Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 48: Vabiou8 Events of Interest Chronologically Arranged, 1882 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 48: Vabiou8 Events of Interest Chronologically Arranged

The object of this collection of facts is to give an idea of life in this part of the world, from a period not remote from the early advent of white settlers; to show the things in which they were interested aside from their daily vocations, the accidents and vicisitudes to which they were subjected, with some of their pleasures and pastimea. Of course many events of absorbing interest, to those who participated in them, must have escaped our recording scribe, but enough have been secured to fill the allotted space, and to give a good idea of life and its prevailing vast conoems, as developed in Fillmore county.

Any one coming into one of these villages today, from the old world, or even from the eastern States, can hardly realize that only a little over thirty years ago this whole section was visited every summer by immense herds of buffalo; that not a white man was here except an occasional trapper, and that during this time all this vast region has been reclaimed from a state of nature.

In this chapter also quite a number of Fillmore county's dead are mentioned, with a word as to their lives, and what they may have done for humanity's sake.

The Tear 1854

Land Office. - The land office was first opened in Brownsville an the first of August, 1854, and removed to Chatfield and reopened on the 12th of June, 1856. Maj. John H. Bennett was Register, and Captain John McEenny, Beceiver, The amount of business done from the very start was enormous, some figures on this point appear elsewhere.

At the county election in the fall, one Democrat and one Republican were elected as representatives, the other officers were Republican, except the Surveyor and Coroner, who were Democrats.

The land grant to the Southern Minnesota railroad was passed on the 3d of March, and in May following was confirmed by the action of the territorial legislature.

Glare Snow. - On the 3d of December. 1856» there was a very deep snow that remained on the ground. On the 27th of December there was a ram which froze as it fell, leaving a glassy crnst which would bear up an ordinary man, but it proved most disastrious to the deer, whose sharp hoofs, when the animal was on the run, would out through at every jump, and the settlers, with whom fresh meat had been an almost unobtainable luxury, were quick to avail themselves of this advantage to procure vension. A dog that could run without inconvenience, would soon overtake a deer and bring him to bay, and he would soon be floundering helplessly in the crust broken snow, when he would be dispatched with any convenient weapon. The numbers thus slain seem most incredible. Incidents relating to this slaughter appear in the town histories. It is a fact that this winter well nigh exterminated the deer throughout the wide region where this icy condition prevailed.

In consequence of the hard times the proprietor of the old water saw-mill, one mile from Chatfield, in the winter agreed to saw lumber at ^5.00 |3cr thousand feet.

The first issue of the ^'Chatfield Democrat," on the 11th of September, says that "Forty acres of land adjoining the Chatfield town plat, sold for $90 per acre."

A Mishap. - Quite a serious accident hap[)enod to one of Mr. A. M. Walker's stages as it neared Fillmore village, in this county, on the 3d of February. In attempting to cross a small stream or creek, the wheel of the stage came in contact with a large boulder, and the stage was instantly thrown upon its side, forcing one of the wheel horses down with it. The horse being held down by the tongue and fore part of the stage, and hampered with the harness, was drowned. There were three passengers in the coach at the time, who luckily escaped without further injury than an "unsought wash" and good ducking. Mr. J. S. Weider, clerk in the office of the Receiver of the U. S. Land Office in Chatfield, en route for Dubuque, was one of the three.

Sekious Accident. - ^On the 10th of February, a party of gentlemen left Chatfield for the purpose of slaughtering the game that should cross their path. At that day game of" every species abounded in Fillmore county, and especially may this be said of the country immediately surroimding the village of Chatfield. The gunning party was having good luck, and the indications were that they would be bountifully repaid for their labor, when, by the accidental discharge of one of the guns, Mr. Nathan P. Langdon, of Chatfield, was shot in the leg below the knee, breaking both bones and otherwise mangling his limb in a horrible manner. He was immediately taken to Chatfield and placed under the treatment of Dr. Cole, of that place, but in spite of the best of care it became necessary to amputate the limb.

A Travesty. - In March, Mr. »*William Higgins, of Higginsville," sent a memorial to the Legislature asking a loan of J^SOO, on 160 acres of land he expected to own when he had paid the government $200 for it; He proposed to spend the money he received in improvements, as he intended to lay out a city and give the State part of the profits on the sale of house lots, and to show that he intended to pursue liberal' policy, and in humble imitation of his railroad friends, he proposed to give each of the meralx'rs of the Legislature the deed of a lot, not, of course, to intiuence their action, but that they might realize that there was nothing small in his free-handed and comprehensive scheme. It was a rich burlesque on the whole government subsidy business, and must have had considerable intiuence at the time.

Land Office Busine.ss. - In June, the amount of land sold for cash was 440,384 acres, and for land warrants 941,433 acres. The total number of acres disposed of for cash and in land warrants was 1,381,817. Total number of acres surveyed 3,- 500,000. Unsurveyed 1,500,000. Total, 5,000,000.

Railroad Bonds. - On the 15th of April the county of Fillmore held their election in regard to the loan of the State cretlit to the Southern Minnesota railroad corporation, to the amount of

Throughout the county the vote averaged 4 to 1 in favor of the loan, the majority was 1,500. This shows to some extent the magnanimous spirit of the pioneers of the county, their willingness to assist the company in building the road, but when it was found that the road was not built, they were promptly repudiated.

According to the books. - In the spring of this year, times in the county of Fillmore were hard, and the dealers and farmers were striving to make both ends meet. In this period it was not the custom, nor was it fashionable, for a lady to wear S500 worth of clothing during the year, when her husband only made $250. This is illustrated by the following conversation which took place in the village of Chatfield between a certain individual and a store keeper:

A table compiled on the 5th of June, shows that at that date Fillmore county had 9,893 inhabitants, and 1,822 dwellings. The county contains an area of 864 square miles.

Broke Jail. - On the 16th of August, five prisoners confined in the county jail at Preston for various ofi'enses, entered into a conspiracy to escape, and once more enjoy freedom. They succeeded in their undertaking by bending the window bars and, when fairly in free air, "struck for the woods*^ in different directions.

Of the five who got away only one was ever heard from, he, after traveling on foot some forty or fifty miles, concluded that meals were easier for him to get, and better, in the jail than anywhere else, so he returned once more to the jail and took up his sentence where he left ofl".

Fortunate Ehcape. - On the 5th of September,, a little daughter of Maj. J. B. Bennett, of Chatfield, being alone in the yard, fell headforemost into a tub of water, and remained there some time before being found. Wiieu discovered and taken out life appeared to be extinct, but with exercise

Serious Accident. - On Friday, the 17th day of September, Mr. T. Sawyer, a citizen in the vicinity of Chatfield, met with a very serious accident. He was engaged with a machine, threshing grain, several miles from town, and while it was in motion he attempted to pass from one side of the feeder to the other, when his foot slipping through, was caught and torn off above the ankle, rippipg fiesh and bones to strips, and mangling the limb in a frightful manner. Physicians were immediately brought, who amputated the fractured limb close to the knee joint.

Death of William Henry Dean, M. D., at Spring Valley. - The doctor was a graduate of the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and apparently had a life of great usefolness before him in the healing art, when a frightfnl accident closed his earthly career. In company with several ladies and gentlemen, he was at the mill of Mr. Stevens, and the members of the party were being weighed on a platform scale. It being just at dusk the doctor did not observe a rapidly revolving shaft near where they stood, which caught by a shawl he wore, and whirled him around and around, striking against the scales at every revolution, until the mill was stopped. He was found to be terribly lacerated and his limbs broken and otherwise intern aDy injured, so that death came to his relief eleven days afterwards, on on the 18th of October, 1858, at the age of 25 years. He was faithfully attendetl by Drs. Cole, Gilbert, and Twitchell. This melancholy event saddened all hearts in Spring Valley.

Contested Election. - The county election in 1858 was a contested one. The canvassers threw out the town of Chatfield on account of some illegal voting, as was alleged, and this gave the republicans a majority of 100, but finally, the matter coming into court, Judge Wilson reversed the action of the board, and so the democrats kept in power.

Bank. - In this year the Fillmore County Bank had in circuhition ^25,000 in bills, secured by a deposit of stocks with the State Auditor to tho

County Seat. - The spring election was held, and the question as to whether the county seat should be removed was voted upon. The village of Preston reoeiving a majority of the votes cast, was designated as still the county seat, and the several county offices were retained there.

Fell Ovbb the Pbboipioe. - On the 2d day of June, a boy named Seeley, twelve or fourteen years of age, fell over the high precipice on the opposite side of thfe river below the Preston mill, and into the river below, dislocating his hip and otherwise injuring his body. After reaching the water he was barely enabled to save himself from drowning by taking hold of the willows and bearing himself up until assistance reached him. The boy escaped very luckily, for the fall was a frightful one, and but a few feet either to the right or left would have landed him upon rocks or crags, dashed his brains out, or disfigured him beyond recognition.

BuROLARs. - On the night of the 6th of Augiujt, burglars entered the boot and shoe store of Mr. Bichardsou, in Ohatfield. They apparently did the job from purely personal necessity, and not with a view to speculation, as they only took three pairs of boots and escaped.

