Faribault County, Minnesota - Chapter 13, 1896

Chapter 13

During the winter of 1866 and 1867 there was a very heavy fall of snow. The winter commenced early in 1866 and lasted until late in the spring of this year. There was good sleighing during the first half of April.

A General Official Outlook

During this year Andrew Johnson was president of the United States and William R. Marshall, governor of the State of Minnesota, Our United States senators were Alexander Ramsey and Daniel S. Norton, and our representative in congress was William Windom. James B. Wakefield, of this county, was our state senator, and A. Andrews, of Martin county, was our representative in the legislature of the State. Horace Austin, of St. Peter, was the judge of this judicial district.

And by reference to the history of our county government and of the several county offices - part third of this history - it appears that the boai'd of county commissioners was composed of the following named gentlemen: Henry J. Neal. chairman; J. R. Sisson. A. R. More, Sr., James Grays and J. Clagget.

On the first day of January, New Year's Day, the commissioners met in annual session, preferring, apparently, to attend to the functions of their high office than spend the day in the usual holiday observances. The board organized by electing Henry J. Neal chairman for the year, and proceeded to business.

Another session of the board was held on the 20th day of March, at which time a proposition was discussed in reference to the building of a county jail, of the proportions of sixteen feet by twenty-four feet and one story high.

Our Statute Makers

The acts passed at this session, of special interest to the people of this county, were the following: An act authorizing the Minnesota Valley Railroad Company (now the St. Paul and Sioux City), to build a branch road from Mankato, or some point near thereto, to the south line of Faribault county, by the way of Blue Earth City.

An act approved February 25th, accepting the grant of lands by congress of July 4th, 1866, and vesting the same, subject to the provisions of the act of congress, in the Southern Minnesota Railroad Company, and subject to the further condition, that the "Said company should construct its road from its then western terminus, to the village of Preston, in Fillmore county, and fi'om thence to the village of Austin, in Mower county, to the village of Albert Lea, in Freeborn county, to the village of Blue Earth City in Faribault county, to the village of Fairmont, in Martin county, to the village of Jackson, in Jackson county, and thence to the west line of the State."

The company resisted the fixing of the points through which the road should be built, by all the influences they could bring to bear, but they were unsuccessful. Our members of the legislature, of course, with others along the line of the road, labored successfully to secure this provision of the act, as it was upon this "point" question mainly, they had been elected the preceding fall, as will be remembered. The company, however, accepted the act with the conditions, within the time limited.

The securing of the "jjoints provision" in the land was deemed a great triumpth by the "points-men" throughout the whole south. ern tier of counties. But, alas! How uncertain are many supposed certainties in human affairs. How often people rely upon and rejoice over what after all proves but a delusion.

To make a long story short, it is sufficient to say that the road was never built on the line defined by the act, but tde county secured the road, however, on a more northern route.

As above stated, James B. Wakefield in the Senate and A. Andrews in the House, were the members for this district in the legislature of 1867.

The price of wheat early in February reached >>2. 14; oats. *1.00; potatoes, ^1.00 per bushel. Flour, $7.00 per hundred pounds and butter 25 cents jjer pound. These were high prices, but we were destined to see and pay still higher figures further along in the year.

The Deluge

The snows of the winter began to go o£E about the middle of April, with heavy rains. In fact the spring was characterized all over the country by almost incessant and deluging rains, and was very late and cold. The streams became very high, and vast districts of country along the course of the great rivers were submerged, and much damage was done by the fioods. Bridges were swept awaj', all lowlands were overflowed, and the roads for a time were literally impassable. During the sj^ring many cattle died of disease and short feed. Hay was very scarce, and the price went up to -i!7.00 per ton. High waters and rains accompanied by heavy storms continued until the latter part of June. It was almost impossible to do the necessary seeding, and immigration and improvements were much retarded. To add to the general discomfort and distress, pro visions of all kinds, owing to the short crops of the previous year, became very scarce and high. Wheat, near harvest, sold at from $2.50 to §5.3.00 per bushel; oats, $1.00 per bushel; potatoes, §2 50 per bushel; ttour, $10.00 per hundred weight; pork, twenty-five cents per pound, and money was very scarce.

