Fillmore County, Minnesota - Db8ctriptivb Early Settlement Political -, 1882 (part 1 of 2)

Db8ctriptivb Early Settlement Political -

This township is constituted as originally outlined by the United States surveyors, and has Preble between it and Houston county on the east, and Canton between it and Iowa on the south. It is hemmed in by Preston on the west and Holt on the north.

The South Fork of Koot River traverses the southern part of the town, coming from the west and entering the township through the northwest quarter of section thirty-one, and wending its coarse eastward through sections twenty-nine, twenty -eight, twenty-seven, and twenty six, finally making an abrupt northward curve in the comer of section twenty-five, where it leaves Amherst township through the southeast quarter of section twenty -four, and mingles its waters with those of the south branch of Root River in the western part of Preble.

This township contains an area of 23,040 acres. The surface in the northern part is generally rolling prairie, interspersed with timber sufficient to make the land valuable. While the northern part of the town cannot be called rugged in the full sense of the word, yet it is the most broken portion of the township, the undulations and rolling portions of the prairie being more abrupt and n:arked than in any other part of the town.

Toward theHOutheru boundary the rolling prairie continues, gradually lowering to the level of the river. Here, iu places, the prairie is covered with a growth of brush and timber, which, when removed, leaves the land in a fair, if not excellent, condition for cultivation. The eastern tier of sections is partially covered with heavy timl)er, and may be considered as among the best timber lands in the couuty.

The soil is mostly a dark loam, mixed with clay, although in some portions of the town it has a marked tendency to sandiness. It is capable of producing wheat and other cereals. But a very small portion of the town is unfit for cultivation by the processes and for the crops of to-day, and that part unsuitable for cultivation is useful for grazing and raisiug timber. The bottoms, along the river and creeks, are covered with good varieties of indigenous grasses, supplying hay and grazing for stock.

There is always manifest an absorbing interest as to who was the very first pioneer to cast his lot in a wild and unknown region in search of a suitable spot to establish a home, and, although parties are living who were connected and associated with the pioneer, there is much more uncertainty in regard to who it really was than is supposed by those who have never uudertaken to gather it. We resist the temptation to state the cause.

ization in the town of Amherst. They arrived here in the summer of 1852, and twk a claim in section thirty-six, where they broke about sixteen acres, and in the fall they went back to Illinois, but returned the following spring to further their * improvements. In August, 185!}, they sold this claim to Mr. E. P. Eddy, who has lived there since. The two Lashmidts lived in this and adjoining towns until 1866, when they removed to Missouri.

In the spring of 1853, Jacob Vought, the oldest settler now living in the town, arrived and selected a claim in section thirty-two. He still lives on the same farm, and has added many valuable improvements. He owns two hundred acres.

Early in the spring of 1853, another hardy pioneer and adventurer wended his way to Amherst, a Mr. Woodruff. He took a claim in section thirty-two, where Henry Onstine afterward lived. After living on the claim a short time his wife became alarmed on account of the Indians, which had been encamped throughout the township, and he sold his claim for a trilling sum to a party who afterward turned it over to Mr. Onstine, and he with his family and effects fled the country.

John Livingood came from Iowa in 1853, and located a claim in section thirty- five. He remained but a short time and sold to Michael Onstine, removing to Winneshiek county, Iowa. He was suspected of the murder of a Mr. Tellyer, whose body had been found in Pine Creek, and was arrested in Winneshiek county, and brought back. Upon trial, he was convicted and sentenced to ninety-nine years tmd one day's imprisonment at hard labor. After serving eight years of his sentence he was pardoned out on account of good behavior, and then di8apj)eared and has been lost to the pag( s of history.

Henry Onstine was bom on the 15th of September, 1793, in Canada. When hostilities began in the war of 1812, his family were suspected of being in sympathy with the States, and on this account his elder brothc rs left Canada and came to the United States. After the older boys had left, the British authorities arrested Henry and his father, and held them for some time. Prior to imprisonment some of the family had the forethought to suggest that they bury a considerable sum of money iu the woods so as to be provided for in case of an emergency. This suggestion was acted upon, and Henry, after his release, found the spot I and secured it. At the same time a large tract of land was confi8<2ated, which could now be recovered, except that the old deeds of the same have been carelessly destroyed, as they were supposed to be useless.

After the war Henry married, and when twentyfour yeai*s old, in 1817, he emigrated to Lorain county, Ohio, where he remained until his wife died in February, 1836, leaving him with a family of six girls, and a baby boy. His love of adventure prompted him to make a number of trips to the center of Wisconsin, and in 1847, he extended his trip to Fort Snelling and the Falls of St. Anthony. In 1852, he married Mrs. Tillottson, mother of B. F. Tillottson, who afterward became a ])rominent man in Fillmore county. Mr. Onstine soon decided to emigrate to the far west, designing to locate in southern Iowa or Missouri. With this intent he set out from Ohio, in April* 1853, in company with his son, Michael H., and his son-in-law, B. F. Tillottson. Henry and his companions pushed their way west into Wisconsin where he was joined by his brother, Michael, and family, and next into Iowa, where they were joined by another son-in-law, E. P. Eddy, who had prepreviously settled in the West. This made quite a settlement of the pioneers and the entire party pushed on to Buchanan county, Iowa, where they stopped awhile. Representatives of the colony traveled through Iowa and adjoining States in quest of a suitable location, but they returned dissatisfied.

Aft^r wandering around for some time and locating at St. Charles, Iowa, and Bradford, they selected claims on the LittleWapsipinicon River and commenced the erection of log cabins and put up several tons of hay. Here they were accidentally found by a nephew of Henry Onstine, Mr. J. B. Onstine, a young man who had located and was nrticticing law in Decorah. He discouraged them in various ways and persuaded them to come to Minnesota. They at once sent a delegation to Amherst who selected claims, and then returned for the families, who arrived in August. Henry Onstine bought the right of some claims held by J. Kelly and William McHenry, in the southern part of Amherst township, retaining one for himself and others for Eddy and Tillottson. He lo-

E. P. Eddy, not being satisfied with the claim which had been selected for him, and not being able to get water within a reasonable depth, selected another claim in section thirty-six, upon the northeast quarter. Mr. Eddy named the town Amherst, shortly after his arrival, in honor of the place in which his wife was born.

Henry Onstine took an active part in all public enterprises and was one of the first town officers. His wife died in 1862, and he some years later married Mrs. Nelson, mother of the County Treasurer, W. A. Nelson. He was calleJ upon by the Ruler of the universe to pass through the valley of death on the 10th of February, 1873.

A Mr. Laird was an early settler, arriving in Amherst in the winter of 1853 and '54, he, however, remained on his claim in section twentyseven but a short time, selling out and removing to Missouri. With Laird came Mr. Frank Richardson, from New York State, who located upon seotion thirty-six. He made his last earthly report a number of years ago, and his dust lies buried in Canton.

Mr. Wm. Barton, came in 1856, from Vermont, and located in section thirty-five. He remained on the claim until 1875, when he sold out and moved to Mason City, Iowa, where he still lives. He was a prominent man in Fillmore county polities, holding various offices at different times. He was sent to the legislature in 1869, and was also a County Commissioner.

Asel Winch moved into Amherst in 1858, and located in section twenty-five. He also asBsi&tcMl in the early settlement of Canton township, having lived there and built a saw-mill, before coming into this town. He removed to Dakota in 1881.

Phineas Underwood, a typical Yankee, was another of the pioneers, coming from Vermont and locating in section thirty, in 1855. He sold out several years later and moved to Missouri.

Geo. Ruggles was an early settler and a promi- ! nont man in Fillmore county. He also settled I near *'Stringt-own," but removed to Kansas in ! 1871.

Geo. and Nels Phillij)S were early settlers at I *'Stringtown." They were carried away to Kansjis in the stam})ede to that State in 1870 and '71. I Tiie same may said of the Lashmidt brothers, I wlio wert> among the first settlers.

Kev. (reo. Kingston came in about 1855, locating in section nineteen. He was a local Methodist preacher. His son, Wm. Kingston, enlisted and went to the war, but came home with the typhoid fever. His family were down with the fever shortly after, and the father and one child died. William now runs a store in Preston.

The township was organized on the 11th of May, 1858. The Messrs. Onstine, Henry and Michael H. and Ciileb C, father and son, were the principal spirits in organizing and getting the government wheels of the then *'back woods" township running. The first town meeting was held on the 11th of May, 1858, at the cabin of Caleb C. Onntine, and the first election resulted as follows: Supervisors, C. C. Onstine, Chairman, J. W.Smith, and H. Guuvalson; Clerk, M. H. Onstine; Assessor, 1). C. Phillips; Collector, Andrew Thompson ; Overseer of the Poor, Knud Knudson ; Jnstices of the Peace, John Everett and William Kimber; Constables, J. Durkin and G. R. Marshall.

The board met on the 15th of May, 1858, and made the organization of the town of Amherst a substantial fact, successfully starting the towii government, and it has since run with little jarring and no interruption up to this writing. The present officers of the town are: Supervisors, M. H. Onstine, Chairman, T. Tousley, and H. Guuvalson ; Clerk, E. L. Babcock; Assessor, T. Tousley; Constables, Ole M. Blo^svet and O. Dibble; Justices of I the Peac^, D. D.iuchey and Ole Allen.

as district No. 11. Tbe log schoolbouse was built by subscription iu tbe spring of 1857, standing just over tbe line in Canton township. Tbe first teacher was Miss H. A. Oburcbill. Tbe second was Mrs. M. H. On<itine. It was afterwards changed to No. 138.