Stage Upset. - In the times of '59, in the sttige business, there was considerable competition, and the stage that made the best time could commaud higher fare and a majority of the travelers. On the 20th of July, of that year, two rival stages started from Winona for Chatfield, both bent on keeping in the lead. When within a few miles of Chatfield, the driver of the stage on the Walker Line, which had up to this time been the loser in the race, thought he discovered a chance by which to pass his adversary and make Chatfield in time to gather the laurels. Accordingly he suddenly gave vent to an Indian war-whoop and playing his long whip upon bis horses, darted along-side the other stage. The plan would have worked well, but for the "many a slip twixt the cup and lip," for just as he had accomplished his object, and was turning into the road to take the leadership his strategy had gained for him, he turned too short, and the stage hovered upon the two side wheels for an instant and went over with a crash. Several arms were broken, and many bad bruises received and the race was lost.

Political. - On the political canvass of the fall, the Bepublican party went into the contest with the motto "No taxation for railroad purposes," and carried the State principally on that issue, as stated by the Fillmore county press at the time, and this county at that time was the most populous in the State.

Pio-Nic. - Early in June there was a notable pic-nic in Chatfield, a sort of a milestone marking the progress from tlie rudeness inseparable from pioneer life, toward a more elegant and social civilization. There were by actual count 418 persons present; among these were seventy-five married women and forty-five single pnes. The festivities of the occasiDn were hugely enjoyed, and the people began to feel that they were not so far beyond the confines of civilization after all.

Horse Thieves. - In the spring, horse thieves committed depredations in various parts of the State, and made farmers feel very nervous as to the safety of their horses. At this time, after a number of horses had been stolen in Fillmore county, J. W. Bishop, of the "Chatfield Democrat," gave vent to the following : ^Farniertt, Look after your horses, for we see by our exchanges, and hear from our farmers, that since the adjournment of the Legislature the horse thieves have reappeared in almost every part of the State. We hope the horse thieves will forgive us this little joke."

Police Court. - A miserable old maiL.who had been **hammering his wife" was arrested in Chatfit»ld, and on Ijeing brought before Judge Gere was fined $10. His neighbors claimed that it looked as though he did it just for exercise and the fun of it.

TerbibijE Affliction. - Died, at the residence of W. II. H. Graham, one mile west of Chatfield, on the 7th of August, after an illness of one week, W. H. H. Graham, Jr., son of W. H. H. and Dorothy Graliam, aged five years and four months. On the 15th inst., after an illness of one week, Nina Bell, a daughter of the above named parents, aged three years and four months. On the 16th inst., Mrs. Dorothy Graham, the wife, aged twentyseven years. On the 17th inst., Balph, infant son, and lost of Mr. W. H. H. Graham's family. Thus in the short space of ten days, Mr. Graham was bereft by the grim monster. Death, of his entire family.

Wheat Yield. - Mr. Lee, of Fillmore, on the 8th of September, threshed 480 bushels of No. 1 wheat from the sheaves of fifteen acres, averajging thirty-two bushels per acre.

Fatal Accident. - A fatal accident occurred in Oarrolton township on Sunday, the 6th of August. Michael O'Shaughnessy, son of Patrick O'Shaughnessy, in company with his brothers were out shooting, and by some means unknown, a gun in the hands of one of the party was accidentially discharged, the contents of which entered the face of the unfortunate boy and killed him almost instantly.

Transient Travel. - It was estimated in Chatfield that for the year 1861 an average of thirty passengers arrived and departed daily. At this time there were three lines of stages through Chatfield, east and west.

The breaking out of the war in April, 1861, gave universal att.^ntion to recruiting, and many items, otherwise noticeable, were overlooked during that stormy period, being overshadowed by the unusual and mighty events of that belligerent period.

Burned. - On the 25th of May, a five. year old girl of Michael Langham, of Fountain township, was playing near the fire when by some means her clothes caught in the fiames, and before assistance

The Indian Scare. - On the Ist of September, occurred the frontier panic. The massacre at New Ulm and that region had just taken plaoe^ and there was hardly a road in Fillmore county that some excited individual, who had lost his head, would not ride through, usually bareback, shouting "Flee from the Indians !" "Flee from the Indians!" and without halting to explain, yelled that "the town right back was in ashes!" Of course there was not an Indian within 140 miles, but without stopping to consider the absolute and utter impossibility of the Indians thus sweeping across the country like a tornado, destroying everything in their track, a majority at once caught the infection, and thus bereft of reason, at once madly acted on the impulse to save themselves and families from the murderous tomahawk and scalping knife.

The scenes that followed can easily be imagined. What transportation could be had at hand was at once put in requisition, the family was hurried into the vehicle, and what few articles were most highly prized that could be carried were bundled in, and away they went, resolved to make no unne<3es8ary delay in putting the Mississippi Kiver between them and the bloodthirsty savages. Such was the haste that no attempt was made to run off the stock, and usually the garden gates and the fences were opened to let the cattle luxuriate on the misfortunes of their owners. In most instances the houses were left wide open, and not unfrequently the table would be hastily spread, with the hope that when the savages arrived they would stop to eat, and thus the fugitives would gain time to get beyond their reach.

The first evening of the 8tam|)ede there was a frightful rain, and some of the jaded ones would halt and occupy some deserted residence. There was an occasional cool head who tried to stop the bewildering rush, but they could do little to arrest the panic. Some of the men who tried to reassure the crowd by protesting that there was no danger were accused of being in league with the Indians, and were plotting for a wholesale destnictiou.

The village of Preston was literally jammed full of people and teams. The houses were full, the shops were full, as well as the mills and every available shelter, and a single shot, or an unusual shout on that terrible night, would have completed

In every instance the positive news came that the very next town had been burned, and the people butchered, not a single individual left to \e\\ the tale of their abrupt taking off. And as fugitives began to arrive from miles away, not having seen a single red savage on the war-path, the truth began to dawn upon the hitherto reasonless multitude, that they had been the victims of a causi'less scare, and that the sooner they returned to their several places of abode, and l)egun to repair the mischief their abrupt departure bad caused, the better it would be for them. So the motley throng got back to their al>andoned homes, and while most of them now allude to the subject with a broad smile over the ludicrousness of the whole affair, there is occasionally one who has never forgiven himlkelf for his part in the escapade, and still remains soreheaded, so no particulars will be here presented.

AociugNT. - A sad accident took place at Elliota on the 14th of November. A boy about fourteen years of age, a son of Mr. Hicks, residing about two miles west of Elliota, was found in a ditch beside the road, and a horse that he had been riding on the top of him. When found, both boy and horse were dead. Fast riding was the supposed cause of the fatal ending of this horseback ride.

The Tear 1864

Dbowned. - On the 3d of September, a sad accident occurred at the Medary House, in Chatfield, which resulted in the drowning of an infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, aged two months* A little daughter of Mrs. Norton was carrying the child, and on passing through the door leading from the dining room to the kitchen, at which point the cistern is located, and at that time was uncovered, they were both precipitated into the same. Mr. Burdick, the proprietor, immediately jumped into the cistern, where the water was about twelve feet" deep, and succeeded in saving Mr«. Norton' ^child, which he thought was the only one in the cistern. After he came out Mrs. Freeman said her child was in also, when another person jumped in and brought out the body of the infant which had sunk. The body was in the water about ten minutes, and when brought out life had departed.

Killed. - On tlie 29th of October, Mrs. Churchill, of Chatfield township, was thrown from a wagon and so fatally injured that she died the next day. The accident was caused by the oxen taking fright, running olf and upsetting the wagon. She was 26 years old and at the lime was assisting her husband in gathering corn.

FiKE. - On the 12th of November, the granary of Peter Johnson, three miles below. Chatfield, together with 300 or 400 bushels of wheat, was destroyed by fire between 10 and 11 o'clock at night. The fire was set by a young girl not 17 years of age, named Mary Pettis, who had formerly resided with the family of Mr. Johnson. The culprit was caught within two miles of where the deed was done, and confessed the crime. Upon trial, however, she was acquitted upon promising to reform.

Died. - Captain Edwin Hillman, of Sumner township, Fillmore county, in Winona, on the 24th of December. Captain Hillman commanded company "C" in the Third Minnesota Regiment. He was fifty years of age at the time of his death, and WF.s an Englishman by birth; a brave man, and a gallant officer.

Swept Away. - On the 25th of February, Mr. McDonald, of NewbUrg township, in attempting to cross the branch of Root River at Preston, with a two horse team, at the ford, was swept down by the flood of ice and water and drowned, together with both horses.

Child Killed. - On the 10th of June an insane woman, wife of Mr. John Long, living two miles west of Preston, struck her grand daughter, a girl of 13 years, a blow on the side of the head with a club. The child was not considered at first ^ being dangerously hurt, but on the day following, while attending her usual duties, suddenly fell down in a spasm and died within an hour.

Drowned. - On the 18th of August Mr. Zenas Root and his grandchild, of Spring Valley township, were drowned in a sink hole where they were watering horses.

denlj oommeDced swelling at an alarming degree, and the formerly harmless creek or placid brook had, in a few hours, become a rushing torrent, foaming and boiling over its banks, overfiooding the surrounding country and carrying disaster^ death and destruction before it. The first obstacle coming in the torrent's way, consequently meeting its destruction, was the dwelling house of Mr. David Weisel. It was struck broadside by the rushing Hood, swept from its foundation, and crushed into fragments in an instant. The occupants of the house at the time were Mr. David Weisel, his wife, his mother, a lady over 80 years of age, and a nephew named John Weisel, 12 years of age, also relatives from Burr Oaks, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Brace, all of whom met a watery grave, except Mrs. David Weisel, who was found the following morning still clinging to her bed, on which she had floated down the stream, and was rescued from her perilous position. She told her rescuers and others that herself and Mrs. Brace had been talking together while journeying down the stream, the last of their conversation was when Mrs. Weisel enquired of her companion how she was getting along, the reply was "God have mercy on me!" This was her last utterance. There was one man who found his house going down stream, he managed to get on the roof and made his voyage in safety, finally making a landing against two sturdy elm trees, and in the morning his cries for assistance soon brought relief.