Actual suffering existed in many localities in the county because of the want of the commonest articles of food. It was truthfully said that many of the poorer families in the country were compelled to subsist for weeks on a few coarse vegetables, such as rutabagas and turnips, and several instances were related in which several families subsisted upon rutabagas and coarse bran alone for weeks, and in some other instances on ground corn and potatoes. Relief to a limited extent was afforded in a number of the worst cases, but few were able to assist others.

The state of distress at one time became so pressing that in certain sections of the neighboring country the people, it was rumored, designed clubbing together and making a raid on the stores, graneries and mills in Blue Earth City, and take by force what they had not the means to bay. But it should not be thought that the residents of the villages were insensible and selfish. The fact was that no one had anything to spare. Many in the villages were as destitute almost as those in the country, and all that could be done was done to assist the most needy. Aid, inthe way of food, clothing and seed grain was granted by the State, benevolent societies and individuals, to the people of many of the frontier counties.

During the high waters a boat came from East Chain Lakes, in Martin county, to Blue Earth City by way of Badger creek, and returned safely with several sacks of flour. This is the only known instance of the navigation of the Badger. Several boats also came from the same locality by way of Center creek and the Blue Earth river to Winnebago City, for supplies.

Small Talk

"Navigation is now open by way of the Badger to Chain Lakes." "These statements are more valuable as showing the condition of the country than for their wit."

As the rain ceased and the new crops of the year came into market the general distress was relieved, and matters assumed a more cheerful and encouraging aspect, but were still far from being entirely satisfactory.

Our Newspapers

On or about the 20th day of February the Free Homestead, at Winnebago City, changed proprietors, J. L. Christie retiring and E. A. Hotchkiss becoming the proprietor and editor of the paper. Mr. Christie says, good naturedly, in his brief valedictory, among other things, "And now kind friends and patrons, wishing you all a prosjDerous future, we bid you all a kind adieu, hoping you have no ill-will toward us and assuring you that we have none toward you." On assuming charge of the paper Mr. Hotchkiss writes, "The political character of the Homestead will not be changed, but remain ever ready to advocate the right and condemn the wrong, as it is viewed through republican glasses."

About this time a novel idea seems to have seized the editor of the South West. In the issue of March 2d, of that paper, there appears on the first page some twenty-six revival hymns, and the tenth chapter of St. John's gospel in full. It was certainly a very curious newspaper page and attracted considerable attention. Did the editor suppose that this matter would be considered "news" to the benighted people of this region?

While treating of newspapers it may be well to state that the first convention of newspaper editors ever held in Minnesota met during the month of February, of this year, at St. Paul, at which time the Minnesota Editorial Association was formed. A large number of delegates were present and the convention was in every way a perfect success. The Homestead says:

"The citizens of St. Paul nobly responded to the efforts of the city press to make the guests welcnnie. The novcrndr (,'ave a receiitioo, the mayor took them in, the senate invited tlieiii wilhin the bar, the doors of the Opera house were opened, hotel proprietors presented rare bills of fare, and an artist offered to photot'raph the whole lot, free."

In the early part of the year, considerable public interest was created in this county and elsewhere throughout the State, in consequence of the organization in this State, of what was known as "The Great Overland Expedition to Montana." by Capt. P. B. Davy, of this county. Montana was supposed to be rich in the precious, metals - a new California - and many desired to go to this new El Dorado. But the journey was a long one, and somewhatperilous and hence the organization of this expedition, which provided a comparatively cheap and safe way of reaching the land of gold. The expedition, when tinally made up, consisted of about seven hundred souls, and included some seventy families, about one- half of the whole number, however, were destined ultimately for the Willamette Valley, Oregon Territory.

The company with its great train of one hundred and thirty wagons and other conveyances, left Minneapolis, Minn., on the long journey, near the middle of May. The expedition reached Port Abercrombie about the 1st of July, Port Stevenson about August 1st, and proceeded thence by way of Port Buford, near the mouth of the Yellow Stone river, to Port Benton, the head of navigation on the Missouri. Here the company divided, about one-half proceeding on the way to Oregon, the other portion pursuing the route to Helena, Montana, the objective point, which place was reached the middle of September.