DiSTicT No. 133. - Previous to tbe organization of this district, three terms of school bad been taught in tbe bouse of Norman Botton, by Miss Hattie Dauchey. In 1863, the organization of tbe district was effected under the caption of No. 133, and one year later their schoolbouse was erected in tbe center of section thirty -five. Mrs. Blackburn first caUed tbe school to order.

1868, a petition was made to tbe County Commissioners for a separate district, which was grunted, and the district was at once orgaaized. They soon after erected a neat frame structure on the east line of section sixteen, at a cost of about $300, size 18x26 feet. Tbe first teacher was Emerilla Sutherland.

DiHTRicrr No. 28. - Was organized late in the fifties, and a log house put up by contribution of labor. Some years later this was torn down and a neat and substantial schoolbouse erecteii on section four, in the southwestern part.

District No. 29. - Was one of tbe first districts organized iu the town, being organized in 1857, and a log house, 18x20 feet, erected for school purposes. This served as a schoolbouse until in 1876, when tbe present substantial building was erected in the northern part of section nineteen, at a cost of $1,000, size 21x36 feet. It is supplied with a full set of school room apparatus, patent desks, etc.

1869, a neat structure of stone, 24x30 feet, was built a short distance north of where the old one stood, and this still serves the purpose for which it was built. It stands in tbe northeast comer of section thirteen.

District No. 27. - This district was organized in March, 1857, and a little log cabin put up for school purposes at a cost of $50, size 14x16 feet, and stood where the present schoolbouse stands, the first school being taught by Mr. Kennedy, of Preston. In 1870, the present house was erected at a cost of $650, size 20x30 feet, and was sup- I

District No. 138. - This district was formerly known as No. 11, and the schoolhouse was in Canton. Tbe present house was erected in 1870, at a cost of $800. The first teacher was N. L Wilson. It now enrolls fifty-five scholars. M. H. Onstine has been Clerk for twenty -six years.

District No. 30. - Was organized in 1857, and in 1858, a frame building was erected, but afterward sold and used for a blacksmith shop. In 1867, their present building was put up in section twenty -He ven, in the northern part, at a cost of $350. It is 20x30 feet with an addition. This was at one time the largest district in town.

A prospective village was laid out in 1854, by William Barton, with tbe same motive in view that stimulated Henry town's projectors. It was platted upon Mr. Barton's land on section thirty-five. A blacksmith shop was opened by Mr. Jesse Miller, and continued in operation for al)out one year, but tbe glory of the prospective city died out with the fire of his forge.

This village, if such it may be called, is situated in tbe southern part of the town upon the northwest quarter of section twenty-seven. It is upon the crossing of county roads, and is on tbe south branch of Hoot River. There is nothing there to indicate that the place is a village, except one store, a blacksmith shop, scboolhoose, and the Post-office.

The Post-office is named Amherst. It was established in 1864, with Wm. Winch as the first Postmaster, and was kept in Mr. Winch's store. Mr. E. L. Babcock is the present incumbent, the office being kept in the store which is knpwn as tbe "Stringtown Store." This was started in 1860 by William Winch, who ran it for a number of years, and sold to Mr. Ole Oleson. This enterprising Norwegian managed the establishment for a short time and then went out of the mercantile business, using the building for various other purposes. The store was again started a few years later by Mr. Ward, who ran it for a short titne. He subsequently removed to Whalan, where he died some years ago. The firm of Langley & Halvorson succeeded Mr. Ward, and they in turn sold to Mr. J. D. Elliot, who, after mnning it for a short time, sold to the present proprietor, Mr. Babcock. The store now has »he Post-office in connection with it, and carries a fair stock of general merchandise.

The name of the village is so singnlar, that a few words as to how it* came by it, will not be out of place here. The name it bears, "Stringtown," serves the very purpose to be sought in naming a town, t. d., prevents its beiug confounded with others beoatise of its o<ldity, and by it the town is appropriately characterized. The name came from the fact that all the settlers built their houses along the road in the ravine in which the would he village is located, thus stringing it out for some distance. For this reason the settlers commenced calling it a "Strung out town.'' This was shortened by common eonseut to "Stringtown."

In 1854, an effort was made to have the two southeastern counties in the State divided into three oounties. It was at this time that Henry town was projected, and it was platted with the intent that in such an emergency it might, on account of its central locality, become the county seat of the new county. It was laid out on the farm of M. H. Onstine, on sections thirty -two and thirty-three, at the crossing of the county roads. The boom lasted but a short time, however, as the prospects of the little settlement were blighted by the non-division of the countit^. The town was named in honor of M. H. Onstine's father, Henry Oostine, who is m3ntioned elsewhere in the history of Amherst. It now contains a Lutheran church, a schoolhouse, four or five residences, and a sorghum mill.

PosT-oppiCE. - The Post-office in this village was established in the year of 1858, and known as the Richland Post-office, with C. C. Onstine as Post-master, and it was through his efforts it was secured, it being moved from Lenora to this point. The office was first at the residence of Mr. Onstine, and remained there for about one year. In the spring of 1859, M. H. Onstine was appointed Postmaster, and he held it for about five years, when Mr. E. W. Bullis succeeded him, and it was soon after discontinued. Prior to the esfablishment of the Richland Post-office, and since its discontinuance, the residents of Amherst were, and now are obliged to go out of town for their mail.

Tnistees, John Jacobson, G. May land, and Ole H. Oppegaard; Treasurer and Clerk, J. N. Johnson. The first pastor to hold service for this denomination was the Rev. T. Larson, of Greenfield. In 1877, the members decided to build an edifice in which to worship, and all feeling that the prosperity of the organization demanded it, they commenced the erection of a church worth about five or six thousand dollar^, and completed it the same year. The lot for the church building was donated by Henry Onstine. Services are now held in the church once every three weeks.

The Henrytown Presbyterian Church was organized the 14tli of February, 1881, the officiating minister being Rev. Mr. Dalrymple, assisted by Revs. Drew and Carpenter. Prior to the organization of the church, services had l^n regularly held in the schoolhouse by M. H. Carpenter. Upon organization of the s(x;iety the following officers were appointed : Elders, Joseph Dawson and Wm. Patterson; Treasurer, M. H. Onstine; Secretary, J. Dawson. Tliere are now fifteen members of the society, having started with nine. Services are held every Sunday at the schoolhouse.

The Richland Prairie Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Chuich (Elstad Synod ) was organized in 1861, and a few years later erected a neat frame structure in which to worship. The bailding is located in the northwestern part of section ten, and is 30x40 feet. The first pastor to hold service for the denomination was Rev. Jensen, who remained for a number of years. The present pastor is Rev. Magelssen. In the spring of 1882, an 800 pound bell was placed in the cupola. The society's cemetery ground adjoins the church.

The manufacturing enterprises of this town are confined to domestic and local work. A number of the manufactories in which a man manipulates the bellows and hammers the anvil were established late in the fifties, but, with the exception of one or two, they have all succumbed before the opposition from the village blacksmiths. Soon after the town was organized, M. H. Onstine erected and commenced running a small steam saw-mill in Henrytown. When the mill was started, and in fact during the first year of the mill's existence, the water necessary for mnning was carried to the mill from a spring three-quarters of a mile away, in leaden pipes. This plan worked very well so long as the pipes were unmolested and iut<ict, bat the gophers finally inaugurated a raid on the leaden pipes and demolished them, obhging Mr. Onstine to dig a well. The machinery was afterwards sold to and put up by parties in Spring Valley.

Anton Christianson operates a feed mill upon a small scale on his farm. His power is a wind-mill, and the capacity is about ten bushels per day.

Prior to the establishment of the saw-mill, lumber was pretty scarce in the town, the first lumber being drawn from Plymouth Rock, Iowa. The first shingled roof in town was upon the house of D. N. Fairbanks, on section thirty. They were made by hand.

Celebration

The first celebration of the anniversary of American Independence held in Fillmore county, took place on the 4tli of July, 1854, in the southeast corner of the town of Amherst, in a grove owned by Mr. E. P. Eddy, and this gentleman furnished lumber for seats, et-c. The opening of festivities commenced about 10 o'clock, A. M.,by firing eight guns - shot-guns and rifles - heavily charged. A. D. Gray was President of the meeting and Marshal of the day. The Declaration of Independence was read by Enos Gray, Rev. W. T. Bly opened with a prayer which was followed by a lengthy oration. Several other citizens made appropriate remarks, among the speakers being T. J. Fames, Euos Gray, and A. D. Grey. After the speeches and cheers ended, a basket pic-nic was next in order; conversations and chats continued during the balance of the day and not until the sun was hidden below the westem horizon did the meeting adjourn. The ground was decorated with a liberty pole from which the stars and stripes were waving in the breeze, and those who attended say that nothing in the line of celebrations they ever attended could equal this.

Military Company

In 1862, a militia company was formed and organized iu Amherst, composed of about 150 men. The following were the officers of the company: Captain, Simon Knudson; Lieutenants, John Peterson, Hans Gunvalson, and Knud L. Olson. * The company met for drill every Saturday on section twenty-one, their uniform being white pants with red stripes, and black caps with red 8trij>es.