The next dwelling in the path of the ilood was that of Mr. Jonas C. Wellington. The occupants were Mr. and Mrs. J. Cf. Wellington, and a grandson named Charley C. Gage, four years old, all of whom were drowued.

Stage Line. - J. C. Burbank k Co., established a stage line between Rushford and Winnebago City, ria Preston, and an express was added from La Crescent.

During this year, when the Southern Minnesota railroad was building, the people of Preston confidently expected that the extension from Lanesboro would carry it along the south branch of the Hoot River and thus through Preston, and several .

parties engaged in local enterprises to meet this favorable condition of affairs. And Ghatfield, whose citizens had done everything possible to secure the building of the road, also expected that their larger branch of the river would be followed, but other views prevailed, and so these two aspiring villages had to endure their chagrin as phil. osophically as possible.

Gn May, the 13th, a meeting was held at the Court House in Preston, to see about securing the right of way for the Southern Minnesota railroad, which, it was still supposed, would be bound to run through Preston.

Railroad Land Gfficb. - In May the Southem Minnesota Railroad land office was removed to Rushford from Houston, where it had previously been located.

Railroad Celebration. - The railroad got to Lanesboro in November, and early in December a celebration took place. The dinner, the speeches, the toasts, and responses were appropriate for the occasion. The people turned out, and numerous invited guests were there. It wjis a fitting inauguration of the new order of things.

Preston people being disappointed in securing the railroad, made a virtue of necessity and got a depot at the nearest available point, on the farm of Mr. Isenhour.

Accident. - On tlie 26th of August, Mr. Peter Halverson, a Norwegian of Amherst township, met with a most serious accident. While drawing a mower the horses took fright and ran away, tearing through the field at a frightful gait, with the mower in full gear. Mr. Halverson attempted to jump off, but in doing so failed to clear one foot from the sickle, and it was completely severed from the leg, the shoe being picked up with the foot in it.

Great Freshet. - On the 24th of February there was a great flood on the Root River. Nearly all the dams above Lanesboro were swept away; on the southern brancii those only at Preston remained, and they were seriously injured.

The Railroad Bonds. - In the spring of this year there was a bitter contest in relation to the payment of the railroad bonds. Fillmore county was considerably excited. A proposition was submitted to the people, and decided in the negative by a majority, in the State, of 12,206 in a total vote of 21,499.

Fire. - On the 30th of June, 1871, five business houses in the village of Ohatfield were destroyed by fire. Supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

Frozen to Death. - In January there was a fearful snow-storm and a general blockade, and in the town of Granger there was a heartrending case of the freezing to death of a whole family. It seems that Rev. Mr. Evans, a Welsh minister, was out in the terrible storm with his wife and two children, and when within three- fourths of a mile of his home on his return, the team could go no further, and leaving his wife and one child he carried the other, the eldest, home. ' He then returned for his other little one, and leaving his wife wrapped up in some blankets he had brought from home, he started with the child, but lost his way.

and they both j)erished ; the little one at home was found stark and stiff, as was also the mother and wife in the road. This almost unparalleled event created a profound shock in the community.

Death of Rev. Eli Engle. - Mr. Engle went to his reward on the 11th of May. 1872, at the age of fifty- two years and nine months. He was bom in Alleghany county, Maryland, on the 25th of September, 1817, and when still a young man, joined the Methodist Church at Western Port, Maryland. Soon after he was licensed as an exhorter, which position he nobly filled for two years, then received local orders, and worked faithfully for twenty-four years in this ministry. He had an especial love for evangelical work. He had the love and respect of his wife, the reverence of his children, the esteem of his neighbors, and was cherished by his church.

Death of Jonas Conkey. - Father Conkey, as he was familiarly called, on account of his kindly, genial ways, was called to the other side on the 15th of September, 1872. He was a native of Bridgeport, Vermont, born in 1795. He was in Clinton county. New York, while young and up to 1844. He afterwards lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Since 1861, he lived in Minnesota. In 1830, he was received into the Presbyterian Church at Plattsburg, New York. At the organization of the Presbyterian Church in Preston, he was constituted a ruling elder, which position he held until his death, which wbs at the residence of his son, William P. Conkey. He was a most worthy citizen.

The greatest snow-storm and the most intense cold remembered in the county was on the 7th, 8*^^h, and 9th days of January of this year. The thermometer stood from 26 degrees to 30 degrees below zero, and the howluig storm made the tempest a most frightful one. Many lives were lost all over the-Stat«. A snow-storm with the glass so low is a phenomena not often witnessed in southern Minnesota.

Silver Wedding. - On Monday, the 6th of January, Mr. and Mrs. William Carpenter, of Preston, ^ celebrated the twenty -fifth anniversary of their wedding day by a tea party at which their particular friends were invited, and Mr. Carpenter presented to his quarter of a century bride a charming silver tea set. And thus this worthy couple started on the journey of life anew

Death of Mrs. Julia Kino. - Julia Scott was bom on the 13th of April, 1827, and on the 16th of May, 1860, was married to Almond King, being iiis second wife. She came into the care of two children of her husband by a former wife, and subsequently had two of her own. These cares, duties, and responsibli ties she met in a remarkably satisfactory manner, and was an affectionate \^dfe, a tender and devoted mother to her own and the little motherless ones under her charge, and a good neighbor. She started across the unknown river, in Carimona, on the 20th of August, 1873.

Horse Thieving. - In this year a vigilance committee was organized to operate against horse thieves. The knowledge that such an institution existed settled the whole busiuess.

Ghastly. - On Wednesday the 10th of June, the citizens of Sumner were horror stricken and excited over the finding of the remains of two human beings in a box, in^a bi'anch of the Kedron. Dr. Grover, the coroner of Rushford, was sent for, but the surmises that there had been a murder most foul, wore dispelled when it was found that they were cadavers left in the brook by an enthusiastic medical student, to macerate, that he might the more easily secure the skeletons.

Sad Accident. - About the middle of June a party of Scandinavians were crossing the Root River at Newman's ford, on their way to a wedding, when the horses became frightened and unmanageable and ran, violently throwing the occupants of the wagon out in deep water, drowning one of the women and her little babe, thus sadly turning a festive occasion into one of mourning.

Railroad Accidents. - On the 20th of Jnne there were two railroad accidents on the Southern Minnesota road. High water was the cause in both cases. One of them was two miles and a half west of Spring Valley, where the train going west, on crossing a culvert, after the engine and tender had got over, the cars went down and were promiscuously piled up. Fortunately no one was injured. The other accident was seventeen miles west of this, and happened about the same time, to the train moving east. Here the water was .very high, up to the bottom of the rails, so that they appeared all right to the engineer, but the support had been washed away, and as the engine came upon the foundationless rails down it dropped with the tender; Cummin g's, the fireman, was cruslu^d and instantly killed, while Brown^ the engineer, escaped death with broken bones, »nd other contusions.

In July, while removing the temporary bridge at the point of the Spring Valley accident, William Nobles was instantly killed by being struck by a timber that was being hauled out by an engine, and Robert Lossing was also injured.

Flour sold, 77,299 barrels; amount paid for wheat ^440,400. Barley bought, 57,000 bushels. Lumber sold, 2,082,200 feet. Disbursements: Hour and wheat trade, $4,000,000, and this at a single point in the county, which will convey an idea of its resourses.

On Saturday night, the 7th of November, the valuable flouring mill of Valentine and Tew, at Rusliford, was destroyed by fire. There was also consumed 9,000 bushels of wheat. The total loss was $20,000.

Aliwut four miles from Lanesboro, on the 28th of December, the wife of Thomas Flaherty, who had become insane and attempted to kill him, while he was in town to procure assistance, set fire to the house and all tlie buildings, and they were consumed. She was sent to the insane asylum.

Murder. - On Saturday, the 17th day of October, 1874, Patrick Noonan, who lived three miles from Fountain, started for the latter place with a load of wheat, telling his wife as he left that he proposed to have a spree and a row. Mrs. -Noonan knowing him to be a man of his word, especially in a case like this, sent her boy to town to inform the parties to whom Pat would sell his wheat, of his intentions, and warned them not to let him have any money. The boy did as directed, but this did not prevent Pat from going on his contemplated spree. Finding he could not get the cash for the wheat, he borrowed $25 from other parties, and started out for his spree, going first to a saloon. After drinking rather heavily, he began picking a quarrel with a young fellow known in that vicinity as Jolm Shinners, whose real name was John McDonald. - why he went by the name of Shinners is still a mystery. After some harsh words, Shinners hit Noonan a blow in the face, but before the blow could be returned they were parted by the saloon-keeper.

After this, daring the whole evening the matter seemed weighing on Noonan's mind, and he was unusually silent and reticent, and seemed meditating a plan for revenge. That night Noonan met a clerk in the saloon, one Eric Gilbertson, and in course of conversation shotved him a piece of lead whittled nearly round, about the size of a hen^s egg, and told him he had ^<made that for Shinners and would fix him."