The expedition was conducted through without loss of life, or serious accident, and was in the main a success. In December following Capt. Davy returned to this State and immediately began the organization of a large company for the exploration of the Black Hills of Dakota, to which some reference will be made hereafter.

The Court

The June term of the district court was adjourned until the 21st day of October, the Judge assigning as one reason for the adjournment, "the backwardness of the season." A term of five days was held in October, and quite a number of causes were heard and disposed of by the court.

They have a curious way of deciding law-suits in Siam. Both parties are put under cold water, and the one staying longest wins the suit. It is different here. In this country, both parties are got into hot water, and then kept there as long as possible. The result is about the same.

The Commissioners

On the 26th day of June, the commissioners again met and among other business ti-ansacted, we find the granting of licenses to run ferry boats on the Blue Earth river. One ferry was established at Latimer's Ford, and one at Dunham's Ford As being of some interest and possibly useful in similar cases occurring hereafter, it is well to state the rate of tolls which was established at this time. Here is the schedule:

The board met again September 3d, but, either not caring for history, or having nothing of importance to do, they did nothing worthy of being rescued from oblivion.

And now we have to record a singular fact. It does not appear that our nation's birthday was celebrated in this county in 1867. Indeed the editor of the South West announced in his paper that, "on account of the lateness of the season, the 4th of July has beea postponed."

The Husbandman'S Reward

The harvest was light. The grain was not all cut even as late as the 28th of August, and then nearly all of it had yet to be stacked. Much of the wheat was blighted this year, especially that grown on corn ground. The corn crop was not a good one.

The National Game

great game of the young men and boys. Games of ball had existed long previous to this, but they were only simple affairs. This new game of ball was made up upon new and scientific principles and was conducted according to strict regulations. Base ball clubs, under the new system, were organized everywhere throughout the United States, and some of these clubs acquired a national reputation because of their great skill and success. There were also National and State organizations. Clubs of professionals traveled great distances to meet others in match games, in which as much interest was felt by certain classes as in the great horse races and trotting matches. A notable game was played at Blue Earth City, in this county, on the 30th day of August, of this year, between the Blue Earth City club and the Frontier club of Mankato. The "Frontiers" did not win the game. They came up in great style, but the country "Jakes" were too much for them. Each club, according to the regulations, had its officers, and when playing match games usually were dressed in a close, neat fitting and picturesque uniform. The game required nine men on a side - the captain, who was the catcher; the pitcher, the short stop, first, second and third base, the right field, the center field and the left field. There was also an umpire who decided all disputes, and a scorer who kept the count. Changes are made occasionally in the regulations, but the above outline coustitutes the basis arrangement.

Ball clubs have been formed in all the villages and in most of the townships of the county, and match games between the various clubs were quite frequent for some years, especially on great public days, as the Fourth of July, and afforded a great deal of amusement. Cracked heads, disjointed fingers and bruised shins, were often among the haps and mishaps of hardly contested games. Very novel matches were gotten up sometimes, to the great amusement of the spectators, such for instance as a game between the "heavy nines," usually composed of the heaviest men of the locality, and the "small nines," made up of small boys. It is a remarkable fact, never yet satisfactorily accounted for on any well-established philosophical principles, that in these matches the boys always contrived to win the game, and inflict more or less misery of various kinds on the other side.

It may be further added that each ball club assumed a name by which it was known and addressed, as the White Stockings, the Red Stockings, the Blue Jackets, the Innocents, the Greentops, the Yellhards and like apt titles.

Of late years the interest in this once great game has much subsided, and in many sections of the country, especially in this county, the clubs have ceased to exist, but will doubtless be revived again.

The Agricultural Society

There is but little to write of the proceedings of the agricultural society for this year, and that little may all be expressed in this one paragraph. There was a meeting of the society held at Blue Earth City, July li7th, at which time a list of premiums was drawn up. Early in September, L. W. Brown, president, offered in behalf of the society, a premium of fifteen dollars to any ball club in the State which would win the prize in a game to be played on the last day of the annual fair.

Big Talk

In December: The organization of the Patrons of Husbandry, or Farmers' Grange, at Washington, D. C. ; the commencement of proceedings to impeach President Johnson.