Biogr.Vphical

Peter Anderson is a native of Norway. When he was five years old his father died, and since the age of fourteen he has supported himself. He came to America in 1853, resided in Wisconsin and afterwards in Iowa, coming to this township in 1858. BLe was married at the age of twenty-seven years, to Miss Betsey Ingebretson, who died in 18 - , leaving three children. Mr. Anderson served fifteen months in Company B, of the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. He was joined in matrimony, on the 4th of July, 1878, to his present wife, Miss Betsey Anderson. They have been blessed with three children. Mr. Anderson first bought a farm in section thirteen, but in 1867, sold and moved to his present place in section twenty- seven.

Ole Allen, a native of "Norway was bom on the 2d of January, 1837, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1848. They first located in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, but soon moved to Rock county. In 1853, they removed to Spring Grove, Houston county, Minnesota, and were among the first settlers. Ole joined a party who w^ere going to Pike's Peak in 1859, but while in Iowa, heard a discouraging report and gave up the project. He then went to New York and sailed for California where he was engaged in mining three years, and afterwards farmed three years. He returned to Spring Grove in the fall of 1866, and a year and a half later, in company with Henry Harvey, opened a store in Newburg continuing in the business one year. He then sold and bought a farm in Canton township but soon after moved to his present farm which is located in section twenty-nine, Amherst. In 1878, he was elected County Sheriff and resided two years in Preston, has since filled a number of local offices and is at present Justice of the Peace. While in Preston he lost three children by scarlet fever.

Ole O. BL<KisvEDT is a native of Norway where his birth occurred on the 5th of March 1825. After his marriage he came to America and located in liock county, Wisconsin, where they remained four years, then moved to this place and settled in the northern part of the town, but a year later purchased their farm in section fifteen. They have a family of nine children.

whence he came to this place with his parents when but one year old. He remained at home nntil his marriage on the 11th of December, 1879, with Miss Lena Hansen, after which he bought a farm near his father's, Mons O. Blogsvedt. The latter was born in Norway on the 8th of June, 1823, and engaged in farming and lumbering until coming to America in 1852. He was married about a mouth before leaving his native place, his wife's maiden name being Kari Olson, who has borne liim nine children, seven of whom are living. They located in this township in 1856, and have since made it their home.

John Bosso dates his birth in Mecklenburg, Gtermany, on the 14th of February, 1836. He graduated from a seminary of that place in 1852, and the following year came to America. He resided with an uncle in Buffalo, New York, one year, then was engaged four years in farming in Niagara county. He was married in 1858, to IVIiss Colly Merchant. The union has been blessed with seven children; those Hving are, Pauline, Mary, and Cloe. Mr. Bosso enlisted in CJompany A, of the One Hundred and Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry in the spring of 1862; was chosen from the company and drilled for a scout, being so employed until the close of the war. Ho was in Sherman's army, and many times entered the Confederate line and gained valuable information, being obhged sometimes to enlist to secure the desired knowledge. In the spring of 1867, he came here with his wife and family and bought land in sections thirty -three and thirtyfour, which has since been their home.

Anton Christianson was born in Norway on the 24th of December, 1850. He came with his parents to America in 1860, and located in Winnebago county, Illinois, where his uncle had resided since 1840, he being the first settler in the county. They remained there three years, then moved to this townsliip and located in section fifteen. Anton was married on the 17th of December, 1876, to Miss Augusta Thompson. He has held a number of local offices since his residence here. In 1876 he made a trip to Illinois, and two years later went to Lake Kampeska, Dakota, where he took land. Thence to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and afterward to Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties, then returned to his farm near Lake Kampeska and remained during the summer of 1880. For several years Mr.

Christiansou was engaged in selling farm' machinery for H. Paine, of Decorah, Iowa, but is now agent for the Altbanse Wind Engine. In the spring of 1882, he, with a partner, bought a store in Highland, and has since carried on the same.

Orrin Dibble is a native of Essex county. New York, bom on the 17th of February, 1833. At the age of seventeen years he left home and was engaged in a saw-mill until twenty, when he started with a friend for the West. They worked their way through and finally reached Canada, where Orrin found an uncle and brother, who obtained for him a situation in a saw-mill. After haying, at which he found employment, he started in starch of friends whom he supposed to be in Spring Valley, but not finding them he engaged to go in the pineries, where he beared that his acquaintances were in Spring Grove, instead of the former, and immediately set out for that place. In 1853, he went to Bay City, Wisconsin, and the three following winters were spent on an island in the iVIississppi River,. where he took a claim. The Sioux Indians were also encamped there, and Mr. Dibble tells many interesting stories connected with his life those few years. In the spring of 1856, he returned to his former home in New York, and married Miss Mary Johnson, the ceremony taking place on the 1st of October in the same year. He had previously bought land in Spring Grove, to which he came iioou after his marriage, his wife remaining at her home in consequence of her mother's illness, for fourteen months. In 1869, Mr. Dibble sold his land in Spring Grove and came to this place, locating a farm in section thirty-five, where he still lives. He has a family of eight children. The second daughter is married to E. L. Babcock, who was bom in Cortland county. New York, in 1855. He received an edncation-at the. Homer Academy, in Cortland county, came west in 1876, and taug^ht school for four years in Harmony and Amherst. The marriage ceremony took place on the 2d of May, 1880. The union has been blessed with one child. Mr. Babcock owns a store in which the Post-office is located, he being Postmaster and also Town Clerk.

Eric M DrRDAti, a native of Norway, was bom on the 22d of June, 1836. He was married in 1862, to Miss Leve Enfinson. They came to America in 1868, and resided in Iowa for three years, then moved to this township and settled on their present farm in section twenty- three. Mr. and Mrs. Djrdal have had five children, one of whom died in infancy; Martin E., James, Karl, and Alfred are living.

Andrew Evenson was bom in Norway on the 22d of October, 1827, and reared to agricultural pursuits. When twenty-one years old he married Miss Guniel Evenson, who bore him six children. They came to America in 1857, and first located in Spring Grove, Houston county, remained three years, and came to this place, which has since been their residence. Mr. Evenson enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and participated in four battles, in one of which he was wounded. His wife died in 1871, and two years later he married Miss Aelia Evenson. The fruits of this union are three children.

Earl S. Emmons was bom in Pennsylvania on the 13th of Febmary, 1817. When about sixteen years old, he went to Ohio and worked at the wagonmaking trade in winter, and on the lakes in the summer. In 1841, he started for Iowa, but finding employment at his trade in Illinois, remained there. The maiden name of his wife was Prudence Wiser, whom he married in Illinois on the 4th of December, 1845. In 1854, they came to this township, arriving on the 7th of April, bought land near "Stringtown," where they lived thirteen years, then moved to their present farm in section nineteen, Amherst township. Mr. Emmons was the first judge of election, and has held the office of Constable. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have two children; William J., who lives near his father, was bom on the Ist of July, 1849, and married on the 6th of July, 1875, to Miss Mary Vought; the daughter is now the wife of E. Eimber.

Ethan P. Eddy, one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of New York, bora in Wyoming county, on the 12th of January, 1819. When he was young, his parents moved to Allegany county, and when about twelve years old to Chautauqua county, but soon after to Lorain county, Ohio. They removed to Michigan in 1832, and four years later Efclian left his home ani learned the carpenter trade, after which he was engaged on farms for a time. In 1839, he returned to Ohio, and was employed on the farm of Henry Onstine. On the 28th of February, 1841, he married Miss Julia Onstine. The following year he resumed his trade and continued at that and ship building until 1850, when he came to Green county, Wisconsin, where he took one hundred acres of wild land. In 1853, his father-in-law, Henry Onstine, came with a party to the West; Mr. Eddy joined them in Iowa and came to this place, arriving in August. He bought land of A. and J. Laahmidt, who were probably the first settlers in this township. He was one of the first County Commissioners, and has since held different local offices and been elected to the State Liegislature. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy have five children; one son who is married and lives with his father, and four daughters, two living in Iowa, one in Nebraska, and one in Cottonwood county, Minnesota.

John H. Fairbank is a native of Franklin county, Massachusetts, where his birth occurred the 7th of July, 1833. His mother died when he was nine years old, the family was separated, and John made a living by gardening, farming, etc., and attended school when possible. In March* 1854, he started for the West in company with two brothers. He stopped in Illinois and bought a team, which tbey drove to this place, one brother remaining in the latter State. John was joined in matrimony with Miss Harriet E. Kimber, daughter of one of the first settlers of this township, who came from New Tork in 1854, and now lives in Iowa. In 1867, Mr. Fairbank sold his farm and made a trip through Missouri in search of a home, but soon retumed here, and now lives in section twenty. He has filled the office of Constable two years. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbank have a family of five daughters and one son.

Daniel N. Fairbank is a native of Vermont, bom in Windbam county on the 21st of July, 1828* When fifteen years old he came to Wisconsin, and lived in Waukesha, Fond du Lac, and Winnebago counties, engaged at the blacksmith trade. In 1846, he returned east, and worked in a cutlery factory in Massachusetts four years. While there he married Miss Betsey Viner, the ceremony taking place in 1851. They came to Fillmore county in 1857, bought land in this township, and in 1862, Mr. Fairbank engaged in trade at Leuora, remaining in business four years, then purchased a farm in Canton township, but soon after returned to this place, which has since t)een his home. His wife died in July, 1872. The maiden name of his present wife was Minnie Moratz, a daughter of Godfrey Moratz, who was bora in Prussia in January, 1818, and brought his family to America in

1853, and to this place three years after. He now makes his home with Mr. Fair bank. The latter has held a number of town and county offices since bis residence here.