About 9 o'clock the next morning (Simday ), Noonan walked up town, apparantly sobered off and in good humor. He met Shinners at the comer, and the following words ensued :

Shinners then went into the shoemaker's shop, and in a few moments came out, and as he went by, Noonan made a pass at him. Shinners warded off the blow, at the same time making a jump into the street. If he had turned and grappled Noonan the "terrible crime might have l)een avoided, but the moment he saw the weapon, which Noonan had done up in a handkerchief and used as a slung-shot, he thought his only safety lay in flight. He ran out in the middle of the street, with Noonan close at his heels, and ran at his utmost speed, but Noonan was too much for him. He caught him just before he reached Pat. Ferris' hotel, and aimed a blow with his slung shot, which hit him on the back of the neck, knocking him down. He hit him three or four quick, successive blows after he went down, one very severe one on the right side of the head, near the crown, which broke the skull, then giving him a kick, ran up the street, exclaiming as he ran, "I done that because I liked it, by G - d!" "Fve fixed him, d - n him!"

Noonan made his way to the woods, and the most diligent search failed to unearth him. Nearly ten years have rolled by, and his whereabouts still remain a mystery. His family resided on the old homestead until March, 1882, when the entire family, mother and three children left for parts unknown. It is generally supposed by the residents and pioneers that they have gone to meet the exiled husband and father, but where, no one but his family and himself know.

Death of William Smith. - Mr. Smith was a well known merchant of Lenora, bom in Westmoreland, Oneida county, New York, on the 14th of September, 1820. In 1848, he went to California, and after a while returned as far as Ohio, where he remained a single winter. In 1855, he came to Minnesota, as one of the first settlers. In 1802, he began business in Lenora and continued until his death, which was the result of an accident, having been thrown from his carriage. He expired on the 5th of December, 1874. He had just completed a fine residence and moved into it.

Death op Hon. A. H. Butleb. - Mr. Butler was bom in Marseilles, New York, in 1816, and e^rly turned his attention to farming. In 1856, he had the prevaihng western fever, which brought him to Newburg, in Fillmore county. He at once took an active part in the politics of the rising young state of Minnesota, and was among the first republicans elected to the State Legislature. He was for several years County Treasurer. For two years before the final summons came for him to cancel the debt of nature his health had been failing, and he expired on the 7th of December, 1874, at the age of 58 years. He was a prominent Odd Fellow, and left a- wife and adopted daughter. Hev. Mr. Wakefield officiated at his funeral.

Old Settlers' Club. - At a meeting of some of the early settlers of the county, held at the office of Hon. B. F. Tillotson, in Rush ford, on the 13th of December, 1874, to take into consideration the formation of an old settlers' club, a call was issued to meet on the 22d of February, 1875, to those who had been here eighteen years or more.

The President was B. F. Tillotson, of Riceford; Vice Presidents, Millard Allen, of Spring Valley, and J. P. Howe, of Granger; Recording Secretary, William Barton, of Amherst; Corresponding Secretary, H. R. Wells, of Preston; Treasurer, W. W. Fife, of Preston. A soliciting committee was appointed consisting of Niles Carpenter, W. W. Braden, and William Barton.

Death of Mark Comfort. - This occurred on the 5th of February, 1875, at Winona, but his remains were brought to Lanesborp for burial. He was a man well liked among his acquaintances, and was a brother-in-law of Mr. E. Kenin. He left a wife and six children with many other friends, to mourn his loss.

Railroad accident. - On the 7th of February, there having been an accident by which some freight cars were ditched, about a mile and a half east of Lanesboro, a train that had been sent out to assist in transferring the freight, met with another accident, by which the cabose jumped the track and went down a trestle eighteeen feet, and although the car was well filled with men and tools, no one was more than slightly injured. It seems a most marvelous escape.

Death of Joel S. Sawyer. - He was an early settler, a valuable and a faithful man. Thus, one by one, the pioneers drop out of sight. The debt of mortality in his case was cancelled on the 24th of May, 1875, at Chatfield.

Golden Wedding. - At Lenora, on the 3d of July, the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Bryant was joyfully commemorated, and proved to be a very happy event to the aged couple. Seventy-five persons were present to participate in the auspicious event. Golden weddings are indeed rare occasions, and when they do happen they must be regarded as monuments erected along the avenue that has been traveled under such a diversified sky, and amid so many changing events, such vicissitudes, such alternations of elevated and depressed hopes, such rough and rugged paths, and anon, such pleasant sailing, that we can but look upon a couple who have been half a hundred years side by side enjoying life together, with reverence and admiration.

The mutations of time develop changes and mark the transition from blushing youth, and however thorny the path, there must be a preponderance of pleasant recollections for those who can look back so far to the time when they pledged themselves to each other, whether their fond anticipations, the result of loves young dream, have been fully realized or not.

On this occasion the venerable pair were tenderly remembered by numerous presents of a fitting character. A bountiful banquet was spread, Dr. Wheat and others made appropriate remarks, and the bridegroom and bride of a half century renewed the journey of life toward their diamond wedding which they will be more likely to celebrate on

Stobm of Storms. - On the 30th of August, much damage was done on the Root River, bridges, dams and other property joined the aqueous cavalcade in its march to the sea.

Spontaneous Combustion. - In August, a stack of barley which had been put up in a damp condition, on the farm of Mr. Crippen, took fire under such circumstances that it must certainly have caught of itself.

Soldiers Reunion. - ^On the 5th of July a reunion of the veterans of Company A, Second Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, took place at Chatfield.

Hail Storm. - On the 3d of August, a hail storm about one and one half miles wide, swept through the county on a " bias," cutting across Bristol, Forestville, and Spring Valley, leaving a sad scene of devastated crops.

Death of A. G. Chatfield. - Judge Chatfield was one of the early citizens of Minnesota, and an honored man, and as he was the individual in honor of whom the first county seat of Fillmore was named, it is eminently fit and proper that his biography should have a place in this work.

He was taken Home from Belle Plaine, where he resided, on the 3d of October, 1875, after some months illness. His native place was Otsego county, New York, where he remained until grown up to be a good lawyer. He married on the 27th of June, 1836. In 1838, was a member of the New York legislature, and in 1840, while a member of the Assembly, served on a committee with Samuel J. Tilden, in regard to the " anti rent " troubles. While in attendance upon the Supreme Court at Washington, he formed an acquaintance with Hon. H. H. Sibley, the Delegate from Minnesota in Congress, whose glowing accounts of the territory very favorably impressed him, and so Mr. Sibley procured his appointment as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Territory.

His commission was dated in 1853, and in June he came to his new field. His district was very large. He located in Belle Plaine and organized that village.

Death of Benjamin Sherman. - "Uncle Ben" left the busy mart of this world on the 11th of October, 1875. He had been Uving for some time in a sort of hermitage near the lime kiln. He was bom in Geneva, New York, and was one of the earliest settlers here. He had arrived at a good old age, and had sons and daughters who would gladly have cared for him, but being kind of independent, he preferred to look after himself, and so lived in the secluded manner he did.

Burglary. - On the 7th of November, the merchant tailor shop (>f J. H. Roberts, in Chatfield, was broken open and robbed of clothes and newly mado up suits to the amount of from S250 to S300. The burglars, whoever they were, escaped, and no arrests were made.

Mrs. Sarah N. Engle, wife of Walter Engle, of Preston, was called away from her five young children on the 5th of February, at the age of forty years.

Mrs. Lull, the mother-in-law of Mr. Walter, of Carrolton, attained the age of ninety- four years, and finally passed on to seek the golden gate in February of this year.

In this year there was considerable emigration to the Black Hills, but the people of Lanesboro boasted that there had never been a well marked case of Black Hills fever in town.

Root River Flood. - Eurly in March there was a great flood, which kept up several days, and large amounts of property were swept away. A few of the losses will be mentioned: Kelly Brothers and Mosher^s lumber yard went out, and a cooper shop at White & Bryon's mill followed the prevailing fashion. Peter Hanson's harness shop also joined the procession. C. L. Colman and John Paul's lumber yard were both considerably damaged. H. A. Billings had a lot of wood that disappeared. The railroad trestle went out. Thompson k Williams' mill was seriously damaged. At Whalan, the mill of Williams, Fall X Co. was damaged. At Rushford, the new bridge and the long bridge accepted the pressing invitation to move on. The woolen mill also received considerable damage. The railroad lost bridges all up and down the river. The new bridge at the west end of the village of Preston went out at about 11 o'clock on Friday the 8th. It moved down the stream under the first bridge, and the people made a rush to the next bridge, the iron one, to see how it would receive the shock ; when it stnick, the structure trembled, but nobly stood the onslaught, and the enemy himself went to pieces. The headgates of the Conkey flouring mill were carried away and the dam considerably demoralized. The water was up to the window caps of the first story of Wheeler's woolen mill. As the water rose on the flats, there was a lively time among the men, women, children, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and rats. The only time remembered like it was in 1859, when the water rose quite as high.

Death of George W. Sawyer. - He was suddenly removed from active usefulness here on the 29th of March, 1876, at the age of forty -two years. He was bom in Watertown, New York. He was cashier of the bank in Lanesboro, also insurance and express agent, with a large amount of other business on his hands, which he dispatched with a geniality that made him a general favorite. He was a whole souled man, who established unalloyed friendships with large numbers, who sadly missed his pleasant face.

Homicide. - At Amherst, on the 6th of April, an insane woman, wife of Enger Erickson, murdered her husband by chopping him about the head with an axe as he lay in bed. She was sent to the insane asylum.

