years old. After the death of his parents he resided two years with an elder brother in Illinois, and came with him to Rochester, this state. On June 26, 1861, he enlisted at Chatfield in Co. A, 2d Minn, reg., and served as a soldier till June 26, 1865. After nearly two years' service in the ranks he was transferred to the signal corps, in which he was promoted for bravery during the battle of Altoona Gap ; by his daring, when all others of the corps gave up in terror, com- munication was kept up with the commanding officer of Kenesaw Mountain. The principal battles in which Mr. West was an actor were those of Chickamauga, Mill Spring, Resaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain and the Chattahoochie river. He was in numerous MISCELL A.NEOUS. 951 smaller engagements, his diary showing a total of over thirty fights and skirmishes. After the war he rented land in Olmsted and Fillmore counties, and followed farming. In 1876 he went to Melrose, Minnesota, where he bought grain for the Minneapolis Millers' Association three years. He then spent nearly three years in the Black Hills, and was one of the organizers and vice-president of the Garden City Hydraulic Mining Company. He sold his interest in this concern, but still holds shares in some of the mines there. In 1882 he became a resident of Utica, where he is engaged in buying grain for C. W. Seafield. He is a skillful business man, and does not let past reverses interfere with his attention to business. He is a liberal in religion, and "votes as he fought," with the republicans. Mr. West was married March 27, 1870, to Miss E. M. Miller, who was born near Saratoga, New York, April 16, 1854, They have two children, given them as follows : John, July 23, 1873 ; Ettie, August 22, 1878. George Evans, merchant, was born in Herefordshire, England, September 17, 1842. His father died when he -was an infant, and Jiis mother brought him to America when six years old. Since ten years of age he has cared for himself, working in his earlier years at farm work during the summer and attending school in winter. He resided in the State of New York until fourteen years old, when he came west and dwelt in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1864 he became a resident of Minnesota, locating at Centerville, this county. He subsequently dwelt at Northfield two years, and was for a period at St. Anthony and Duluth. For five years he peddled dry goods and notions with a wagon, making his home at Centerville. In May, 1876, Mr. Evans became a resident of Utica, opening a general store here ; his is the most complete store in the village. In 1878 he bought his present residence south of the schoolhouse, and intends to make this his home. His mercantile business covers $10,000 per year, and he last year did a business of twice that amount in buying hogs for market. Mr. Evans is a member of the Rochester lodge, I.O.O.F., and of the Congregational church : is a republican in national principle. He was married to Lucinda Hand, a native of the State of New York, on November 2, 1878. They have one child, Gerti-ude L., born November 30, 1880. ADDITIONAL MATTER.* Joshua Martin, dentist. The great-grandfather of this snbject, John Martin, was a captain in the Continental army during the revo- lution. He was twice ca])tured and taken to England, and died there during the second period of his imprisonment. Himself and brothers wei-e pioneers in the settlement oi the new colony of New Hampshire ; the latter served as a captain through the French and Indian war. Samuel, a son of John Martin, lived and died in New Hampshire ; his son Joshua was the father of the subject of this sketch ; he married Azubah Burnham, also reared in that state, and engaged in farming in Grafton and afterward in Hillsborougli count3^ Joshua Martin was born in Canaan, Grafton county, April 4, 1829. His education was completed at Pembroke and Andover academies. At twenty years of age he began the study of dentistry under the auspices of an association formed at Manchester for giving practical instruction in this line. Here he began the practice of his profes- sion and continued there two years. He was married at Plattsburg, New York, on July 6, 1852, to Elvira M. Coombs; her father, John Coombs, ran away from his birthplace, Charlestown, New Hampshire, at fifteen, and served through the war of 1812 as private secretary to Gen. Scott ; her mother was Florinda Miles, of the same town. In 1856 Mr. Martin came to St. Charles ; he took up a quartei'-section of government land in Dover township, near the city, on which he dwelt and made improvements, [.racticing his profession as oppor- tunity offered. He was one of the organizers of Dover township, and served there six years as justice of the peace. Mr. Martin is a lifelong democrat ; he has filled numerous public positions. He is now serving his third term as assessor of the city of St. Charles. While in New Hampshire his services were called in requisition as town superintendent of schools. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and A.M., St. Charles; both himself and wife are members of the Episcopal church here. In 1865 Mr. Martin pur- chased his present residence on Wabasha street, and removed thither * This matter was received after the previous tbnn had gune to press. 58 954 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. from tlie farm, whicli lie has since disposed of. He now occupies an office on A¥hitewater street and devotes liis time to dentistry. Nine children have been born to him, as follows: Kacliel W., June 4, 1S53, married Elias Franklin (now deceased) and resides at Wheatland, Dakota; Lucia L., October 3, 1854, married Adelbert W. Wheeler, with whom she dwells at Stockton, Minnesota ; Isa- bella S., April 24, 1858, married Z. J. Wood, and now lives at Red- field, Dakota ; Albert Maitland, June 27, 1860, resides at Redfield ; Edgar L., February 14, 1862, Redfield ; Josephine G., April 7, 1866; AVillard L. and Walter L., twins, March 8, 1871; Mary L., June 14, 1873. Richard L. Dawlf.y, railroad repairer, son of Elijah Dawley and Esther Baldwin Dawley, of New York birth, was born in Galen, Wayne county, March 26, 1826. life lived on a farm and at- tended a common school until eighteen years old, residing with an uncle, his parents having died before he was two years old. At nineteen he came to what was then the west, and learned cabinet- making in Milwaukee. August 13, 1846, he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, and served five years, going through the Mexican war under Gen. Scott. On his discharge at Fort Ripley in 1851, he went to Plymouth, Wisconsin, and worked at his trade. In 1856 he became a resident of Winona, where he engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, in partnership with another party. The business was removed to St. Charles three years later, and kept up till 1862. In January of the latter year Mr. Dawley enlisted in the 2d Minn. Lt. Art., in which he served till April, 1864, holding the rank of first lieutenant when he resigned. He was an actor in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and numerous skirmishes and light engagements. His business and family affairs requiring his presence at home, he was compelled to resign. He engaged in farming, his land lying partly within the limits of this city, and followed that occupation till 1873, ever since which time he has been in the employ of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company. Mr. Dawley was at one time director of the city school board, and to him is due a large share of the credit for the establishment of the present graded system of their government and conduct. He was again chosen member of the same board in 1882, foi- the term of three years. He was chairman of the town board in ISOo and city councilor in 1881. His political principles are ADDITIONAL MATTER. 955 democratic. In religion lie is orthodox. In 1861 he organized a militia company here, and has ever since been known by the title ot captain. Most of this company afterward entered the United States service. Mr. Dawley is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and' A. M., of St. Charles. In November, 1853, he was married to Mary J. Avril, who was born in Bellville, Canada, May 1, 1835. She was a daughter oi Henry Avril, of New York. Mrs. Dawley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at her death, which occurred April 4, 1874. Seven children survive her, as follows: William H., born August -1, 1854, now in Fargo, Dakota; Charles L., February 28, 1856, lives at De Smet, Dakota: Ida, April 18, 1858; Emma, November 26, 1859; Hiram A., August 20, 1865; Richard Starr, September 9, 1867; Frank M., March 30, 1872. Vinson Hicks (deceased) was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, May 16, 1821. John and Sallie Hicks, his parents, were natives of Vermont. His early years were jiassed on a farm, and he early learned the millwright's trade, which he nearly always followed. He was married at Westport, New York, Sep- tember 24, 1847, to Olive E., daughter of Adin B. and Anna B. Towner, of Connecticut; she was born in Ferrisburg, Vermont, January 29, 1823. In 1856 Mr. Hicks became a resident of Winona county, settling at Stockton. The following year he bought 120 acres of land on Sec. 