Anbkbw GiiiBERTSON was bom in Norway on the 18th of January, 1837. In 1861, he left the **Old Country" and emigrated to this place. His parents came as far as Canada with him, and two years later joined him here. They all lived together until his mother's death in 1866, since which time the father and son have resided on the farm of the latter in section twenty-two. Mr. Gilbertson was married to Miss In gar Anderson in January, 1874. The result of the union is four children.

Christen Heloeson dates his birtli the Ist of March, 1842, in Norway. He came with his parents to America in 1861, and located in Rock county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1864, Christen removed to Spring Grove, Houston county, where he found employment and remained until coming to Amherst. Soon after coming he married Miss Christine Knudson, whose father was among the early settlers of Houston county. Mr. Helgeson owns a fine farm in section twentyseven, where he makes his home.

Anotew Johnson was born in Norway on the 24th of October, 1818, and since the age of fifteen years has supported himself. In 1850, he married Miss Mary Olson, who bore him one son, Martin A., who was born in Norway on the 25th of January, 1853. In 1861, Mr. Johnson, with his wife and son, came to America, and located on section thirty-one in this township, where he has since lived. Mrs. Johnson died after three years residence in this county, on the 4th of September, 1864.

Knud S. Knudson was bom in Norway on the 23d of December, 1818. He emigrated to America, and settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1846. In the spring of 1853, he married Miss Gune Gutumsdatter. They came to this place and took one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he erected a log-house, 12x14 feet, which is still standing. He has added to Lis farm, and now owns six hundred acres. His wife died in July, 1880, leaving six children, five having died before her.

Christ Knudson is a native of Norway, and dates his birth the 25th of July, 1835. He came to America in 1861, and directly to Amherst township, where he found employment with farmers one season, then engaged to go in the pineries, but remained only one winter. He then purchased land in Preston, where he lived a few years. While there he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Anderson, in 1864. They came to this township, and located in section thirty-five, which is still his home. His wife died on the 18th of Febraary, 1880. They had six children, only two of whom are living; two died the same year as their mother.

1835, and has supported himself since the age of fourteen years. He came to America in 1856, and settled in Stoughton, Wisconsin, thence to Iowa in 1860. While there he married Miss Martha Peterson, the ceremony taking place on the 1st of March, 1861. In the spring of 1873, they moved to this township, locating a farm in section twentyfour. They had eight children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Larson died in the spring of 1877.

1836. When he was ten years old he came to Wisconsin«with his parents who located in Jauesville, where his father died the same year. In 1856, four of the brothers came to Fillmore county and took claims, but all lived on Joseph's claim for about six years. Samuel was the first to marry and removed to a farm north of Preston. Joseph was married on Christmas, 1873, to Miss Sarah Travers, who has borne him two children. Mr. Newell was engaged in the butcher business in Lanesboro with his brother Franklin for two years. The latter now resides just north of that place William, the eldest, married a wife in 1844, who died in Pennsylvania; he now lives near the subject of our sketch.

Canute K. Ness is a son of Knud K. Ness, who was bora in Hallingdahl, Norway, on the 14th of November, 1830. He left home when fifteen years old, and moved to Wig, near Bergen, where he remained till the spring of 1853, when he came to America. He stayed during that summer in Chicago, being employed in lumber yards. In October, 1853, he married Miss Gtertrade Kamsey and moved to Boone county, Illinois, where they lived, in a house on the site of Capron, which is now a good- sized village. In 1857, they moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and three years later bought a farm near Decorah. In 1871, tlie family came to this township and located in section thirty-six, where they still live. Canute, the subject of this sketch was bom in Capron on the 23d of September, 1854, and came with his parents to this town. He attended the Decorah Institute during the winter of 1876, and in 1876 and 77, the Business College at La Crosse, graduating in the latter year. On the 13th of December, 1878, he was married to Miss Randy Monsen. Mr. Ness was elected J ustioe of the Peace in 1880, and served two years.

Henry Ness, a native of Germany, was born in Hohenstein on the 22d of October, 1825. When he was but six years old his father died, and since the age of twelve he has supported himself. He served three years in the war against Denmark, and participated in five battles. In 1857, became to America and directly to this county, locating in Harmony township. Misa Margaret Hahn became his wife on the 15th of July, 1860. In 1863, Mr. Ness enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and served fifteen months. - He sold his land in Harmony in 1866, and purchased a farm in section twenty -seven of this township. He devotes the greater portion of his time and land to the cultivation of fine fruit trees, berries, grapes, etc., also gives some attention to the raising of live stock. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors, and held other offices. Mr. and Mrs. Ness have two daughters; Mary, who married W. Patterson, resides in the town of Scotland, and Sarah lives with her parents.

R. O'BiviEN was bom in Ireland on the 9th of August, 1820. His father died when he was sixteen years old, and being the eldest of ten children, the chief support of the family devolved upon him. They lived on the farm until 1848, when they were ejected from their home by a sheriff and his posse for a "non title*' after the rent had been paid. When the house was attacked Mr. O'Brien and one sister were the only occupants. He asked of the land agent on the outside a consideration of twenty pounds for improvements made on the farm while they occupied it. This request was at first refused, but as the inmates remained firm, the promise was given but broken after he had gained possession. Disgusted with such laws they sailed the same year for America. Their mother died on the voyage and the family located in Freeport, Illinois. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Mary Mooney in 1854.

During the late war he was tax collector for a time in a part of Stephenson county, Illinois. In September, 1871, he rented his farm and came to Minnesota, and three years later purchased his present farm in this township. He was a member of the board of Supervisors for two terms, one of which he was Chairman. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien have five children; Catharine, the wife of James Moriarfcy of this town; James, a farmer in Fountain ; Ellen, a Sister of the Notre Dame order in Milwaukee; and Lawrence and Mary, residing with their parents.

Michael H. Onstink was bom in Lorain county, Ohio, in August, 1835. He was the youngest child and only son in a family of eight children, and when but two years old his mother died. His father, having a taste for adventure, spent most of his time in traveling, and when Michael was eight years old he accompanied him on a trip to Pennsylvania. In 1847, they crossed the country to Galena, Illinois, thence on the steamer "Highland IVtary" to Fort Snelling. While at the Falls of St. Anthony the boat left them, and they crossed the country to St. Paul where they remained about two weeks, boarding with. Mr. Bass, who kept the first hotd in that city. They then embarked on the steamer "Ben Franklin" which was then engaged in the removal of the Winnebago Indians to the Crow Wing reservation. They descended the river as far as the mouth of Chippewa River where they joined a crew of raftsmen, and labored at the sweeps for seven days before reaching the ferry opposite Galena. Mr. Onstine came to what is now Fillmore county and secured his present home in August, 1853. In 1858, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Augusta E. M. Osgood, whom he married the same year. She was one of the first school teachers in this section of country, and the daughter of John Osgood, one of the first settlers of Northem Iowa. In 1858, Mr. Onstine was elected Town Clerk and served eleven years. He has also held other offices of trust and always has been a leading man in public affairs.

Jacob A. Rose was bora in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 10th of August, 1826. When eighteen years old he commenced learning the blacksmith trade, and in 1850, enlisted in the United States Marine service, on board the "Susquehanna." Was in Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan and China, visited the East Indies, and in 1855, sailed for borne, arriving in San Francisco in October of the same year, thence around Cape Horn, stopping at a number of places of interest in South America and West Indies, and landed in New York on the 8th of the following March. He was soon after discharged, and returned to Ohio where he was engaged in farming until coming to Bfinnesota in 1860. On the 4th of September, 1856, Miss Christina E. Eanoth became his wife. The union has been blessed with two girls and one boy. Mr. Rose enlisted in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry on the 15th of August, 1862, was in the Indian massacre the first year, then went sonth and remained till the close of the war. He then returned to his home in this place and resided with his father until the death of the latter, since which time he has Dccupied the homestead. His father, Henry Rose, was bom in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and was one of the first settlers of Harrison county, Ohio. He came to this place with his son in 1860. Mr. Rose, the subject of our sketch, met with an accident about four years ago in falling from a hor8e,and has since been lame. He has practiced veterinary surgery for the past twenty years. Has held a number of local offices and is now Notary Public.

Knudt Regnolds was bom in Wisconsin on the 3d of August, 1853, and came to Fillmore county with his parents when an infant. When he was sixteen years old he entered a drug store at Lanesboro remaining several years, thence to Chatfield and Albert Lea in the same business. His wife was formerly Miss Jennie Nelson, of Decorah, Iowa, whom he married on the 20th of May, 1875. Her father, Nels Agrimson, was bora on the 30th of July, 1812, and followed the tailor trade until coming to Wisconsin in 1852. Three years later he moved with his family to Iowa, where they lived twenty-four years, then came to this place and located on the farm Mr. Regnolds now owns. Mr. and Mrs. Regnolds came here in the spring 1880. They have one child.