BotijER Explosion. - On the 31st of August, there was an explosion of a boiler used with a threshing machine, about five miles from Chatfield, on the farm of Chauncy Jones. Mr. Lawton, the engineer, Charles Arnold, the band cutter, and William Bennett were instantly killed, and several others were injured.

Silver Currency. - In May, silver began to take the place'of fractional currency. The re-introduction of silver after about fifteen years of banishment was a matter of curiosity, particularly to the rising generation, a majority of whom, eighteen years of age, could not rememl)er ever having seen a silver (piarter or a dime, and as the bright emblems of light and truth came in sight, the local prees bubbled over with enthusiasm.

Hail Storm. - A thunder storm with hail burst upon the devoted village of Lanesboro on the 20th of May, The hail was said to have been unusually large and copious, the ground being actually covered with the icy pellets, and the testimony of those who were present is concurrent that the hail stones varied from the size of a filbert to that of a hen's egg, which, of course, is according to the conventional size in every well regulated hail storm. The damage to vegetation was great, but as there was little wind, the glass escaped serious breakage. .

Flood. - On the 20th of May, 1876, there was a freshet which was particularly severe in Pilot Mound, the rain being the heaviest known for years, roads were washed and fences swept away. The railroad bridge spanning Bush Creek was also washed away.

An unknown man was discovered on the track of the railroad on the 24:th of May and run over by a freight train, and mangled beyond all possibility of identification. The train hands declared that he was cold when they reached him, and the theory was that he had been murdered and then placed on the track. It was afterwards discovered to have been clearly an accident.

In May, some young salmon were placed in the mill pond at Lanesboro, some of the citizens having made up a purse for this purpose and Mr. B. A. Man went to Bed Wing and brought the fish, which were procured of the State Fish Commissioner. This is believed to be the first deposit of this kind in the waters of Fillmore county.

Early in June a military company was formed in Rushford. M. D. Edinger, Captain; G. W. Rockwell, First Lieutenant, and Joshua Weber, Second Lieutenant.

Centennial Celebration. - The centennial anniversary of American Independence was celebrated in Fillmore county in several places, but at Lanesboro special preparations were made to have the occasion accord with the inspirations of the day.

As is usual at such times. Young America, promptly at miliiight, announced the ushering in of the day by the ringing, clanging, jangling of the bells, and after that hour the citizens, like Macbeth, could -*8leep no more." The popping of the irrepressible fire crackers, and the toot of the tin horn, that liorrible unmusical invention of the enemy of human nerves and sensibilities, were literally abroad in the village. And during the day this din was decorously supplemented hy a national salute.

All the bunting at command was thrown to the breeze. At an early hour the roads were crowded with teams of every variety bringing the country

The indispensable procession was the first item on the programme, and it was led by the Lanesboro Comet Band. The most charming feature of the line was the Union Car, containing a precious load of the beautiful young ladies of the village to the number of thirty-eight, representing the States of the American Unoin. Arranged as they were in white, as an emblem of purity and innocence, it was indeed a lovely scene to inspire all hearts with a patriotic devotion to our country, the home of loveliness and beauty, of which these captivating girls were the representatives. The Nord Glee Club was along, and quite a 6avalcade, with people in carriages and on foot, who marched to Thompson's Grove, where the usual formula was presented.

Bev. Mr. Kemper invoked the divine blessing. The Declaration of Independence was read by S. Gilbert, the oration was given by J ames 0*Brien, and a poem was read by Clarence Gibbs. The duties assigned to these several gentlemen were well performed. In the afternoon the Fair Grounds were the place of resort. There were at least three thousand people present, and the exercises here were in the form of amusements.

Among other things there was a Lancer's tournament, a base ball match, a foot race, a sack race, a slow horse race, a prize fight of a harmless character, and other attractive sports, into which the people entered with zest until toward evening, when a storm dispersed the crowd, and the fireworks which had been prepared were not visible that night.

This account of a fourth of July celebration is given, not because it will be very interesting reading now, but that years hence, when these leaves may have become mouldy with age, when, as we are assured "old things shall pass away, and all things become new," it may be of interest to look back upon the methods, the peculiarities, and what may then be considered the idiosyncrasies of the last quarter of the nineteenth century.

It may not be improper to add that the festivities continued over into the fifth, when there was a horse race, a boat race, a supper and other attractions, such as the Rushford Guards, with their gay nniforms and intricate evolutions.

Canada, on the 9th of March, 1835. He received an education at Pictou and Bellville. He first joined the Niagara Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and about 1869 came to Minnesota, his first charge being in La Crescent, where he remained two years. He then came to Fillmore county,and was in Hamilton, ril]more,Granger, and Lenora, where he died, and was buried in Preston. Rev. A. B. Bishop attended the funeral. He passed away on the 21st of August, 1876. He was married to Miss Margaret J. Wilsie at Mai abide, Ontario, on the 12th of January, 1863. Two children were the result of this union, Jestina (Jessie) and Eflfa May. The widow now resides in Preston. Mr. Terwilliger was an eamest christian worker, beloved by all who knew him* and he died in the blessed hoj^e of immortality.

Death of Mrs. George E. Dexter. - This lady, whose maiden name was Conkey, came to Preston with other members of the family, when twenty-seven years of age. She was a native of Plattsburg, New York. In February, 1865, she was married to George E. Dexter, and was well known and esteemed for her christian deportment, and as a devoted wife, an affectionate sister, and a kind neighbor. She passed away on the 31st of August, 1876, at the age of 44 years.

Death of Dr. Sylvanus Everts. -This gentleman, an early settler of Rushford, some years ago, after having removed to Porter connty, Indiana, celebrated his ninetieth birthday. He was the father of Dr. Orpheus Everts, and grandfather of S. E. and Daniel Grover, making three generations of Doctors. He was said to be the oldest Mason in the State, was a prominent man in Indiana, and for a number of years a member of the Legislature.

Fires. - The mill of Thompson & Williams at Lanesboro was destroyed by fire on the 29th of September. The loss was S35,000 or .$40,000, with an insurance of $27,000.

In October the granary of John Souther, together with the stables, three miles northwest of Lanesboro, were destroyed by fire, tlie work of an incendiary. Mr. Souther lay sick at the time.

Found Dead, - In Lanesboro, on the 7th of November, Ole Knudson, who had been at work in Harmony, was found dead on the banks of the river near Mr. Demeray^s machine shops. He had learned of the death of a brother in Wisconsin, and came to take the cars, which he missed, and so he took in a saloon, and was then taken in bj the MAN with an hour glass and scythe.

VAtiUE OP Church PROPERTy. - A careful inventory of the church property in Fillmore county in this year gave an aggregate of $93,950, divided as foUows : Baptist, S2,000; Catholic, $21,100; Cougregationalist, $6,800; Episcopal, Sl,800; German Reformed, $4,000; Friends, $1,200; Lutheran, $38,750; Methodist, $3,800; Presbyterian, $14,500- This is exclusive of Preston which had an estimated church valuation of $20,000, which is probably a little high.

Death of Philip Onstine. - ^This pioneer was gathered by the REAPER, on the 26th of March, 1877, ot Lenora, at the ripe age of 73 years. Uncle Philip, as he was uniformly called, came from Canada to the States in 1812, and located in Pennsylvania, afterwards in Ohio, and finally in Minnesota. He was the last of seven brothers.

Railroad Accident. - On the Southern Minnesota railroad, on the 16th of February, Mike Welch, a brakeman, was killed by falling between the cars at Peterson.

Stock Farm. - In this year Mr. M. T. Grattan, of Preston, had his stock farm well supplied, and as an institution of value in any farming community, it is still kept up.

The Bond Question. - On the 10th of April, a public meeting of the citizens of the county was held at the Court House in Preston to discuss "the old bond swindle," as it was called in the notice for a meeting. At this meeting the sentiments of the people of the county, as there represented, were expressed in several resolutions insisting that the constitution ought not to be violated, and that the proposition of tlie Legislature to submit the question to a vote of the people at a special election is -'a reckless violence perpetrated upon our constitution," and recommending a vote against the proposition. A proposition was, however, submitted to the people of the State, and an election held on the 12th of June, in relation to the payment of the railroad bonds. The project was defeated by a large majority. Fillmore county voted, 178 for the payment, and 3,155 against. Some of the towns did not furnish a single vote in the affirmative.

Burglary. - An attempt of this crime on the 2lBt of June at Fountain was suooessfol. The drug store of Case & Halversou was entered, and the safe forced by demolishing the look with a sledge hammer and punch, and $150 taken. On the night of the 22d, it \a supposed that the same expert went through the office of White & Beynon, of the Carrolton mills, and breaking the safe lock, secured $75.

At the store of Helly & Distad the next visit was made, bat here the cash had been taken home, and a card left hanging in front of the safe, *^She is wide open, go in boys." From pure malice they broke the lock, but of course realized nothing. They were probably two men who had been seen about, one of them purporting to be a safe agent, who would enquire about the safe, and offering to sell or exchange, and the other was a mendicant with green goggles.

Dr. John A. Boss, a well known, esteemed, and valuable citizen of Preston, died on the 20th of June, 1877, of heart disease. He was noted for his kindness and liberality. He was honest, plain spoken, open-handed and just. His funeral rites were attended by the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and Bev. Mr. F. S. Drew officiated as chaplain. He had been a great sufferer for two years or so, but finally died suddenly, having been on the street up to within a few hours of th3 change.