31, St. Charles, where he resided till his death. He continued to work at his trade, leaving the labor of the farm partly to his sons. His latter years were passed in lighter occupations, owing to poor health. While visiting Beaver to sell machinery, he died there very suddenly of neuralgia of the stomach, on June 19, 1873. Mr. Hicks joined the order of A. F. and A. M., in New York, and was a charter member of Troy Lodge, organized in 1863 ; at the time of his death he was a member of Rising Sun Lodge, of St. Charles. His religious faith was represented by the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political ideas by the demo- cratic party. Besides his widow, four children survive him, whose record is as follows: Darwin T., born May 16, 1851, resides St. Charles; Arthur V., August 13, 1855, tills home farm; Emma L., November 6, 1857, a teacher, now in Minneapolis; Marietta S., October 20, 1859, married Lester L. Babcock, dwells on Sec. 30. Richard N. Miller, merchant, is of Irish and English descent. Both his parents were born in Vermont. His mother, Doborah, was the second wife of Richard Miller, his father. Since Mr. 956 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Miller's residence here, his mother took up her abode with him, and died here. R. N. Miller was born in the town of Minerva, Essex county, New York, December 4, 183(i. lie was reared on a tiirm, and received a common scliool education. He was married September 2, 1860, to Eliza L., daughter of Valentine and Huldah Kellogg, pioneers of Eh'zabeth, Essex county. For some time after his marriage Mr. Miller engaged in farming. In March, 1869, he became a resident of the city of St. Oharles, and for seven years kept books for N. N. Pike. He bought a lot at the south end of Whitewater street, on which he built a residence. During the latter part of his service with Mr. Pike, he began to turn some attention to the sale of organs, and soon began to make the sale of musical instruments and sewing machines. A year was spent in Winona and another at Utica. In 1879 he opened a store for the sale of these goods on South AVhitewater street, where he may now be found doing a successful business. Mr. Miller is a republican, and a member of the orders of K. of H. and Knights and Ladies of Honor. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist church, of St. Charles. Mr. Miller served a year in conquering the rebellious enemies of his countr3\ having enlisted in August, 1864, in the 16th batt. N. Y. Heavy Art. He was soon detailed as a clerk in the quartermaster's department, and therefore saw no field service. He is the father of five children, four of whom are at home. Here is the record of their births ; Richard T. , at Potters- ville, New York, May 16, 1862, now a resident of St. Paul ; Mary G., February 15, 1864; Louisa Gr., September 10, 1866; Arthur C, at Utica, September 21, 1878; William Eugene, December 27, 1880. Mrs. Miller's mother came west with her daughter, and died here. Mrs. Miller's sister, Miss Mary Kellogg, is now a member of the family. Collins Rice, farmer, is descended from Irish and English ancestors who settled in Connecticut. His grandfather located in Claremont, New Hampshire, where Stephen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born. Stephen Rice married Mary Barron, of Amherst, New Hampshire, and engaged in farming in Clare- mont, where Collins Rice was born, March 16, 1814. Our subject was reared on a farm and attended the common school till eighteen years old. By pro])er diligence tlien and since, he acquired a good fund of information, and was fitted to take the leading position he has since filled in the development of a new state. At eighteen ADDITIOlSrAL MATTER. 957 Mr. Rice was apprenticed to a hatter at Springfield, Vermont. At his majority, liaving become master of his chosen trade, he was employed as a journeyman in Lowell, and afterward at Boston. In 1835 he went to Cincinnati, and two years later returned to Spring- field. He was married here September 11, 1837, to Lucetta L. Griswold, who was born in Johnson, Franklin county, Vermont, February 12, 1816 ; John Griswold, her father, was a native of Connecticut, and Hannah Heath, his wife^ was born in New Hamp- shire. Alter Mr. Rice's marriage he resided four years in Lamoille county, Vermont. Subsequent to this he spent three years in Cincinnati and seven years in Lidiana, in the hatting business. In the fall of 1854 he visited Minnesota and claimed 160 acres of government land (the S.W. ^ of Sec. 24) south of the present site of Lewiston, and built a sod house thereon. May 1, 1855, he settled on this claim with his family, and lives