Theodore L TousLEris a native of Comiecticut, bora in Salisbury, Litchfield county, on the 2d of November, 1835." When an infant he moved with his parents to Ohio, where they were among the the early settlers, and where his father died in 1840. Theodore made a trip to Jefferson county in 1857, but returned to Ohio in about eight months. In 1859, he accompanied a party to Pike's Peak, and on his return engaged with a farmer in Trempculeau county, Wisconsin, and remained during the summer. In November, 18 - , he drove a team to Holt township, where he married Miss Mary Jones. They made a visit to Ohio, and in the spring returned to this county, driving the entire distance. In 1862, Mr. Tousley enlisted in Company C, of the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the battle of Tupelo. After his discharge he retumed to Ohio where his wife had resided during his term of service. While in the army he purchased a farm in this township to which he removed in the spring of 1867. Mr. Tousley was the first to raise amber cane in this place. He has filled the office of Town clerk seven years, also Justice of the Peace, Assessor, and Supervisor.

John Peterson STENsnoEii is a native of Norway, bora on the 27th of October, 1836. He came to America in 1854, with his father, Peter Olson, who took a claim in Canton township, where he remained until his death in 1874. John was employed in farming at home and by neighbors until 1800, when he took land in Holt township. He married Miss Laura Larson on the 5th of February, 1800. They have six children. Mr. Stenshoel was Lieutenant of a home militia company in the war of the Itebellion. Since coming to this township, in 1864, he has been a member of the board of Supervisors a number of terms, and also filled the same office while a resident of Holt.

George Turner was bom in Lower Canada on the 10th of November, 1843, and moved with his parents to Illinois when about ten years old. They soon after came to Iowa, and in 1859, to this place, and took the land where George now resides. The first few years they encountered the usual hardships of pioneer life. During the war Mr. Turaer enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, Company A, was in Sully's expedition against the Sioux, and tells many thrilling incidents concerning their depredations and cruelty. When returaing to Fort Kidgely they suflFered terribly from cold, remained there during the winter, and in the summer were stationed to guard the frontier. In February they started for Fort Snelling, but were caught in a blizzard, and many froze to death, Mr. Turaer finding his way back with one other of the company, and received an honorable discharge on the 22d of April, 1865. He then retumed to his farm, and has since made it his home.

William H. Travis is a native of New York, bom in Dutchess county on the 11th of August, 1842. When eleven years old he became employed in the print works of Gamer & Co., remaining there until seventeen years of age. In 1861, he came to this township with his parents, who settled on section thirty- one. William resided with them until his marriage, when he located on a faraa of his own in section thirty -six, Preston township, but now resides on the old homestead in Amherst. The maiden name of his wife was Rachel Finney. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and was married to Mr. Travis on the 3d of December, 1866.

Jacob Vought, the oldest settler in this place, is a native of Westtrhester county, New York, where he was bom on the 21st of January, 1810. When he was an infant his parents moved to Orange county, where his father died in 1819, and his mother in 1822. Jacob was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Andrews on the 22d of January, 1833. They came to Janesville, Wiscou; sin, in 1847, and in April, 1863, started for Fillmore county, and located a farm near Lenora, but only remained a short time, and then selected their present claim in this township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Vought are, James, who lives in Jackson county; Andrew, who served four years in an Illinois regiment, and while in the army contracted a rheumatic affection from which he has never recovered, and is a great sufferer; he married Fannie Prescott, and lives in section twenty in this township; John enlisted in a Wisconsin regiment, and died on the 6th of December, 1869, .

from the effects of exposure while in the nrmy ; Henry, bom in Bock county, Wisconsin, enlisted when fifteen years old in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was with Sherman*s army four months; he is now farming in Dakota; Nicholas resides at home with his parents; Isabel married John Sever, and lives in Watonwan county; Emily was married to J. G. Finney, who died in January, 1877« and she has since resided with her parents; Ella is the wife of Frank Newell, living near Laneeboro; Mary married William Emmons of this place, and Julia is now Mrs. J. Turner.

John Wakd is a native of Ireland, bom in Carlow county. He emigrated to America with his parents, and for two years resided in New Jersey, then came to Green county, Wisconsin, from which place, in the winter of 1856, John walked to this town. He took a claim in section twenty-nine, and commenced improvement immediately. He has since added to it, and now owns the largest farm and is the most extensive stock raiser in this section. On the 24th of October, 1861, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Light Artillery, serving three jears, and participating in twenty-two engagements. In the battle of Shiloh he received a wound in the head, was supposed to be dead, and left by his comrades, but soon recovered, and was with Sherman at the siege of Vicksburg. After his discharge he returned to bis farm in this place. In 1867, he was joined in matrimony with Mrs. Hannah Ward, his brother's widow. The union has been blessed with four children.

Chapterr Lix

This town has the thirty-si £ sections of a government township, with the addition of sections six and seven of that oq the east, and one- half each of sections thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty five on the north. It is the northeast of the four central towns of the oonnty, aad has Pilot Mound on the north, Holt on the east, Preston on the south, and Fountain on the west. The south branch of the Bx)t River enters the town in section thirty-two, and follows its winding way to leave the town from section thirteen at Lanesboro.

There are few, if any, rougher towns in the county than this. The hills are high aud the bluffs abrupt, and of course this gives valleys of corresponding depths, aud in some places they are pinched up to form mere ravines or gorges, and in others spread out and make room for fine farms. The The soil is varied from a light sandy clay to a dark rich loam, ^be south side of the bluffs are nearly barren, while the north side is generally covered with timber.

When first settled there was very little clear land; timber and hazel brush predotuinated, and now there is said to be quite as much timber as ever, while the hazel brush has been replaced by the cereal grains.

The Southern Minnesota Railroad follows up the river very faithfully until in section twenty-one, neor Clear Grit, it suddenly abandons its old consort, having obtained a mercenary divorce, and climbs the hill above Isinours in quest of other affiliations.

The Root River itself outs across the northeast corner of the township. Watson Oreek comes into tue town from Fountain in section nineteen, and perigrinatiug around pours into the south brauch at Clear Grit, in section twenty-one. Trout Creek works it way from Preston through section thirtysix into the mill pond at Lanesboro. Another little stream comes from Fountain, through section seven, and quietly finds its way into the north branch of Root River. The other little rivulets in town are unimportant. There are quite a number of water privileges and some of them are still unimproved. Those that have mills will be mentioned elsewhere.

Among the first settlers to spy out this goodly land, were K. K. Bell, T. K. Bell, R. Knudsou, and R. Peterson. The two Bells are still in the town, Peterson is in Faribault, and Knudson in Arendahl. They came early in the spring of 1854, and secured claims in sections seven and twelve, and the presumption is that the first log house in the town was put up by them. At first they lived in a shanty made of Elm bark, put together by wiMis for the want of nails. These pioneers were originally from Norway and had lived in Wisconsin before coming here.

Peter O^Shaughnessy, Joseph Mulvihill, and a brother of the latter, natives of the south of Ireland, came here from Illinois, and planted themselves on section seven, in the west part of the town. It may be well to state here that there are two sections six and seven in the town, the two extra ones being, as already intimated, in the north east part.

^Ihe story is that a man wanted the lucrative position of supervisor, and so engineered as to get these two sections set off from Holt, and some half sections from Pilot Mound, and by this fiank movement secured the object of his ambition.

settled by James Crowley, John Noonan, William Byan, K. Fitzgerald, M. MulhoUand. James Oberton, and others, who, coming from Ireland, had at fifat brought up in Iowa. Of these men, Muliioll nd has gone to the returnless region. Mulvihill and O'SUaughnesay reside in the town of Fountain.

Early Births. - Peter Regoold, son of Regnold Knudson, was born in February, 1856. Mary Crowley, a daug'iter of the pioneer by that name, was another early ojmer.

Marriage. - Sheldon P. Eddy and Mary K. Eddy were united in the bonds of wedlock in July, 1855, at the houie of G. W. Eddy, Mr. Ropes of Carimona, who ever he was, tied the nuptial knot. Ole Bendrickson to Lucretia K iudson, and Martin Bremer to Mary Ryan, should also be mentioned.

The First Death. - In July, 1854, Mrs. P. O'Shaughnessy was killed by the falling of a tree which was struck by lightning. They had not yet got up their cabins and were camped in a grove, the men were away at work, and on their return, after a shower, they found Mrs. O'Shaughnessy under the fallen trunk, dead, and Mrs. Mulvihill prostrated by the stroke; although she was resuscitated she never fully recovered from the shook.

An early death was that of Patrick Mallany, who, in the winter of 1856, started to walk home from from Ctirirnona to Carr >lton in a snow storm, and losing his way, paris isl. His faithful dog went home and led his friends back to the spot where he lay in the snow stark and dead. His was the first burial in Carrolton Cemetery.

Other Early Notes. - The first saw- mill in town was built by K. O. Orton in 1857, on the north branch of Root River, in section seven, over iu the eastern part of the town. About eight feet of fall was secured. It had a reciprocating saw, the canal that carried the water to the mill was nearly three-fourths of a mile long, but iu 1858, it was destroyed by a fit)od. It was rebuilt, and in 1860, was again washed away and the mill demolished. The material was then used to build a bam in section twelv.^ which is still standing.

The first saloon in town was before the war, previous to the excise tax on the exhiiirating beverage; it was opened by Tom Hasset, on section thirty- four north. The whisky was procured raw from the distillery at Troy. His place was far from being one of those "gilded palaces, with pier mirrors and marble topped counter." Indeed, his want of paraphernalia was what broke him up, for he dealt out hfs ninety rod material in a tin pan, and the size of the drinks were ridiculously out of proportion to the price paid, and Tom soon closed out without a prohibitory law.