Shocking Accident. - On Wednesday the 8th of August, a most distressing event occurred at the flouring mill of Dickson & Co., in Chatfield. A very promising young lady. Miss Eva Warriner, while in company with two other young ladies and Mr. Fred. Wilson, was caught by the hair of her head, by a revolving vertical shaft, her soalp completely torn off, and her clothing stripped from her body while she was rapidly whirled around and round, her feet striking two posts at every revolution, until young Wilson could run down into the basement and have the mill stop-

In August, Dr. D. F. Powell was bitten by a rattlesnake at the Big Spring, two miles from Lanesboro. On his return. Dr. Luke Miller preecribed the formula which has kept in fashion so long as a panacea in such cases, R, Hpiritus frumenti, ad lib., and the Doctor recovered.

On the 11th of August, Major Fifield, a well known citizen of Preston, was found dead on a bye road several miles from town, having been dead several days. From appearances he had fallen in a fit while riding along, and getting caught in the spokes of a wheel, his limbs were broken and he was otherwise mangled. He was about eighty years of age, and a bachelor who had accumulated considerable property. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

(JoLDRN Wedding. - At Chatfield, on Thursday the 16th of August, Rev. S. Jones and wife solemnized the semi-centennial anniversary of their marriage. Three children, John R., Richard A., and Mrs. Forress, were present; aho a brother-inlaw, eighty-one years of age, and his wife, seventy - one years old, came eighty miles in a carriage, from Iowa, to be present on this joyous occasion and participate in its inspirations.

Earthquake. - There was an earthquake in Southern Minnesota on the 15^th of November which was felt very sensibly in Fillmore county. According to most of the observers the motion was north and south, and lasted several seconds. One of the local papers remarked, "We did not notice it, but the fact is we have made it a rule not to notice anything for less than ten cents a line.*'

Captain James C. Braden died at San Antonio, Texas, on the 9th of December, 1877, of consumption. He had gone south for the benefit of his hefdth, accompanied by his wife and children.

His native place was Ohio, and he was 42 years of age at the time of his death. In 1854, he came to this county. At the breaking out of the war of 1861, he went to thr* front as Adjutant of the 10th Minnesota Regiment, and was at one time detailed as Assistant Provost Marshal of the Missouri Department. On returning from the field he was elected Clerk of the Court, and afterwards was appointed Receiver of the land office at Litchfield, and subsequently Register, which position he held at the time of his death. At one time he was the Grand Master of Masons in this State.

The winter of 1877 was so mild that the wild geese were deceived and actually passed over the county going north in January. Flocks were particularly noticed on the 27th of the month.

James Crowley died at the age of 55 years on the 30th of Deceml)er, 1877, at Lanesboro. He was one of the pioneers of the county, energetic and industrious, with a generous and kind heart, that prompted him to deal fairly and squarely, and secured the friendship of all who knew him.

Swindle. - In the fall of this year a new and exasperating swindle broke out in Fillmore county, and many farmers were cheated before they could be warned. The farmers would receive a visit from a man, well dressed and apparently a gentleman who was in quest of a farm, and wanted to buy out the farmer. The farmer was wilHng to sell for a certain sum; the man would agree to take it, in case a survey would prove everything all correct, and would ofi'er to advance five dollars to pay for the survey, at the same time ofiering the money. This would convince the farmer that the man's intentions were aU right, and he would immediately change the twenty dollar bill which the stranger invariably ofi*ered, and keeping five dollars give him fifteen dollars in money. When he came to use his twenty dollar bill to pay for the survey, he foimd it to be counterfeit. By this, time the stranger had sought new pastures, and appeared no more on the scene.

These swindlers were finally circumvented, by a warning which was issued to farmers, and subsided, but not until after many farmers were duped.

tweuty-fifih annive rsary of the marriag:^ of Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Hunt. The occasion was a most enjoyal)le one, and will long bo remembered by those who participatel in it. After a pleasant evening and sumptuous bancjuet, the guests presented the worthy co iple with an elegant tea set of nine pieces, wort'i about $100, and repaired, well pleased, to their homes.

Suicide. -On the 14th of September, Wm. J. Pennington, at his home midway between Wykoft' and Chatfield, committed suicide by shooting himself in the ear with a pistol, killing himself almost instantly.

Mrs. Benjamin DoBEti, at the age of 70 years, passed away on the 19th of March, 1878. She was an English woman, coming to this country in 1830. She was a member of the Congregational church, of which her husband was a deacon. They had one scm and a grand-daughter, and were a worthy couple.

Gilbert B. O. Barkett. - Mr. Barrett was Iwm in Middleton, Vermont, on the 19th of February, 1817, and died on the 8th of June, 1878, having been sixty-one years in his earthly pilgrimage.

With his family he located in Iowa while it was a Territory, and in 1853 in Forrestville. In 1866, with part of his family he went to Helena, Montana. In 1871, h- moved on to Walla Walla, Washington Territory. He had recently returned to this county and died at Carimona. He was a good man and was sincerely mourned.

Death. - On Sunday the- 9th of June, Mr. and Mrs. John Hayes were at the Catholic Churcli in Laiie8l)oro, when Mrs. Hayes was taken suddenly ill, and on being taken to the American House, expired.

A Fatal Mistake. -Mrs. Niles Carpt»nter, of Rushford, on the 2l8t of August, was given a teaspoouful of strong solution of strychnine instead of a harmless solution, by a substitution of the wrong Imttle, and she expired almost instantly. This seems to have been the result of one of thope mysterious dispensations l)oyond the rea<^h of human foresight, and for which no one ought to l3e held responsible. It was one of the saddest of sad events.

of Nelson & Cook and S. A. Nelson, and finding the door open, entered the rear suite of rooms, occupied by the family of Mr. H. Anderson. Of course Mrs. Anderson was somewhat exercised on seeing his snakeehip thus unannounced present himself. He was soon dispatched, but how he could have thus got into the center of the town is most marvelous.

At Fountain, on the 23d of Octobt?r, three tramps assaulted, beat, and robbed Mr. C. H. Ichealson, rifled his pockets of $45, and left him for dead in his saloon, where he was found the next morning in a deplorable condition. The scoundrels also stole some horses in the neighborhood, and then decamped. They were afterwards captured.

Fire. - On the 20th of December, White, Nash & Co.'s mill, at Lanesboro, was burned. The property was owned by Allen F. Nash and Seymour Gilbert, Mr. White being interested in operating the mill. The loss was $30,000 with an insurance of $16,000.

Silver Wedding. - Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Roberts celebrated their silver wedding on Saturday the 21st of Dec^ember, at their residence in Lanesboro. Many of their friends were present to congratulate them on having arrived at the quarter century post in the great race of life. Many substantial testimonials were brought, in the form of fine gifts, and one party had their presents crystallized in the form of a beautiful tea set of silver, and Mr. C. F. Easton presented an elegant silver water set.

Rev. Mr. Williams was present and retied the nuptial knot in a happy manner. This respected couple were thus started on the journey toward the golden stopping place twenty-five years away.

The Old Settlers' Association. - ^As a matter which will grow more and more interesting as time goes on, and really he of more value in an exact ratio with the lapse of time, a full account of the organization of the "Old Settler's Association" is here given :

**Pur8uant to call the old settlers of the southcm tier of counties assembled in this place on the 2l8t of October, 1878, and organized "The Old Settler's Association of the Southern Tier of Counties of Minnesota." The meeting was called to order at 3 p. m., and a committee on permanent organization appointed, consisting of J. D. Farmer, Thos. H. Armstrong, W. T. Wilkins, W. F.

1. That this association shall be known and called **The Old Settlers' Association of the Southem Tier of Coimties of the State of Minnesota."

2. That the officers of the association shall tjonsist of a president, one vice president from each county, a secretary, one assistant secretary, and a treasurer.

3. That said officers shall be elected by the members of the a&sociation at their annual convocation in each year, and shall hold their offices respectively for the term of one year, and until their successors are elected.

4. That any person may become a member of this association who was on or prior to December 31st, 1858, a resident of this State, and at the time of application is twenty-one years of age, and a resident of the southern tier of counties, upon the payment of the meml^ership fee of one dollar to the treasurer, and signing: the roll of membership; and such persons as may receive a majority of the votes of the association may l>e elected honorary members thereof [Before the adoption of the report of the committee this 4th section was amended by requiring that all honorary members shall be residents of the State, and shall possess the- other qualifications of membership, except that of residence in the southern tier of counties.]

5. That the annual meeting of this association shall be held on the first Wednesday of each year, at such place within the southern tier of counties as shall be fixed upon by the executive committee.

6. That the president, vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer shall constitute the executive committee, a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum to transact bxisiness.

Adjourned to 7:30 in the evening, at which hour the meeting re-assembled at Nelson's Hall, which had been decorated with Hours and flags for the occasion, To the large assemblage J. D. Farmer, Esq., introduced Miimesota's first Governor, Hon. Alex. Ramsey, who spoke for half an hour ujjon those historical achievements in Minnesota history which stand to-day as a monument of credit to the memory of those early settlers who laid the foundation of so grand a commonwealth. Not only were Mr. Ramsey's remarks appreciated, but the privilege of sitting in the presence of Minnesota's first Governor, who wielded the sceptre bofore half the men and women of our State of today were bom, was one to be es])ecially enjoyed.