there still, with his children comfortably settled around him. He subsequently bought the southeast quarter of the same section, which lie divided equally between two of his sons ; besides the original claim, he also has fort}- acres of timber in Warren township and 100 acres of land in Faribault county. Mr. Rice was a very useful man in tlie early years of this townshi]), and in fact until he insisted on- retiring from active life. He was chairman of the town board during the first half-dozen years of its existence, and served as town clerk for the same length of time ; he was justice of the peace from 1858 to 1872, and has probably written more deeds and mortgages than any one man in the county outside of Winona ; he was county commissioner from 1870 to 1873 ; was elected a member of the legislature in 1858, but did not serve, as the governor failed to call a session ; was elected to the same position in 1873 and again in 1874, and served the two terms with credit to himself, the district and the state. Mr. Rice- is a staunch republican, and has been a delegate to nearly every county convention of that party ; was a member of the state convention in 1873. He was a member of tlie Patrons of Husbandry while the grange at Lewiston existed, and was master of that organ- ization. In religion he is a Universalist, and Mrs. Rice also. They have five children living, having lost two. Mary E., born April 23, 1839, married William Z. Clayton, died May io, 1864; Abby A., February 21, 1842, married C. H. Ramer, lives at Tower City ; Stephen H., October 21, 1845, died September 22, 1869 ; John W., December 21, 1847, married Hannah Lysauka, is postmaster at 958 IITSTOllY OF WINONA COUNTY. Lewiston, where he keei)S a e^eneral store; George W., April 25, 1851, married Ainanchi Lund, resides on Sec. 2-t ; Charleg C, November 0. 1855, married Minnie (Irethurst, lives on Sec. 24 ; James M., May 10, 1858, clerk in postoffice at Lewiston. Christian Kramku (deceased) was horn in Brandeid3urg, Ger- many, in 1709. Lie married Christina Koeppen, and had five sons, two of whom reside in Utica, one at Trempealeau, Wisconsin, one at Dodge Center and the other near Mankato, Minnesota. In 1850 Mr. ivrainer emigrated direct to this township, and bouglit 280 acres of hand on Sees. 1 and 2. He gave forty acres to each of his sons, leaving eighty acres in his own homestead. He died on December 26, 1807, and Mrs. Kramer died in December, 1881. William Kramer, son of above, was born in Brandenburg, September 13, 1832, and was therefore nearly twenty-four years old when he came to America with his parents. On July 24, 1800, lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Schartan, a deceased pioneer of this town, elsewhere mentioned in this work. After buying a share in his father's homestead he sold the whole of his land and bought the Schartan homestead of 100 acres, on Sec. 11, in 1882, and dwells thereon. He is a Lutheran and a republican ; has served as school directoi-. Eight children have been born to him, as here given : Mary A., March 12, 1862, married Frank Miller, now living near Bigstone City; Frank, June 12, 1863; Otto, July 22, 1868; Elmer, March 13, 1871 ; Elizabeth, April 25, 1874; Molly, June 22, 1876; Susan- nah, March 30, 1879; Huldah A., June 27, 1881. Abraham M. Ramer, merchant, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 30, 1851. When in his fourth year, his parents re- moved to this township, where most of his life has since been spent. Philip Ramei-, father of this subject, was one of the pioneers of this county. He was born in Ohio in April, 1814, was a son of Reter and Sarah (Cook) Ramer, of North Carolina. He married Ruth Thackeray, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Tluxckeray, Quakers, of New York. In A]3ril, 1855, Mr. Ramer took up his residence in LTtica townshi]), taking one-fourth of Sec. 13 under the pre-emp- tion law, and buying the claim to aiK)ther quarter-section adjoining. He was at that time a member of the society of Dunkards, for whom he preached. The first religious service in the town was conducted by him. Subsecpient to 1860 both himself and wife left the Dunk- ards and joined the Second Advent believers, and Mr. Ramer was ADDITIOISrAL MATTER. 