The town was organized on the 11th of May, 1858. The election was at the house of Michael Mulholland in section nine. There was quite a discussion as to the name, a motion having been made to call the new town Cork. But finally, in a spasm of enthusiastic patriotism it was named in honor of the bold signer of the Declaration of Independence, Ricjhard Carrol.

The board elected at that meeting was as follows: G. W. Eddy, Chairman. John MulvihiU, Lawrence Connelly; Town Clerk, M. E. Billings; Assessor, Nathan Austin; Collector, Nic. Connelly; Justices of the Peace, E. F. Armstrong and M. P. Enright; Overseer of the Poor, Patrick Wein.

At a special meeting held on the 9th of December, 1864, the sum of 84,000 was voted to secure volunteers to fill the quota of the town. On the 6th of April, 1865, the sum of $800 each was voted to those who would volunteer. The whole amount paid by the town for volunteers and to drafted men was about $8,000.

The officers for 1882 are: Supervisors, R. R. Greer, Chairman, Ole Gulbrandson, and Richard Wadden; Assessor, John Wadden; Treasurer, M. V. Bean; Clerk, M. Scanlan; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Case; Constable, Luke L. Miller.

Educational

clerk; K. O. Orton, director; R Knndtson, treasarer. A school Lad previously been taught in the house of K. K. Bell in 1857, by Lars Iverson in the Norwegian language. In 1858, James Oberton taught English in the house of K. C. Orton, and until the present sohoolhouse was built, private houses were used. The schoolhoiisc cost about $450. Elling Gulings was the first teacher.

District No. 50. - The first school htjre was probably the one opened in the house of M. Miilbolland, Miss Ellen Mulholland l>eing the instructor. Afterwards a school was kept iu N. Wadden's residence. In 1868, the present house was built in the southeast corner of section four, at a cost of about $300. The first to inaugurate the new schoolhouse was Miss Lizzie Whalen.

District No. 51. - It is claimed with great plausibility in each case that the first school was kept at three different places by as many different persons. This district was prob;ibly organized about 1858, and a schoolhouse constructed at the quarter stake between sections seven and eight, each man bringing logs; before it was finaUy completed, however, it was torn down and removed to section eight, where it was finished. In 1859, the first school was opened there with Miss Mulholland wielding the rod of authority. The school continued there until the present house was completed in 1875, in section eighteen, at a cost of $450.

District No. 52. - In 1860, a school was started in a house owned by Sheldon Eddy in section twenty-one; Eliza Underwood handled the ferule. About the same time the organization was effected. Schools were continued in private houses up to 1869, when a schoolhouse Was put up that cost 830. In 1871, the present building was constructed at a cost of $300. Miss Sarah Woodward was the one to break in the new schoolhouse.

District No. 53. - School was taught in the house of H. Peterson in 1858, while this was a part of district No. 52. Wm. Sawyer was the teacher. The district was set off in 1861, and that winter a school was opened at the residence of Jacob Heintz. In 1862, a log house was built on the land of O. C. Gulbrandson iu section twenty-seven, who furnished the rough timber, and all turned out to help put it together, and when nearly ready for the roof Mr. Fiske was eraployed to finish it for about $100. In 1871, the house was moved to section twenty-eight. In

1880, a fourth of an acre of land was bought of J. C. Easton for $25, on the same section, about 450 yards north of the former site. This building, at the present writing, is still incomplete.

District No. 54. - This was formed by a subdivision of number fifty-three, and set up for itself iu 1867. The next year a schoolhouse was built in section twenty-six. The first school started in the new house and the district, was under the supervision of Miss Angie MoMulien. It is rare that a town has like this its school districts consecutively numbered.

Big Spring Mill was built in 1876, by Ole Dusschee. It is two and one-half stories high, with a basement, and has three rim of stones, one for feed and iv,o for Hour. The mill is operated by water from Big Spring, which is 200 feet away, and a fall of twenty -eight feet is obtained. The cost of the whole establishment was about $10,000. It is operated as a custom mill aud has devices for manufacturing the improved brands of flour.

Lutheuan. - The tir^t reported meeting of this denomination in the north part of the town was at the house of K. O. Orton, in section seven, as early as 1856. Rev. V. Koren, of Decorali, Iowa, was the preacher. No church was built, but meetings were held at various places, and when the society was organized in Lauesboro, the people went there for religious teaching and worship.

Lutheran Evangelical Church. - The adherents to this faith in the southern part of the town used to go up to the north side during the earliest years of the settlement, but about 1859, they began to have meetings at tlie residences of G. Olson and T. K. Bell, and afterwards in the house of A. Embretsen, and in pleasant weather the meetings would be held in the grove, Kev. 0. Clausoni of Spring Grove, officiating. After him came liev. T. Larson and Rev. H. A. Preus. On the 20th of November, 1865, a meeting was held for organization at the house of A. Embretson. Tobias Larson was elected Chairman, and Ole Gulbrandson was appointed Secretary. The officers elected were: Trustees, P. Yensen, T. Petersen, Ole Gulbrandson, A. Embretson, G. Olson, and T. K. Bell. Meetings were continued in private houses, and in the schoolhouse till 1871, when a church was coni structed in section thirty-four. R*^v. T. Larson

Catholic? Chubch. - The first mass ever said in town was at the house of Mr. M. Mulholland in 1856, by Rev. Father Michael Kinsley. A church was commenced in the southeast comer of section seven. The farmers around found the logs and put up the building ready to receive the roof, but it was never finished. After remaining in this condition a few years it was destroyed by a prairie fire. The people now attend service in the village of Lanesboro.

This village is hM3ated in Carrolton, on the northeast extremity of section twenty -four and extends northward upon the southwest quarter of section thirteen, was laid out, platted and recorded in the spring of 1868, by the Lanesboro Company.

Village Name. - There are two opinions as to the true source of the village name, and after hearing both sides one must form his own conclusion as to which of the two the name was derived from. Many claim the town was named after the old New England town, Lanesborough, from whence a number of the early settlers came, while others insist that the town was named in honor of F. A. Lane, one of the principal stockholders in the Lanesboro Townsite Company. We are inclined to favor the former theory.

EAitLY Settlement. - As to the early or earliest settlement of the town of Lanesboro, there is much room for speculation, and more room for doubt as to who really was the earliest settler on the wild uncultivated hills and valleys of former days, but now occupied by the thrifty little village of Lanesboro. It is certain, however, that the settlement and building up of the place is entirely due to the Lanesboro Company.

The township in which the village is situated had been settled for t«n years prior to the commenccmeut of the village, but in the vicinity the farms of settlers were "few and far between," and it was yet termed wilderness and backwoods. When the Southern Minnesota railroad began pushing its way through Fillmore county in 1868, the town was contemplated and projected, and in dealing with the history of the early settlement of the village of Lanesboro, it must be borne in mind, we take that as a basis of date, and with

Lanesboro Townsite Company. - In the summer of 1868, a joint stock company was formed in New York, with a capital of about $62,500, the object being to build up the town of Lanesboro, and to be known under the above caption. The capital of the company was divided into twentyfive shares of $2,500 each, and the following were and are at this writing, the stockholders of the company :

Shortly after the organization of the company, the members were assessed an additional $500 per share, making the paid up capital of the company $75,000. The company at once commenced operations by sending their agent to the spot to purchase 500 acres of land. Land was purchased of M. Scanlan, Con. Scanlau, Ed. Enright, Thos. Barrett and Ed. and C. Johnson. All of the above parties were at this time living on their places, all the land being within four mUes of the present village; but the land upon which the latter now stands was purchased from a man named Johnson. The land now occupied by that part of town called Brooklyn was purchased of Ed. Enright.

At this time there were only two places of residence in the valley, two little hewn log huts plastered with mud and clay. One of these stood on the hill above where the railroad track now is, about the center of block fifteen, and belonged to and was occupied by Johnson's family. This was torn down some years ago, to make room for more appropriate edifices. The other hut belonged to Ed. Enright, and was similar in construction to the former. It stood in the center of the Brooklyn addition. This was also torn down.

It was in July, 1868, that the company commenced the erection of the stone hotel, making the excavation for a foundation in the middle of a field of wheat, and paid $50 damage to Mr. John-

8on, who owned the crop. While the hotel was in prooess of erection, the company completed a newspaper and company office, and a bam near the river. While the office was being built, an enterprising editor, J. Lute Christie, published his paper under the trees. The first building he moved his office into, which was also occupied by the company^s agent as an office, still stands a few rods west of the stone hotel, and is now occupied as a residence by Mr. E. Simth.

The first lumber ever brought into Lanesboro was drawn by an ox team from Bush ford, early in the spring of 1868. Tom Densmore brought the first load and continued hauling until he had brought in enough to build the company's boarding shanty, which was the second building on the ground, and the first frame structure. This shanty was built by the townsite company for a place of shelter for the men at work on other buildings, and was run as a hotel or boarding ranche, by an aged darkey. Prom this fact it soon received, and was always known as "Nigger Shanty." It stood midway between the two "White" mills, near the railroad.

In the meantime business houses and dwellings had commenced springing up, and the town, in the fall of 1868, could be considered fairly started. The first business house in town was built by W. H. Roberts in the fall of 1868, upon the corner of what is now known as block seventeen. He moved in a $25,000 stock of goods the same fall, when, it may be said, there was hardly on ox path leading to the place. In commencing the foundation of his building, Mr. Roberts cut down the trees and grubs, just making room for his store, with a path leading to it. This store was known for years as the New York store, and Mr. Roberts' family lived in the upper story of the building.