At the close of the veteran Governor's remarks, Hon. M. S. Wilkinson was introduced, who also delivered a half hour address, first reviewing Minnesota as a Territory and then as a State. His perfect familiarity with his subject njade his remarks doubly interesting. He became a resident of Minnesota in 1847. He has served rej^eatedly in both branches of our Legislature, and in both the national House of Representatives and the United Stat<»8 Senate. In reviewing Minnesota's part in the war of the rebellion, he brought forth some very interesting facts, some of which were new to many people. When the rebellion broke out, Mr. Wilkinson was a member of the United States Senate, and Mr. Ramsey was Governor of our State. Mr. Ramsey was in Washington the day Fort Sumter was fired upon - one of the most exciting periods of the rebellion - and on the following morning, in compjmy with Mr. Wilkinf son and Major (ralbraitb, of this State, went to the office of the Secretary of War and tendered the first regiment of troops oflfered by any State in the Union ! The further fact was cifced also that the first signal victory for the Union forces (at Mill Springs ) was largely due to the Second Minnesota regiment, which was hurled against the enemy at a critical period of the contest, turning for the first time the tide of battle for the Union. Some slight reference was made to the patriarchs of Minnesota, but the subject was evidently too delicate an one for the modest speaker to dwell upon.

At the close of Mr. Wilkinson's address, the old settlers repaired to the spacious dining hall of the Lanesboro Hotel, where Col. Chase had in waiting for them a bountiful supper. Time had been active for nine hours in whetting appetites for this ample repast.

Having satiated his Imager, the old settler^ collectively, gave great range and liberty to the organ of speech, as was develoj^ed in responses to a series of toasts, the first of which was (Captain Bradea officiating as toast-master), "Minnesota's First Governor." This was responded to by Senator Wilkinson, who sat down gently on the committee of arrangements, aaJ thou proceeded iu his able manner to do honor and justice to the name and deeds of our good first Governor.

Toast No. 2 was: *'The Pioneers of Minnesota;" response by Senator Ramsey, who alluded forcibly to the trials and perils of the hardy frontiersman who inclined the twig that has grown to be an honored and stately tree. He pointed with pride and eloquence to the record of the early settlers of Minnesota, whose works have matured into schools, churches, public institutions, society, &c.

Toast No. 3: "The Gopher State," was reaponded to by H. R. Wells, Esq., who paid a fitting tribute to Minnesota - past and future - and related a few amusing incidents relative to early legislation, the origin of **Gopher State," &c. Mr. Wells divided his time and subject with '*Bro." Billings, who related his first experience in Minnesota nearly a quarter of a century ago, much to the amusement of all concerned.

Toast No. 4. - "The Pioneer Wives and Mothers of Minnesota" - was responded to by Hon. Thos. H. Armstrong, of Albert Lea, who honored his subject with a breadth of thought and a burst of eloquence that won repeated applause, and which cvir rod a heart capable of appreciating and a

Toast No. 5. - "The Financial and Material Interests of Southern Minnesota," - was responded by J. C. Easton, Esq., whose review of the past and forecast of the future was a pleasant disappointment to those of his friends who sought to 1 have a little sport at his expense by surprising him with this toast; but the surprise fell to those who imagined Mr. E. (who is a man of deeds and not words,) would decline to ''meet the issue," for he did meet it, at considerable length, with credit both to himself and the subject.

Toast No. 7 - "Southern Minnesota" - was ably responded to by A. L. Ward, Esq., of Fairmont, who contrasted the past with the present, and parted the curtains of the future. It is to be hoped that Mr. Ward's remarks will not be forgotten until some of his hints have made an effective impression. His reference to the fact that the southern tier of counties - the agricultural cream of Minnesota - has not a single public institution belonging to the State, was pointing to a state of affairs that the southern tier of counties can take no credit for.

Perceiving the near approach of the "wee sma' hours," the dining hall was vacated, all retired to the office of the hotel, where each entered his name in a record provided for that purpose. The following is the list of membership:

As a part of the history of this first gathering of old settlers, we append the following letters from gentlemen whose presence was expected, but who found themselves unable to attend:

Defir Sir - I have your favor of the 14th, and regret exceedingly that it will be impossible for me to be present on the 2l8t, on the occasion of the "Old Settlers" meeting at your city.

I had promised myself much pleasure at that time, but this is my first day out of the house for ten days, and I am not yet suflSciently convalescent to warrant the proposed trip. T hope, indeed 1 ktiow^ you will have an interesting meeting, and I shall be with you in spirit though absent in the flesh - (and a great deal of it, too. )

Dear Sir: Being absent from home I did not receive your favor of the 16th until to-day. I regret that circumstances have prevented me from being present at the Old Settlers' meeting. Without doubt it will be a pleasant gathering, and I regard it as an honor to be invited to respond to so broad a toast on this notable occasion.

Dear Sir : Your favor of the 9th instant reached me to-day. It would give me great pleasure to meet the Old Settlers as you suggest, on the 2l8t inst., but unfortunately my health is not sufficiently re-established to justify me in journeying in cold weather.

I shall be with you nevertheless, in spirit as I have a warm spot in my heart for the Old Settlers of the State, who, with me, have ** borne the burden and heat of the day." God bless them.

Mrs. W. W. Fife. - This lady's demise was on the 22d of May, 1878, She was the daughter of Simeon Foote. Her name was Ann Eliza, and her birth was in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 14th of September, 1837. She was married in 1^59, having with her parents, in 1855, moved from Mount Carroll, Illinois, to Chatfield. After her marriage she lived in Preston up to the time of her death. She left a husband and five children, and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church.

Captain J. H. M(^Kenny. - Captain McKenny, who was one of the most enterprising men among the early settlers, and those who were identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, finished his earthly career in May, 1878, at Chatfield, having arrived at the age of 65 years. He was bom in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of October, 1813. He learned the printing business in the office of the "Staunton Spectator,'' and afterwards worked in Cincinnati and in Kentucky. In November, 1834, in St. Louis, he was married to Miss Mary E. Duval, who died in July, 1836. About this time he went to Iowa, and in connection with James Clark, who was afterwards Governor of the State, got out the first number of the "Iowa Gazette." In 1837, he was married to Miss Mary A. Sleeth. In October, 1842, he was elected SheriflF of Des Moines county, Iowa. He was in the Mexican war as a Quartermaster and Commissary, and soon after the war was detailed with his company to remove the Winnebagoes to their new homes in the northern part of Minnesota. In 1848, he came to Minnesota to accept an appointment by H. M. Rice in the American Fur Company at Crow Wing. In 1 849, was appointed Sutler at Fort Gaines, now Fort Ripley, which posifcioD he resigned in 1851, and returned to Iowa where he again secured an interest in tlie "Gazette." He was, however, soon appointed receiver of the land ofl5ce for southern Minnesota which was located in Brownsville, in the spring of 1854. In June, 1856, tlie land office was removed to Chatfiehl and his home was thus transferred. In 1861, the Captain and his brother bought the ''Chatfield Democrat." He run for Auditor in 1872, on the State Democratic ticket, which was defeated. In 1864, wa« a candidate for State Senator: He was fleeted Justice of the Peace and held that position for some time. He was a Mason well up iu the degrees and had held office in the grand bodies of that order. He was a large hearted man, devoted to his friends and the village of his adoption.

A. J. YouNo. - Mr. Young came from Pennsylvania in 1855,^ and pre-empted the place now owned by John Real. He died very suddenly the last of July, 1878, very much regretted.

Ole G. Laugan passed away on the 26th of October, 1878. He was a brother of Mrs. John Albertson, and had resided in the county ^or sev enteeu years, and was well and favorably known. He was at the head of the drug firm of Laugan k Krogstad, at Lanesboro, and left a widow and three children.

Mrs. Sarah Barton, - This estimable lady had lived in the vicinity of Rushford for sixteen years before her earthly pilgrimage was finally finished, which wfis on the 20th of November, 1878, at the ripe age of 76 years. She was the mother of Mrs. A. Adams and seven other children, to whom she was devotedly attached.

Flouring Mills. - The flouring mills of the county as they exist at the time of the compilation of this work, in the spring of 1882, will receive appropriate' mention in the several townships where they belong; but a list of the mills as they stood in 1878, will be here presented. Some of them have changed hands, and many have been transformed into roUer mills and otherwise improved. These mills are driven by water, with perhaps a single exception.

Rev. Steven Jones died at his home in Chatfield, on the 29th of January, 1879, at the age of 72 years. He was bom in Ohio, on the 3d of January, 1807. In 1824 he was married to Miss Isabel Robinson, afterwards removed to Indiana, to Wisconsin in 1839, and to Chtttfield in 1856. For nearly fifty years he was a minister of the gospel, being connected with the protestant Methodist denomination. He left a wife, two sons, and one daughter.

Fire. - On the 9th of January, the alarm of fire W2IS sounded in the village of Spring Valley, and carried with it dire destruction. The following business houses were burned :

Killed. - On the 29th of August, M. T. Jones, editor of the *'Spring Valley Vidette/' was thrown from the buggy while on the way from Wykofif to Spring Valley, and killed almost instantly.

In DecembiT a band of . Winnebago Indians were in Lanesboro; they got up an exhibition under the patronage of Dr. Powell and realized almost $50.

Burned to Death. - An old lady, Baakle Blerkholtz, was burned to death in February, in a small house in which she lived, in Sumner. She was 82 years of age. The house was also consumed.