959 for several years pastor of a church of that denomination in Winona. He was many years assessor of the town of Utica, and was once elected to the legislature. In 1865 lie sold his property here and removed to Winona. Here he lost his capital of $17,000 in an un- successful attempt with other parties to manufacture gang plows. He is now a resident of Flandreau, Dakota, where he is engaged in farming. Mrs. Ramer died in December, 1872. Abraham Earner received his education in the public schools of Lewiston and Winona. At eighteen he began mercantile life as clerk in H store in Winona, where he remained some yeai's. After six months spent in Dubuque, he took charge of a store in Chicago one year. Eeturning to Lewis- ton, he was clerk for three years in the general store of J. W. Eice. On November 1, 1881, he opened a new general store on the main street of Lewiston, buying the building at the same time. His capi- tal was very small, but by close attention to business he has built up a good patronage. His residence, which he built, is one of the best in the village. Mr. Earner was married May 9, 1874, to Augusta Lasansky, who was born in Germany in 1853. They have two children, who were born as below : Gertrude E., February 16, 1875 ; George H., June 18, 1878. Mr. Eamer's religious views are most nearly re])resented by the Adventists. He is a republican, and has served as justice of the peace three years. Joseph D. Ball, farmer, was born in the town of Illinois, Chautauqua county, New York, November 14, 1843. His father was James Ball, a native of New York, and his mother, Julia A. Med- bury, was born in Connecticut. Mr. Ball was reared on a farm, and attended the common schools. His natural shrewdness and ability have placed him among the foremost farmers of his community. On April 21, 1861, just seven days after the firing on Fort Sumter, he enrolled his name among his country's defenders. The first enlist- ment was for ninety days, in McLean's Erie regiment ; at the expiration of this time he re-enlisted for the war, and was assigned to Co. G, 150th Pa. reg., and served until June 29, 1865. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg; also participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness campaign, and numerous smaller engagements, of which the history of the army of the Potomac tells. In 1866 Mr. Ball became a resident of Saratoga, buying 160 acres of land on Sec. 23, on which he dwelt ten years* In 1876 he sold this and bought 400 acres, including the quarter of Sec. 9 where he lives. This is the original claim of Charles 960 HISTORY OF WFNONA COUNTY. Gerrisli, taken in 1855, and from whom he purchased it. Mr. Ball raises considerable stock, largely Percheron hoi'ses. He 'is a republican, and served as supervisor of Saratoga in 1880-1-2. He came here with the savings of an army life — about $300, — and has secured his present large property by his own industry and ability, assisted, of course, by his estimable wife. This lady was Miss Augusta F. Smith, born in Leon, Cattaraugus county. New York, July 21, 1849. She is a daughter of Thomas and eFulia A. (Scott) Smith, also natives of New York, and was united in marriage with Mr. Ball on Christmas day, 1867. They have three children, born as below noted : Monroe J., December 28, 1868; Nellie, October 11, 1871; Dwight, January 13, 1878. Alvano B. Dyer, farmer. Joseph Dyer, great-grandfather of this subject, was a sea-captain, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts before the revolution, and was married May 2, 1771, to Elizabeth Nickols, oi Maiden. This lady prepared the blacking which stained, the faces of the famous "Boston Tea Party," in December, 1773, and her husband was one of the party who threw the tea overboard. He died at the age of thirty-five years. His son, John M., was also married in Maiden, and settled in Freeman, Franklin county, Maine, in 1802. His grandson, Azor, now resides on the same farm which he cleared up in the then district of Maine, a part of Massachusetts. Azor Dyer, father of the last-named, and of the subject of this sketch, was born on this farm October 20, 1S12, and was married in 1836 to Mary Davis, a native of Cape Cod. A. B. Dyer was born to them December 17, 1839, on the old home- stead in Freeman. His youth was spent here, his education being finished at a select school in Phillips. His parents were Methodists, and his sympathies are with that faith. He is a republican, and has been su[)ervisor of Saratoga two years. He became a resident of the township in the spring of 1865, and in June of that year purchased the quarter of Sec. 9, on which he resides. By proper management and close attention to business he has added to his possessions till they now include 356 acres of prairie and seventy of timber in this vicinity, and eighty acres of land in Redwood county. Mr. Dyei- was married November 18, 1869, to Adah, daughter of Charles Gerrish, a pioneer of Saratoga, whose biography is elsewhere given in this work. Five children are included in this family, given to it ;is here noted : Charles A., November 20, 1870; M. Davis, Septem- ADDITIONAL MATTER. 