Immediately following Greer & Greer put up a store building on the same block west of Roberts' building. This was occupied by them with a stock of general merchandise.

Dan. O'Brien built a store adjoining Robert's New York Store, and moved the first stock of hardware in town into it. He now occupies the same building, and still carries a stock of hardware.

Scanlan & Abbott soon followed suit, and had a large stock of hardware on the shelves, almost as soon as O'Brien. This they ran for a number of years, but it afterward passed into the hands of

The first hotel in town, not considering "Nigger Shanty" worthy of that important caption, was the Grant Hotel, which was opened in the fall of 1868. It was situated on Second street, opposite where the Winona Hotel now is, having been built, and was run, by a man named Grant. The hotel was discontinued some years ago. Shortly after, the Cottage House, American Hotel, and others were built. The large stone hotel was completed and opened in July, 1870. On the opening day of this hotel, a free public dinner was given by the Lanesboro Company, which is said to have cost $2,000. Messrs. Chase k White were the first landlords. The cost of the building and furniture was about $42,000.

Mr. O. Iverson was one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Lanesboro, and is among the old settlers of the county. He was born in Norway, and in 1853, came to Chicago, where he remained about two years, coming next to Decorah, and from thence to Fillmore county, arriving in 1856, and settling in Carrolton township. He is now proprietor of the Winona Hotel in Lanesboro, and is an active member of the Old Settlers Association.

The first car load of wheat shipped from Lanesboro, was shipped by O. G. Nash, to Chicago. The railroad company exhibited unparalleled generosity by shipping the load free of charge; this, however, may be accounted for by the fact that the road was then operated by the Southern Minnesota Railroad Company.

The first agent of the Lanesboro Company was Georga Ellis. In 1872, B. A. Man, succeeded him, and held the position for about six years. J. C. Easton was agent for a short time, and now R. R. Greer attends to the business of the Company.

The Post-office was established in December, 1868, with C. C. Abbott as Postmaster. On the Ist of July, 1876, Luke L. Miller was commissioned as Postmaster. On the 21st of July, 1879, O. G. Wall was installed in the office, which he still retains.

Lanesboro Graded School

This was organized as an independent graded school and the school building erected at a cost of about $1,200. The school epiploys three teachers and the principal, and there are now about 180 scholars in attendance. Prof. Wright is principal of the school. The following are the present oflScers: Directors, S. Gilbert, Chairman; D. W. Hall, H. A. Cook, James Thompson, O. G. Wall, and O. Langlie; Treasurer, H. A. Cook; Clerk, O. Langlie.

Fraternal Orders

Odd Fellows Lodge. - This was instituted on the 28th of Mav, 1869. The first officers were, W. L. Sherman, N. G.: G. H. Hitchcock, V. G.; Jacob Weybright, R. S.; Dr. Luke Miller, Treasurer.

Brass Band. - This was organized in 1877, by Thomas Evans. The other players were, Anton Enger, A. Melgard, Mr. B^nney, H. Glascoe, S. Sol berg, Mr. Souther, Mr. Hesson, J. Solberg, B. Larson, and J. Larson. Its musical echoes were allowed to die away, "and no sound can awake them again."

Lanesboro Norwegian Lutheran Church. - The first sermon preached here to this denomination was by the Rev. T. Larson, in 1869, in the basement of what is now called the Minnesota House, and there were about 100 persons in attendance. Services were afterwartis held irregularly in various places; at times in the schoolhouse and Presbyterian Church, until 1874. The organization was effected on the 2d of February, 1874, at the Presbyterian Church, with Rev. T. Larson as presiding officer, and E. Loveland as secretary.

having at the commencement about thirty-five members. The first trustees were L. Nordby, P. A. Rein, Hans Jacobson, F. Grondland, Ole Trolsen, and Christ. Olson. From the time of organizing until the 17th of November, 1879, Rev. E. J aastad filled their pulpit, when their present pastor. Rev. Paul Gotaas, was called. There are now sixty-five actual members; services being held in the Presbyterian Church. They, with the Union Prairie Congregation, own a parsonage. Mr. E. Loveland has always been secretary, and O. Langlie, organist.

Roman Catholic. - Service was held at various houses as early as 1856. In 1859, Rev. Father Pendergast, of Winona, had regular appointments here. In 1869, it was resolved to erect a place of worship, and a temporary building was put up. In 1871, the present edifice was commenced, and in 1873, it was completed. The best remembered among the priests who have officiated here are Father Cahill, Father Riordan, and Father Cornelius. Rev. F. Caine is the present pastor. The first service here must have boea by Bishop Ireland at the house of Michael MulhoUand.

Lanesboro Hotel. - This hotel was one of the stepping stones to the prosperity of Lanesboro, and is still an important factor in its continued success as a thriving village, and so quite a full sketch of this hostlery is here presented.

It was fortunate that the founders of Lanesboro were men of intelligence and enterprise. Men who, after viewing the natural advantages of the locality, saw how, by utilizing the water poTv er, wealth could be accumulated, real estate be advanced, and a village spring up among the bleak cliffs and upon the rocky bottoms that skirt the shores of the favorite stream of the Indians, Root River. True, the numerous farms that lay within a radius of six or seven miles of the present village were under cultivation, but their products had to be transported to the Mississippi by the slow propulsion of horse power. _ It was a grand epoch in the history of this locality when the iron horse woke the silence of the surrounding heights with the echoes of its shrill whistle. It gave the car of progress such a forward movement that certain success and measurable prosperity oould be predicted for the young and growing town.

town, are the schoolliouse, church, newspaper, and a first class hotel. At an early period in the history of Lauesboro, all of these desirable institutions were permanently established. No longer ago than 1868, a traveler coming within the present inoorporated limits, would have seen no signs of a village. Two residences, occupied by Denny (xallighen and Mr. Leahy, situated near where Mr. Nash's elevator now stands, were the only buildings in sight. But they were soon supplanted by more imposing edifices. Under the potent direction of Messrs. Clark W. Thompson, F. A. Lane, A. P. Man, H. C. Kingsley, and P. M. Meyers, members of the Lanesboro Company, a number of substantial buildings were soon erected, among which was the Lanesboro Hotel, the best constructed hotel in southern Minnesota. This building, four stories high, 84x89, was erected and elegantly furnished with all the modern improvements in the summer of 1869, at a cost of ^52,000. Its first occupants were Messrs. C. L. Chase and H, H. White, who satisfactorily catered to the public from 1870 to 1873. Mr. J. H. Preston was then landlord until June, 1876, when he was succeeded by Mr. John Hobart, who subsequently vacated the hotel to be succeeded by its first landlord, Mr. C. L. Chase. Mr. Chase, with that enterprise and full imderstanding of what kind of a building and just what kind of hotel furnishing would be necessary in order to enable him to keep a first class hotel, immediately on taking possession of the premises, inaugurated a series of improvements, which placed the hotel in a condition superior to any like establishment in southern Minnesota. It is now very well kept by John Mullen.

Winona Hotel. - In 1869, the builder and proprietor of this hotel, Mr. O. Iverson, came from Winona and engaged in the restaurant business. He continued in this occupation until 1876, when he determined upon, and commenced the erection of the Winona Hotel', on Second street. He moved into the building as soon as it was ready for occupancy, in the spring of 1877, and he has since been manager and proprietor of it. Tlie cost of the building is estimated at between $6,000 and 87,000.

Devy HoTEii. - The proprietor of this hotel, Mr. Wm. Kane, came from Ohio in 1866, and settled in Fillmore county engaging in farming. In 1870, he commenced the erection of this hotel, on East street. It was finished and he moved into it in the spring of 1870. Mr. Kane has Amoe had control of it, with the exception of two years, when it was run by Mr. Scanlan. The cost of the hotel was about ,^a,500.

Am EH rc AN House. - This noted tavern was built in 1869, by Mr. F. French, who put it up at first as a store, but as the demands of the town were for more hotel room, it was soon transformed, and thus run by Mr. French, then by Mr. Featherbyt and afterwards by Mr. Babcock, and then by John Pulver, and it is now run by John Leahy, one of the oldest settlers in town.

Valley Hotel. - This well kept hotel was built in 1869, by Patrick Mallany, and was among the first hotels built in town. Its size was 24x40 feet, with two stories and a basement, and it was run in this shape imtil 1876, when it was remodeled and rebuilt, by erecting a brick addition, which now contains twenty comfortable rooms.

This dam was commenced in the summer of 1868, by the Lanesboro Company. It is situated at the dividing point between Lanesboro, and Brooklyn addition. After the company had worked upon the dam about six months, and spent S15,000, it was left incomplete for a short time and was almost entirely washed away. It was replaced at a cost of ^10,000.

Anchor Oat Meal Mill. - Was built ia 1880- 81, by Mr. James Thompson, and is situated in section eip^hteen, about one half mile east of the village. The mill is a frame structure with brick veneering, size 51x66 feet, is three and a half stories high with an attic, and has an addition of 20x48 feet for a kiln house. Its capacity is about 100 barrels of oat meal per day and about 4,500 pounds per day of pearl barley. The mill is equipped with all modem improvements. The kilns are of iron and brick, and each has about one mile of steam pipe. The dam is located on block one of the village of Lanesboro, about a quarter of a mile from the mill. It is 150 feet long, six and a half high, and is made of timber cuts, filled with stone, and planked over. The end piers are of stone laid in cement, with a waste wear of 92 feet. Tapping this is a canal 18x80 feet long which gives a fall of seventeen feet at the mill. With a 100 horse-power Lafelle wheel the mill is

White k Gilbebt's Flouring Mill. - This was constructed in the fall of 1871, by Thompson & Williams, and was supplied with five run of stones. The location is west of the village on the railroad track. An addition was made in 1876. It has been transformed into a roller mill, using Dawson^s patent. The machinery is driven by a Lafelle Turbine Wheel.