J. B. Frazer, a well known citizen of Preston died on the 9th of April. He came to Preston in 1856, and pre-empted a place at what was afterwards called Frazer's point. He soon removed to the village, and went into the hotel business with S. B. Murrell. He afterwards built the house now, owned by Mrs. Boss, and kept a grocery and provision store, and finally engaged in general trade. He was an honest and trustworthy man, kindhearted, accommodating and agreeable. He belonged to the Mystic brotherhood, and was buried with Masonic honors. He was a native of Sandusky, Ohio.

SniVEB Wedding - The twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Cuaick was celebrated in Pilot Mound, at their residence, on the 18th of June, 1879. Hon. E. D. Hammer, by virtue of the authority vested in him by the commonwealth of Minnesota, re-married them for twenty-five yeaifl more, with the understanding that when the next twenty-five years shall have passed, unless one or both shall Lave passed through the golden gate, that then their golden wedding shall occur. Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Yates stcN>d up with the couple as the nuptial knot was re-tied. Mr. Hammer, with appropriate remarks, handed over the presents which were well chosen. Mr. and Mrs. James Camp, of Spring Grove, brought an oflfering in the form of a silver cake basket.

Fire. -The great Wagon Factory at Rushford was completely destroyed by fire on the 7th of Septeml>er. The loss was S30,000, with an insurance of but S8,00().

Flood. - Rush Creek, on the 10th of September, swelled up l)eyoud its capacity, and dams and bridges were numbered among the things that were.

Bird's Eye View- -In the fall of this year S. H. Dexter got out a bird's eye view of Rushford, which gave a good idea of the village at that time.

Tub Year 1880

Silver Wedding. - On the 18th of January, 1880, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. O. Iverson was celebrated at their residence in Lanesboro. Among the presents, which were most appropriate, was a solid silver tea set. The old settlers were largely represented, and the congratulations were hearty, and the hopes expressed as to future reunions were earnest, although there was a shade of sadness as to the certain decimation of their numbers A?hen another quarter of a century shall have rolled around.

Thomas Raymond. - The subject of this sketch was born in Albany county, New York, in the year 1798, and his earthly sojourn was completed on the 4th of March, 1880, so that he attained the age of four score and two years. While still in New York State he married Mahal a Cole. They had a family of six children. In 1837, they moved to Greenfield, Erie county, Pennsylvania, and in 1840 his wife died. In 1845, he married Matilda French, and they had one son and two daughters. In 1866, he came to Rushford. Of him it may truly be said, his friends were co-equal with his acquaintances.

officers and members were L. M. Trexler, M. V. Faoey, E. T. Nelson, and John Oaraegie. 0. B. Kleckler, of Spring Valley, had samples of prize hives, section boxes, chaft boxes, etc. Several parties were appointed on various subjects in the bee-keeping interest. This industry is a very fascinating one for those who make a study of these industrious little insects, and it is also remunerative when the skill, care, and patience required is displayed.

The Southern Minnesota railroad went into the hands of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company on the 1st of May, and thus became a part of a great through line.

Excursion. - On tlie 9th of February, 1880, there was an inter-county excursion from Caledonia to Preston, of about forty of the leading ladies and gentlemen of that village. The party arrived in the evening in good condition, and partook of supper at the Tibbetts House, and then repaired started. On the line the train stopped several times to make accessions to the joyful throng. As near as can be learned the party was made up of the following gentlemen, accompanied by their ladies:

N. P. Colburn, M. F. Thieme, O. Oleson, W. W. Fife, C. Peterson, C. H. Jacobson, M. T. Grattan, J. O. Brien, A. Giy)raith, W. Carpenter, P. Brady, W. Nelson, Thomas Hall, W. M. Bowdish, H. R. Wells, S. Shuck, A. D. Gray, Joseph Ober, Jr., G. W. Hard, M. G. Fellows, Charles Webb, William Kruppenbecher, T. H. Smith, E. Lent, T. Johnson, H. E. Lyon, R. A. Gutsch, T. G. Moore, A. D. Godfrega, C. Wilford, R. Wells and Miss Dayton, J. B. Tibbetts, wife and daughter, Joseph and Mrs. Horton, C. Man and daughter, Thomas Dougherty and sister, Mike Hopp and sister, Horace Wheeler, wife and daughter, Fred. Reed, Mrs.

A. H. Butler, Adam Frey, Robert A. Joseph, and perhaps others. They were received in Caledonia with a salute of artillery, and accorded a right royal welcome. A pavilion had been erected for an open air banquet, and every precaution had been taken to make the occasion one of unalloyed pleasure for their guests, but no provision had been made for good weather, all hands having in this regard simply taken their chances, and so as they sat dowii to dinner it began to rain, and although there was a dance in the evening, many did not stay, but those who did were well repaid.

Hajl-Storm. - On the 5th of May, the most severe hail-storm ever encountered, passed over the eastern part of the town of Preble, leaving an unusual scene of devastation in its track. The damage to the poor farmers was most depressing. Windows were broken in almost every house, cattle stricken down by the icy pellets, which were reported to be in some specimens two inches in diameter.

J. L. Jahr. - Mr. Jahr was an ever popular man, who had resided in this county for twenty -eight years previous to his death. He had represented his district in the Legislature of the State, but on the 28th of May, 1880, at the age of forty-eight years, his life in this world was brought to a close. He resided in Norway township.

Old SettijErs' Reunion. - The Old Settlers* Association, composed of the old settlers of the southern tier of counties in Minnesota, held a reunion and jollification at Spring Valley, Fillmore county, in October of 1880. The programme was as follows: Business meeting at the Commercial Hotel at 3 o'clock p. m.; reports, election of officers, and admission of members. At Allard's Opera House - Oration by the President, M. S. Wilkinson, and other speeches. Banquet at the Commercial Hotel at 9 o'clock p. m. Speeches- Address of welcome, Hon. J. D. Farmer; response, Senator Wilkinson. Our Country, Hon. E. Rice. Minnesota, Dr. Leonard. Southern Minnesota, Col. C. W. Thompson. The Old Settlers, Col. J. R. Jones. Prospects of Southern Minnesota, J. C. East on. Early trip to Southern Minnesota, Judge D. Smith. The Press, Senator Powers. The Ladies, N. P. Colburn. The host and hostess, A. L. Ward. Music.

The following are the names of the oldest settlers present: M. S. Wilkinson, B..F. Farmer, J. N. Graling, Senator Powers, John Bateman, D. C. Hendershott, Major Foster, John Kleckler, J. C. Halbkat, W. T. Wilkins, R. M. Foster, Vic Le Fevre, Milo White, G. J. Batty, N. B. Smith, Wm. McNee, D. Smith, T. M. Chapman, J. B. Viall, and J. D. Fanner.

The Spring Valley Vidette, in closing its account of the re-union, says:' "And thus has passed into history another re-union of the **01d Settlers" of the southern tier of counties in Minnesota. It was a joyful occasion, and each old settler repaired to his home, speaking praiseful woids of Bishop Smith, of the Commercial Hotel, and Spring Valley in general."

China. Wedding. - On the 24th of November, 1880, Spring Valley citizens participated in an event which will never be forgotten by the parties honored, and will long linger in the minds of ail as a most pleasurable occasion. The occasion was the bedecking of J. D. Farmer and lady with the sunflowers of remembrance and esteem, on the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of their wedding day. A beautiful china service, vases, and majolica pitcher were placed on their bridal altar, as a token of esteem, by the guests. The Spring Valley Vidette, in speaking of the affair, pronounces it the most pleasant occurrence of the season at spring Valley, and says,

Opal, or Three Score Wedding. - A rare occurrence was that of a surprise party, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. William Boles, in Fountain, on the 15th of November, 1880, on the occasion of the recurrence of the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding, by eighteen of their descendants. Ten years before they had celebrated their golden wedding. It always seems that the frequency of wedding anniversaries to be celebrated should be transposed as regards the usual custom, and instead of being yearly at first, and then becoming less and less frequent until they are finally twenty-five years apart, they should gradually come nearer together, as the prospect of their termination altogether in this world gets nearer and nearer. And so without waiting for the diamond wedding, which may never come, this worthy couple were thus remembered.

Mr. Boles was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on the 28th of Febniary, 1798, and his wife, Sally Sears, was also bom in the same State in 1801. They were married in New York on the 15th of November, 1820, and were the oldest people in the county at that time.

Mrs. Harriet E. Butler passed away on the 31st of October, 1881, at the age of 62 years. Harriet E. Bean was bom on the 7th of July, 1819, in Ohio. On the 12th of May, 1842, was married in Pennsylvania to Mr. A. H. Butler, who came with his wife to Preston about the year 1863. He was at one time County Treasurer, and died seven or eight years before his wife. She was a kind and companionable woman, who was much respected.

A. J. Stevens was bora in Neodham, Massachusetts, on the 13th of June, 1833. At the ago of twenty-one he came to Wisconsin, and was connected with the lumber business in La Crosse county. In 1867, came to Rushford, and in 1870, began the manufacture of wagons. He was at one time for four years Treasurer of the county^ and then returned and organized the Rushford Wagon and Carriage Company, which did a very large business. In September, 1880, the works were burned, entailing a heavy loss. He then went to Winona, and the business men there cooperated with him in building up a wagon company.

Mr. Stevens was an enterprising man, who could not be well spared from any community. A man of religious convictions, with a special faith in the value of the Sunday school. He left this sphere of action on the 27th day of April, 1881, at Winona.