961 ber7, 1872; John G., November 12, 1874; liurt Alvano, October 23, 1877; Mary O., October 30, 1879. Charles ABBO'rr, farmer, is a son of Quartras B. Abbott, a native of New York, a soldier in the Blackhawk war; his wife, Mary Atkinson, was also a native of New York. Charles Abbott was born in Fort Winnebago, Wisconsin, February 18, 1836. His father was subsequently a ship carpenter, serving on the Mississippi steamers, and he came with him to St. Paul, in 1850 ; his summers were afterward spent in Minnesota, and his winter life was passed on a farm in Illinois. He was married in January, 1859, to Melissa Fleming, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Fleming, of Ohio. In the spring of the latter year he removed to Saratoga village, where he resided four years. Here he began work at the mason's trade, which has occupied his time more or less since. He owns a piece of land in Mower county, which he purchased on his first arrival here. In 1863 he took up his present residence on Sec. 10, on land belonging to Mrs. Abbott. In August, 1862, Mr. Abbott responded to the call for troops to defend settlers against the belligerent Indians, enlisting in Co. K, 9th Minn. Inf., and served on the frontier until discharged on account of illness in July, 1863. He is a Baptist in religious faith, and a republican in politics ; has been three years constable of his township. He has two children, having lost one by death. Their births are given thus : Nellie, March 22, 1864, married Burton Wood, home at present with parents; Clarence, April 11, 1876. George L. Wheelock, farmer, is a son of Humphrey Wheelock and Sophia Le Seur Wheelock, of Massachusetts birth. The father, Humphrey, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. George Wheelock was born in Barnard, Windsor county, Vermont, Feb- ruary 22, 1834. At eighteen he left home, and spent five years in and near the city of Boston, being employed in Faneuil Hall market part of the time, and as a teamster. He was married March 11, 1857, to Mary J., daughter of Orrin and Hatherowe (Chamberlain) Cox, of Vermont ; she was born in Barnard, October 10, 1839. In September of the same year, he became a resident of Winona county, taking up school land on Sec. 16, Saratoga, where his home was .till 1865. Mr. Wheelock was one of those who volunteered to defend the white settlers from Indian attacks in 1862, being enrolled August 22, in Co. K, 9th reg. After serving a year on the western frontier his regiment joined the army of the / 962 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 'I eniiesseo. He was cMi)tiirc'd tit Guntown, Mississippi, in June, 1864, iuul ku})t ill various rebel ])ri8()ns a year, the last live months at Aiidersonville. He was exchanged at the close of the war, and is one of three out of eleven Saratogans who survived an imprison- ment at Andersonville. After the close of the war he sold his Saratoga property and removed to Elmira township, in the adjoin- ing county of Olmsted, where he still owns 240 acres oi land, tilled by his eldest son. In September, 1882, he bought the property on wliich he resides, being 240 acres on Sees. 3 and 4, Saratoga, the residence being on the latter. He is a republiqan, and served eight successive years as supervisor in Elmira, and six years as justice of tlie j)eace. He is the father of four children, born as here recorded : Frederick A., February 9, 1859, resides Elmira; Emma L., August 8, 1860, married James W. Rutledge, lives at Dundee, Dakota; Eva G., May 4, 1867; George Leroy, June 14, 1875. Nathan M. Cross, farmer, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, November 9, 1835. His parents, Joel and Julia A. Med- bury Cross, were also natives of that state. He has always been a farmer, having been reared on a farm. In 1859 he became a resi- dent of Saratoga, buying one-fourth of Sec. 27, where his home has ever since been. By subsequent purchase he has acquired 200 acres more, and is one of the most successful and substantial farmers of this rich township. Mr. Cross is a skeptic on religious questions. His political principles are republican ; he has been treasurer of his school-district fourteen years, and was elected town treasurer in 1883. On April 7, 1856, he was joined in holy wedlock to Miss Anna Lane, who was born in Utica, New York, Novem'ber 14, 1848. They have two children living, given them as follows : William E., August 5, 1871; Cora B., October 12, 1873. Mr. Cross enlisted under the last call for troops, in April, 1865, and was gone a little over three months, but saw no active service. Ira Murphy, farmer, was born in Logansport, Indiana, August 20, 1852. He is a son of John Murphy, native of Tennessee, and Mary J. Murphy, of Indiana. In 1856 his father settled in Jordan, Fill- more county, this state, where he has become a wealthy man. He has 520 acres of land in this township. In 1876 the subject of this sketch began managing this property, and has resided since 1876 on a quarter of Sec. 22, which now constitutes his charge. He was married April 12, 1881, to Ella Griffin, who was born near Logans- port, March 6, 1860. They have one child, Nora Sibyl, born March ADDITIONAL MATTER. 