The Clamor For Office

The candidates for governor were Wm. R. Marshall, republican, and Chas. E. Flandrau, democrat. A proposed adjustment of the State railroad bonds and several amendments to the constitutonwere to be voted upon.

The Republican Legislative District Convention was held at Fairmont, Martin county, on the 2d day of October, and nominated for re election, as representative, A. Andrews, of that county.

Several days lator another legislative convention was held at Winnebago City, in the interest of the "No-pointers," and nominated A. B. Colton, of Martin county, for representative.

The democracy, rallying from their lethargy, held a district and county convention at Blue Earth City, on the 12th day of October, and made the following nominations.

The only issue in this campaign besides that of general politics was that of "points" or "no jioints," and the main contest was, of course, upon the office of representative.

The law had established the "points," and the railroad company had accepted the grant of lands with the "i^oints" fixed, it is true, but the company alleged that they could not and would not build the road through the points named, and that unless the "points" condition was removed the building of the road would be indefinitely delayed or entirely defeated. The "points" party held that the public convenience and "the greatest good to the greatest number," required the road to be built through the points named, and that it could be as easily built on that line as on any other, hence the "no pointers" sought to elect a representative favorable to removing this restriction, the other party to retaining it.

The remainder of the legislative district gave Mr. Colton a majority sufficient to elect him representative, and this was a triumph for the "no pointers."

Stamp Taxes And License Fees

In 1765 an attempt was made by Great Britain to levy a tax on the colonies in this manner. It will be remembered, also, how earnestly Benjamin Franklin, then in London, labored to prevent the passage of the act, and how Samuel Adams, the ''Father of the Revolution," denounced this act; how the indignation of the people blazed out when they heard of the passage of the act. because of its gross injustice, and how the "Sons of Liberty, "in Boston demolished the building where the stamps were to be sold. A similar spirit at the time prevailed over the whole country. This obnoxious act was repealed the next year.

But times and circumstances and hard necessities, alter cases. During the great rebellion - 1861-5 - stamp duties or taxes were laid by our general government on almost every form of legal instrument, and other papers of value, and on packages of a great variety of manufactured articles, some of which still continue to be imposed. The stamps were of various sizes, values and devices and resembled our postage stamps. License fees were also charged on various occupations and pursuits. The object of all this was, of course, to aid in the raising of revenue to support the government and pay the enormous expenses of the war. There was but little opposition to this form of taxation, among the loyal people. Stamp duties on legal instruments, and license fees on occupations continued for a number of years after the war, and were in full force at this time, but were finally I'epealed, except on some manufactured articles as above stated.

We state here some of the more common stamp duties and license fees required by law, as a matter of interest to the generation which has come upon the stage of action since the war:

Looking Heavenward

On November 14th of this year, a remarkable meteoric shower was witnessed in the United States, of which Prof. Loomis. of New Haven, Conn., gives the following account:

"A display of shooting-stars occurred this morning, and attained its greatest magniflcence about 4:30 o'clock. I counted 500 meteors alone in one hour, which would indicate about 2,000 per hour for the entire heavens, and that, too, in the presence of a full moon, which probably eclipsed two-thirds of the whole number. So far as the numbers are concerned, the exhibition was, therefore, more remarkalile than that seen in Europe last November, and was but little inferior to that seen in the United States in 1833." "What eye can pass Him over, Spreading aloft in the clear night? Him (God), flrst. Whoever scans the heavens is sure to trace."

Nothing further remains to be said of the history of this year. It was one of the least eventful, least interesting and least profitable, in the history of the county. The times during the whole year were, taking all things together, very discouraging to all classes of people, especially the farmers. Many were gloomy, lost their energies and felt as though their labors and efforts were in vain. Such seasons of despondency and fear of difficulties ahead come to all sometimes, whatever their station in life may be. and is a very unhappy and unprofitable condition, from whatever cause discouragement may come. It is never best, in any of the proper ways of life, or business, to lose hope or abandon effort and it would be well if every one should know and oft repeat the following golden words of the poet, so apt. truthful, practical:

"The wise and active conquer difflculties l>y dariwj to allempt them; Sloth and folly Shiver and shrink at sight of toil and hazard, And make the impossibility they fear.''