Oabbolton Mills. - The construction of this establishment was begun in October, 1871, by White & Beynon, and the first shipment of flour was in March, 1872. The mill was not on a large scale at first, being only a four run mill, but afterwards put up to seven ran, and when the general transformation took place, five sets of corragated and six of smooth rolls were set in place. The mills are located on the Boot River in the northem part of Lanesboro, near the the railroad track.

The power is supplied by the Lanesboro Company through a Victor water-wheel twenty inches in diameter, transmitting ninety horsepower. It is now worked at its fullest capacity, and delivers 175 barrels a day.

Cooper Shops. - There are two cooper shops in Lanesboro, one for each of the flouring mills- They were both started about the time the mills began running, and are owned and operated by Doud, Son & Co., of Winona. The stock is manufactured and prepared in Wisconsin, and put together here. The whole business is under the management of Thomas Thorpe, and together they make about 1,800 barrels per week.

Brewery. - This beverage institution was commenced in 1873 by Samuel Marke, but before it was completed it was sold to Mr. E. Kimber, who finished it. The building is of stone, size 40x60 feet, two stories. It was operated until 1879, and since that time has been idle. The brewery is situated in the eastern part of Lanesboro, but within the corporate limits.

This was put up by the railroad company, but in 1870, was purchased by Mr. A. G. Nash, who added many improvements and doubled the capacity. It has cleaning apparatus, driven by a horse power. It has a capacity of 25,000 bushels, and its shipping facilities are said to be equal to any on the road.

This is a little hamlet in section twenty-one, which is a valuable spot on account of the water power furnished by the south branch and by Watson's Creek. The only industry there is the flouring interest. The mill was constructed in 1869, by Everett Newcomb, with sixteen feet posts and 30x30 feet, and at first had two run of stones, one of them being run on feed. In 1871, Hendrickson & McLaughlin came in possession. In 1872, John Kaercher, of Preston, bought them out and enlarged the mill, adding five run of stones after enlarging the building. He subsequently enlarged the mill again to its present proportions, and adding seven run, made it up to. fourteen in all. In 1878, the mill was changed to a roller mill, the first in the county, as is stated, to make the alteration. In February, 1879, it was started with the new process, having twenty -one sets of rolls. In 1881, Mr. A. P. Allis came into possession, and now owns the mill.

The first store was opened here in 1872, by John Kaercher. It changed hands several times previous to 1875, when W. H. Boberts bought the concern. It was at first in a building on the flat, but he put a building on the hill, 80x24 feet, with a tenement in the second story, and added an L 20x22 feet, where it has since been kept, and a stock of about $3,000 carried.

In 1877, Kelly k Mosher started a lumber yard, and the next year sold to Charles Grinder. He put up a building, 40x24 feet, as an ofllce and hardware store, but never supplied the goods to fill it. In 1880, selling what he had on hand he closed the establishment

In 1881, Freeman Toung built a wagon and blacksmith shop, making wagons and repairing, but the same year he was suddenly carried to Dakota by the western fever.

Isinours Station

This is really the Preston station on the Southera Minnesota railroad. The building was erected by the citizens of Preston, who, having been disappointed in securing the road at their own doors were obliged to go to this expeose, as one of the directors remarked, ^4t had cost so much to get aronnd the town that the companj could not afford to build a station for them/' The land was secured of Oeorge Isenhour, and a man was employed to care for the station.

In a year or two the company placed an agent there, and have since managed it. Mr. Isenhour built a hotel, which he still keeps. In 1871, a Post-office was established here, with W. M. Grant as Postmaster. Very soon, however, Mr. Isenhour was appointed, and is still in the position.

This seems to be a nucleus for a village, but as yet there has not even been any speculation in comer lots, and no alarming movement for centralization.

Gboboe p. Baboock, a native of New York, was bom in St. Lawrence county on the 9th of June, 1827. He leamed the cabinet maker and the carpenter trade of his father before twenty -one years old, after which he was engaged at the latter on the Connecticut Central railroad in Massachusetts. On the 14th of August, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Antonette Newcomb. In the fall of 1853, they came to Fillmore count j, locating in Carimona township, were they were among the early settlers, and erected the first frame dwellling. In 1861, they moved to Winona county, and in 1869, to Laneeboro, where Mr. Babcock erected the first warehouse in the place. Mr. Babcock was Mayor of the city one year, Chairman of the board of Supervisor and City Marshal six years* He is now improving a farm in Dakota Territory. Of ten children b^m to Mr. and Mrs. Babcock, eight are living.

M. V. Bean, a native of Orleans county, Vermont, was born on the 28th of November, 1840. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, leaming the hameesmaker's trade in the town of Glover when about twenty-one years old. He found employment at the latter occupation in Canada and later in Lowell, Massachusetts. In 1864, he was employed in the Quartermaster's department in the Army of the Potomac, remaining till the close of the war. He then retumed to Vermont, and the following spring came to Winona, Minnesota, where he was engaged at his trade for three years. Mr. Bean came to this town in 1869, and opened a harness shop, to which business he has since given his attention. He has filled several local offices since his residence here. Miss Lutty Douglas became his wife on the 16th of October, 1871. She died on the 3d of September, 1877, leaving one child, Fred. M.

John Beck is a native of Germany, bora the 1st of Febmary, 1845. When young he learaed the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he was engaged in his native country until 1866. In the latter year he sailed for America, coming soon after to Bushford, Fillmore county, where he followed his trade three years. He afterward resided in St. Charles a few months; then came to this place and opened the first furniture store in the town, in which business he has since continued. On the 16th of April, 1871, he was married to Miss Anna Schmoker. The union has been blessed with three children.

Charles Conaty is a native of the county Cavan, Ireland, bom the 24th of December, 1838. At the age of eleven years he came to America, and located in Coventry Falls, Vermont, where he learaed the shoemaker's trade. In 1856, he came to Milwaukee, and was connected with the police force and under-Sheriff for sixteen years, leaving there in 1878. He has been a resident of Lanesboro since the latter year, having opened his saloon soon after coming.

Henry Christopherson, one of the early settlers and representative business men of this place, is a native of Norway, bora the 26th of November, 1844. He emigrated to America in 1863, borrowing money with which to come, and located in Fillmore coimty, where he worked for farmers until eaming enough to repay that which he borrowed. He served in Company I, of the Second Minnesota Cavalry from Noventber, 1863, till November 25th, 1865. After receiving his discharge he attended the public schools at Chatfield, and later taught a common school. In 1868, he came to this town, and for several years was employed as clerk in different stores. He was united in marriage, on the 1st of January, 1870, with Miss Annie P. Christopherson. Mr. Christopherson, by industry and economy, was enabled to start in business for himself in 1876, being what is called a **self-made man." He has a fine hardware store, the firm name being C. Johnson k Co. He served as County Commissioner three years, and in 1878, was a member of the State Legislature chosen from this district. Mr. and Mrs. Christopherson are the parents of seven children.

New York, was borp on the 26th of November, 1832. His father, who was a farmer and drover, died when John was but seven years old. He was married in November 1854, to Miss Eliza Ann Hioks. In 1858, they came to Minnesota, locating in Canton, Fillmore county, where Mr. Desmond purchased a farm and resided a number of years. His wife died on the 7th of September, 1873. Mr. Desmond came to Lanesboro in 1876, and engaged in the dray business at which he has since continued. The maiden name of liis present wife was Lucy M. Ferry, a native of Chautauqua county, New York, whom he married the 9th of September, 1874.

Habwood G. Day was bom in Chittenden county, Vermont, on the 15th of J uly, 1844. He came to Wisconsin with his father* s family when quite young where he received an academic education. He accepted employment in a responsible position in the Quartermaster's department of the Federal army during the years 1862-63, after which he commenced the study of law under the auspices of Judge James Knowlton, at Chicago, Illinois, from whence he removed to Webster City, Iowa, and in 1868, waa admitted to practice in the courts. In 1869, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, serving upon the judiciary and railroad committees during the important session of 1870. He was County Attorn^ of Emmet county in that State for ten years. He was married on the 22d of May, 1871, to Miss Mary Haviland at Blue Earth City, Minnesota. They have two children, Lyle H. and Pearl M., nine and seven years old respectively. Mr. Day removed to Lanesboro in 1878, accepting the position of attorney for the extensive banking institution of J.C. Easton, and of solicitor for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, in which positions he is yet employed, besides attending to the general practice of his profession. He is a member of the Masonic order, and takes an active interest in politics, havinpf cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln for President and remaining since a staunch republican. He is a member of the Republican State Central Committee for 1882.

Emil Evbnson was bom, of Norwegian parents, in Vemon county, Wisexjnsin, on the 14th of February, 1855. He resided at home until 1873, when he went to Sparta where he was employed in a saloon. In 1879, he came to Lanesboro and opened the La Crosse Beer and Billiard Hall, at