963 22, 1883. Mr. Murphy is a inember of (Ihattield Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and a democrat. Altliougli not a ineniber of any elmrcli, he is a iirni believer in the Christian religion. James Walker (deceased) was born near Port Norris, County Armagh, Ireland, May 3, 1810. He was reared on a farm and sub- sequently engaged in manufactures. He came to the United States in 1833, and to^ok charge of a cotton-mill at Philadelphia. He was married Isovember 20, 1837, to Miss Rebecka Anderson, who was born in the town of Baragh, County Tyrone, Ireland, August 3, 1822. About 1840 he removed to Delaware, and during several years of his residence there, kept a general store near Wilmington. After five years' residence on a farm in Iowa he became a resident of Saratoga, buying claims to a half of Sec. 17, where he resided till his death, July 14, 1882. Mr. Walker was an active, intelhgent man, and by giving close attention to business was prospered. At one time he owned over a section of land ; after presenting each of two sons with eighty acres of land he left an estate of 400 acres, with complete buildings and other improvements. He gave little attention to public affairs, but voted with the republican party. He was several yeays a town supervisor, and also justice of the peace some time. He joined the I.O.O.F. in Pennsylvania, and was a member of the lodge at Winona at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were both Presbyterians. Beside his widow and many friends the following eight children mourn his loss : Robert J., who married Martha Burrell, resides on Sec. 22; Elizabeth A., Will- iam Fry, Winona; James J., Frances Van Aiken, Winona; William E., mentioned elsewhere; Henry C, operates farm; Rachel E., Jen- nie I., at home; Albert T., Lizzie Culbertson, Saratoga. George Crowson, farmer, was born in Broughton, Leicester- shire, England, February 18, 1837. He was brought up In the country, and his mother being early left a widow, he had little opportunity for educatiim; the only advantage he enjoyed in this line was that furnished by the Sabbath and night schools. His natural strength of mind and subsequent self-culture have stood him in good stead, and he is numbered among the representative men of which Saratoga township boasts so many. At eighteen years of age he emigrated to America, settling near Oberlin, Ohio, where he engaged in farm labor. Six years later he came to Saratoga and rented land. In the fall of 1861 he bought a farm on Sec. 8. This he soon sold, and has owned several farms for short periods. In 964 HTSTOTIY OF WTNON^A COUNTY. 1870 lie piircliased one-foiirtli of Sec. 7, wliere his home has been ever since. Mr. Crowson was reared in the Episcopal church, and still gives his support to that sect. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of Troy Lodge, A. F. and A. M. He is a republican, and has served as town suj^ervisor one year ; has been school director several terms. In 1855 Mr. Crowson was wedded to Mary A. Parmer, who was born near Broughton, August 26, 1830. She died September 14, 1875, leaving the following children: George W., born April 23, 1856, married Wealthy Gallup, resides in St. Charles; Elizabeth M., February 2, 1859; Sarah J., October 14, ISCO; James E., October 24, 1862; Frank E., September 10, 1865. On May 1, 1876, Mr. Crowson married Sarah Wilson, born near Columbus, Wisconsin, July 28, 1856. The children born to the latter union are: Alice E., August 27, 1877; Ernest A., Feb- ruary 10, 1881. Abram D. Hesselgrave, farmer, was born in Lisbon, St. Law- rence county. New York, July 22, 1827. His parents, James H. and Margaret (Ilolderness) Hesselgrave, emigrated from England to America. He has always been a farmer, being reared to that calling. He bought a farm in Parish ville, New.Yoi'k, which he tilled many years. His marriage took place July 16, 1851, the bride being Miss Margaret Shampyne, who was born in Cornwall, Canada, March 9, 1831. Her parents were John and Rosanna Shampyne, and were born in Canada. Mr. Hesselgrave early responded to the calls of his native land for aid in suppressing treason in its midst. He enlisted August 25, 1862, in Co. E, 106th reg. N. Y. Inf., and served in the army of the Potomac through all its severe campaigns. The most important battles in which he was an actor were those of Martinsburg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Culpepper, the A\^il(lerness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Cedar Creek and Petersburg. At the latter contest he was sliot through the rightwrist, April 2, 1865. He was discharged in June of this year, and sold out his New York property and removed to the west. He arrived in Saratoga in the fall, and bought forty acres of land on Sec. 16, where he lived seven years. This he sold, and lived on rented land a few seasons. In 1878 he acquired his present domain, embracing 114 acres on Sec. 15. He is a Methodist in religious belief and a republican in political principle. Following is the record of his children : Jane, born June 22, 1852, married Charles Brackley, lives on Sec. 15; Margaret, July 16, 1853 ; Julius ADDITIONAL MATTER. 9G5 Beebe, Oporto, Dakota; Henry, March 16, 1855, Utica; John, December 11, 1856, at home; Emily, September 27, 1858 ; Jeffer- son Skinner, Oporto, Dakota Territory ; James, July 8, 1861, at home; Fred, March 21, 1869; Ella, February 27, 1871; Albert, January 12, 1873. John Gibson, farmer, was born in Leicestershire, England, Jan- uary 19, 1834. Up to thirteen years of age his life was passed on a farm, and he was then apprenticed to a tailor, and worked at that trade eight years. At twenty-four he emigrated to America, and engaged in farm labor near Oberlin, Ohio, three years. In 1860 he moved westward and settled in Saratoga. He had been here but a short time when he responded to the call of his adopted country for troops to suppress rebellion. He was enrolled in January, 1862, in the 2d batt. Minn. Light Art., and served in the army of the Cum- berland till April, 1865, taking part in twenty-one battles and nine skirmishes. Principal among the former were those of Corinth, Fer- ryville. Stone River, Chickamauga and Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Two horses were shot under him, and he was internally injured, so that he never fully recovered, by the fall from his steed at Stone River. Mr. Gibson was married April 8, 1862, at Winona, to Miss Maggie Burns, who was born in County Kildare, Ireland, November 24, 1832. He now has 120 acres of land on Sees. 7 and 8, Sara- toga, and is a happy and prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are Methodists in religious faith. They are members of the order of Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Gibson is a republican. John L. Blair, farmer, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, July 7, 1834. He is a son of Luke Blair, one of Winona county's pioneers, elsewhere mentioned. The subject of this sketch passed his early years on a farm, attending the common schools of New York. He was in his nineteenth year when he came with his father to this county. He afterward made claim to 160 acres of land on Sees. 1 and 2, Saratoga, which he retained and dwelt on till 1866. He was married April 16, 1859, to Miss Martha E. Cheatham, born in Woodburn, Illinois, January 7, 1835 ; her parents, W. W. and Margaret S. (Wilson) Cheatham, were born in Kentucky. Mr. Blair has seen active military service, having been mustered as a recruit in the 1st batt. Minn. Heavy Art., February 16, 1864. He was under fire over ninety days in all, this batteij being in active service in the army of the Tennessee. He ]>artic\pated in the bom- bardment at Kenesaw, siege of Atlr^nta, of Savannah and the march 9(><1 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to Washington, by way of Richmond and Petersburg. After the close of the war Mr. Blair bought a farm on Sec. 35, St. Charles, and soon after sold his original claim and has ever since resided within this townsliip. His landed j)roperty at present embraces 120 acres on Sees. 30 and 31, and a quarter-section near Ordway, Dakota. He has resided since November, 1882, on St. Charles street, in tlie city of St. Charles. lie has been called upon several times since the war to fill various public positions. He was assessor for thi-ee years in the town of St. Charles, and supervisor for a like period ; he served one term as justice of the peace, and on re-elec- tion refused to serve. In 1871 he was elected by the republicans to the fourteenth legislature, and served with credit to himself and his constituents. He is now independent in political matters. His religious views are most nearly represented by the Swedenborgians. IftOVS